Debates of Nov. 23rd, 1994

Resignation Of Member

[The Speaker]

It is my duty to inform the House that a vacancy has occurred in the representation, namely Mr. Gauthier, member for the electoral district of Ottawa-Vanier, by resignation, effective today, November 23, 1994.

Under section 25(l)(b) of the Parliament of Canada Act, I today addressed a warrant to the Chief Electoral Officer for the issue of a writ for the election of a new member to fill this vacancy.

It being 2 p.m., pursuant to Standing Order 30(5), the House will now proceed to Statements by Members pursuant to Standing Order 31.

Chinese Immigrants

[Anna Terrana, Liberal, Vancouver East, BC]

Mr. Speaker, between 1885 and 1923, immigrants from China had to pay a tax to enter Canada.

By 1923 the Canadian government collected approximately $23 million from Chinese immigrants. After the tax was removed the government enacted the Chinese Immigration Exclusion Act which forbid the immigration of Chinese to Canada and as a result less than 50 Chinese entered Canada between 1923 and 1947.

The legislation applied only to Chinese separated families and imposed immense hardship on a community that built the railway, the national dream.

Both the Chinese Canadian National Council and the National Congress of Chinese Canadians have called upon successive Canadian governments to acknowledge the grave injustices and racial discrimination inherent in the head tax of the exclusion act.

I encourage the Canadian government to recognize the enormous contribution made by the Chinese to Canada and to resolve the problem of the tax and the Chinese Immigration Exclusion Act as soon as possible.

National Patriots Day

[Stéphane Bergeron, Bloc, Verchères, QC]

Mr. Speaker, on this National Patriots Day, Quebecers pay tribute to the thousands of men and women known as Patriots, who believed in the need for their people to be recognized as a nation able to take charge of its own destiny and who demanded that truly democratic and responsible institutions be created and fundamental freedoms granted.

Whatever our views today of the appropriateness of the means some of them used, we must recognize that their actions led to the establishment of responsible government, on which are founded our democratic institutions.

When we pay tribute to the Patriots, we are also recognizing the determination and strength of conviction of well-known politicians such as Louis-Hippolyte Lafontaine, Louis Joseph Papineau and George Étienne Cartier, all of whom were first and foremost Patriots. It is my hope that this House will take note of the lessons of history when, in the very near future, it considers a motion recognizing the true role of the Patriots.

Bosnia

[Jack Frazer, Reform, Saanich—Gulf Islands, BC]

Mr. Speaker, hostilities in Bosnia have recently increased. Canadians are concerned for the safety of our troops in the region.

The United Nations laid down restrictions to prohibit local air force intervention in the conflict. We support the recent NATO air strikes enforcing the no fly zone.

A rule laid down and not enforced is worse than no rule at all; it is important that all combatants understand that the UN means what it says. Thus, this action has advanced the cause of protecting declared safe zones and allowing the provision of humanitarian aid to continue. Once again we want to express our

admiration of and support for our Canadian forces in that theatre.

Now that the United States has lifted its participation in the arms embargo, there is concern for how this will affect the situation in Bosnia. The Prime Minister has on several occasions stated that if the arms embargo is lifted Canadian forces will be withdrawn. Britain and France have voiced similar policies.

We hope the Canadian government will soon provide an update as to what negotiations are taking place and what actions are being considered.

B. C. Wine Industry

[Hedy Fry, Liberal, Vancouver Centre, BC]

Mr. Speaker, the term wine and dine has taken on new meaning in my home province of British Columbia. Going out are the French Burgundies and California Chardonnays. Coming in are the British Columbia Pinot Blancs, Pinot Noirs, Gewurtraminers and Merlots.

B.C. wine industry sales climbed to nearly $20 million in the last year and a national export committee has been created to market abroad. Although the acreage used for viticulture in B.C. is a fraction of that of France, Australia or California, B.C. wines have won numerous awards over the past few years.

Through the tireless work of the Vintner's Quality Alliance and local growers the quality of B.C. wines has improved dramatically over the past decade. Concentration on German style wines and higher quality vinifera grape varietals has contributed to this success.

