Debates of Feb. 9th, 1999

Herb Dhaliwal Minister of National Revenue

Mr. Speaker, as we all understand, fairness is very important. That is why last March I initiated a fairness review to ensure there is fairness for all Canadians.

This morning I launched a seven point action plan to ensure to all Canadians that there is fairness in our tax system and that we will provide better service and fairness.

Rahim Jaffer Edmonton—Strathcona, AB

Mr. Speaker, this government's own audit reports that there is a one in ten chance that essential services could be compromised by the Y2K problem and we just heard the minister say that the government is working on the problem.

What assurances can the minister give Canadian seniors that it will not affect the essential services which are provided to them?

Marcel Massé President of the Treasury Board and Minister responsible for Infrastructure

Mr. Speaker, once again, the systems that apply to senior citizens, in particular those that affect their pension cheques, are of course critical to the government and we have been dealing with them. The department of human resources has spent millions of dollars reviewing its systems. They now indicate that these systems are ready and will work on January 1, 2000.

Maud Debien Laval East, QC

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister for International Trade.

In December, the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade released a report recommending, and I quote: “That the Parliament of Canada conduct a separate and in-depth study on the domestic use, and foreign export of, Canada's civilian nuclear technology”.

Why is the Minister for International Trade delaying a moratorium on the export of Candu reactors until all the dangers involved in the use of this reactor are known?

Sergio Marchi Minister for International Trade

Mr. Speaker, it has been shown that Candu reactor technology is a leading technology not only that we wish to export, but we also have the faith of using it here in Canada.

We have promoted Candu technology. It is not only safe, but it is also affordable and certainly superior to any other existing technology. It needs to be seen as an alternate to burning dirty coal, as many countries around the world still do, which is not a solution to the important issue of climate protection.

Libby Davies Vancouver East, BC

Mr. Speaker, a few hours ago busloads of poor and homeless people left Toronto to come to Ottawa to meet with the Prime Minister, but the Prime Minister flatly refused to meet with this group.

What happened to Liberal compassion? Was it axed too, along with social housing? Canadians want to know why the PM is ignoring this crisis of homelessness and poverty and why his government is so callously abandoning those most in need.

This is an emergency. What action is the Prime Minister going to take?

Alfonso Gagliano Minister of Public Works and Government Services

Mr. Speaker, the member speaks of Liberal compassion. We have contributed $300,000 to the Ann Golden report. CMHC is committing $750,000 to research related to the homeless. CMHC provided mortgage insurance to the Woodgreen Red Door emergency family shelter, a 50-bed homeless shelter in Toronto. CMHC is actively supporting a partnership among governments and the private sector to develop affordable housing to address problems faced by the homeless. Twenty-eight hundreds units were built in 1998 and 3,000 will be built this year.

Sergio Marchi Minister for International Trade

Mr. Speaker, not only does the member have something in his water but his ears are obviously plugged because the minister of heritage answered that very question moments ago.

Monte Solberg Medicine Hat, AB

Mr. Speaker, this year taxes will be going up $2.4 billion. We know that for sure. The finance department has been floating figures that—

Monte Solberg Medicine Hat, AB

No manners, Mr. Speaker.

Taxes are going up $2.4 billion this year. The finance department is saying it will cut taxes by $2 billion. That means Canadians are going to be worse off again this year for the sixth year in a row under this finance minister.

How does the minister square his self billed proclamation as being a tax cutter when taxes are going to go up once again this year?

Paul Martin Minister of Finance

Mr. Speaker, we made it very clear in the last budget as we will in the next and in fact in each and every budget, that we will be bringing down taxes. In addition to that, we are going to preserve the health care system. In addition to that, we are going to invest in productivity and research and development, in the very sinews of our modern economy. We are going to give Canadians the tools they require to triumph in the 21st century.