Debates of Nov. 8th, 1995

Marcel Massé President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada

Mr. Speaker, once again, the commitments made by the Prime Minister during the campaign concerning a distinct society clause and a constitutional veto for Quebec will be fulfilled. Our committee will also look at non constitutional measures, so as to not overlook any means to make our federation more effective.

This is what we will do in the coming months. We should not pre-judge the results. We, at least, are working in the best interests of Canadians and Quebecers.

Marcel Massé President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada

Mr. Speaker, the answer is no. The commitments made by the Prime Minister during the campaign will be fulfilled and we will review, with dedication, the changes that could be made to improve the way Canada works.

Again, in establishing this committee, the government shows that it cares for the well-being of Canadians and Quebecers. As for the opposition, it has clearly indicated, through its leader, that it is not interested in negotiating, and that its only goal is to destroy our country.

Jim Hart Okanagan—Similkameen—Merritt, BC

Mr. Speaker, as usual I am asking questions concerning the Minister of National Defence's mismanagement of his portfolio.

This morning the military police revealed documents alleging fraud by the chief of the defence staff. Access to information documents show the CDS has misused public funds.

Canadians have serious problems with the defence department's continually having to investigate itself because of the minister's mismanagement.

Has the CDS offered his resignation or has the minister demanded the resignation of the CDS?

David Collenette Minister of National Defence and Minister of Veterans Affairs

Mr. Speaker, the hon. member goes on so many fishing expeditions that it is very difficult to keep up with him most of the time.

As everyone knows, the chief of the defence staff is a distinguished individual who has served the country well. He will be leaving at the end of December. If the hon. member has any charges to level, I hope he will do it in the appropriate place.

Jim Hart Okanagan—Similkameen—Merritt, BC

Mr. Speaker, today we have strong evidence against at least two of the minister's senior officials, the chief of the defence staff and Lieutenant-General Boyle, who has denied the existence of documents which have surfaced with his signature on them.

Was the minister's helicopter press conference today a feeble attempt to divert the attention of Canadians away from yet more reports of corruption, deception and misconduct by officials surrounding the minister?

David Collenette Minister of National Defence and Minister of Veterans Affairs

Mr. Speaker, I cannot believe my ears when I hear the hon. member from the Reform Party. He has been urging the government to re-equip the forces yet criticizes the making of this very key announcement of providing new search and rescue helicopters to the armed forces.

On the matter of the access to information inquiry, the hon. member knows the department came to the person who requested the information and stated there were some irregularities. An investigation was launched by the deputy minister and subsequently the military police were brought in. The information commissioner was apprised and fully concurs with the way we are handling the situation.

Here we have yet another attempt by members of the Reform Party to malign public officials who are unable to defend themselves on the floor of the House.

Diane Marleau Minister of Health

Mr. Speaker, that is exactly why the Government of Canada struck the Krever commission to study the 1980s tragedy and to try to ensure it does not recur.

Mr. Justice Krever has commissioned all sorts of studies to help him decide what ought to be done. We continue to await his report and in the meantime we are taking all the steps we can to ensure the safety of the blood supply.

Pauline Picard Drummond, QC

Mr. Speaker, how can the minister still be hiding behind evasions, behind the skirts of the Krever commission, when it is in her power to act now and prevent another tragedy? What we expect from her is not excuses, but action.

Diane Marleau Minister of Health

Mr. Speaker, we have not waited for Justice Krever's report before taking steps to make the system safer. We have begun by stepping up, doubling even, the resources allocated to the Bureau of Biologics. We have begun to inspect blood donor centres on an annual basis. We also have a system for making inspection findings public.

Among other things, we have set up an advisory committee to help us continue to look at what is going on in other areas, in other countries, so that we may continue to be in the forefront with all new methods for increasing the safety of the system. We shall continue to take all of the steps necessary.

Charles Caccia Davenport, ON

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Foreign Affairs or for the parliamentary secretary.

Yesterday it was reported that Canada is withdrawing its co-sponsorship of a United Nations resolution seeking a stop to nuclear weapon tests.

Why is Canada withdrawing its sponsorship over the wording of the preamble when at the same time the Canadian delegation plans to vote for the resolution?

Jesse Flis Parliamentary Secretary to Minister of Foreign Affairs

Mr. Speaker, as the government has repeatedly stated in the House and internationally, Canada is deeply committed to early conclusion of the comprehensive test treaty which will prohibit all nuclear testing for all time.

A draft resolution dealing with the nuclear testing issue is currently being negotiated at the first committee of the United Nations. As the text now stands, Canada intends to vote in favour of the resolution.

While Canada had initially co-sponsored a draft resolution, we had made very clear that we had reservations about one of the paragraphs in the resolution that could have brought into question

the commitments made by nuclear weapon states at the 1995 NPT review and expansion conference.

Canada intends to vote in favour of the resolution, but it will not be co-sponsoring it.

John Duncan North Island—Powell River, BC

Mr. Speaker, yesterday I asked the Minister of Industry about the misappropriation of funds at the Ontario Metis and Aboriginal Association.

In 1993 the minister's department was aware that its guidelines were being seriously broken and the association was declared insolvent by BDO Dunwoody.

How can the minister continue to leave President Henry Wetelainen in charge under these circumstances, especially since the minister said, on Goldhawk in June, that he would investigate and act?