Debates of June 2nd, 1994

Supply

[Some hon. members]

Hear, hear.

[Dennis Mills, Liberal, Broadview—Greenwood, ON]

Mr. Speaker, it is not as if we are standing on this side of the House saying that we have a perfect system but it is very tough to work with an opposition that really does not have any intention to constructively criticize or improve the fabric of Canada. It sits there day after day working away at trying to destroy the fabric of Canada.

I believe that in the very near future it will probably be living up to its leader's commitment that if it loses in the provincial election its members will all be resigning.

The debate today is really not about our regional development programs and their effectiveness because we have regional development programs in every region of this country. They are working. They can always be improved.

The debate today is really about who speaks for Canada and the Bloc Quebecois really has always had a resentment for the Government of Canada presence in the province of Quebec.

I believe that most Quebecers will realize when they look at the contributions of Health and Welfare Canada, Communications Canada, Industry Canada, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, when they look at all the money that has been poured into Hydro Quebec to help develop James Bay, when they look at all the money that has been put into training programs, when they look at the fact they received $1 billion more in the last year just in terms of unemployment insurance and trading entitlements, I believe-

[Louis Plamondon, Bloc, Richelieu, QC]

We want jobs, jobs, jobs.

[Dennis Mills, Liberal, Broadview—Greenwood, ON]

This traitor to Brian Mulroney talks about jobs. Do you know how you get jobs? You get jobs by trying to build this country, not by trying to destroy it. That is how you do it.

[Some hon. members]

Hear, hear.

[Dennis Mills, Liberal, Broadview—Greenwood, ON]

Mr. Speaker, the members opposite talk about jobs. They are not fooling the people of Quebec. I have a tough time saying Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition. It is an oxymoron with this crowd. Her Majesty's disloyal opposition is what they should be called.

When you think about the fact that these people are parading around the world-

[The Speaker]

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.

National Student Commonwealth Forum

[Marlene Catterall, Liberal, Ottawa West, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the approximately 100 students who participated in the National Student Commonwealth Forum in Ottawa on May 13 of this year.

The delegates from across Canada gathered to express their knowledge and views about issues facing Canada and the world.

Miss Julie Richard lives in the riding of our colleague from Ottawa South. Representing Sri Lanka, she received the award for the most outstanding delegate. Mr. Sachit Mehra of Winnipeg, representing Antigua and Barbuda, received an award for his exceptional performance. The best delegation was that of Singapore, represented by Benjamin Thwaites and Ryan Lawlor of St. Andrew's College in Toronto.

Forums such as this encourage Canadian youth to learn about different cultures and countries, international issues and the role that Canada plays in the world.

I congratulate all delegates and the volunteer forum planning committee for a job well done.

Via Rail

[André Caron, Bloc, Jonquière, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Transport has announced he will implement the $100 million cut in VIA Rail's operating budget proposed by the previous Conservative government. This cutback will cause a reduction in services to remote areas, possibly including the Jonquière-Montreal line.

This service, which connects my region to Quebec's major economic centres, is vital to the development and quality of life of the region.

In my opinion, the government should abide by the policy drafted by the Liberal Caucus in November 1989 and declare a one-year moratorium on any decision affecting VIA Rail, in order to allow for public hearings.

However, the minister has refused to consider public consultations. It is another indication that when they were in the opposition, the Liberals were far better-intentioned than they are now as the governing party.

Young Offenders Act

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

Mr. Speaker, I have just spoken to Chuck Cadman whose son Jesse was senselessly murdered by a young offender for his baseball cap in a Fraser Valley community a couple of years ago.

Chuck, who founded a group called CRY-Crime, Responsibility and Youth-is disappointed with the Liberal attempt at reforming the Young Offenders Act. His group's numerous recommendations have turned into a cry in the dark. Yet the justice minister claims he is listening to Canadians.

This government will soon see thousands of letters coming to the justice minister from all across this country, all crying out for stronger action on young offenders.

We have just found out that a violent repeat young offender has escaped from a youth detention centre by melting through a Plexiglas barrier with a soldering gun. The young offender who sliced his way to freedom was very innovative. We need equally innovative laws to keep up to these people, and today's half way measures do not cut it.

How many more innocent people have to die before the justice minister proves to Canadians he can actually hear their cries in the dark?

Child Support

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

Mr. Speaker, on Monday the Secretary of State for the Status of Women announced the details of the government's plans to consult with Canadians about the taxation of child support payments.

In the past few weeks I have received many letters from my constituents wanting to see the present system changed. I would like to take this opportunity to urge the people in my riding to share their views with the government.

This government has prepared discussion points for people to read and they can offer their views right on the document and fax their presentation to Ottawa toll free.

Many parents face a daily battle to make ends meet because of inadequate or late child support payments. This government is concerned and wants to help. I encourage residents of St. John's West to call my office and obtain a copy of the discussion paper and share their concerns directly with this government.

