Debates of Dec. 2nd, 1996

Female Genital Mutilation

[Christiane Gagnon, Bloc, Québec, QC]

Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to congratulate Bilkis Vissandjée on winning the Thérèse F. Casgrain Fellowship. She will be doing in depth research on female genital mutilation and its effects on immigrant women in Quebec.

In 1994, I brought the problem of female genital mutilation to the attention of this House and I note with pleasure that my efforts have brought some measure of results. This practice was again criticized at the Beijing conference, because it threatens the physical and psychological well-being of women.

Ms. Vissandjée's research points strongly to the importance of striking a balance between the needs of women and those of men in the area of research. We can only hope that this research will provide some help to girls and women.

Teen Pregnancies

[Keith Martin, Reform, Esquimalt—Juan de Fuca, BC]

Mr. Speaker, in Canada every year we have an epidemic that few are willing to talk about and that is the epidemic of teen pregnancies.

The statistics are staggering, with teen pregnancies doubling in the last 10 years alone. One-fifth of girls under the age of 20 become pregnant and 58 per cent give birth. One-third of these girls drop out of high school and the children of these mothers often have higher educational and social problems. The costs to our social system is over $7 billion a year.

The future is often quite bleak for the mothers and children who often live a life of poverty, and yet this is an avoidable tragedy. To stem the tide schools need effective sex education programs, and sexual active teens need safe, effective measures of birth control.

Prevention is the best medicine. I implore the Minister of Health to work with his provincial counterparts to develop intelligent, safe strategies to address this terrible tragedy among us.

Copyright

[Gilles Bernier, Independent, Beauce, QC]

Mr. Speaker, in the matter of copyright reform, I would encourage the Minister of Canadian Heritage to ensure that broadcasters will obtain justly and permanently the time-shifting and ephemeral recording rights they are after.

It is essential these rights be included in Bill C-32 to avoid unduly complicating the operations of small regional radio stations on a small budget. This is often the only way to provide good service to their evening and weekend listeners.

Furthermore, time-shifting rights do not deprive artists of their royalties, and broadcasters are prepared to accept measures to protect against the abuse of these rights. I hope that common sense will prevail throughout the legislative process of Bill C-32.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

[Beryl Gaffney, Liberal, Nepean, ON]

Mr. Speaker, the longest journey begins with one step. I congratulate Health Canada for taking a step in the fight against myalgic encephalomyelitis and fibromyalgia.

Health Canada has recognized a revised chronic fatigue syndrome case definition for research purposes. This is thanks to the 10,000 people in Ontario and the 5,000 from other provinces who have signed petitions presented to the House in May.

It is also thanks to the efforts of the ME/FMAction Network. Health Canada can now take the step to boost further awareness by formally announcing the recognition of ME/FM. Parliament should move forward by setting up a health subcommittee to study and hear witnesses on ME/FM.

These diseases affect over 100,000 Canadians. Many times healthy, vital people are reduced to an inability of coping. We can no longer afford to be robbed of so many productive citizens by a disease for which we do not know the cause and we do not know the cure.

Let us remedy this situation. We must act now to raise awareness, continue research and find a cure.

Health Care

[Pat O'Brien, Liberal, London—Middlesex, ON]

Mr. Speaker, Canadians regard our health care system as a fundamental part of our national identity. In all regions of Canada, whenever they are consulted, the people of Canada express very clearly that they expect governments at all levels to preserve and protect our national system of health care.

Canadians insist that we maintain a single tier system equally accessible to all Canadians based on need and not on one's ability to pay. This government agrees with this fundamental principle of fairness. Provincial premiers who think they can ignore the national health care act and the wishes of the Canadian people had better think again.

It is pathetic to see irresponsible right wing premiers slashing health services only to restore funding later because they admit they got carried away.

Canadians treasure our health care system but they are worried about its future. This Liberal government can and will ensure that the system is improved and maintained for the good health of all Canadians; one national system accessible to all Canadians on the basis of need and not on their ability to pay.

