Debates of Nov. 8th, 1996

Parental Rights And Responsibilities

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

Mr. Speaker, this week I introduced Private Member's Motion No. M-300 calling for parental rights and responsibilities to be entrenched in section 7 of the charter of rights and freedoms.

Family autonomy and parental rights and responsibilities are threatened by the constant intrusion of big government. It is time to restore some common sense and give parents protection of their fundamental and natural rights.

Motion No. M-300 reads as follows:

That, in the opinion of this House, the government should authorize a proclamation to be issued by the Governor General under the great seal of Canada amending section 7 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms to: (a) recognize the fundamental right of individuals to pursue family life free from undue interference by the state; and (b) recognize the fundamental right and responsibility of parents to direct the upbringing of their children, and urge the legislative assemblies of the other provinces to do likewise.

I ask all members of the House to give my parental rights and responsibilities motion serious consideration. Consult your constituents-

[The Speaker]

The hon. member for Parry Sound-Muskoka.

National Unity

[Andy Mitchell, Liberal, Parry Sound—Muskoka, ON]

Mr. Speaker, Remembrance Day is on Monday, so there is no better time for Canada and Canadians to reflect on what makes our country such a great place for our children to grow up in.

Just over a year ago Canadians from all provinces poured forth their support for a united Canada and Canadians living in Quebec voted to keep our country united. Since then we have worked hard to find a balance that will achieve lasting unity in Canada.

In advance of the day on which we join together to remember the ultimate sacrifices of our veterans, and in advance of the day on which we join together to honour their courage and their commitment to a free and peaceful Canada, I ask also that we take a moment today to value all that makes us Canadians.

I ask that we work together for a Canada that will remain strong, united and free. Let us leave a lasting legacy for future generations of Canadians and let us honour what our veterans fought so hard to preserve.

The Role Of Women In Conflict

[Monique Guay, Bloc, Laurentides, QC]

Mr. Speaker, this week we are commemorating the service and the sacrifice of the veterans of the two world wars and of the Korean war. This week honours as well the courage of those who served and continue to serve to preserve peace in the world. On this occasion, the official opposition wants to pay special tribute to women.

Women have a played a vital role in the various conflicts in which our country was involved. In Canada, from 1939 to 1944, the number of women doing remunerative work went up from 600,000 to 1.2 million. These women contributed to the war effort by working in factories. Close to 50,000 women served in the armed forces during the second world war, including 22,000 in the Canadian Women Army Corps.

On behalf of the Bloc Quebecois, I want to highlight the courage and the determination of these women.

Candu Nuclear Reactors

[Nelson Riis, NDP, Kamloops, BC]

Mr. Speaker, it is outrageous that the Liberal government will be going ahead with the subsidized export of a Candu nuclear reactor to China without a full environmental review. We learned only yesterday that the Liberals will not even respect their own environmental law and will be changing regulations without public consultations to allow these nuclear exports to China to proceed.

How is it possible, after a past Liberal government allowed India to develop nuclear weapons by exporting nuclear technology there and after the horror stories surrounding the Candu reactor exported to Romania, that this government would, without public consultation, export nuclear technology to China? China has an atrocious record on environmental degradation, arms proliferation and human rights abuse.

Let us hear no more talk about petty red book promises. The Liberals are breaking faith with their deepest obligation to the international community.

Remembrance Day

[Harold Culbert, Liberal, Carleton—Charlotte, NB]

Mr. Speaker, on Monday, November 11 Canadians will be assembling in communities across Canada in order to honour the memory of those who fought and died while serving Canada.

More than 50 years ago the second world war ended. As a result of the sacrifices made by thousands of Canadians, successive generations have enjoyed peace and prosperity in Canada.

On Monday, November 11, let us all, youth and seniors alike, participate in these ceremonies and reflect on the many sacrifices made by those at war as well as those who were at home so that we will have a constant reminder that our freedom was not without a huge cost.

Let us all say together: We will remember them.

[Maurizio Bevilacqua, Liberal, York North, ON]

Mr. Speaker, next Monday Canadians across the nation will honour those brave men and women who have given their lives for their country in the world wars, the Korean war and international peacekeeping efforts. It is right that we bow our heads on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month to commemorate this ultimate sacrifice.

