Debates of Dec. 1st, 1994

Human Rights

[Derek Lee, Liberal, Scarborough—Rouge River, ON]

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Nigerians whose voices cannot be heard from behind prison bars, I would like to draw the attention of the House to activities engaged in by the de facto government in the Commonwealth country of Nigeria as they relate to human rights.

Nigeria's circumstances represent a severe setback to the process of democratization in Africa. Mr. Abiola's election victory in June 1993 was quashed by General Babangyida, who went on to install an interim political body that yielded finally to military rule. Already the de facto government has breached the UN human rights declaration by its brutal attacks on newspaper editors, human rights lawyers and any other type of political or economic dissent. As well there is a risk of civil war on the basis of ethnic divisions.

I am requesting, on behalf of concerned Canadians, that the Minister of Foreign Affairs meet with the High Commissioner for Nigeria to register Canada's concern for human rights conditions in that country. As a signatory to the UN human rights declaration, Canada must continue to be vigilant in monitoring human rights accordance for men, women and children throughout the world.

Infrastructure Program

[Colleen Beaumier, Liberal, Brampton, ON]

Mr. Speaker, on November 21 the Queen's Square infrastructure project was launched in my riding of Brampton. This is a $15 million project funded under the Canada-Ontario infrastructure program which will result in many medium and long term jobs.

The project is being undertaken in conjunction with the project negotiated between the city of Brampton and a private contractor, John Cutruzzola of the Inzola Group. When construction is complete the downtown city core will have undergone a $50 million facelift, leaving residents of Brampton with a beautiful market style downtown core.

The national infrastructure program is putting Canadians back to work, and at the same time revitalizing communities. It is a model of how all three levels of government can co-operate for the public good. The Queen's Square project in my riding of Brampton is an example of the benefits of this co-operation when it extends to the private sector.

On behalf of my constituents, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the minister responsible for infrastructure for the swift and effective implementation-

International Day For The Disabled

[Maurice Bernier, Bloc, Mégantic—Compton—Stanstead, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the United Nations has decided that December 3 will be International Day for the Disabled. This is an

opportunity for all members of this House to become aware of the obstacles which these proud and courageous people have to face on a daily basis.

As a person who worked for the Office des personnes handicapées du Québec for several years, I am aware of the courage and determination of these people who, unfortunately, must still put up with the prejudices of those who refuse to recognize their full value. Insufficient resources and access problems, particularly in the workplace, are constant challenges for these people.

Let us hope that the International Day for the Disabled will help their cause and that these people will stop being treated like second class citizens, even here in Canada.

Transportation

[Keith Martin, Reform, Esquimalt—Juan de Fuca, BC]

Mr. Speaker, southern Vancouver Island is the fastest growing region in Canada. Currently we face a major transportation problem with the only arterial highway in and out of Victoria choked most of the time.

However, there is a solution available in the existing Esquimalt and Nanaimo Railway. We must put in place measures to ensure its viability as an effective and efficient mover of goods, services and people. It is currently owned by Canadian Pacific and operated in a grossly inefficient fashion by VIA Rail.

I encourage the Minister of Transport to convene a meeting of members of the federal government, the provincial government and Canadian Pacific to address this pressing issue. This is not an issue of politics but of public necessity. To allow this railway to be abandoned will be a gross travesty to the taxpayers as ultimately money will need to be spent to provide an alternative form of transportation to southern Vancouver Island.

Hibernia

[Elsie Wayne, Progressive Conservative, Saint John, NB]

Mr. Speaker, politics should never stand in the way of signed legal agreements. I am talking about the portion of the Hibernia oil project that was given to the Saint John shipyard in New Brunswick under a signed agreement.

The board decided on Saint John Shipbuilding because it is an ice free port and because the company has the proven expertise to do the job.

This past Tuesday the Prime Minister stated that he is asking the board to review and overturn the signed legal agreement with Saint John Shipbuilding in order to put it out to tender. Under the agreement the government may be liable for expenses and damages as a result of the termination of the agreement, should it occur.

Is this what the government is all about, cancelling signed legal agreements that could cost the taxpayers millions of dollars in damages? I ask the Prime Minister to please keep politics out of a signed agreement for the Saint John shipyard. The taxpayers have paid enough.

