Debates of May 7th, 1996

Quebec National Assembly

[Roger Pomerleau, Bloc, Anjou—Rivière-Des-Prairies, QC]

Mr. Speaker, this is the fourth time in less than 30 days that the Liberal Party of Quebec and the Government of Quebec have taken a stand against Ottawa's policies.

Three weeks ago, after unanimously rejecting the concept of "principal homeland" proposed by the federal Liberals, the Quebec national assembly asked the Minister of Natural Resources to reconsider her decision to cut funding to the tokamak research project. Two weeks ago, the Quebec national assembly unanimously condemned the environment minister's decision to ban the use of the additive MMT in gasoline.

Last week, the Quebec national assembly unanimously reiterated the fundamental right of the people of Quebec to make up their own minds about their political and constitutional future, whatever the federal justice minister might have to say about it.

The federal government is increasingly divorced from reality as seen by Quebec.

Firefighters

[Jim Gouk, Reform, Kootenay West—Revelstoke, BC]

Mr. Speaker, the International Association of Fire Fighters is meeting in Ottawa this week which makes this a good time to reflect on the tremendous contribution our firefighters make to the safety and well-being of our communities. They serve the public with distinction and heroism.

Despite their dangerous jobs, the federal government is not doing all that it can to ensure their safety in action. Firefighters have been pleading with the government to take some basic measures to add safety to a very perilous profession, so far to no avail.

They are asking for items that would not only be of personal benefit but would also help to protect their families, friends and communities, items like mandatory notification protocol to inform them when they come into contact with infectious diseases in the line of duty, items like the hazardous material identification process so they will know what kind of dangerous goods may be present at the scene of an accident. These are things that could benefit everyone, firefighters and the public alike.

I call on Parliament to lend its support to ensuring that the people who are entrusted with saving our lives are given the full protection for their lives as well.

Chile

[Bill Blaikie, NDP, Winnipeg—Transcona, MB]

Mr. Speaker, I recently participated in a delegation to Chile sponsored by the Canadian Labour Congress.

The CLC and its Chilean counterpart have called on the governments of Canada and Chile to incorporate into any Canada-Chile trade accord a core set of labour and environmental rights that could act as a base for strengthening the now very weak provisions of NAFTA.

Chile's labour laws are still fundamentally those put in place by the right wing dictatorship. If that is all that is required to join NAFTA, then that should tell Canadians a lot about the moral emptiness of such trade agreements.

I also want to raise the concerns of the people of San Alfonso and those who live in a nearby nature sanctuary called Cascada Animas about the gas pipeline being built by the Canadian company Nova Corp. It was embarrassing to hear stories about how this Canadian multinational has behaved. I urge Nova Corp. to heed the concerns of these people and change its plans accordingly.

Between the pipeline and what we heard about Canadian mining companies in northern Chile, I was starting to feel like the Canadian equivalent of the ugly American. Canadian companies should want to do better than this.

Karl Burkhart

[Ivan Grose, Liberal, Oshawa, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I wish to recognize the outstanding volunteer contribution to third world development of one of my constituents, Mr. Karl Burkhart.

Mr. Burkhart, accompanied by his wife Elizabeth, went to Sri Lanka as a member of CESO, the Canadian volunteer advisers to business. He offered his expertise in computers, his knowledge of machine maintenance and his translation abilities to assist two Sri Lankan textile manufacturers.

CESO volunteers are professionally skilled men and women, usually retired, who are willing to share their years of experience with needy businesses and organizations in developing nations and Canadian aboriginal communities. Since 1967 some 7,000 CESO volunteers have completed more than 30,000 assignments in over 100 countries and in every province in Canada.

I ask that the House join me in congratulating Karl Burkhart. He is a credit to the CESO motto of sharing a lifetime of experience.

Frank Pickard

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

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Mr. Frank Pickard, president and CEO of Falconbridge Ltd., one of Canada's foremost mining companies. Mr. Pickard is to be honoured with an honorary doctorate of business degree from Laurentian University.

I congratulate Frank Pickard, president and chief executive officer of Falconbridge Limited, one of the largest mining companies in Canada. Mr. Pickard is to receive an honorary doctorate in business administration from Laurentian University.

Mr. Pickard's impressive career represents the employment and advancement opportunities the mining industry provides Canadians from coast to coast. A native of Sudbury, Mr. Pickard worked his way from being a process labourer in 1957 to becoming Falconbridge's top executive. The honorary degree also serves to highlight Mr. Pickard's involvement in community projects and support for many developments in Sudbury and northern Ontario.

