House of Commons Hansard #45 of the 40th Parliament, 3rd Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was industry.

Topics

2 p.m.

Liberal

The Speaker Liberal Peter Milliken

It being Wednesday, we will now have the singing of the national anthem, led by the hon. member for Sackville—Eastern Shore.

[Members sang the national anthem]

SnowbirdsStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Conservative

Ray Boughen Conservative Palliser, SK

Mr. Speaker, on Friday, May 7, the Canadian Snowbirds kicked off their 40th show season with yet another incredible acceptance show. Before they did, however, the Snowbirds made history by making Lieutenant Colonel Maryse Carmichael the first female commander of this great Canadian institution.

The Snowbirds could not have made a better choice than Lieutenant Colonel Carmichael. Having served our country in many Canadian cities in a number of roles, her return to Moose Jaw is a kind of homecoming.

In 1994, Lieutenant Colonel Carmichael received her wings at 15 Wing in Moose Jaw and she became an instructor. In 2000, she became the first female pilot to fly with the team. Now she returns to achieve yet another first.

I will take this opportunity to wish the Snowbirds the very best in this their 40th year and I ask my colleagues to help me congratulate Lieutenant Colonel Maryse Carmichael on becoming the Snowbirds' first ever female commander.

Canada Health DayStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Liberal

Carolyn Bennett Liberal St. Paul's, ON

Mr. Speaker, we celebrate Canada Health Day on May 12, which is also Florence Nightingale's birthday. She was an inspiration and an example for health professionals around the world.

She defended good hygiene practices such as handwashing and improved sanitation in health care facilities.

She launched social and health care reforms in England and abroad. She performed statistically based research and used innovative pie charts to illustrate her data. Her life as a statistician identifying patterns and causes of infectious disease goes beyond her reputation as the compassionate lady with the lamp.

On this Canada Health Day, let us honour Florence's legacy by championing a sustainable health care system, promoting more health, less health care, good data, accountability for results and preventing the preventable.

Maison Michel-SarrazinStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Bloc

Pascal-Pierre Paillé Bloc Louis-Hébert, QC

Mr. Speaker, I would like to highlight the 25th anniversary of an institution that is known throughout Quebec, the Maison Michel-Sarrazin. Established as the first francophone palliative care hospice, the Maison Michel-Sarrazin is dedicated to improving the quality of life for those in the palliative and terminal stage of cancer. It also offers support to their loved ones.

Let us take a moment to consider the tremendous work of the directors, employees and volunteers at Maison Michel-Sarrazin. By offering help and support, they give strength to those who are touched by disease. The hospice offers care and support throughout a time of great difficulty.

My Bloc Québécois colleagues and I pay tribute to the work of all these hospices and nursing homes. Congratulations on their 25th anniversary, Maison Michel-Sarrazin.

AsbestosStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

NDP

Pat Martin NDP Winnipeg Centre, MB

Mr. Speaker, asbestos is the greatest industrial killer that the world has ever known. In fact, more Canadians die from asbestos than from all other industrial and occupational causes combined.

Yet, Canada remains one of the largest producers and exporters of asbestos in the world. In fact, Canada not only produces a great deal of asbestos, we spend millions of dollars subsidizing the asbestos industry and sending teams of Department of Justice lawyers around the world trying to block other countries' efforts to curb its use.

Today, members of the building trade unions, CAW, the Canadian Labour Congress, Health and Welfare and occupational health professionals gathered on Parliament Hill to send a message to the Government of Canada that we should ban asbestos in all its forms and institute a just transition program for asbestos workers who may be affected, that we should end all government subsidies of asbestos, both in Canada and abroad, and that we should stop blocking international conventions designed to curb its use, such as the Rotterdam Convention.

DiabetesStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Conservative

Greg Rickford Conservative Kenora, ON

Mr. Speaker, I have the pleasure to rise in the House today to celebrate the remarkable achievement of an impressive young lady who really does put the “great” in the great Kenora riding.

I met Sarah Macdonald last year at the Kenora home show where she was busy fundraising on behalf of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation's Walk to a Cure.

Sarah has type 1 diabetes and must use her insulin pump every day. In a letter to me, she said, “it's hard to imagine my life without diabetes, but it would be so awesome not to worry about any long-term complications like kidney failure, blindness, heart attack and stroke”.

That is why Sarah walks for the research foundation, and she has raised over $30,000 in the past five years with Team Sarah Macdonald. Because of her long history of participation, many of the organizers know Sarah by name and will shout out, “Hey, there's Sarah from Kenora”.

Today I encourage Canadians and all members of the House to be inspired by the tremendous dedication of Sarah from Kenora.

