House of Commons Hansard #146 of the 35th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was c-44.

Topics

Immigration ActGovernment Orders

1:55 p.m.

Reform

Art Hanger Reform Calgary Northeast, AB

Mr. Speaker, a concern that is on the minds of many Canadians is the fact that when we do have violent criminals under deportation orders they are never removed because of a lack of being able to obtain a travel document. From this member I would like an explanation as to why or how Bill C-44 is going to address this concern.

I have a list of probably a dozen very violent criminals, some of whom have been convicted of murder, who are walking our streets because travel documents cannot be obtained to get rid of them. I want this member to explain to me how Bill C-44 is going to deal with that.

Immigration ActGovernment Orders

1:55 p.m.

Liberal

Gar Knutson Liberal Elgin—Norfolk, ON

Mr. Speaker, first of all, I acknowledge that it is a legitimate concern and that the hon. member has raised a legitimate point. The short answer is that I do not know. That is not what the guts of the bill are about. It is not about sorting out the technicalities of travel documents.

Let us say we have someone who came over when they were six years old. They grew up here. They are not a Canadian citizen. Then they commit a very serious crime. The country we are going to send them back to does not want them back. It considers them to be Canadians and is not going to give us the travel documents to send them back. We have a policy in this country of simply not putting someone on an airplane, sending them off to somewhere and simply leaving them there. Then we get into a game. We send them there, they send them back, we send them there. Who knows where the person disappears to. We cannot kick someone out of the country if we are going to make them stateless.

There is a mechanism that we have to follow. There is a process. If the country on the other side does not co-operate, I agree it is a problem. I do not have the answer.

Immigration ActGovernment Orders

1:55 p.m.

Bloc

Osvaldo Nunez Bloc Bourassa, QC

Mr. Speaker, about the expression "danger to the public in Canada", the minister will be able to prevent an appeal by saying that the person constitutes a danger to the public in Canada. This is very ambiguous and subjective. Who will decide who constitutes a danger to the public in Canada? Will it be the minister, his officials, the RCMP, CSIS? Who? This is a very dangerous concept, Mr. Speaker.

Immigration ActGovernment Orders

1:55 p.m.

Liberal

Gar Knutson Liberal Elgin—Norfolk, ON

Mr. Speaker, I agree with my hon. colleague's point. It is something we have to be very concerned about. I would remind him though that it is not the only threshold; it is not the only test. The first thing the person must have done to get into the problem is to have committed a crime where they would have received a maximum of 10 years in jail or more. Then the department would make its finding that they are a danger to Canadian society.

I appreciate the member's worries and concerns and we will have to watch the system as it develops.

Immigration ActGovernment Orders

1:55 p.m.

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.

Black History MonthStatements By Members

1:55 p.m.

Liberal

John Murphy Liberal Annapolis Valley—Hants, NS

Mr. Speaker, the month of February marks the occasion of Black History Month. It offers an opportunity to acknowledge the important role played by black Canadians and African Canadians in the development of this great nation.

In my riding of Annapolis Valley-Hants the Black Education Committee of Kings County and the Windsor Plains Recreation and Development Committee promote and organize meaningful events all year round.

Special events to mark Black History Month include a career expo and a black history day. I believe that events such as Black History Month promote a greater awareness of our proud multi-heritage background. This in turn fosters stronger relationships within Canada.

I wish to congratulate those groups in my riding and indeed across Canada who have worked so hard to make Black History Month a success. Their efforts have truly made Canada a better place.

[Translation]

Canadian Broadcasting CorporationStatements By Members

1:55 p.m.

Bloc

Pauline Picard Bloc Drummond, QC

Mr. Speaker, we strongly denounce the action of Liberal MPs and of the Minister of Canadian Heritage, who took advantage of a meeting with the Chairman of the CBC to discuss coverage of the referendum campaign.

The Liberal members displayed, to say the least, a lack of subtlety by linking the financing of the French network of the CBC to a pro-federalist referendum coverage. In fact, this is unjustifiable interference in the network's affairs. We wonder whether the Liberals are implementing the directives of the current Minister of Foreign Affairs who, back in April 1977, said this in an interview: "I do not want the network to adopt a neutral stance in presenting both sides of the issue. When the referendum comes, the employees must unequivocally be pro-Canada in their coverage".

This is obviously a case of déjà vu.

World Junior Hockey ChampionshipsStatements By Members

1:55 p.m.