[Ben Serré, Liberal, Timiskaming—French-River, ON]

Mr. Speaker, Canadians have been telling us time and time again that maintaining our health care system is by far their first priority. In a recent survey close to 80 per cent of Canadians said that they preferred to maintain a good health care system even if it means fewer tax cuts.

Also, medicare provides competitive advantages to companies operating in Canada. These advantages include lower employee benefit costs-I would like the Reform to please listen to the House-a mobile workforce that can respond to where the jobs are, the elimination of health care as a major source of labour-management disputes and work stoppages and a health work force.

Our health system is the envy of the entire world. It must be maintained at all cost. This member and this government will not make cuts in the style of Mike Harris and then cut taxes for the well to do. I would willingly give back the $600 that Mr. Harris would have me save in order to insure the health of my parents, children and grandchildren.

This member and this government will not compromise with the health and welfare-

Quebec Aboriginal People

[Claude Bachand, Bloc, Saint-Jean, QC]

Mr. Speaker, last week, Justice René Dussault, co-chair of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, recognized that the situation of aboriginal people was significantly better in Quebec than in the rest of Canada. Their economic situation, as well as the protection of their language and agreements like the James Bay agreement reflect the development of aboriginal nations in Quebec.

Since 1983, the Quebec government has developed a clear policy that shows respect for aboriginal people by adopting 15 basic principles to guide the government in negotiating with them. These principles include the recognition of Quebec's aboriginal peoples as distinct nations.

This recognition is a necessary first step to any serious negotiation, especially respectful negotiations, with the aboriginal peoples of Canada. Quebec granted them this recognition 10 years ago. What is the federal government waiting for to follow suit?

Justice

[Art Hanger, Reform, Calgary Northeast, AB]

Mr. Speaker, let the battle of the bow ties begin.

At the Press Club tonight, Financial Times columnist and CFRB radio talk show personality Michael Coren will square off against the hon. member for Kingston and the Islands. We are all looking forward to a spirited discussion on the viability of social conservatism.

Special thanks to the Laissez Faire Club of Ottawa for co-ordinating tonight's event. Laissez Faire has also offered to sponsor a Reform-Liberal debate on crime and punishment. On behalf of Reform I accept the challenge.

Through you, Mr. Speaker, I put the challenge to the justice minister. Meet Reform at the Press Club, 6 p.m. on March 3. Come out and defend your government's soft on crime record. Explain to Canadians why killers like Clifford Olson and Karla Homolka are eligible for early parole. Explain why our prisons have become comfort cottages. Tell Canadians why sexual predators are running lose and why violent youth crimes continue to surge upward.

Reform, on the other hand, will present our fresh start plan to get-

[The Speaker]

The hon. member for Rosedale.

Women's College Hospital

[Bill Graham, Liberal, Rosedale, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the achievements of Women's College Hospital located in my riding of Rosedale.

For over 80 years Women's College Hospital has been dedicated to the advancing concerns of women's health in an atmosphere unlike any other hospital. It has enabled us to craft some innovative responses to women's health concerns that have received global recognition.

It is becoming increasingly apparent that the health of women in all countries, particularly in the developing world, is of extreme importance since women are largely responsible for the education, health and safety of children and the overall management of the family.

For this reason, Women's College Hospital has been very active in the worldwide promotion of women's health. In fact, the World Health Organization is currently considering an application submitted by the hospital for it to become one of the World Health Organization's collaborating centres.

I urge all members of the House to join me in supporting this application and in wishing Women's College Hospital continued success.

Energy Pricing

[John Solomon, NDP, Regina—Lumsden, SK]

Mr. Speaker, in September I wrote the Liberal government asking for an investigation into gas prices. After two months of investigation, the Competition Bureau has yet to report its findings.

Now, in addition to high gas prices, we are seeing skyrocketing propane prices across western and northern Canada. Propane has increased by more than 130 per cent in Manitoba alone. This means an added major expense for farmers trying to dry their wet crops, homeowners paying higher costs to heat their homes and business people who use propane.

