House of Commons Hansard #22 of the 35th Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was crtc.

Topics

2 p.m.

The Speaker

As is our custom, we will now sing O Canada, which will be led by the hon. member for Oxford.

Neutrino ObservatoryStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Liberal

Raymond Bonin Liberal Nickel Belt, ON

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to draw the attention of the House to a unique Canadian scientific initiative in my riding of Nickel Belt which will soon help unlock the secrets of our universe.

Sixty-four hundred feet underground in Inco's Creighton mine in the town of Walden, the finishing touches are being added to a neutrino observatory. Underground and shielded from cosmic rays, the observatory will study neutrinos, small particles emitted from the centre of the sun. The results could very well change our understanding of the universe and the very foundations of physics.

The observatory represents an international consortium made of Canadian governments, the U.S., the United Kingdom, universities and Inco Limited. It is a model of how governments and the private sector can partner to achieve great things. It is also a partnership led by Canadians.

I wish to extend my congratulations to all the contributors and in particular to Inco for showing us once again that mining in Canada is on the cutting edge-

Neutrino ObservatoryStatements By Members

2 p.m.

The Speaker

The hon. member for Wetaskiwin.

JusticeStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Reform

Dale Johnston Reform Wetaskiwin, AB

Mr. Speaker, take back the street rallies are becoming all too common in cities and towns across Canada. From the east coast to the west coast, Canadians are calling on the government to get tough with convicted criminals.

The years of lenient sentences, pampered prisoners and lax parole laws that favour offenders' rights over victims must end. Too many innocent lives have been snuffed out because this Liberal government is stuck in neutral.

Respondents to my recent householder demanded a return to law and order. Canadians want a say on capital punishment through a binding referendum. People want justice put back in the justice system.

Canadians are sending a wake-up call to the Minister of Justice. If he does not respond quickly, the voters will ensure that he and his colleagues are on this side of the House after the next election and will be watching a Reform government implement the changes that they were afraid to make.

Canada Health And Social TransferStatements By Members

March 27th, 1996 / 2 p.m.

NDP

Svend Robinson NDP Burnaby—Kingsway, BC

Mr. Speaker, on April 1 the Canada health and social transfer will be implemented gutting national standards in the Canada assistance plan and slashing billions of dollars from health care, post-secondary education and social assistance and services.

This week Jean Swanson, president of the National Anti-Poverty Organization and Guy Caron, chairperson of the Canadian Federation of Students, have launched in Ottawa a National Fast for Fairness co-ordinated by the Action Canada Network.

Their fast, joined and supported by people across Canada, including churches, universities, food banks and union locals, draws attention to the CHST and the devastating impact it will have on people's lives, our economy and our vision of Canada.

New Democrats join our voices in calling for national programs with national standards and adequate funding and in supporting the alternative federal budget.

Finally, we pay tribute to Jean Swanson and Guy Caron for their personal leadership on this profoundly important issue.

Nisga'A Land ClaimsStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Liberal

John Cannis Liberal Scarborough Centre, ON

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my heartfelt congratulations to President Gosnell and the Nisga'a people on the signing of the agreement in principle this past Friday. Our colleague, the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, is also to be congratulated for his important role in seeing this historic moment to fruition.

Those who know the history of this agreement know that it is long overdue. The Nisga'a have been turned away too many times by too many governments for too many years.

The signing marks the end of 20 years of negotiations, two decades at the negotiating table watching federal and provincial governments come and go. For the Nisga'a this has been going on a lot longer than 20 years. The Nisga'a people have been working at this for over 100 years, quietly, patiently, with dignity and persistence.

The time is long overdue. Our government has a chance to change history and we will do so.

Pontiac Regional County MunicipalityStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Liberal

Robert Bertrand Liberal Pontiac—Gatineau—Labelle, QC

Mr. Speaker, last month, Pontiac made headlines across the country. The mayors of the Pontiac regional county municipality had decided to consider a motion proclaiming the territorial integrity of the Pontiac RCM, should the yes side win the next referendum.

