Mario Silva

[Health, November 22nd, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Health.

I know that he made an announcement about hepatitis C today that would be of great interest to members of the House. Could the minister please inform the members here as to the government's intention with respect to Canadians infected with hepatitis C through the blood system?

[Human Resources and Skills Development Act, November 22nd, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, the member for York—Simcoe spoke at length about his displeasure with HRDC. We have now a split in the department. Could the member elaborate further if he is opposed to the present situation? What would his party support and what would be his party's solution to HRDC?

[Supply, November 18th, 2004]

Madam Speaker, I would like to congratulate the member for Winnipeg Centre for bringing this important issue forward in the House.

Banning trans fats would save lives. There is a huge correlation between trans fats and obesity and heart disease. We need to do everything possible in the House to ensure that we either eliminate or reduce trans fat intake. Canada has a huge obesity problem. Children are more obese than ever before. It is no wonder when we have situations such as high levels of trans fat in baby food.

As a society we need to ensure that we do everything possible to make health a priority. We cannot just invest in health without also looking at other factors that cause obesity and heart disease. Trans fats is one of them.

Could the hon. member share with the House some examples of what Denmark is doing?

[Supply, November 16th, 2004]

Mr. Chair, I am pleased to have this opportunity to speak about the government program that means a great deal to many Canadians and is very important to Canadian society: the multiculturalism program.

Canada is known around the world as a land where people of many cultures and backgrounds live together in harmony. Canadians claim more than 200 ethnic backgrounds. Our largest cities rank among the most multicultural on the globe. Nearly 50% of the citizens in the city of Toronto were born outside of Canada. In my riding of Davenport, over 50% of the people were born outside the country.

I take great pleasure in knowing as of last week that this particular House is also unique, with many members born outside of this country. Last week I had the opportunity to find out that one of our members, the member for Charleswood St. James—Assiniboia, was actually born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. That is a great example of the multiculturalism of this country.

At a time when religious and racial tensions are wreaking havoc in various regions around the world, we live to a great extent in peace and harmony.

Immigration has now outpaced the natural birthrate and accounts for 52% of the overall population growth. This is what it should be. As is well known, we need immigrants to fill our future labour needs.

Canada has always been characterized by a diverse ethno-racial, ethnocultural, religious and linguistic heritage. The first people of Canada, as we all know, are not homogenous groups but rather many nations, each rooted in their own traditions, languages and practices.

Through the centuries there came the French and the English and wave upon wave of immigrants from every point of the globe, who created the multicultural Canada we enjoy today.

In recognition of who we are as Canadians, a unique multicultural mix within a bilingual society, the Government of Canada, led by Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, made a formal commitment to multiculturalism in 1971 with the introduction of the world's first national multicultural policy.

In partnership with other departments of government, with institutions such as the police forces and other services, and with citizens' groups and individuals, the multiculturalism program works to maintain and build upon our strong and cohesive society.

The fact remains that we have a strong legal framework. The fact also remains that the constitutional measures and the legislation we have are not enough to assure equal opportunity in a diverse society. To contribute fully and to achieve this full potential, all peoples must have a voice in society.

In some cases this requires programs to help equip communities, organizations and individuals with the skills and tools they need to advance their interests. Therefore, the priorities of multicultural programs are to combat racism and discrimination, promote cross-cultural understanding and a sense of shared citizenship, and help ensure that Canadian institutions and Canadian workplaces are representative of the face of Canadian society.

The multiculturalism program provides direct support to organizations and communities to carry out these priorities. It also has a close involvement in initiatives that enrich our culture, such as Black History Month, Asian Heritage Month and Canadian Multiculturalism Day. These commemorations serve as key focal points for a huge range of activities at the local, provincial and national levels.

In recent years the program has worked extensively with police services across the country to ensure that the cultural, social, racial, ethnic, religious and linguistic diversity of our citizens is respected.

A national-scale example is a project called the Law Enforcement Aboriginal and Diversity Network. This partnership fills an urgent need for a coordinated approach by policing agencies to better serve aboriginal and diverse ethnic, racial and religious communities.