Meanwhile the Liberals in Ottawa continue to ignore the effects of energy price hikes. They continue to spin myths about consumers having a choice in buying their fuel from a handful of multinational oil companies that all raise prices at the same time, gouging Canadians equally.

Propane is the fuel of choice for many who are trying to be environmentally friendly but it is now being priced out of reach unjustifiably.

I am now calling on the Liberal government to take action to defend consumers, farmers and business people from propane price gouging by the big oil companies.

Health Care

[Paul Devillers, Liberal, Simcoe North, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to speak in the House on the matter of public health care in Canada. Many Canadians, I included, hold dearly to the principle of publicly funded health care services for all Canadians.

Several constituents from my riding, namely Helen Heeney, Jay Cody, Donna Kumagai, Judy Rogers, Doug Sneyd and Merle Larsson Totten, were instrumental in the publication of a book entitled Life Before Medicare .

The book was launched on November 21 during an intergenerational ceremony with the Minister of Health in attendance. Through actual life experiences of contributors, the book conveys a sense of sacrifices required of Canadians before universality in health care services became a reality.

Free health services are the sign that a society supports all its members regardless of their financial means. We cannot afford anything less either for ourselves or for future generations. Let us all be courageous and clear-headed enough to oppose those who want free health services to disappear.

Dalton McGuinty

[Jesse Flis, Liberal, Parkdale—High Park, ON]

Mr. Speaker, this past weekend we witnessed a most exciting leadership convention to elect a new leader for the Ontario Liberal Party. Dalton McGuinty, a 41 year-old lawyer and father of four, was one of seven talented candidates running for the position of leader. All candidates demonstrated outstanding ability and leadership.

The third of 10 children, Dalton McGuinty comes from a political family. His father, Dalton McGuinty Sr., served the Ottawa South riding as a Liberal for many years. Dalton McGuinty successfully served his constituents for six years as MPP for Ottawa South.

Under his leadership the Liberal Party of Ontario will get rid of the slash and burn Tories of Ontario. Dalton has a greater sensitivity to the social and economic needs of the people and will bring much integrity and stability to Ontario politics.

Mr. Speaker, I am sure that you and everyone in this Chamber will join me-

World Aids Day

[Madeleine Dalphond-Guiral, Bloc, Laval Centre, QC]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, Sunday, December 1, thousands of people around the world marked World AIDS Day. At home, in Quebec, between two and three people are infected by this virus every day. In the face of such a scourge, all resources must be mobilized to ensure prevention, treatment, care and research continue.

Each new victory is the result of concerted efforts both nationally and internationally. This government hardly contributes to these efforts, as the departure of our most brilliant researchers and the lack of funding for long term research jeopardize the future.

That is why I urge the federal government to maintain, better yet to increase, funding for the National AIDS Strategy and particularly for AIDS research. We must carry on and press ahead. Most importantly, the necessary steps must be taken to fight this disease so as to keep the hope of a definitive victory alive.

Energy Pricing

[Jay Hill, Reform, Prince George—Peace River, BC]

Mr. Speaker, my office has been flooded with calls because the price of propane has more than doubled since August. Desperate seniors have contacted me to ask how they will afford to pay for heat with their fixed incomes. Some northern farmers are still struggling to dry whatever damp grain they manage to harvest. Those who depend on propane are now spending $100 per week to heat their homes, with further increases predicted.

People believe these hikes represent the gouging of a captive market by the big gas companies. Propane is a byproduct of natural gas production, yet we have not seen a similar doubling of natural gas prices.

Producers say there is a shortage because of a fire in one plant in Mexico. Is this credible? With no adequate explanation or justification from the industry, consumers view these increases as extortion. Reform believes in the operation of a free market but it is free only when there is no price fixing and when anti-combines legislation is effectively enforced.

Statistics Canada

[Robert Bertrand, Liberal, Pontiac—Gatineau—Labelle, QC]

Mr. Speaker, Statistics Canada is in the process of changing the data collection program it uses to prepare its monthly unemployment figures.

The existing procedure has not been changed in over 20 years and no longer provides a true picture of the new labour market reality. As we all know, the labour market has undergone significant changes in recent years. New categories of employment and employees were created, and these major transformations are thought to be just the beginning.

