Debates of April 30th, 2010

Lois Brown Newmarket—Aurora, ON

Mr. Speaker, this week our government reaffirmed its throne speech commitment to democratic reform. We moved forward with our democratic reform agenda to improve our institutions so they can be accountable to Canadians.

Would the Minister of State for Democratic Reform tell the House what he is doing to improve our democratic institutions?

Steven Fletcher Minister of State (Democratic Reform)

Mr. Speaker, this has been a great week as far as democratic reform is concerned. We have introduced legislation to increase voter participation. We have brought forward legislation to give people in the provinces a direct say in who will represent them in the Senate. We introduced a bill yesterday to get rid of political loans.

Why does the Liberal Party not support getting rid of political loans?

Michelle Simson Scarborough Southwest, ON

Mr. Speaker, the commissioner found that the conflict code has a giant loophole that the Conservatives abused for partisan purposes.

She said that the Conservative cheques were “not appropriate” and that they have “the potential to diminish public confidence in the integrity of members”.

Will the Conservatives close this loophole and stop their deceitful campaign to undermine democracy?

Andrew Saxton Parliamentary Secretary to the President of the Treasury Board

Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned, we accept the commissioner's recommendations and will look at strengthening Treasury Board policies as they relate to government announcements.

We must not forget that at the end of the day the Ethics Commissioner said that no violation of any act or any code took place.

Jim Maloway Elmwood—Transcona, MB

Mr. Speaker, in the last six months, the Obama administration has leaped ahead of Canada in the area of air passenger rights.

Last November, the U.S. imposed the first tarmac delay penalties in North America. That means that after a three-hour tarmac delay, the airline has to pay $27,500 per passenger in fines. Just three days ago, the U.S. fined Southwest Airlines $200,000 for overbooking passengers.

When will the government catch up with Europe and the United States and start protecting air passengers' rights?

John Baird Minister of Transport

Mr. Speaker, I understand that I have a meeting to discuss this important issue with the member in the next few hours.

I can tell the member that airline passenger rights is tremendously important, as is the airline industry. I understand that he presented a bill to Parliament that has been defeated in committee.

I certainly look forward to the opportunity to discuss this important issue with the member.

Jean Dorion Longueuil—Pierre-Boucher, QC

Mr. Speaker, negotiations have been taking place on the sidelines of Omar Khadr's trial, in regard to his collaboration with the justice system. His repatriation was at the heart of these negotiations. Human rights are not negotiable. Omar Khadr is a Canadian citizen. He was a child soldier when these events took place.

Without passing judgment as to his guilt, why will the government not repatriate this citizen, the last westerner in Guantanamo, especially since we know that he has been tortured?

Deepak Obhrai Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs

Mr. Speaker, our government's position has not changed on this matter.

Mr. Omar Khadr faces very serious charges, including murder, attempted murder, support for terrorism and spying. However, the Government of Canada continues to provide consular services to Mr. Khadr. DFAIT officials are in attendance at his pre-trial hearing.

Ralph Goodale Wascana, SK

Mr. Speaker, with respect to First Nations University, since this issue was last raised in the House on Monday of this week, can the government now confirm that all of the applications and all of the business plans that have been required and requested by the government with respect to First Nations University have been received and are in hand within the department?

John Duncan Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development

Mr. Speaker, I can confirm that the University of Regina-sponsored application under the ISSP program has been received and it has been vetted. The minister has made an announcement that we will be funding that application for $3 million, which will allow the students, who we are most concerned with, to finish their academic year that runs until August 31.

Rick Dykstra Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration

Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order. Just for clarification, during my response in question period, I mentioned visa restrictions with respect to Mexico and Costa Rica when it should have been Mexico and the Czech Republic.

John Duncan Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development

Mr. Speaker, under the provisions of Standing Order 32(2), I have the honour to table, in both official languages, copies of the 2007-08 annual report of the state of Inuit culture and society in the Nunavut settlement area.

Also, under the provisions of Standing Order 32(2), I have the honour to table, in both official languages, copies of the annual report for the years 2006-07 and 2007-08 of the Nisga'a Final Agreement.

Tom Lukiwski Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 36(8), I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the government's response to 26 petitions.