National Nursing WeekStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

David McGuinty Liberal Ottawa South, ON

Mr. Speaker, since 1910, the Community Nursing Registry of Ottawa has been providing nursing care in the community, as well as acute care and in long-term care facilities. I am honoured to acknowledge its ongoing outstanding contribution to our community as it celebrates its centennial year.

I would also like to recognize that this week is National Nursing Week, a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Canadian nurses for their outstanding patient-centred care and dedication to improving and advancing the health care system.

This year's theme: Nursing: You can't live without it, reflects the immense value of Canada's largest group of health care providers.

As the proud son of a registered nurse, I encourage all members to join me in thanking Canada's nurses for their knowledge, skills, compassion and dedication and helping keep individuals, families and communities healthy and for caring for us when we are ill.

Whether they are nursing students, new graduates, mid-career nurses or celebrating more than 30 years of service, Canadians need them more than ever and we can never thank them enough.

Rail TransportationStatements By Members

May 12th, 2010 / 2:05 p.m.

Conservative

Cheryl Gallant Conservative Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke, ON

Mr. Speaker, all aboard for rural Ontario.

Rail service is a vital transportation link that is an environmentally responsible means to assist in the maintenance and development of rural communities and is an economical way to ship and receive goods over long distances.

Opposition MPs from northern Ontario voted against the $9.2 million for rail and passenger service to Algoma central and Ontario northland in the last federal budget. That sounds like the controversial long gun registry where opposition MPs say one thing in their riding and do something different when ordered by their Toronto-based leaders.

Our Conservative government supports rail. I thank all municipalities who passed resolutions supporting rail in eastern Ontario. I ask everyone to speak up for the environment and rural Ontario.

Community Resource CentreStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Bloc

Claude DeBellefeuille Bloc Beauharnois—Salaberry, QC

Mr. Speaker, today I am very proud to pay tribute to the Carrefour du partage community resource centre, which was named the community voluntary organization of the year on May 1 at the 31st Salaberry-de-Valleyfield Chamber of Commerce gala.

This honour is well deserved as Carrefour du partage is celebrating its 40th anniversary. It is a meeting place, a place to exchange ideas and to learn for low-income and socially isolated families. Created by nine religious communities in 1969, this organization has been run for a number of years by only one nun and many lay people who are just as passionate.

I congratulate all the pioneers, volunteers and community partners who, year after year, work to make the Carrefour du partage a reliable, indispensable and welcoming resource for the families of Salaberry-de-Valleyfield.

I would also like to point out the dedication of the workers as well as their professionalism in dealing with families. I tip my hat to the ladies. I hope that they are able to carry out their plan for new premises. Long live Carrefour du partage.

Spinal Cord InjuriesStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Conservative

Candice Bergen Conservative Portage—Lisgar, MB

Mr. Speaker, today, I participated in the Canadian Paraplegic Association's Chair-Leaders event on Parliament Hill in recognition of Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month.

Participating MPs have spent part or all of their day in a wheelchair facing some of the same challenges a person with a spinal cord injury faces every day.

My colleague and good friend, the Minister of State for Democratic Reform, who is co-hosting today's event, is a perfect example of a person who is faced with these obstacles. His tenacity, dedication and accomplishments are an inspiration to me and to all of us.

The CPA was founded in 1945 by veterans who arrived back in Canada after fighting in the second world war. For 65 years now, the CPA has provided support to Canadians with a spinal cord injury.

Let us all continue to work together to support and advocate for Canadians with disabilities so that they can fully participate in Canadian society.

Spinal Cord InjuriesStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Michael Savage Liberal Dartmouth—Cole Harbour, NS

Mr. Speaker, this year marks the 65th anniversary of the Canadian Paraplegic Association.

The CPA has offered important, meaningful service and support to more than 100,000 Canadians who have adjusted to a new way of life.

I am honoured to co-host, for the third year running, CPA's Chair-Leaders Day, a day when many of my colleagues in both Houses will spend their day in a wheelchair to get a small glimpse into the lives of those who are physically disabled.

Today, three Canadians will suffer a spinal cord injury; that translates to about 1,200 new spinal cord injuries each year. Many of these new cases are the result of a car accident, sports injury or other unintended accidents.

I want to acknowledge the work of my friend, Ron Swan, who is the chair of the board of directors for the CPA of Nova Scotia. I am always inspired by his work and tireless effort to make persons with physical disabilities feel comfortable in their community.

Two years ago, I was the lone MP on the Hill in a wheelchair. Today, we have 20 parliamentarians taking part in this event. I consider it an honour to be part of this day and I commend the CPA on its fantastic work to allow persons with disabilities to be full and active participants in our country.

