Debates of March 23rd, 1994

Biodiversity

[Charles Caccia, Liberal, Davenport, ON]

Mr. Speaker, biodiversity means a richness of life as it surrounds us in nature. We must preserve biodiversity because it is nature's protection against catastrophes. The loss of biodiversity has serious implications for life on earth.

We have been told that since the beginning of the century 75 per cent of crop diversity has been lost. This leaves us vulnerable. For example uniformity in corn crops could have resulted in disaster when a severe blight threatened corn crops in the 1970s. By maintaining biodiversity we also help sustain ourselves.

As a responsible society we in Canada must preserve our still rich biodiversity. From our forests and fields to our wetlands, lakeshores, parks and lawns our biodiversity is our most precious asset.

Average Income Of Francophones

[Réjean Lefebvre, Bloc, Champlain, QC]

Mr. Speaker, this morning's Globe and Mail reported on a Statistics Canada study which found that the median income of francophone Canadians was more than 10 per cent lower in 1992 than that of anglophones. The gap has more than doubled since 1977 and it is growing wider every year.

Considering that the aim of the Official Languages Act passed by the Liberal Party was to give francophones their rightful place in the Canadian economy, the only conclusion that can be drawn is that the legislation has been a failure.

The study also found that Quebec francophones had made up some ground during the same period. The income gap between anglophone and francophone families in Quebec has narrowed from 8.2 per cent to 1.9 per cent.

The income gap can be closed, Mr. Speaker, but one has to conclude that federal policies are not a contributing factor.

Credit Rating

[Jim Gouk, Reform, Kootenay West—Revelstoke, BC]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday after the announcement of the downgrading of Canada's rating for foreign currency debt, the Minister of Finance stated it only affected a small portion of our total debt so it was no big deal.

Now the Bank of Canada has increased its key lending rate which undoubtedly will result in increased borrowing costs for Canadian consumers and businesses. It is also having an impact on the cost of government borrowing.

The budget did not address the deficit or debt. Now all Canadians are starting to pay for this short-sightedness.

When will the government realize it is on a course to financial disaster and revise the budget to deal with the problems it has created? Could it be that the government believes that all problems faced by Canadians are no big deal?

The Economy

[Bonnie Brown, Liberal, Oakville—Milton, ON]

Mr. Speaker, last week I listened to an hon. member of the opposition speak with sadness about the unfavourable conditions in his riding. There was a lack of hope in his voice. Let me assure the House that all the news is not bad and the economic recovery is beginning.

In Oakville-Milton more than 1,500 jobs have arrived since election day. Ford has increased its workforce by 1,100 and Lear Seating has hired 455 persons. Polywheels has expanded into a larger facility, thus expressing confidence in its future. Derlan Aerospace has secured the contract to retrofit the Lynx helicopters made in Britain, thus ensuring the employment of 300 workers in Milton.

This good news is being highlighted by the media and is reinforcing the climate of confidence which underpins new investment and economic growth.

My hope is that we will all begin to feel this confidence, rekindle our optimism and together rebuild the national economy.

Reverend Brian Weatherdon

[Mac Harb, Liberal, Ottawa Centre, ON]

Mr. Speaker, Reverend Brian Weatherdon, the respected, hard working and loyal associate minister of St. Andrew's Church, has recently been called to a new ministry in Hamilton.

During the five years Brian has ministered in Ottawa he has played a key leadership role in advancing important issues such as the fight against child poverty and the organization of nutrition programs for families in need. He was also very instrumental in helping me to establish National Child Day.

His enthusiasm and his dedication to his congregation and the Ottawa community have been exceptional.

Brian will leave behind countless accomplishments, memories and friends. I along with many others am sad to see Brian leave. He can be very proud of the meaningful contributions he has made to this community.

On Easter Sunday, Brian will take up his new duties as the minister at MacNab Street Presbyterian Church in downtown Hamilton.

I would like to inform the members from the Hamilton area that a very remarkable and generous man will soon be in their neighbourhood.

Spring

[Hedy Fry, Liberal, Vancouver Centre, BC]

Mr. Speaker, Sunday was the first day of spring in Canada, or at least it was in my city of Vancouver.

Today I have attempted to bring the sweet air of our west coast spring to Ottawa. In the lobbies outside this House are 295 daffodils for 295 members of Parliament. It is my wish that these daffodils like spring itself awaken the creative passions of members of the House of Commons.

The challenge before us of making Canada work better requires the swiftness of a sudden spring shower, the resolution of a blossom, and the certitude of a thaw.

May these daffodils, generously donated by a Vancouver radio station as well as by a fine corporate community partner, serve as a pleasant reminder that with spring comes hope, renewal and growth.

The Information Highway

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

Mr. Speaker, the information highway is unquestionably the technological issue of the day. Once completed, the information highway will bring together telephone, cable and computer technology with a view to providing a wide range of interactive services to consumers.

