House of Commons Hansard #267 of the 35th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was quebec.

Topics

2 p.m.

The Speaker

We are going to sing "O Canada" and I invite everyone who is in the Chamber to join with us. We will be led by the hon. member for Kingston and the Islands.

Canadian Executive Services OrganizationStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Liberal

Rose-Marie Ur Liberal Lambton—Middlesex, ON

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to relate the outstanding international volunteer efforts of my constituent,Mr. Bruce Decker of Grand Bend, Ontario.

Mr. Decker and his wife Jean recently returned to Canada from Romania where Mr. Decker had applied his expertise to a locomotive manufacturer in restructuring its marketing department.Mr. Decker offered his services under the auspices of the Canadian Executive Services Organization, a non-profit volunteer organization which among other valuable services has been providing advice to emerging market economies in central and eastern Europe since 1967.

CESO is supported by the Government of Canada principally through CIDA. In addition to government support, CESO is also supported by hundreds of Canadian corporations and 4,000 volunteers. It is this kind of commitment and dedication by thousands of other Canadians that has contributed to the high esteem Canada has earned throughout the world.

ImmigrationStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Reform

Randy White Reform Fraser Valley West, BC

Mr. Speaker, if you are fleeing from the law in any country in the world, go to Canada. The taxpayers will look after you.

Take for instance Melissa Harris from Florida. She is a suspect in a double slaying who has fled across the border to Winnipeg. At the taxpayers' cost she is applying for refugee status, from Florida no less.

This Liberal government is a disgrace led by a minister of immigration who will no doubt call this yet another isolated incident. Or if I back him in the corner again he will simply say that as the minister he has no jurisdiction over refugee boards.

Perhaps Canadians should take another look at the policies of this government which allow Americans to claim refugee status if they are criminals, like Charles Ng. What is more important to Canadians, their safety or Liberals looking for more votes?

The ConstitutionStatements By Members

November 29th, 1995 / 2 p.m.

NDP

Audrey McLaughlin NDP Yukon, YT

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister has put forth hastily concocted post referendum proposals that seem, rather than working to bring about a consensus on national unity, to be creating even greater disunity.

The amending formula which proposes four regions does not take into account the strong views of many westerners that the prairie provinces are quite different from British Columbia, the third largest province in Canada. Past constitutional reports acknowledge the importance of this by considering British Columbia as a region for the purpose of constitutional amendments.

A second major question which this proposal raises concerns the implications for the creation of new provinces. At present the Yukon territory, Western Arctic and the newly created Nunavut are not demanding provincehood. However, it is imperative that constitutional measures not be put in place which would prevent the creation of new provinces at some time in the future.

I call on the Prime Minister to clarify what the implications are of this amending formula for the creation of new provinces in his proposed act.

Lambton CollegeStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Liberal

Roger Gallaway Liberal Sarnia—Lambton, ON

Mr. Speaker, Lambton College, which is located in my riding of Sarnia-Lambton, recently signed a formal partnership agreement with the Polytechnical University of Nicaragua. The agreement provides for faculty and student exchange programs, professional development and management linkages, sharing of educational development,

linkages with the private sector, and joint international ventures between our two countries.

Lambton College will work closely with its partners in Nicaragua on health care, sustainable development and entrepreneurship. The agreement represents a major accomplishment for the college's international program, an important social and economic contribution to the development of Nicaragua.

I ask the Canadian International Development Agency to join with the private sector sponsors in funding this important project.

Tobacco ProductsStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Liberal

Pat O'Brien Liberal London—Middlesex, ON

Mr. Speaker, as the member of Parliament for London-Middlesex, I wish to add my voice today to those countless numbers of Canadians who are calling on the federal government to take more stringent action against tobacco products. Such actions could take several forms, including declaring tobacco to be what it is: a hazardous substance.

It is my belief and that of many of my constituents that the use of tobacco represents the most serious avoidable threat to the health of Canadians today. In fact, this is much more than a belief; it is a proven fact which should cause governments at all levels to take whatever positive steps they can to address this enormous health threat.

I call on this government to enact legislation that will designate tobacco products as hazardous and strictly regulate its manufacture, marketing and distribution.

Insurance BrokersStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Liberal

Paul Devillers Liberal Simcoe North, ON

Mr. Speaker, during the past several months I have received numerous representations from insurance brokers in Simcoe North. These small business people have valid concerns about the possibility of chartered banks being permitted to aggressively enter the insurance business.