Our approach challenges public institutions such as the police services, the education system and the health care system to ensure that they respect the cultural, social, racial, ethnic, religious and linguistic diversity of our society.

Researchers are now examining the results of the ethnic diversity survey, a partnership between the multiculturalism program and Statistics Canada. This groundbreaking survey is helping us recognize as never before trends and issues related to Canada's diverse populace.

The program also works hard to encourage federal departments to be a model in the hiring, retention and promotion of employees of all backgrounds. Through its national racism “Stop It!” campaign every March, it is getting the message out among young people that discrimination and racism are unacceptable.

There are many more programs too numerous to list right now, but I have tried to give a cross-section of them to present a picture of the depth and breadth of the work of the multiculturalism program.

Canadians treasure our reputation as a country where individuals are respected, but like everything of value, our Canadian models of multiculturalism must be fostered if Canadian society is to mature and thrive. Multiculturalism fosters the values of understanding and respect, encourages a common sense of identity and ensures the right to full social, political and economic access for all Canadians.

Ethnocultural groups are encouraged to nurture and preserve their traditions with our goal being not assimilation but integration, based on the celebration of and the respect for differences.

Operating within the context of two official languages and recognizing the special identity of the first nations people, multiculturalism is grounded in civility and mutual respect, values which as Canadians we all proudly share.

In a country where 13% of the population is made up visible minorities, our diversity is the hallmark of the Canadian identity. It is a source of economic and social strength and it is a success story. Pierre Trudeau once said:

A policy of multiculturalism within a bilingual framework is basically the conscious support of individual freedom of choice. We are free to be ourselves. But this cannot be left to chance. It must be fostered and pursued actively. If freedom of choice is in danger for some ethnic groups, it is in danger for all.

That is the work of all Canadians. It is also the work of the multiculturalism program. It is a program that respects in many ways the voices and interests of ethno-racial and ethnocultural groups within the federal government.

How successful is multiculturalism? It is one of those things that we perhaps tend to take for granted, but it received an important endorsement from the United Nations last summer when its latest human development index was released. The accompanying report suggests that multiculturalism is the key to building a free and equitable society and credits Canada as being the first country in the world to have a formal multicultural policy. The report also provides the best practices that governments should undertake to achieve cultural liberty in their societies.

Many of the types of policies, programs and services recommended are already being provided to Canadians through Canada's multiculturalism policy and programs, but like all societies the Canadian society is a work in progress. Despite our best efforts, some Canadians do face discrimination and hate. We have yet to eradicate racism. We all know it exists, yet we must all remain committed to stamping it out.

Therefore, I would like to ask the minister responsible for multiculturalism what he plans to do to combat racism. Is the status quo good enough or does he plan to do more?

[Health, November 16th, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, diabetes, including type 1 diabetes, is a disease that affects hundreds of thousands of Canadians. The Department of Health needs to support research and education programs which will meet the serious needs of those affected by this difficult illness.

Could the Minister of Health reassure the people about the government's continued commitment to this important matter?

[International Interests in Mobile Equipment (aircraft equipment) Act, November 15th, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to stand before the House today to support Bill C-4, legislation that seeks to implement the convention on international interests in mobile equipment and the protocol to the convention on international interests in mobile equipment on matters specific to aircraft equipment.

Canada played a leading role in the negotiation and development of the Cape Town convention and protocol. This active involvement highlights Canada's commitment to seek global solutions to global problems in cooperation with the rest of international community. In fact, it was a Canadian delegate to the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law, or UNIDROIT, who first proposed the establishment of an international registry for security interests in aircraft in 1988.

Implementation of the convention and protocol in Canada would reaffirm Canada's leadership role in international civil aviation. The convention and protocol represent an unparalleled example of cooperation between governments and industry in creating international regime. Representatives of the Canadian aviation industry were present and participated in many of the meetings leading up to the diplomatic conference at Cape Town, as well as the meeting that formally adopted these international instruments. The convention and protocol were concluded in Cape Town, South Africa, in November 2001.