The information highway will alter consumer, work and education habits and impact on the private lives of Canadians and Quebecers.

Therefore, the Minister of Industry must commit publicly to holding public, open, transparent and accessible hearings on this subject, not consultations behind closed doors, as the committee is expected to hold.

As Ottawa prepares to put in place the administrative machinery to manage the information highway, protecting the privacy of Canadians and Quebecers must be one of the federal government's main concerns.

Forum For Young Canadians

[Dick Harris, Reform, Prince George—Bulkley Valley, BC]

Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House today to give tribute to the Forum for Young Canadians.

As hon. members know, participants in the Forum for Young Canadians are in Ottawa this week to learn more about the process of government at the federal level. I know all members will join me in praising the organizers, the sponsors and the many volunteers who have made this forum a reality.

I wish to give special tribute to each of the participants, our future leaders, and in particular to a young constituent of mine, Jennifer Robinson of Prince George, B.C.

Welcome to Ottawa and best wishes for a most successful session.

Manufacturing Industry

[Gar Knutson, Liberal, Elgin—Norfolk, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak briefly on a question of urgency in my riding of Elgin-Norfolk: the need for Canada to have an updated industrial strategy.

To many in my riding words like "change" and "competition" are synonymous with plant closings and higher unemployment. Almost one job in four in my riding is in the highly vulnerable manufacturing sector. Over one-third of the industrial park in the city of St. Thomas is empty. It should be clear to

this House that manufacturing jobs in Elgin-Norfolk are in deep decline.

Elgin-Norfolk relies heavily for employment on the auto parts industry in which technology is key. Canadian workers need only the new tool of technology to add to their high productivity and education, two areas in which we hold an excellent advantage.

I urge the government to look at technology as a way of ensuring the people of Elgin-Norfolk and all of Canada a better tomorrow.

Order Of Elks Curling Playdowns

[Bernie Collins, Liberal, Souris—Moose Mountain, SK]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to acknowledge the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks in Estevan, Saskatchewan. It is holding the Canadian Elks 1994 national curling playdowns in Estevan from March 22 to March 27, 1994.

The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is widely known and appreciated across Canada.

On behalf of the Government of Canada I would like to offer my best wishes to all the participants and volunteers involved in this prestigious event.

Farm Business Management Committee

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

Mr. Speaker, quality food production is of great importance to every area and to every citizen of Canada. Canadians are fortunate that the farm and agricultural community ensures a continual supply of quality foods.

Over the past few days the Canadian Farm Business Management Committee has been meeting in Ottawa. I believe some committee members are visiting the House today.

During the sessions I had the opportunity to sample food products. They were from displays consisting of food products of the particular native province. I must admit they were most impressive and very tasty.

Let us reaffirm in this House today our support for the Canadian farmer and for the Canadian food producer, their importance to our economy and their importance to every citizen in Canada.

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

[Maud Debien, Bloc, Laval East, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I want to express my concern about the future of the CBC's news services. The Chairman of the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission, Mr. Keith Spicer, asked the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation to broadcast news bulletins on both networks using simultaneous translation. Such a service will cost more than $15 million a year.

This new demand is being made in a context of cutbacks. Obviously, Mr. Spicer and the CRTC want to sacrifice the quality of the CBC's news on the altar of national unity.

Need I remind the commissioners of the CRTC and the Liberal government that there is still no all-news service in French? Need I recall that the CBC's French service can no longer afford to pay its correspondents abroad?

Mr. Speaker, we members of the Bloc Quebecois are opposed to any political interference in the internal affairs of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.

The Economy

[Elwin Hermanson, Reform, Kindersley—Lloydminster, SK]

Mr. Speaker, a recent edition of Taxpayer magazine reported on the Canadian Manufacturers Association study of Canada's debt.

The president of the CMA, Mr. Stephen Van Houten, said that given the track record of previous governments the debt could soar to $965 billion by the year 2001. He observed that governments have a bad habit of seriously overestimating economic growth and tax revenues. The government has a narrow window of opportunity to deal with this impending debt crisis.

Mr. Van Houten also noted the dramatic growth in the underground economy shows that Canadians are fighting back against tax increases. The only viable option for the government is to cut spending.

The CMA notes that the money markets are reacting negatively to yet another high deficit. Many Canadians are concerned about our financial future.

It is time to take a serious look at our financial problems. It is time for this government to stop leading Canada further into the red. It is time to cut spending.

The Late Robert Emerson Everett

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Robert Emerson Everett of Bracebridge who passed away recently. Bob Everett was one of the greatest ambassadors to come out of my riding of Parry Sound-Muskoka.

Mr. Everett began painting at nine years of age. Even though he never had formal art training he became one of Muskoka's finest artists in oil and pastel. A past president of the Ontario Institute of Painters, Mr. Everett was a full member of the Pastel

Society of Canada and an elected associate member of the Pastel Society of America.

