Debates of Nov. 19th, 2004

Jim Abbott Kootenay—Columbia, BC

Mr. Speaker, unbelievably, at the same remote border crossing in my constituency where a customs officer died alone on duty, another officer was left alone this week.

An alarm system was broken and the communications network was inoperative. Her supervisor, who was supposed to be backing up the officer, was not answering the phone and, unknown to her while she was on duty, a violent felon was rumoured to be approaching the border.

Why is the government imperilling the lives of our border officers and Canadian security by not giving them the tools to do the job?

Roy Cullen Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness

Mr. Speaker, when these incidents happen at our borders the government is very concerned. As well, the member would know that with respect to the case where the officer was alone and certain things transpired which were not very favourable, it is under review and investigation.

Indeed, the way the Canada Border Services Agency is resourced is a matter that is always under review. We want to make sure that our officials are given the resources and tools necessary to keep our borders safe and secure.

Robert Bouchard Chicoutimi—Le Fjord, QC

Mr. Speaker, the Union des producteurs agricoles is again calling for assistance. The losses sustained as a result of the mad cow crisis are wreaking terrible havoc. Despite the compensation packages, dairy farmers for example are being hit by losses of $15,000 per farm, on the average.

What is stopping the government from implementing the solutions proposed by Quebec's farmers and offering them proper compensation, as well as contributing, with the provinces, to setting a base price for animals sold to abattoirs?

Alan Tonks York South—Weston, ON

Mr. Speaker, yesterday the Government of Canada announced that it hopes the Victoria Cross awarded to Corporal Fred Topham will remain in Canada.

Would the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage please outline those specific steps the government has taken to ensure that this and future powerful symbols of our history and heritage remain here in Canada to be understood and respected in perpetuity by future generations of Canadians?

Sarmite Bulte Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage

Mr. Speaker, the Government of Canada is committed to the protection of Canada's cultural heritage. In fact, our government has already intervened to delay the export of Corporal Topham's medal, which is being sold by the estate. I am pleased to advise the House today that we will also be working to support the purchase of this very important part of our history through the movable cultural properties grants program.

John Reynolds West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast, BC

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration. She has asked the ethics commissioner, under the Parliament of Canada Act, for some confidential advice, which I understand she said she will make public. That is fair.

Could she tell the House what is it she asked him for advice on? Is it the issuance of the permit, the unauthorized use of staff during an election, or the non-reporting of the deportee? Could she tell us, is it one of those or all of those that she has asked advice on from the ethics commissioner?

Judy Sgro Minister of Citizenship and Immigration

Mr. Speaker, I have asked the ethics commissioner to give me advice on whether or not I breached any of the ethical codes, but I would like to tell the member something else.

The deputy leader of the Conservative Party requested a permit a couple of weeks after the election for a personal friend. I have since learned that the hon. member's personal friend was a former Conservative candidate and has been a big political contributor to the Conservative Party. I guess I should have asked, did he work on the campaign?

Robert Thibault Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 36 I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the government's response to one petition.

Don Boudria Glengarry—Prescott—Russell, ON

Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present the 15th report of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs regarding the membership of certain committees.

If the House gives its consent, I intend to move concurrence in the 15th report later this day.