Debates of Oct. 26th, 1994

Registered Retirement Savings Plans

[Janko Peric, Liberal, Cambridge, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I have received numerous letters from constituents concerned about the upcoming budget and whether they can expect to be taxed on their RRSPs.

These constituents believe that an understanding between government and Canadians has existed since the 1950s when RRSPs were first introduced. At that time the government rewarded Canadians who took responsibility for their own retirement by offering both an initial tax deduction as well as tax free accumulation.

Since then thousands of Canadians have assumed responsibility for their own retirement by taking advantage of RRSPs. They have done so in part because of strains on the Canada pension plan and old age security and their need for greater income security during retirement.

My constituents and I feel that any move on the part of the minister to change the ground rules by taxing RRSPs would be unfair and unwelcome. It is our sincere hope that the minister will listen to these concerns and not tax RRSPs.

Immigration

[Osvaldo Nunez, Bloc, Bourassa, QC]

Mr. Speaker, for several months now, the written press has reported numerous delays in the processing of immigrant files. Ever since the previous government decided to concentrate its operations in Vegreville, Alberta, there has been one problem after another.

All members of this House have been receiving legitimate complaints from their constituents with respect to Vegreville, but the minister does not seem particularly concerned about this administrative catastrophe. Furthermore, services are offered almost exclusively in English. Immigrants and visitors who have all the documents required by the act thus find themselves in an illegal situation.

When will the minister stop insisting that he wants to see his immigration policy rigorously applied, when his department is clearly no longer able to keep up with the routine requests of the immigrants it is there to serve?

Gun Control

[Ray Speaker, Reform, Lethbridge]

Mr. Speaker, I have received a petition signed by over 2,000 residents of southern Alberta.

I would like to associate myself with the prayer in the petition which reads:

Whereas there is no proven connection between gun control legislation and a decrease in the occurrence of criminal activity;

And whereas all handguns in Canada are required by law to be registered;

And whereas crimes involving the use of firearms already carry severe penalties under the Criminal Code;

And whereas criminals by definition feel no compulsion to abide by the law;

We the undersigned feel that implementing more restrictive firearms controls which will affect only law abiding citizens is an unjustifiable action and the proper course of action for responsible governments to follow is more effective prosecution and tougher sentencing of criminals.

I will be forwarding the petition to the Minister of Justice.

[The Speaker]

My colleagues, I have no problem with this kind of a statement in the House whatsoever. It is just that we do have a place for petitions themselves and you might want to consider that at a later time. I just make that comment in passing.

Cycling For A Miracle

[Anna Terrana, Liberal, Vancouver East, BC]

Mr. Speaker, I have the great honour and privilege to recognize the accomplishments of Suzanne MacLean of Vancouver. Suzanne demonstrated profound courage, remarkable strength and depth of humanity in her recent cross-Canada bicycle journey "Cycling for a Miracle".

Travelling across this vast country is always challenging, but to do so in renal failure and on peritoneal dialysis is truly unbelievable and a miracle in itself.

Suzanne set out to promote organ donation awareness and to raise money for transplant research. However, she has also instilled in us a strong sense of hope and confidence in being able to overcome traditional physical obstacles and in meeting our expectations and aspirations. She has generated tremendous public support for organ donations. The impact has already been felt; Canadians have signed their organ cards and are discussing the idea of donating.

I am proud to have had the opportunity to lend my support to Suzanne and to this worthy endeavour. Please join me in congratulating and thanking Suzanne MacLean.

Small Business Week

[Andy Mitchell, Liberal, Parry Sound—Muskoka, ON]

Mr. Speaker, October 23 to 29 is Small Business Week in Ontario. The week is sponsored by the Federal Business Development Bank in partnership with many local private and public sector organizations that promote entrepreneurship.

It is no surprise to anyone in this House that small business is critical to the Canadian economy. Eight of ten new jobs in Canada come from the small business sector. It employs 4.2 million Canadians and accounts for 37 per cent of the country's employment.

This week throughout Ontario the FBDB will be giving a series of seminars and luncheons which will promote small business, educate participants and pay tribute to the men and women who make this province successful.

We owe a debt to the small business men and women of this country who daily risk everything they have and in doing so create jobs and economic growth for Canada.

Contracting Out

[Jean-Paul Marchand, Bloc, Québec-Est, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the government is challenging the opposition to indicate where public spending could be cut. I would like to add a suggestion to the long list the Bloc Quebecois has already submitted over the past year. Yesterday, speaking before a committee, the president of the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada denounced the federal government's negligence in the management of contracting out. He presented some pretty ludicrous examples to us, including the one about public servants who retire on a Friday with generous severance benefits, and are hired as consultants the following Monday.

In order to remedy this situation, the Bloc Quebecois suggests that the government have a code governing contracting out, which would ensure transparency in the awarding of contracts and would introduce the right for public servants to denounce abuses. This is another suggestion to add to the list.

Will the federal government finally decide to straighten up its expenditures?

Israel And Jordan Peace Plan

[Bob Mills, Reform, Red Deer, AB]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the people and governments of Israel and Jordan for today's signing of the comprehensive peace deal.

