Debates of Nov. 20th, 1997

Canadian Wheat Board Act

[The Acting Speaker (Mr. McClelland)]

Resuming debate with the hon. member for Portage—Lisgar who, the House may be assured, will be very relevant and right on topic.

[Jake Hoeppner, Reform, Portage—Lisgar, MB]

Mr. Speaker, having had that encouragement I would like to go on the record as saying that transportation probably is a very important part of the bill. I would like to challenge some of the statements that have been made.

The second grouping suggests that the provinces should be eliminated from making decisions on the Canadian Wheat Board bill and transportation probably has a very big part to play in that regard.

I point that out because during the late 1970s and 1980s we moved tremendous amounts of grain to the Soviet Union and other east bloc countries. We could move it for about $30 or $40 a tonne cheaper through Churchill. They even offered to bring in icebreakers to move the grain out of that port. For some reason there was enough clout either in Ottawa or somewhere else to defer all that grain down the St. Lawrence, which cost us an extra $38 a tonne to move.

The provincial governments should have some clout. They should have some say. I cannot comprehend why hon. members would object to that. Ontario, for example, runs its board completely by itself. It ships its grain in whatever direction it wants and sells it to whomever it wants. It seems very strange that the bill would specific that provincial authority or provincial input should be outlawed. That just does not make sense.

I would think we would want to make sure the bill was beneficial to farmers and put the most money back into their pockets. Those are the people who have sweated and worked hard. They have taken chances. They have paid all the input costs and should get out of it what it is worth.

Another thing I want to comment on for a few minutes is the contingency fund. I do not know why farmers would support a bill with this type of fund when they have no actual control over it. With the five appointed commissioners or directors the government would still have control because it will put in the CEO at its pleasure and fire the CEO at its pleasure. Why would we want to put money into a fund that we cannot control? That seems to be plainly ridiculous.

Members of the wheat board appeared before us as witnesses. They were asked what the contingency fund would cost farmers and what percentage of the funds from what is to be sold through the cash market will be deducted for the contingency fund? They said that it would be from 5% to 10% of the gross amount of that cheque.

I do not know if Liberal members have not paid attention to the return on agriculture investment today. The top investment money one can get from one's assets today is probably 1.5% to 1.75%. If the board is to deduct 5% as a minimum and up to 10%, farmers will lose money selling their grain. There is no way to make the contingency fund pay. Why would any farmer be so foolish as to sell his grain in that kind of market? It does not make sense.

I cannot understand why a person would want to take money out of his pocket and put it into a fund where the auditor general cannot even look at it to see whether it is invested properly.

A year ago I introduced a private member's bill to put the auditor general in control of the wheat board. Every member on that side said no way. They did not want accountability.

That nice book the hon. parliamentary secretary to the minister of fisheries holds up in the air is a smoke screen. It is not worth putting a match to it. If members want to find out why they should look into the elections act to find out how many millions that auditing firm paid to the election fund of the Liberals. It is very interesting.

I flew back to Ottawa in August to do some work. I picked up the Hill Times , and what did I see? I saw a whole page ad by the Canadian Wheat Board telling western farmers how good it was. How many western farmers read the Hill Times ? It cost western farmers $3,200 to put that ad in the paper. Can you believe that, Mr. Speaker? I cannot believe it.

[The Speaker]

Well, if you have a tough time believing it, I am sure we would all have a tough time.

It being 2 p.m., we will now proceed to Statements by Members.

Avcorp Industries Inc.

[Sophia Leung, Liberal, Vancouver Kingsway, BC]

Mr. Speaker, recently my colleague, the Secretary of State for Asia Pacific, announced $4.4 million in federal investment in Avcorp Industries Incorporated based in Richmond, B.C. This investment is part of Industry Canada's technology partnership program which supports innovation in technology and job creation.

Through companies like Avcorp, the government is promoting Canada's role as a leader in technology. As a consequence economic prosperity is being fostered in B.C. and across this country.

The technology partnership program is proof that the government is creating jobs and is taking action to boost our economy in British Columbia.

Trade

[Leon Benoit, Reform, Lakeland, AB]

Mr. Speaker, three years ago this government, along with all provinces, signed the agreement on internal trade.

This agreement laid out a framework and timetable for completing the agreement which would remove barriers to trade within Canada. Each province agreed that removing internal trade barriers would benefit that province. Yet this government has done little to complete the agreement. One deadline after another has been missed.

Studies have shown that a 10% increase in internal trade would create 200,000 jobs and that the removal of trade barriers would increase average family income by $3,500.

This afternoon my Private Members' Bill which would lead to the completion of this agreement will be debated. This bill would force the government to complete the agreement in areas where it has the consent of the majority of provinces, including at least 50% of the population. The bill is supported by the President of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, the President of the B.C. Chamber of Commerce and a list of others.

This afternoon we will see whether this government has any interest at all in completing the agreement which would do so much for Canadians.

Personal Bankruptcies

[Gurbax Malhi, Liberal, Bramalea—Gore—Malton, ON]

Mr. Speaker, though Canada is experiencing firm economic growth, personal bankruptcies are at record high levels, reaching 79,631 in 1996, a 22 per cent increase from 1995, according to Industry Canada.

