Debates of June 1st, 2007

Brian Jean Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport

Mr. Speaker, the minister has contacted Chief Phillip. We remain committed to building positive working relationships with first nations, Métis and Inuit groups, but nobody is fooled by the Red Green comedy hour across the way.

The Liberals are trying to change the channel because they say they support our troops, they say they support tough on crime legislation, and they say they support aboriginals, but they keep voting against it. Support Bill C-44 and bring human rights to aboriginals.

Raymond Chan Richmond, BC

Mr. Speaker, the truth is the Conservatives have managed in 16 months to take relations with aboriginal people to a new low, from the high point it was at under the previous Liberal government.

Under pressure at committee to explain why his government has done so little, the minister resorted to misrepresentation, exaggeration and inaccuracies.

Will the minister set the record straight and apologize today?

Brian Jean Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport

Mr. Speaker, I do not understand why the Liberals will not support Bill C-44. Why do they not want aboriginal Canadians to have the same human rights that other Canadians enjoy? Shame on them. Get on the program and support the government's initiative to bring human rights to first nation Canadians.

Colin Carrie Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry

Mr. Speaker, I am very happy to say that manufacturers are very happy this week with what the government is doing. We had a great response to the industry report. This week the minister tabled the government's response to the industry committee's manufacturing report.

Stakeholders have told me specifically that it is the best budget for manufacturers. We can take the advice of Perrin Beatty, the president of the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, who said:

The government's response to the recommendations...show that it is listening to Canadian manufacturers, and delivering for them at a time when manufacturers need it most.

We are very proud of that.

Thierry St-Cyr Jeanne-Le Ber, QC

Mr. Speaker, rather than saying that all is well, the government should realize that, in Quebec alone, 31,000 jobs have been lost in the manufacturing sector in the first four months of the year. It is often the older workers who find themselves without any resources from one day to the next.

For once, could the Minister of Industry show some initiative and announce an industrial strategy that would also include an assistance program for older workers who are victims of globalization?

Colin Carrie Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry

Mr. Speaker, the member is obviously not paying attention. We already announced initiatives for older workers. He needs to start paying attention to what is in the budget that he supported.

Canadian manufacturers have been hit hard and we recognize that. Budget 2007 sets the foundation to help manufacturers, their employees, and communities that depend on them. It includes initiatives, such as a two year writeoff for machinery and equipment that will help boost cash flow and investment, regulatory harmonization, initiatives that encourage investment in innovation, and investments in workforce capabilities, transportation and border security.

We are very proud of what we are doing for manufacturers.

Nancy Karetak-Lindell Nunavut, NU

Mr. Speaker, Canada is well known for its willingness to help other countries and extend a helping hand to people in need.

Northerners are well known too for their generosity. Northern Youth Abroad is a well-respected organization which, for years, has taken northern youth to other parts of Canada and Africa to volunteer their help. NYA has just been told by DFAIT that funding will be cut this year, six weeks before the students travel.

When will DFAIT reinstate funding for this important organization? What does the government have against its northern youth?

Brian Jean Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport

Again, Mr. Speaker, this is an attempt to change the channel. The government, in its very first budget in 2006, contributed $3.7 billion in new investments for aboriginal Canadians. The last budget was the largest budget in Canadian history for first nations.

We recognized the problems the Liberal government left. It did not do the job. We are getting the job done for first nation Canadians.

Ken Epp Edmonton—Sherwood Park, AB

Mr. Speaker, last week the Certified General Accountants Association of Canada warned that Canada's standard of living is at risk because of lagging productivity. What was one of the reasons it cited for this drop in productivity? The Liberal sponsorship scandal and a lack of accountability in government.

Will the Parliamentary Secretary to the President of the Treasury Board share what this government has done to bring accountability and transparency back to Ottawa?

Pierre Poilievre Parliamentary Secretary to the President of the Treasury Board

Mr. Speaker, on page 26 the report shows the Liberal ad scam weakened productivity. It states, “In addition to the loss of millions of taxpayer dollars, the federal government also lost a considerable amount of approval”.

However, keep the hope alive, Mr. Speaker. The report goes on to say, “...there has been a resilient change of culture in the federal government regarding transparency and accountability”. It is like a ray of sunshine at the end of a long, cloudy day.

Alex Atamanenko British Columbia Southern Interior, BC

Mr. Speaker, the quality of rail service in western Canada is deteriorating at a time when both CP and CN are making record profits. Zellstoff Celgar Pulp Mill in Castlegar is paying premium prices for rail service that is getting progressively worse.

The first step to improve rail service would be to have a quick resolution to the ongoing CP strike, a resolution that is fair to both sides. It is not right that a company making record profits should be asking for a sweetheart deal from workers.

Will the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities force CP Rail back to the bargaining table and tell it to negotiate a fair settlement for the workers?

Jean-Pierre Blackburn Minister of Labour and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec

Mr. Speaker, the right to strike is recognized by the Canada Labour Code. However, I believe that all members will agree that settlements are reached when both parties come to the table to agree on the renewal of the work contract. Our mediator continues to support both parties in this endeavour.

Alex Atamanenko British Columbia Southern Interior, BC

Mr. Speaker, we need a firm commitment from the government to improve rail service in Canada. Our credibility as an exporting nation is at stake, as is the survival of many rural communities. If Celgar cannot ensure reliable and efficient delivery of its product, over 400 employees could be thrown out of work.

It is the duty of the government to act. Will the minister tell CP to be fair, not only to its workers, but also to stop gouging businesses that rely on rail transport?