Eliminating Pardons for Serious CrimesStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Conservative

Tilly O'Neill-Gordon Conservative Miramichi, NB

Mr. Speaker, yesterday legislation was tabled in the House to ensure that sexual offenders against children do not receive pardons.

As the Minister of Public Safety said, “These changes are tough, yet they're fair. And they're in line with the expectations of Canadians”.

This legislation is a step in the right direction. Canadians agree and victims' advocates agree.

It is too bad the opposition members are not listening. Here is what they had to say yesterday. The Liberals want to hear from the experts. The Bloc members are concerned about stigmatizing rapists. The NDP members say they oppose the principles behind the bill.

The opposition parties need to stop playing games and start listening to Canadians. We call on the opposition parties to side with victims and law-abiding Canadians, not criminals.

HomelessnessStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

NDP

Linda Duncan NDP Edmonton Strathcona, AB

Mr. Speaker, homelessness plagues cities everywhere and Edmonton is no exception.

In 1999 a count in Edmonton revealed over 1,100 homeless. By 2008 that number swelled to over 3,000.

Val Stevens did not accept this. A local author, she won an award two years ago for a story on changing public perceptions of homeless people.

My Home Street Home follows a woman who suffers a string of unfortunate circumstances, leaving her homeless. It is based on the lives of less fortunate Edmontonians whom Ms. Stevens met on walks in the river valley, downtown and through my riding. Val Stevens showed the remarkable resilience of women facing tremendous challenges and gave them a voice.

Sadly, Val Stevens died suddenly a year ago. Her family has relaunched Val's book to continue her campaign. Proceeds from the sale of the book will be donated to the Mustard Seed Church and Hope Mission.

I encourage colleagues to support the campaign, read Home My Street Home and support Val Stevens' efforts to address homelessness in Canada.

JusticeStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Conservative

Daniel Petit Conservative Charlesbourg—Haute-Saint-Charles, QC

Mr. Speaker, the Bloc's votes in this House have made it clear that they do not care about victims' rights. Yesterday afternoon, the Bloc leader made his indifference towards victims of serious crime very clear.

Speaking with reporters on May 11, the Bloc leader said that, “with sexual assault, for example, it can be very important, or much less so when committed by a young person.”

How can a party leader say such things and trivialize a crime as violent as sexual assault against women or children? How can the Bloc leader try to reason that a sex crime is less serious if the offender is young?

It is clear that the Bloc leader does not support Quebec women and children who have been the victims of sexual assault.

New Book on SovereigntyStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Bloc

Nicolas Dufour Bloc Repentigny, QC

Mr. Speaker, today I want to acknowledge the release of the book Souveraineté: nouvelle génération by the Forum jeunesse du Bloc québécois. Twenty years after the failure of the Meech Lake accord, young people throughout Quebec have expressed what sovereignty means to them. These young people between the ages of 16 and 30 represent the passion and creativity of my generation.

Once again, I am proud to recognize the maturity of the new generation of Quebec separatists, who defend Quebec's independence with talent and rigour. With this book, these young Quebeckers are clearly showing that the next generation of separatists is alive and well.

It is often said that the culture of a people is expressed through its youth. The nation of Quebec can be proud of this group of young people who, through their words, are contributing to making Quebec a country.

On behalf of myself and all the hon. members from the Bloc Québécois, I want to express my heartfelt congratulations to those who contributed to the book Souveraineté: nouvelle génération, and I encourage them to continue their activism.

EthicsStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Liberal

Jean-Claude D'Amours Liberal Madawaska—Restigouche, NB

Mr. Speaker, over a month ago now, the Prime Minister informed Canadians that he had tossed the status of women minister out of cabinet and the Conservative caucus.

He also asked the RCMP and the Ethics Commissioner to investigate. One month later, Canadians still do not know why.

A lot has happened since then, but we still do not know the nature of these allegations, deemed so serious that the Prime Minister needed to call in the RCMP on a sitting cabinet minister for the first time since the days of Brian Mulroney.

It was not enough that the minister violated security regulations in an airport or that members of her staff passed themselves off as members of the public and wrote letters in support of her, or that her husband was making deals and conducting personal business in her office. All this time, the Prime Minister kept telling us that she was doing very good work.

Then overnight, he called in the RCMP. These are questions that have to do with the integrity of the government. It is time to end the culture of deceit. The question is simple: When will the government come clean with Canadians?

Eliminating Pardons for Serious CrimesStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Conservative

Cathy McLeod Conservative Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo, BC

Mr. Speaker, yesterday the eliminating pardons for serious crimes bill was introduced in the House. Already this important piece of legislation is receiving overwhelming support from Canadians and victims' advocates.

