Debates of March 15th, 1995

World Consumer Rights Day

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

Mr. Speaker, today is World Consumer Rights Day as declared by Consumers International, formerly known as the International Organization of Consumer Unions. Throughout the world, consumers are marking this event by taking part in activities stressing their contribution to the marketplace in our society.

Consumers have a vital role to play in maintaining the wealth and competitiveness in this country. Indeed, over 60 per cent of Canada's GDP is attributed to consumer demand. Consumers' voices should be heard and their rights recognized.

Consumers International has a membership of 185 organizations from 80 nations whose fundamental concerns are to protect the rights of consumers and to promote social justice and fairness in the marketplace. The organization assists consumer groups in developing countries and initiates research action on issues such as pharmaceuticals, pesticides, tobacco and baby foods. It facilitates comparative testing of consumer goods and services-

Mining Industry

[Bernard Deshaies, Bloc, Abitibi, QC]

Mr. Speaker, by failing to announce measures to stimulate the mining sector, the latest budget brought down by the Minister of Finance is helping to marginalize an industry that generates major spinoffs for a number of regions in Quebec and Canada, for instance in my own riding and in the ridings of many of my colleagues on both sides of the House.

Through its failure to act and its lack of commitment, the federal government is jeopardizing the operations of an industry that is already experiencing problems. In fact, the Mining Association of Canada refers to the budget measures as both harsh and ineffectual and as a threat to the future of the mining sector.

According to the Association des prospecteurs du Québec, Quebec's mining industry may well consider whether its particular sector would not be better served by a legislative framework under which only the Government of Quebec would have the power to intervene.

Big Rock Breweries

[Jan Brown, Reform, Calgary Southeast, AB]

Mr. Speaker, Albertans are demonstrating that they are willing to support the arts without massive federal assistance. Yesterday the Toronto based Council for Business and the Arts in Canada announced the winners of the 17th annual Business in the Arts awards. I am so pleased to announce that Big Rock Breweries from my riding of Calgary Southeast has received the award for community support.

The shrinking budgets in all areas of our economy demand we seek new, innovative and creative ways of accessing funds, including the cultural sector. Big Rock Breweries from Alberta is leading the way as a private sector supporter for the arts. Last year Big Rock provided over $100,000 to over 40 different arts groups. It views its cultural support as a wise business practice and not as a charitable donation.

Thanks to the support of Big Rock Breweries, groups like the Alberta Theatre Project and the Muttard Public Art Gallery are thriving. Albertans indeed are leading the way in private sector support for the cultural sector. I applaud Big Rock Breweries.

Jamel Twins

[Jag Bhaduria, Liberal, Markham—Whitchurch-Stouffville, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I wish to extend my congratulations and appreciation to Mr. S.G.P. Jafry, a prominent member of the South Asian community, and to the Scarborough Muslim Association. Mr. Jafry was the fund raising co-ordinator respon-

sible for raising over $175,000 to offset the costs of surgery and care of the Jamel twins.

These 2-year old children arrived from Pakistan last November to have extremely delicate surgery. Since birth they had been joined at the head. On January 23, 1995 a 23-member team of surgeons at the Toronto Hospital for Sick Children performed over 15 hours of surgery.

There have been only 30 such operations performed worldwide and in 60 per cent of the operations only one of the children survives. Young Hira Jamel survived but her sister Nida did not. On behalf of the House, I wish to convey my condolences to the Jamel family. I am sure everyone is hoping for a full and complete recovery for young Hira Jamel.

Francophones Outside Quebec

[Nick Discepola, Liberal, Vaudreuil, QC]

Mr. Speaker, in a speech he made on June 3 at the annual meeting of the Association canadienne-française de l'Ontario, the leader of the Bloc Quebecois said, and I quote: "The agenda proposed by the Bloc Quebecois for today and for the future includes the active solidarity of your communities with francophones in Quebec, within the space we share".

This statement was noteworthy for its understanding and openness, unlike the statement made yesterday by the Bloc's official critic in response to the position taken by the Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne du Canada. After accusing them of interfering, the Bloc member continued her attack with the following statement, and I quote: "Our message to francophones outside Quebec is clear: Mind your own business".

Once again, the Bloc Quebecois has shown it is determined to muzzle anyone who would challenge its separatist plans.

[Guy Arseneault, Liberal, Restigouche—Chaleur, NB]

Mr. Speaker, francophone and Acadian communities are unwavering in their belief in a united, progressive and dynamic Canada. I was very happy to hear that the Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne du Canada had asked Quebecers to vote "no" in the referendum on separation.

The members of the Bloc Quebecois are definitely misleading francophone and Acadian communities when they tell them that an independent Quebec would help the francophone community in Canada to better grow and develop.

Furthermore the statement by the hon. member for Rimouski-Témiscouata suggesting that the federal government had bought the francophones and the Acadians is a further insult to our communities.

I would invite the hon. member to publicly apologize for her insensitive remarks to Acadians and all francophones outside Quebec. Canada's francophones and Acadians have every right to speak on the future of our country.

[Réginald Bélair, Liberal, Cochrane—Superior, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I was very pleased to hear that the Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne du Canada unequivocally declared that it is in favour of Canadian federalism.

The FCFA is the second organization of its kind to state that it supports the "no" side. Last February, the Société des Acadiennes et Acadiens du Nouveau-Brunswick publicly announced its position, and also begged Quebecers to vote no. These two organizations also believe in a dynamic and progressive Canada which is proud to promote both official languages. This outlook on Canada promotes the growth of the francophone culture as a whole.

The fact that francophone establishments and organizations exist across Canada, be they educational, cultural or financial, proves that the French fact in Quebec and in all of the provinces has persevered and is alive.

The federal government has supported the development and growth of the French language and culture in Canada at all times, not just during the referendum debate. It would be a hard blow to the francophone community elsewhere in Canada if Quebec were to leave the Canadian federation.

Therefore, I hope the referendum will be held as soon as possible so that we can get on with solving the real problems.

Immigration

[Ghislain Lebel, Bloc, Chambly, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the repeated attacks on the Immigration and Refugee Board over the last several years have regularly made the headlines. Since the Liberal government took office, these criticisms have become increasingly vitriolic, but the government remains strangely unperturbed.

Again yesterday, two former IRB board members estimated that at least half of their former colleagues lacked the training and expertise necessary for the performance of their duties.

They alleged, as have others before them, that patronage appointments are at the root of the board's problems.

It is urgent that the government get to the bottom of the matter and hold a public inquiry into the Board's operations. The longer this government fails to take action, the more lasting the damage to the board's credibility is likely to be.

Gun Control

[Garry Breitkreuz, Reform, Yorkton—Melville, SK]

Mr. Speaker, Mr. Gerry Parsons, a resident of Air Ronge, Saskatchewan, has courageously given his permission for me to use his letter. He writes:

I appreciate your stand on gun control. I approve of reasonable methods of fighting crime and of taking guns from criminals. I will, I suppose, become a criminal when I refuse to register my hunting guns. Actually, I will probably never use my guns again; I am 75 years old and have a lung disorder which prevents me from doing very much of anything. I have never been charged with anything in my 75 years, it's too bad I have to start now. Thanks for your efforts. It's too bad the justice minister is not as honest as yourself.

Does the justice minister really-

[The Speaker]

Colleagues, even though we are quoting other people in this House sometimes terms which could not be attributed to ourselves, that is to say, questioning the honesty of another member, should not be imposed because someone else said them. I would ask the hon. member to delete any reflection on the honesty of any member of this House and to please finish his statement.

[Garry Breitkreuz, Reform, Yorkton—Melville, SK]

Mr. Speaker, I withdraw that final sentence.

Does the justice minister really think Mr. Parsons is a criminal? Does he think because a 75-year old man is going to knowingly fail to register his hunting rifles that he should go to jail for up to 10 years? Is the Liberal government going to build more jails to house the thousands of responsible firearms owners like Mr. Parsons? Or is it going to continue to let the real criminals out on the street to make room for those who fail to register their firearms?

Francophones Outside Quebec

[Eugène Bellemare, Liberal, Carleton—Gloucester, ON]

Mr. Speaker, the hon. member for Rimouski-Témiscouata, a great champion of francophone rights when it suits her, tap-danced on the backs of francophones outside Quebec yesterday.

She accused the Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne of interfering with Quebec's affairs by encouraging Quebecers to vote "no" in the upcoming referendum.

Casting doubt on the FCFA's honesty, the hon. member asked if receiving federal subsidies did not help the federation take a federalist stance.

If francophones outside Quebec have survived for centuries, taking their place at every level and in every sphere of activity in Canada, and if there is such a thing as cultural duality in Canada today, it is no thanks to egocentric separatists.

[Raymond Bonin, Liberal, Nickel Belt, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I object to the remarks made by Bloc Quebecois members to the effect that for francophones outside Quebec to oppose Quebec's separation constitutes interference. Such remarks clearly show the Bloc's policy of discouraging debate and silencing any opposition to separation. But the Bloc is ignoring an inescapable fact: you cannot silence a majority.

Francophones from across Canada-Quebecers, Acadians, Franco-Saskatchewanians and Franco-Ontarians-have always actively promoted and preserved their language and culture on this continent where we form a very small minority.

Our efforts have paid off and will continue to pay off because federalism and our political system are responsive and encourage the development of francophone communities. A majority of French Canadians recognize the Canadian federal system as a flexible system that promotes our development.

At the opening of this Parliament, the Bloc Quebecois said it was going to-

[The Speaker]

I am sorry to have to interrupt the hon. member. I will now recognize the hon. member for Ottawa-Vanier.

[Mauril Bélanger, Liberal, Ottawa—Vanier, ON]

Mr. Speaker, in recent months, francophone communities in Acadia and Ontario have welcomed the leader of the Bloc Quebecois, who is eager to spread his party's message and establish lasting links with these communities.

I was there when the Association canadienne-française de l'Ontario received Mr. Bouchard with decorum and civility at its annual meeting last year in Toronto.

Yesterday, the federation of francophone and Acadian communities of Canada said that Canadian federalism was the most

favourable framework for the development of Quebec society and of francophone and Acadian communities.

Instead of admitting that this statement is based on convictions as strong as hers, the hon. member for Rimouski-Témiscouata responded by telling them to mind their own business.

Francophone communities intend to pursue the dialogue initiated by the Bloc Quebecois and, since the future of this country concerns us all, we will mind our own business.

La Pocatière Experimental Farm

[Paul Crête, Bloc, Kamouraska—Rivière-Du-Loup, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the sheep industry in Canada and Quebec was stunned to find out in the last budget about the closure of the experimental farm in La Pocatière, which was established in 1910. Against all expectations, the federal government is slowing down the growth of this booming sector.

These cuts are totally inconsistent with the red book commitments on research and development and defeat the efforts made by research establishments in the last few years.

The federal government must review its R&D financing policy and end blind cuts which unfairly penalize growing agricultural sectors.

We hope that common sense will prevail and that the Minister of Agriculture will reconsider his decision as soon as possible, as requested by the committee for the survival of the experimental farm in La Pocatière.

Gun Control

[Jack Ramsay, Reform, Crowfoot, AB]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday the justice minister participated in a closed door meeting organized by the Liberal member for Dauphin-Swan River. This meeting was declared a farce by Mike Dudar, a resident, who had to demand a seat in a meeting that allowed only 60 people inside while hundreds of citizens along with the media were locked out.

Why is the justice minister refusing to address the very concerns his gun control legislation has created? Why was the media locked out of the meeting in Dauphin, Manitoba last night? Why is the minister unwilling to explain his gun control legislation to the very people it will have the greatest negative impact upon?

This is not the first time the minister has avoided an open public meeting with the people of Canada. He repeated the same practice while in Calgary last January. The minister's actions last night were an insult to the people of Dauphin-Swan River and an insult to all concerned Canadians.

The minister has a duty to stand before all Canadians and defend his draconian gun legislation and demonstrate-

Linguistic Duality

[Ronald J. Duhamel, Liberal, St. Boniface, MB]

Mr. Speaker, as the member representing the federal riding of St. Boniface, as a French-speaking resident of a province and a region outside Quebec, and as a Canadian of French-speaking origin born in St. Boniface, Manitoba, I am pleased that the Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne du Canada gave its unequivocal support to Canadian federalism.