Women's Health

[Jane Stewart, Liberal, Brant, ON]

Mr. Speaker, when I read about young women like Bonnie Fung who at 15 years of age is dealing with the challenges of adolescence and those that face her as a victim of lupus, and when I think about my 37-year old friend who is at once raising a family of seven children and taking chemotherapy to fight breast cancer, and when I talk to my aunt and my grandmother who both in their later years are suffering the pain and the disfigurement of osteoporosis, I know that we have to do more to fight these diseases and others that predominantly affect women.

We know that there has been a systemic bias against women in our health care and our health research. That is why I am so glad and look forward to the creation of a centre of excellence that will focus on women's health and why I hope that when our national health forum meets this summer the issue of women's health will be on its agenda.

As a government and as a country we cannot accept the status quo when it comes to Canadian women's health.

The Environment

[Andy Scott, Liberal, Fredericton—York—Sunbury, NB]

Mr. Speaker, the protection and conservation of our environment require collaboration between all levels of government. We need to streamline environmental regulatory processes and harmonize federal and provincial policies and programs.

To this end yesterday in New Brunswick the federal environment minister and her colleagues from the Atlantic provinces entered into a federal-provincial framework agreement for the environmental co-operation in Atlantic Canada.

This agreement is the first of its kind in the environmental field in terms of both its breadth and scope. It set out principles to cover compliance with regulations, environmental assessment, environmental monitoring and data management, water programs and public awareness.

The agreement will lead to the elimination of overlap and duplication of program delivery and provide a single window for pursuing regulatory matters. It illustrates this government's commitment to environmental protection and conservation and to co-operation and harmonization with the provinces.

Regional Development

[Gilbert Fillion, Bloc, Chicoutimi, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to condemn the federal government's ineptitude in the matter of regional development.

All regions in Quebec have been facing major problems for a number of years. Despite the fact that we have a federalist government in Quebec as well, quarrelling on regional development has merely increased political tension, while the economy of the regions suffers. This is reflected in the youth unemployment rate in my region, which was 24 per cent last year and led to migration to the larger urban centres.

I wish the Liberal government would stop telling us that all is well and that federalism is the answer to all our problems. Federalism has had plenty of time to prove itself, and it has proved to be a failure.

Lacrosse

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

Mr. Speaker, recently we agreed in this House that lacrosse would be recognized as Canada's summer national sport.

This bill has now received royal assent. We have learned that the Minister of Canadian Heritage is in possession of a report which would eliminate all funding for lacrosse.

The minister's office assured me that this was not the official position of the government. Then his parliamentary secretary told us recently in this House that a decision on this will not be forthcoming until late summer.

This puts the men's national lacrosse team in a desperate situation. It hopes to compete in the world championships in England this July but will not be able to unless recognition of its status is forthcoming.

I call on the minister to make a decision immediately on our national summer sport which will then allow our national team to compete for Canada in the upcoming world championships.

Youth Employment

[Brenda Chamberlain, Liberal, Guelph—Wellington, ON]

Mr. Speaker, the federal government continues to recognize the importance of our young people and is offering a number of programs which will assist them as they prepare to meet the challenges of the future.

Young people in Guelph-Wellington are concerned about employment prospects and look to this government for programs and ideas which will provide hope and opportunity.

I encourage our young women and men to believe in their future. I also encourage them to make use of their talents through volunteer experiences. Volunteering is an excellent avenue to gain experience and to establish a network in the real world of employment

At the same time there are a number of Canadians young and old who can benefit from the dedication and spirit of our volunteer activities. Young people should be encouraged to make a difference, get involved and create a better future for themselves while helping others.

Astraltech

[Patrick Gagnon, Liberal, Bonaventure—Îles-De-La-Madeleine, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the opposition may nor like this, but I would like to draw the attention of this House to the recent association of the governments of Canada and Quebec with Astraltech, to help this company carry out a major revamping of its facilities.

A total investment of $9.5 million will create 30 new jobs and keep 35 existing jobs in the Montreal region.

This project will help Astraltech, a world leader in the communications sector, to relocate its facilities and acquire high-tech equipment, while enhancing Montreal's reputation as the hub of the industry's production for foreign markets.

This project demonstrates the level of excellence that can be achieved when the private sector, the province and the Government of Canada get together to meet the challenge of keeping up with changing technologies. Another winner for Quebec.

Royal Canadian Legion

[Tony Ianno, Liberal, Trinity—Spadina, ON]

Mr. Speaker, the Royal Canadian Legion's decision to prohibit the wearing of religious headwear in Legion halls shows a lack of respect and understanding of Canada's new reality.

While I understand that the wearing of hats in Legion halls is seen as a lack of respect for those who died in battle, I in no way see religious head coverings as hats and therefore as disrespectful.

I believe this to be an issue about the definition of Canada. Our institutions have a responsibility, as is reflected here in this

House, to guarantee that all Canadians are treated equally and that no one is in any way discriminated against.

Restoration Of Democracy In Haiti

[Maud Debien, Bloc, Laval East, QC]

Mr. Speaker, despite a total United Nations embargo against the putschist government of Haiti, the military junta continues to defy international pressures. It refuses to hand over power and allow for the return of President Aristide and democracy.

