Debates of June 6th, 1994

Environment

[Charles Caccia, Liberal, Davenport, ON]

Mr. Speaker, on the occasion of Environment Week, I would like to report that the Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development recommends the appointment of a commissioner who would help to ensure that the federal government pursues policies and programs that are environmentally sustainable. What does all that mean?

It means the commissioner would evaluate and review federal policies, laws, regulations and programs and identify those which encourage and those which impede Canada's shift to environmentally sustainable development. The commissioner would report to Parliament. The commissioner would help in the shift toward sustainable development and would also comment on whether Canada's policies meet international commitments.

The members of this committee, most of them at least, urge the government to act quickly in the implementation of the recommendations contained in this report.

Battle Of Normandy

[Jean H. Leroux, Bloc, Shefford, QC]

Mr. Speaker, fifty years ago today, the Allied Forces reversed the course of history on the beaches of Normandy. The operation that took place on June 6, 1944, marked the beginning of the end of the military and political hegemony of the Nazis and the Axis forces.

Taking part in the invasion on D-Day were units of the Canadian 3rd Infantry Division and the Canadian 2nd Armoured Brigade. Also present at this historic moment in the liberation of Europe by the Allied Forces were more than 50 ships of the Canadian Royal Navy and 37 squadrons of the Royal Canadian Airforce.

This day is dedicated to all those Canadian and Quebec men and women, for the sacrifices they made in the defence of freedom on a day that was finally to lead to the end of the Second World War.

Sri Chaudhuri

[Diane Ablonczy, Reform, Calgary North, AB]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to share with members of this House the pride we feel in my riding of Calgary North at the achievements of Ms. Sri Chaudhuri.

Sri Chaudhuri is a grade 12 student at Sir Winston Churchill High School in northwest Calgary. She has just received top honours at the National Science Fair in Guelph, Ontario. Sri won six awards including best overall project, the gold medal in the physical sciences division, and the Manning award for innovation.

Her project demonstrated it is possible to use high frequency sound to break down toxic organic compounds that contaminate the environment.

Sri is the first young scientist from western Canada to have won this national honour.

Today as we remember the men and women who fought valiantly to safeguard our future, it is especially fitting to celebrate the achievements of a new generation of young Canadians like Sri Chaudhuri who is conquering obstacles to help preserve our environment.

On behalf of the citizens of Calgary North, I extend sincere congratulations to Sri Chaudhuri.

The Late Tom Goode

[Herb Dhaliwal, Liberal, Vancouver South, BC]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the late Tom Goode.

Tom Goode served this House, the constituents of Burnaby, Richmond and Delta, as a fine member of Parliament. He served with dedication, energy and enthusiasm between 1968 and 1972.

Tom was a people's person. He continued to serve and work in his community even after his term as an MP. Between 1974 and 1979 Tom Goode was mayor of Delta.

People who knew him will remember Tom as a warm and hard-working man who had the ability to put the people around him at ease by making them feel comfortable. He had a sense of humour and enjoyed life. Tom Goode liked to keep himself busy. He was a man of many interests and talents.

In addition to being an active member of his community, Tom was involved with the business life of Delta and the lower mainland through the construction industry. He built buildings as he helped to build the community where he lived to which he gave so much of himself.

Tom's good nature, warmth and kindness will be greatly missed.

National Transportation Week

[Gordon Kirkby, Liberal, Prince Albert—Churchill River, SK]

Mr. Speaker, His Excellency Governor General Ramon Hnatyshyn has said that this year's observance of National Transportation Week is a special one as it marks the 25th anniversary of the celebration of the achievements and importance of jobs done by thousands of workers in the transportation industry.

This year's theme is "Intermodalism-The Perfect Fit". Intermodalism is surely the way of the future. It counts heavily on computer applications and streamlined procedures to get goods to market quickly and cheaply.

The transportation industry is making the best use of new initiatives and electronic data interchange and other electronic commerce techniques. Barriers to more integrated and cost-effective transportation services are falling.

