Gurbax Malhi

[Guru Nanak Dev Ji, November 7th, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, today is the 526th birthday of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first Guru of the Sikh religion.

Guru Nanak evolved a completely new faith. He presented to the people his vision of an ideal faith of spiritual deliverance, human equality and justice.

The basic ethical beliefs that Sikhism holds dearly are democracy, non-violence, peace, religious identity, family life, hard work, advancement and human rights. Sikhism teaches truthful living with emphasis on selfless service, tolerance, compassion, love, contentment, humility, equality, humbleness and well-being for all.

The goal of a Sikh is not only a spiritual uplift of the individual through selfless service but the advancement of all humanity.

[National Horse Of Canada Act, October 24th, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to rise today to speak in favour of Bill C-329, an act to provide for the recognition of the Canadian horse as the national horse of Canada.

Since their introduction into Canada in 1665, the "little iron horses" have served Canadians well. Not only were they used for driving and riding but they were also used for clearing land, cultivating and hauling. They may have begun their lives as pampered pets in the royal stables of King Louis XIV but once they were shipped to Canada they had to earn their keep.

The early history of the Canadian horse in some ways resembles that of the colonists themselves. In her pictorial history of the Canadian horse, Gladys Mackey Beattie notes that due to natural selection, only the strongest managed to survive. The conditions under which they had to exist gave them endurance found in no other breed.

Over time the horses became smaller in size than the original imports, but they were much more hardy, could thrive on meagre rations, trot tirelessly through mud or snow by day or night, matured at an early age and were long lived as well. Many stories are told of the strength and stamina of the little horses who could eat less but do more work than other horses almost twice their weight, and they could run. The record books of the 1800s are full of references to record times of the pacers and trotters descended from Canadian horses.

The historian, Faillon, described the horse as "small but robust, hocks of steel, thick mane floating in the wind, bright and lively eyes, pricking sensitive ears at the least noise, going along day or night with the same courage, wide awake beneath its harness, spirited, good, gentle, affectionate, following his road with finest instinct to come surely to his own stable". What fitting attributes for a national symbol.

There is also another reason to recognize this uniquely Canadian breed as our national horse, that is its need for protection and encouragement. Throughout history, despite its strength and stamina and sometimes because of it, this little horse has often been in real danger of extinction. After 1670, the last year that horses were shipped to Canada as gifts to nobility, the 40-odd horses in New France multiplied. Their numbers reached 5,200 by 1720 and 12,000 by 1760. However when the British captured Quebec in 1759 the fortunes of the Canadian horse began to decline. British immigrants brought their own horses and bred them to the durable little Canadians, depleting the purebred stock.

Many French Canadians packed up and moved away to Manitoba or the United States, taking their horses prized for their cross breeding qualities with them. From 1861 to 1865 thousands of Canadian horses were shipped to the U.S. to be used as cavalry mounts and pack horses during the American civil war. A great many died in the war and those that survived never returned to Canada.

By the end of the 19th century only a small number of pure blooded Canadian horses were left. Despite breeding programs only 383 registered Canadian horses were on record as of 1976, and the future of the breed seemed pretty dark. Since the late 1970s determined Canadian horse lovers and breeders who believe it is a perfect all-purpose family horse have increased the numbers to the point where the breed is no longer in danger of disappearing.

As gentle, relaxed and intelligent as they are, some breeders believe they will be in greater and greater demand for tourist activities from endurance trail rides to pulling visitors through the narrow streets of our oldest cities.

However until now the horse that can "do everything but dance" has certainly not received the recognition and honour it deserves. The little iron horse was an integral part of the lives of Canadians more than 300 years ago, working alongside our first colonists and doubling as carriage horses for the family and race horses on Sundays and holidays.

All in all it is what J. G. Rutherford, federal veterinary director and livestock commissioner, reportedly testified before a parliamentary committee in 1909 when he said that it was "the best general purpose horse raised in Canada".

It is high time we recognize it as Canada's official national horse and I thank my hon. colleague from Lanark-Carleton for bringing it to the attention of the House.

[Health Care, October 23rd, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, the health care system is a source of great pride for Canadians all across the country. It is an important component of our nation's identity. The constituents of Bramalea-Gore-Malton and indeed all Canadians are worried that their health care benefits may be reduced or eliminated.

Will the health minister assure Canadians that the basic principles of the health care system will never be abandoned by this government?

[Endangered And Threatened Species Act, October 18th, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today in support of Bill C-275, an act respecting the protection and rehabilitation of endangered and threatened species proposed by my hon. colleague, the member for Davenport.

The protection of endangered flora and fauna must be a matter which concerns us all. Extinction is forever. When a species becomes extinct, it is a loss for both the world and for Canada. Anyone who cares about maintaining healthy ecosystems for future generations must by extension care about endangered species.

In Canada, known throughout the world for the richness of our wilderness areas, the preservation of our animals, birds and plant life is akin to the preservation of our national identity. We have a tendency to think that species extinction is someone else's problem. However, the truth is that since the arrival of Europeans,

at least eight of our distinct animal species and at least one population of caribou have become extinct.

