House of Commons Hansard #47 of the 35th Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was safety.
The Speaker
As is our practice on Wednesdays, we will now sing O Canada, which will be led by the hon. member for Fraser Valley West.
Charles Caccia Liberal Davenport, ON
Mr. Speaker, the Canadian mining industry consists of very dedicated people.
Each day however this industry generates approximately one million tonnes of waste rock and 950,000 tonnes of tailings; some 650 million tonnes of waste per year. We have approximately 6,000 abandoned tailing sites and over 10,000 abandoned mines resulting in clean-up costs conservatively estimated at $6 billion, costs which will likely be borne by taxpayers.
A sustainable mining industry would ensure that the price paid for its products includes the costs of repairing damage to the environment. To further the implementation of sustainable development the government could ensure the efficient use of minerals and metals through the removal of tax barriers favouring the use of virgin material over recycled material.
Bernard Deshaies Bloc Abitibi, QC
Mr. Speaker, nearly one million people are directly or indirectly involved in the mining sector. This week, national mining week, offers us an opportunity to draw attention to their contribution to the economies of Quebec and of Canada.
The men and women of the mining sector toil long and hard, often putting their lives and their health at risk. They deserve our admiration and respect. Their work is essential, for it contributes to our quality of life and our collective wealth.
The mining industry provides us with the raw materials that are transformed into high technology products we find in many items used in our daily lives.
The federal government has promised to hand full responsibility for mines back to the provinces. It will then be the Government of Quebec's responsibility to help the mining industry to develop, and we are confident that Quebec will be equal to that task.
In the meantime, we are asking the federal government to live up to its promises, for once.
Garry Breitkreuz Reform Yorkton—Melville, SK
Mr. Speaker, Sunday was Mother's Day. Who are the most influential people in this nation? They are the parents who teach and train the next generation, especially mothers who nurture and shape the values and direction of our children during the time of their lives that determines to the greatest extent what each child will grow up to be.
Mothers have a tremendous influence on the future of a nation. Families are the basic building block of society. Children that are free to grow and develop in contact with loving caring parents are the healthiest with the greatest potential to contribute to those around them at the community, national and international levels.
All government programs need to be evaluated by a standard that seeks to determine whether it will encourage mothers and fathers to establish healthy lifelong relationships with their children.
I thank god for the mothers of the nation that faithfully serve in circumstances that often go unrecognized. Thanks, Mom.
Gilles Bernier Independent Beauce, QC
Mr. Speaker, I would like to express the anger of the people of Beauce at the latest increase in
the price of gasoline. How can the government allow oil companies to exploit us in this way, especially with the profits they are already making?
I am calling upon the government, and the minister responsible, to take the necessary steps to put an end to this abuse, to condemn this unjust and unacceptable increase. Must we assume that the oil producers are exploiting those with cars by plotting together to fix prices at a high level?
The industry's retail price setting mechanisms must be examined to ensure there has been no collusion. The people feel they are being exploited.
Anna Terrana Liberal Vancouver East, BC
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to inform the members of the House that May 12 to 19 is National Palliative Care Week.
Canadians are proud of their health care system. As a compassionate society we expect that care and support will be available for those most in need. Part of this need which concerns us all is palliative care.
The Canadian Palliative Care Association is to be commended for its excellent work. The association provides important leadership in the pursuit of excellence for terminally ill persons and their families. Last year Health Canada contributed $70,000 to the Canadian Palliative Care Association to assist with further developments of the association's structure and national services.
Death is a natural part of the life cycle. We need to understand and address the health care needs of those who have terminal diseases.
Denis Paradis Liberal Brome—Missisquoi, QC
Mr. Speaker, the electoral campaign is in full swing. It is vigorous and exciting from one end of the country to the other.
This was one hundred years ago. Wilfrid Laurier was going back and forth from Victoriaville, on his way to becoming the first Quebecer to be elected Prime Minister of Canada.
In the region of Victoriaville-Arthabaska, one hundred years later, people are gathering to make a multi kilometre bicycle path, on the right of way of the railroad Wilfrid Laurier used to use. This project will be completed thanks to federal-provincial-municipal financial co-operation and regional fundraising activities.
Today, like yesterday, people look to their elected representatives at all political levels for co-operation.
Brenda Chamberlain Liberal Guelph—Wellington, ON
Mr. Speaker, May 19 marks the 75th anniversary of Save the Children-Canada. Its supporters have included Prime Ministers and Canadians from every walk of life.
Today, Save the Children through its partners in 24 countries and its volunteers across Canada assists in improving life for children throughout the world, including Canada. Furthermore, Save the Children programs are managed by its country directors working with local partners on local needs.
As a founder of the rights of the child, Save the Children is a key player in helping young people build a future that includes education, love and protection from neglect and disease.
I thank Save the Children and its volunteers, especially in Guelph-Wellington, for their valuable contribution to all of our children.
