Debates of Oct. 8th, 2004

Stéphane Dion Saint-Laurent—Cartierville, QC

No, it is a well known plan. Climate change is an issue that we learn about more and more. The more we learn about it, the more we need to refine the plan.

It was implemented and it is what the throne speech set out for the government to do.

Jim Prentice Calgary North Centre, AB

My question, Mr. Speaker, is for the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development.

This week Amnesty International issued a scathing report highlighting Canada's glaring and obvious inaction over the past decade toward the fact that Canadian aboriginal women face a higher risk of violence than other women in our society. The report states “In every instance, Canadian authorities could and should have done more to” protect these women.

Why is the government failing to protect our aboriginal women from violence?

Andy Scott Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians

Mr. Speaker, I want to welcome my critic to the House. I know his extensive experience in these files will add much to our debates.

On the question of the Amnesty report, I can only go to the Aboriginal Women's Association here in Canada. I have been meeting with them prior to and since the meeting and since the report and we are working on plans right now to deal specifically with that.

Susan Kadis Thornhill, ON

Mr. Speaker, I am rising for the first time on behalf of the vibrant riding of Thornhill.

My question is for the Minister of Social Development. As Canadians very well heard in the throne speech, the idea of a national system of early learning and child care was prominently featured.

What is being done to move this very important file forward?

Ken Dryden Minister of Social Development

Mr. Speaker, like every member here, I feel privileged to be in the House.

The Speech from the Throne was very clear. The time is now to have a national child care system. It is part of our national expectation and our national understanding. It is a system Canadians want: one that has quality, one that is universal, one that has accessibility and one that has development.

I have talked with some of my--

Geoff Regan Minister of Fisheries and Oceans

Mr. Speaker, Canadian NAFO inspectors have made more than 130 boardings and inspections of ships this year. In fact, they found evidence that infractions have decreased as a result of these efforts. We also know that one-third less foreign boats are on the nose and tail this year. The fact is that our strategy is working.

Gary Goodyear Cambridge, ON

Mr. Speaker, the government has implemented the first part of the Conservative Party's platform on health care reform. In the region surrounding my riding of Cambridge more than 30,000 people are without family doctors.

Exactly when will the minister stop wasting the minds and talents of so many new Canadians and risking the lives of so many others and implement our accreditation process and put doctors on the ground in these communities.

Robert Thibault Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health

Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Health is pleased to be meeting next week with his colleagues from across the country to look at how to quickly implement the historic health accord that was reached by the Prime Minister and his colleagues a very short time ago.

Included in that accord are some very significant investments in the training of health professionals and speeding up the process of having the accreditations recognized by our system. We will get care for all Canadians from coast to coast to coast.

Raynald Blais Gaspésie—Îles-de-la-Madeleine, QC

Mr. Speaker, the people of the Gaspé, the Magdalen Islands and New Brunswick have spoken out in large numbers against the Bennett project at Belledune. As we know, the decision allowing Bennett to proceed with its project is currently being appealed by the federal environment minister.

What is the government's explanation for considering this project hazardous enough to justify a commission of inquiry while still allowing the company to operate the plant? Might it not make more sense to impose a moratorium on all operations pending the outcome of the appeal?

Stéphane Dion Minister of the Environment

Mr. Speaker, I have announced that there will be an appeal. I have asked my legal advisers to expedite proceedings. This being before the courts, I can make no further comment.

A message from Her Excellency the Governor General transmitting estimates for the financial year ending March 31, 2005 was presented by the President of the Treasury Board and read by the Speaker of the House.

Dominic LeBlanc Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to table, in both official languages, a number of Order in Council appointments made recently by the government.