House of Commons Hansard #277 of the 35th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was dangerous.

Topics

2 p.m.

The Speaker

As is our custom, we will now sing O Canada, which will be led by the member for Halton-Peel.

Mr. Dwight McMillanStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Liberal

Bernie Collins Liberal Souris—Moose Mountain, SK

Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise in the House today to pay tribute to Mr. Dwight McMillan, longtime coach of the Weyburn Redwings.

For 35 years, Mr. McMillan has brought the community of Weyburn, Saskatchewan a great deal of national honour and recognition in the sports arena. Both in hockey and in baseball, his contributions have brought him two national titles and he has participated in other national finals on several occasions.

As both a player on the original Redwings hockey team and later as the most successful coach in the history of the team, Mr. McMillan has shown all of Canada the expertise and fine character of Weyburn's sporting teams.

Congratulations to Mr. McMillan as he is honoured by the city of Weyburn on December 29.

Aids ControlStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Bloc

Réal Ménard Bloc Hochelaga—Maisonneuve, QC

Mr. Speaker, Tuesday, December 12, 1995 will go down in history as a day of achievement and hope in the fight against AIDS.

Yesterday, Health Canada's Drugs Directorate approved, as part of a priority review process, the use of 3TC with Retrovir in the treatment of AIDS infections.

3TC was discovered by Biochem Pharma in Montreal and developed by Glaxo Wellcome. This is a Quebec achievement of which the whole scientific community can be proud.

I wish to express my sincere gratitude to Biochem Pharma for its research efforts of the past few years. They have not been in vain. I hope that this breakthrough will open the door to other discoveries that will not only significantly improve the quality of life of people with AIDS but also cure them.

AidsStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Reform

Garry Breitkreuz Reform Yorkton—Melville, SK

Mr. Speaker, last week the chair of the Reform family caucus tabled a dissenting opinion to the national AIDS strategy report. She says that the Liberal government's education and prevention programs actually increase the health risk of Canadian youth by promoting sexual activity.

Research conducted in the United States by the U.S. naval research laboratory revealed that the HIV virus is 60 times smaller than a syphilis bacterium and 450 times smaller than a human sperm.

Analysing test results conducted by the U.S. Centre for Disease Control, which tested leakage rates of latex condoms, doctors have discovered a 78 per cent HIV leakage rate. As one U.S. surgeon put it, the HIV virus can go through a condom like a bullet through a tennis net.

It is the height of stupidity for the government to be spending millions of dollars to spread the lie that condoms protect Canadians from contracting AIDS. Its politically correct approach is actually aiding and abetting the spread of this deadly disease.

Child LabourStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Liberal

Charles Hubbard Liberal Miramichi, NB

Mr. Speaker, today I would like to draw the attention of the House to the journey of a young man from Toronto, only 12 years of age, Craig Kielberger, who left this week for the Far East to visit India, Pakistan, Thailand and other countries that use child labour.

Very often countries in the western world are appalled at human rights violations and the denial of political freedom in these backward countries.

Labour standards, and especially the abuse of young children in nearly slave-like conditions must be of serious concern for all Canadians. As a trading nation, and as consumers of products manufactured under uncivilized conditions, we must somewhere draw a line in the sand against those who profit from such practices.

Today, let us salute Craig in his crusade, Free the Children Campaign. Hopefully all of us can join with him in his venture.

Veterans AffairsStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Liberal

Anna Terrana Liberal Vancouver East, BC

Mr. Speaker, the Canadian soldiers who served in Burma and elsewhere in Southeast Asia in World War II have had to accept the fact that most of these conflicts have been forgotten in the annals of our war effort.

While other battles made headlines, the fighting in Burma and Malaysia went almost unnoticed. This, however, does not take anything away from the heroism of the Canadians who served in those countries. Our soldiers were brave and courageous. They had to face not only the enemy but also scourges such as malaria, dysentery and many other tropical diseases.

It is with great pride that I note the exploits of these brave young Canadians which are now being commemorated in ceremonies across Asia. Their heroism is an inspiration, as is their commitment and faith in Canada. They served in the hope that when they return they would be granted the liberties that other Canadians enjoyed.

Fifty years later, we know that their hopes were not misplaced. Those young Canadians contributed not only to our freedom, but to our dignity as a nation.

In a country that prides itself on equality and tolerance, there can be no better loyalty than that-

Veterans AffairsStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

The Speaker

The hon. member for Ottawa West.