Many B.C. wines, including Cedar Creek of Kelowna, have won international awards. However the crowning glory came with the recent award of the coveted British Avery trophy to Mission Hill Winery of Kelowna. This prestigious gold medal heralds the maturity of Canada's wine industry. At last our wines can enjoy the international reputation-

[The Speaker]

The hon. member for Rosedale.

Registered Retirement Savings Plan

[Bill Graham, Liberal, Rosedale, ON]

Mr. Speaker, many of my constituents have contacted me recently regarding the advisability of taxing RRSPs. Many of them oppose taxing RRSPs because they are aware of the importance of RRSPs to individuals who are not employed by institutions and who have no other way of saving for their retirement. Taxing RRSPs would afford such people less protection than those who work for government, large corporations or other institutions. As a matter of principle such unequal treatment is unfair.

Taxing RRSPs runs counter to our government's active encouragement of the growth of small and medium size enterprises. Entrepreneurs running these businesses rely on the RRSP system to save for their futures.

Finally the Canadian savings rate is low. Investments in RRSPs may reduce immediate government tax revenue but create pools of capital for the benefit of all Canadians. This source of capital must not be forsaken merely to encourage immediate government consumption.

National Child's Day

[Marlene Cowling, Liberal, Dauphin—Swan River, MB]

Mr. Speaker, I wish to recognize National Child's Day and to recognize the unique needs of children in rural Canada.

It is important for all members to remember what a precious resource our children are and for us to be mindful of their interests in our policy decisions. We must remember that the future that we are helping to create is their future.

We need to support children in our rural communities by ensuring that they have access to child care. We need to ensure that they continue to have access to quality health care and education. We also need to support continued diversification of our rural communities to ensure that rural children can have bright futures in their home communities.

In closing, I wish to recognize my own children who have been a source of joy, inspiration and pride for me and for whom I will always be thankful.

Minister Of Canadian Heritage

[Suzanne Tremblay, Bloc, Rimouski—Témiscouata, QC]

Mr. Speaker, Sunday night, on the television program "Soirée des masques" broadcast by the French network of the CBC, the Minister of Canadian Heritage told viewers that he liked theatre, in fact, he attended it regularly at the House of Commons.

I would like to remind the minister that the House of Commons is not like the Compagnons de Saint-Laurent. This is the real thing. When the Official Opposition asked for his resignation after he intervened with the CRTC, it was for real.

It is reprehensible that our heritage minister casts discredit on an institution such as Parliament with his inept jokes that amuse no one, implying that what goes on in this place has more to do with playacting than with real life.

Since the Minister of Canadian Heritage is unable to see the distinction between theatre and real life, he is unfit to serve as heritage minister, a position which entails the responsibility of ensuring the survival and development of the francophone and Acadian communities. Their circumstances are neither a tragedy, nor a farce, but a daily fight for the right to live in French.

Patronage

[Daphne Jennings, Reform, Mission—Coquitlam, BC]

Mr. Speaker, does this sound familiar: "As this tired, old government drones on toward an overdue election the list of promoted hacks and bagmen grows even longer and so does the odour of nepotism, patronage and payoffs. In recent days we have witnessed an orgy of Tory patronage that defies imagination"? Only last year this was said by my hon. colleague for Kingston and the Islands in response to Tory patronage appointments.

It is amazing how going from opposition to government shortens the memory. I guess that explains the decision to appoint two more senators for nothing more than pure patronage. This is an obscene affront to democracy. It just goes to show the extent to which the Liberals are really concerned about restoring honesty and integrity in our political institutions.

Aboriginal Friendship Centre Program

[Albina Guarnieri, Liberal, Mississauga East, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to comment on the statement made yesterday by the member for The Battlefords-Meadow Lake regarding the potential funding scenarios to the aboriginal friendship centre program.

On behalf of the Minister of Canadian Heritage, last Friday I met personally with the National Association of Friendship Centres and had an opportunity to listen to NAFC concerns about the program review exercise and the impact on their centres, several of which I have visited in recent months.

The federal government recognizes that the aboriginal friendship centres movement is essential to the cultural survival of native people who leave their reserves to settle, whether on a permanent or a temporary basis, in the city.