National Triathlon Team

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to members of the Canadian National Triathlon team from my riding of Parry Sound-Muskoka who returned this week from the world championship in Wellington, New Zealand.

Don McCormick, Sue Tovee, Darlene Murdy, Barry Webb, David Vass, John Hiley and Helmut Kruckle qualified for the world championships, with five of the seven making the trek to New Zealand. At personal expense and significant sacrifice the five triathletes travelled to a country that is 18 time zones away and braved 140 kilometre winds during pre-race training sessions.

When race day finally came, the five triathletes from Parry Sound-Muskoka along with other Canadian athletes performed well for their country in the 1.5 kilometre swim, 40 kilometre cycle, and 10 kilometre run. These individuals demonstrated the true nature of sportsmanship.

I support the athletes of Parry Sound-Muskoka and know that all members of the House support the athletes of Canada.

Rwanda

[Herb Dhaliwal, Liberal, Vancouver South, BC]

Mr. Speaker, last night I watched a documentary on CBC's "Prime Time News" regarding the mass murders in Rwanda.

I must say I am deeply shaken, as all of us should be, to learn that the genocide of a reported half million people was part of a well planned and premeditated scheme known as network zero. It has also been revealed that many in the international community had been warned of the impending tragedy.

I personally find it absolutely appalling and incomprehensible that the potential for such atrocities to occur was known and yet very little was done.

Why did the global community not mobilize in an attempt to prevent the mass killings? I have to ask also, how did the entire international community fail the people of Rwanda.

It is absolutely imperative that changes be introduced in the United Nations to ensure that the mass murders of men, women, and children never happen again.

Reform Party Of Canada

[Alex Shepherd, Liberal, Durham, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I have been observing the Reform Party for some time and things just did not add up about it.

Last Friday its members presented to the finance committee their plan to reduce government spending by $10 billion. On the suggestion of the member for Calgary Centre I undertook to read this document. The proposal for reductions is broken down into five parts: first, $70 million; second, zero; the third is $3.5 billion plus $.64 billion; four, $1 billion; and five is $2 billion plus $1.7 billion, plus an additional $.125 billion. This adds up to only $9.035 billion, a shortfall of $1 billion.

To ensure I was correct I had a chartered accountant, an economist, two students at Carleton University and one at Ottawa University check the figures. The results are the same. Members of the Reform Party cannot add and they do not add up to Canada either.

There is only one finance minister but it took their three finance critics to come up with this result.

Aids

[Réal Ménard, Bloc, Hochelaga—Maisonneuve, QC]

Mr. Speaker, today, on this first day of December, people throughout the world are stopping a few moments to reflect on what can be done to wipe out the terrible scourge called AIDS. This epidemic of a disease that scarcely ten years ago was little known to the public is today a cause for concern throughout the world and spares none of its victims.

According to the World Health Organization, by the middle of 1994, more than 16 million adults and one million children had contracted the AIDS virus since the beginning of the pandemic. Even worse, by the year 2000, the cumulative total of people infected by the virus will be between 30 and 40 million, while the total number of cases of full-blown AIDS will be close to 10 million. No responsible government, in the United States or in France, in Italy or in Africa, can afford to overlook the fact that the fight against AIDS must include a campaign to promote safe sex.

Criminal Code

[Val Meredith, Reform, Surrey—White Rock—South Langley, BC]

Mr. Speaker, this afternoon will be the third and final hour of debate on my private member's bill C-240. This bill will permit corrections and parole officials to apply to the courts to keep high risk offenders in custody or under community supervision beyond the end of their sentences.

The government has stated that it would not support such legislation because it may be a violation of the charter of rights of the offender. So much for the promise of making the protection of society its number one priority.

Canadians are demanding protection. After the murder of 16 year old Pamela Cameron in October, citizens in my riding started a petition calling for the protection from high risk offenders.

I made public this morning a petition with over 8,000 names. In Milton, Ontario, Pamela's older sister obtained over 10,000 signatures on a similar petition that has yet to be introduced.

A recent poll indicated that 76 per cent of Quebecers support the use of dangerous offender designations against violent offenders.

I urge all members of the House to listen to their constituents and provide them with the protection they are demanding.

Meadow Lake Tribal Council

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the Meadow Lake Tribal Council for its success in the forestry business, as reported this week by their auditors Price Waterhouse.