Reform

Bob Mills Reform Red Deer, AB

Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to rise today on this first day back to Parliament to pass on some congratulations that are now long overdue to a wonderful group of young Canadians. They made all of us very proud over the holidays.

Shortly after Christmas my riding of Red Deer hosted the world junior hockey championships which the Canadian juniors not only won but were the first team in history to do so undefeated. This team did not have any one star who stood apart from the rest; they all pulled together and got the job done.

With the championship won, our junior players shared the pride of having won gold for Canada. Players from all across our country, east to west, including Quebec juniors like Alexandre Daigle and Eric Dazé, stood out as a unified team that took the world on and won.

Our world juniors have shown all Canadians what we can accomplish when we work together. There are no special stars needed, just hardworking team players. Nothing can stop Canadians who pull together and our world juniors proved it.

Copyright ActStatements By Members

1:55 p.m.

Progressive Conservative

Elsie Wayne Progressive Conservative Saint John, NB

Mr. Speaker, recently the minister of heritage announced plans to introduce legislation that will amend the Copyright Act.

In his announcement the minister mentioned there would be reforms that would include some neighbouring rights for producers and performers for the use of their creations. The neighbouring rights amendments will have a negative impact on the private radio broadcasting industry which could result in the closing of radio stations and job losses.

A government study has been released by the Department of Canadian Heritage which mentions that higher copyright payments will seriously hurt most and put some radio stations out of business. If this government study is correct, I ask the minister why he continues to implement such legislation.

This Liberal government continues to renege on its election promise of creating jobs. All this government has done since its inception is eliminated this country's permanent infrastructure of long term jobs and replaced it with short term infrastructure jobs.

I urge the minister to reconsider tabling such legislation that will have a devastating impact on private radio broadcasters.

12 Mile Creek And Martindale PondStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Walt Lastewka Liberal St. Catharines, ON

Mr. Speaker, for years residents of St. Catharines have questioned the environmental status of 12 Mile Creek and Martindale Pond.

On January 27 the efforts of three levels of government and the private sector came together in a detailed five volume report on Martindale Pond, home of the Royal Canadian Henley Rowing Regatta.

Congratulations and thanks go to Environment Canada and Public Works for supporting this important environmental study. Thanks also to the province, the city of St. Catharines and to the Canadian Henley Rowing Corporation which were the federal government's partners.

This project shows what can be achieved when governments and the private sector work together to meet local environmental needs.

As a result of this excellent work, St. Catharines has been chosen as the Canadian bid for the 1999 World Rowing Championships.

We are "pulling together to bring the world back to Niagara" for class A rowing.

United States Entrance FeeStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

David Iftody Liberal Provencher, MB

Mr. Speaker, today President Clinton introduced a budget measure that would in effect charge each and every Canadian $1.50 U.S. or $3.00 per car to enter the U.S.

The U.S. administration will seize Canadian dollars and use them to beef up security at the U.S.-Mexico border. Essentially, it looks to me as though the U.S. government wants to tax Canadians to solve its security problems at the Mexico border.

These measures are a violation of our agreements which allow the free movement of goods and people across our borders. This is an illegitimate tax grab by the U.S. government and an insult to Canadians who respect reciprocal cross-border freedom for Canadians and our American neighbours.

This is a further irritant to the already strained Canada-U.S. relations. It should therefore be struck down by Congress and taken off the U.S. budgetary table.

Drunkenness DefenceStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Jim Jordan Liberal Leeds—Grenville, ON

Mr. Speaker, there is real concern in the riding of Leeds-Grenville as I know there is across the nation about the recent court decision to allow extreme drunkenness as a defence against serious crime.

Residents from all walks of life are continuing to raise concern over what appears to be a serious loophole in our legal system. They are asking the justice minister to begin immediately to make the necessary revisions in law to prevent what appears to be a serious miscarriage of justice.

Constituents who have contacted me in this regard did so in the form of a petition but unfortunately it was lacking in proper form. Therefore, I am using this procedure as an alternate way of expressing their concern to the justice minister.

Liberation Of Auschwitz-BirkenauStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Bloc

Christiane Gagnon Bloc Québec, QC

Mr. Speaker, on January 18, the whole world remembered the horrors of the Second World War. That day marked the fiftieth anniversary of the liberation of the survivors of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp.

It cannot be too emphatically stated that this concentration camp was used by the Nazis to exterminate over a million prisoners, more than 90 per cent of whom were Jews. We want to remind this House that these tragic events are an important part of our history, and we hope that such atrocities will never occur again.