Nuclear WeaponsStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Marlene Catterall Liberal Ottawa West, ON

Mr. Speaker, tomorrow members of Parliament will leave this House and return home to celebrate the season that has become around the world the symbol of peace on earth. Yet one of our NATO partners continues to plan and execute the obscenity of testing nuclear weapons.

In 1982, the award winning film called "If You Love This Planet" shocked the world by revealing that there were already enough nuclear weapons to destroy us all 14 times over.

This Parliament and this government face some difficult questions. Should this country be selling uranium to countries that produce and unleash nuclear weapons on the world? Should it be allowing the planes of countries doing these things to land and use our country on the way to their missions?

Seven years after the end of the cold war, the doomsday clock is in danger of again being moved forward. I ask us all to take this season of peace to consider what we can do in this House to make sure that the doomsday clock does not take that disastrous leap.

Tobacco IndustryStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Bloc

Benoît Sauvageau Bloc Terrebonne, QC

Mr. Speaker, when she tabled her master plan to reduce tobacco use in Canada, the Minister of Health indicated that broad consultations would be taking place with a view to introducing legislation in the spring.

Unfortunately, before tabling her plan, the minister did not see fit to initiate serious consultations with the tobacco industry on her government's plans to severely regulate its activities.

First of all, the minister would not discuss the code of ethics to be adopted by the manufacturers or the thrust of her master plan.

She missed a great opportunity to make her intentions perfectly clear to the industry, thus avoiding another court challenge on her upcoming legislation. If that were to happen, Canada would once more find itself without a strategy to reduce tobacco use.

In the meantime, following the Supreme Court's decision, the tobacco industry would resume actively promoting its products through advertising. What a mess.

T'Was The Year Before ChristmasStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Reform

Jake Hoeppner Reform Lisgar—Marquette, MB

Mr. Speaker,

T'was the year before Christmas, when all through the land, The Liberals were shivering, their heads in the sand. Their pockets were hung by the chimney with care, In hope that St. Martin would not leave them bare.

The backbenchers all ready to jump into bed, While visions of gold-plated pensions danced in their heads. But out on the Hill there arose such a clatter, The Reformers had arrived to deal with this matter.

The Liberals threw open their red book in a flash, We promise to hand out plenty more cash. But what to their wondering eyes should appear, Defeat in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Ontario so clear.

But lo and behold, Canadians will see, More broken promises from these Liberals MPs. Reform is the party that will bring to this land, Hope for the future-one that is planned.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good flight.

Radio Canada InternationalStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

NDP

Svend Robinson NDP Burnaby—Kingsway, BC

Mr. Speaker, yesterday the closing of Radio Canada International was announced in Montreal.

This means an end to the Canadian Forces Network, which brought Canadian programming to our peacekeepers around the world. It means an end to the English and French language shortwave services which kept Canadians travelling, working or living overseas in touch with Canada.

The end of shortwave broadcasts in eight languages, which are the voice of Canada around the world, will have an even more devastating effect.

In 1995, the foreign policy review conducted by the government concluded that RCI was in a perfect position to promote Canadian values abroad.

The Business Council on National Issues itself pointed out that the station was creating a demand for Canadian goods and services.

The Broadcasting Act requires the CBC to provide an international service. I call on the Liberals to reverse this shameful decision and ensure continued support for Radio Canada International. Canada must not be the only G-7 nation-

Radio Canada InternationalStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

The Speaker

The hon. member for Lincoln.

Pre-Budget ConsultationsStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Tony Valeri Liberal Lincoln, ON

Mr. Speaker, on November 28 I had the pleasure of hosting another workshop, this one a pre-budget consultation in my riding of Lincoln. Many constituents felt that the government had taken decisive action in prior budgets but we need to stay the course. However, the reduction in government spending must not be done in the slash and burn fashion of Mike Harris.

Three major themes were developed and discussed: unemployment and job creation, concerns of small business, and debt and deficit. I am pleased to state that progress has occurred in all three areas.

The Minister of Human Resources Development introduced employment insurance programs. The Minister of Industry's Bill C-99, an act to amend the Small Business Loans Act, will continue to provide access to debt capital for small businesses that need it to expand and to create jobs.

Last week the Minister of Finance stated that the deficit for the 1997-98 fiscal year will be brought down to 2 per cent of GDP. The goal is to eliminate the deficit based on a measured and responsible strategy.