The transportation industry can be proud of its achievements. To the organizers of the 25th annual National Transportation Week, I extend best wishes for continuing success.

D-Day

[Albina Guarnieri, Liberal, Mississauga East, ON]

Mr. Speaker, today marks the 50th anniversary of the allied invasion of Europe.

On June 6, 1944 Canadian troops joined allied forces in their attack on the coast of Normandy. Canada was a full partner in the D-Day landings, with units of the Third Canadian Infantry Division and the Fourth Canadian Armoured Brigade. Over 50 ships of the Royal Canadian Navy and 37 squadrons of aircraft from the Royal Canadian Air Force took part in the attack.

For Canadians, remembering D-Day is a very emotional experience. Our veterans recall what they went through fifty years ago, and today, they remember their comrades who fell in action.

Canadians must never forget the courage and sacrifices of those who, in the name of freedom, changed the course of history in the twentieth century.

Battle Of Normandy

[Paul Mercier, Bloc, Blainville—Deux-Montagnes, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I was living in Belgium during the last war. In fact, I was born there, and I want to take this opportunity to express the gratitude of my former compatriots to the Canadian, American and English troops who crossed the seas 50 years ago to free Europe from tyranny.

I remember as if it were yesterday, that morning on June 6, 1944, when the radio announced that the tremendous news of the invasion in Normandy, which was the first step towards our liberation.

Three months later, a deliriously happy Brussels welcomed those allied troops, covered with dust and glory, and I decided to join them for the last part of the war.

I remember that among our liberators, the first two soldiers to whom I spoke were two Quebecers from the 22nd Regiment. Of course, I did not know then that one day I would become their compatriot, but today, I am happy and proud that is the case.

D-Day

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

Mr. Speaker, those who watched television programming from the beaches of Normandy this morning will have been given some idea of the conditions which prevailed when Canadian troops came ashore 50 years ago on June 6, 1944.

Overcast skies and cold blustery winds made for a rough sea, especially for the small landing craft carrying our troops to the Normandy shore. As a result, many seasick Canadian soldiers flung themselves into the swells and on to the windswept Juno beach to face their determined and well-fortified enemy. By the end of this longest day, 359 Canadian soldiers would be killed, 541 would be wounded and 47 would be taken prisoner.

By the time the second world war ended more than 42,000 Canadians gave their lives for our freedom.

In these days, such a threat requiring such a sacrifice seems almost unthinkable. Let us hope it remains that way. But if it

does not, let us hope that once again Canadians will come forward to fight for that most precious of all commodities, freedom.

Ymca

[Mary Clancy, Liberal, Halifax, NS]

Mr. Speaker, today the YMCA movement world-wide celebrates its 150th anniversary. It was 150 years ago today, on June 6, 1844, that George Williams and his colleagues founded the YMCA in London in an attempt to replace disorderly behaviour with constructive activities.

The YMCA's benevolent spirit soon caught the attention of Montreal, thus initiating its expansion throughout Canada and the U.S.

Since its inception the Y has been instrumental in addressing a multitude of social needs. To the implementation of such programs as health and recreation, child care, employment training, literacy and language training and international development aid, the YMCA movement exemplifies the Canadian spirit. This movement has not only helped to build stronger communities and goodwill but it can be said that the YMCA has been instrumental in building the mind, body and spirit of humankind.

Join us today in celebrating the spirit of George Williams' dream and the immeasurable contributions of the YMCA in Canada. It is fitting we should celebrate this on the 50th anniversary of D-Day.

Battle Of Normandy

[John Bryden, Liberal, Hamilton—Wentworth, ON]

Mr. Speaker, 50 years ago today, Canadian troops landed on the beaches of Normandy to begin their mission to free France. The three major Allied powers, the United States, Great Britain and Canada, joined forces to liberate Europe from the Nazis, to restore democracy and to deliver the millions suffering under the iron grip of fascism. The battle was hard-fought and many soldiers lost their lives.

So many years later, we remember that day when Canadian soldiers, francophones, anglophones and allophones, represented all of Canada. The language spoken mattered little when the freedom of the world hung in the balance.