I believe we all agree that a strong, competitive aviation industry is important for Canada's economy today and into the 21st century. Furthermore, it is widely recognized that this sector has faced significant challenges over the past few years.

The aviation sector is particularly vulnerable to economic shocks and other geopolitical events. September 11, SARS and record high fuel prices have all had negative effects on this sector. Industry stakeholders have been calling on the Government of Canada to implement broad measures to help improve the difficult situations facing the airline industry and aerospace sectors.

These stakeholders have been continuously consulted throughout the process leading up to the tabling of this bill and they remain supportive. Indeed, on November 2, 2004, representatives of certain air industry stakeholders, Air Canada, the law firm of Cassels, Brock, and the Air Transport Association of Canada, were called as witnesses by the Standing Committee on Transport. The witnesses made a joint representation in strong support of the international treaty and the intent of Bill C-4.

Passing the bill and ratifying the convention and protocol will demonstrate the government's commitment to and support of the long term viability of Canada's airline and aerospace industry. Adopting Bill C-4 will allow these industries to compete more effectively in the global economy by facilitating their access to capital markets. Improving the competitiveness of the Canadian airline and aerospace sector will help maintain highly paid, specialized jobs in Canada, leading to positive spinoff effects in all regions of Canada and throughout the economy.

Stakeholders expect to see substantial benefits following the adoption of this proposed legislation and Canada's ratification of the convention and protocol. For example, airlines expect that the new regime will enhance their ability to obtain financing for aircraft due to the increased security that the system offers creditors.

Since the rules provided for in the convention, the protocol and this bill reduce their financial risks, it is expected that creditors will make greater levels of credit available at lesser cost. This will have a direct financial impact on airlines since it will reduce their costs of borrowing money.

Consumers can, in turn, be expected to benefit through increased airline services and/or lower fares assuming that airlines pass the realized cost savings to the end users.

Aircraft manufacturers should benefit from the increased sales volumes that will result from reduced financing costs. Furthermore, air transportation can become safer and environmentally cleaner once airlines are allowed to purchase more modern aircraft at reduced costs.

Not only Canada would benefit from the adoption of this treaty, but so would developing nations. The implementation of the convention and protocol in developing countries will result in reduced financial costs and will make financing available where it might not otherwise be. As a result of the increased certainty afforded to creditors, airlines will be more willing to dispose of surplus aircraft in developing markets. These markets will benefit from obtaining safer, more efficient and more environmentally friendly aircraft than what may be in current use.

For a country like Canada, the convention contains a few major innovations. However it will provide other countries with a considerable measure of legal improvements that may well assist in them getting the most out of their economies, while at the same time providing enhanced opportunities for Canadian business.

The first major feature of the convention and protocol, which is what will help increase certainty in the industry, is a provision for a special remedy in the case of insolvency that would impose a fixed stay period of 60 days. After this period, creditors could reclaim an aircraft or aircraft equipment on which they have a security if the lessee has failed to meet its obligations under the lease.

The second major feature of the convention and protocol involves the creation of a worldwide Internet based registry for aircraft equipment. This registry would be available to and accessible by any individual or company 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The existence of a single worldwide electronic international registry for recording and searching interests in aircraft equipment is viewed by stakeholders, including the legal community, manufacturers and financiers, as a considerable advantage in terms of time, cost savings and improved certainty.

The registry will be set up and operated by Aviareto, an Irish based company that was selected through a tendering process supervised by the International Civil Aviation Organization, ICAO. A permanent supervisory authority will oversee the operation of the registry.

Some of the authority's responsibilities will include: appointing and dismissing the registry operator; making regulations dealing with the operation of the registry; establishing a procedure for receiving complaints; setting the fee structure; and reporting to contracting states.

As a signatory party and key participant to date, Canada will continue to work through ICAO to ensure that Canadian interests are protected throughout this process.

