Debates of Oct. 21st, 2005

Belinda Stronach Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister responsible for Democratic Renewal

Mr. Speaker, let me say I am very pleased at the Supreme Court of Canada's decision that recognizes and upholds the federal jurisdiction as it relates to EI benefits and maternity benefits. I am also proud to say that there will be no interruption in any of the benefits that Canadians receive. In fact, the judgment does say that we do have the responsibility to evolve EI programs as society evolves, as it relates to the workplace.

Belinda Stronach Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister responsible for Democratic Renewal

Mr. Speaker, I would also like to add that I did call Minister Courchesne yesterday and expressed to her that we are going forward with the agreement that we have with Quebec so that Quebec can have its maternity and benefits program in place by January 1, 2006. We are working collaboratively and very well with Minister Courchesne and the Quebec government to achieve this.

Ed Broadbent Ottawa Centre, ON

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Deputy Prime Minister.

As justice minister the minister brought in draconian security law that violated civil liberties. As security minister she blocked information from being made public in the Arar inquiry. As part of a government that looks like it has been involved in the sending of Canadians to countries that use torture, I want to ask her, when it comes to the proposed new wiretap legislation, why should we believe that Canadian civil liberties are going to be protected?

Ed Broadbent Ottawa Centre, ON

Yes, Mr. Speaker, and other countries have violated human security as well.

My next question pertains to what Louise Arbour, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and former distinguished member of the Canadian Supreme Court said yesterday. She said, “there are no circumstances that can ever justify torture”.

Does the minister agree, and if so, will she categorically assert that no Canadian will be sent again from our country to a country that indulges in torture?

Bev Oda Clarington—Scugog—Uxbridge, ON

Mr. Speaker, Richard Mahoney is a friend of the Prime Minister. He engaged in lobbying his friend without registering. He was lobbying in Regina with the Liberal caucus in August. He was lobbying at the Prime Minister's cocktail party at 24 Sussex in September, but Richard Mahoney did not register until October 4 after winning a favourable decision for his client.

Is the Minister of Industry directing the lobbyist registrar to investigate Richard Mahoney?

Ralph Goodale Minister of Finance

Mr. Speaker, the registrar administers the act in a completely independent manner. The registrar seeks no advice from any minister in the Government of Canada. If the registrar has reason to believe that there has been a contravention, he will take the appropriate steps to ensure that the law is enforced.

Bev Oda Clarington—Scugog—Uxbridge, ON

Mr. Speaker, I think Canadians are not satisfied because the facts are that Richard Mahoney is a close friend of the Prime Minister. Richard Mahoney was in Regina with the entire Liberal caucus in August. Richard Mahoney was at the Prime Minister's cocktail party and two days later the government ruled in favour of Richard Mahoney's clients.

Friends of the Prime Minister can register a month after winning. The facts demand an investigation. The Conservative Party, the opposition, demand that the lobbyist registrar investigate the illegal activities of Richard Mahoney.

Ralph Goodale Minister of Finance

Mr. Speaker, the hon. member has obviously put some allegations on the floor of the House.

I would emphasize once again that the registrar is a completely independent officer. The registrar does not take instruction from the government and I am sure that the hon. member would not wish it to be otherwise.

James Moore Port Moody—Westwood—Port Coquitlam, BC

Mr. Speaker, Public Works Canada first awarded and then cancelled two contracts with Abotech, a company owned by a Liberal MP's wife.

Can the minister explain why these contracts were cancelled and what the irregularities identified by the KPMG consultants were?

Scott Brison Minister of Public Works and Government Services

Mr. Speaker, first of all, we decided to cancel these contracts as part of an overall review as we strengthen governance and improve competition and value for tax dollars. It is important to note that there was no issue with the services being provided, and in fact, that value was received for tax dollars.