Debates of May 14th, 1996

Lesley Tashlin

[John O'Reilly, Liberal, Victoria—Haliburton, ON]

Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to rise today and speak about a very gifted athlete who hails from Haliburton County. Lesley Tashlin will be representing Canada, as she has qualified in the 100 metre hurdle track and field event for the Olympic Games in Atlanta.

At a recent outdoor meet in the United States Lesley beat the qualifying standard time and earned a place on the Canadian team for the summer Olympics. She was clocked at a personal best of 13.04, beating the standard by one-tenth of a second, which in track and field is a large amount of time, and she is close to the world record of just under 13 seconds.

Lesley is currently training at Louisiana State University and is gearing up for the games.

On behalf of the riding of Victoria-Haliburton and the rest of Canada, I wish Lesley great success at the games. We are all pulling for you. Good luck.

Unemployment Insurance Reform

[Monique Guay, Bloc, Laurentides, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to condemn the negative effects the unemployment insurance reform will have on women and young people.

Statistics show it is women and young people who represent almost two thirds of part time workers. Therefore, they will be hard hit by the series of new measures.

Here are some examples: the eligibility criteria are tougher, the benefits are reduced, the maximum benefit period is reduced, the claimant must contribute starting from the first hour, frequent users are penalized, the eligibility criteria for maternity benefits are tougher, and the list could go on and on.

This reform demonstrates only one thing: the government's blindness, which shows through in its desire to cut, slash and destroy social programs. Making the unemploymed shoulder the burden of the deficit alone is repugnant, and unfortunately, that is what the proposed unemployment insurance reform will do.

Rights Of Grandparents

[Daphne Jennings, Reform, Mission—Coquitlam, BC]

Mr. Speaker, grandparents are often the forgotten ones on the divorce battlefield, and the important relationship children have with their grandparents often gets ignored.

Bill C-245, an act to amend the Divorce Act, seeks to help grandparents establish a right to ask for access to their grandchildren.

Today I will be appearing before the justice committee as a witness once more presenting my arguments in favour of grandchildren and grandparents. I am hoping members of the justice committee will do what the House already did with my bill at second reading and pass it unanimously.

Witnesses appearing on this bill in the last session testified to its constitutionality, the fact the bill was needed and the fact it would not add extra litigation in the courts. Its effect would ensure all matters concerning the children are dealt with at the same time.

Government members say they support family values. This afternoon in the justice committee they will have the opportunity to demonstrate their support.

Elizabeth Fry Societies

[Paddy Torsney, Liberal, Burlington, ON]

Mr. Speaker, it is an honour for me to rise today to acknowledge the important work of the Elizabeth Fry Societies as they celebrate Elizabeth Fry week from May 6 to 12.

The theme of their fourth national week is "Alternatives to Incarceration". The society and its 21 member societies hope to enhance public awareness and education about the circumstances of women involved in the criminal justice system.

The societies have a history of dedicated work in all of our communities. Their member agencies offer services and programs to help women who have come into or who are at risk of coming into conflict with the law.

The societies support principles that all Canadians should reflect: that every individual is equal before and under the law and has the right to equal benefit of the law without discrimination; that every individual has the right to legal counsel, due process and natural justice protection; that women have the right to access equal opportunities and programs in the justice system and the right to justice without fear of prejudice or gender discrimination.

Colleagues, join me in supporting the important work of the Elizabeth Fry Societies.

The Late Dr. Gustave Gingras

[Bernard Patry, Liberal, Pierrefonds—Dollard, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to point out the extraordinary contribution made by a great man of international renown, Dr. Gustave Gingras, who passed away last week.

A native of Montreal, Dr. Gingras founded the Institut de réadaptation de Montréal in 1949 and acted as its director general until 1977. Because of his reputation, people from all over the globe sought his advice. His expertise in planning rehabilitation policies was greatly appreciated.

He was awarded many prizes, including the Order of Canada, the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem, the Canadian Centennial Medal, the Silver Medal International, the B'nai Brith Humanitarian Award and the Medal of Merit of South Vietnam. In 1982, he became a Queen's Honourable Physician.

Among other works, he wrote Combats pour la survie and cowrote Human Rights for the Physically Handicapped and Aged .

The nation has just lost an eminent citizen. To his wife and to all his family, I wish to express my most sincere condolences.