The Bloc Quebecois wishes to take this opportunity to declare our solidarity with the families of these victims, and particularly to the Jewish people who suffered so much during that tragic episode in the history of mankind.

Gun ControlStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Reform

Lee Morrison Reform Swift Current—Maple Creek—Assiniboia, SK

Mr. Speaker, we live in a tolerant and compassionate society. It is so compassionate that Denis Lortie could steal an automatic weapon from the army, terrorize a provincial legislature, murder three strangers, wound several others and end up back on the streets in 10 years.

There are however limits to compassion. Under the justice minister's gun control proposals a farmer who neglects or refuses to register his single shot .22 could be sentenced to a year behind bars for inconveniencing the bureaucracy.

The inmates really have taken over the asylum.

United States Entrance FeeStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

NDP

Nelson Riis NDP Kamloops, BC

Mr. Speaker, I want to draw the Prime Minister's attention to the President of the United States who in a desperate effort to raise funds has decided to impose $1.50 U.S. head tax on all Canadians visiting the United States. He is also planning to ask for $3 U.S. for every vehicle crossing to the United States.

This flies against the tradition of an open border between Canada and the United States. It flies in the face of the free trade agreement signed by the United States.

When the Prime Minister meets with Bill Clinton later this month he should say: "Take this off the budgetary table. Canadians simply will not tolerate this poke in the eye with a sharp stick by the President of the United States".

The Late Jeffrey SecterStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Barry Campbell Liberal St. Paul's, ON

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak of Jeffrey Secter, a constituent of mine who was murdered last month in the Dominican Republic.

Jeffrey was a remarkable man who gave of himself for the betterment of the larger community at every turn. He was founder of the charity, Friday's Child. He was an active volunteer at Bloorview Children's Hospital taking disabled children on trips and to events. He was involved with the B'nai Brith as well, acting as the chair of its community volunteer services and vice-president of the Toronto Freedom Lodge.

Jeffrey touched many people's lives and will be sorely missed. He was an example to all Canadians. I am sure all members of this House will want to join me in sending our condolences to his family and friends in both Calgary and Toronto.

Professional Institute Of The Public ServiceStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Marlene Catterall Liberal Ottawa West, ON

Mr. Speaker, back in 1920 the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada was founded as an organization to protect the interests of the professional public servants affected by a complete government reorganization which was going on at that time.

Today as the institute celebrates its 75th anniversary, members are still fortunate to have the support of their institute as our government goes through yet another period of major change.

PIPS members are the biologists who help protect our wildlife. They are the commerce officers who study Canada's economic development. They are the veterinarians who ensure that Canadians get wholesome meat products on our tables. They are the engineers and architects who make sure that our roads, bridges and air terminals are safe.

As elected representatives it is important for us to recognize and appreciate the excellent work these federal public service employees do to make Canada a better place to live in and to congratulate PIPS on its 75 years of dedicated service to its members and to Canada.

Brome-MissisquoiStatements By Members

February 6th, 1995 / 2:10 p.m.

Liberal

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

Mr. Speaker, next Monday, February 13, the voters in the riding of Brome-Missisquoi will choose their next member of Parliament.

In the information pamphlet that he has had printed and distributed for his campaign, the Bloc candidate for Brome-Missisquoi says, and I quote: "The Bloc Quebecois must keep its status as the official opposition in order to hold on to real power in Ottawa. Right now, there is only one seat between the Bloc Quebecois and the Reform Party. If we lose Brome-Missisquoi, we could lose our power in Ottawa".

By linking his possible defeat to the loss of his party's status as the official opposition in the House of Commons, the Bloc candidate is not presenting the facts accurately. Even if the Liberal Party of Canada wins the two by-elections now under way in Quebec, and I am sure they will, that will in no way change the Bloc's status as the official opposition.

Only by electing the Liberal candidate on February 13 will the voters of Brome-Missisquoi finally acquire real power in Ottawa.

Regional Comsultations On Quebec SovereigntyStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Bloc

Pierre Brien Bloc Témiscamingue, QC

Mr. Speaker, today marked the beginning of the regional consultations on Quebec sovereignty.

The Bloc Quebecois is proud to be associated with this highly democratic exercise in which all Quebecers, whatever their origin, their language or their political affiliation, will have the opportunity to discuss, ask questions and obtain information about the draft bill on Quebec sovereignty.

The discussions that will take place throughout Quebec, and that will include both the elderly and young Quebecers, will enrich the democratic debate on the sovereignty question and extend it to all groups and levels of Quebec society.

