Debates of May 2nd, 2008

Peter Van Loan Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister for Democratic Reform

Mr. Speaker, the community economic development initiative is investing more than $33 million to strengthen and diversify the economies of B.C.'s forestry dependent communities. It will enable communities such as Kamloops not only to survive but thrive in the global economy over the long term.

That community economic development initiative is of course part of the federal $200 million mountain pine beetle program that our government launched in 2007. Already that program is doing much to help control the spread of the pine beetle, recover as much economic value as possible for the timber destroyed by the beetle, and protect forests and communities from the risk of wild fire.

It is just one example of how we are standing up for resource based communities. We are doing our part to help out communities like Kamloops.

John Baird Minister of the Environment

Absolutely not, Mr. Speaker. Canada voted no because the declaration is flawed. It lacks clear, practical guidance for states. It contains provisions that are incompatible with Canada's constitutional framework.

This government is working to get the job done for first nations by improving the quality of their drinking water, by finally settling the residential schools dispute, and by building more housing for first nations. This government is delivering more for first nations and Inuit than the Liberal government did in 13 long years.

Nicole Demers Laval, QC

Mr. Speaker, the executive director of the Canadian Research Institute for the Advancement of Women, Lise Martin, had to leave her job when her operating budget was cut in half after the government withdrew its support for Status of Women Canada's research and advocacy mandate.

Can the Minister of Status of Women explain why Status of Women Canada does not have a line item in its budget for organizations that do research on women and its researchers?

Sylvie Boucher Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and for Status of Women

Mr. Speaker, I would like to remind the House that our government increased the budget for the women's program by $20 million this year, an increase of 76%, the highest increase ever. We are also helping all organizations and women in Canada, unlike the Bloc, which will never be able to do anything here in 113 years.

The Speaker Peter Milliken

The hon. member for Ottawa South is rising on a point of order.

David McGuinty Ottawa South, ON

Mr. Speaker, in a response given by the Minister of the Environment to a question put to him, I think he referred to the pipeline through the Northwest Territories, the Mackenzie Valley pipeline, as a pipeline that would transport petroleum.

Just for the record and for his own information, it does not actually transport petroleum. It will be transporting natural gas.

John Baird Minister of the Environment

Petroleum products, Mr. Speaker.

I want to thank the member for Ottawa South for supporting this Conservative government. Everywhere I go over the next six months I will be sure to give credit to the Liberal Party of Canada, and specifically the member for Ottawa South, for keeping the Prime Minister and this government in office.

The Speaker Peter Milliken

I do not think either sounded like a point of order to me.

Yasmin Ratansi Don Valley East, ON

Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the 10th report of the Standing Committee on the Status of Women in relation to the main estimates.

Judy Wasylycia-Leis Winnipeg North, MB

Mr. Speaker, there have been discussions between the parties, and I believe you will find unanimous consent for the following motion.

I move:

That, in the opinion of the House, the government should ratify the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons With Disabilities, signed by Canada on March 30, 2007, following requisite consultations and procedures with provincial and territorial authorities, and that Parliament and the Government of Canada take appropriate measures within their competence to ensure Canada's full compliance with the convention.

The Speaker Peter Milliken

Does the hon. member for Winnipeg North have the unanimous consent of the House to propose this motion?

The Speaker Peter Milliken

The House has heard the terms of the motion. Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion?