House of Commons Hansard #183 of the 35th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was budget.
Jake Hoeppner Reform Lisgar—Marquette, MB
Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the question.
I have always been very supportive of the 4-H program. The Reform Party is very supportive as well of that program and also very supportive of any R and D in agriculture. Those two things probably go together.
When it comes to protecting and promoting agriculture, I am never in the backbenches; I am always in the front seat. I will continue that way, and I appreciate having that opportunity.
SupplyGovernment Orders
The Speaker
My colleagues, it being 2 p.m., pursuant to Standing Order 35, the House will now proceed to statements by members.
Andy Mitchell Liberal Parry Sound—Muskoka, ON
Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House today to acknowledge the special effort of a number of my constituents who have joined together to host a very special event in my riding.
On May 6 and 7 of this year the committee will launch High Hopes-Looking Back, Flying Forward, a special 50th anniversary celebration of V-E Day at the Muskoka airport.
This two-day family event brings together veterans, historians, aviation industry representatives, international dignitaries, pilots and aircraft enthusiasts to promote and foster appreciation for all things connected to air travel. The show features appearances by a Lancaster bomber, the B-25 Mitchell, World War I replicas, a C-130 Hercules, plus a Tigermoth and a Grasshopper among others.
The idea was given flight both as a tribute to those who served in World War II and a way to encourage economic activity at the Muskoka airport, which has long been recognized as an important link to our local economy.
My congratulations go out to the promoters of High Hopes for the energy and spirit they have brought to this project.
Michel Daviault Bloc Ahuntsic, QC
Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Immigration spoke against a motion presented by one of her Liberal colleagues. The motion reminded Quebecers and Canadians that any country or political group that resorts to genocide commits a crime against humanity.
Our amendment used the Armenian genocide which the Canadian government continues to ignore, as an example that such barbaric acts should never be forgotten.
The hon. member was probably bowing to the government's new priorities in foreign affairs, where business interests are now more important than promoting human rights and freedoms in this world.
The government's refusal to review the sale of its CF-5 fighter planes to Turkey, despite the Turkish offensive against the Kurds, is a case in point.
Daphne Jennings Reform Mission—Coquitlam, BC
Mr. Speaker, after reassuring Canadians through legislation that lacrosse remains a national sport, just one year later lacrosse is once more fighting for recognition.
Who did the Canadian people vote to make decisions for them, the 295 MPs elected in October 1993 or those few deciding which sports to fund? Yes, cuts have to be made. However, the guidelines and their implementation for the allocation of funds are unfair.
With one day's notice lacrosse lost 60 per cent of its funding. The process is wrong. Those making the decisions have lost sight of the fact that lacrosse, our national sport, has been ignored for the past 60 years, whereas hockey remains strong because of their constant support.
I remind the House that in 1904 Canada sent its first delegation to the Olympic games. Lacrosse is the only team sport in which Canada has won more medals than the rest of the world combined.
Lacrosse is growing in population yearly, especially after last year's Commonwealth games. Our Canadian youth need our support to keep them playing lacrosse.
John Maloney Liberal Erie, ON
Mr. Speaker, I was very disturbed by news reports suggesting that a youth in Edmonton
had been refused a place on a waiting list for a lung transplant apparently because he has Down's Syndrome.
Terry Urquhart, a Special Olympics winner, has led a positive and fruitful life within the parameters of his disability. This child and others like him are not to be denied the right, and it is a right, to the same medical treatment and procedures that any other Canadian is entitled to. I was very pleased to learn the hospital has reversed its decision and I compliment it for that.
I am very alarmed about possible implications of this incident on the lives of the disabled. I call on the decision or policy makers in similar situations to immediately reconsider such ill conceived positions. I call on the health minister and the justice minister to ensure this is done.
Let there be no misunderstanding, let there be no mistake, Canada does not have one set of rules for persons with disabilities and another for those without. All Canadians are equal. Discrimination in any form is unacceptable.