In summary, the benefits to Canada of implementing the bill and ratifying the convention and protocol include: greater security for creditors; increased competitiveness of the Canadian aerospace and airline industries; maintaining jobs in Canada; and spinoff effects for various regions within Canada.

As the House can see, adopting Bill C-4 will have positive effects on the aviation industry and on the Canadian economy as a whole.

[The Environment, November 4th, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, many visitors to Toronto who travel along the waterfront will see the city's first wind turbine prominently situated on the grounds of Exhibition Place.

As chair of Exhibition Place, I was pleased to be instrumental in the construction of this wind turbine. Now, as the member for Davenport, I am pleased to support the government's commitment to wind power, one of the most promising sources of renewable energy.

Through the wind power production program, the government is demonstrating its resolve to ensure that Canada becomes a world leader in the area of wind energy.

On November 1 the Minister of the Environment confirmed his commitment to the development of renewable energy sources. The government is committed to quadruple the size of the wind production program.

Wind power is one of the most promising renewable energy technologies. It is indeed a noble goal that the government has adopted to make Canada a world leader in this area.

[Tlicho Land Claims and Self-Government Act, October 29th, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, this treatment is all about respect. It is about respect for aboriginal people and it is about economic development, as was stated before. It is about giving them dignity and a sense of pride in ownership and taking matters into their own hands. That is what we are trying to create here. The legislation is about economic development. When we give different groups the ability to manage their own affairs, they can do a better job in doing so.

We are very much in agreement with the legislation. We are very proud of the discussions that have taken place over the many years to have agreements with aboriginal people. I am proud to support, along with all my colleagues in the House, Bill C-14.

[Tlicho Land Claims and Self-Government Act, October 29th, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, I fully support Bill C-14, the Tlicho land claims and self-government act, legislation that will enact the Tlicho agreement. I believe that this agreement serves as an important milestone in the evolving relationship between Canada and the aboriginal people.

It is true that there are gaps that separate first nations, Inuit, Metis and northerners from other Canadians, such as health and economic opportunity. We must do more to ensure that Canada's prosperity is shared by Canada's aboriginal people. The situation has begun to improve.

Private companies are partners with first nations, Inuit, Metis and northerners in some of the largest economic development projects in the country. The Government of Canada negotiated land claims and self-government agreements that enable aboriginal groups to fulfill their potential.

Bill C-14 is a case in point. This legislation will provide the Tlicho with access to resources, legal status, and the governance mechanisms it needs to develop socially, economically and culturally.

While my esteemed colleagues have addressed various aspects of Bill C-14 and the Tlicho agreement, I will focus my comments on the bill's effects on entrepreneurship. Its fostering of entrepreneurship is key to the economic and social development of all communities, aboriginal and non-aboriginal alike.

Unfortunately, for many years the entrepreneurial spirit has not supported the aboriginal communities. Isolated from the mainstream economy and with limited access to resources, many of these communities had little choice but to rely on the public purse.

Today, however, the situation has improved dramatically. Land claims and self-government agreements enable aboriginal communities to access the resources needed to prosper. Training programs ensure that young people can acquire the skills they need to succeed and venture capital funds enable entrepreneurships to access the money needed to explore emerging opportunities.

Bill C-14 will support this entrepreneurial spirit among the Tlicho in numerous ways. The bill clarifies the ownership of land and resources, giving the Tlicho people more tools to foster economic development in their traditional territory.

In addition, the Tlicho will receive more than $150 million paid out over a period of 14 years. These payments will enable the Tlicho to support the growing number of band owned businesses.

I understand, for instance, that the Tlicho are investigating the possibility of hiring aboriginal artists to create unique jewellery using diamonds from the mines in the Northwest Territories. Such an undertaking requires substantial venture capital and may not yield a profit for several years. Once Bill C-14 is proclaimed, the Tlicho will be better positioned to assume the risk and invest the capital.

As members are aware, the Tlicho people have already demonstrated remarkable business acumen. They have negotiated and maintained agreements for two large diamond mines in the region. Under these agreements the Tlicho receive access to jobs, training opportunities and scholarship investments.

