House of Commons Hansard #71 of the 35th Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was cuba.

Topics

Irving WhaleOral Question Period

11:45 a.m.

York West Ontario

Liberal

Sergio Marchi LiberalMinister of the Environment

Mr. Speaker, let me first thank my hon. friend for the question. It is an issue that we are taking very seriously. As the member knows, there was overwhelming support from both the people of P.E.I. as well as Isle de la Madeleine in terms of ridding the ocean of this environmental hazard. There was overwhelming support for lifting the barge, as we did earlier this summer.

Following the lifting of the barge a number of boats stayed for a number of days doing remediation in terms of the footprint area at the bottom of the ocean.

We did take a total 20 samplings after the barge was raised, 35 before, and in a number of small instances there were a number of samples of PCBs that were certainly of concern. Sampling continues to take place so that we can ascertain the extent of these samples with the possibility that there may be further remediation.

Both my department as well as the Department of Fisheries and Oceans are working on it. In the first days of October there may be further developments that if there needs to be further remediation that we do so before the winter season comes upon us.

Irving WhaleOral Question Period

11:50 a.m.

Bloc

Monique Guay Bloc Laurentides, QC

Mr. Speaker, we are talking about a sediment contamination level of 10,000 parts per million. The situation is extremely serious.

Can the Minister of the Environment assure us that the PCBs will be recovered before the winter so that the fishing industry will not be threatened next year?

Irving WhaleOral Question Period

11:50 a.m.

York West Ontario

Liberal

Sergio Marchi LiberalMinister of the Environment

Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned, there were some 70 barrels of sediments around the footprint that were collected and brought into the Halifax port and are being destroyed. The sample which contains the 10,000 parts per million is one sample near that footprint area.

We are talking to scientists as well as to technicians on it because we have to determine whether it is a small concentrated sample which is showing this 10,000 parts per million or whether it is a larger extended area.

As soon as these officials from both my department and DFO can ascertain the extent of that sample, if it requires further remediation and bringing up further sedimentation, that is exactly what we will do. I have certainly given clear instructions that if that is an option we will do that before the winter comes upon us.

Somalia InquiryOral Question Period

11:50 a.m.

Reform

Jim Hart Reform Okanagan—Similkameen—Merritt, BC

Mr. Speaker, the defence minister talks about ministerial responsibility and gives the House a big speech on that.

Ministerial responsibility is void without ministerial accountability. General Boyle wrote the terms of reference for the Somalia inquiry. Will the minister accept the accountability of his own department and offer his resignation now?

Somalia InquiryOral Question Period

11:50 a.m.

Don Valley East Ontario

Liberal

David Collenette LiberalMinister of National Defence and Minister of Veterans Affairs

Mr. Speaker, I am relieved. I have been waiting for two days to be asked to resign by the hon. member and it has come at last.

What we have to look at is what the members of the Reform Party are trying to do with this independent judicial process. They are trying to politicize it.

I have tried not to be partisan this week in dealing with an issue which is tough, tough for the government and tough for everybody. However, we see over there desperation politics. Their leader is under assault. Their spokesman from Calgary West or Calgary Centre has not been in the House. They have three or four members who will not even support the leader of the Reform Party. This is an absolute and total attempt to politicize what should be an impartial process.

We are seeing the Reform Party undertake tactics that are not worthy of this Chamber.

Somalia InquiryOral Question Period

11:50 a.m.

Reform

Jim Hart Reform Okanagan—Similkameen—Merritt, BC

Mr. Speaker, the Reform Party is asking the questions that are on the minds of Canadians. That is our job. Why does the minister not do his job and accept ministerial accountability?

If we were to find out that another person who was a witness in front of the inquiry wrote the terms of reference, the government lawyers would be screaming blue murder. Today we find that General Boyle has written the terms of reference for the Somalia inquiry at the same time that he is a witness before that very inquiry.

This is a conflict of interest. The minister has said he is accepting ministerial responsibility. Accept ministerial accountability and do the proper thing for Canada, resign today.

Somalia InquiryOral Question Period

11:50 a.m.

Don Valley East Ontario

Liberal

David Collenette LiberalMinister of National Defence and Minister of Veterans Affairs

Mr. Speaker, what is on the minds of Canadians at a time when the unity of the country is threatened, when we are facing the challenges of globalization, is why a group of members in the House of Commons comes in here every day to try to politicize a process that is supposed to be devoid of politics.

That is what is on the minds of Canadians.

I have answered the question with respect to the role of ministers in responsible government, the role of public servants. I would invite the hon. member to analyse his own question because there is illogic in the actual question the way it was posed.

JusticeOral Question Period

11:55 a.m.

Liberal

Andy Mitchell Liberal Parry Sound—Muskoka, ON

Mr. Speaker, this week the Minister of Justice introduced measures to protect Canadians against violent long term offenders. It is an initiative that I applaud.

