Debates of May 6th, 1994

Bob Mills Red Deer, AB

Mr. Speaker, that is a very hard answer or non-answer to take.

While jobs have been lost, while investment has been lost and now because the department is going back to 1991, people are actually going to lose their homes. It is very difficult to understand why the minister cannot explain his policy. I would ask him to examine this again and come back to the House with an answer.

David Anderson Minister of National Revenue

Mr. Speaker, I will certainly accept the suggestion of the hon. member to re-examine the case. As I explained in my response to the first question, I understand this is in fact something that is beyond my powers because the law is written in a certain way.

As members of the House know, the Minister of National Revenue is very circumscribed in what he can do by laws made by Parliament.

I do feel, however, that it does show a substantive difference between the attitude of the two parties, ours and theirs. On this side we definitely believe that laws should be followed by ministers as well as by other people.

Randy White Fraser Valley West, BC

Amend the law, change the law.

David Anderson Victoria, BC

On the other side I have been urged to ignore the law. I find that to be a significant difference between our two parties.

Don Boudria Glengarry—Prescott—Russell, ON

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Agriculture. The minister recently came back from an economic mission in Asia.

Can he tell us what the positive economic benefits will be for the Canadian farming industry following his visit to China, in particular?

Ralph Goodale Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

Mr. Speaker, the diplomatic and trade mission that has just been concluded to Japan, Korea, China and Hong Kong involving the Governor General, myself and a number of Canadian agri-food business leaders was a significant success for Canada.

We were able to conclude certain transactions during the course of our travels. More important than that, we have laid significant foundations and opened some new doors for future business and trade for Canada in the Asia-Pacific region which is the fastest growing economic zone on the face of the earth.

The opportunities include obviously the grain trade, wheat, barley and malt, canola, alfalfa, livestock, animal genetics, animal husbandry, livestock feeds, agriculture technology, education and training, potash, fertilizer, value added in the food-

Peter Milliken Parliamentary Secretary to Leader of the Government in the House of Commons

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 36(8), I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the government's response to certain petitions.

Don Boudria Glengarry—Prescott—Russell, ON

moved for leave to introduce Bill C-246, an act respecting National Adoption Awareness Month.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to have the opportunity to present to this House a bill to recognize November as National Adoption Awareness Month.

November has traditionally been recognized as National Adoption Awareness Month even though this has not been the case in legislation. Furthermore the province of British Columbia by proclamation of the premier does recognize November as being Adoption Awareness Month.

I am pleased to present this bill today. I am pleased to indicate that this bill is presented with the support of the Adoption Council of Canada.

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

Peter Milliken Parliamentary Secretary to Leader of the Government in the House of Commons

Mr. Speaker, I think you will find unanimous consent for the following motion. I move:

That, on Tuesday, May 10, 1994, the House shall continue to sit after 6.30 p.m. for the purpose of considering government business Motion No. 12 in the name of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, provided that the Chair shall not receive any dilatory motions or quorum calls and that, when no additional member wishes to speak, but in any case no later than 10 o'clock p.m., the Speaker shall adjourn the House to the next sitting day.

(Motion agreed to.)

Peter Milliken Kingston and the Islands, ON

Mr. Speaker, I think you also will find unanimous consent for the following motion. I move:

That, notwithstanding any standing order, the sitting of the House on June 6, 1994 shall commence at two o'clock p.m.

(Motion agreed to.)