Debates of Nov. 9th, 2001

Karen Redman Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of the Environment

Mr. Speaker, this is a very important issue. The government believes very strongly that young people are key players in developing new initiatives for a sustainable future. In fact, the advisory roundtable has been established since 1997. The members meet on environmental issues of concern to them and they offer their perspective to the minister and his department.

The minister believes this is a dynamic way in which to involve young people in our decision making process.

Libby Davies Vancouver East, BC

Mr. Speaker, not only has the minister dropped the ball on the airlines but he is also bumbling on airport security. The system has now lost the confidence of the travelling public and pilots but the minister is still pondering and considering.

Why would the minister hang on to a system that rewards the lowest bid, where training and quality are not the highest priorities? Will the minister make a commitment to Canadians today to take over passenger screening services and guarantee proper training and infrastructure so the system is not a bad joke and security is the top priority? Will he do that?

David Collenette Minister of Transport

Mr. Speaker, I cannot believe the hon. member is denigrating those workers and all those people involved in airline security who have been under such pressure since September 11.

The government's priority has been to put in new regulations and ensure that those regulations are enforced rather than looking at who delivers the service. All of this is under review by the government. We are examining the situation. I want to assure Canadians that the security they have at the airports is extremely good.

Madeleine Dalphond-Guiral Laval Centre, QC

Mr. Speaker, this weekend at the General Assembly of the United Nations, the Minister of Foreign Affairs will be presenting his vision of the establishment of a system of governance for Afghanistan. Everyone agrees that this is a matter of the utmost importance.

Would the Minister of Foreign Affairs indicate what his definition of governance is, and what role humanitarian aid plays in it?

John Manley Minister of Foreign Affairs

Mr. Speaker, I would encourage the hon. member to wait until tomorrow afternoon.

I can, however, certainly say that we have concerns, not only about humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, but also about the establishment of governance after the conflict in Afghanistan is resolved.

Betty Hinton Kamloops, Thompson And Highland Valleys, BC

Mr. Speaker, the pine beetle is destroying forests in northern British Columbia. The Minister for International Trade has done his best to destroy the softwood lumber industry in the country as well as in British Columbia. The Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development has abdicated his responsibility for land claims to the provincial level.

The government did not value British Columbia when it was paying its way and making its best contribution to the country. Now that British Columbia is in trouble, it has been abandoned. Does anyone on that side have a plan for British Columbia?

Ben Serré Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources

Mr. Speaker, the government has been working very closely with the province of British Columbia on the pine beetle issue. The government is working with all the provinces on all aspects. I do not know what question specifically the member is referring to, but the government has been working with all the provinces on all issues including the pine beetle.

Brian Tobin Minister of Industry

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 109 I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the government's response to the fifth report of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology, entitled “The Canadian Innovation Agenda for the 21st Century”.

Pursuant to the same standing order, I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the government's response to the fourth report of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology, entitled “Transparency in the Information Age, the Lobbyists Registration Act in the 21st Century”.

Jane Stewart Minister of Human Resources Development

Mr. Speaker, in accordance with Standing Order 109, I am pleased to submit two copies, in both official languages, of the Government of Canada's response to the report of the Standing Committee on Human Resources Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities, entitled “Interim Report: Access to Higher Education and Training”.

Mr. Speaker, in accordance with Standing Order 109, I am pleased to submit two copies, in both official languages, of the Government of Canada's response to the 4th report of the Standing Committee on Human Resources and the Status of Persons with Disabilities, entitled “A Common Vision: Interim Report”.

Karen Redman Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of the Environment

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 36(8) I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the government's response to seven petitions.

John Harvard Charleswood—St. James—Assiniboia, MB

Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the 11th report of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade. Pursuant to the order of reference of Tuesday, October 23, your committee has considered Bill C-35, an act to amend the Foreign Missions and International Organizations Act, and has agreed to report it with two amendments.