Debates of Sept. 16th, 1996

Olympic Games

[Ovid Jackson, Liberal, Bruce—Grey, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise in the House to offer congratulations to all our Canadian athletes who competed in the Olympic Games in Atlanta.

The poet Robert Browning said: "My business is not to remake myself, but to make the best of what God made". Our athletes fulfilled this summons.

I would like to honour one such athlete, Laryssa Biesenthal of Walkerton, Ontario. Laryssa took a bronze medal in the 2000

metre quad skulls in rowing. I was there to welcome her back to Walkerton where she shared her victory with the people.

All Canadians who participated in the games did us proud. The Olympic spirit is captured in competition and in the drive for excellence.

Our presence in the Olympics is a microcosm of our essence as a nation. Canadian athletes of different languages, different regions, even different countries of birth stood together as one people under one flag.

Again to Laryssa and all our athletes, a hearty congratulations and thank you from us to all of them.

The Flooding In The Saguenay

[Gilbert Fillion, Bloc, Chicoutimi, QC]

Mr. Speaker, on July 19 and 20, the Mauricie, North Shore, Charlevoix and Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean regions were hit by disastrous floods. Some people lost their lives, and extensive material damage was sustained throughout the area, as roads and bridges were washed out and homes, businesses and industries were severely damaged if not completely destroyed.

We must draw attention to the exceptional courage shown by the victims. They are working very hard to rebuild their homes and their region.

Their courage found its strength in the solidarity shown not only by Quebecers but also by many Canadians. On behalf of all the flood victims, I wish to extend my warmest thanks to all those who put generosity first.

Markham Electric

[Lee Morrison, Reform, Swift Current—Maple Creek—Assiniboia, SK]

Mr. Speaker, in June I asked the Minister for International Cooperation why a successful Ontario company, Markham Electric, was denied the chance to compete for a CIDA contract. Only three companies, all from Quebec, were lucky enough to be picked by the minister to submit formal bids.

CIDA is obliged to use an independent appeal mechanism to resolve disputes, but despite petitions to CIDA, to the Canadian International Trade Tribunal and to Treasury Board, Markham Electric has found no venue in which to launch an appeal.

This summer the Minister for International Cooperation made a cross-Canada junket ostensibly to encourage more Canadian companies to bid on CIDA projects. This cynical, typically Liberal strategy will fool nobody. The shameful treatment of Markham Electric confirms that CIDA is closed to companies lacking a Quebec address, connections with the CIDA bureaucracy and a donor's receipt from the Liberal Party.

Manitoba Economy

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

Mr. Speaker, I would like to raise a concern I share with many Manitobans about what Liberal policies are doing to Manitoba and particularly to jobs in Manitoba.

We face the prospect of the abandonment of the Sherridon sub, the tearing up of our northern rail infrastructure for scrap to be sold in some other country. We face the decimation of the CPR shops in Winnipeg as a result of Liberal policies with respect to how they settled the railway strike.

We face the prospect of jobs disappearing in the wholesale sector as a result of the deal on softwood lumber. We see jobs being threatened in the railway wheel industry as a result of proposed advances in the tariff reduction schedule. We see Air Canada jobs that were promised to Winnipeg going to Air France because of this trend for outsourcing.

The people of Manitoba have cause to feel betrayed by the Liberals in Manitoba who promised jobs and have delivered nothing but devastation since they were elected.

1996 Summer Olympic Games

[Pat O'Brien, Liberal, London—Middlesex, ON]

Mr. Speaker, this past summer Canadians were very proud observers of an outstanding performance by our Canadian Olympic team at the 1996 games in Atlanta. With a total of 22 medals, these games proved to be the most successful ever for Canada.

As the member of Parliament for London-Middlesex and on behalf of all Londoners, I would like to extend our congratulations and thanks to the following Londoners who represented Canada so well in Atlanta: Catherine Bond-Mills, heptathlon; Jason Tunks, discus; Casey Patton, boxing; Lesley Thompson, silver medalist in rowing; Brian Peaker, silver medalist in rowing; and Al Morrow and Volker Nolte, coaches in rowing.

Athletes who did much of their training in London were Jeff Lay, silver medalist in rowing, and the dynamic duo of Marnie McBean and Kathleen Heddle, bronze and gold medalists in rowing.

