Debates of March 22nd, 1999

Martin Cauchon Secretary of State (Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec)

Mr. Speaker, as my colleague, the Minister of National Revenue, said recently, we have already been working for quite some time now with the Mirabel area for the very purpose of creating certain areas with tax benefits, and I am told that things are going rather well.

As for economic development, we have read the conclusions of the Tardif report and also support ADM's intervention and development strategy.

I also wish to say that this government has invested $1.4 billion in the greater Mirabel area over the last 15 years. As well, it has recently worked with Corporation Espace 2002. There are also other projects soon to be announced.

This government is committed to developing the Mirabel area and will maintain that commitment.

Libby Davies Vancouver East, BC

Mr. Speaker, the Nisga'a people have spent the last 20 years negotiating a land claims treaty with the federal government. Now that the fulfilment of a 100 year dream is near, the feds are stalling. As usual, the Liberals are weighing the political pros and cons instead of sticking to their commitments.

We say that the time has come to right the wrongs of the past. I ask the minister, will the federal government keep the promise it made in good faith negotiations with the Nisga'a people and move immediately on this historic agreement?

Jane Stewart Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development

Mr. Speaker, on several occasions this government has made it absolutely clear that we are committed to writing modern treaties in British Columbia.

The Nisga'a agreement is the first in British Columbia and we are strongly supportive of it. We are working now with our partners in the province and with the Nisga'a to write the complex legislation that must be prepared and brought to this House and we will do so when we are ready.

Wayne Easter Parliamentary Secretary to Minister of Fisheries and Oceans

Mr. Speaker, the minister has stated many times in the House that regardless of budgetary commitments, safety is always a priority of the government. We will ensure that we maintain that safety through the coast guard.

Christine Stewart Minister of the Environment

Mr. Speaker, there are many Canadians who would say that Canada's fresh water is our most important natural resource. That is why my department expends so many resources on science and research and provides technical and funding support to tens of thousands of Canadians to protect our water systems.

We have programs in the Atlantic coastal area, the Atlantic coastal action program, St. Lawrence vision 2000, Great Lakes 2000, the northern rivers ecosystem and the Georgian basin ecosystem initiatives.

The federal government is also working with the provinces to negotiate a national accord which will prohibit the removal of bulk water and the first step toward developing a fresh water strategy.

Canadians everywhere are concerned about water and are becoming involved in this very important issue.

John Reynolds West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast, BC

Mr. Speaker, our new youth criminal justice act does not include 10 and 11 year olds. The Tony Blair government in Great Britain, a very moderate government, has just brought in a new act similar to ours but it includes 10 and 11 year olds because it cares about young children and their problems, just like we do on this side.

John Reynolds West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast, BC

Mr. Speaker, I ask the minister, is it not a fact that her justice committee asked for 10 and 11 year olds and the only reason we do not have it is that she cannot get the money out of her cabinet colleagues to help the young children of this country?