Debates of March 16th, 1994

Electoral Boundaries

[Bob Wood, Liberal, Nipissing, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to express my concerns to the House regarding the proposed changes to the electoral boundaries and in particular to those changes which would affect the ridings in northern Ontario.

The present proposal calls for the elimination of two seats in northern Ontario. It is my view that this would lead to a further erosion of the voice of northerners in Parliament. It would reinforce the image that northern Ontario is a sparsely populated hinterland whose concerns and aspirations really do not need to be heard.

In realigning these boundaries the commission formulated all its changes based on population levels alone. Certainly this is not the most comprehensive method which could be used for such an important undertaking.

Northern Ontario encompasses two-thirds of the province and is home for a significant number of French, English and native Canadians. Our region is as diverse as any other region in Canada. Therefore it should have electoral boundaries which encapsulate those regional enclaves which share many of the same economic, geographic and cultural characteristics.

I believe that if these new boundaries are accepted they will not only weaken the voice of northerners-

[The Speaker]

Order. The member is a bit over. The hon. member for Chambly.

National Mountain, River And Village Competition

[Ghislain Lebel, Bloc, Chambly, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I am especially proud to announce to this House the launching of the fourth national "mountain, river and village" competition, which will be held in my riding of Chambly.

Many painters from all regions of Quebec, from Ontario and from the United States will take part in this competitive exhibition, which just three years ago was only local. Two hundred and fifty paintings will be selected for the exhibition, which will be held from September 23 to 27.

I join our association of popular painters, the town of Mont-Saint-Hilaire and all of Quebec in encouraging Quebec's artistic potential, following the example of Ozias Leduc and Paul-Émile Borduas, who were born in the region.

I therefore invite you to see this outstanding exhibition of works by our painters and to share their talent and their vision of the world.

Violence

[Jack Ramsay, Reform, Crowfoot, AB]

Mr. Speaker, between January and November of last year 193 women and 278 children took refuge in the Camrose Women's Shelter in my riding and home town. The number of women and children coming through the doors of this shelter and many others throughout Canada has been increasing yearly.

Last year the former Tory government commissioned a report on violence against women. The report listed a number of recommendations, one of which is a zero tolerance policy, violence is not accepted in any case.

As this is the International Year of the Family we all need to put a stop to the senseless abuse of women and children. Awareness and thinking are a start. However only a positive, collaborative effort on behalf of all government agencies and individual Canadians will protect the most vulnerable people in our society and re-establish the family as the cornerstone and mainstay of this country.

I concur with my constituents that we need action now.

Canadian Executive Services

[Pat O'Brien, Liberal, London—Middlesex, ON]

Mr. Speaker, CESO is a non-profit volunteer based organization whose mission is to transfer Canadians' expertise to business communities and organizations in order to help them achieve their goals of economic self-sufficiency.

Volunteers experienced in their profession or industry serve as advisers and trainers to clients in Canadian aboriginal communities, developing nations and the new market economies of central and eastern Europe.

I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the efforts of Lorne and Charleen Duquette from my riding of London-Middlesex. Their efforts in the country of Romania have gone a long way in contributing to human and global development.

We are proud of these Londoners and of other Canadians who devote their time and energies to improving our world.

Easter Seal Campaign

[Joe Comuzzi, Liberal, Thunder Bay—Nipigon, ON]

Mr. Speaker, one of the most pleasant duties as a member of Parliament is supporting the work of very important organizations in our constituencies and throughout Canada.

I had the opportunity last weekend in Thunder Bay to support the local Kiwanis Club in its kick-off luncheon to support the national Easter Seal campaign.

Those involved, Jim Whatley, Don Murphy, Shelagh McMillan, Pat O'Brien and Janice Harding are again to be congratulated for their efforts and their tremendous dedication.