On behalf of all hon. members of this House, I congratulate Mr. Pickard on this tribute, and offer him and Falconbridge my best wishes for success.

Ontario Special Olympicprovincial Spring Games

[Bob Kilger, Liberal, Stormont—Dundas, ON]

Mr. Speaker, a gold medal effort and a gold metal performance. It all happened last weekend in Cornwall when we hosted the Ontario Special Olympic Provincial Spring Games.

What a positive heartfelt experience. Approximately 725 athletes participated in five sports: 5-pin and 10-pin bowling; floor hockey; swimming and power lifting.

The Cornwall Police Services as hosts, along with the many sponsors and hundreds of volunteers made these games the best ever.

To Constables Chico Ouellette and Bryan Snyder who had a dream three years ago and submitted a successful bid, and to co-ordinator Jan Munro and the games management team we say thank you and congratulations.

The Special Olympics motto of "Let me win but if I cannot, let me be brave in the attempt" was in evidence all weekend.

What brave athletes, what brave citizens. On to Chatham for 1997.

[Translation]

Air Canada

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

Mr. Speaker, "Sitting Comfortabull?" asks the Air Canada ad in a European newspaper. This ad, which uses Chief Sitting Bull to create a stereotypical, racist image of Canada's native peoples, is insulting, in the opinion of the First Nations and the Bloc Quebecois.

For Air Canada, it is a "standard Canadian image". Is an ad denigrating a culture a "standard Canadian image"? We hope not.

The Bloc Quebecois calls on the government to bring the necessary pressure to bear on the airline to withdraw this ad, which is damaging not just for the First Nations, but also for the image of Canadians in general, and to offer apologies.

Furthermore, the ad should be designed by a Canadian company, rather than a British advertising agency that has apparently not yet shed its colonial past.

Firefighters

[Elsie Wayne, Progressive Conservative, Saint John, NB]

Mr. Speaker, the lack of immediate information regarding hazardous material is a major reason why firefighting is one of our country's most dangerous professions.

Firefighters routinely provide emergency medical treatment in unsanitary field conditions. Firefighters are especially hampered by lack of information available when they arrive at such incidents, especially within the critical first minutes upon arrival at the scene.

The implementation of a hazardous materials identification system would ensure that firefighters have the information they need to effectively respond to any incident enabling them to protect lives and property.

I along with the International Association of Fire Fighters urge the Minister of Transport to establish a Canadian demonstration site for Operation Respond, a computerized North American

emergency response system which will protect the safety of our firefighters, their families, our families and the rest of society.

Cyprus

[John Cannis, Liberal, Scarborough Centre, ON]

Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, April 30 a ceremony was held in Toronto to recognize the contribution of Canada's armed forces to the United Nations peacekeeping force in Cyprus.

The Cypriot community of Toronto held the event to honour and pay tribute to the Canadian men and women who served admirably with honour and distinction for over 30 years in Cyprus. Canada's peacekeeping force maintained an unblemished record while serving and participating in the United Nations mission.

During the ceremony the high commissioner for Cyprus to Canada, Mr. Iacovides, presented a plaque to the Minister of National Defence honouring our Canadian peacekeepers. High praise was given to the Canadian government and the Canadian troops for their longstanding tradition of exemplary service in worldwide peacekeeping initiatives and more specifically in Cyprus.

I wish to add my thanks and praise to Canada's armed forces and as well to the Minister of National Defence. Congratulations on a job well done.

National Defence

[Jean H. Leroux, Bloc, Shefford, QC]

Mr. Speaker, we were disgusted to learn that the taxpayers of Quebec and of Canada footed the bill for Major General John Arch MacInnis' retirement celebrations. It appears that these cost between $250,000 and $300,000. That is quite simply scandalous.

What makes it even worse is that the Major General's executive assistant, Colonel Fred Noseworthy, had been duly warned that such spending would be viewed as excessive by taxpayers and would affect staff morale. Colonel Noseworthy chose to thumb his nose at both armed forces personnel and taxpayers.

I would encourage you to read today's Ottawa Sun for his reply.

This is totally unacceptable behaviour. We demand that, for once, the Minister of Defence show some leadership, demand that this money be paid back, and take the necessary steps to avoid any such occurrence in future.

[The Deputy Speaker]

The hon. member for Vegreville.

Internal Trade Barriers

[Leon Benoit, Reform, Vegreville, AB]

The Prime Minister stated in the red book and in both throne speeches that dismantling internal trade barriers was a high priority. He also promised jobs. Still we have unemployment figures hanging around double digit levels. Canadians want jobs. If the Prime Minister would spend more time at home working on reducing internal trade barriers, maybe his government could honour its promise of jobs, jobs, jobs.