To all of these men and women and to every member of our Olympic team from every region of Canada, we say congratulations to all of you. You have made Canadians very proud.

Upper Londonderry Pastoral Charge

[Dianne Brushett, Liberal, Cumberland—Colchester, NS]

Mr. Speaker, this past August marked the 225th anniversary of the Upper Londonderry Pastoral Charge with three churches serving the communities of Glenholme, Debert and Masstown. Descendants, both local and international, of the first minister of the charge returned home to celebrate this historic anniversary.

Originally founded in 1771 by Presbyterian minister David Smith, this charge continues to thrive as a vital part of the United Church of Canada. As the oldest pastoral charge in Canada, it has influenced community values and inspired a sense of pride and hope among all its parishioners.

I ask that all members join with me in thanking the charge for the communion, prayer and spiritual guidance it has provided to Canadians for over two centuries. As well, I extend my congratulations to successive ministers and parishioners who have sustained this sanctuary of fundamental values and religious freedom.

Manganese Based Fuel Additives

[Julian Reed, Liberal, Halton—Peel, ON]

Mr. Speaker, Ethyl Corporation, an American chemical manufacturer, has recently launched a trade dispute under NAFTA regarding Bill C-29, the manganese based fuel additives act. Ethyl claims that the passing of Bill C-29 constitutes discriminatory trade action.

We must not forget that above all this bill is about the health of Canadians. The effect of MMT on exhaust emissions has serious health implications for all Canadians. We must also remember that MMT is not used in American gasoline due to health concerns, yet this company is prepared to attempt to force the hand of the Canadian government.

We do not need to import a foreign made octane enhancer. We can replace MMT with domestically produced and renewable fuels which are safe both for human health and the environment.

I urge all of my colleagues to continue their efforts to ensure Bill C-29 receives swift passage and becomes law.

The Quebec Superior Court

[Madeleine Dalphond-Guiral, Bloc, Laval Centre, QC]

Mr. Speaker, during the summer, the government appointed lawyer Lyse Lemieux to the post of chief justice of the Quebec Superior Court. Ms. Lemieux thus becomes the first woman to fill this position in Quebec.

Ms. Lemieux has had an impressive career. She was director of legal services at the Quebec department of justice, where she also worked as deputy minister for three years. For the past two years, she was assistant chief justice of the Quebec Superior Court.

The Bloc Quebecois commends the appointment of this competent woman to head Quebec's highest court.

We wish Ms. Lemieux the best of luck in tackling the major challenges awaiting her in her new post. We especially hope that, in addition to modernizing the legal system, she will help promote a solid balance between men and women in this area.

Krever Inquiry

[Grant Hill, Reform, Macleod, AB]

Mr. Speaker, Justice Krever has investigated Canada's blood transfusion system for two and a half years. His mandate is to find out how so many innocent Canadians were handed a death sentence from a simple blood transfusion.

Today Krever is an expert in blood. He is independent, he is unbiased. Yet this government has undermined and subverted Krever at every turn; undermined him in court; subverted him with big changes to the system before his report and without his input.

Reform challenges the health minister and his colleagues. Let Justice Krever speak. He will surely recommend that accountability rests squarely on the shoulders of the health minister. Come to think of it, maybe that is what this minister is afraid of.

Literacy

[Ronald J. Duhamel, Liberal, St. Boniface, MB]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the ABC Canada Literacy Foundation and Canada Post on their very creative fundraising initiative. On September 9, 1996 Canada Post issued the semi-postal stamp in support of literacy.

The new stamp will cost 50 cents. For each stamp sold, five cents will go to funding literacy efforts. ABC Canada will look after the distribution of collected funds among the various literacy groups.

We must remember that reading is considered a challenge for approximately 42 per cent of all Canadians. In fact 16 per cent have difficulties with daily tasks such as reading menus and signs. We need to work together to try and expand the reading world of these Canadians. This initiative is certainly a step in the right direction.

I urge you to support this initiative and encourage others to do the same.

This initiative will have a very positive impact on all Canadians. Once again I salute ABC Canada and Canada Post.

The Parti Quebecois

[Mark Assad, Liberal, Gatineau—La Lièvre, QC]

Mr. Speaker, Parti Quebecois militants from Quebec City just passed three resolutions aimed at determining who will have the right to vote in the next referendum.