This year's Tammy, Sarah Hovila-Dumbrell, and Timmy, Michael Holdt, are two outstanding young Canadians who, despite the challenges they face, are doing a marvellous job in their roles as ambassadors for the Easter Seal campaign. Both are fine examples to all Canadians who are physically challenged.

Sarah is a kindergarten student with a wonderful smile and she is a tremendous charmer. Michael, with respect, is a grade one student and a bit of a ham. I told him last weekend that he could very well end up as Speaker of the House.

Nutrition Month

[Hedy Fry, Liberal, Vancouver Centre, BC]

Mr. Speaker, I take this opportunity to remind members of the House and all Canadians that March is national nutrition month.

The theme for the Canadian Dietetic Association's 1994 national nutrition campaign is "Nourishing Our Children's Future". The goal of the campaign is to promote the importance of nutrition and healthy eating for children between the ages of four and 12.

The campaign will highlight the role that healthy eating plays in the physical, intellectual, emotional and social development of children.

This year's nutrition month theme is especially timely because 1994 is the International Year of the Family. Through information materials, media coverage and local activities across Canada, Canadians will become more aware of the importance of healthy eating for children and how they can influence those eating habits.

Health Canada is proud to be a partner with the Canadian Dietetic Association for this year's nutrition month and to be involved in the launch of this important event.

Forest Management

[René Canuel, Bloc, Matapédia—Matane, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to mention today the strength and determination of Gaspé people in the villages of La Rédemption and Marsoui, in the town of Matane, and in the Matapédia Valley who are fighting to protect their natural resources and their lifestyle by protesting the closure of their sawmill and demanding control over forest management.

These people show that Quebec's rural regions will never let themselves die. Often neglected by governments and having seen their young people move in large numbers to major centres, the inhabitants of rural regions are increasingly taking charge of their destiny and regaining their dignity through their courage.

We should applaud these examples of solidarity which are reviving our rural regions.

Lethbridge Pronghorn Hockey Team

[Ray Speaker, Reform, Lethbridge]

Mr. Speaker, the Lethbridge Pronghorn hockey team has matured into an outstanding representative of southern Alberta.

Last weekend for the first time in its history the hockey team advanced to the University Cup national championship tournament in Toronto. The team's accomplishments did not end there. The Pronghorns went on to capture the national CIAU title after a five to two win over the University of Guelph in Toronto's Maple Leaf Gardens.

I would like to commend the Pronghorns for their hard work throughout the season. The University of Lethbridge is a small university but clearly has produced a team from southern Alberta that we can be proud of.

It must be noted the Pronghorns have claimed the CIAU victory in the face of serious budget cuts in the athletic department. For this reason I believe Sunday's win is a double victory for the team.

I would like to congratulate the Pronghorn members. Their win displays their ability to do what they do best despite difficult circumstances.

Bernie Nicholls

[John O'Reilly, Liberal, Victoria—Haliburton, ON]

Mr. Speaker, it is with great privilege that I rise today and salute a recent milestone attained by a gentleman born and raised in West Guilford in Haliburton county, Mr. Bernie Nicholls.

A few weeks ago Mr. Nicholls became the 39th player in the history of the National Hockey League to attain 1,000 points in scoring. He has joined the elites in the game: Gordie Howe, Jean Beliveau, Bobby Hull, Stan Makita and others who have reached the millennium mark and beyond in the NHL.

Bernie has achieved this level while enduring a great number of changes in his life both professionally and at home. He started his career in Los Angeles, was traded to the New York Rangers where he played for a short time, was moved to Edmonton and is now with his current team, the New Jersey Devils. Add to this movement from team to team the loss of a child this past fall.

That Bernie has been able to play this long and with such high skill is a testament to the perseverance, ability and commitment to hockey. He recognizes that his family obligations are first and foremost in his mind.

New Brunswick

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

Mr. Speaker, at the end of this month there are several important co-operative agreements due to terminate between the federal government and my province of New Brunswick. The co-operative agreements in such areas as agriculture, forestry, mining and economic development are extremely important to the citizens of New Brunswick.