In fact, the situation is worsening. Killers continue to terrorize the population, the Tonton Macoutes have re-established their reign of terror, international aid money is being witheld and a new puppet president has been appointed. In short, nothing has changed. How long does Canada intend to wait for the total embargo to produce the intended results? How many more dead, how much more suffering will we accept?

Canada must stand ready to take part in a more forceful attempt if the situation does not change soon.

Young Offenders Act

[Jan Brown, Reform, Calgary Southeast, AB]

Mr. Speaker, amidst all the talk of criminal justice reform in the Young Offenders Act we often forget the victims who suffer at the hands of violence.

I would like to give a victim's impact statement today from a young woman in my riding, Christine Angus, who was recently beaten in broad daylight by two young offenders who demanded her purse:

"I knew that crime amongst young offenders was getting out of hand, but it was sort of on the sidelines and until this happened to me I never realized that crime is so close to all of us. I was on my way to work at 12.30 p.m., the noon hour, and two guys came up behind me, grabbed me around my throat and said they would hurt me if I did not give them my purse, then they spun me around". Christine was then beaten about the face and head.

Her final comment was: "Who will care for my emotional state? I cannot sleep at night. I am afraid. Who is going to help me with this?".

Victims like Christine feel betrayed by a justice system that lets them down time after time. Victims have special needs. Let us recognize them and hold young offenders accountable.

The Late Reine Johnson

[Clifford Lincoln, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Environment]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to add my voice to that of my colleagues who, yesterday, paid tribute to the mother of Daniel and Pierre-Marc Johnson, who passed away. Like two members from the Bloc, I had the chance to work with Daniel and Pierre-Marc Johnson in the Quebec National Assembly during two terms.

I was also part of of Daniel Johnson's team during his first bid for leadership. What is remarkable about the Johnson brothers is that, confronted daily by issues they approached from opposite ends of the political spectrum, they managed to keep strong and constant fraternal ties. They are friends as well as brothers. This comes from the strong family values passed on to them by their parents. I offer my deepest sympathy to Daniel, Pierre-Marc and their families.

Nuclear Weapons

[Warren Allmand, Liberal, Notre-Dame-De-Grâce, QC]

Mr. Speaker, in May 1993 the World Health Organization asked the World Court to declare nuclear weapons illegal under international law.

As a result the World Court asked all member states, including Canada, to submit their positions by June 10, 1994.

I want to urge the government to make such a submission. At this time there are six known nuclear weapon states and there are 15 other states that either have or are developing nuclear weapons capacity. If this proliferation continues and nuclear weapons are held by irresponsible leaders in the world, the entire planet is in grave danger.

In 1995 the 25-year old non-proliferation treaty will come to an end unless there is political will in the world to have it continue and make it work. We have banned chemical weapons. We should do the same with nuclear weapons.

I urge Canada to support this World Court project before the June 10 deadline.

Basketball Game

[Stan Keyes, Liberal, Hamilton West, ON]

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise in the House today in my capacity as captain of the MPs basketball team to issue this statement prepared by the diligent pages of the House of Commons. They write:

"A basketball game between members of Parliament and House of Commons pages took place last night. This was a hard fought and enthusiastically played match featuring high-flying MPs from the government, the Bloc and the Reform Party as well as pages from all regions of Canada.

The MPs relied on their team work, experience, and polished moves while the pages used their talent, depth and youthfulness to their advantage.

The outcome of this hotly-contested match was in doubt from the beginning, but in the end the MPs were able to edge out the pages by a slender margin.

The victory was sweet but as members of this House should note this is no time to rest on your laurels as you will all be a year older next season and will have to contend with a new group of younger pages.

This game proved to be an excellent opportunity for members and pages to work off some energy and to get to know each other outside the House of Commons.

For those members who were unable to attend there is always next year as this has now become an annual event.

Again thank you to all those who participated. It was a game enjoyed by all.

Sincerely,

the Pages"

Tax Fairness

[Audrey McLaughlin, NDP, Yukon, YT]

Mr. Speaker, during the election the Liberal Party promised to find ways to achieve tax fairness. That was then. This is now.

I have here a flyer from Revenue Canada. There is a fire sale on tax loopholes. Get them while you still can. To quote from the flyer: "Don't miss out. Take advantage of the $100,000 capital gains exemption".

This government's version of tax fairness is breaks for the rich, do not touch the private family trusts. Their version of abolish is hide and seek when it comes to the GST.

I call on the minister to explain to Canadians why he continues to protect the wealthy when even the food in the mouths of ordinary Canadians is not beyond his grasp.

Hepatitis C

[Pauline Picard, Bloc, Drummond, QC]

Mr. Speaker, my question is directed to the Minister of Health. Because the federal government refuses to take its responsibilities seriously, the Red Cross is about to launch a large-scale operation to trace thousands of carriers of the hepatitis C virus who were infected as a result of blood transfusions. The Red Cross spokesperson claimed, and rightly so, that a person who received a blood transfusion had the right to know whether he had been exposed to the hepatitis C virus.

How can the Minister of Health, who has refused to take her responsibilities seriously on this issue, maintain her claim that it is impossible to trace people who were infected with the hepatitis C virus as a result of a blood transfusion, when the Red Cross is preparing to do so?