The decision made by Statistics Canada will have a very positive impact on all Canadian workers. The various categories of unemployed people will be better defined and more precise. The various levels of government and other stakeholders in the labour sector will be better equipped to develop more focused services and strategies.

Transfers To The Provinces

[Nick Discepola, Liberal, Vaudreuil, QC]

Mr. Speaker, in today's edition of the Journal de Montréal , there is an article entitled Dumping and panicking'' which reads as follows:Reductions in federal transfers to the provinces were much greater than the budget cuts within that same federal government. For the current fiscal year and the year 1997-98, the federal will cut close to $5 billion, including $1.8 billion in Quebec alone''.

This statement is inaccurate and we have a duty to correct it, so that the public is not misled.

Since we took office, federal government program expenditures have been cut by 12 per cent, while transfers to the provinces have only been reduced by 8.6 per cent. Even though Quebec only

accounts for about 25 per cent of Canada's population, it still continues to receive 31 per cent of all federal transfers.

In fact, Quebec pays roughly $29 billion in taxes yet receives over $40 billion annually from the federal government.

Canadian Airlines International

[Gilles Duceppe, Bloc, Laurier—Sainte-Marie, QC]

Mr. Speaker, in the Canadian affair-

[Some hon. members]

We want Gauthier.

[Gilles Duceppe, Bloc, Laurier—Sainte-Marie, QC]

They are getting excited on the other side, Mr. Speaker.

In the Canadian affair, the Minister of Finance said, in reply to a question from the official opposition, that the fuel tax rebate will apply to all airlines. The minister added that, in return, companies will have to give up, and I quote, "substantial" tax write-offs.

Exactly how substantial are these tax write-offs, and for how long does the minister expect this measure to be in effect?

[Paul Martin, Liberal, Minister of Finance]

Mr. Speaker, there is a precedent in this case, that being the offer made to airlines in the early 1990s.

We are holding discussions, which include the Minister of Transport, in order to work out the details and decide if the offer will be the same one or a different one. As soon as all the details have been worked out, and the minister is in a position to make an announcement, he will do so.

[Gilles Duceppe, Bloc, Laurier—Sainte-Marie, QC]

Mr. Speaker, in other words, when the minister used the term "substantial", he had no specific figure in mind. In other words, he made a statement without knowing what the consequences would be. This is interesting, Mr. Speaker.

I put the following question to the minister. Perhaps he has an idea on this one: How many tens of millions of dollars will taxpayers have to fork over in order to make up for the financial shortfall arising from this fuel tax rebate?

I imagine that, in announcing a tax rebate, the Minister of Finance has some idea of the cost. I hope he does.

[Paul Martin, Liberal, Minister of Finance]

Mr. Speaker, the member across the way knows very well that there is a time and a place for announcing details. As I have just said, what I did Friday was to give a general indication of the offer that will be made to all airlines; this indication is based on a precedent. When the Minister of Transport and I are ready, the Minister of Transport will make the details public.

[Gilles Duceppe, Bloc, Laurier—Sainte-Marie, QC]

Mr. Speaker, when a finance minister talks about a tax rebate, he should normally anticipate certain results. I do not think these are details. They may be details for the Minister of Finance, but they are a source of worry for Canadians.

This same minister admitted that Canadian's main problem was its poor management, thereby agreeing with the opposition. He confirmed the Prime Minister's statement of two weeks ago that there was no question of coming to the financial assistance of Canadian.

How can the Minister of Finance square such vague statements with the recent decision to help Canadian get back on its financial feet again?

[David Anderson, Liberal, Minister of Transport]

Mr. Speaker, the position of the government was clear all along. We believe that the restructuring proposal of a private company which requires not only the agreement of management but of its unions should be put in place before there is any government response.

It was, in large measure, put in place by Wednesday of last week. We then responded to the proposal put forward by the management of Canadian and four of the unions. Two unions were outside the proposal. One has since joined. We are now waiting-five unions, one company management and three governments-for the response of the final union.