In the end, on February 16, the Pontiac RCM mayors signed a joint statement asking: "That the Prime Minister of Canada, provincial and territorial premiers spare no effort to reach a compromise eliminating the option that would result in altered territorial borders".

The next day, a local paper ran an article under the headline "Sixteen Pontiac Mayors in Favour of Secession". This catchy title in no way reflected the content of the Pontiac mayors' final statement, and I question the real purpose of such statements.

World Figure Skating ChampionshipsStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Liberal

John Loney Liberal Edmonton North, AB

Mr. Speaker, I am rising today to express my sincere appreciation to the city of Edmonton for the marvellous work it did in hosting the World Figure Skating Championships. Thanks to the tremendous spirit of so many hardworking volunteers who organized this event, Edmonton was a showcase to the world.

All programs were sold out and the economic impact to the city of Edmonton was over $40 million. The figure skating championships had a huge television audience with over one billion people from around the world watching the event.

I also want to take this opportunity to congratulate Shae-Lynn Bourne and Victor Kraatz for a fantastic performance which won a bronze medal for Canada.

Once again I would like to thank the city of Edmonton for its outstanding work in hosting the 1996 World Figure Skating Championships.

Mascouche Board Of TradeStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Bloc

Benoît Sauvageau Bloc Terrebonne, QC

Mr. Speaker, this year the Mascouche board of trade is celebrating its 20th anniversary.

The Mascouche board of trade has managed to stay the course and reach full maturity. Through hard work, efforts, motivation, and perseverance, its members, headed by Richard Boies, have shown their ability to help businesses.

Success in business requires a great deal of consultation and flexibility on the part of individuals, who must join forces to succeed. In these difficult economic times, we must recognize the need to work together and merge our energies to reach our goals.

I would like to congratulate all the members of the Mascouche board of trade who, I trust, will know how to be as successful and committed as during the past 20 years.

Indian AffairsStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Reform

Bob Ringma Reform Nanaimo—Cowichan, BC

Mr. Speaker, a preliminary agreement has been signed transferring a B.C. highway to the Nisga'a people.

Given the number of conflicts that have arisen in both British Columbia and Quebec these past few years around road access, signing this agreement with the Nisga'as sets a precedent that will be a source of conflict and will cause more roadblocks to be erected.

Thus far, the Bloc Quebecois has been supportive of the agreement with the Nisga'a. However, if a similar agreement were negotiated in Quebec, they would have a problem with that and would probably not go along with it. Why does the Minister of Indian Affairs support this irresponsible precedent and how can the Bloc be in favour?

The Bloc has supported every major government initiative regarding aboriginal people outside Quebec. Interestingly enough,

the Bloc supports the minister on agreements concerning other provinces, when it would object to similar agreements being signed in Quebec.

Valley Regional HospitalStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

John Murphy Liberal Annapolis Valley—Hants, NS

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce that the Valley Regional Hospital in my riding of Annapolis Valley-Hants is leading the way in health care reform in Nova Scotia.

The Valley Regional Hospital will be the first in the province to come under the jurisdiction of one of our four new regional health boards. These boards were established as part of last year's provincial health reforms.

Since its inception in 1904, the Valley Regional Hospital has had a distinguished history. This new designation does not represent the end of an era but is one more example of how the hospital has always responded positively to change.

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the tremendous contribution of retiring director Peter Mosher, to Betty Mattson, the hospital's new acting general manager, the staff and many volunteers for their efforts to lead Nova Scotia's health care system into the future.

Greek PeopleStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Bloc

Madeleine Dalphond-Guiral Bloc Laval Centre, QC

Mr. Speaker, on March 25, Greece celebrated 175 years of independence. It was on March 25, 1821 that the Greek people started their struggle to regain their independence after 500 years of Turkish domination. Their sense of identity as a people enabled them to set off on this difficult journey that required tenacity, courage and above all solidarity.

The people of Greece-birthplace of western civilisation, especially in the fields of arts and science-were oppressed by the Ottoman Empire for hundreds of years without ever losing sight of their quest for independence.

Today, we salute the Greek people, who, through their determination, succeeded in regaining their freedom and their place in the world community. We share with Quebecers and Canadians of Greek origin the well-deserved pride of Greece for achieving its freedom and sovereignty.