The Fraser Institute estimates that trade barriers cost Canadian families up to $3,500 a year. Think tanks and business groups estimate that interprovincial trade barriers cost Canadian business $6 billion to $10 billion a year. This means tens of thousands and probably hundreds of thousands of jobs, all lost because the government will not honour its promise to remove internal trade barriers.

For the sake of Canadians who are desperately looking for work, will the Prime Minister and his government honour this election promise?

Auto Leasing

[Georgette Sheridan, Liberal, Saskatoon—Humboldt, SK]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring to the attention of the House the concerns of many of my constituents regarding banks being allowed to enter the auto leasing industry.

My riding is an urban-rural split. While that sometimes results in a polarization of viewpoints, on this issue my constituents, rural and urban alike, are saying the same thing: Keep banks out of the auto leasing business.

I have had calls and letters from throughout the riding and the province objecting to these changes. All feel that allowing the banks into this field would deal a mortal blow to the car dealerships, the small businesses that currently handle this business. These businesses employ people in the community, contribute to community events and support the volunteer efforts that make a community strong.

The big banks and car manufacturers do not need people like me to lobby for them; they have highly paid professionals to do that job. The people I am concerned about are the small businesses in Saskatoon-Humboldt and elsewhere in the province of Saskatchewan. On their behalf I urge the government not to change the Bank Act to allow banks into the auto leasing business.

Tourism

[Eleni Bakopanos, Liberal, Saint-Denis, QC]

Mr. Speaker, last Friday the Government of Quebec surprised everyone by closing its tourism office in Paris. Now any French tourists wishing to obtain information for planning a trip to Quebec are told to contact their travel agent or to consult the Quebec server on the Minitel network.

It is unfortunate, to say the least, to note that the Government of Quebec has neglected to inform its French clientele that trip planning information on Quebec may be obtained, as always, from the Canadian embassy.

During this week's celebrations of National Tourism Week, what explanation can there be for this attitude by the Government of Quebec, which is surprising to say the least? Are we to take it that they prefer to deprive their tourist industry of an important promotional resource rather than to do as they should and offer French travellers the possibility of using the services of the Canadian embassy?

Liberal Party

[Ken Epp, Reform, Elk Island, AB]

Mr. Speaker, the Liberals declared in their red face book that they would give a greater role to members of Parliament, more free votes and a greater amount of influence in committees. They promised to listen more carefully to citizens and to rebuild trust in our parliamentary process. That is turning out to be quite a sham.

In the last week we have seen the government introduce bills which it is intent on driving through all stages without adequate debate by either the public or members of Parliament. It is invoking closure as soon as debate begins. And the Liberals call that democracy?

When the Liberals were in opposition they howled in protest when the Mulroney Conservatives did it. Now they meekly at the pull of their strings stand up and vote in favour of closure at every stage, even in committee.

The people are not being given an opportunity to express their wishes and their representatives are muzzled. Shame. I call on Liberal members to assert their responsibilities to their constituents, to end the charade and do what is right.

Human Rights

[Sheila Finestone, Liberal, Mount Royal, QC]

Mr. Speaker, Bill C-33 that we debate today is about prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation against a vulnerable group in our society in employment, in accommodation and in the provision of goods and services. It is about fairness and equality and treating all citizens with dignity and respect in the interests of tolerance. It is about equality, not special rights for anyone.

We want to protect homosexuals who risk losing their jobs and their homes simply because of who they are. Today they are the only Canadians who cannot look to the Canadian Human Rights Act for protection and whom Reformers would fire.

Bill C-33 would finally give gay and lesbian Canadians the same status and the same protection from discrimination as all other Canadians under the law. Nothing more, nothing less.

I congratulate the Coalition for Equality on its appearance before the committee this week along with 30 other groups of witnesses. I also thank the 30 parents, parishioners, lesbians and gays, members of the coalition who have come to Ottawa today to see that justice is done.

Forestry Sector

[George S. Rideout, Liberal, Moncton, NB]

Mr. Speaker, this is National Forest Week, and I would like to point out the work that is being done by the Canadian Institute of Forestry.

This group is Canada's only non-governmental national association solely dedicated to advancing the stewardship of the nation's forests.

The Canadian Institute of Forestry's membership consists of over 2,300 professional foresters, educators and scientists representing diverse forest interests from across the country. Its key objectives include: improving all aspects of forestry in Canada; educating members in their knowledge of forestry; fostering public understanding of all aspects of forestry; and cultivating an esprit de corps among members.