However, Canadians who are concerned about rising violent crime among young people want to know why the minister is not applying these new tough measures to young offenders.

JusticeOral Question Period

11:55 a.m.

Etobicoke Centre Ontario

Liberal

Allan Rock LiberalMinister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada

Mr. Speaker, Bill C-55, which was tabled this week, is an important step toward safety of Canadians in their communities. It targets adult offenders, those at highest risk to reoffend, sexual offenders. It empowers the court to impose a period as long as 10 years after the end of the prison term of supervision to ensure that those at highest risk to reoffend are under some degree of control in the communities.

This regime would apply to a young offender transferred to and sentenced in the adult court. It does not apply in youth court. As the hon. member knows, the chair of the Standing Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs is now completing a comprehensive review of the Young Offenders Act.

One of the matters under consideration is how better to deal with violent young offenders. I am certain the committee will look carefully at the question, whether these principles have application in the youth justice system.

AidsOral Question Period

11:55 a.m.

Bloc

Réal Ménard Bloc Hochelaga—Maisonneuve, QC

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Health.

Last Tuesday, the Canadian AIDS Society and the Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network tabled a study showing that the number of HIV-positive inmates in Canadian prisons had risen by 46 per cent between 1994 and 1996.

Does the Minister of Health intend to make vigorous representations to his colleague, the solicitor general, to convince him to take urgent measures to stop the spread of AIDS in Canadian prisons?

AidsOral Question Period

11:55 a.m.

Cape Breton—East Richmond Nova Scotia

Liberal

David Dingwall LiberalMinister of Health

Mr. Speaker, the hon. member raises a question that has a number of recommendations for the Ministry of Health.

We hope to be working more co-operatively with the solicitor general and move on the recommendations that have been announced both in terms of research and in terms of surveillance.

AidsOral Question Period

11:55 a.m.

Bloc

Réal Ménard Bloc Hochelaga—Maisonneuve, QC

Mr. Speaker, since it has already been two years since a committee of experts submitted to the government specific recommendations on the kinds of measures needed in prisons, can the Minister of Health explain to us why his government has done nothing in the past two years?

AidsOral Question Period

11:55 a.m.

Cape Breton—East Richmond Nova Scotia

Liberal

David Dingwall LiberalMinister of Health

Mr. Speaker, I have to say I disagree with the premise of the hon. member's question.

In point of fact, there has been a lot of work by both respective departments. The Department of Health as well as the solicitor general have moved on a number of issues.

However, the recommendations which have been contained in the report that has been released emphasize that there has to be more focused work as it relates to research. We intend to do that.

JusticeOral Question Period

11:55 a.m.

Reform

Jack Ramsay Reform Crowfoot, AB

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the justice minister but I would like to advise the defence minister that we will be back on Monday.

The worst thing our justice system can do is imprison someone for a crime they did not commit. Two and a half years ago, I asked the justice minister to examine the lengthy delays experienced with the processing of 690 applications which are based on evidence of wrongful imprisonment.

The justice minister said at that time: "We will be announcing in the next few months changes in the system to ensure that all such applications are dealt with fairly and as quickly as possible".

I have not heard any announcements in the last two years. Has the new system been put in place?

JusticeOral Question Period

11:55 a.m.

Etobicoke Centre Ontario

Liberal

Allan Rock LiberalMinister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada

Mr. Speaker, following the question put to me on that occasion by the hon. member, the Department of Justice organized and then published a set of procedures governing section 690 applications, making it clear to applicants what was required of them and also making clear the steps that would be followed inside justice in processing such applications. We have followed that procedure since and I think there has been a real improvement in the way they have been dealt with.

I am very much aware that these applications have to be dealt with as quickly as possible. We are talking about people who are in prison, for the most part. At the same time, it is a personal responsibility of mine to read the file, to review the submissions and to come to my own independent judgment not only about what is to be done but the reasons for doing it because of the value of precedent these cases set.

We do the best we can with the resources available. I will provide the hon. member with a copy of the guidelines or the procedure we published, and I know he will have a continuing interest in these matters.

JusticeOral Question Period

Noon

Reform

Jack Ramsay Reform Crowfoot, AB

Mr. Speaker, Wilfrid Beaulieu has been waiting for word on his 690 application from the justice minister for over two years. Richard McArthur has been waiting longer than that.

It is unbelievable that Clifford Olson, a serial child killer, is guaranteed a review of his parole ineligibility by this government while the Beaulieus and the McArthurs wait almost indefinitely at the pleasure of the justice minister in the face of evidence that a miscarriage of justice may have occurred.

When can Mr. Beaulieu and Mr. McArthur expect a decision on their 690 applications?