Federal loans worth $1.5 million, used by the tribal council to start two businesses, have paid off with a return of $10.7 million in corporate taxes.

The tribal council, led for many years by Chief Percy Derocher and today by Chief Richard Gladue, created jobs, contributed to their community and proved that there is an important and useful role for the federal government to play in support of aboriginal businesses.

The success of the Meadow Lake Tribal Council has paid off in other ways. Their contribution has helped lead to the naming of the town of Meadow Lake as Canada's forestry capital for 1995. We can all help them celebrate next year by ensuring that the federal government acknowledges this success with a continuation, indeed an enhancement, of the aboriginal business support program.

Road Safety

[Raymond Lavigne, Liberal, Verdun—Saint-Paul, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I would like draw the attention of the House to two important events connected with road safety. Today marks the beginning of Road Safety Week, sponsored by the Canada Safety Council. This year's theme reminds us of the dangers of driving while under the influence of alcohol and stresses the fact that the lives of thousands of Canadians are affected each year by this

problem. Concerning another aspect of road safety, five years ago, the federal government announced that all new motor vehicles sold in Canada were to be equipped with daytime running lights.

This morning, the Minister of Transport released a study that found that daytime running lights had prevented thousands of collisions, so that our roads are now much safer.

Standing Committee On Canadian Heritage

[Roger Gallaway, Liberal, Sarnia—Lambton, ON]

Mr. Speaker, many will recall Marlon Brando as the godfather when he muttered: "A favour is a favour".

Yesterday Liberal members of the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage collectively played the role of godperson to the hon. member for Calgary Southeast. Hon. members should know the hon. member for Calgary Southeast refused to propose or even vote on a motion authorizing funding for witnesses from western Canada to appear before the committee, the very witnesses the hon. member had previously insisted must appear.

Lack of funding would have killed the agreement the member had vehemently insisted upon. Certainly, in the vernacular, all members have bad hair days but perhaps the hon. member would like to manger ses mots.

We must restore trust in politicians. Trust only begins when we live up to the spirit and intent of agreements made in this our parliamentary home. In her own words I would like to say again: "Anything less would be absolutely outrageous".

Mil Davie Shipyard

[Michel Gauthier, Bloc, Roberval, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the government persistently refuses to right a wrong done to Quebec, by transferring immediately the contract for the construction of a Hibernia drilling sub-unit to the Quebec shipbuilder MIL Davie, the only loser in this whole business, as it was the only other bidder on this contract. Yet Hibernia argued that the time constraints and deadlines required that this contract be assigned to Saint John Shipbuilding without competitive bidding.

My question is directed to whichever minister would be so kind as to answer on behalf of the government. How is it that the government has the time to call for tenders now, when the normal practice, as the Quebec Minister of Industry indicated, is to go to the next bidder on the list if the first one is unable to perform the work?

[Herb Gray, Liberal, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Solicitor General of Canada]

Mr. Speaker, the Hibernia benefits plan provides that all interested parties be given a full and fair opportunity to submit a bid for part of the work under the Hibernia deal.

The independent Canada-Newfoundland Offshore Petroleum Board reviewed the decision in this regard by the consortium and found that the Hibernia benefits plan had not been followed. It is only normal for the government to ask members of the consortium to review their decision. I think that makes sense because we are asking if the proper process has been followed in a way that is fair to all concerned.

[Michel Gauthier, Bloc, Roberval, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the solution seems obvious. A bid has been submitted and the bidder's name is MIL Davie.

Why does the government not transfer the contract to MIL Davie, as would seem appropriate? And where does the government find the time now to launch a new bidding process, if the work was so urgent, or so we were told, that the contract had to be let to Saint John Shipbuilding in the first place?

[Herb Gray, Liberal, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Solicitor General of Canada]

Mr. Speaker, what the hon. member is complaining about is with respect to a decision made by the consortium that gave the contract to Saint John Shipbuilding without following the Hibernia benefits plan according to the findings of the independent Canada-Newfoundland Offshore Petroleum Board.

That is why the government is asking the consortium to review the decision because of the findings of the board. We are asking the consortium to make that decision as quickly as possible. We hope the hon. member will agree with this sensible step.