The CIF has been serving as a catalyst in bringing together the broad spectrum of forest stakeholders, from preservationists to forest industry executives, to reach a vision of the future for forests which will satisfy the diversity of demands.

I would like to offer the CIF my congratulations for its remarkable contributions over the years.

Referendums

[Michel Gauthier, Bloc, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, as the Standing Orders permit, I signal the return of the Prime Minister. I am happy he is back with us.

Yesterday the Prime Minister linked federal intervention in the Bertrand case to the fact that the Government of Quebec may or may not defend itself in court, saying that, if the Government of Quebec did not participate, it would be easier for his government to not participate.

By using this sort of blackmail to induce Quebec not to defend itself before the courts, is the new strategy of the Prime Minister not, in the end, to make the courts the sole arbiter of the right of Quebecers to decide their future?

[Jean Chrétien, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, I must say first that I was happy to be in Montreal yesterday. I met with the premier of Quebec.

This is a matter for the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, who is, under the law, the Constitution and parliamentary custom, the defender of Canada's Constitution.

I would like to quote what appears on the first page of Le Devoir this morning. On page 1A of Le Devoir , Mr. Bouchard is quoted as saying: ``It seems rather difficult, if not impossible, for a government to lose interest''. The attorney general represents a government. Mr. Bouchard said it was difficult for a government to lose interest. So the attorney general represents the Government of Canada.

[Michel Gauthier, Bloc, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, by tying Quebec's participation to Ottawa's, by telling the Government of Quebec that, if it forgoes defending Quebecers' right to decide their future, it will then be easy for the federal government not to participate, is the Prime Minister not resorting to blackmail and is he not revealing by so doing his new strategy, which is to let the courts alone determine whether Quebec may decide its future?

[Allan Rock, Liberal, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada]

Mr. Speaker, it was in fact the position Quebec took in this matter that caught our interest. We have no interest in Mr. Bertrand's position nor in the points he raised.

However, the Government of Quebec said clearly, a few weeks ago, on this case, that neither the Constitution nor the courts of Canada had any say in Quebec's sovereignty.

This is quite extraordinary.

So, as the Attorney General of Canada, I must consider whether I can help the court with this question, because the position of the Government of Quebec is extraordinary.

[Michel Gauthier, Bloc, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, the attitude of the Government of Quebec may be extraordinary, but the responses of the minister are very ordinary indeed.

I would like to know from the Prime Minister why he is suddenly so concerned about the legality of a referendum in Quebec, when he took part in those of 1980 and 1995 without ever questioning their legality or the right of Quebecers to decide their future. Why suddenly now has it become so important for him, unless his back is up against the wall and he knows it?

[Allan Rock, Liberal, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada]

Mr. Speaker, the question is not the legality of referenda. That is not the issue that has attracted the attention of the national government. Nor have we the least interest in the various positions by Mr. Bertrand.

Mr. Bertrand started his civil proceedings a number of months ago, in August of last year.

We have not been involved in that litigation at all. We have no interest in the various positions taken by Mr. Bertrand. Our interest is in the position taken by the Government of Quebec during these past several weeks.

That has not to do with the legality of referenda. It has to do with whether the Constitution of Canada or the courts have a role to play in the whole process by which the separatist Government of Quebec aspires to sovereignty and independence.

That is a fundamental issue. It is one on which the Attorney General of Canada may well be able to assist the court. We are considering intervention on that point in the public interest.

[Michel Bellehumeur, Bloc, Berthier—Montcalm, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I think the government forgets that, in the Bertrand case, the Government of Quebec is the respondent, while the Government of Canada is only a third party. Perhaps a distinction should be made between the two.

Unable to deliver the goods or to give clear answers to our questions, the Prime Minister continues to improvise his constitutional position, as is obvious again today.

Will the Prime Minister admit that, by referring to the federal government's possible involvement in the Bertrand case, he is putting himself in a position of confrontation not only with the Quebec government, but also with his federalist allies in Quebec, Daniel Johnson first of all, who recognize the right of Quebecers to decide their own future?

[Allan Rock, Liberal, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada]

Mr. Speaker, first of all, the Government of Canada was named as a third party by Mr. Bertrand in his civil suit, so we are involved in the legal proceedings.

The hon. member speaks of improvisation. What the House of Commons and the Canadian people are seeing is follow through. The government said in the throne speech in February that if there is to be another referendum the consequences will be clear and all Canadians will have a say. We are acting on that commitment. This is follow through on that commitment.

If we do decide to intervene in the case it is because we are responding to a proposition which is wrong in principle and wrong in law because it is impossible to say the Constitution and the courts have no relevance to the process by which some would see Quebec accede to sovereignty.