House of Commons Hansard #112 of the 35th Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was harmonization.
Excise Tax ActGovernment Orders
The Speaker
I may inform the hon. member that we will continue after Oral Question Period. Since it is almost 2 p.m., we will proceed to Statements by Members.
Paul Szabo Liberal Mississauga South, ON
Mr. Speaker, thanks to the leadership of Toronto City Councillor Kay Gardner and the Toronto Board of Health, the Drink Smart Canada campaign promoting the responsible use of alcohol has been endorsed by over 120 Canadian cities. Their concern about alcohol abuse, particularly during pregnancy, was one of the main reasons for their supporting health warning labels on the containers of alcoholic beverages.
On October 16, the Minister of Health and the president of the Canadian Paediatric Society made known their position on foetal alcohol syndrome. They made it clear that the wisest course for women to take was to refrain from alcohol consumption during pregnancy.
We hope that the minister can now specify what initiatives its department intends to take to support this recommendation.
Bill Blaikie NDP Winnipeg—Transcona, MB
Mr. Speaker, the NDP urges the Liberal government to be more critical in its approach to the idea of NATO expansion and more supportive of strengthening the role of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe as a basis on which to build the new security architecture for Europe.
This new security architecture should be based on a form of common security rather than a collective security based on the expansion of a military alliance that has not renounced the first use of nuclear weapons and whose expansion can only strengthen the hand of those in Russia who, for whatever reasons, wish a return to a world divided between east and west.
NATO should be building for the day when it is replaced by common security measures and common security structures that include rather than potentially threaten Russia and that involve the abolition of all nuclear weapons.
Ray Speaker ReformLethbridge
Mr. Speaker, you may have noticed that many of my colleagues are wearing red ribbons on their lapels this week. I would like to take this opportunity to tell Canadians about the significance of these ribbons.
This past Saturday MADD Canada launched its annual red ribbon campaign. MADD is asking people to place these ribbons on the antennae of their vehicles as a reminder to practise safe and sober driving at all times, but especially during the holiday season.
The holiday season is supposed to be a time of joy and happiness, of friends and of family, but too often party functions and social gatherings associated with the holiday season end in tragedy. The women and men of MADD Canada, many of whom have suffered their own personal tragedies, want to make sure that for others the holiday season will continue to be a time of joy and happiness rather than of mourning and regret.
On behalf of all the members of this House, I wish to express my gratitude and support for MADD Canada and wish them the best of luck in their red ribbon campaign.
Philippe Paré Bloc Louis-Hébert, QC
Mr. Speaker, in his report tabled last week, the auditor general devoted a chapter to the follow-up on his 1993 comments and recommendations regarding CIDA. After three years of restructuring, CIDA has yet to prove its capacity for renewal, as a number of grey areas still exist, according to the auditor general.
We are concerned to note that it continues to have difficulty explaining the contributions its projects make to the government's prime objectives as defined in Canada in the World . We deplore the agency's lack of transparency with its partners and the Canadian public and its delay in setting up a more effective accounting and management system.
In the opinion of the Bloc Quebecois, the progress is too slow. We think CIDA should have its own enabling legislation, which would provide it with a clear mandate and require it to be more transparent.
Anna Terrana Liberal Vancouver East, BC
Mr. Speaker, serious concern is being expressed for the welfare of children. In Vancouver East and in many areas of Canada there are a large number of families that live under the poverty line. These are families with children who, like their parents, live in poverty.
The current discussion between federal and provincial governments is very encouraging. However, even though money is a concern, early prevention is just as much of a concern. We keep looking for the perfect program to assist this category of people. This program exists and is successful. It is the Community Action Plan for Children, CAPC.
The program started up in 1992. In 1994, the grant was cut in half, and next year other significant cuts will be made, preventing the program from continuing.
The organizations responsible for the program work with families and children. I would ask the Minister of Health to continue and expand the program because, as one native participant put it: "Children have better parents thanks to the Community Action Plan for Children".
Judy Bethel Liberal Edmonton East, AB
Mr. Speaker, Canada's children are our future. Every Canadian child regardless of their parents' income or their province's wealth deserves the basic necessities of life.
In a prosperous country like ours there is no reason we cannot nurture all our children; nurture their little bodies, their bright minds, their strong spirit and their diverse personalities.
In Alberta 20 per cent of our children live below the poverty line. This means that one in five is at risk. One in five faces a life without hope for a healthy, happy childhood and without hope of contributing to and sharing in Canada's bright future.
There is an urgent need and an inescapable responsibility to harmonize federal-provincial programs for children at risk. The Liberal members of Parliament from across northern and western Canada are encouraged by the progress made by our Minister of Human Resources Development and the provincial ministers this week. We are heartened by their promise to have concrete recommendations for the Prime Minister and provincial premiers by January.