Alberta PremierStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Judy Bethel Liberal Edmonton East, AB

Mr. Speaker, the premier of Alberta mistakenly subscribes to the notion that meetings of provincial premiers are the best means of defining change to our Confederation.

The premier of Alberta calls the premier of Quebec a great Canadian. Why? Because he needs his support to grant federal powers and erode national standards. He does this without consultation, without the consent of any Albertan but himself and perhaps his cabinet.

What about the great Canadians who live and work in Alberta, those who have positive and constructive suggestions for the renewal of our Confederation? Does he value what they think? Does he even ask what they think?

The most powerful message that I have heard from Albertans is that there is a need to be inclusive, to fully involve the people of Alberta. It is their collective wisdom that will build bridges of accommodation and understanding between people, provinces and regions.

Our Edmonton East Unity Roundtables included 300 people. A constituent of mine summed up the sentiments beautifully when he said-

Alberta PremierStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

The Speaker

The hon. member for Vaudreuil.

Montreal Botanical GardenStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Nick Discepola Liberal Vaudreuil, QC

Mr. Speaker, the Montreal Botanical Garden recently inaugurated its new facilities, built at a cost of $22.3 million.

The work done includes the renovation of the administrative buildings, the construction of a new complex for visitors, and the refitting of the laboratories. The new additions and the modernized existing facilities will definitely increase the potential of the botanical garden and the interest that it generates among tourists, in Quebec and abroad.

Last year, the garden welcomed over one million visitors and the economic spinoffs greatly helped Montreal's economy. The Canadian government invested $5.7 million in this partnership initiative with the Quebec government, the City of Montreal and the Université de Montréal.

This shows once again that such partnerships between the governments of Canada and Quebec are the best way to ensure the economic recovery of the Montreal region.

Montreal Region EconomyStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Bloc

Michel Daviault Bloc Ahuntsic, QC

Mr. Speaker, the economy of the Montreal region is currently undergoing a major crisis. The unemployment rate is alarming, 48,000 jobs were lost between the months of November and January, and the unemployment insurance reform is forcing more and more people to turn to on social assistance.

What is the federal government doing to correct this unacceptable situation? Nothing. The mayor of Montreal, Mr. Bourque, came to Ottawa to ask for federal assistance. He went home empty handed. Minister Stéphane Dion wants to divide Montreal into small blocks, while the Minister of Human Resources Development calls the unemployed lazy people and agitators.

Montrealers are still waiting for the jobs promised by the Liberal Party during the election campaign. So far, they only got cuts in social programs, in the UI program and in the transfer payments to the provinces. The Liberal government's performance regarding Montreal is a real shame.

JusticeStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Reform

Randy White Reform Fraser Valley West, BC

Mr. Speaker, once again the justice minister fiddles while victims of crime burn. And the smouldering anger felt by victims' families is spreading like wildfire across other groups concerned about justice.

When will the justice minister wake up to the overwhelming demands to repeal section 745? Even when the public protest spreads to the grassroots of his own party, he insists on talking about weak-kneed amendments.

Yesterday the Canadian Police Association smoked him out on his use of convoluted logic to defend his foot dragging. The CPA also joined Reform in demanding a complete repeal of section 745. Amendments will not do.

This government likes to talk about the will of the majority, but this minister is stubborn as a rock, even when in the minority in public opinion, among victims groups, with police, even in the House of Commons.

InternetStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Bernard Patry Liberal Pierrefonds—Dollard, QC

Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Industry announced yesterday that our government was about to invest, in partnership with the private sector, some $15 million in order to connect all Canadian schools to the Internet.

This official announcement merely fulfils the commitments we clearly outlined in the throne speech and the last budget. By the end of 1997, this federal government project will allow students from across the country to communicate with one another and give them access to the vast pool of information known as the Internet.

The implementation of SchoolNet in all Canadian schools will be done as indicated in the budget speech, in co-operation with provincial and territorial governments. Through this announcement, our government confirms its intention to give Canada an information infrastructure that will enable it to assume real leadership at the global level.

The BluenoseStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Liberal

Derek Wells Liberal South Shore, NS

Mr. Speaker, this week marks the 75th anniversary of the launching of the Bluenose which has come to be recognized as Nova Scotia's sailing ambassador.

The Bluenose , launched in Lunenburg in my riding of South Shore 75 years ago, is a continuing portrait of the heritage and industry in my riding. The lumber mills, blacksmiths, shipwrights, sailors, fishermen and all those who either helped to build her decks or worked upon them are the very roots of our heritage and our communities.

The Bluenose is not only a legend on the South Shore, she is known the world over as one of the greatest sailing ships of all time. The historic importance of the Bluenose as a fishing and cargo carrying schooner as well as her prowess as a racing vessel have marked her place. She continues to be celebrated on something each of us carries with us every day, the dime.

It is important that we recognize Canada's seafaring history and make it a part of our national identity. Nova Scotians will salute this vital part of our heritage this year by celebrating the Year of the Wooden Boat. We must hold on to the memory of this great national icon for generations of Canadians to come.

Fees For Marine ServicesOral Question Period

2:15 p.m.

Roberval Québec

Bloc

Michel Gauthier BlocLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, over the years the federal government has made a number of decisions that have had a negative impact on the economic

development of Quebec. I would remind you, if I may, of the Borden line, which in the early 1960s literally killed the petrochemical industry in east Montreal, and the more recent decision to build Mirabel airport, which did considerable harm to Montreal's air traffic and is currently causing problems the federal government is washing its hands of. Now, once again, the federal government is getting ready to impose a unilateral decision with the potential of disastrous consequences for all of the ports along the St. Lawrence.

My question for the Prime Minister is as follows: Are the federal government's proposals to first of all divide Canada into two main maritime regions, east and west, and then to subdivide the east into three parts-the Atlantic ports, the St. Lawrence ports and the Great Lakes ports-not likely to isolate the St. Lawrence ports and to place them in a delicate situation with respect to the new fee structure the government wishes to implement?

Fees For Marine ServicesOral Question Period

2:15 p.m.

Victoria B.C.

Liberal

David Anderson LiberalMinister of Transport

Mr. Speaker, in my capacity as minister, I have not yet reached a decision concerning the organization of Canada's ports, whether in Quebec or in the other provinces.

Fees For Marine ServicesOral Question Period

2:15 p.m.

Roberval Québec

Bloc

Michel Gauthier BlocLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, my supplementary question is for the same minister.

By isolating the St. Lawrence region, if the minister were to decide to do so, does he not acknowledge that the St. Lawrence ports are at risk of being extremely ill served by the new fee schedule he is planning to implement, particularly the charges for icebreaking and dredging?

Fees For Marine ServicesOral Question Period

2:15 p.m.

Victoria B.C.

Liberal

David Anderson LiberalMinister of Transport

Mr. Speaker, I have not yet reached a decision. If I do make such a decision, I can assure the hon. member that we have no intention whatsoever of isolating the ports in the province of Quebec, or the province itself, as they themselves wish to.

Fees For Marine ServicesOral Question Period

2:15 p.m.

Roberval Québec

Bloc

Michel Gauthier BlocLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to see that the Minister of Transport is more reasonable than his fisheries colleague, who has been the one responding in this matter until now.

I will ask the Minister of Transport to give us some hope for the future by bringing his fisheries colleague around to see reason and ensuring that no decision is made on charges for navigational aids, icebreaking and dredging operations.

Can he commit to no decision being made by the government until the period of consultation is completely over and the report tabled, so that an informed decision can be made, rather than a half-informed one, as his colleague in fisheries wishes to do?

Fees For Marine ServicesOral Question Period

2:15 p.m.

Victoria B.C.

Liberal

David Anderson LiberalMinister of Transport

Mr. Speaker, I am always ready to listen to representations by the hon. member, and I am always ready to consult my colleagues here.

But the hope for the future of Quebec's ports, for the province of Quebec and for Canada, lies in the results we obtained in the byelections, which indicate that we are now well placed to keep Quebec's ports properly integrated within the Canadian system.