Debates of June 8th, 2001

John Duncan Vancouver Island North, BC

Mr. Speaker, in the recent 201 action by the U.S. to protect its steel industry against dumping by foreign countries, we understand that Canada is technically exempt because of NAFTA rules.

The concern is that with the closure of the U.S. market Canada will be highly vulnerable to foreign dumping. What measures will the minister introduce to ensure that the Canadian steel industry is protected from this new threat?

Ghislain Fournier Manicouagan, QC

Mr. Speaker, for export purposes, the Unibroue brewery in Quebec obtained GMO free certification from the CFIA. After publicizing this certification in Quebec, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency decided, without warning, to take back its certification. This case shows us that agricultural and agrifood producers are at the mercy of the agency.

Does the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food not realize that the agency's inability to establish reliable standards for labelling GMOs will harm farm producers—

Larry McCormick Parliamentary Secretary to Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

Mr. Speaker, Unibroue Inc., the company in question, is certainly free and welcome to advertise its product as being GMO free. It certainly used the CFIA authorization for the export in the wrong way, but it is most capable and most welcome to advertise its product as GMO free as long as it is certain about the source of its product. It must also make sure its labelling is very clear and meaningful for the health of all Canadians.

John Maloney Parliamentary Secretary to Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada

Mr. Speaker, among other things, Bill C-15 enhances maximum penalties for cruelty to animals. This sends a clear message that abusing animals is a form of violence that cannot be tolerated and that must be treated seriously.

Nothing in the bill puts at risk lawful and humane activities involving animals for such purposes as agriculture. It does not affect the way that cattle branding takes place. The justice minister made changes to the bill requested by farmers to make the intent of the law clearer. The law unmistakably focuses on intentional and negligent acts against animals.

Jay Hill Prince George—Peace River, BC

Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday the president of Air Canada, Robert Milton, was in New York bragging to his peers that as Canada's flag carrier it has virtually unrestricted access to international routes, but this only came about because of the Canadian Airlines merger.

While Mr. Milton boasts of grabbing the routes and the aircraft, the pilots who fly them have been left on the tarmac. Instead of being recognized for their years of experience, most have been sent to the bottom of the seniority list.

Will the Minister of Transport concede that the Mitchnick Award is punitive, keep his word and ensure that the former Canadian Airlines pilots receive fair treatment?

David Collenette Minister of Transport

Mr. Speaker, the hon. member should know that this is a matter that is between parties. The two unions in question agreed to an arbitrator. They agreed to accept the arbitration award. As such, the Minister of Labour and myself as Minister of Transport have no direct jurisdiction. If there is dissatisfaction with the result of the arbitration award, then there is recourse for the parties to the courts.

John Williams St. Albert, AB

Mr. Speaker, during my question earlier today I made reference to a letter from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Merritt, British Columbia. I ask that you seek unanimous consent that I table this letter in the House.