It is our duty to ensure that everyone, including women, students and self-employed Canadians, enjoy the benefits of Canada's strong economic growth.

One way we can come to the aid of honest Canadians currently facing a growing mountain of personal or small business debt would be to enforce tougher penalties for those who abuse the bankruptcy process.

To that end, the government should consider setting up a special investigation unit to stop such abuses.

African Industrialization Day

[Maud Debien, Bloc, Laval East, QC]

Mr. Speaker, we are celebrating today African industrialization day, as proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly.

In this resolution, the international community commits itself to supporting Africa's efforts to achieve faster growth and sustainable human development.

There is still much to be done to eliminate poverty, to promote democracy, to strenghten civil society, to enhance the status of women, to find solutions to the debt problem and to encourage the development of the African economy.

Canada's efforts in these areas leave much to be desired. Canada's contribution to poor countries over the next several years will fall below 0.2% of GNP. In 1998, Canadian international assistance will be at its lowest level since the 1960s.

The Bloc Quebecois strongly disagrees with Canada's withdrawal from poor countries and especially from Africa. We urge the government to respect its commitment to earmark 0.7% of its GNP for official development assistance.

Diabetes Awareness Month

[Aileen Carroll, Liberal, Barrie—Simcoe—Bradford, ON]

Mr. Speaker, November is Diabetes Awareness Month. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation for its efforts in raising awareness of this disease and for raising $3.5 million for diabetes research this past year.

The foundation was founded 23 years ago by parents of children with diabetes who were concerned that not enough research was being done to cure this disease. Since that time the foundation has awarded $28 million to research, making it the largest donor to diabetes research of any other health agency.

Some of the leading diabetes research still takes place in Canada. Banting and Best may have discovered insulin in 1921, but today the work continues at universities in Edmonton, Montreal, Toronto and London.

The Juvenile Diabetes Foundation deserves our support.

Festival Of Northern Lights

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

Mr. Speaker, on November 14, 1997 Owen Sound's Festival of Northern Lights celebrated its tenth anniversary.

From a modest beginning as a display of Christmas lights along the Sydenham River, it has grown to one of the largest tourist attractions in northern Ontario during the holiday season.

The festival now features 170 displays and 11 kilometres of lights trimmed along the Sydenham River from the inner harbour to the heart of the city.

On November 14 over 1,000 people took part in the official opening of the festival. Two of its original architects, Marie and Cecile Walpole, were there to officially turn on the switch. It was a moving ceremony and a tremendous honour to Ann Kelly and all those volunteers who have made this festival the pride and joy of Bruce—Grey during the festive season.

National Child Day

[Rick Casson, Reform, Lethbridge, AB]

Mr. Speaker, on this National Child Day I would like to bring attention to the plight of the children in Canada whose parents are finding it difficult to feed and clothe their families, a situation which the government has perpetuated through high taxes.

In many cases the troubles families find themselves in are no fault of their own. Families that work long hours, work more than one job still find that their after-tax income is not enough to properly care for their children.

The average family spends more on taxes than on food, shelter and clothing combined. This causes a great deal of anxiety and pain to hard working Canadians. This situation does not need to exist nor should it exist.

When will this government wake up, get its hands out of the pockets of hard working Canadian families and give them their money back? Through inflated income tax, job killing, high EI premiums and now an almost doubling of CPP premiums, the government continues to take, take, take.

Children are living in poverty in Canada because the Liberal government is taxing their families into the poor house.

Literacy

[Rose-Marie Ur, Liberal, Lambton—Kent—Middlesex, ON]

Mr. Speaker, some of us take reading and writing for granted, but for many it is a daily challenge.

Bob Croxford, who resides in Forest, Ontario, had trouble reading a newspaper or directions on a paint can. But those days are now behind him. Turning to a literacy class at Lambton College in Sarnia, he worked tenaciously on improving his skills. Two years ago he started writing a book.

Today in a special ceremony to kick off the Ninth Annual Read Up On It program, Senator Joyce Fairbairn and Mr. Croxford presented his book “The Unknown” to the National Library.

Literacy problems affect nearly 40% of Canadian adults with many living in fear of admitting it. Bob Croxford has advice for others. Do not hesitate. People are here who will help you. You have to help yourself too.

On behalf of the constituents in Lambton—Kent—Middlesex, we extend congratulations to Bob for providing inspiration to all Canadians.

Minister Of Intergovernmental Affairs

[Francine Lalonde, Bloc, Mercier, QC]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs said that any unilateral declaration of sovereignty by Quebec would be contrary to Canadian constitutional law and to international law.

Is the minister telling us right away that the federal government will refuse to negotiate partnership calmly and serenely, thumbing its nose at the interests of Canadians and Quebeckers alike?

The wish of the sovereignist movement is clear: to obtain a yes for the sovereignty of Quebec in a democratic manner, along with the mandate to negotiate a partnership with the rest of Canada.