More than 105 species, subspecies or populations of plants and animals are listed as threatened or endangered and more than 111 are considered vulnerable. It is our problem too. We can count ourselves very fortunate to have not only the hon. member for Davenport working on the problem but also the Minister of the Environment.

In the modern world, species extinction is alarming not because it happens but because of why it happens and the rate at which it happens. In the days of the dinosaurs species disappeared at the rate of roughly one every thousand years. By the Middle Ages extinction rates began to accelerate rapidly because of increasing human intervention in the environment. Between 1600 and 1900, as human beings learned to kill more and more efficiently, species were lost at a rate of one every four years. In the years between 1900 and 1975 the disappearance rate climbed to about one species per year. Today biologists estimate human beings destroy from one to three species per day. Some predict that by the end of the century the rate will have accelerated to one per hour and that up to 15 per cent of all species now on earth will be gone.

Protecting the species that are threatened today entails far more than merely restricting hunting and trapping. In our modern, industrialized world habitat destruction and environmental contamination are the most hazardous perils to our endangered species.

Each of them is far more deadly and more subtle than the gun or trap and far more difficult to control. Canada's wildlife habitats are vanishing very quickly.

Millions of hectares of marshes, swamps and other wetlands which are extremely important for waterfowl and as breeding grounds for fish have already been destroyed.

In the interests of what we thought was progress they have been drained or filled in for highways, airports, housing and industrial complexes. They have been absorbed by expanding farmlands and flooded behind large power dams. Forests have been cleared and grasslands have been fenced off, ploughed under or paved over.

Too many of Canada's wetlands have already been lost. Up to 71 per cent of prairie wetlands have been degraded by agricultural practices. In southern Ontario over 70 per cent of wetlands have been lost. The problem of wetlands is particularly serious. A dramatic decline in the waterfowl population is taking place.

Canada's modern lifestyle with its heavy dependence on industrial, household and agricultural chemicals also poses a serious risk to endangered species. Modern society puts species in jeopardy in many ways. Acid rain can kill pond and other aquatic life and has a negative effect on soils and forest growth. Unless it is stopped it is quite possible acid precipitation will begin to take a toll on endangered species.

Some wildlife biologists already believe that acid rain is at least a partial culprit in the population declines of some species of waterfowl and amphibians.

Although the environment minister has proposed draft legislation in this field, it is important to note Canada does not yet have a national endangered species act. Legislation is in force in only four provinces.

Unfortunately endangered animals, birds and plants do not recognize provincial or even international boundaries. For this reason it is imperative that Canada have a federal presence in this area.

In terms of our international commitments Canada must have clear, strong legislation protecting and rehabilitating our endangered and threatened species.

As my hon. friend said before, Canada's responsibility goes back to the UN Conference on Sustainable Development and the Environment in Rio in 1992. Canada was among if not the first nation to sign the convention on biodiversity when delegates of some 150 nations arrived at a consensus on what needs to be done. We can be proud of this but we can be even more proud once we have adopted strong legislation backing up our commitment.

I thank the hon. member for Davenport for his unflagging devotion to the cause of protecting our vulnerable wildlife. I also commend both the member and the Minister of the Environment for joining forces to ensure that strong law protecting threatened species and their habitats becomes a reality.

[Quebec Referendum, October 18th, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, Canada is consistently rated as one of the best nations in the world in which to live. The United Nations ranked us number one twice in the last three years. A recent private sector ranking of cities around the world ranked four Canadian cities in the top twelve.

All around the globe are people who yearn for the rights and freedoms, not to mention the peace and personal security, we enjoy as Canadians. We are incredibly fortunate to live in a country founded on the principles of freedom and democracy.

As an immigrant to this great country I find it hard to believe anyone, let alone descendants of the first Fathers of Confederation, would ever consider leaving it.

Quebecers should take a good hard look at the state of other countries around the world before they decide to separate from this one.

[Underground Economy, October 5th, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, I will make a few comments in support of Motion No. 382, sponsored by the member for Mississauga South.

We as as government are asking people to make significant sacrifices in the name of deficit reduction. I believe most Canadians understand the seriousness of the situation and are prepared to make these sacrifices.

While they may grumble about taxation, Canadians in general are quite prepared to contribute a fair portion of their income in return for the services they want. They have made it very clear the services they want include medical care, solid infrastructure and transportation systems, safe communities and income security for all Canadians.

However, I also believe they are fed up with seeing their hard earned money wasted over the years in ways they never counted on. They want us to spend their money the same way they spend it, carefully, thoughtfully, with due consideration of what it took to earn the money in the first place. That expectation is fair because after all it is their money.

The public is watching us very closely. When it hears of lavish spending or wasted funds at any level of government, federal, provincial or municipal, its confidence in all governments is eroded.

We as a government recognized this right from the start and have taken many steps to ensure that taxpayers get their money's worth. This is extremely important and I urge all members to keep up their vigilance in this area.

When people see government as a black hole, sucking their money in and giving nothing back, they tend to wonder why they should pay tax on that kitchen renovation or that load of gravel.

