House of Commons Hansard #82 of the 35th Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was ocean.
Diane Marleau LiberalMinister of Public Works and Government Services
Mr. Speaker, it is my intention to make this report public tomorrow morning. All members of Parliament will receive a copy of it.
Gilbert Fillion Bloc Chicoutimi, QC
Mr. Speaker, I have a supplementary, but I first want to thank the minister, even though we have been waiting for this report for two months.
Now that the report will be tabled, will the minister pledge to immediately hold a public debate on the issue, so as to follow up on the content of this report?
Diane Marleau LiberalMinister of Public Works and Government Services
Mr. Speaker, Mr. Radwanski travelled across the country. A public debate took place and the report submitted to me will be released tomorrow, which means that the debate goes on.
Garry Breitkreuz Reform Yorkton—Melville, SK
Mr. Speaker, page 38 of the Liberal red book promises: "In each year following a year of 3 per cent economic growth, a Liberal government will create 50,000 new child care spaces to a total of 150,000".
My question is for the Minister of Human Resources Development. How many day care spaces have been created as a result of that promise?
Bob Nault LiberalParliamentary Secretary to Minister of Human Resources Development
Mr. Speaker, it is always interesting to listen to the Reform members asking questions in the House.
If they read the whole red book they would know that it deals specifically with the collaboration of the provinces. Once we have an agreement with the provinces on some sort of child care initiative we will certainly announce it in the House. I am sure when we do, if we get the co-operation of the provinces, those members will still disagree with us on child care spaces. However, we will do a lot of hard work and try to get that done for them.
Garry Breitkreuz Reform Yorkton—Melville, SK
Mr. Speaker, it becomes very obvious that the Liberals are better at making excuses than keeping their promises.
This government is preventing parents from giving the best possible care: parental care. Why do Liberals remove real choice by favouring institutional day care and why do they instead give phoney promises? The government is not creating equal opportunities for all parents, including those who stay at home to take care of their children.
Bob Nault LiberalParliamentary Secretary to Minister of Human Resources Development
Mr. Speaker, again I can only say to the member that when we announced the CHST we made it quite clear that there was a tremendous amount of flexibility within the program in the delivery of finances to the provinces. That flexibility does not suggest one particular child care initiative over another, but does give flexibility to the provinces to allow parents to choose the child care facilities or areas which they think are best suited to their location.
I disagree with the member when he says that we are suggesting one over the other. In fact, we are giving the flexibility and the choices which parents need in this modern era.
Len Taylor NDP The Battlefords—Meadow Lake, SK
Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food is being asked to talk to his counterpart in the province of Alberta with regard to that province's farm income security program, an ad hoc subsidy program which has caused that province to be called the Europeans of the cattle industry. Critics say the program is literally eating up the Crow advantage at the same time as Alberta is speaking out against the federal ad hoc subsidy program.
Can the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food tell us if he is at all concerned about Alberta's FISP, what role the federal government has in protecting the industry from a possible American challenge, and if he intends to do anything about this unusual provincial subsidy?
Ralph Goodale LiberalMinister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
Mr. Speaker, over the course of the last several months, including at a federal-provincial conference of agriculture ministers which was held this past summer in Victoria, I have had the opportunity to consider the structure of the Alberta program. It is fair to say that the program is raising concerns among provincial agriculture ministers in several other provinces and among various producer organizations.
One of the fundamental objectives of our new generation of farm safety nets is to try to ensure to the maximum extent humanly
possible that various forms of programming, both federal and provincial, across this country are fair and equitable for producers and as among various regions.
The hon. gentleman can be assured that the Government of Canada will be watching very closely to make certain that all programs are applied in an equitable manner so that all farmers in every corner of this country are treated fairly.
Paul Zed LiberalParliamentary Secretary to Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 36(8), I have the honour to table in both official languages the government's response to two petitions.
Alfonso Gagliano LiberalMinister of Labour and Deputy Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
Mr. Speaker, this week Canada will be observing Fire Prevention Week. It is the appropriate time to heighten Canadians' awareness of the need to be vigilant and responsive to fire hazards, especially in the home and at work.
Saturday, October 12, has been designated as Fire Service Recognition Day. Our full time and volunteer fire fighters often put their own lives in danger in order to save other lives.
We want to use this day to express our appreciation and gratitude to all fire fighters across Canada.
The theme for this year's fire prevention week campaign is "let's hear it for fire safety: test your detectors". As all members know, fires are always dramatic experiences, especially when human lives are involved.