D-Day

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

Mr. Speaker, there are many battles in our history from which countless Canadian lives have been lost. Today let us remember those gallant men and women who 50 years ago gave their lives to the cause of freedom and democracy.

Let us also remember the unsung heroes of World War II, the resistance fighters of France, Norway, Belgium, Holland and Greece, who played an important role in helping to divert the Nazi forces away from Normandy and aid in the victory of the allied forces.

Today I salute these men and women.

I would like to thank the members of the Royal Canadian Legion Flanders Branch No. 63, as well as all veterans in the riding of Saint-Denis for their sacrifices. It is because of their courage and their love of country that Canada is today a free, united Canada. We will remember.

Battle Of Normandy

[Maurice Godin, Bloc, Châteauguay, QC]

Mr. Speaker, on this the 50th anniversary of the Allied landings on the beaches of Normandy, the Bloc Quebecois joins today with the entire international community in commemorating this event.

During World War II, Canada participated in campaigns in the Pacific, the Atlantic, Italy, France and the Netherlands. On June 6, 1944, thousands of people took part in what was to be the pivotal battle to free Europe from Nazi oppression. Veterans remain the faithful witnesses to these trying times and we must never forget, or be indifferent to, their actions.

The Bloc Quebecois salutes the sacrifices made and feats of bravery and courage displayed by all those involved 50 years ago. We salute the people who served on the battle front and on military bases, and especially those who served on the home front, the wives and children who often anxiously awaited word of their loved ones.

``The Roving Mike''

[Paul Forseth, Reform, New Westminster—Burnaby, BC]

Mr. Speaker, May 16 marked the 15,000th broadcast of the longest running one host show in radio history. The show is called "The Roving Mike" and has been part of CKNW Radio New Westminster since 1944.

It is my pleasure to honour CKNW's Bill Hughes who has hosted the show since 1950. In fact he has hosted well over 14,000 of its broadcasts. When Bill Hughes retires in August so will the show "The Roving Mike".

Bill Hughes has shown people in British Columbia that dreams can surely come true. In a recent interview Hughes said that he often liked to pretend having a microphone in his hand when he was a kid and often went into the bathroom to practise his hockey game voice, despite his mother thinking he was mentally disturbed.

Bill Hughes has given British Columbia's lower mainland a radio broadcast enjoyed by all. He will surely be missed by all British Columbians following his final program in August.

D-Day

[Chris Axworthy, NDP, Saskatoon—Clark's Crossing, SK]

Mr. Speaker, 50 years ago today allied forces stormed the beaches at Normandy marking the beginning of the end of World War II.

Some 150,000 troops took part in D-Day including 14,000 Canadians. Every province and territory of Canada was represented on land, in the air and at sea. All wore a similar shoulder badge with "Canada" on it and stood together not as westerners, French Canadians or maritimers, but as Canadians. They fought for freedom, for democracy and for the future generations many of them would never see.

We celebrate them today and pay tribute to all who played a role in the allied victory. We celebrate also the opportunity victory brought to build a better Canada, one free from pain and suffering for ourselves and for future generations. We continue in earnest toward this end and we do so with tremendous gratitude for those who made it possible.

On behalf of the citizens of Saskatoon-Clark's Crossing and on behalf of my New Democrat colleagues in this House, I would like to express sincere thanks to all the women and men who played a role in D-Day and in ensuring that freedom reigned.

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

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise in remembrance of the Canadian allied assault which marked the beginning of the liberation of Nazi occupied Europe 50 years ago today.

D-Day was a day of courage, a day of fear, when more than 15,000 Canadians landed on the beaches of Normandy not knowing whether they would be driven back into the sea or advance inland to capture the enemy posts. Soldiers from every province were part of that invasion and the Canadians fought with courage, unprecedented and unsurpassed.

On the home front, Canada was a woman's world with more than one million women in the factories turning out the products of war and running the farms. Canada was a unified nation, a nation with a focus, a nation with a goal, a goal of victory.

