Debates of June 15th, 2007

Christian Paradis Secretary of State (Agriculture)

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his excellent question.

Canadian farmers want to do their fair share to protect the environment and we want to help them. That is why, on Monday in Quebec City, I announced $1 million in funding for a pilot project that will help farmers develop more effective environmental protection measures. For example, the financial incentives provided to farmers will be used to conserve and improve the quality of our water.

We are forging forward. We continue to help our farmers; we continue to help our regions; and we continue to work on maintaining a healthy environment.

Bryon Wilfert Richmond Hill, ON

Mr. Speaker, Ms. Kafila Siddiqui, who was a constituent of mine, recently died in Pakistan under questionable circumstances. Her husband contacted my office on March 28 and we immediately contacted the Canadian High Commission, urgently, on three occasions and also the Minister of Foreign Affairs' office, which gave us a 1-800 number.

The High Commissioner in Pakistan has been aware of the situation since early April. The minister has been aware since April 11.

Could the minister tell the House what follow up has been done by his office after he was contacted? What is he doing now to ensure justice is being served?

Deepak Obhrai Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the hon. member's interest in this file. It is a tragic file and our condolences are extended to the family of Ms. Siddiqui.

As he is aware, I am limited to what can be said under the Privacy Act. However, I can assure the House that upon receiving the initial inquiry, our government took immediate action to locate Ms. Siddiqui, including personal visits by the embassy staff to her last known residence and place of work. In addition, the family was contacted to get other information and advice that included immediately filing a police report with the Pakistani authorities.

I can assure the House that we will work with the—

The Speaker Peter Milliken

The hon. member for Compton--Stanstead.

France Bonsant Compton—Stanstead, QC

Mr. Speaker, by insisting on politicizing the Canada summer jobs program, the Conservatives are causing irreparable harm to students. The government cut the program budget by 12% by changing the criteria, centralizing the administration and hiding information.

And yet, the government boasts that it is responsible and transparent. In order to avoid repeating this year's disaster, does the Minister of Human Resources and Social Development intend to quickly transfer administration of the program to Quebec, which has the infrastructure and experience to administer such a program?

Lynne Yelich Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Human Resources and Social Development

Mr. Speaker, the opposition party just cannot seem to accept that we have a new program. It is part of our youth strategy. In fact, it gives students high quality jobs in the professions they might choose.

I cannot get over the member and the opposition always wanting to save a program that talks about—

Lynne Yelich Blackstrap, SK

In fact, the program is indeed successful.

Paul Dewar Ottawa Centre, ON

Mr. Speaker, the government promised transparency and accountability in government. One of the cornerstones of this promise was the creation of a parliamentary budget officer.

Six months after the Federal Accountability Act passed, Canadians are still waiting. In the meantime, we continue to receive financial forecasts that do not reflect accurate budget figures. Canadians demand truth in advertising, whether it is on budget surpluses, foreign aid or climate change. This is more than just a broken promise. This is breaking faith with Canadians. Accountability is important to them.

When will the government right this wrong and announce the appointment of a—

The Speaker Peter Milliken

The hon. Parliamentary Secretary to the President of the Treasury Board

Pierre Poilievre Parliamentary Secretary to the President of the Treasury Board

Mr. Speaker, we are right on track to implement the Federal Accountability Act on schedule.

We have implemented whistleblower protection for the thousands of public servants who live in my riding, around the capital region and across the country. Yesterday we confirmed an appointment of an Integrity Commissioner as a watchdog to protect those whistleblower. We have a new Conflict of Interest Commissioner, someone we can all trust, who has credibility. We have limited donations to $1,000 apiece to get big money out of politics.

We are getting the job done, and we will complete the job in the months ahead.

Tom Lukiwski Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister for Democratic Reform

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 36(8) I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the government's response to four petitions.

Rob Moore Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to table, in both official languages, the government's response to the 12th report of the Standing Committee on the Status of Women, entitled “Turning Outrage into Action to Address Trafficking for the Purpose of Sexual Exploitation in Canada”.