First, the minimum age to qualify as an elector would be reduced from 18 to 16; secondly, immigrants will not be able to vote in a referendum until 18 months after becoming Canadian citizens; and thirdly, voters outside Quebec will have to prove that they own property in Quebec or that they have been paying taxes in Quebec over the past two years.

While the Parti Quebecois brags about how democratic it is, these new measures it has put forward must be seen not as an improvement but rather as a departure from our democratic traditions. This is a totally unacceptable situation that the people of Quebec must condemn.

The Tokamak Project In Varennes

[Stéphane Bergeron, Bloc, Verchères, QC]

Mr. Speaker, you will recall that, before the summer recess, the Bloc Quebecois vigorously criticized the Liberal government's decision to cut off its $7.2 million contribution to the Tokamak project in Varennes.

This government has made more nonsensical decisions since. In May for instance, we learned it had launched its flag project, which has cost Canadian taxpayers $23 million to date. This unfortunate decision was followed by the establishment, over the summer, of a propaganda agency operating under the misleading name of Canada Information Office and administering a budget in excess of $20 million. Not to mention the tens of millions of dollars allocated to Heritage Canada, the Council for Canadian Unity, Operation Unity and so on.

There are more than ten Liberal members in this House representing the Montreal area. What are they waiting for to speak out and call their ministerial colleagues to order? The Liberal government must realize that what Quebecers need is not to see more red but rather to see their taxes used to help create jobs.

Clifford Olson

[Jack Ramsay, Reform, Crowfoot, AB]

Mr. Speaker, on August 12 Clifford Olson got his much anticipated shot at early release after serving only 15 years of a life sentence. This child killer's opportunity came courtesy of the justice minister and the Liberal government.

The justice minister did nothing to prevent Olson from once again jumping on the soap box. The justice minister did nothing to prevent Olson from forcing his victims' families to relive a nightmare they have endured since their children were so sadistically torn from their lives.

The justice minister has had Canada-wide support and ample opportunity to bring in a bill which would have denied Olson the appalling opportunity to flaunt his heinous crimes.

Olson's application for early release is a direct result of the justice minister's inaction and incompetence in enacting legislation which would enhance public safety.

Défi-Emploi Program

[Nick Discepola, Liberal, Vaudreuil, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I wish to emphasize the remarkable work and success of the organizers of the Défi-Emploi program, last weekend.

This program, jointly run by the Société québécoise de développement de la main-d'oeuvre, the income security department and the federal human resources development department, will help over 15,000 people have access to specialized workshops designed to help them find work.

It is very encouraging for our government to see that so many people have elected to take advantage of the services provided through the Défi-Emploi program to improve their chances of finding a job.

The Government of Canada is proud of this initiative and is fully willing to continue to work in close co-operation with the Quebec government to promote better professional and personal training for those who are looking for work.

Stand Up For Canada

[Don Boudria, Liberal, Glengarry—Prescott—Russell, ON]

Mr. Speaker, stand up for Canada. This is the theme of a benefit concert which will take place on October 27 at the Ottawa Congress Centre to mark the anniversary of the national unity rally held in Montreal last year.

The goal is to celebrate Canada and to raise funds to defray the legal costs of those charged by Elections Quebec for their participation in last year's historic rally.

Several donations have already been made towards the October 27 concert. Moreover, no performer will be paid for his or her services. This concert, which will showcase several Canadian artists, is a joint effort done on a volunteer basis. My fellow Canadians, let us stand up for Canada.

Canadians can order tickets for $10 each by contacting Ticketmaster at 613-755-1111. Operators are waiting.

[The Speaker]

I see that some hon. members, like myself, sometimes have problems with their tabs or their ties. I know that will not occur in the future.

Employment

[John Nunziata, Liberal, York South—Weston, ON]

Mr. Speaker, all members of Parliament have had an opportunity to spend a lengthy period of time in their ridings. One thing is abundantly clear: Canadians want jobs. There is still an unacceptable number of Canadians without employment and small businesses are hurting. While much progress has been made in terms of creating employment in this country, there is still a longer distance to go.