Not only did Mr. Everett serve the Muskoka area as a successful pharmacist, he served this country in World War II as a Royal Canadian Air Force flight navigator. He was shot down in a Hampton bomber.

Bob Everett was a true gentleman in every sense of the word. He was respected and loved by his friends and family.

I extend condolences to his wife Nora and four children, Eugene, David, Jason and Peter. Muskoka and the rest of Canada share their loss.

Mexico

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

Mr. Speaker, as the House will know the Prime Minister is in Mexico City today. I recently returned from Mexico City having accompanied a CAW delegation there.

One of the recommendations we made to the ambassador on our departure was that when the Prime Minister was in Mexico he should meet with human rights activists. He should not just satisfy himself with attending the trade fair and meeting with business people, as important as that may be.

I hope when the Prime Minister returns he will be able to report to this House that he has met with human rights activists. The situation in Chiapas is still very delicate. The demands of the Zapatistas have not yet been met, demands which are shared by a great many of the Mexican people.

I hope the Prime Minister will show enough interest in the welfare of the Mexican people and not just Canadian trade opportunities and meet with human rights activists while he is in Mexico City.

Presence In Gallery

[The Speaker]

My colleagues, before we go to oral questions I want to point out one of our parliamentary colleagues in the gallery, Mr. Michael C. Liapis, member of Parliament from Greece.

[Some hon. members]

Hear, hear.

Government's Credit Rating

[Lucien Bouchard, Bloc, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Finance. During the election campaign, the Liberal Party shouted from the rooftops that its economic program was based on creating jobs, on reducing the deficit by cutting government spending, and on a monetary policy balancing job creation with the fight against inflation.

The government failed at every level. Its first budget got a negative reception from the financial community as illustrated by the lowering of its credit rating announced the day before yesterday.

Does the Minister of Finance admit that this lower credit rating is due to a negative response from a financial community disappointed by the timid and inadequate budget measures to reduce departmental operating expenditures?

[Paul Martin, Liberal, Minister of Finance and Minister responsible for the Federal Office of Regional Development-Quebec]

Mr. Speaker, I cannot believe that the Leader of the Opposition who criticizes us at every turn because we have cut military bases, reformed unemployment insurance, and trimmed government machinery, who spent three months criticizing our cuts, suddenly rises to tell us we did not cut enough.

So I ask you this: Where do you want us to cut? Tell us exactly in what areas!

[Lucien Bouchard, Bloc, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, there are many areas and the minister knows it. Let us think about the family trusts he is protecting in a rather special fashion.

I am convinced that the reason the financial community lowered Canada's credit rating is not because we cut too much, but because we did not cut deep enough, contrary to the commitments that were made.

I would ask the minister to comment on the government's timid spending reduction efforts combined with its obsession with fighting inflation, which is almost non-existent, causing a rise in interest rates, and I ask him specifically whether it is right that the upward pressure on interest rates should compromise the already slim chances of economic recovery and job creation, with the well-known negative effects on businesses and the unemployed.

[Paul Martin, Liberal, Minister of Finance and Minister responsible for the Federal Office of Regional Development-Quebec]

Yes, I am looking at you, Mr. Speaker. It is much better than looking elsewhere.

First of all, interest rates even today are much lower than they were three months, six months or a year ago. Second, as you know full well, the increase in interest rates is due to international reasons that have nothing to do with the situation here in Canada.

As far as budget cuts are concerned, we gave the Leader of the Opposition and his colleagues the opportunity to make suggestions in a pre-budget debate; they did not take that opportunity, so what are they telling us now?

[Lucien Bouchard, Bloc, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, the financial community does not go in for the florid speeches and noises we sometimes hear in this House, which take the place of monetary and fiscal policies. They spoke very toughly and very eloquently this week by lowering Canada's credit rating. There are also the unemployed and others.

I ask the Minister of Finance whether he is willing to review his inefficient and unfair approach which consists in attacking the unemployed by cutting their benefits to force them to look for non-existent jobs instead of going after the actual causes of unemployment.

[Paul Martin, Liberal, Minister of Finance and Minister responsible for the Federal Office of Regional Development-Quebec]

Mr. Speaker, regarding our fight against unemployment, our job-creation plan was endorsed by the G-7 countries, by France, Germany and the United States.

When we look at the results for the month of February, 66,000 new jobs were created, including 15,000 in Quebec. And when we look at what we did by lowering unemployment insurance premiums, everything we did for small and medium-sized businesses, the high-tech networks, when we look at the action plan to create jobs, it must be said that this government is doing the right thing.

Job Creation

[Yvan Loubier, Bloc, Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot, QC]

Mr. Speaker, page 16 of the red book reads, and I quote:

The Conservatives' single-minded fight against inflation resulted in a deep recession, three years without growth, declining incomes, skyrocketing unemployment-

[Some hon. members]

Hear, hear.