John Harvard Liberal Winnipeg—St. James, MB
Mr. Speaker, as chair of the German-Canadian Friendship Group, I am pleased to have this opportunity to welcome the vice president of the German Bundestag, Hans-Ulrich Klose and fellow delegates.
I am delighted the delegation is able to come to Canada. I hope it enjoys Canadian hospitality and learns about our great country. Canada shares a long history with Germany, a relationship which has grown and strengthened in recent years.
I would like to thank Germany for its support and leadership with the EU councils. Germans have made every effort to help find a solution to the fish crisis which will help preserve the fish stocks on the Grand Banks of Newfoundland.
In 1994 the German presidency of the EU worked more closely with Canada than ever before. Also, thanks to the strength of the Deutschmark, there were more German tourists visiting Canada in 1994 than ever before.
In the name of friendship and continued relations, Wilkommen zu Kanada.
Ron MacDonald Liberal Dartmouth, NS
Mr. Speaker, on March 27 Corporal Neil Bernard McKinnon was killed in a training accident at Canadian Forces Base Suffield. Warrant Officer Kirk Drew suffered serious injuries in this unfortunate accident. Both men were members of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry.
Corporal McKinnon was only 24 years old. He served Canada proudly and well as a peacekeeper during two tours of duty in the former Yugoslavia, far away from his home and his family in Sydney River, Nova Scotia. It saddens us all that he paid the ultimate price in service to his country. He truly will be missed.
I ask members of the House to join me in offering our condolences to Neil's family and to wish Warrant Officer Drew a speedy recovery from his injuries.
Osvaldo Nunez Bloc Bourassa, QC
Mr. Speaker, Refugee Rights Day is celebrated every year in Canada on April 4, to commemorate the Singh judgment. This year we commemorate the tenth anniversary of a decision by the Supreme Court of Canada to extend the application of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms to refugees.
One hundred and twenty-five million people have had to leave their countries or towns as a result of ethnic conflict or civil war, including 23 million refugees who are victims of persecution.
Considering the current backlash against refugees in Canadian public opinion, the government should start a campaign to make the public aware of our responsibility to welcome these people and aware of the need for openness and tolerance and of Canada's international obligations to refugees.
I want to express my support for and solidarity with refugees and the organizations dedicated to defending them.
Keith Martin Reform Esquimalt—Juan de Fuca, BC
Mr. Speaker, for the last 15 years warnings have trumpeted the fact that the west coast fishery was heading into trouble. Therefore, it came as no surprise that the Fraser report concluded the Department of Fisheries and Oceans was completely out of touch with the reality of what happened to the salmon stocks returning for spawning. That fact had been backed up by numerous task forces in the past and continues to this day.
I implore the minister to go back to the generalist format for the DFO officers, to listen to the DFO officers who are working in the trenches, not necessarily the bureaucracy, to enforce the
law equally for all people who are fishing, to ensure that we have a sustainable fishery on the west coast for future generations, and to ensure that what happened on the east coast does not happen on the west coast.
The writing is on the wall. Let us not ignore it.
John Solomon NDP Regina—Lumsden, SK
Mr. Speaker, when it comes to speaking up for Ontario, the 98 Liberal Ontario members sure are quiet. This is especially true for MPs from the city of Toronto.
The Liberal government has decided to eliminate all funding to Harbourfront, a world class cultural centre set up by the Trudeau government. It was originally set up to run in perpetuity by revenues from the original development but, as with most Liberal plans, it fell through.
The Liberals promised funding for Harbourfront but has left it high and dry. The Toronto Liberal caucus chair will not comment about this latest broken Liberal promise. The entire Liberal caucus will not comment on any of the 20 broken promises to Ontario. Why not? It is embarrassed with its record of broken promises, in particular its betrayal of medicare, education and job creation. Rather than account for its betrayal to Ontario it wrongly blames the NDP government.
The people of Ontario are learning their lesson of false Liberal promises as other Canadians have learned first hand. Liberals, Tories, same old stories.