Today we salute our veterans for achieving that goal and we thank them for securing our future. In particular I salute the North Nova Scotia Highlanders whose Gaelic motto translated was "Breed of manly men". May we always remember D-Day.

Battle Of Normandy

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

Mr. Speaker, on this 50th anniversary of D-Day, I want to pay tribute to the veterans of World War II.

It reminds me of a trip I made not so long ago to Bernières-sur-Mer, in Europe, where I saw young people, unregistered people, non-francophones, non-anglophones, natives, people from every linguistic community in the country. I was struck by how young those Canadians were: between 17 and 20 years of age. Few of them were over 25. They were young Canadians. They fought together and I will tell you this: I am deeply touched by the fact that those young Canadians gave their lives to defend our democratic values, that they threw off the yoke of tyranny in Europe and that they did it for us, for their children and for their country.

D-Day Veterans

[The Speaker]

My colleagues, in a small departure from precedent I wonder if you would permit me on your behalf to welcome the representatives of D-Day who are not in my gallery, but in the diplomatic gallery. We receive them on behalf of all of our veterans who were there on this day 50 years ago. Gentlemen, would you stand?

[Some hon. members]

Hear, hear.

Collège Militaire Royal In Saint-Jean

[Lucien Bouchard, Bloc, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, while the ministers of Defence and Intergovernmental Affairs are passing the buck on the closing of the military college in Saint-Jean, we learned in Saturday's issue of Le Devoir that it costs 60 per cent more to train an officer in Kingston than in Saint-Jean. In addition, the work to expand the college in Kingston in order to accommodate the officer cadets

from Saint-Jean will amount to $75 million. The negotiations between Quebec City and Ottawa are still deadlocked.

I ask the Deputy Prime Minister whether she continues to use economic arguments to justify the decision to close the military college in Saint-Jean, when the cost of training an officer cadet in Saint-Jean is $52,000 per year compared to $83,000 in Kingston.

[Sheila Copps, Liberal, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Environment]

Mr. Speaker, it will not cost a penny more to transfer the students now at CMR to Kingston.

[Lucien Bouchard, Bloc, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, I would invite the Deputy Prime Minister to rectify the facts she has just stated by reading the articles in Le Devoir which were written by an authorized and very credible journalist.

I would also ask her how she can insist on invoking budgetary reasons to justify the decision to close the military college in Saint-Jean, when for the expansion alone of the college in Kingston required because of this closure, the contracts that will have to be awarded in order to accommodate the officer cadets from Saint-Jean, will cost almost $75 million.

[Sheila Copps, Liberal, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Environment]

Mr. Speaker, unfortunately, the information given by the Leader of the Opposition is not true. It will not cost a penny more to teach students at the college in Kingston than it would in Saint-Jean.

[Lucien Bouchard, Bloc, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, am I to understand from the Deputy Prime Minister that the government now denies it will expand the military college in Kingston and that the expansion plans, that we know about, are justified by the transfer of the officer cadets who used to study in Saint-Jean? I would urge the Deputy Prime Minister to check the facts and to make accurate statements in the House! We are dealing with serious issues here!

I would ask her to follow up on what her colleague, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, said last weekend in Montreal, namely that the federal government has presented proposals on the military college in Saint-Jean to the Quebec government, and to tell us whether these proposals include maintaining military training operations in Saint-Jean.

[Sheila Copps, Liberal, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Environment]

Mr. Speaker, I said it twice in French. I will repeat it in English.

The cost of educating the students who are being transferred represents not a single additional penny of extra expenditure in the federal military budget.

Francophone Affairs

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

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Deputy Prime Minister. Ontario's Minister of Francophone Affairs refused to act on the request from the Commissioner of Official Languages, who asked the Government of Ontario to make an exception so that Kingston could become a bilingual area. This refusal by the Ontario government comes just before the cadets are to move from the military college in Saint-Jean to Kingston.

How can the Deputy Prime Minister still maintain that her government wants to make RMC in Kingston a bilingual institution and make that city a showcase of bilingualism when the Government of Ontario systematically refuses to make Kingston bilingual?