I would like to thank my constituents for participating in the workshop. It is through this type of forum that constituents views will be heard.

IqaluitStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Jack Iyerak Anawak Liberal Nunatsiaq, NT

Editor's Note: Member spoke in Inuktitut

Mr. Speaker, an historic vote was held in the Arctic. A plebiscite was held on Monday when residents chose Iqaluit as the capital of the new territory. Sixty per cent of Nunavut voters chose Iqaluit.

I congratulate Iqaluit. I congratulate as well the people in both communities who worked so hard throughout the capital campaign. I thank the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development for giving the people of Nunavut the opportunity to democratically choose their future capital.

The people of Nunavut have spoken. I recommend Iqaluit highly to the minister and the government as the people's choice. Let us join our efforts now in our common goal of creating a new territory in 1999 in which all communities will share.

Reform PartyStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Andrew Telegdi Liberal Waterloo, ON

Mr. Speaker, over the past two years it has become clear that the Reform Party and the Bloc Quebecois are flip sides of the same coin on the national unity issue.

The Reform Party is at it again. The leader of the Reform Party is now promoting American style impeachment rights. Canadians are getting sick and tired of the Reform Party's shameless self-promotion at the expense of Canada. The Gingrichs of the north are more interested in scoring cheap political points than in working together to solve the problems that face the country.

The Reform Party's idea of constitutional renewal and nation building is a wrecking ball. History will judge it as such when the party joins the ashes of the Social Credit movement from which it evolved.

The Reform Party should take a lesson from the over 150,000 Canadians who were at the Canada rally in Montreal on October 27 and get on side with nation building. Unless the Reform Party changes its tune it will be up Beaver Creek without a paddle.

French In AmericaStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Bloc

Madeleine Dalphond-Guiral Bloc Laval Centre, QC

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the Prime Minister had the nerve to say that the French language survived in America thanks to Canada. Yet, the rate of assimilation of French speaking British Columbians exceeds 75 per cent, while that of French speaking Ontarians is close to 40 per cent. French speaking Canadians outside Quebec must constantly fight to keep control of their institutions. Their rights are still violated in several parts of the country.

How, in all decency, can anyone claim that the survival of French in America is due to anything other than the strong will of our ancestors to perpetuate their culture? French survived in America thanks to our parents, who fought so that their society could thrive in French, despite the many injustices condoned by Canada regarding the French language.

If I can address this House in French today, it is because of the vitality of Quebec, which is the cradle of our language, our culture and our identity.

Social ProgramsStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Reform

Stephen Harper Reform Calgary West, AB

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the Quebec Minister of Finance made an excellent suggestion regarding social programs. She asked that the federal government transfer tax points to the provinces, instead of money, and give them greater autonomy regarding the management of these programs.

The minister would like to change a system whereby Ottawa can withdraw its financial assistance, while continuing to impose federal standards. That proposal is already included in the 20 point decentralization plan of the Reform Party, and several provinces support such changes.

The federal government should contemplate such a reform, instead of wasting its time on symbolic measures such as recognition of the distinct society. The irresponsible refusal of the federal Minister of Finance does not mean that federalism cannot be reformed and that Quebecers must separate. On the contrary, Quebecers have allies all over the country, as regards this issue. It is the Liberals that cannot be reformed.

National UnityStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Liberal

Denis Paradis Liberal Brome—Missisquoi, QC

Mr. Speaker, let us take advantage of the momentum we have gained to present Canadians with a rapid overview of the greatly changed Canada of tomorrow. Let us do so in conjunction with all of the social, economic and political strata of society, focussing on only one goal: the public interest. The government has already shown its colours in relation to recognition of Quebecers, and that is one important step taken.

Members representing all parts of this country have just given recognition to Quebec as a distinct society. Let us continue to focus constructive efforts on entrenching that recognition in the Constitution of our country when the time is right. It is more important than ever for us to pool all of our talents, all of our minds, but most importantly all of our hearts to make our country, Canada, a country fashioned in the image of its peoples, into a united yet diversified country, a country characterized by generosity and equality of opportunity. Such a near-paradise is close at hand.