In communities all across Canada we stop, we remember. We teach our children and we thank our elders. Their experiences must never be forgotten. We must learn from their actions, continue to build a strong country and strive toward peace among nations.

In York North there will be Remembrance Day parades in Vaughan and Richmond Hill, wreath laying ceremonies in Aurora and King and a moment of silence throughout our community.

On November 11 we honour service and sacrifice, two words that sum up our proud military history. Our soldiers are gone, but not forgotten. They are our heritage. They are our heroes.

National 4-H Week

[Maurice Dumas, Bloc, Argenteuil—Papineau, QC]

Mr. Speaker, this week is National 4-H Week. The purpose of this event is to mark the work done by many young people who are learning, under the supervision of remarkable people, about the quality of their environment.

I want to point out the work done by a constituent in my riding of Argenteuil-Papineau, Cécile Hélène Wojas, who has been teaching ecology at the Long-Sault school board, in Lachute, for over 30 years.

From 1970 to 1983, Mrs. Wojas was in charge of the Lachute 4-H club, and was also its leader. Since 1992, she has been responsible for an education project relating to the environment for young people between the ages of 12 and 16. I congratulate her and all the young people who have taken part in these initiatives.

This teacher, who became a paraplegic at age 40, did her work from a wheelchair. She deserves all our admiration for her courage and her perseverance.

Canada Post

[Bill Gilmour, Reform, Comox—Alberni, BC]

Mr. Speaker, this government promised jobs, jobs, jobs in its red book. Yet the minister responsible for Canada Post recently axed 10,000 posi-

tions in the ad mail business with her recent changes to Canada Post.

Most of these people read about their dismissal in the newspapers. The minister did not give these employees any notice or offer a transition period to either find work or consider purchasing portions of the ad mail business from Canada Post.

Clearly, the left hand does not know what the right hand is doing. Canadians are faced with more unemployment, higher taxes and fewer jobs under this Liberal government.

The national unemployment figure this morning is now at a record high of 10 per cent. Economists say improved growth prospects remain only a hope, not a fact as this Liberal government would have us believe.

The only real hope for Canadians is the Reform Party who will get us out of this rut through smaller government, lower taxes that will create more jobs.

Veterans Week

[Dianne Brushett, Liberal, Cumberland—Colchester, NS]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister of Canada values the role that our veterans have played so dearly that he declared this week as Veterans Week.

Over 100,000 young Canadians gave their lives during the two world war conflicts. Hundreds more died in Korea and in various peacekeeping missions.

Veterans Week is a time to remember the sacrifices of those to whom we owe our peace and freedom. Next week let us encourage the youth of our communities to get involved in the activities that pay tribute and express our gratitude to those who gave their lives for such a noble cause.

In remembering, let us recall the circumstances which led to the conflicts of the past and be vigilant of our commitment to never repeat such a horrific past. Let us remember.

Copyright

[Jan Brown, Reform, Calgary Southeast, AB]

Mr. Speaker, Canadian radio and television broadcasters gathered in Edmonton last week to discuss issues like exploding competition from U.S. services and the Internet, responsibilities to their communities and how they can continue to be the primary source of entertainment and information programming Canadians want.

One of the areas of real frustration was copyright Bill C-32. Broadcasters recognize the work done by many members of the House in limiting the damage of neighbouring rights, but they are taken aback that promised time shifting and transfer exceptions are not in the bill. Broadcasters need these exceptions so they can replay live programming at more convenient times and generally operate their stations efficiently.

Like all members in this House, I am sensitive to the need to respect property rights, but we also have to be sensible. Broadcasters pay more than $50 million a year to rights holders, authors, composers and publishers, to broadcast their music. They pay millions more when they record music for programs that are exported and used for many years. It is neither practical nor fair to expect broadcasters to pay more money to these same rights holders when they cover local church services and community parades, or time shift concerts or skating championships so Canadians across the country can watch them at times convenient to them.