Hedy Fry Liberal Vancouver Centre, BC
Mr. Speaker, it is April and spring is here, at least in British Columbia. The daffodils are in full bloom and so is the Canadian Cancer Society's fundraising campaign.
Since 1938 the Canadian Cancer Society has tried to eradicate cancer and sought to better the lives of people suffering from this terrible disease. Cancer research has resulted in many breakthrough treatments over the years. In 1979 the five-year survival rate for childhood leukaemia was 17 per cent. Today, thanks to advancements in research and rehabilitation, it is 83 per cent. The Canadian Cancer Society also helped to fund the recent discovery of a breast cancer gene that will enhance prevention.
Despite our small victories, the fight against cancer is not over. In 1995 alone 126,000 Canadians will be diagnosed with cancer and 62,000 will die from the disease.
Therefore, this April I urge all Canadians to give generously to the Canadian Cancer Society volunteer who comes their door. Together we can give not only money but hope to the thousands of Canadians suffering from cancer.
Rex Crawford Liberal Kent, ON
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate my legislative assistant for the past seven years, as he won the Ontario Liberal Party nomination in the riding of Chatham-Kent last week.
Mike Ferguson has provided me and the great people of Kent County with loyal and dedicated service. No problem was too big or too small as he worked one on one with my constituents.
Bob Rae is spending $8 million a day to get re-elected. The NDP's $10 billion deficit is a sorry example next to seven provinces that now have balanced budgets. The Ontario NDP debt is increasing by $1 million an hour. We need a practical, common sense, balanced budget approach which Mike and the Ontario Liberals can bring to this province. A Liberal candidate has now been nominated in every riding in Ontario, while the Conservatives must place want ads to find people to represent yesterday's party.
I wish Mike and all Liberals-
Sue Barnes Liberal London West, ON
Mr. Speaker, I feel compelled to respond to sentiments expressed by at least one member of the Reform Party regarding the denial of asylum for females fearing genital mutilation. I spoke last fall at the inter-parliamentary union on this topic. Countries cannot use culture as an excuse to deny women human rights. Women's rights are human rights.
Canada's commitment to equality for women is rooted in the belief that equal rights for women are an essential and inherent component of progress on overall human rights and democratic development.
Female genital mutilation in Canada can be prosecuted under a number of sections of our Criminal Code. Female genital mutilation is a brutal expression of patriarchal power. It is child torture.
Canada should and does lead the world with our gender persecution guidelines. These, like many other issues, require understanding and compassion, not rhetoric.
Claude Bachand Bloc Saint-Jean, QC
Mr. Speaker, after all the criticism directed by Cree Chief Matthew Coon-Come against the James Bay agreement and Hydro-Québec, it was encouraging yesterday to hear what was said by Montagnais Chief Élie Jacques Jourdain in Washington, where he explained the benefits of the Sainte-Marguerite hydroelectric project for his community.
The agreement between the Montagnais and Hydro-Québec will boost the economy and employment in the region. According to Chief Jourdain, the agreement will protect the way of life and culture of the Montagnais, since the Montagnais' two conditions were met, namely that the agreement will not adversely affect their ancestral territorial rights and will make them equal partners.
I also wish to commend Chief Jourdain and negotiator Konrad Sioui for having the courage to say in public what many aboriginal people think: a real partnership between Quebec and aboriginal peoples is feasible.
Elwin Hermanson Reform Kindersley—Lloydminster, SK
Mr. Speaker, on paper we have a health care system that sounds great. The Minister of Health and the Prime Minister are always talking about the five principles in the Canada Health Act-lots of talk with little action.
Our health care system, successfully pioneered in a regional health district in Swift Current, Saskatchewan, is crumbling. On paper health care in Canada is accessible. In reality the waiting lists for major surgery are growing. On paper health care is universal; however, different provinces cover different services and prescriptions in their health plans.
As the population ages, demand for health services is rising while the proportion of people paying for services is dropping. Debt servicing costs are rising while federal health funding is falling. How long will this have to continue before the government takes action rather than reading a paper called the Canada Health Act?
