Debates of April 7th, 2006

Stockwell Day Minister of Public Safety

Mr. Speaker, we will begin right away to increase the number of police officers from coast to coast, especially in Quebec. We will add 1,000 RCMP officers and 2,500 municipal police officers, starting immediately and continuing for the next five years.

Maria Minna Beaches—East York, ON

Mr. Speaker, in 1971 Canada was the first country in the world to adopt multiculturalism as an official policy affirming the value and dignity of all Canadian citizens.

Since 1972 Canada has always had a minister responsible for multiculturalism, always that is, until now.

Is it the Prime Minister's intention to abandon Canada's multiculturalism policy and if not, why did he decide that it no longer required representation at the cabinet table?

Bev Oda Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women

Mr. Speaker, the member's question gives me the opportunity to express on behalf of the government its commitment to multiculturalism.

We are reviewing the programs. We know a review is called for after 12 years of perpetuating a program that is ineffective and needs to be re-addressed.

We will commit to every ethnic community across Canada so they can participate equally and fully in all aspects of Canadian society.

Gerald Keddy South Shore—St. Margaret's, NS

Mr. Speaker, after 13 years of neglect, Atlantic salmon are threatened or extinct on most east coast rivers. The Inner Bay of Fundy salmon in particular are an endangered species.

The Atlantic salmon endowment fund was promised $30 million but the Atlantic Salmon Federation has not seen a penny of that money.

Will the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans finally deliver that funding?

Loyola Hearn Minister of Fisheries and Oceans

Mr. Speaker, let me say, as those on the former standing committee will admit, that nobody worked harder to get such an endowment fund than the member who has just asked the question.

The fund has to be delivered through an independent body, which has now been set up, after two years, by the way. My officials will be meeting with them very soon to get this moving forward.

Denise Savoie Victoria, BC

Mr. Speaker, for 13 long years, ordinary Canadians and young people were left off the Liberal government's political agenda. The Speech from the Throne was once again silent on post-secondary education.

Will the current government also remain silent? We need stable, long-term funding for education to increase Canada's competitiveness in the global economy.

Will the government boost our investment in education?

Michael Chong President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada

Mr. Speaker, our government is committed to working with the provinces, with the territories, and with business and labour partners to ensure that post-secondary education in Canada continues to be an important priority.

We also welcome the Council of the Federation's initiatives in this regard and we look forward to working with the Council of the Federation as we go forward to make sure that post-secondary education and training remain an integral part of the government's priorities.

Denise Savoie Victoria, BC

Mr. Speaker, students and working families have waited long enough for relief from soaring tuition fees. We need an immediate comprehensive strategy, accompanied by a pan-Canadian lifelong learning and training plan, to address the skills shortage. What exactly is the government planning to do to address this issue now?

Diane Finley Minister of Human Resources and Social Development

Mr. Speaker, our Conservative government has several initiatives it will be bringing forward to encourage skills development for people of all ages, whether it is through our trades program, with incentives for apprentices and for employers to hire more apprentices into those skilled jobs, or whether it is assistance for university students, not through tuition credits but through relief on their student bursaries and scholarships. We will be developing programs that will help all students continue lifelong learning.

Blair Wilson West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country, BC

Mr. Speaker, let me begin by saying that I am humbled by and thankful to the voters of my riding of West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country for electing me.

I must say that in recent days a shocking and bizarre alliance has been forming between Parliament's newest chums, the Conservatives and the NDP. We all know that NDP members have never seen a tax they did not want to hike, and we know they are not going to join us in our partnership for a tax campaign, but we would not expect that the Conservatives would not join us.

When will the government end this marriage of convenience with the NDP and join our campaign against tax hikes?

Jason Kenney Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister (Multiculturalism)

Mr. Speaker, let me be very clear. This government is committed to lower taxes and we will deliver that in our first budget for 100% of Canadian families.

The Speaker Peter Milliken

Order, please. Following discussions among representatives of all parties in the House, I understand there is an agreement to commemorate the Rwandan genocide.

I invite hon. members to rise for a moment of silence.

[A moment of silence observed]

Lawrence MacAulay Cardigan, PE

moved for leave to introduce Bill C-216, An Act to amend the Income Tax Act (capital gains exemption on disposition of fishing property).

Mr. Speaker, the Income Tax Act allows an individual to claim a $500,000 cumulative lifetime exemption for capital gains that arise from the disposition of qualified farm properties. This enactment would amend the act so that an individual may claim this exemption in respect of qualified fishing property.

(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)