The federation, like myself, believes in a dynamic and progressive Canada which is proud to promote its linguistic duality and whose government actively supports the French fact throughout the country. We hope that the referendum will be held as soon as possible, so that all of us, including Quebecers of course, can concentrate our energy on building our country, Canada.

Fisheries

[Lucien Bouchard, Bloc, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, Canada has just proceeded to release the Spanish trawler Estai , after its owners agreed to post a bond of $500,000. As you know, the European Union had made the release of the trawler a condition for resuming negotiations with Canada.

Could the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans indicate whether in exchange for the release of the Spanish trawler, European trawlers agreed to a 60-day moratorium on fishing for turbot, as requested by Canada?

[Brian Tobin, Liberal, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans]

Mr. Speaker, I thank the Leader of the Opposition for his question.

I want to report to him that this morning the master, or the owner, of the Estai posted bond in the order of $500,000 against his vessel. This is in addition to the $8,000 bail posted against the captain of the vessel a day or two before.

This is in keeping with the procedures of the Canadian judicial system, procedures that have been followed in similar circumstances with other vessels of similar size, shape and value.

We are very pleased to see that a bond has been posted. As a result the vessel and crew are free to leave at any time.

In addition to the bond being posted, some 130 tonnes of product have been removed from the vessel and is being held by the crown as evidence. It will be held in a storage facility and will be disposed of by the court at the end of the judicial proceedings.

There has been no negotiation, nor should there be in terms of the judicial proceedings themselves. I know the hon. Leader of the Opposition would agree with this. The proceedings have been conducted as they ought to be by the court in the normal manner.

Now that both a bond has been posted and there is no fishing on the nose and tail of the Grand Banks, this may well be an opportunity for talks. The Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Prime Minister have given instructions to a negotiating team in Brussels. We shall see.

[Lucien Bouchard, Bloc, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, I would ask the minister whether in connection with the release of the trawler Estai , Canada tried to obtain, or possibly obtained, guarantees from the European Union or Spain that their trawlers will not fish for turbot throughout the forthcoming negotiations with Canada?

[Brian Tobin, Liberal, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans]

Mr. Speaker, this is a good question. Canada has made it clear since the beginning of this difficulty between Canada and the EU that we will not negotiate while fish are being caught.

I was pleased to note yesterday we had four or five days in a row of no fishing on the nose and tail of the Grand Banks. For a few hours last night one vessel did cross over into the area of the nose but I can report that this morning it had pulled back again.

For the moment, as we speak here in this Chamber, there are no vessels on the nose and tail. Bond has been posted on this particular fishing vessel. It will sail out of harbour. I should point out it will sail out without a net, without the ability to fish. The net was cut.

I can also report, and I know the Leader of the Opposition will be happy to hear this, that Canadian technology in global positioning systems-I am advertising now to the planet-were successful in allowing us to find and to retrieve today the net from the Estai .

The net that has been retrieved bears manufacturer markings identical to that on part of the equipment still left on the Estai . The fish that were pulled out of the water-we videotaped this-were still kicking. They were alive. This is the net recently cut. The net had a 115 millimetre mesh, which is smaller than the 130 millimetre required by NAFO. In addition, the net in question had an 80 millimetre liner in the net.

[Some hon. members]

Shame, shame.

[Lucien Bouchard, Bloc, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, I do not know whether formal negotiations are now taking place between Canadian diplomats and their European counterparts, but I hope so. However, I would like to ask the minister whether Canada has initiated certain discussions so that formal negotiations can begin as soon as possible between its representatives and those representing Spain and the European Union?

[André Ouellet, Liberal, Minister of Foreign Affairs]

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to inform the House that the team headed by the Canadian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs is now in Brussels to start negotiations with representatives of the European Union. We are ready and willing, and we want to settle this in a diplomatic way.

There are two things we want to accomplish. First, ensure that the conservation measures we support will be respected, and we therefore hope to reach an agreement with our friends in the European Union on setting up an effective mechanism for surveillance and monitoring. I also want to take this opportunity to say that in a spirit of co-operation, we are prepared to review with European Union representatives the quota share we obtained as a result of the last negotiations.