Debates of Dec. 10th, 2004

Joe Volpe Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development

Mr. Speaker, I welcome the interest in this most laudable of programs that we initiated very early on in the year. It heartens me that many members on both sides of the House support it.

We are in the first year of the program and we committed at the very beginning to make any changes subsequent to the accumulation of data so that we could make any adjustments that reflected the real needs of those who find themselves in a most tragic and trying moment in their lives.

However, right now, as the member knows, the mechanism is triggered by a declaration by an attendant doctor and it applies to immediate family--

André Bellavance Richmond—Arthabaska, QC

Mr. Speaker, on November 2, in response to a question from the Bloc regarding negotiations with the Cree nation in the James Bay issue, the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development said the negotiations were moving along nicely. The Cree are worried now, and a breakdown in negotiations could have serious consequences.

There is not much time left before the March deadline; can the minister guarantee, here in this House, that negotiations will occur within this time frame and will conclude by March 2005?

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

Mr. Speaker, I do not recall swimmingly, but we are optimistic in terms of these negotiations, as I said before, and I continue to be optimistic that we will see a resolution very soon.

Ken Boshcoff Thunder Bay—Rainy River, ON

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of International Cooperation.

The international community has launched a series of initiatives to promote financial systems that work for the poor, highlighting microfinance as an important tool for achieving the millennium development goal.

Could the Minister of International Cooperation tell the House what Canada is doing to contribute to international developments in microfinance?

Jason Kenney Calgary Southeast, AB

Mr. Speaker, in a frightening violation of the separation of church and state during the election campaign, the revenue agency called Calgary bishop Fred Henry and threatened his diocese's charitable tax status because he dared to express Catholic moral teaching during the campaign.

The bishop told the media what happened and yesterday Scott Reid, the Prime Minister's spokesman, said that the bishop's allegation was “ridiculous and unconscionable”.

I would like to know if Scott Reid will be forced to apologize for attacking the integrity and honesty of the bishop of Calgary.

John McCallum Minister of National Revenue

Mr. Speaker, the hon. member should know, although I am not sure if he does, that I am not permitted by law to comment on any kind of interaction involving the Canada Revenue Agency.

I will say, however, that the law is very clear that churches and other charitable organizations can involve themselves in political activity to a certain degree but not in partisan activity. I think that is an entirely appropriate law to preserve the integrity of the charities in this country.

Geoff Regan Minister of Fisheries and Oceans

Mr. Speaker, during question period I indicated that Mr. Bryan Williams was a former chief justice of the B.C. Court of Appeal.

He was in fact the former chief justice of the B.C. Supreme Court.

Robert Thibault Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 110(2) I am tabling a certificate of nomination with respect to the President of the National Research Council of Canada.

This certificate stands referred to the Standing Committee on Industry, Natural Resources, Science and Technology.

Robert Thibault Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health

Pursuant to Standing Order 36(8) I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the government's response to one petition.

Paul Devillers Simcoe North, ON

Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present the third report of the Standing Committee on Justice, Human Rights, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, in both official languages.

In accordance with its order of reference of Friday, October 22, 2004, your committee has considered Bill C-10, an act to amend the Criminal Code (mental disorder) and to make consequential amendments to other acts, and agreed on Wednesday, December 8, 2004, to report it with amendments.

I also have the honour to present, in both official languages, the fourth report of the Standing Committee on Justice, Human Rights, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness.

On December 9, 2004, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the committee adopted a motion recommending to the government that the RCMP maintain the nine detachments in Quebec that were discussed during our hearings and that it agree to maintain or restore the critical mass of officers per detachment.

Borys Wrzesnewskyj Etobicoke Centre, ON

Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present the second report of the Standing Committee on Transport, in both official languages.

Your committee studied Bill C-3, an act to amend the Canada Shipping Act, the Canada Shipping Act, 2001, the Canada National Marine Conservation Areas Act and the Oceans Act, which was referred to the committee on October 18, 2004, and is reporting the same back without amendment.

I take this opportunity to thank all the members of the committee from both sides of the House for their diligence. I would also like to thank the committee staff.

Bill C-36. On the Order: Government Orders:

December 10, 2004 —The Deputy Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister responsible for Democratic Reform—Second reading of Bill C-36, an act to change the boundaries of the Acadie—Bathurst and Miramichi electoral districts.