Happy anniversary.
Keith Martin Reform Esquimalt—Juan de Fuca, BC
Mr. Speaker, in Canada exports are the most important vehicle upon which we create jobs, economic growth and maintain our standard of living. We must continually be aggressive in trying to find new markets and devising better ways to compete internationally.
In an effort to aid this process I have created an import-export link on my web site on the Internet. This page will assist companies in gaining valuable information on import-export opportunities abroad, government contracts and other trade related information.
The goal of this site is to provide our companies with a temporal advantage over companies in other countries that wish to compete with us. I hope Canadian companies will use this information to their competitive advantage in order to secure valuable contracts for Canadians, thereby creating jobs and increasing economic growth.
I share this with all members of the House. I hope that they will visit this site at www.reform.ca/martin.
John Richardson Liberal Perth—Wellington—Waterloo, ON
Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that we learned of the death of
one of Canada's most highly decorated second world war veterans, John Patton, who died died yesterday at the age of 80.
He served in the 1st Battalion of the Royal Canadian Engineers. He was one of only three Canadians awarded the George Cross for bravery. This medal, which is almost in every way equivalent to the Victoria Cross, is awarded for acts of the greatest heroism or of the most conspicuous circumstances of extreme danger.
After a daylight raid on an aircraft factory in the United Kingdom, John Patton, with no thought for his own safety or any knowledge of German bombs, volunteered to remove an unexploded bomb from the site and so ensured that essential wartime production could be maintained.
We offer our condolences to the members of his family and the deepest respect for a Canadian who was a true hero.
Nick Discepola Liberal Vaudreuil, QC
Mr. Speaker, this week we are celebrating national police week in Canada with the theme "Partners in public security". Its aim is to bring the police and the public closer together and have people learn about what the police do every day.
It is also an opportunity for all Canadians to salute the men and women who have chosen to dedicate their life to serving and protecting the public, often at the risk of their own safety. If we want to ensure order effectively in Canada, we must ensure that relations among all involved are solid.
Police men and women in Canada are doing a tremendous job and their accomplishments must not go unnoticed. I know that I have the support of this House when I say we in government recognize the dedication of our police forces across the country. We pledge our continued support and gratitude for the work they accomplish daily.
Bob Wood Liberal Nipissing, ON
Mr. Speaker, on Thursday of last week two young science students from Ecole Secondaire Algonquin in North Bay were named the grand winners for the most innovative and ingenious project of the entire International Science and Engineering Fair in Tucson, Arizona. This fair has been described as the Olympics of science fairs with over 1,000 competitors from 35 countries.
Brother and sister Stéfane and Renée Filion returned home to North Bay on Sunday just as we welcomed over 1,000 participants to our city for the Canada-wide science fair. Stéfane and Renée are veterans of the science fair movement having won gold medals at the past four Canada-wide science fairs. This is a scientific accomplishment that underlines the excellence of our science students in Canada. Stéfane and Renée have represented our country well.
I wish all the Canada-wide science fair participants the very best during this important week in North Bay. To Stéfane and Renée, congratulations. Canada is proud of your accomplishment.
Michel Guimond Bloc Beauport—Montmorency—Orléans, QC
Mr. Speaker, the Auditor General of Canada, Denis Desautels, tabled his report last week. Once again, this report clearly shows that Canadians and Quebecers have every reason to be unhappy with the way the Liberal government is spending their taxes.
Two cases in point are the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency's inadequate monitoring of the closure of CFB Cornwallis, in Nova Scotia, and the equipment wasted by the Department of National Defence during peacekeeping missions.
How can we accept the fact that the architects' fees for the building housing the Canadian Security Intelligence Service headquarters were twice as high as originally estimated?
Even the auditor general is concerned about the way the Income Tax Act is applied to family trusts and capital gains.
How can we trust a government that appears more eager to cut benefits for the disadvantaged and the unemployed than to end waste and abuse of all kinds?
Ken Epp Reform Elk Island, AB
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister is enamoured with page 22 of the red face book, but I would like to refer him to page 91: "The people are irritated with governments that do not consult them or that disregard their views".
I want to inform the Prime Minister that the people are hopping mad. This government jammed through Bill C-33 without giving time for consultation. The democratic process was trampled on
with closure at all stages of the bill. There was no time for the minister or MPs to receive letters.
Phone calls, faxes and letters that did get through were ignored. Very thoughtful presentations in committee by organizations which represent millions of Canadians were ignored. Over 110,000 names on petitions were ignored. That is shameful.
The words of the red face book are for election purposes only. What the Liberals say and what they do cannot be harmonized. The voters have been-
Canadian Human Rights ActStatements By Members
The Speaker
The hon. member for Anjou-Rivière-des-Prairies.
