House of Commons Hansard #17 of the 35th Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was agreed.
The Speaker
As is our custom, we will now sing O Canada, which will be led by the hon. member for Winnipeg Transcona.
Alex Shepherd Liberal Durham, ON
Mr. Speaker, the Reform Party embraces a flat tax. This is at a time when multimillionaire Steven Forbes has been rejected even by the far right of the United States in his attempts to convince the American people the logic of this tax.
A tax which would lower taxes to those earning more than $200,000 while increasing the taxes of already overtaxed middle class people earning between $35,000 and $65,000 is the agenda of the Reform Party. Robin Hoodism in reverse. Taking from the less wealthy and giving to the wealthiest is the agenda of the so-called Reformers.
What else would a flat tax do? It would not tax interest. The banks will be very supportive. It will eliminate lower rates of income taxes for small and medium size businesses. So much for the Reform Party's job creation programs which will reduce small business employment while lining the coffers of financial institutions.
Reform thinking on flat tax is the same as those who thousands of years ago believed in a flat earth, the neanderthals of tax reform.
Art Hanger Reform Calgary Northeast, AB
Mr. Speaker, whatever happened to truth in sentencing of criminals? In Canada unfortunately the most obvious truth about prison sentences is that they are a fiction.
For instance, section 745 allows criminals sentenced to life imprisonment the eligibility for release only 15 years into their sentence. It is a sure bet for criminals because 78 per cent of those who apply for parole under section 745 are granted early release. Using section 745, child killer Clifford Olson can apply for parole in August this year.
I speak on behalf of a growing majority of Canadians who believe that early release should only be considered for truly first time non-violent offenders. Canadians are telling justice officials to bring back the principles of truth in sentencing. You do the crime, you do the time.
Clearly section 745 must be repealed. On behalf of Canadians, I urge the justice minister to do so without delay.
Bill Blaikie NDP Winnipeg—Transcona, MB
Mr. Speaker, the prospective privatization of services at the Five Wing Base in Goose Bay, Labrador will be a needless blow to Labrador. These are not the policies of careful and responsible economic management that the economy of Labrador so needs and expects of the federal government.
Liberals and Reformers have a lot of buzzwords for downsizing federal government services. Whether we call it privatization, commercialization, contracting out or alternative service delivery, it all boils down to the same thing: fewer jobs, lower pay, fewer benefits and greater insecurity.
The Liberals have called on the private sector to be responsible employers and to do its best to provide steady, secure employment. Behind this rhetoric the Liberals themselves are mimicking the worst corporate offenders with their self-defeating downsizing.
New Democrats join with the citizens of Labrador in demanding a federal government that sets an example of responsible economic citizenship.
Andrew Telegdi Liberal Waterloo, ON
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the outstanding volunteer efforts of Mr. Frederick Harttrup of Waterloo.
Mr. Harttrup, accompanied by his wife Olive, recently travelled to Trinidad to advise a government owned forestry company on production techniques and total quality management.
Mr. Harttrup made recommendations pertaining to log supply and quality, sawmill flow systems and layout and the operation of the saw show and the planer mill.
Mr. Harttrup is one of 7,000 Canadians who have volunteered their time through CESO International Services. Since its founding in 1967, CESO has been providing volunteer advisers to businesses and organizations in Canada's aboriginal communities, developing countries and emerging market economies in central and eastern Europe. CESO volunteers are skilled Canadian men and women, usually retired, who willingly share their lifetime of practical experience with those who need it.
To Frederick Harttrup and to all the CESO volunteers, we express our appreciation and we send them our thanks.
Warren Allmand Liberal Notre-Dame-De-Grâce, QC
Mr. Speaker, March 21 is the first day of spring. It is also the international day for the elimination of racial discrimination.
This year's symbol for this day is the crocus, the first flower of spring and the symbol of a fresh start. This campaign encourages Canadians to break free from the darkness of ignorance into the light of tolerance and respect.