The Late Len Cardozo

[Derek Lee, Liberal, Scarborough—Rouge River, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Len Cardozo, a fellow Torontonian who unexpectedly passed away last week following injuries sustained in a car accident.

Since his immigration to Canada from Pakistan in 1974, Len was active in many community groups and organizations in our city. Important, was a leader in the Goan community in Toronto during the past two decades, working to advance the integration of the 15,000 Christian immigrant community from India and Pakistan.

Len was a good neighbour, being active locally as a president of the Pelmo Park Community Association, a founding member of the St. Francis Xavier Credit Union, working on community relations with Humber Memorial Hospital, and president of the Canorient Christian Association helping new immigrants and seniors in Toronto.

Len's passion was politics both federally and provincially, but his pride was working to encourage many Torontonians to attend the unity rally in Montreal last October, a high point of his political involvement.

Len and his commitment to his community will be missed. He is survived by his wife Melba, four children and four grandchildren.

Justice

[Randy White, Reform, Fraser Valley West, BC]

Mr. Speaker, the hardest thing I have ever done was stand before Allen and Debbie Wayne with their family and friends yesterday to say good-bye to their son Allen.

Allen was a young man loved by all. The pain in his parents' eyes was evidence of that.

Another nameless young offender who stole a car crushed Allen's car last August and in the process shattered many other lives. For eight months Allen clung desperately to life. He lost.

The young offender who had previously been prohibited from driving this time murdered an innocent young man.

I resent what inept governments stand for and at times I wonder why I got into politics, but Allen, Debbie and Allen Sr. gave me the courage to stay and fight for justice. That fight goes on.

You lost the fight of your life, Allen, but your courage and your memory live on in others. Thank you, Allen.

Gasoline Prices

[Janko Peric, Liberal, Cambridge, ON]

Mr. Speaker, people in my riding of Cambridge and Canadians across Ontario are once again being gouged at the pumps as gasoline prices rise with the spring temperatures.

To many Canadians the issue is clear. Oil companies are being allowed to charge whatever price they see fit for a litre of gasoline.

I will wait with interest to see what happens as the first long weekend of spring arrives. No doubt there will be a noticeable and coincidental rise in gasoline prices. There always is.

At what point will the government stand up against the major oil and gas companies and do what is right to protect Canadians from these unjustifiable price increases?

[Chris Axworthy, NDP, Saskatoon—Clark's Crossing, SK]

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Canadians from coast to coast who are sick and tired of oil companies holding them for ransom with their exorbitantly high gas prices, I take this opportunity to commend the Minister of Industry for following the lead taken by numerous NDP MPs and the New Democratic government in B.C. in calling for an inquiry into high gas prices.

Two weeks ago NDP MPs from across the west called for a gas boycott as a way to end the high prices. Yesterday Glen Clark, the New NDP premier of B.C., established a commission of inquiry into gas prices. Premier Romanow also has supported this action against oil companies.

If the minister is really committed to this inquiry, to this issue, give the Bureau of Competition real teeth in tackling the issue by setting up an energy price review commission which would act as a permanent watchdog.

We are pleased the minister is finally catching up with our lead. We could say better late than never, but we will not.

Mining

[Robert Bertrand, Liberal, Pontiac—Gatineau—Labelle, QC]

Mr. Speaker, Quebec has been involved in mining and mineral development for over 150 years. One of the first placer gold finds in Canada took place near the Chaudière River in the Eastern Townships, and although this find would now be regarded as minor, it led to the production of thousands of ounces of gold between 1862 and 1886.

Quebec is not only the second largest mineral producer in Canada, but it has also spent the most on mining since 1992.

All this work was not done in vain. Development of the gold mine in Louvicourt started last year, and several other mines will open in the future. The Grevet zinc and copper mine will open in June 1996, the Troilus gold mine early next year, and the Raglan nickel and copper mine in 1998.

Between 1995 and 1998, $1 billion will be invested in mining in Quebec. Thanks to these new mines, the mining industry will remain a major contributor to the economy of Quebec and Canada. Mining Week-

[The Speaker]

I am sorry to interrupt, but the hon. member's time has expired.

Unemployment Insurance Reform

[Yvan Bernier, Bloc, Gaspé, QC]

Mr. Speaker, since the government introduced its proposed unemployment insurance reform, seasonal workers have continuously demonstrated their opposition to this reform, which is unfair to this class of workers who are employed only at certain times of the year.

