Debates of May 15th, 2001

Karen Redman Parliamentary Secretary to Minister of the Environment

Mr. Speaker, our government continues to make environmental issues a major priority. That is why last year we put $6 billion into infrastructure programs.

Last year's budget included $1.5 billion as a specific environmental expenditure over the next five years. That includes $5 million for climate change, $180 million for—

Karen Redman Kitchener Centre, ON

—$100 million for a sustainable development technology fund, $25 million for a green municipal enabling fund and $100 million for a green municipal investment fund. We are committed.

Jean Chrétien Prime Minister

Mr. Speaker, we have a budget that is presented in the House. All the provisions are there and they are voted in the House of Commons.

As we have done better than expected at the end of the year, the surplus was larger. It is the right thing to do. When there is a surplus it is used to reduce debt, which provides cash in the years to come, because there will be less interest to pay, for programs like the ones suggested by the member.

Scott Brison Kings—Hants, NS

Mr. Speaker, the finance minister said yesterday that he may introduce a fall budget if the economy continues to slide.

The minister has finally admitted that the economy is sliding but believes budget planning can proceed at his own whim. How far does the economy have to slide before the finance minister realizes Canada needs a full budget?

Jean Chrétien Prime Minister

Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Finance, the government and I will never let the economy slide the way it slid when his party was in government.

The slide was so terrible that we had $42 billion of deficit in the last year the Tories were in power. Now we are having problems with the Alliance because it thinks that a $15 billion surplus is not enough.

Joe Clark Calgary Centre, AB

Mr. Speaker, a number of U.S. officials are in Ottawa today. They are holding secret talks on the missile defence shield, a program that could cost billions of dollars.

The government said that parliament would merely be consulted. We will be informed after the fact, we will be treated like kids in kindergarten.

Parliamentarians should know the facts. They should have the opportunity to discuss the options in the House before a decision is made.

Will the Prime Minister assure the House that parliamentarians will debate the missile defence shield issue before any decision is made?

Jean Chrétien Prime Minister

Yes, Mr. Speaker.

Cheryl Gallant Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke, ON

Mr. Speaker, in response to my question last week the parliamentary secretary denied the government's intentions on bulk water sales.

Now the Prime Minister has contradicted that statement with his admission that bulk water sales were never off the table as far as the government is concerned. What will be the position of the Liberal Party next week on bulk water sales?

John Manley Minister of Foreign Affairs

Mr. Speaker, there is a bill before parliament now, in committee, Bill C-6, dealing specifically with the issue of bulk water removal from boundary waters in Canada.

The position of the federal government is, has been and continues to be clear. We are opposed to bulk water removal from the country.

We have jurisdiction over boundary waters. We have acted on that. The Minister of the Environment is developing a Canada accord with provincial governments so that they too can take the legislative action necessary to make it clear to every Canadian and to the world that we do not support bulk water removal from this country.

Cheryl Gallant Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke, ON

Mr. Speaker, Bill C-6 provides that the minister can license federally the sale of bulk water exports.

Canadians are concerned about bulk water sales. Why is the government intent on ignoring our abundant water heritage and sponsoring legislation that will allow bulk water exports?

John Manley Minister of Foreign Affairs

Mr. Speaker, I do not want to confuse the hon. member, but let me see if I can explain.

Bill C-6 creates a legal regime that will prevent the removal of bulk water from the drainage systems in Canada, thereby prohibiting the exportation of water in bulk, which we view is not a good that can be subject to exportation. It is not permitted under Bill C-6.