Thirty-six years ago on this day a peaceful march against apartheid in Sharpeville, South Africa turned into a massacre. All too often since then this tragedy has been repeated in different Sharpevilles around the world. These incidents may not always kill the body but racial discrimination destroys the soul and the self-esteem of the victim.
We in Canada take for granted our peaceful lifestyle, our reputation as a kinder, gentler nation. Yet we have our own less violent Sharpevilles in many parts of Canada. Each time we deny the cultural reality of our neighbour, denigrate his language or her costume, we commit an act of discrimination.
Jake Hoeppner Reform Lisgar—Marquette, MB
Mr. Speaker, last week my colleague from the Okanagan brought forth a motion to encourage this Parliament to think carefully about how it defines sedition. This was precipitated of course by the outrageous actions of the Bloc defence critic who invited members of the armed forces to switch their allegiance in the event of a yes vote. This was not a job offer. This was an invitation to desert the Canadian Armed Forces.
Canadians have expressed disbelief that a government could tolerate such an offensive and potentially dangerous act. Attempting to undermine the loyalty of the armed forces is completely beyond the pale in a democratic country.
The Liberal government tried to ignore this matter and it watered down the Reform motion to the point where it had no teeth. If the defence minister had been doing his job, this matter would not have required a special intervention.
We hope this has served as a wake-up call to this government.
Ted McWhinney Liberal Vancouver Quadra, BC
Mr. Speaker, as the poet said:
Winter's rains and ruins are over, And all the season of snows and sins: The days dividing lover and lover, The light that loses, the night that wins: And in green underwood and cover Blossom by blossom the spring begins.
We bring spring greetings and the daffodils which some members are wearing from Vancouver where spring began some time ago. We also bring greetings from radio station CKNW, home of open line hosts Rafe Mair, Bill Good and Gary Bannerman.
Eleni Bakopanos Liberal Saint-Denis, QC
Mr. Speaker, tomorrow marks the International Day for the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination. It is a day for Canadians to reflect on the harm racism causes in our communities and to think of what we can do to make Canada a more tolerant society.
At this time last year, I really believed we had made progress in this area. However, the racist remarks and accusations made by the
Bloc and the PQ during the referendum, and especially those uttered by the former premier of Quebec, have only increased racial tensions in Quebec. Worse yet, the new premier of Quebec never distanced himself from his predecessor's racist comments.
Part of the solution is admitting that you have done something wrong. By refusing to apologize for their behaviour the Bloc and the PQ are saying that it is okay to make remarks like this and that people will eventually forget anyway. I have not forgotten and I am still waiting for an apology.
Madeleine Dalphond-Guiral Bloc Laval Centre, QC
Mr. Speaker, in 1996, the economic, scientific and political reality of the Francophonie is 49 countries on five continents.
France is the only one of those countries whose only official language is French. Elsewhere in the francophonie, French is only one of the official languages.
In this context, it is up to French speaking countries to give French, a favoured communication tool, the place it deserves in all areas of human activity, at both the national and the international levels. Even if it is generally recognized that, in America, Quebec is a beacon for the Francophonie, we are also aware that the Francophonie extends beyond Quebec's borders.
It is with respect that we salute our cousins in the francophone and Acadian communities. We pay tribute to their courage and determination in fighting for their rights, despite the provincial and federal governments' anaemic political will to recognize in real terms the equal status of French in Canada.
Mauril Bélanger Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON
Mr. Speaker, today is the Journée internationale de la Francophonie. This day is celebrated each year with many activities and festivities that highlight the diversity of francophone communities across the country.
Today is also the second day of the Semaine nationale de la Francophonie organized by the Association canadienne d'éducation de langue française or ACELF. This is a great opportunity to recognize the important contribution made by francophones to Canada's linguistic, cultural and economic vitality.