It is important for Canadians to increase their awareness of the danger of fire and the ways they can protect their family, property and themselves. Since the 1970s when smoke alarms were introduced in Canada statistics have shown repeatedly that these devices can save lives and reduce loss of property.
However, to offer the protection for which they were designed smoke alarms must be fully operational. This means that they must be checked periodically to ensure that they are in good working condition, that the batteries are not dead or have not been removed, and that they are located at strategic points in the home.
The costs associated with fire related injuries, death and property losses are high. In 1993, 417 Canadians lost their lives as a result of fires, 78 per cent of which occurred in the home. In fact, 26,000 of the 66,000 fires reported were residential fires and amounted to $482 million in property losses.
As for federal buildings, 48 fires were recorded in 1995-96. Although no death occurred, the fires accounted for eight injuries and $716,000 in property losses. Canadians must be reminded that the vast majority of fire deaths in North America occur in the home.
To increase their protection, they must constantly be aware of the fire hazards lurking in their midst. It is always better to be safe than sorry. I therefore urge all Canadians to check their smoke detectors and participate in fire safety initiatives during this year's Fire Prevention Week.
Madeleine Dalphond-Guiral Bloc Laval Centre, QC
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to speak today to draw attention to fire prevention week, and to take advantage of this opportunity to encourage the public to take the time to think about fire prevention, both at home and at work.
As you know, hundreds of lives are lost every year in fires of various types, but unfortunately most deaths by fire are related to fires in the home. This means that, if we are to improve this situation and reduce deaths by fire as much as possible, more emphasis than ever must be placed on prevention and on continuing to raise public awareness.
The discovery of fire goes far back into the history of human kind. Fire is a part of our everyday lives, and will surely be around for a very long time to come. Although, most of the time, fire seems to be under control, we must be vigilant and not let down our guard. Incidents involving fire can happen so quickly, and their consequences, both material and personal, can be very serious.
One of the best ways of saving lives if there is a fire is to install smoke detectors. A properly maintained smoke detector can, without a doubt, prevent terrible human tragedies and, moreover, detectors are inexpensive and easily installed.
Whether in a house or apartment or in the work place, these devices are essential to our safety, and I encourage people who do not have smoke detectors to get them as soon as possible, and people who do have them to check them to ensure they are operating properly. During fire prevention week, whose theme this
year is "let's hear it for fire safety: test your detectors", we all need to do our bit to improve our collective safety.
This coming Saturday, October 12, has been designated as the day to pay tribute to fire fighters. On behalf of the public, I would like to thank all full time and part time fire fighters for their excellent work and for all of the services they render to society.
We take their presence for granted, and all too often lose sight of the fact that they frequently put their lives on the line to save someone else. I want them to know that we are grateful and that they have every right to be proud of what they do. It is not always easy to serve the public. It demands self-discipline, determination, and professionalism. I encourage our fire fighters to keep up the good work. Our heartfelt thanks for the excellent work they do on our behalf.
In closing, I would like to invite everyone to take part in the various activities that will be held during the week and to keep in mind that it is important to be prevention-conscious all year long.
Ian McClelland Reform Edmonton Southwest, AB
Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my party I would like to join my colleagues and add our support for fire fighters and echo their words.
In the constituency I represent, Edmonton Southwest, fire fighters have been long time supporters of the burn unit at the University of Alberta hospital. Fire fighters are involved in the community far beyond their day to day jobs as firemen. Very often we will find that the stalwarts in communities, particularly smaller communities, are volunteer fire fighters, really the backbone of the community.
Earlier speakers suggested that this week we are paying particular attention to fire and the ravages of fire to us as individuals. It is well now to recall once a year that each home should have a fire evacuation plan. Just as we have fire drills right in the House of Commons and in our places of business, places of worship and schools, every home should have a fire drill.
We in this House have the opportunity to do something real when it comes to fire fighters. That is to support the motion that will be coming up by the member for Burnaby-Kingsway, Motion No. 241, which is to put into Canada operation respond, a computerized data base of hazardous materials that would improve safety for fire fighters and help save lives and property.
That will be debated at 5.30 p.m. on October 10 in this House. It has been supported by members of all parties on an individual basis. I would ask all members to consider supporting this when it comes to the House and for the co-operation of the Minister of Transport.
Peter Milliken Liberal Kingston and the Islands, ON
Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present in both official languages the second report of the Standing Committee on Industry.
