Debates of Feb. 21st, 1994

Doug Peters Secretary of State (International Financial Institutions)

Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Finance will bring down the budget tomorrow at five o'clock, just 26 hours from now. Any comment on it will be reserved for that time.

Brian Tobin Minister of Fisheries and Oceans

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleague and friend for his question. I want to assure him because I know of his particular interest in this matter, having one of the largest fishing constituencies in Canada, that we have received assurances from the European Union, Denmark and Norway, even though they abstained on the vote which put in place a moratorium on 3NO cod stocks, it is their intention to abide by the decision of NAFO not to use the objection procedure. It means that the government, as was committed by the Prime Minister, has achieved a beginning in the battle against overfishing.

It is not the end of the battle but it is a first important victory because of the tough and determined new position of this government with respect to the resources of the ocean.

Doug Peters for the Minister of Finance

moved for leave to introduce Bill C-13, an act to amend the Excise Tax Act and a related act.

(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed.)

1618

Ed Harper Simcoe Centre, ON

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of 30,000 and more residents of the constituency of Markham-Whitchurch-Stouffville, I present the following petition with an estimated 30,000 names affixed.

This petition reads as follows: "To the House of Commons and Parliament assembled, we the undersigned residents of the electoral district of Markham-Whitchurch-Stouffville draw the attention of the House to the following: that our elected member of Parliament was given a mandate by his constituents to sit as a member of the Liberal caucus and, effective January 28, 1994, resigned his membership in the Liberal caucus as a result of a request by the Prime Minister of Canada to do so; that our member has admitted to inexcusable behaviour involving former employees and that this information was withheld from the electorate before his election; that our member intentionally misrepresented his credentials to the electorate and to the Liberal Party of Canada; that our member has stated that he will continue to sit in the House as an independent member despite requests for his resignation by an overwhelming majority of his constituents including the undersigned; and that we the petitioners have absolutely lost all respect and confidence in our member to represent us-

Ed Harper Simcoe Centre, ON

Mr. Speaker, I am assured that many thousands more names will be sent along shortly on this matter. I present 30,000 petitioners.

Vic Althouse Mackenzie, SK

Mr. Speaker, I have another 850 to 900 names affixed to a petition noting that the Senate is unelected, unaccountable and home for recipients of Liberal and Tory patronage.

The petitioners note that sections 41 and 42 of the Constitution Act provides that an amendment to the Constitution of Canada in relation to these matters may be initiated by the House of Commons. Therefore they call on the House to initiate a resolution to abolish the Senate.

Doug Peters Secretary of State (International Financial Institutions)

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 83(1) I wish to table a notice of a ways and means motion to amend the Excise Tax Act and I ask that an order of the day be designated for consideration of the motion.

(Questions answered orally are indicated by an asterisk.)