On the surface this may appear to be just two industries in competition over a business segment, but it is much more than that. It is about the survival of many hundreds of small insurance brokerage firms located in towns and cities throughout Canada. It is also about the consumers of insurance services who will receive less personalized, untailored insurance coverage from inexpert bank representatives pushing inflexible, preset insurance plans.

This government is very concerned with creating conditions in which small and medium enterprises can grow and prosper. I hope this positive attitude will prevail when it comes to the hundreds of insurance brokers across Canada.

Prime Minister's ProposalsStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Bloc

Yvan Bernier Bloc Gaspé, QC

Mr. Speaker, as we all read in the newspapers this morning, the Prime Minister's proposals have been almost unanimously rejected by our major dailies' editorial writers and other observers. Alain Dubuc from La Presse , Michel Auger from Le Journal de Montréal , and editorial writers from Le Soleil , the Ottawa Citizen and the Ottawa Sun were not fooled by the simplistic and superficial initiatives announced by the Prime Minister on Monday.

They see them as a hastily improvised reaction, to save face, by a government incapable of delivering on the constitutional promises it made during the Quebec referendum.

The Prime Minister's proposals have been rejected in English Canada for being overly generous to Quebec, and in Quebec for falling far short of its traditional minimum demands.

This is a repeat of the response to the Charlottetown agreement, which was rejected by all parties.

British ColumbiaStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Reform

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

Mr. Speaker, when the government announces its efforts this afternoon to appease Quebec it will be showing its contempt for the people of British Columbia. By incorporating British Columbia into a veto region with the prairie provinces this government is demonstrating a profound ignorance of our people, geography and history.

A quick look at any atlas will show that British Columbia is a distinct geographical region. Contrary to what the Liberals believe, there is a difference between our Pacific coast and numerous mountain ranges and the wheat fields and gopher mounds of the prairies.

For too long the federal government has exploited British Columbia. We contribute more than our share to the federal coffers, but receive far less than we should when it comes to federal spending or representation in this House.

I agree with the leaders of all the B.C. provincial parties, including Liberal leader Gordon Campbell who denounced this proposal.

In its efforts to appease Quebec, this government-

British ColumbiaStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

The Speaker

The hon. member for Guelph-Wellington.

Reform PartyStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Brenda Chamberlain Liberal Guelph—Wellington, ON

Mr. Speaker, Canadians may be facing something never seen before: smiling Reformers.

A Reform strategy memo leaked after a so-called brainstorming session has suggested that Reform members should smile more in public. It took 50 staff members and two years of discussions to develop this new and drastic strategy. No doubt its writers had to overcome the following questions: Would anyone recognize a smiling Reformer? How would being happy affect their doom and gloom policies? Would Reformers welcome a happy person into their party?

We know that Reformers may have difficulty adjusting to this smiling theory. Fortunately for them, their leader is not bound to act on this recommendation, but unfortunately for us we will not find the answer to the most important question: Can Reformers smile?

British Columbia French-Canadian FederationStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Anna Terrana Liberal Vancouver East, BC

Mr. Speaker, this year marks the 50th anniversary of the British Columbia French-Canadian Federation.

Last month, the federation held 50th anniversary celebrations; there was much to celebrate, including six community centres, two bilingual caisses populaires, three housing co-ops, French-language libraries, a weekly newspaper, an education service for francophones, education and training services for adults, immersion courses for students, a professional theatre company, a chamber of commerce, and French-language court services.

The 60,000 francophones living in Maillardville, Vancouver, Prince George, Kamloops, Kelowna, Powell River, Nanaimo and other communities throughout the province are proud of their heritage, their culture and their roots, which will always belong to them.

I would ask my colleagues to join me in wishing the British Columbia French-Canadian Federation a happy anniversary and in commending it for its 50 years of successful work and its commitment and dedication to the cause of the French-speaking community outside Quebec.

Regional Economic DevelopmentStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

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

Mr. Speaker, I would like to inform the House of an excellent initiative put forward by the Federal Office of Regional Development, in co-operation with the Business Development Bank of Canada.