Both my government and the Government of New Brunswick are emphatic about the importance of jobs and the dignity they bring to our citizens. These agreements are extremely important to New Brunswick in its efforts to maintain current employment and work toward future job creation.

I urge all parties involved to expedite a successful conclusion of the negotiations to extend these agreements for the benefit of the citizens of my constituency of Carleton-Charlotte and all of New Brunswick.

Canadian Junior Curling Championships

[Dianne Brushett, Liberal, Cumberland—Colchester, NS]

Mr. Speaker, I am very proud and very pleased to rise in this prestigious House today to welcome young Canadian curlers to Truro, my hometown, where they will compete in the 1994 Canadian Junior Curling Championships.

I wish to congratulate the Truro Curling Club in hosting this national competition and Pepsi-Cola Canada Ltd. in sponsoring the Canadian junior curlers. I congratulate as well the young athletes as they are already winners to have qualified at the national level.

Some 24 teams from the provinces and territories will enjoy Nova Scotian hospitality this week. I invite members of this House to join me in wishing these young Canadian curling champions a week of good friendship, good competition and good curling. This is Canada at its best.

Youth Service Corps

[Antoine Dubé, Bloc, Lévis, QC]

Mr. Speaker, as you know, over 400,000 young Quebecers and Canadians under the age of 25 are presently unemployed. To remedy this problem, this government intends to set up the youth service corps. But the first year, this new program will be available to only 2,500 young people, or 0.6 per cent of all the young unemployed.

Also, the youth service corps is similar to the old Katimavik program the Conservatives abolished in 1986 in that very few activities are directed to the labour market and allowances are paltry. How can one imagine that a young graduate can live on a mere $61 a week.

I submit that the federal government should review its plans with respect to young Canadians and consider putting into place a genuine employment program for them.

Foreign Policy Committee

[Chuck Strahl, Reform, Fraser Valley East, BC]

Mr. Speaker, tonight this House will vote on a motion to establish a special joint committee on foreign policy.

Yesterday my colleague from Red Deer moved an amendment to the motion that would exclude members from the other place from sitting on that committee.

Individuals from that other place have a valuable contribution to make and should be able to appear before the committee as witnesses. However, members from that other place, a place that is unelected, unaccountable and undemocratic, have no business sitting as members on this important committee.

I encourage all members of this, the elected and accountable House, to vote in support of the amendment. I hope the government will allow its members to vote freely on this issue.

Sixth Paralympic Winter Games

[Guy Arseneault, Liberal, Restigouche—Chaleur, NB]

Mr. Speaker, like the traditional Olympic Games, the paralympics held in Norway this week are a symbol of nations gathering in a spirit of brotherliness and peace.

Canada is a major force in a world of paralympic sport. Like all athletes, our paralympic athletes head into Lillehammer full of hope and optimism, ready to realize the dream of a lifetime.

I am proud to see that a Canadian from Restigouche-Chaleur, Mr. Denis Lord, is representing not only Canada but also northern New Brunswick in these games. We are proud of the determination he is displaying on the slopes and in his everyday life.

On behalf of all the citizens of Restigouche-Chaleur and the members in this House, I wish to congratulate Denis and all our paralympic athletes for their strength and courage and for representing so well the spirit of the games.

Good luck to all our paralympic athletes.

Speed Skating Championships

[Janko Peric, Liberal, Cambridge, ON]

Mr. Speaker, on March 20 the city of Cambridge will proudly host the 1994 World Short Track Speed Skating Championships.

The high speed and aggressive edge of short track have been attracting a worldwide following. What started out as individuals lacing animal bones to their wooden footwear and skating across the frozen canals and waterways of Scandinavia has evolved into one of the fastest growing sports in the world.