The Liberal Party in the last election campaign made a major commitment to create jobs. The job of creating jobs has still to be accomplished. I call on the Prime Minister and the government of the day to do everything within their power to bring in specific measures to create jobs so that the hurt that exists right across the country with the unemployed and those on welfare, and the hurt that exists with respect to small business can be alleviated.

New Member

[The Speaker]

I have the honour to inform the House that the Clerk of the House has received from the Chief Electoral Officer a certificate of the election and return of Ms. Sheila Copps, for the electoral district of Hamilton East.

Sheila Copps, member for the electoral district of Hamilton East, introduced by the Right Hon. Jean Chrétien and the Hon. David M. Collenette.

New Member Introduced

[The Speaker]

Let the hon. member take her seat.

Job Creation

[Michel Gauthier, Bloc, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, the federal government's performance in the area of job creation certainly falls far short of the promises made during the last election campaign. Since 1993, nothing concrete has been done by the government to stimulate job creation, with the exception of an infrastructure program.

Can the Prime Minister tell us if he agrees with what his Minister of Human Resources Development had to say this summer: "You can go to the Government of Canada for matters of national defence, justice, national health care, but for job creation, go knock on the door of your provincial legislature"?

[Jean Chrétien, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, obviously the government would like to have seen the Canadian economy create more jobs over the last three years. I would like to point out to the Leader of the Opposition that the Canadian economy has, since November 1993, created more than 667,000 new jobs, more than Germany, France and Great Britain combined.

We have put such programs as the infrastructure program in place, and this June we made an offer to the provinces to continue it next year. The first ministers, after examining the program over the summer, have accepted. We have already begun negotiations to extend the program to 1997, perhaps beyond.

We have also implemented job creation programs for youth, and a number of other measures. Most important of all, however, we have created the necessary climate to allow such things as a 3 per cent reduction in the interest rate. As a result, there has been an upswing in construction in recent months. People wishing to own a home are now paying far less interest on their mortgages.

[Michel Gauthier, Bloc, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister and his government have fallen into the habit of riding on the wave of economic upturn and of claiming responsibility for the job recovery that has taken place, a recovery required by the fact that, over the same time period, more than 800,000 jobs had been lost.

Does the Prime Minister realize that, for Quebec, with its heavy unemployment, one of the consequences of federal government policies, particularly the policy on purchase of goods and services, is a shortfall of $1.2 billion for 1994 alone? That this deprives the economy of Quebec of thousands of jobs, because of his government's refusal to right a long-standing wrong?

[Jean Chrétien, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to start off with a correction to what the Leader of the Opposition has said, since when we refer to the 669,000 new jobs created in Canada since this government has been in existence, we mean those jobs in excess of the level of employment existing at the time of the election. In the economy, jobs are always being lost, while others are being created, but the net increase was 669,000 new jobs created since this government has been in existence.

As for the redistribution of all government purchasing, we have an open policy and, while in some fields there may be more in one province than in another, generally everything operates by calling for bids from suppliers. The one offering the best product at the best price gets the order. I believe this is the system that has been in operation in Canada for a very long time, and I doubt the accuracy of the figures the hon. member has given.

[Michel Gauthier, Bloc, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, the system the Prime Minister is referring to always leads to the same kind of results, as he ought to realize: the federal government always ends up purchasing goods and services in the same place.

Is the Prime Minister aware that, in 1993-94, using a recognized and reliable method of economic calculation, by being deprived of $2. 5 billion in goods and services sales to the federal government-since it always buys from the same place- Quebec was deprived of an estimated 44,675 jobs over two years?

Does the Prime Minister realize that, through inadequate policies such as these, which he supports and defends, Quebec and its economy is losing jobs in the meantime, to the tune of some 22,000 for each of the years of his mandate?

[Jean Chrétien, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, I have nothing to add to what I have already said. The Bloc Quebecois has been making these statements for ages, and there is no basis for them, because in a country like ours, bids and tenders are nationwide. The bids are made and then someone gets the contract.

In some sectors, sometimes we find when we go to other parts of Canada that people are complaining that we are doing too much in Quebec. Sometimes Quebec complains that we are doing too much in the Prairies. In a federation, that is always how things are.

I must say, however, that if the Leader of the Opposition were to call his head office in Quebec, he would find that if there were no more political insecurity in the country, there would be a great many jobs created in Quebec, as there have been in the rest of Canada.