It is in this context of exchange that we applaud the courageous and pragmatic decision of the Greek, Italian and Jewish communities to take part in the process. They deserve our utmost respect and admiration.

Dangerous OffendersStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Reform

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

Mr. Speaker, on January 6 Melanie Carpenter was working alone at a tanning salon in a busy mall in Surrey, B.C. In the middle of the afternoon it now appears likely that Fernand Auger entered the business and kidnapped her. Driving near the town of Yale, Auger pulled into an access road near the Fraser River where he sexually assaulted Melanie. Then with her hands tied behind her back he cowardly and brutally stabbed her to death.

Auger solved one problem by killing himself, but many questions remain unanswered. He was a convicted sex offender who the Correctional Service of Canada deemed to be a high risk offender. However, despite this prognosis the law required that Auger be released.

Why do we have a law that requires the authorities to release offenders that they know are likely to re-offend? Offenders who are likely to kill a Melanie Carpenter or a Pamela Cameron.

Over the past four months two young Surrey women have been murdered, two deaths that were preventable. We must act now before there is another.

Black History MonthStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Liberal

Jean Augustine Liberal Etobicoke—Lakeshore, ON

Mr. Speaker, February is Black History Month. Canadians across this great country are coming together to celebrate the rich and spirited heritage of black people.

Blacks have been contributing to Canadian society from as early as 1603 when Samuel de Champlain sailed up the St. Lawrence with his interpreter Matthieu Dacosta, a black man from the Azores who had already established links with the aboriginal people and knew their languages and customs.

Black soldiers helped defend Upper Canada against invading Americans in the war of 1812. The first Canadian sailor to receive the Victoria Cross was Mr. William Hall, a black man. The first woman to publish a newspaper in Canada, in 1853, Mary Ann Shadd was a black woman.

Blacks, both French and English worked to build Canada. They built railroads, they worked on the trains, they were inventors, farmers and scholars. They were elected representatives.

I ask all hon. colleagues to join with me, not only to recognize Black History Month but to develop a stronger understanding of the experiences and contributions of black Canadians.

Lieutenant-Colonel Peter KenwardStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Liberal

Len Hopkins Liberal Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke, ON

Mr. Speaker, Lieutenant-Colonel Peter Kenward, commander of the Canadian Airborne Regiment at Petawawa has been awarded the Order of Military Merit for his work as an outstanding soldier and officer.

This career infantry officer took over command of the Airborne Regiment in September 1993 and has done an excellent job in bringing good discipline, the usual high degree of training and dedication to the regiment.

For his outstanding and upbeat achievements, Colonel Kenward will receive the Order of Military Merit from the Governor General of Canada, particularly for his achievements in bringing the Canadian Airborne Regiment up to first class standards.

The incidents by a mere handful of the regiment that the mass media of this country has used to tear an outstanding Canadian military regiment apart occurred before Colonel Kenward took command.

We and all present members of the airborne congratulate him and thank him for his fine leadership and other qualities as an excellent officer, solider and Canadian.

National UnityStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

NDP

Audrey McLaughlin NDP Yukon, YT

Mr. Speaker, this year will be a crucial one in the history of Canada, presenting us with formidable challenges, not just in the economic and social areas but about the very unity of our country.

Certain things have set Canada apart. The principles of equity and fairness have translated into programs that reflect our values as Canadians. Equalization payments to those provinces and territories that are less privileged established the principles of regional fairness.

Being a Canadian and the right of citizenship is not based on where you live and whether you are rich or poor. Yet instead of maintaining these principles, the federal government is clearly contemplating destroying the very fabric that binds us together as a nation by turning over health and social programs to provinces and territories without national direction and standards.

I challenge the Prime Minister to show all Canadians that the federal government will stand in the national interest, not simply promote regional disparities.

National UnityStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

The Speaker

Colleagues, welcome back to the House of Commons and welcome to 1985.

Social Program ReformOral Question Period

2:15 p.m.

Bloc

Gilles Duceppe Bloc Laurier—Sainte-Marie, QC

Mr. Speaker, the social program reform scheduled for last September has already been postponed once. Now, after more than a month of consultations, the government is further postponing this reform it had promised to implement in the upcoming budget. It is well known that cabinet and the Liberal caucus are seriously divided on this issue.

My question is for the Minister of Human Resources Development. Since the Prime Minister maintains that social program reform is still on the agenda, can the Minister, who is unable to sell his reform plan to cabinet, and the Minister of Finance in

particular, tell us now what the revised timetable for his social program reform will be?