Renewing Canada's social safety net-
Morris Bodnar Liberal Saskatoon—Dundurn, SK
Mr. Speaker, the people of Saskatchewan have a proud tradition of working together to help those in need. Children living in poverty are a high priority for us. A national child benefit targets resources to those in need. It helps families in need. It is good family policy.
This is the kind of action poor children need, not the false hope offered by the third party. Its talk about helping families is little more than a smokescreen for a program of tax cuts that will benefit wealthy taxpayers more than poor families. It brags about taking a million people off the tax rolls, many of whom now get a refund from the government because of the child benefit or GST rebate.
What it does not tell Canadians is that its fresh start will mean over $3,000 in tax savings for a high income family of over $100,000 and less than $500 for families living on $15,000. Whatever happened to the lofty statements from the third party about targeting resources to those in need?
The children of Saskatchewan can be thankful that the Liberal government is in charge of finding a way to respond to child poverty.
Paul Forseth Reform New Westminster—Burnaby, BC
Mr. Speaker, Canadian Airlines is desperately trying to restructure. The ripple effect for the economy is great, especially in western Canada. I must speak up for the workers in my area of B.C. who have given so much to keep Canadian airborne.
The company has considered all options to reorganize and part of the rearrangement is employee cost. Five of six unions have agreed to save jobs and, like always, Buzz Hargrove is the loner preventing any deal.
Yesterday the hon. member for Burnaby-Kingsway asked the government to reintroduce trade barriers and to give money. The NDP member has no clue about economics. He, like union leader Buzz Hargrove, does not believe in markets or the democratic process.
The NDP says it is standing up for jobs when in actual fact it is standing up for union control while keeping their members dependent.
Canadian Airlines workers are in jeopardy of losing their jobs because the socialists are unwilling to demonstrate accountability by letting union members decide at the ballot box.
Elijah Harper Liberal Churchill, MB
Mr. Speaker, last month the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples reminded us once more of the growing problem of aboriginal child poverty.
Incomes are lower in aboriginal communities and housing is crowded, but birth rates in these communities are higher than average.
Through programs like "Head Start" and "Brighter Futures" much has been accomplished by the government and by caring people in our communities, but there is still much more to do.
I call on members of the House and all Canadians to work with governments and First Nations to address the root causes of aboriginal child poverty.
Georgette Sheridan Liberal Saskatoon—Humboldt, SK
Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the many Canadians suffering from lupus. Lupus is an auto-immune disease which attacks the body's healthy cells. All parts of the body, including major organs, can be involved. While lupus knows no age or gender barriers, it is more prevalent among women in their child bearing years.
An insidious chronic ailment, lupus is characterized by unpredictable flare-ups of acute disease activity causing pain, inflammation of body tissues and organs.
Its erratic nature brings with it emotional turmoil and economic loss.
To date there is no cure for lupus. Though medication provides some measure of control, its efficacy varies in each case and is not without long range debilitating side effects.
Given the physical and economic consequences of lupus, persons severely afflicted by this disease who have a prolonged functional impairment and who have been assessed as disabled by qualified physicians call on this government to allow eligibility for disability tax credits without further investigation by Revenue Canada.
Bernard Patry Liberal Pierrefonds—Dollard, QC
Mr. Speaker, on this opening day of the Quebec UPA convention, I have very good news for Quebec farm producers: the NAFTA arbitration panel has just dismissed the U.S. complaint in the matter of poultry and dairy products.
We will recall that, under pressure from the poultry and dairy producers lobby, the American government tried on two occasions in recent years to have the Canadian supply management system invalidated.
The dispute settlement panel ruled that, under both World Trade Agreement and NAFTA rules, Canada has every right to protect its products.
Producers from Quebec and the other Canadian provinces will be pleased to hear this. That is what I call another great Canadian victory.
Keith Martin Reform Esquimalt—Juan de Fuca, BC
Mr. Speaker, recent events show that pro-sovereignty parties lack leadership and are in trouble. These parties are therefore no longer an option for Quebecers. The Liberal government's approach, which is to maintain the status quo, is no better for Quebecers.
The people of Quebec are looking for a viable option and that is what the Reform Party is offering, through political and economic reforms.
I just got back from the PQ convention, where it was clear that the concerns and wishes of Quebecers are similar to those of the people in the rest of Canada.
I ask Quebecers to have the courage to take a close look at Reform policies so that we can work together to build a better future.
Maurice Bernier Bloc Mégantic—Compton—Stanstead, QC
Mr. Speaker, this week, and until December 8, all Quebecers are invited to mark the Quebec week of disabled persons. This year's theme relates to the integration of disabled people into the workplace.
Under the theme "My right to work", this awareness week will allow disabled people to reaffirm their basic right to work as full-fledged citizens. At a time when searching for a job is becoming increasingly difficult, the task is even harder for a disabled person, because several physical obstacles and social barriers remain.