For 47 years Israel and Jordan were divided by war but, to quote King Hussein, "today the two countries will close a dark chapter and open a new book of light". Since the Middle East process began several years ago, there have been many tough moments on all sides. I often wondered whether the obstacles to peace could ever be removed. Thanks to the commitment, dedication and courage of King Hussein, Prime Minister Rabin and many others, today's peace has been achieved.

Now is the time for new friends to come together to learn about each other and forge new bonds. For the children of Israel and Jordan a new and bright future is emerging, a future where they will not fight each other but will work to build prosperity for the Middle East.

On behalf of the Reform Party and all Canadians, I send best wishes, hearty congratulations and the promise of future friendship for all the people of that region.

Shirley Carr

[Gary Pillitteri, Liberal, Niagara Falls, ON]

Mr. Speaker, on October 31, the first woman in the world to head a national labour body and a long term resident of Niagara Falls will be honoured at Rideau Hall. Shirley Carr will be presented with the Governor General's award in commemoration of the Person's case.

Shirley Carr has been a leading advocate of women's rights in the workplace and a role model for women in the labour movement. As the first woman president of the Canadian Labour Congress, she championed legislation to address women's equality and concerns about health and safety in the workplace.

The awards commemorate the lengthy legal and political battle for women's constitutional right to be recognized as persons.

On behalf of my constituents of Niagara Falls, I would like to congratulate Ms. Carr on her numerous achievements and for having been chosen as this year's recipient of the Governor General's award.

Juanita Lester

[Jean Payne, Liberal, St. John's West, NL]

Mr. Speaker, it seems that we have a number of firsts by women today.

I want to congratulate Juanita Lester a constituent of St. John's West who is today being inducted into the Atlantic Agricultural Hall of Fame. She is the first woman from Newfoundland to be granted this honour.

Having been involved in the family farm business for over 40 years and being an active participant in a wide range of farm related activities, Juanita Lester has had a career featuring many achievements.

Dedicated involvement with the Provincial Farm Women's Network, the Avalon Farm Women's Association and the Newfoundland and Labrador Farm Women's Network are only a few of her accomplishments.

Ms. Lester has served on the executive of the Provincial Farm Women's Association and is past president of the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Agriculture. She is presently serving on the Women's Institute, the food and livestock and agricultural training committees.

Congratulations Juanita. I am very pleased Juanita has been given this special honour.

Small Business Week

[Paddy Torsney, Liberal, Burlington, ON]

Mr. Speaker, we are well on our way to economic recovery and leading the way are Canadian entrepreneurs. Close to 900,000 Canadian women and men who own and operate small and medium sized enterprises are celebrating Small Business Week from October 23 to 29.

This year's theme is Partnerships for Growth. The federal government must continue to support and encourage small businesses and truly become partners in breaking down the barriers.

In Burlington small businesses like Roxanne Moffat's Hillcrest Florists are the backbone of our community and ultimately of our nation. They encourage healthy competition, provide great products and service and combine innovation with expertise.

Ms. Moffat, head of our Business Women's Network and an active member of the Burlington Chamber of Commerce, is one of many Canadian women whose skill, imagination and determination have made them a success.

This weekend the contributions of many women like Ms. Moffat are being acknowledged at the 1994 Canadian Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Awards and Conference. The awards and conference help to stimulate the Canadian economy by nurturing entrepreneurial skills and encouraging small business-

[The Speaker]

The hon. member for The Battlefords-Meadow Lake.

4-H Program

[Len Taylor, NDP, The Battlefords—Meadow Lake, SK]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of one of Canada's most important youth organizations, Canada's 4-H. The history and results of the 4-H are well known to all Canadians.

Today with the future of rural Canada uncertain, the recognition of an organization dedicated to providing a quality life experience for rural youth has never been more necessary. However federal funding of 4-H remains uncertain.

Media reports that the Department of Agriculture and Agri-Food will trim its budget perhaps by as much as 40 per cent. The department's reluctance to commit itself to funding beyond the end of the current fiscal year is troubling 4-H participants across Canada.

I stand today 100 per cent behind Canada's 4-H program and its support for rural youth. In recognition of the value of these young people to the future of Canada I encourage the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and the federal government to express their immediate and ongoing commitment to the 4-H program and its supporters across Canada.

Social Program Reform

[Gilbert Fillion, Bloc, Chicoutimi, QC]

Mr. Speaker, it is with dismay that we read Income Security for Children , a document released as part of the reform proposal put forward by the Minister of Human Resources Development.

The minister has the nerve to put the financial burden of these measures aimed at eliminating child poverty on middle-class parents whose deductions will be reduced. The minister's cynicism has reached an all-time high. The minister does not seem to realize that such an unwarranted increase of the middle class's financial burden will inevitably force more children to live in poverty.

How can the minister be so arrogant and paternalistic as to claim that he wants to make conditions better for children, when he is making them worse? The minister has a great responsibility to these children and hundreds of thousands of Canadian children.

Criminal Justice System

[Randy White, Reform, Fraser Valley West, BC]

Mr. Speaker, the Liberal government has sure toughened up on the criminal element in our society.

