Debates of March 26th, 2010

Ted Menzies Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance

Mr. Speaker, when they are talking about protecting pensions, we on this side of the House would be very interested in their position of pensions to Clifford Olson. They seem very unclear about that. They tend to protect people, to try to keep them out of jail.

Our important issue on this side of the House is protecting seniors. That is why we are actually going out across Canada, the finance minister, myself, and other members of this party, speaking to Canadians about the impact on their lives. That is consulting with Canadians.

Gary Goodyear Minister of State (Science and Technology) (Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario)

Mr. Speaker, I can tell members we have had a great announcement this morning. This government is supporting 187 newly-awarded and renewed Canada research chairs at 44 Canadian universities to the tune of $165.5 million.

This government has created historic investment in buildings and laboratories, in equipment, in research, from basic to applied and to commercialization, and now we are furthering our commitment to the people and scientists.

We are getting it done to create jobs, secure our economy and--

The Deputy Speaker Andrew Scheer

Order, the hon. member for Halifax.

Megan Leslie Halifax, NS

Mr. Speaker, the latest reports released by the United Nations Population Fund and the Alan Guttmacher Institute prove that access to birth control saves lives and reduces pressure on health care systems in developing countries. By meeting the contraceptive needs of people around the world, we can reduce the maternal mortality rate by 70%.

Will the government commit to saving lives, yes or no?

Deepak Obhrai Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs

Mr. Speaker, Canada will lead the discussion in the upcoming G8 summit on child and maternal health. We are focused on how to make a positive difference and save the lives of mothers and children in the developing world.

Megan Leslie Halifax, NS

Mr. Speaker, why is it so hard for the government to be clear? If the Prime Minister is serious about making maternal and child health Canada's signature initiative at the G8, why can he not tell Canadians exactly what he means?

Now that the UN has proven funding for contraception saves billions on health care costs and, more important, saves lives, I ask again, will the government pursue a family planning policy that will save lives? Yes or no?

Deepak Obhrai Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs

Mr. Speaker, as I stated, Canada will lead the discussion in the upcoming G8 summit on child and maternal health. We are focused on how to make a positive difference and save the lives of mothers and children in the developing world.

Mario Laframboise Argenteuil—Papineau—Mirabel, QC

Mr. Speaker, the television show Enquête reported that, while pilots and companies lied about actual flying hours, the Canadian government did nothing to prevent extreme fatigue in pilots. The government is turning a blind eye to this problem which affects the safety of passengers.

How can we believe that the government cares about air safety when it is giving itself another two years to deal with the issue?

John Baird Minister of Transport

Mr. Speaker, we follow all of the requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization. It also makes supplementary recommendations. We are working hard with representatives of industry, representatives of the pilots themselves, and officials at Transport Canada, to look at what we can do to further expand the anti-fatigue measurement.

Mario Laframboise Argenteuil—Papineau—Mirabel, QC

That is two years of insecurity nonetheless, Mr. Speaker.

The airports capital assistance program, or ACAP, will end on March 31, and there is no indication that it could be renewed. The executive director of the regional airport in Mont-Joli, Carole Duval, is particularly concerned because she would like to extend the landing strip and quickly modernize electrical installations at the Mont-Joli airport in order to reduce maintenance costs.

Will the government stop making a mystery of it, renew ACAP and enhance it to meet the needs of regional airports?

John Baird Minister of Transport

Mr. Speaker, I must tell my friend from the Bloc Québécois that the government will continue in Quebec and across Canada with this program to support municipal airports.

I appreciate the good work the Bloc critic is doing.

Frank Valeriote Guelph, ON

Mr. Speaker, our agri-retail sector is responsible for $10 billion in trade of crop inputs like fertilizer and agri-chemicals. These materials could also be used to produce explosives and methamphetamines by criminal elements.

The U.S. government has implemented a security tax credit for security upgrades at agri-retail sites in the U.S. while the Conservative government leaves our industry less competitive and Canadian sites unprotected from theft.

When will the government step up for Canadian agri-retailers and take action to keep Canadians safe?

Pierre Lemieux Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture

Mr. Speaker, I am aware of this concern as is the Minister of Agriculture. I met with the agri-retailers yesterday. They have stated their case to me. I know that they are also working with public safety. We are having a look at this matter.