The program review exercise is a government wide initiative. The Department of Canadian Heritage as well as other federal departments will have to make decisions that will be consistent with government policies and priorities.

The Liberal government has made it one of its priorities to help communities-

[The Speaker]

Unfortunately, I must interrupt the hon. member.

Lebanon

[Eleni Bakopanos, Liberal, Saint-Denis, QC]

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to draw attention to an important day for Canadians of Lebanese origin.

Yesterday marked the 51st anniversary of the proclamation of the independence of Lebanon. I wish to pay tribute to Lebanese-Canadians for the contribution they have made to this country since they immigrated here.

The importance that Canada places on its relationship with Lebanon was recently demonstrated with the announcement to reopen the Canadian embassy in Beirut in the new year. It is my hope that the peace being established in Lebanon will bring with it a renewed hope after much suffering.

I would like to extend my best wishes to all Lebanese-Canadians in my riding of Saint-Denis, and in particular to those who belong to the Quebec Lebanese-Syrian Association who recently celebrated the 75th anniversary of the founding of their association.

Best wishes to all, ahid esteklell, merci beaucoup.

International Trade

[Nick Discepola, Liberal, Vaudreuil, QC]

Mr. Speaker, it is with a great deal of pride and interest that, like all Canadians, I followed Team Canada's great performance in Asia. I wish to express all my admiration to the Right Hon. Jean Chrétien and thank him for successfully leading the largest mission ever seen in China.

Mr. Prime Minister, you showed the entire world that Canadian expertise is an exportable asset and that our products are among the best in the world. Through your firmness, assurance and patience, you have rallied the provincial premiers and the cream of business people in Canada and Quebec around you.

Whether Mr. Parizeau likes it or not, Quebec was represented very well by the hon. member for Saint-Maurice.

What more could we ask for?

Mr. Prime Minister, I pay tribute to your know-how. The contracts and trade agreements you have managed to secure for Canada are a coup that even Germany, an exporting country par excellence, could not score.

Government Finances

[Réjean Lefebvre, Bloc, Champlain, QC]

Mr. Speaker, in one year, the Liberals have had enough time to demonstrate their management skills. Did they manage to put the government's fiscal house in order? Unfortunately, no.

The Liberals did not do anything to collect the $6.5 billion owed in back taxes. They would rather cut social programs indiscriminately.

The Auditor General's report shows that the government does not know how effective its programs are, as it prepares to axe them.

Instead, the Liberals should have the courage to cut the department of defence. Mismanagement of real property causes annual losses of $100 million, while $700 million could be saved on information technology projects. But that is something they leave alone.

In one year, the Liberals should have brought the government's finances under control. Unfortunately they failed to do so.

Penitentiary Inmates

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

Mr. Speaker, I thought the golf course at Ferndale penitentiary was too much. I thought that prisoners getting old age security and GST rebates was repulsive. Free condoms to support their habits and conjugal visits for relief was a lot to expect.

Holy smokes, the prisoners are at it again. Cigarettes at Saskatchewan penitentiary are $1.12 less on the inside than they are on the outside. At the Edmonton institution they are $1.27 cheaper and at the Atlantic institution $1.42 cheaper, and on and on it goes.

To commemorate the occasion of cheaper smokes for prisoners on the backs of the taxpayer, I am introducing a new brand packaged by Liberal & Co., tested by the health minister and financed by the Solicitor General. No, they are not Benson & Hedges; they are Marleau & Grays for the inmate who has everything.

Auditor General Reports

[Bill Blaikie, NDP, Winnipeg—Transcona, MB]

Mr. Speaker, while I agree with many of the observations made by the Auditor General and disagree with others, I want to put on the record a concern of mine which has grown over the years with the release of successive auditors general reports. The value for money concept was always loaded in my judgment, but increasingly it is obvious that the Auditor General is making value judgments, policy judgments, and policy prescriptions that are the purview of government and Parliament.

The Auditor General should not be giving us his opinion on whether social programs create dependence. They may or they may not. It is not the Auditor General's role to have an official opinion on this point.

The Auditor General is welcome to point out that the government is not doing a good job of collecting the taxes owed it, thus contributing to the deficit, but it is not his business, for example, if he were to do so, to recommend what kind of tax system we should have.