On paper Canada has a world class health care system. In reality when Canadians are sick or injured they have the right to be put immediately on a world class waiting list.
Don Boudria Liberal Glengarry—Prescott—Russell, ON
Mr. Speaker, this week is National Emergency Medical Services Week. We want to take this opportunity to stress the vital role played by health professionals in emergency medical services.
Anyone who has ever had to use these services will appreciate what is done by the people who work in this area.
I wish to commend and congratulate the Canadian Confederation of Ambulance Service Associations and its president, Mr. René Berthiaume, for their devotion and enthusiasm as well for their involvement in national emergency medical services week.
John Cannis Liberal Scarborough Centre, ON
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to inform the House about an act of generosity that was rendered by a citizen of Canada and a constituent of mine. Mr. Brian Oxley of Scarborough travelled to Romania to help and advise local manufacturers engaged in glass production.
Mr. Oxley was a volunteer advisor working overseas for Canadian Volunteer Advisors to Business, otherwise known as CESO. Since it was founded in 1967, CESO has been providing Canadian volunteer advisors to businesses and organizations in Canada's aboriginal communities, developing nations and emerging market economies in central and eastern Europe.
CESO volunteers are skilled Canadians, men and women, usually retired, who willingly share their lifetime of practical experience with those who need it most.
This merits congratulations to all concerned. I congratulate Mr. Oxley for his outstanding contribution.
Leon Benoit Reform Vegreville, AB
Mr. Speaker, yesterday I asked the minister of agriculture whether farmers who deliver grain to the elevator before July 31 will have to pay the full freight rate for their crop if it is not shipped out of the elevator until after August 1.
The minister confirmed that farmers who sold their grain to the Canadian Wheat Board and delivered it to the elevator
before July 31 will end up paying the full freight rate if the grain was shipped to the terminal after August 1.
This position was not made clear in the budget. Farmers were led to believe that as long as the grain was in the elevator by July 31 the Crow benefit would apply. Now farmers find out this is not true. They may be stuck with paying the full freight rate even if their grain was in the elevator before July 31 deadline.
The minister should have been straightforward with farmers about this deadline in the first place. Farmers will end up paying the full freight rate on some of the grain they deliver before the end of this crop year.
Lucien Bouchard BlocLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, the budget announced a series of reforms that would consolidate transfer payments as a single payment-considerably downsized, by the way-the Canada Social Transfer. This announcement reflects Ottawa's disengagement from social programs financing. Instead of giving the provinces this much vaunted flexibility and autonomy, it wants to impose new national standards for health care, social assistance and post-secondary education.
How can the minister claim that his government wants to ensure that all Canadians have access to adequate services, when at the same time it substantially reduces its commitment to social programs by transferring its financial responsibilities to the provinces which already have serious financial problems?
Jean Chrétien LiberalPrime Minister
Mr. Speaker, the provincial Premiers and all provincial governments are now analysing their respective programs, and we have done the same at the federal level. Everyone realizes that as far as government spending is concerned, we must reduce the pressure on the taxpayer. We have informed the provinces of our position. They have been aware of that position since December 1993, when we told them that we would eventually introduce a system but would give them two years to get ready.
In the February budget brought down by the Minister of Finance they were informed of the nature of federal cuts. The provinces had already made some cuts of their own, and they will continue to do so because we believe that at all levels of government, it is possible to offer the right kind of service without spending as much as we did in the past.
Lucien Bouchard BlocLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, how does the government expect to be taken seriously when it says it wants to co-operate with the provinces, when it excluded them from the forum on health, for instance, and the budget's enabling legislation gives them no more than a purely advisory role in defining national standards?
Jean Chrétien LiberalPrime Minister
Mr. Speaker, first of all, I have to say to the Leader of the Opposition that as far as the forum on health is concerned, we said no, we did not want the provinces to be there. Later on, we invited them, but they refused to come.