In accordance with its order of reference on Monday, May 27, 1996, your committee has considered Bill C-5, an act to amend the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act, the Companies Creditors Arrangement Act and the Income Tax Act, and has agreed to report the bill with a significant number of amendments.
Paul Zed LiberalParliamentary Secretary to Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present the 35th report of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs regarding the membership of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts.
If the House gives its consent, I intend to move concurrence in the 35th report later this day.
Art Hanger Reform Calgary Northeast, AB
moved for leave to introduce Bill C-334, an act to amend the Criminal Code (violent crimes or sexual offences).
Mr. Speaker, this private member's bill will send this message to criminals: two violence or sex strikes and you are out.
This legislation directs our courts and judges to automatically order a life sentence for any offender who, on two or more separate occasions, is convicted of a serious violent or sexual offence.
Canadians deserve to feel that they and their families are safe in their homes, at work, at school, on the street and in their communities. In short, Canadians want a country in which we can look to the future instead of over our shoulders.
Consequently this bill is urgently needed to address the unchecked proliferation of high risk violent criminals, pedophiles and sexual predators who cause great harm to our communities.
I urge all hon. members to give this legislation their full and fair consideration.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed.)
Sarkis Assadourian Liberal Don Valley North, ON
moved for leave to introduce Bill C-335, an act to amend the Bank Act (foreign banks).
Mr. Speaker, the purpose of this bill is to open the Bank Act to foreign banks, foreign competition, so that they can provide more money to small businesses in Canada and create more jobs.
For the last two years the banks, the so-called big six, made $5.6 billion in profit and had more lay-offs to Canadians. This act requires them to open their purse to small businesses to give more money. Some are doing it but some are not doing enough.
This requires them to give small business more money in order to create more jobs for Canadians to work rather than to depend on social welfare programs.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed.)
Paul Zed LiberalParliamentary Secretary to Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
Mr. Speaker, if the House gives its consent, I move that the 35th report of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs, presented to the House earlier this day, be concurred in.
(Motion agreed to.)
Paul Steckle Liberal Huron—Bruce, ON
Mr. Speaker, I have a petition registered with over 300 names. The petitioners believe that violent crime is still on the increase. They also believe that the justice system continues to be lenient on criminals and that the current justice system has failed to address society's concerns. Current methods of punishment, they believe, are not acting as proper deterrents and are not producing the desired effects to lower crime rates and give us safer communities.
Therefore, they petition Parliament and humbly ask and pray that the appropriate laws be amended to include corporal punishment as an alternate method of punishment for those adults who are repeat offenders and choose not to be governed by more conventional methods.
Ted McWhinney Liberal Vancouver Quadra, BC
Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present a petition signed by 427 Canadian citizens, many of them of Greek or Greek Cypriot origins, from the greater Vancouver region.
They ask support from this Parliament for the application of United Nations Security Council resolutions which provide for the demilitarization of the island of Cyprus and its restoration to full territorial integrity.
Jan Brown Reform Calgary Southeast, AB
Mr. Speaker, I rise to present this petition on behalf of constituents in New Brunswick who are concerned for our efforts to create a national pedophile registry.
The petitioners whom I represent are concerned about making our streets and homes safer, and in particular for our children. They are opposed to the current status quo in the screening of pedophiles within our communities.
The petitioners pray that a federally implemented pedophile registry be established in order to help better protect our children.
Werner Schmidt Reform Okanagan Centre, BC
Mr. Speaker, I rise to present a petition from 200 people across Canada, most of them from Kelowna. They pray that the government, without delay, provide for the fluoridation of water supplies in all Canadian cities to protect the health and welfare of all Canadians.
Ed Harper Reform Simcoe Centre, ON
Mr. Speaker, I have four petitions to present today. The first group of petitioners request that Parliament pass legislation to strengthen the Young Offenders Act, including publishing the names of young offenders, lowering the age of application and transferring serious offenders to adult court.
Ed Harper Reform Simcoe Centre, ON
Mr. Speaker, the second group of petitioners request that the Government of Canada not amend the human rights act to include the phrase sexual orientation. The petitioners are concerned about including the undefined phrase sexual orientation in federal legislation. Refusing to define this statement leaves interpretation open to the courts, a very dangerous precedent to set.
Ed Harper Reform Simcoe Centre, ON
Mr. Speaker, the third petition concerns the age of consent laws. The petitioners ask that Parliament set the age of consent at 18 years to protect children from exploitation and abuse.