For many individuals and businesses participating in the underground economy it has become a convenient way not only to avoid paying taxes but to take some small action against what they see as governments they do not trust placing unfair burdens on them.

They may feel their financial situation justifies their actions. It may be several years since their last pay raise or even their last regular pay cheque. They may have lost their previous job because of government cutbacks or downsizing. They may feel the tax system is too complex or unfair.

Whatever the reason, it is of paramount importance they come to understand the damage they are doing to the economy of the country and ultimately to themselves. Estimates on the size of the underground economy vary widely depending on the methodology used from $20 billion to $140 billion a year.

Even if one were to assume the lower figure is more correct, that is still $20 billion not available to governments to provide necessary services for their taxpayers.

Underground economic activity creates unfair competition for honest businesses, jobs are lost and honest taxpayers are forced to pay more than their fair share of taxes, and once again they feel cheated. It is a vicious cycle and people must understand the underground economy makes victims of us all.

We in the House as well as all Canadians must consider the real cost of underground economic activity. This cost is huge. It shows up in reduced essential services, taxes that are higher than they would otherwise be, unfair competition and a reduced standard of living for the honest taxpayer.

How does the underground economy affect the legitimate business person trying to be competitive? Right from the start honest business people are at a competitive disadvantage because they cannot offer a customer the same deal offered by someone who will do the work but not collect the taxes. The end result is that the legitimate business person faces unfair competition and jobs are lost.

The consumer who takes the lower price and pays cash must understand that he or she is cheating the system and becoming party to the evasion of taxes. They must come to understand they are benefiting from the full range of government services but that by engaging in the underground economy they are no longer paying their fair share. They are taking part in a transaction that

jeopardizes our health, education and other essential economic and social services.

The motion before the House suggests the government educate the public and encourage its participation in addressing the problem. I support the suggestion wholeheartedly. Canadians need to know the facts about the seriousness of the underground economy and what can be done to reduce it.

The government has recognized this essential truth and has made education a fundamental element of its action plan to address the underground economy.

During the past year officials of Revenue Canada have been actively consulting with individuals and associations across Canada.

With the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants, for example, the department established a working committee to investigate the causes of the underground economy, examine audit techniques and identify training that would assist in tracking down unreported or under reported income and identify opportunities for reducing the cost and administrative burden of compliance for businesses and individuals.

These groups are taking the message of the risks of dealing in the underground economy back to their membership. The message is simple: Every citizen and every business has a role to play in eliminating the underground economy. Individuals can start by refusing to deal with businesses and tradespeople who ask for cash payments. Businesses can do their part by turning down demands to do work off the books.

The increased publicity given this problem by the minister of National Revenue is having an effect. The number of voluntary disclosures where people come forward to voluntarily correct their tax affairs has doubled in the past year. The member's suggestion that a limited amnesty on interest and penalties be offered to taxpayers who voluntarily declare income previously undeclared is a good one and will result in even more honest Canadians coming forward.

I am confident that we are making progress in dealing with the underground economy and other forms of tax evasion. I applaud the member for Mississauga South for his efforts to stimulate discussion on the issue. I urge members of the House to carry the message back to their constituents.

We in government have recognized that we must take positive action to restore respect, trust and confidence in government and we are doing our part. I urge members to talk to their constituents about the underground economy, its seriousness and how it can be reduced. I urge Canadians to do their part to discourage this harmful activity.

[Aids, September 28th, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, AIDS is a problem we must all address. It has significant implications for public health, human rights, and impacts on our economy and our health and social service systems.

Our government recognizes the tragic nature of the disease and has allocated $203.5 million over the next five years for education and prevention initiatives, for research and monitoring, and to help people living with this disease. The people directly involved know that even this generous support will not be enough.

On October 1, for the first time the residents of the region of Peel will join others all across the country in walking to raise money for HIV and AIDS support, education, and awareness. I am sure all the members of Parliament will join me in wishing the participants the greatest possible success.

[Quebec Referendum, September 21st, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, Canada is the best country in the world in terms of quality of life. As well, it is the second wealthiest country.

As Canadians, the people of Quebec already share in this good fortune, yet the separatists say they will give them more. What more can they mean? What is better than best?

The people of Quebec must look carefully at the promises being made. The truth is a yes victory guarantees the Quebecois nothing whatsoever; the Canadian dollar, economic and political partnership, Canadian citizenship, nothing would be guaranteed.

The people of Quebec and their forefathers shared in the hard work and vision that led to the development of this great country. They must not lose their stake in its future. Their children deserve their birthright, Canadian citizenship.

[Petitions, September 20th, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 36, I have the privilege to present on behalf of residents of my riding of Bramalea-Gore-Malton a petition signed by more than 100 citizens requesting that Parliament change the Immigration Act to allow landed immigrants to leave Canada for up to two years without having to prove that they did not intend to abandon Canada as their place of permanent residence thus losing their permanent resident status.

[Translation]

[Ways And Means, June 21st, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, I vote with the government.