Roger Pomerleau Bloc Anjou—Rivière-Des-Prairies, QC
Mr. Speaker, the director general of elections in Quebec harshly condemned federal authorities for their involvement in organizing the federalist rally held in Montreal on October 27, 1995. This involvement undermined Quebec's democratic process by upsetting the balance that must exist between expenditures on both sides.
The Liberal and former Liberal members accused by the director general of elections not only refused to co-operate with investigators, but some of them even went further, like current Newfoundland premier Brian Tobin, the main organizer of the Montreal rally, who said he would not hesitate to do it again.
I condemn the attitude of all those who violate Quebec's democratic rules. I remind them that, in a democracy, it is one voter, one vote, not one voter, one dollar. The people of Quebec will never be fooled by their fraudulent tactics and their money. Our fellow citizens will remember this in the next referendum.
Bernard Patry Liberal Pierrefonds—Dollard, QC
Mr. Speaker, yesterday, Quebec Deputy Premier Bernard Landry described the Canadian government's behaviour as more authoritarian, intolerant and close-minded than the former totalitarian communist governments.
Such remarks are completely thoughtless, inappropriate and indicative of a total lack of knowledge of the global geopolitical reality.
This man who, when defeat became imminent, deserted his post as "second in command of the light brigade", leaving his commanding officer to die alone in action, should take note that our government recognizes, promotes and respects the democratic values of our society.
In light of the ongoing bloodshed in Chechnya, I ask that Bernard Landry withdraw forthwith his remarks, which misrepresent the Canadian federation and constitute a thinly veiled incitement to the taking of illegal means to effect Quebec's secession.
Deputy Premier Of QuebecStatements By Members
The Speaker
The hon. member for Carleton-Gloucester. Welcome back, Eugène.
Eugène Bellemare Liberal Carleton—Gloucester, ON
Mr. Speaker, it is nice to be back in the House of Commons. I wish to thank all my colleagues on both sides of the House and my constituents for their kind words of encouragement following my open heart surgery.
I also wish to thank Dr. Keon and his team at the Ottawa University cardiology center for the great care I received.
I assure you that I greatly appreciate Canada's health system and I am proud to serve in a government that does such a fine job of preserving it.
Michel Gauthier BlocLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, on October 24 in Verdun, the Prime Minister intimated to Quebecers that a yes vote in the referendum was irreversible. Finally, yesterday, the Prime Minister said that the federal government would certainly not permit Quebec to declare sovereignty unilaterally, thereby denying Quebecers' right to decide their future. Today, the Prime Minister has to qualify his position, because the path he chose was a dead end.
Would the Prime Minister acknowledge that, by taking a legal route to resolve the constitutional issue, which pleases the other Canadians temporarily, he is heading down a cul de sac, which he will have to get out of sooner or later, having once again falsely lulled the rest of Canada?
Jean Chrétien LiberalPrime Minister
Mr. Speaker, we have gone to court for a very simple reason: the Quebec government lawyers, in the presentation they made before going to court, alleged in their documents that the Canadian Constitution would no longer apply to one of the provinces of Canada at a given point in time, thus forcing the attorney general for Canada to defend the Constitution.
I was very happy this morning to see in the newspapers that the Quebec government lawyer said before the courts yesterday that a referendum was nothing more than a popular vote and posed no risk of taking away anyone's rights.
Michel Gauthier BlocLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, how does the Prime Minister explain the subtle changes he made this morning on "Good Morning America" to his statement of yesterday that there was no question of permitting Quebec to unilaterally choose sovereignty following a referendum?
Jean Chrétien LiberalPrime Minister
Mr. Speaker, I spoke with the program before I came to the House. There is no contradiction. Everything has to be done according to the international and national systems of law. I said that in Canada nobody wants to use violence to keep people in Canada.
I repeat what I said before. Everything has to be done according to the Canadian Constitution and international law. I hope the Bloc Quebecois is not advocating that it does not want to respect the law of the land.
Michel Gauthier BlocLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister said this morning on "Good Morning America" that Quebec's right to decide its future was not enshrined in the Constitution, but that Canada was a democratic country and if the people of Quebec expressed their wishes clearly they would be respected.
Will the Prime Minister acknowledge that, in the light of these remarks this morning, he went much too far yesterday in the House when he said that Quebec could not unilaterally declare its independence following a democratic referendum?
Jean Chrétien LiberalPrime Minister
Mr. Speaker, I have spent weeks saying in this House that 50 per cent of the votes plus one was not enough. I think this is perfectly reasonable. The desire must be clear and the question clear, and the question must take the needs of the other partner into consideration as well. It is totally logical. That is what I said yesterday on the program.
However, when people try to come up with ways to say things that are not clear and say they are going to separate but remain Canadian, and keep Canadian passports and currency and maintain economic and political partnership with Canada and remain Canadian citizens for ever more-listen, you have to be clear.
These will be matters for negotiations, if there is ever another referendum, so we make sure everyone is very clear on the issue, the result and the consequences.