Geography Awareness Week

[Jean Payne, Liberal, St. John's West, NL]

Mr. Speaker, November 17 to 23 is Geography Awareness Week.

As the second largest country in the world, Canada is blessed with an abundant diversity of natural regions and species. Biodiversity is an important environmental theme worldwide. Canada remains a role model on this front for other nations. Not only are we signatories to the United Nations Convention on Biodiversity, but we have created our own national biodiversity strategy which commits all levels of government to developing and conserving Canada's geography and wildlife.

Despite the importance of government involvement in protecting our country's rich natural heritage, we as politicians can only do so much. The energy and dedication of over 3,000 geography and social studies teachers who form the Canadian Council for Geography Education exemplifies the positive and measurable impact that citizens and community groups can have in the conservation effort.

On Wednesday night I had the opportunity to talk with two of these teachers, Peggy March, a teacher of social studies in Mount Pearl in my riding of St. John's West, and Greg Smith, a teacher from British Columbia. I congratulate them in their efforts.

Asbestos

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

Mr. Speaker, the diplomatic efforts made by Canada over the past few months on the issue of asbestos paid off once again yesterday in Brussels.

Our diplomats' work with the European Union has averted the imposition, by the industry sector, of an almost total ban on asbestos in Europe.

This new victory of Canadian diplomacy is encouraging for the asbestos industry and its workers. There are still issues to be resolved, but we are confident that we can convince our European partners that Canadian asbestos is safe and reliable.

I should point out to the opposition that this matter is important to our government, and we are determined to take all necessary measures to protect the thousands of jobs depending on this industry in the Asbestos and Thetford-Mines regions.

The Parti Quebecois

[Réjean Lefebvre, Bloc, Champlain, QC]

Mr. Speaker, on November 15, six members of Quebec's National Assembly will celebrate 20 years of public life as members of the Parti Quebecois. They are Jacques Brassard, the member for Lac-Saint-Jean; Guy Chevrette, the member for Joliette; Jean Garon, the member for Lévis; François Gendron, the member for Abitibi-Ouest; Jean-Pierre Jolivet, the member for Laviolette; and Denis Perron, the member for Duplessis.

This is a first in Quebec history. It is the first time six members of the same political party have succeeded in winning every provincial election for 20 years in a row.

On November 15, 1976, these members were elected by the people in their ridings on the basis of the Parti Quebecois' sovereignist option. These members have performed and continue to perform innumerable services for their communities.

I wish to thank and congratulate these members, who, throughout their political careers, have defended the rights of all Quebecers with vigour, conviction and firmness.

Veterans

[Dale Johnston, Reform, Wetaskiwin, AB]

Mr. Speaker, on November 11 Canadians will gather at cenotaphs from coast to coast to remember and say thanks to those who fought for peace and democracy.

School children are taught about the causes of war and how the battles were won, but can the history books convey the personal experiences of war? Each veteran has a story to tell of heroism, fear, sacrifice, camaraderie and the joy of coming home.

To keep the memory alive, I ask each and every veteran to record their personal tales. They can be written, dictated or videotaped. The legions could get involved by compiling the stories and donating them to the local schools or libraries.

Young people from every community in Canada left the comforts and safety of home to risk life and limb for strangers in other lands to make this a better world. Their courageous deeds must not be forgotten.

Leader Of The Bloc Quebecois

[Mark Assad, Liberal, Gatineau—La Lièvre, QC]

Mr. Speaker, during oral question period this week, the Bloc Quebecois leader took advantage of his position by insinuating that the former Quebec lieutenant-governor, the hon. Jean-Louis Roux, took part in a demonstration involving anti-semitic actions, in Montreal, back in 1942.

This shameless way of denigrating a person of this calibre shows a blatant lack of decency. But let us give the benefit of the doubt to the Bloc Quebecois leader and let us say that he got carried away.

Therefore, it would be most appropriate for the Bloc Quebecois leader to apologize to the hon. Jean-Louis Roux, through this House.

Jacques Lacoursière

[Maurice Godin, Bloc, Châteauguay, QC]

Mr. Speaker, on November 9, Canada's national history society will give the Pierre-Burton award to Quebec historian Jacques Lacoursière.