As a member of Parliament of Franco-Ontarian origin, I am in a good position to note the full extent of francophones' contribution to society in Ontario and Canada. Ottawa-Vanier boasts many organizations that mirror the strong francophone presence outside la Belle Province. I am thinking in particular of the Ottawa campus of La Cité collégiale, the University of Ottawa, the many primary and secondary schools for francophones and immersion students, the Centre francophone de Vanier, the Richelieu service clubs, the Patro in Lowertown, Montfort Hospital, the regional ACFO, the Caisses populaires, and so on.
I urge all French-Canadians to be proud of their mother tongue and to contribute to its development.
Dick Harris Reform Prince George—Bulkley Valley, BC
Mr. Speaker, last night during debate on my private member's Bill C-201 which deals with impaired driving causing death, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice cited in his remarks a letter from a member of MADD Canada which stated six reasons not to support my bill.
Jim Wideman, the executive director of MADD Canada wrote me this morning to set the record straight. He wrote:
On behalf of the board of directors of MADD Canada, I would like to reaffirm our support of the private member's Bill C-201. I am aware that other correspondence has been sent to Mr. Rock's office. Let me reiterate that the National Board of MADD Canada, our chapters and members wholeheartedly support Bill C-201.
Once again I would like to support MADD Canada, all its chapters and members who are in support of my bill. I urge members of this House to support it as well.
Jean H. Leroux Bloc Shefford, QC
Mr. Speaker, yesterday, as part of the celebrations marking la Semaine de la Francophonie, author and songwriter Luc Plamondon was the 1996 winner of the Mérite du français dans la culture.
Over the past 25 years, Luc Plamondon has written more than 500 songs as well as musicals like Starmania, La légende de Jimmy, and Sand et les romantiques. On March 30, live from the Quebec National Assembly, Luc Plamondon will give a dictation he will have written himself as part of the third Dictée des Amériques, in which about 100 finalists will be competing.
I would also like to congratulate other winners: Métallurgie Noranda, for their workplace francization campaign; the Fédération des secrétaires professionnelles du Québec, for the use of French in the workplace; Paul-Sauvé school, in Saint-Vincent-de-Paul de Laval, for Pousse-Mine , its newspaper; as wells as many
radio and television shows such as "Le 6 sur 6" on CKOI, "Vidéo Rock Détente" on the Unimédia network-
Semaine Nationale De La FrancophonieStatements By Members
The Speaker
I am sorry to interrupt the hon. member but his time is up.
Jesse Flis Liberal Parkdale—High Park, ON
Mr. Speaker, senseless tragedy has struck the world once again. Yesterday fire broke out at a disco in Manila. The disco was packed with students celebrating their graduation.
Reports show that at least 150 young people perished in the fire and scores were injured. Most of those who died were trampled to death in a rush for the disco's only exit.
On behalf of all Canadians, I wish to extend our sympathies to the families and loved ones of all who died. I also wish to offer my personal condolences to the constituents of Filipino origin living in my constituency of Parkdale-High Park who may have lost someone dear to them.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to everybody concerned.
Maurice Bernier Bloc Mégantic—Compton—Stanstead, QC
Mr. Speaker, tomorrow, March 21, is the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The nations of the world must realize how much social and human damage is caused by racism and segregation, at home as well as elsewhere in the world.
The global cultural mosaic is enriched by the diversity of the people who inhabit this planet. We should not let hate and scorn destroy our social fabric, when our communication technologies bring us closer and closer with every passing day.
Racial discrimination, however and wherever it is expressed, must be severely condemned not only by government authorities around the world, but also by you and me, and anyone who still dreams of a world where racism will be a thing of the past, lost in the history of mankind.
Michel Dupuy Liberal Laval West, QC
Mr. Speaker, it is an honour for me, as member for Laval West and former Minister of Canadian Heritage, to stress that this is the Journée internationale de la Francophonie, which marks the beginning of the Semaine nationale de la Francophonie.
I often had the opportunity, when visiting French speaking communities in western Canada, Ontario, Quebec and the Atlantic provinces, to see that they are dynamic and full of vitality. I also had the opportunity to talk with many Canadians who speak this beautiful language and who are proud of the French culture to which they belong.
