Debates of March 10th, 1998

Diane Marleau Minister for International Cooperation and Minister responsible for Francophonie

Mr. Speaker, Canada is the leader in terms of development work with women in the developing world. Many of our programs focus on women and young girls, including the access to potable water, adequate sources of nutrition and education. We even go as far as to have a program to help them with micro credit.

Helping women in the developing world is very important for Canadians.

Caroline St-Hilaire Longueuil, QC

Mr. Speaker, the government is now reviewing the existing system of retirement income security.

Instead of being based on individual income, this new seniors' benefit would henceforth be based on family income, thus depriving many women of a pension. Since this was announced, we have heard an outcry of protest, from the AFEAS among others.

My question is for the Minister of Human Resources Development. Does the minister admit that an approach such as the one he appears to favour may well strike a hard blow to women's economic independence?

Paul Martin Minister of Finance

Mr. Speaker, since the basic principles of the reform were set out in 1976, we have consulted with a number of groups, including the AFEAS. It is our intention, following the consultations, to introduce legislation this year.

Allan Rock Minister of Health

Mr. Speaker, I made it plain yesterday that when we have consensus among the governments which must act in partnership, when we have a clear plan as to how to achieve this priority, the Government of Canada will be there to fulfil its responsibility to make its contribution of an appropriate amount.

We cannot now spend before we know what we are spending on. It is one thing to say there is a problem. It is quite another to take the time and trouble to develop the right solution. That is exactly what we are going to do.

Greg Thompson Charlotte, NB

Mr. Speaker, I have raised a number of times in the House the compensation issue for victims of hepatitis C. I have repeatedly asked the minister to act unilaterally to save a great deal of hardship.

The minister is on the record as saying, and I have to believe him, that he does not want to see this issue go to the courts because it will be very costly and it will be a very protracted legal entanglement.

I am asking the minister today, on compassionate grounds, will he act unilaterally on behalf of these innocent victims?

Allan Rock Minister of Health

Mr. Speaker, in my judgment, and I hope the hon. member would agree, the interests of the victims themselves are best served by some form of out of court resolution or compensation which involves both levels of government. That is exactly what we have been working on.

In recent weeks I have been engaged in discussions with my provincial counterparts. We are making progress. I believe we are going in the right direction. I am very hopeful that before too long we will have a co-ordinated announcement to make in relation to compensation.

Paul Szabo Mississauga South, ON

Mr. Speaker, my question is addressed to the Secretary of State for Children and Youth. I know that she is very knowledgeable about the issue of fetal alcohol syndrome and fetal alcohol effects. I also know she is aware that the Canadian Paediatric Society and Health Canada have issued a joint statement which states that the best decision for pregnant women is to abstain from alcohol during pregnancy.

Will the secretary of state advise the House as to exactly what her ministry is doing under the youth strategy program with regard to fetal alcohol syndrome and fetal alcohol effects?

Paul Martin Minister of Finance

Mr. Speaker, in a reply to the hon. member for Longueuil, it appears that I referred to a consultation process that started in 1976. The year was 1996. Let me explain: it was not my father who did this in 1976.