I have found that convicted murderers receive old age security, the guaranteed income supplement, not to mention GST rebates. So what if their room and board is provided for, not to mention their clothing, education and counselling? So what if they have conjugal visits to relieve them of any deprivation they may have? So what if they receive free condoms acknowledging their habits?

Okay, so their medical and dental are free. And they are not paying taxes. They can vote if they are incarcerated for less than two years. If they have a bad day on the prison golf course at Ferndale penitentiary, they can submit a grievance, receive free legal aid and sue the system.

Yes, this Liberal government is tough all right. The only problem is it is tough on the taxpayer and the innocent victims, not the criminals.

Youth Service Canada

[Maurizio Bevilacqua, Liberal, York North, ON]

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Minister of Human Resources Development and the Secretary of State for Youth and Training I am pleased to announce that Youth Service Canada kicks into high gear today as it enters its regular operational phase.

Young Canadians have the ability and desire to contribute to our country. Youth Service Canada will give young people the opportunity to prepare for the challenges of the 1990s labour market and global competitiveness of the 21st century.

The federal government is calling on communities to plant a seed of hope in our youth. Any community based group, band council, or other organization interested in youth and community development can apply to sponsor a Youth Service Canada project. Applications and guidelines are now available through Canada Employment Centres.

It is my hope that members of Parliament will be instrumental in broadcasting the message to their constituents on this very important program.

[Shaughnessy Cohen, Liberal, Windsor—St. Clair, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I call upon all members of this House to support imaginative project ideas from their respective ridings for Youth Service Canada. There is a great deal of work to be done in our communities.

We should put the talent, energy and creativity of our young people to work in our own backyards. Young people will stand taller and our communities will grow stronger for it.

On October 25, 1993 Canada's youth voted overwhelmingly for the Liberals. That generation put its x over here, because they trust us to deliver.

Government Policies

[Harold Culbert, Liberal, Carleton—Charlotte, NB]

Mr. Speaker, we have heard several honourable ministers indicate there is a need for change in the status quo and I agree. While change may be difficult, Canadians are impressed with the consultation process brought forth by this government.

With continued openness and co-operation by the government, all Canadians will be able to participate constructively in those areas which require change to meet the needs of today and of the 21st century.

To provide opportunity for future generations, these changes must be brought about fairly.

On this first anniversary I am still proud of the government and of our ministers. They are prepared to work with all members of the House and with all Canadians to help build a better tomorrow.

Public forums will be hosted across Carleton-Charlotte from November 5 to 12 to obtain input on various issues before the House. This consultation process truly opens up government and allows everyone to participate which is a welcome change-

Manpower Training

[Lucien Bouchard, Bloc, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, in April, the Government of Quebec asked the Minister of Human Resources Development to help finance six innovative Quebec programs through federal strategic pilot projects. Six months later, Ottawa has still not answered.

How can the minister claim that he is ready to negotiate a transfer of manpower training responsibilities with Quebec, when for six months he has refused, in a much smaller matter, to participate in financing six Quebec programs through the pilot projects that Ottawa is supporting in all of Canada?

[Lloyd Axworthy, Liberal, Minister of Human Resources Development and Minister of Western Economic Diversification]

Mr. Speaker, like most things we hear from the Leader of the Opposition, the facts he has stated simply are not true.

Let me state what has taken place. We have offered to cost share a number of strategic initiatives with the province of Quebec. In August of this year we arrived at an agreement in principle and one that would be particularly appropriate for helping young people to get employed. An election ensued.

I wrote to my counterpart after the election to suggest that we were prepared to move ahead. My deputy has written to his counterpart to say that all we want from the province of Quebec is for it to establish among six or seven projects what priority projects it has.

As soon as Quebec is prepared to confirm with us what its priority projects are we will go ahead in a co-operative way and work with it. Because the strategic initiatives are part and parcel of an important element of the overall review of social policy, I am glad to hear that the Leader of the Opposition and the Quebec government now want to become part of that process.

[Lucien Bouchard, Bloc, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, the information that we have from the Government of Quebec contradicts what the minister is saying today. Quebec's request for six projects is still outstanding and Ottawa has not yet accepted. Why does the minister refuse Quebec what he has allowed under other pilot projects which are being funded in New Brunswick and especially in Newfoundland?

[Lloyd Axworthy, Liberal, Minister of Human Resources Development and Minister of Western Economic Diversification]

Mr. Speaker, I would like the Leader of the Opposition to listen carefully. Please listen carefully so that maybe you can understand something for the first time. Please, I want you to understand this.

[Some hon. members]

Oh, oh.

[Lloyd Axworthy, Liberal, Winnipeg South Centre, MB]

Mr. Speaker, I have read the material the Bloc members have put out concerning the social review. I know just how much they distort the facts.

I want them to understand that we have written back to the Quebec government saying that as soon as it establishes clearly what its priorities are then we will sign an agreement and proceed with social review and with strategic initiatives because they are part and parcel of the same thing.

[Lucien Bouchard, Bloc, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, the minister reduces the question to a lack of understanding by the Leader of the Opposition. In fact, if anyone does not understand something in this House, it is the minister who does not understand Quebec's historic demands in the manpower field.