Gillette Farm

[Don Boudria, Liberal, Glengarry—Prescott—Russell, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I want to stress how dismayed the population of Glengarry-Prescott-Russell feels following the fire that destroyed one of the most prestigious dairy farms in this country.

The Gillette farm located in Embrun, in my riding, was the biggest dairy farm in eastern Ontario and was renowned throughout the international farm community.

I have personally accompanied some of my parliamentary colleagues and foreigners who wished to tour this remarkable business. Farmers from around the world have looked to this farm for inspiration.

Fortunately for our region and for the farm community, the owners of this dairy farm, Dr. Gilles Patenaude and his sons, are not letting this tragedy get them down and are already talking about rebuilding it. We wish them all the courage they will need to get their operation going again.

Matthew Coon-Come

[Lucien Bouchard, Bloc, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, last Friday, the Cree chief Matthew Coon Come was in Washington continuing his smear campaign against Quebec in the United States, using insulting terms and accusing the Quebec government of pursuing a racist policy toward the Crees.

My question is for the Prime Minister. After finding out what Cree Chief Matthew Coon Come said, did he instruct the Canadian embassy in Washington to set the record straight with the American authorities?

[Jean Chrétien, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, I obtained information from the Canadian embassy in the United States. Mr. Coon Come addressed an audience in a debate in which Quebec and other parts of Canada were represented and what he said was debated. The other side was presented publicly at that time. Since it was a debate, the record was set straight by the people there, who had been invited by a group of academics. So the embassy did not think that it had to intervene. Opinions are expressed everywhere in Canada.

As I said yesterday, people whom I know very well and even see in my riding often say things about me that I do not like. But in a democracy, we have to live with it. I see that Premier Parizeau, who was accused, defended himself. Later the Indian chief said that he did not want to attribute those words to Mr. Parizeau. According to the information I have, he issued a correction.

[Lucien Bouchard, Bloc, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, I think that the Prime Minister is minimizing the situation. Keep in mind that in this case a Canadian province and one of Canada's two main language communities are being attacked and accused of a very serious charge of racism. Therefore I think that the Prime Minister should take this matter more seriously.

How does he explain, for example, that the Canadian embassy did not intervene to set the record straight the day after Mr. Coon Come made his remarks, while in the case of clear cutting, for example, the embassy did a very fine job and quite legitimately intervened with the American authorities to correct the information going around Europe on the clear cutting done by Canadian paper companies, and even spent $4.5 million for this purpose? Why did it not show the same vigilance, since this embassy has just demanded the exclusive right to represent Quebec's interests in Washington?

[Jean Chrétien, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, I have just given a very clear explanation. It was a debate. Someone reportedly expressed an opinion that was contradicted by other people who were there. Today, that person says he was misinterpreted and did not want to attack Mr. Parizeau. Mr. Parizeau defended himself. In a democratic society, that is normal.

Expressing an opinion is one thing. When dealing with forests or something else, as the Leader of the Opposition raised this issue in his question- When the Government of Quebec wanted to go ahead with the new James Bay project for hydro-electric power, the Canadian government's representative always defended Quebec's interests against American environmentalists. But if a Canadian citizen makes untrue statements about a politician-that has happened to me so often. If the Leader of the Opposition took the initiative to defend me every time nasty things were said about the Prime Minister of Canada in his presence, I would be pleasantly surprised.

[Lucien Bouchard, Bloc, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, the exaggeration in political discussions when a politician is attacked is one thing, but these discussions must be level-headed and respect people's reputations. Vilifying a whole people is something else. I say to the Prime Minister that as Prime Minister of Canada, if he claims to defend Canada-if Quebec is vilified everywhere and charged with racism, Canada as a whole suffers.

[Some hon. members]

Hear, hear.

[Lucien Bouchard, Bloc, Lac-Saint-Jean, QC]

That was the preamble to my question, Mr. Speaker. Are we to understand that the federal government refuses to set the record straight in this serious matter, because in the pre-referendum environment it suits the government to have the image of Quebec and its pro-sovereignty government discredited in the United States?