I also met many fellow Canadians who adopted French as their second language. The 1996 edition of the Semaine nationale de la Francophonie seeks to pay tribute to the valuable contribution made by French speaking people, both in Canada and around the world.
Nick Discepola Liberal Vaudreuil, QC
Mr. Speaker, when he delivered his inaugural address at Quebec's socio-economic summit, the PQ premier said, like the Prime Minister had done a few weeks earlier, that he was greatly concerned by the issue of job creation.
The premier invited employers and business leaders to do their share to help create jobs. He said: "Employers must agree to voluntarily develop activity sectors requiring a larger workforce".
The PQ leader agrees with us that the responsibility for creating jobs does not rest with the government, but with the private sector. We are pleased to see that our respective governments came to the same conclusion as regards job creation.
We take advantage of this summit to remind the Quebec government that it is in our best interests to work together, in order to find solutions to the major problems affecting all Canadians and Quebecers.
Jag Bhaduria Liberal Markham—Whitchurch-Stouffville, ON
Mr. Speaker, tomorrow, March 21 is officially the first day of spring. For many it signals the end of a long winter and the beginning of a beautiful spring and summer. As well it is the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
Although this date was declared 30 years ago by the United Nations as a symbol of the worldwide need to end racism, not enough progress has been made as racial discrimination remains prevalent within Canadian society. This fact was confirmed by
yesterday's report of the Canadian Human Rights Commission presented by its chief commissioner, Mr. Max Yalden.
Racial discrimination can rear its ugly head in all aspects of ordinary life: education, employment opportunities, justice, the workplace and housing to name a few. Nobody is ever born a racist. It is something that is learned through social interaction.
Hopefully this special day will signal the beginning of a renewed sense of tolerance within Canada.
Michel Gauthier BlocLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, yesterday the human rights commissioner accused the Liberal government of lacking the courage of its convictions, of dragging its feet. He even said the government ought to tidy up its own affairs before preaching to the rest of the world about respecting human rights. These are extremely serious accusations.
What explanation does the Prime Minister have for the fact that he has still not kept his promise-despite its being down in black and white in the red book, that book he is waving in our faces in the House all the time-to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act to include sexual orientation among the prohibited grounds for discrimination?
Jean Chrétien LiberalPrime Minister
Mr. Speaker, first of all, I would point out to the Leader of the Opposition that his researchers ought to have checked out the red book, because that is not in it. It is a commitment I made myself during the election campaign, in a letter, and one I intend to keep.
We have been in government for a scant two years and a half. This year we passed legislation protecting the rights of the individual with respect to sexual orientation in the Criminal Code. A bill was passed and another is in the makings. Its time will come. It is our intention to keep this promise, which was not in the red book. As the Prime Minister has promised it, it will be done.
Michel Gauthier BlocLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, here we are now with the theory of throwing out crumbs to the people. "One crumb now, and perhaps another before the elections".
How can the Prime Minister explain the hesitancy of his Minister of Justice, if not by saying that his own caucus is deeply divided on this question?
Jean Chrétien LiberalPrime Minister
Mr. Speaker, many issues are raised in the House, and each bill is tabled in its own time. Priorities must be set and our legislative agenda must be organized.
As I have just said, one bill on the subject has been passed in the last twelve months. When the time is right, we will be introducing another in the House. However, in theory, we still have more than two years, seven months and four days before we have to call an election.
Michel Gauthier BlocLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, that seems a long time to the Prime Minister. He appears to be counting the days until it is over. We do not want to wait those two years and some months and some days for an answer. People are waiting. The human rights commissioner has asked the government to move quickly on this.
Given that the Prime Minister admits this was one of his promises, will he make a formal commitment to settle this matter, not only before the next general election but within a few months-which may be two ways of saying the same thing?
Jean Chrétien LiberalPrime Minister
Mr. Speaker, I have nothing more to say. I have indicated the government's position and a bill will be brought to this House before the next elections.