JusticeOral Question Period

Noon

Etobicoke Centre Ontario

Liberal

Allan Rock LiberalMinister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada

Mr. Speaker, it is true to say that the application in the case of Wilfrid Beaulieu was made about two years ago. However, that does not mean that much time has elapsed since we had all the material on which to base the decision.

It was only earlier this year that I received the full report after the evidence was put in the hands of Mr. Beaulieu's lawyer for comment. It was only earlier this year that I received a draft from the counsel involved with recommendations. In the interim, I have reviewed that in detail. I have looked into further aspects of the matter about which I had questions, and I intend to deal with that matter in the weeks to come.

I have taken on the practice when I release reasons in these cases to append a chronology so the public will know about the period since the original application was taken up. Often it is requesting additional information that we need, often it is awaiting responses from counsel for the applicant. All the time that has elapsed is not necessarily on the account of the Department of Justice.

That having been said, they have to be dealt with quickly.

Canadian Broadcasting CorporationOral Question Period

Noon

NDP

Nelson Riis NDP Kamloops, BC

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the acting Prime Minister.

Late last night after the late night news, I received a phone call from a constituent of Kamloops, a longstanding Liberal who said that he felt that he had been bitten by his own dog.

He reminded me that on page 89 of the red book it says that a Liberal government will be committed to stable multi-year financing for national cultural institutions such as the CBC.

Was he metaphorically bitten by his own dog?

Canadian Broadcasting CorporationOral Question Period

Noon

Restigouche—Chaleur New Brunswick

Liberal

Guy Arseneault LiberalParliamentary Secretary to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Canadian Heritage

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the member for his question because it gives me a chance to underline that there are some positive things there.

Although the CBC is undergoing some streamlining and reductions, other departments are doing likewise. I should point out that although we have had some reductions, there is still $800 million to be allotted to the CBC in our budget. There is a production fund of $200 million that it will able to tap and it is going to a completely 100 per cent Canadian programming.

EmploymentOral Question Period

Noon

Liberal

Colleen Beaumier Liberal Brampton, ON

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Finance.

The government keeps boasting that it has created 208,000 jobs to date in 1996 yet there are many Canadians who are still hurting. Is the government so complacent because of its high rating in the polls that it is prepared to ignore the plight of over a million Canadians who are unemployed?

Does the government have any new plans for job creation?

EmploymentOral Question Period

Noon

LaSalle—Émard Québec

Liberal

Paul Martin LiberalMinister of Finance

Mr. Speaker, a person whose total knowledge of the Canadian political scene was in watching question period today would find it passing strange, given that the prime preoccupation of Canadians is economic growth and an increasing quality of life, it is only a member of the Liberal Party who has asked a question about what Canadians are truly concerned about.

The hon. member is right. The number one priority of the government is giving Canadians jobs and a better standard of living. It is for that reason that interest rates are now down by over 4.5 percentage points and since we took office we have created over 750,000 jobs.

It is for that reason that we have an open skies policy which has brought in tourism and has created a multitude of jobs in imports. It is for that reason that we have lowered tariffs which have made the Canadian productive centre much more competitive. It is for that reason that our trade missions have been so successful. We have invested in technology.

Government Response To PetitionsRoutine Proceedings

12:05 p.m.

Bruce—Grey Ontario

Liberal

Ovid Jackson LiberalParliamentary Secretary to President of the Treasury Board

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 36(8), I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the government's response to four petitions.

Committees Of The HouseRoutine Proceedings

September 20th, 1996 / 12:05 p.m.

Liberal

Marlene Catterall Liberal Ottawa West, ON

Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present the 26th report of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs regarding associate memberships of various committees. If the House gives its consent, I intend to move concurrence of the 26th report later this day.

Crown Liability And Proceedings ActRoutine Proceedings

12:05 p.m.

Reform

Art Hanger Reform Calgary Northeast, AB

moved for leave to introduce Bill C-325, an act to amend the Crown Liability and Proceedings Act.

Mr. Speaker, this bill would amend the Crown Liability and Proceedings Act to ensure that inmates serving penitentiary sentences will not be able to sue the federal government or its employees.

Specifically this legislation would prohibit lawsuits to be filed by inmates against the federal government for matters arising as a result of or during their penitentiary sentence.

There is an urgent need for this type of legislation in Canada today. This legislation, if adopted, would put a stop to the outrageous practice of prisoners engaging in frivolous legal actions against Canadian taxpayers. I would encourage all members of the House to carefully consider this legislation.

(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed.)

Motion M-240Routine Proceedings

12:05 p.m.

Bloc

Réal Ménard Bloc Hochelaga—Maisonneuve, QC

Mr. Speaker, having checked with government and Reform members I think you would find unanimous consent to amend Motion M-240 in my name to read as follows:

That, in the opinion of the House, the government should give RCMP officers the right to unionize and to bargain collectively under the Canada Labour Code.

It was an error.