Despite its relatively short history, short track speed skating has produced many proud moments for Canadians. We are proud of our skating talent in Canada, including Frederic Blackburn, Marc Gagnon, Nathalie Lambert and especially Cambridge's very own Derrick Campbell, who recently participated in the winter Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway.

I would like to extend my best wishes to all participants in Sunday's competition, as well as to the organizers, who have been working so hard to make this event in Cambridge a real success.

Saint John

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

Mr. Speaker, the Telegraph-Journal reported today that the Liberal member for Fundy-Royal stated that he and the Minister of Transport felt a ``double duty'' to look after my riding of Saint John because it is not aligned with the government.

I look forward to any help I can receive from the transport minister and from the member for Fundy-Royal in settling the issues I have been raising as the lone opposition MP from Atlantic Canada.

I look forward to their help in reversing base closures that I have spoken out against, as well as any support for my efforts to ensure support for our shipyard and VIA Rail. I look forward to their help in reversing hurtful budget measures brought in by their government against Atlantic Canada.

I will continue to work diligently for the people of Saint John as I always have.

Collège Militaire Royal De Saint-Jean

[Lucien Bouchard, Bloc, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Prime Minister.

The government's decision to close the military college in Saint-Jean is ill-advised. The government knows it yet obstinately refuses to reverse its position, despite the fact that it has now had to adjust downward the reported savings it would make as a result of this decision.

Furthermore, in an awkward attempt to save face, it is proposing to strike a fool's deal with Quebec whereby it would lease the college facilities to the province for $1 a year. Since the college would be stripped of its very soul, this is indeed a poisoned gift.

Does the Prime Minister not recognize that there is something shameful about this proposal to lease the empty facilities in Saint-Jean for $1 a year and that in so doing, the government would be shifting the burden of the college's operating costs onto Quebec's shoulders, without even giving the province the opportunity to buy the facilities?

[Jean Chrétien, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, I have discussed this matter with the Premier of Quebec who told me that he could make use of the facilities at Saint-Jean. The federal government no longer needs them because the strength of our military work force is being reduced to 65,000. One can easily understand why the United States, with two million soldiers, has three military colleges. However, with a military work force of 65,000, Canada does not need three military colleges.

However, if these facilities can be of some use to the provincial government or to other agencies, we will be happy to make some arrangements with them because this would save some jobs in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu. We are proposing a reasonable solution to a specific problem. The government had no choice but to close some of Canada's military colleges because it had to reduce defence spending. Had we listened to the Leader of the Opposition, not only would we have closed Collège militaire royal de Saint-Jean, but we would also have shut down CFB Bagotville located in his region.

[Lucien Bouchard, Bloc, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, I am convinced that, despite telephone pressure from the leader of the government, the Quebec Premier will put Quebec's interests before those of the two Liberal parties.

Will the Prime Minister admit that, in case of a likely and quite advisable refusal by Quebec to become a mere tenant of the federal administration, his government will save much less than expected by closing the college in Saint-Jean, as it will have to continue shelling out at least $6 million a year in taxes and upkeep for the white elephant it created?

[Jean Chrétien, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, if that were the case, no military base should ever be closed. Sure, it creates problems. But to hear the Leader of the Opposition say that we should not try to maintain a certain level of employment at the military college with the provincial government's co-operation, when he went over there to take part in a demonstration with people who, only 22 years ago, were opposed to a Quebec university awarding a diploma to Saint-Jean graduates because it was a federal presence of the Canadian armed forces in Quebec, and to see that Quebec nationalists and the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Society would do such an about-face, that is too much for me!

[Lucien Bouchard, Bloc, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, I will give more of it to the Prime Minister.

[Some hon. members]

Hear, hear.

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

I find it very strange to hear him say, in sugary tones, "Who will criticize us for creating a minimum of jobs in Saint-Jean?" It is like the fox saying, "We should still keep a few chickens in the henhouse" after it just finished eating a few of them.

[An. hon. member]

Right on.