Indeed, the setting up of a new fund called Idée-PME, with some $25 million in capital for commercial loans, is a remarkable example of the positive results that can be achieved when we put the expertise of two agencies to work in an innovative partnership. That partnership, and this is a word which our friends opposite are fond of, confirms the federal government's will to improve the performance of economic agencies in Quebec, whether public or private.

It also confirms that Liberal members are committed to fostering a business climate which will promote economic development and job creation, which are so important for Quebecers and their province within the Canadian federation.

Manpower TrainingStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Bloc

André Caron Bloc Jonquière, QC

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister will never cease to amaze us. On the very day he proposed a symbolic motion to show that he intends to recognize Quebec's distinct society status, he completely denied that specificity by making an empty offer to all provinces, without distinction, regarding manpower training.

In a conference that reached new heights of improvisation, the Prime Minister even had the nerve to use vocational training to try to show his good will, even though his offer does not in any way meet Quebec's unanimous plea for the transfer of powers and resources in this area.

The first time he has an opportunity to show that he respects Quebec's distinct character, the Prime Minister chooses instead to treat our province like any other one. Should we remind him that it is Quebec, not Saskatchewan or Nova Scotia, that has been asking for years that the responsibility for vocational training be transferred to the province?

National UnityStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Reform

Chuck Strahl Reform Fraser Valley East, BC

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister warns that this nation will fall apart if the federal government devolves some of its responsibilities. His favourite example is health care. If the health care system changes, he

declares, Canada will cease to exist, as if Canada is nothing more than a collection of social programs. To Liberals, government spending is the glue that holds the country together.

The bonds of unity are stronger than any government program. We emerged united from two world wars, a conscription crisis and a decade long depression not by our programs but by our strength of character and the firmness of our resolve.

Canadian unity rests largely on shared values like justice, freedom, equality and the opportunity and challenge afforded by our great land. If we neglect these things, we will indeed lose our country.

The Liberals should listen up. Changes to bring about a smaller, less intrusive federal government are essential if we are to preserve the unity of the federation.

Recognition Of Quebec As A Distinct SocietyStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Ronald J. Duhamel Liberal St. Boniface, MB

Mr. Speaker, during the referendum campaign, the Prime Minister promised to recognize Quebec as a distinct society. Now, he is putting forward new initiatives to fulfil his promise.

Unfortunately, the third party is once again putting its own political agenda ahead of Canada's by not supporting this initiative that will help preserve Canadian unity.

The third party's political manoeuvring is as apparent today as it was in 1989 when, in an article which appeared in Maclean's , the leader of that party compared the constitutional evolution of our country to horse trading. He was willing then to trade off the distinct society clause for something else. Clearly this form of trade off bargaining serves to create greater differences among the regions and the provinces instead of creating a sense of Canadian unity.

When will the leader of the Reform Party and his colleagues start putting Canada first as opposed to their own political fortunes?

Human RightsStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Bloc

Christiane Gagnon Bloc Québec, QC

Mr. Speaker, thousands of Quebecers who watched the television program Enjeux were horrified at the dramatic consequences of the Chinese birth rate policy. One million infant girls are rejected every year and left to die in crowded institutions, just because they were not born male. They die of neglect in government operated nurseries.

By refusing to raise the issue of human rights with his Chinese counterparts, on the pretext that this would hurt our trade relations, the Prime Minister is condoning this shameful practice. It is desperately urgent that this government face up to the human rights situation in China and condemn the violation of the most basic rights of Chinese infants.

Leader Of The Bloc QuebecoisStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Eleni Bakopanos Liberal Saint-Denis, QC

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the leader of the Bloc Quebecois reiterated once again that he is not interested in working to ensure that Quebec is recognized as a distinct society within the Canadian federation.

The leader of the Bloc suggested that he was more concerned with getting ready to be crowned leader of the PQ and appointed Premier of Quebec than with looking after the interests of all Quebecers.

By refusing to accept the federal government's proposal to recognize Quebec's distinct society, the leader of the Bloc has demonstrated that he is more concerned about preparing for his ascension to the PQ throne than responding to the demands of Quebecers.

The people of Quebec are finding out with dismay that the man they believed would champion their rights is actually prepared to sacrifice the recognition of distinct society for a separatist throne in Quebec. That is why the leader of the Bloc Quebecois has lost interest in distinct society.