Sheldon Kennedy said that the whole process was “about finding a balance and being able to switch the roles of victims not being the ones that are punished. This has been put together, yes, quickly but with a lot of thought”.

This is what Theo Fleury had to say, “I think it's just important that we've taken a step that probably needed to happen a long time ago”.

Canadians want a justice system that puts the rights of victims and law-abiding citizens ahead of the rights of criminals. Our government is taking action, and we call on the opposition to support speedy passage of this urgently needed legislation at all stages.

Offshore DrillingOral Questions

2:15 p.m.

Liberal

Geoff Regan Liberal Halifax West, NS

Mr. Speaker, for days the government has hidden behind PMO talking points when asked to produce an environmental disaster plan for drilling in highly sensitive areas like the Beaufort Sea. In fact, last December it handed over responsibility for safety and environmental protection to the oil companies themselves.

Why is the government hiding the fact that it deliberately weakened our offshore drilling regulations?

Offshore DrillingOral Questions

2:15 p.m.

Mégantic—L'Érable Québec

Conservative

Christian Paradis ConservativeMinister of Natural Resources

Mr. Speaker, nothing could be further from the truth. The health and safety of Canadians remains the Government of Canada's top priority.

There are currently no active authorizations for drilling of any kind in the Beaufort Sea. The National Energy Board has announced that it will conduct a comprehensive review of Arctic safety and the environmental requirements for offshore drilling. This new process will be open and transparent and will include opportunities for the public to get involved.

The National Energy Board has also cancelled its written hearing on the same-season relief well capability.

Offshore DrillingOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Liberal

Geoff Regan Liberal Halifax West, NS

More PMO talking points, Mr. Speaker.

The Minister of the Environment claims to be outraged and horrified by what is happening in the Gulf of Mexico. Canadians, for their part, are outraged and horrified by this government's inability to come up with a plan to prevent such a disaster from happening off Canada's coastline. On Tuesday, the National Energy Board cancelled hearings about the requirement to drill a relief well in case of a spill in Arctic waters.

Why does the government not care about this?

Offshore DrillingOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Mégantic—L'Érable Québec

Conservative

Christian Paradis ConservativeMinister of Natural Resources

Mr. Speaker, how can that party be credible? The Liberal leader said the opposite of what is in that party's press release.

Just to be clear, we are talking about an independent body, the National Energy Board, that reviews all of the regulations that apply to oceans. In the Beaufort Sea, the general rules do not allow drilling permits to be issued. In addition, there will be an open and transparent process for the public. I want to make it clear that the board will hold any necessary hearings. Let us have no more of their foolish politicizing.

Offshore DrillingOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Liberal

Geoff Regan Liberal Halifax West, NS

Mr. Speaker, one thing is clear. The Conservative government has been grossly negligent in its lack of preparation in the event of an Arctic oil spill. It is even forging ahead with plans for oil exploration in Lancaster Sound mere months after taking steps to declare it a national marine conservation area.

Apparently the Conservatives have no idea that there is no technology to clean up an oil spill under the ice. They have no policy on relief well capacity either.

Why has the government been so negligent when it comes to protecting our offshore and our environment?

Offshore DrillingOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Calgary Centre-North Alberta

Conservative

Jim Prentice ConservativeMinister of the Environment

Mr. Speaker, let me explain what is preposterous.

First, the facts are clear. There have been no licenses issued for drilling of deep wells in the Beaufort Sea. In contrast, the Liberals yesterday issued a press release calling for a moratorium. Then their leader went on national television and said, “Well, maybe a moratorium, but not necessarily”.

Perhaps what we need is a moratorium on disorganization on the part of the Liberals.

Offshore DrillingOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Liberal

Ujjal Dosanjh Liberal Vancouver South, BC

Mr. Speaker, for us on the west coast the Exxon Valdez was a devastating experience. We now see an environmental catastrophe happening in the Gulf of Mexico.

That is why the 1972 moratorium on offshore drilling and a tanker ban on the west coast, imposed by Pierre Trudeau, are so important for the west coast of Canada.

Does the government support the 1972 Trudeau moratorium on offshore drilling and the tanker ban on the west coast, yes or no?

Offshore DrillingOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Ottawa West—Nepean Ontario

Conservative

John Baird ConservativeMinister of Transport

Mr. Speaker, let me be very direct with our friend from British Columbia. The government has no plans to reopen the 1988 exclusion zone that is in place for tankers travelling between Alaska and Washington state. Under this long-standing agreement, U.S. tanker ships are not allowed within 25 to 30 miles of the B.C. coast.

We support that. That is something that is tremendously important not just for people in British Columbia, but for all Canadians.