A talented interpretive writer, Mr. Lacoursière has several works to his credit. He is the author of the famous Canada Québec: Synthèse historique du journal Boréal Express , a real newspaper, with headlines and advertisement, published from 1963 to 1973, which related the history of Quebec and of Canada.

Mr. Lacoursière is also the author of the series Nos racines , whose 44 issues were published from 1979 to 1982, and, just recently, of L'Histoire populaire du Québec . Jacques Lacoursière has never stopped making people learn and love history'' to use his own terms. In his opinion, and I quote:A people with no history is like a tree with no roots. It cannot stand''. In other words, to forget our past is to forget who we are.

The Bloc Quebecois congratulates Mr. Lacoursière for obtaining this award-

[The Speaker]

I am sorry to interrupt the hon. member, but his time is up.

Internet

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

Mr. Speaker, we learned today of the existence of an Internet site containing hate messages directed at Lucien Bouchard. We strongly condemn this initiative, done anonymously, under the cover provided by Internet, as well as its content.

In our society, there are ways to express our disagreement with the political ideologies of a given party. These individuals will definitely not help their cause by sending messages promoting hate and violence.

I ask all my colleagues as well as opposition members to do their share and to avoid using excessive language during some of our debates. Our actions and our words are sometimes at the root of certain tendencies among the public.

Together let us give the example, but the proper one.

Members Of Parliament

[Bob Kilger, Liberal, Stormont—Dundas, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to bring to the attention of the House the distinguished achievement accomplished by two of our most respected members.

It is an honour and a privilege to serve our fellow citizens as their representative here, in the House of Commons.

One can only imagine how proud the hon. members for Notre-Dame-de-Grâce and Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke must feel today. In fact, both these members are celebrating their 31st uninterrupted year as members of Parliament.

The respect that these two members have demonstrated for the institution of Parliament over the past three decades is unparalleled and exemplary. They have without doubt contributed in making this a better place.

Equally as impressive as the contributions these members have made in public life are the contributions they have made in the communities in which they have lived and worked. It is because of this dedication and hard work in all aspects of their lives that they have enjoyed the right and privileges to sit in this House for 31 uninterrupted years.

On behalf of all my colleagues, I wish to congratulate both Warren Allmand and Len Hopkins and wish them all the success possible on this very special anniversary.

Congratulations, dear colleagues.

[Some hon. members]

Hear, hear.

Pest Management Regulatory Agency

[Elwin Hermanson, Reform, Kindersley—Lloydminster, SK]

Mr. Speaker, the Pest Management Regulatory Agency is a prime example of the Liberals' love affair with big government.

Canada's PMRA is inefficient, bureaucratic and costly. Currently the PMRA has registered 19 new pesticides which is good, but it took 242 bureaucrats to do it which is disastrous.

Canadian agriculture and agri-food industries are pleading for the agriculture minister and the health minister to get their act together and work diligently to fulfil their promise for a more streamlined and more efficient PMRA.

Most disappointing is that many letters, phone calls and personal appeals to these ministers are being virtually ignored, further demonstrating to Canadians just how arrogant this government is.

The Liberal's bloated PMRA is costing farmers a lot of money and is making the Canadian agricultural industry uncompetitive. On behalf of the farmers across Canada I invite farmers to get behind Reform's fresh start for Canada to bring about reforms to the PMRA, another example of Liberal-Tory bureaucratic empires.

Referendums

[Suzanne Tremblay, Bloc, Rimouski—Témiscouata, QC]

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Prime Minister.

This morning, as they were going into cabinet, three ministers gave the following justifications for the choice of June 23 for the Supreme Court hearing regarding the next Quebec referendum: the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs said it was the only date available; the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada said it was the date they had requested; and the President of the Treasury Board said it was the same date as his birthday.

[Gaston Leroux, Bloc, Richmond—Wolfe, QC]

Very serious, this government is very serious.

[Suzanne Tremblay, Bloc, Rimouski—Témiscouata, QC]

How else can the Supreme Court's comment that the government had not done its homework very well be explained except by the fact that it has improvised unpardonably in such an important matter?