Dangerous OffendersStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Reform

Art Hanger Reform Calgary Northeast, AB

Mr. Speaker, Phillipe Clement, Dean Cyr, Isaac Deas, Daniel Gingras, Clinton Suzack and Clinton Gayle. What do all of these names have in common? They are convicted felons who have either raped, killed or tortured innocent Canadians while under supervision.

These are not isolated cases. The list is much longer than those I have mentioned. For every name there is at least one victim whose life came to a violent, tragic end because their assailant was not fit to be walking the streets. Many of the families of these victims have pending lawsuits. They want to know why dangerous criminals are held in prisons without fences. They want to know why

ruthless killers are given birthday passes to go to shopping malls with unarmed guards. They want to know why the decision making process over parolees is made by political cronies who are incompetent and costing innocent Canadians their lives.

All these atrocities fall under the portfolio of the solicitor general. It is high time he took responsibility and realized that when it comes to the safety of Canadians there is no compromise. Canadians are tired of living in fear.

Renewal Of Canadian FederalismOral Question Period

2:15 p.m.

Lac-Saint-Jean Québec

Bloc

Lucien Bouchard BlocLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, the Globe and Mail reported a split in the phoney committee chaired by the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs. I am referring to the committee that is supposed to consider changes in the federal system, to follow through on the referendum promises made by the Prime Minister.

It seems that on one side we have five ministers, including three from Quebec, demanding thorough changes and on the other side, four ministers from Ontario who persist in their belief that Quebecers will be satisfied with symbolic gestures.

My question is directed to the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs. Are we to assume it was the profound split between members of his committee that led the Prime Minister to announce his proposals on such short notice, even before the committee tabled its report?

Renewal Of Canadian FederalismOral Question Period

2:15 p.m.

Hull—Aylmer Québec

Liberal

Marcel Massé LiberalPresident of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada

Mr. Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition is impugning motive. We are working on various ways in which the Canadian federation could be improved.

Yes, we did discuss the issues of distinct society and veto rights, and the first results were there in the Prime Minister's announcement. We are now discussing other matters, including a more sensible division of powers between the provinces and Canada. We will submit our recommendations to the Prime Minister as soon as they are ready.

That ministers should differ in their opinions on various subjects is entirely normal in a party like ours that practices the democracy it preaches.

Renewal Of Canadian FederalismOral Question Period

2:15 p.m.

Lac-Saint-Jean Québec

Bloc

Lucien Bouchard BlocLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, in view of the very deep split within the committee chaired by the minister, I want to ask him whether he would agree that the hollow initiatives announced by the Prime Minister show that he sided with the four ministers from Ontario who believe they can satisfy Quebecers' desire for change with this measly proposal.

Renewal Of Canadian FederalismOral Question Period

2:15 p.m.

Hull—Aylmer Québec

Liberal

Marcel Massé LiberalPresident of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada

Mr. Speaker, in our committee, we consider the interests of Canada, including those of Quebec. The ministers express their views on the basis of their knowledge, experience and judgment, which is entirely normal.

My conclusion with respect to distinct society and the veto is that we are clearly on the right track towards making substantial changes in the way the Canadian federation operates.

Renewal Of Canadian FederalismOral Question Period

2:15 p.m.

Lac-Saint-Jean Québec

Bloc

Lucien Bouchard BlocLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, I heard "on the right track"; a look at the newspapers is enough to see it is the wrong track.

I want to ask the minister whether he would agree that the government's initiative is off to a very bad start and that the government is heading up another blind alley, since as we saw in the case of Charlottetown, any proposal to Quebec will be seen as too generous by English Canada and not enough by Quebec.

Renewal Of Canadian FederalismOral Question Period

2:15 p.m.

Hull—Aylmer Québec

Liberal

Marcel Massé LiberalPresident of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada

Mr. Speaker, our committee has approached the problems of unity from the perspective that we stayed together for 128 years and always managed to solve our problems, and also from the perspective that the French language was best able to thrive-and I saw this personally in the course of my career-while we were part of Canada.

The position on distinct society, which is gaining acceptance and which will be included in the resolution of the House of Commons, is also a recognition of aspects of distinct society which developed in the Parliament of Canada and in the Canadian provinces. I repeat, it developed within Canada. The changes that are necessary can and should be made within Canada. In fact, that is the message sent to all Canadians, including the official opposition, by the vote on October 30.