Mouvement De Libérationnationale Du QuébecStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Liberal

Nick Discepola Liberal Vaudreuil, QC

Mr. Speaker, the Parti Quebecois has decided not to bar membership to the president and founder of the Mouvement de libération nationale du Québec. The PQ leaders' lack of firmness in this respect points to a profound malaise within the Quebec separatist movement.

How can there be any hope that the PQ, which is currently involved in exorcising its own racism, will take any energetic measures to distance itself from the racist and pro-violence views of the MLNQ? The weak protestations of the PQ and the Bloc are insufficient, to say the least, and do nothing to help reassure the public about the intentions of Mr. Villeneuve and his group of radicals. How could it be otherwise, when we know that some of those who are soverignist members of Parliament today were signatories in the past of a petition for the release of the ex FLQ member in question?

Social Programs FinancingOral Question Period

2:15 p.m.

Lac-Saint-Jean Québec

Bloc

Lucien Bouchard BlocLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, in a speech he made in Verdun at the very end of the referendum campaign, the Prime Minister made a formal commitment to decentralize the federal system, in response to Quebec's demands. Yesterday, his finance minister indicated this commitment was doomed when he refused to so much as discuss a proposal from his Quebec counterpart for replacing Ottawa's

contribution for social programs with an equivalent transfer of tax points to Quebec.

My question is directed to the Prime Minister. How can he reconcile his formal commitment to decentralize the federal system with his finance minister's refusal to discuss even the principle of the proposal made by the Government of Quebec to replace Ottawa's present contribution to social programs financing with a transfer of tax points?

Social Programs FinancingOral Question Period

2:15 p.m.

Saint-Maurice Québec

Liberal

Jean Chrétien LiberalPrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, before I answer the question put by the Leader of the Opposition, I would like to say that we are sorry to see him go. We enjoyed the past two years during which he was Leader of the Opposition. In politics, there is a certain amount of confrontation, but there are also moments that we appreciate.

I wish him good luck, and if, as he said in his speech in Laval, he intends to work hard to get the economy going and put public finances on a sound footing, we will be there, ready to co-operate. So I wish him good luck in that respect. If the other agenda predominates, there will again be confrontation. As for the question put by the Leader of the Opposition concerning tax points, it is a matter of one type of transfer rather than another. The amount is exactly the same.

However, for the purposes of public administration and to ensure that people know the money is transferred from the central government to the provincial governments, I think the Minister of Finance is right. People are aware of this in the case of a transfer payment, as opposed to tax points. In the case of tax points, people tend to forget. After a few years, they forget that no more funds are transferred, but that the federal government has withdrawn and lets the province collect taxes.

As a result, the central government's participation becomes invisible. I think the Minister of Finance wants all citizens in every province to know exactly what the federal government contributes towards the cost of administering social programs.

Social Programs FinancingOral Question Period

December 13th, 1995 / 2:20 p.m.

Lac-Saint-Jean Québec

Bloc

Lucien Bouchard BlocLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, I must say the leader of the government took some of the wind out of my parliamentary sails.

In a word, I would like to tell him that I will leave this place, respecting its members and the opinions of those members, even if they do not coincide with ours, and with every respect for these institutions as well as a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to become more experienced in the ways of a truly exceptional parliamentary democracy, the House of Commons of Canada.

Social Programs FinancingOral Question Period

2:20 p.m.

Some hon. members

Hear, hear.

Social Programs FinancingOral Question Period

2:20 p.m.

Bloc

Lucien Bouchard Bloc Lac-Saint-Jean, QC

I would like to ask the Prime Minister how he can dismiss out of hand the proposal made by Mrs. Marois, which in fact would respond to what Quebec has maintained since the Victoria Conference in 1971, and I am referring to Quebec's insistence on the need to control all the levers of its social programs.

Social Programs FinancingOral Question Period

2:20 p.m.

Saint-Maurice Québec

Liberal

Jean Chrétien LiberalPrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, whether transfer payments are made in the form of tax points or cash, it boils down to the same thing.

As far as decentralization is concerned, we have made it clear that we will withdraw from manpower training. However, we want the money collected for that purpose to be used for our clients, in other words, for people who across Canada contributed their share, added to their employer's share, to give them some security if they lose their jobs. This money is to be used for workers who have lost their jobs.

As for decisions on the administration and nature of training programs, that is under provincial jurisdiction. The provinces can decide what kind of training they want to give, but we must be sure the money transferred is used to train people who are unemployed, because they paid their contribution to the federal government so they would receive this service if they lost their job.