The Quebec week of disabled persons provides all of us with an excellent opportunity to better understand the plight of disabled persons. It is essential to take all necessary measures to ensure that, some day, every person with a disability will be able to say "my right to work has now become a reality".
Raymond Lavigne Liberal Verdun—Saint-Paul, QC
Mr. Speaker, this week we are celebrating, in Quebec and in my beautiful riding of Verdun-Saint-Paul, the disabled persons week.
In Quebec alone, there are over 900,000 people suffering from a physical handicap. Beyond the physical limits they have to live with every day, disabled people primarily need support to overcome social barriers and obstacles to employment.
The majority of disabled people would like to enjoy greater autonomy and, above all, to be able to play an active role in our society.
The disabled persons week is an opportunity to reflect on the need for solidarity. Our government is very aware of that need, and this is why we are intensifying our efforts and our actions in this sector.
Ken Epp Reform Elk Island, AB
Mr. Speaker, to our third grandchild, Noah Daniel Epp, born just 10 days ago, welcome to our world, little Noah. You have been born into a loving family and our country, Canada, is the greatest country on earth.
Sorry, but there is something else I need to tell you. We ran up a few bills before you came and we will be expecting you to pay for them. Your share of the debt is about $20,000. I am sorry, Noah, but I just did not know how to stop politicians from spending your money. No matter who I voted for, they were all the same. They all wanted to borrow money so they could promise electors things we could not afford. They would do just about anything to get re-elected so they could collect their rich MP pension.
I am sorry that Reform came on the scene so late. I am sorry that we permitted 30 years of high borrowing, high spending Liberal and Conservative governments.
Welcome to our world, Noah. I promise that your grandfather with his Reform friends will do everything possible to stop this out of control spending and to stop the wasteful ways your future earnings are being squandered.
Beth Phinney Liberal Hamilton Mountain, ON
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark the International Day of Disabled Persons.
Today is an opportunity to salute the contributions of Canadians with disabilities to our society. Most Canadians with disabilities are fully productive members of our society. Persons with disabilities are asking for nothing more than equal access, yet every day
they still encounter unnecessary obstacles in housing, education, employment, transportation, communication and recreation.
This government is committed to eliminating barriers to the disabled and ensuring that they have an opportunity to participate fully in Canadian society.
The recently released federal task force on disability issues discusses the federal government's role in ensuring equality of opportunity for all Canadians and makes valuable recommendations for government action.
As we mark this important day, I call on the government to continue its efforts to eliminate barriers to this very valuable community.
Maud Debien Bloc Laval East, QC
Mr. Speaker, the auditor general's report made a number of recommendations concerning export promotion activities. It asked the government to keep Parliament better informed about $375 million spent with respect to results, revenue and costing, in the obvious interest of transparency and in order to prevent needless overlap.
The auditor general also revealed the lack of follow-up on the efforts made to reach the objective of increasing the number of small and medium sized exporters.
Some of these recommendations are not new; they were there in the 1986 report. Furthermore, in June 1996, the report of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade ran very much along the same lines.
Will the Liberal government finally listen to these recommendations and stop spending the money of Quebec and Canadian taxpayers without knowing whether the desired results are being obtained?
Presence In GalleryStatements By Members
The Speaker
I draw to the attention of members the presence in the gallery of a parliamentary delegation from the National Assembly of Vietnam led by Mrs. Nguyen Thi Than, Chairwoman, Committee on Social Affairs.
TaxationOral Question Period
The Speaker
I recognize the hon. Leader of the Official Opposition.
Michel Gauthier BlocLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, you will understand that I am not used to such kind attention from the government, from everyone here. Thank you.
Unfortunately, I have nothing kind to say about the Minister of Finance. The government is most certainly not going to get top marks on its report card for taxation. In fact, it took three years of efforts by the official opposition, plus one report by the auditor general, before the Minister of Finance finally decided to make a little move on the tax evasion matter, and even then what he did do was rather hesitant and incomplete.
My question is for the Minister of Finance. How can the Minister of Finance explain his claim of asking the public accounts committee to cast all possible light on the family trust scandal, when we have just learned that a 200-page document, a 200-page opinion prepared by Revenue officials, addressing some very pertinent aspects of this problem, was not provided to that committee by the government?
Jane Stewart LiberalMinister of National Revenue
Mr. Speaker, the hon. Leader of the Opposition is referring to the documentation that was reviewed by the auditor general when he considered its aspects that were part of the 1991 decision made by the former Tory government.
Those pieces of information were available and were reviewed by the committees which reviewed the issues that were brought to our attention by the auditor general and they made their reports.
I would just point out that the auditor general, in response to questions at the public accounts committee, said:
"I consider the matter closed, and we shall be addressing other matters in the coming months".