Fishery workers, forestry workers, construction workers, tourism workers and many others have been holding demonstrations, making speeches and collecting money to fight in their own way against this reform that will leave them penniless.

For them, the unemployment insurance reform is just the opposite of a magic solution to unemployment. While UI benefits provides economic stabilization to these workers, the proposed reform will free the government of its responsibility toward those whose livelihood is tied to a regional and seasonal economy.

The government is sending the people in the regions a plain and simple message: "It is your problem, not ours".

Minority Rights

[Pat O'Brien, Liberal, London—Middlesex, ON]

Mr. Speaker, the Government of Newfoundland has requested an amendment to the Constitution which would remove the protection of minority religious education rights. In my view such a constitutional amendment would constitute a dangerous political precedent that potentially could be used by other provinces bent on the destruction of denominational education.

Also, if such an amendment to the Constitution is passed other minority rights, including language or aboriginal rights, could be threatened.

A strong argument can be made that public hearings should be held before Parliament deals with the request from Newfoundland. Hearings would ensure a full and fair opportunity for all interested parties to speak to this important matter.

Whatever problems exist within the school system of Newfoundland should be resolved co-operatively by the people of Newfoundland and their leaders.

However, an attack on minority rights anywhere in Canada is an unacceptable threat to minority rights everywhere in Canada.

I call on the government to think very carefully before it acts on this vital issue. Any vote on this matter in the House should be a free vote.

Unemployment Insurance Reform

[Francine Lalonde, Bloc, Mercier, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I want to note the results of a survey released this morning, which was carried out by the firm SONDAGEM for Le Devoir .

This survey shows how much opposition the unemployment insurance reform project has stirred up in Quebec. According to 79 per cent of respondents, the reform will mainly benefit the federal government. Worse yet, 91.2 per cent have not been fooled by this reform, which they clearly see as serving only to help the federal government to reduce public spending.

Moreover, in the same survey, three respondents out of four expressed the wish to see the Government of Quebec administer the unemployment insurance plan. This survey confirms what everybody knows already: the reform is not being made in the public interest but rather in an attempt to bring the federal deficit down. The public will never forget how fiercely the Liberal government went at the unemployed with its reform.

Racism

[Monte Solberg, Reform, Medicine Hat, AB]

Mr. Speaker, I rise to respond to recent anti-Reform rants from both the Conservative and Liberal leaders.

Has the Tory member forgotten that the late Tory MP Dan McKenzie returned from a trip to South Africa preaching the merits of Apartheid and spouted off that blacks were intellectually inferior to whites in school? Surely that is not the Tory position.

Has he forgotten that in 1991 Tory MP Jack Shields shouted "shut up, sambo" to NDP MP Howard McCurdy, the only black in the House at the time? Is that Tory policy? Mr. Shields was not even stripped of his post. Certainly the silence was deafening from the Tory leader. And what of Bill Kempling and Don Blenkarn?

Have the Liberals forgotten their own Prime Minister who said he appreciated the black members of his caucus because they smile a lot? Is that blatant racial stereotyping Liberal Party policy? Where were the cries of outrage when that was uttered? Imagine if a Reformer had said that.

Every political party has times when its membership makes ill considered remarks. The test of a party's true character lies-

[The Speaker]

The hon. member for Saint John.

Moving Companies

[Elsie Wayne, Progressive Conservative, Saint John, NB]

Mr. Speaker, the new tender call for moving military employees, their families and other government employees has proven to have many problems.

CN along with its subcontractor, Corporate Moving Systems, won 40 per cent of the tender. As we all knew at the time, Corporate Moving Systems did not have any infrastructure and could not move anything, not even a telephone. Mr. Baird had no infrastructure to carry out the requirements and neither did CN.

Now CN's deal with CMS has fallen apart. All the other people who received a portion of that contract had to give a list to the department which would prove they could do the work that had to be done.

Will the minister of that department cancel that contract with CN and put it out to tender? Where is the $1 million bid bond CN put up? Did the government get that? Will the minister make changes for the next tender call when it comes to moving the military and its families?

Provincial Jurisdictions

[Nick Discepola, Liberal, Vaudreuil, QC]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the Prime Minister sent an important message to the 1,500 people who came to hear him, in Montreal.

The Government of Canada will take the opportunity provided by the upcoming first ministers' meeting to fulfil a major commitment made in its last speech from the throne and confirm the federal government's withdrawal from several areas that come under provincial jurisdiction.