When the Tlicho people secured these agreements, they recognized that they would benefit only for as long as the diamond mines operated. To derive long term benefits from short term projects the Tlicho co-founded a company with ATCO Frontec, a private business with a history of successful aboriginal partnerships.

The joint owned company, Tli Cho Logistics, provides service to northern mining projects. Initially, the Tli Cho Logistics company employed Tlicho people as unskilled labours. ATCO Frontec hired others to staff administrative and managerial positions. Over a period of several years however ATCO Frontec will train Tlicho staff for these skilled positions. Eventually, the Tlicho, who own 51% of Tli Cho Logistics, will assume control over the company.

This agreement ensures that when the diamond mines close, the Tlicho will have the expertise and experience needed to develop or bid on projects in other sectors, such as hydro electric, oil, gas and tourism.

The partnerships benefit everyone. ATCO Frontec establishes a thriving company that generates profits for its shareholders. The Tlicho acquire expertise and Canada gains another enterprise that contributes to the economy.

There can be little doubt that negotiated settlements, such as the Tlicho agreement have a significant and positive impact on the economy, but do not take my word for it. Consider a recent report by the respected accounting firm of Grant Thornton. The report analyzed the economic impact of negotiated settlements in British Columbia and stated that treaties deliver “a large net positive financial and economic benefit for British Columbia”.

A second study describes the importance of negotiated settlements from a different perspective. The B.C. Treaty Commission surveyed 141 companies, including 118 that are headquartered in British Columbia. One in four respondents said that companies had plans to invest in the province within the next five years if a significant number of land claims were settled.

Let us consider for a moment the ramifications that these findings have for Canada's economic policy. It is increasingly clear that negotiated settlements have substantial impacts well beyond the community level.

Today, first nations, Inuit, Métis and northerners are involved in every sector of the economy. Some of the largest projects underway in Canada, diamond and nickel mines and oil sands, were made possible only because of agreements negotiated with aboriginal communities. The economic benefits of these projects ripple throughout the economy.

In this context, it should come as no surprise that first nations, Inuit, Métis and northerners' issues have an increasingly prominent place in the business of the House. After all, there is only one economy and the more aboriginal people participate and contribute to the economy, the better all Canadians will be.

The Prime Minister recognizes the numerous obstacles that hamper the ability of first nations, Inuit, Métis and northerners to participate in the economy. To remove these obstacles and promote greater cooperation among the various departments and agencies with aboriginal people, the Prime Minister restructured the upper echelons of government. Today there is a parliamentary secretary, a privy council office, a secretariat, and a cabinet committee, all devoted to aboriginal affairs.

Other recent actions demonstrate the government's intention to follow through on its commitment to aboriginal people. In the Speech from the Throne the government outlined a strategy to address aboriginal education, governance, housing and health care. The strategy calls for the removal of impediments to economic development for first nations, Inuit, Métis and northern communities. It targets improvements in health care, physical infrastructure and training programs. It aims to facilitate access to tools and mechanisms needed to foster self-sufficiency and sustainability at the community level.

The strategy recognizes that quality of life is about much more than economic levels and access to social services. Quality of life is also about the strength of community bonds. It is about the links between young and old, rich and poor, citizens and governments.

Bill C-14 also recognizes these truths and will put the Tlicho people firmly in a position to enhance the quality of life of its citizens. Decisions on local issues, such as land use, culture and education, will be made by the people most familiar and most affected by these matters.

I am convinced that Bill C-14 would enable the Tlicho to safeguard their culture and increase their contribution to the economy. I urge my hon. colleagues to lend their support to this important legislation.

[Economic Development, October 29th, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of State for the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario.

On Monday the government announced $10 million in funding to eastern Ontario through the eastern Ontario development fund. It appears there is some confusion among members of the opposition as to how this fund works.

Could the minister of state set the record straight on this announcement and tell the House how the funding will benefit the citizens of eastern rural Ontario?