[Michel Gauthier, Bloc, Roberval, QC]

Mr. Speaker, what is the government of Canada waiting for to table the full report of the Canada-Newfoundland Board, so that everyone can take

cognizance of the facts and see that MIL Davie was treated unfairly and that the Hibernia board of directors has contravened every contract award rule in the book in this particular case?

[Herb Gray, Liberal, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Solicitor General of Canada]

Mr. Speaker, I will inquire as to the possibility of tabling the report of the Canada-Newfoundland Offshore Petroleum Board.

I think that we should also table in this House the report on the nearly $500 million in economic benefits that have accrued to Quebec as a result of some 100 contracts. As a result of these contracts and conditions, the government just could not leave the people of Quebec unaware of such crucial facts.

National Defence

[Jean-Marc Jacob, Bloc, Charlesbourg, QC]

Mr. Speaker, at a press conference this morning, the minister of defence quickly tabled his white paper without any warning and without regard for the Official Opposition.

The minister of defence announced that, with the holiday season approaching, he intends to spend hundreds of millions of dollars on used military equipment. The defence minister's shopping list includes four used British submarines, helicopters and armoured vehicles.

Now that the cold war is over and that the government must reduce spending, how can the minister dare contemplate at this time the acquisition of used military equipment whose usefulness is highly questionable?

[David Collenette, Liberal, Minister of National Defence and Minister of Veterans Affairs]

Mr. Speaker, first on the procedural matter, it is customary for government to table responses to standing committee reports in the House. That was done.

I do not think it would have been within the normal practice to have given advance warning of that. However I did give a copy immediately to a member of the hon. member's party and the critic for the Reform Party immediately upon tabling, knowing that there were at least four hours before question period within which to reflect upon it.

On the specific point regarding the major capital purchases that have been called for in the white paper, it is very important to differentiate between the helicopter purchases required to replace the Labradors for search and rescue, the Sea Kings for the combat helicopters on ships and the armoured personnel carriers for the army from the submarine question.

The submarine question is simply a matter of investigating a possible arrangement with the United Kingdom that wants to sell four used conventionally powered submarines which would assist us in discharging our maritime mandate not just on the Atlantic coast but on the Pacific coast as well.

There is no commitment on the part of the government to purchase such submarines. Simply we are looking at the matter and we would have been remiss if we had not mentioned it in the white paper.

[Jean-Marc Jacob, Bloc, Charlesbourg, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I can assure the minister that I am quite able to differentiate between submarine and helicopter purchases!

How can the minister explain to Canadian taxpayers that, barely a year after cancelling the EH-101 helicopter contract at an approximate cost of $800 million, he has now decided to buy new helicopters to replace the Sea Kings which last spring were declared fit to fly until the year 2002 by the minister himself?

[David Collenette, Liberal, Minister of National Defence and Minister of Veterans Affairs]

Mr. Speaker, in the red book we never discounted the need for search and rescue helicopters. We said that combat helicopters for ships would be studied in the defence review. The hon. member was part of a committee that recommended we buy new helicopters.

What is important is that the Conservative government wanted to spend $5.8 billion to develop a state of the art helicopter that we did not need and could not afford. The solution that we are proposing is going to save considerably more money, well over a billion dollars and perhaps $2 billion. That is not bad economics as far as I am concerned.

Gun Control

[Deborah Grey, Reform, Beaver River, AB]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday the Minister of Justice said:

During the course of the last several months, I have been in continuous touch with senior officials and indeed with provincial counterparts, attorneys general and ministers of justice, exchanging views about the proposals that will be decided upon and announced this afternoon.

However today in a television interview he revealed that he had not spoken to some of the provincial justice ministers but hoped that he would get their support.

Given that the registration of firearms will have a significant impact upon the financial resources of the provinces and territories, why did the minister not get the support of provincial justice ministers before the fact, not after?

[Allan Rock, Liberal, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada]

Mr. Speaker, the government is confident it has the support of the vast majority of Canadians in the decisions we announced yesterday with respect to firearms.

In terms of the provinces and territories, as I made clear yesterday I have been in direct contact with some of my provincial counterparts. Throughout the process the Department of Justice has been in continuous contact with senior officials of provincial and territorial ministries of justice. Those communications have been continuous and, I can advise the House, very productive.