Without going into specifics, the Prime Minister said that the federal government will first withdraw from the following sectors: mining, forestry, municipal affairs, ports and airports, as well as manpower training.

The Prime Minister said it in Montreal yesterday; our government will fulfil its commitments towards the provinces, and Quebec in particular. We can only hope that the PQ government in Quebec will accept our offer to become more involved in the process.

Canada Talc

[Larry McCormick, Liberal, Hastings—Frontenac—Lennox And Addington, ON]

Mr. Speaker, it is particularly appropriate to rise during mining week in Canada to congratulate Canada Talc on the 100th anniversary of its eastern Ontario operation near Madoc in my riding of Hastings-Frontenac-Lennox and Addington.

As in other mining communities across the country, the Canada Talc mine has not only provided an important economic activity but has been responsible for creating well paying jobs for generations of people in Madoc.

This operation represents the long term success mining companies can enjoy by investing in Canada. Through our amendments to the resource tax allowance the government has demonstrated its commitment to facilitating the continued success of mining in Canada.

On behalf of the House, I salute the Canada Talc operation, which reaches back to the closing decade of the past century and to the beginnings of mining in Ontario. I wish Canada Talc continued success in providing high technology, environmentally sustainable development in my riding well into the next millennium.

Being a part time prospector myself, I take this opportunity during mining week in Canada to congratulate prospectors and miners across the nation.

Referendums

[Michel Gauthier, Bloc, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Prime Minister, of course.

By changing its strategy and joining forces with Guy Bertrand in taking a hard line against Quebec, the federal government is setting itself up for a confrontation not only with Quebec separatists, but also with federalists, because it is clearly aligning itself with the advocates of plan B, that is the plan to take a hard line with Quebec.

Will the Prime Minister acknowledge that the federal government's decision to get involved in the Bertrand case to establish the supremacy of law over democracy is tantamount to requiring Quebec to get the permission of all the provinces of Canada in order to act on a majority vote in a referendum?

[Jean Chrétien, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, the government meets its obligations. On behalf of the government, the Minister of Justice is defending the constitutional rights of all Canadians.

The debate is currently before the courts and they will make the appropriate decisions. We will advise following these decisions.

As Mr. Bouchard said on Monday, there is no way a government could not be involved in a case like this one. When I offered him to ask the Attorney General of Canada to stay out it if Quebec did likewise, they decided to introduce a motion providing specifically that, at some point, the Constitution of Canada would not apply to the people of Canada. It is the duty of the government to protect Canada's Constitution.

[Michel Gauthier, Bloc, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, will the Prime Minister acknowledge that, by associating with Guy Bertrand, whose intention it is to subordinate the democratic decision of Quebecers to the approval of all the provinces, he is recreating the climate of confrontation he so skilfully created in 1982?

[Jean Chrétien, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, I have nothing to add to what I said. It is the duty of the government to protect the Canadian Constitution and the vested rights of people of all parts of the country.

As regards the referendum, we have taken part in referendums. We are talking about Quebec's Referendum Act. I have always said, and I have said so in the House of Commons a number of times: some people believe the country can be broken up by a single vote in a referendum. The CSN's constitution requires a two thirds majority to change something in it. The same is true for the FTQ, and apparently the constitution of the Parti Quebecois as well.

We say that the laws of Canada must be respected, that there will be no unilateral declaration of independence and that international law, too, must be respected.

[Michel Gauthier, Bloc, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, is the Prime Minister, who was ultimately responsible for the constitutional mess of 1982, aware that his strategy of isolating Quebec from the rest of Canada is not leading anywhere but to a constitutional crisis even more serious than the one we have been in since the imposition, 15 years ago, of a Constitution that no one in Quebec has signed?

[Jean Chrétien, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, the Bloc Quebecois referred repeatedly to democracy. There have been two referendums where the people of Quebec have decided to remain in Canada. This is what we are asking for-respect of democracy.

They do not want Quebec to be isolated, and this is my greatest wish. I want the premier of Quebec to respect the opinion of Quebecers who voted no in the referendum and who, moreover, in survey after survey say they would like the Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec to sit down together and find a solution. This is what we are trying to do.

At the first ministers' conference in June, the federal government will be prepared to make many of the changes sought for years. When I propose change, the Bloc Quebecois does not want change. They are not honest enough to say that their only concern is separation. Obviously, I will always be against separation.