Is the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs aware that, in his attempt to put fear into Quebeckers, he is at the same time making clear his disdain for the economic and political interests of Canadians and Quebeckers? He would do well to read the statement by the previous Minister of Justice, who called for recognition of the referendum vote and negotiation with a sovereign Quebec.

National Child Day

[Mac Harb, Liberal, Ottawa Centre, ON]

Mr. Speaker, today is National Child Day, a day to recognize the important role which children play in our lives. One in five Canadian children live in poverty and many do not receive adequate and nutritious food. Kids who do not get enough to eat are tired, have short attention spans and do not learn to solve problems as well as their classmates.

It is for these reasons that the Canadian Living Foundation established its breakfast for learning program. Since 1992 this remarkable organization has helped over 1,700 community supported nutrition programs across Canada. To date, over 18 million meals have been provided for kids in need which include the children at Cambridge Street Community School in my riding.

I thank the staff and volunteers at the Canadian Living Foundation breakfast for learning program and I congratulate them on a job well done. I also encourage our government to make children's needs a top priority.

I join with my colleagues in congratulating all those who are celebrating their birthdays today.

Criminal Code

[Gerry Ritz, Reform, Battlefords—Lloydminster, SK]

Mr. Speaker, a bill has once again been introduced in this House to repeal section 43 of the Criminal Code. That section admits that parents and guardians may use corporal punishment if the situation warrants. Although opponents of section 43 would have us believe they have the interest of the child at heart, it is our responsibility to examine the motives and logic they bring to this debate.

The United Nations sponsored convention on the rights of the child has been mentioned as a document that prohibits corporal punishment. Our own charter of rights and freedoms has also been mentioned although the reference is less clear. In either case the intention is to say to parents that special interest groups and politicians who hide behind their self-described expertise are much better qualified to raise your children than you are.

Canadians do not condone family violence but they are sick and tired of hearing the outrageous abuse of facts that come from government subsidized conferences held in foreign countries. I urge all parents to love their children and to look critically at any statement that begins, the convention—

[The Speaker]

The hon. member for Churchill.

Indian Affairs

[Bev Desjarlais, NDP, Churchill, MB]

Mr. Speaker, the following are the words of Ila Bussidor:

I dream of an eagle Forever coming to me with messages of strength Always in friendship and kindness. I touch the great sacred bird of spirit. He cares for me, each time I vision him. He lets me carry him. He gives me his sacred feathers. He walks with me. I am not afraid of him. I believe he is my guardian. The spirits of my father and mother Beside me in my times of pain.

Ila Bussidor is one of the Sayisi Dene who have survived the tragic cycle of discrimination, poverty and violence that saw the death of one-third of her people, a cycle of destruction that is a direct result of their uprooting by the department of Indian affairs. Ila Bussidor's account of that relocation and its disgraceful result is the subject of the book Night Spirits . Night spirits are the spirits of the dead.

I urge the minister of Indian affairs to read this book, to meet with the Sayisi Dene of Tadoule Lake, to work toward compensation for the government's actions and to apologize to Ila and her people.

National Child Day

[Stéphan Tremblay, Bloc, Lac-Saint-Jean, QC]

Today we are celebrating the fifth National Child Day.

This day was created in order to commemorate two measures adopted by the United Nations, the Declaration of the Rights of the Child, and the Convention on the Rights of the Child. That convention, which Canada ratified in 1991, is aimed at ensuring the survival, protection and development of children.

Recent statistics show that children under the age of 18 constitute 42% of those receiving assistance from food banks, and that 20% of Canada's children are poor.

In Canada, and in Quebec, the number of poor children is growing at the same astounding rate as the number of millionaires. I am therefore inviting the government over there to reflect upon the consequences of the actions it intends to take for future generations.

Henri-Bourassa Boulevard

[Denis Coderre, Liberal, Bourassa, QC]

Mr. Speaker, on November 14, the new Henri-Bourassa Boulevard at the edge of Montreal North was officially inaugurated. The project cost $113 million.

It was begun in 1994 and tripled the width of the boulevard over a distance of 8.5 kilometres. Funding for this project was provided by the federal and provincial governments and by the municipalities involved, that is, Montreal, Montreal East, Anjou and Montreal North.

As you can see, federal-provincial co-operation can produce worthwhile results and shows once again that federalism works. This project meets objectives set for the movement of people and goods, and it also provides significant economic support for the industrial development of Montreal's east end.

When two governments put their shoulder to the wheel to carry out projects of this size for Quebec, we wonder why political parties are fighting to separate Quebec from Canada or, in other words, we understand why there is no reason for the Bloc to be in Ottawa.

National Child Day

[Diane St-Jacques, Progressive Conservative, Shefford, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to draw attention to National Child Day. Today, November 20, is the day set aside for all children whatever their origin or their nationality and whether they are rich or poor.

Today, for 1.5 million Canadian children, or more than one child in four, taking a step in our society where money means happiness brings fresh pain, which, unfortunately, does not go away.

For these children, the ray of hope they have each day as they get up is dashed, as their dreams are often under the shadow of a cloud. Their breakfast is often not enough to satisfy their hunger.

I would remind this House and the Minister of Human Resources Development that these children will be running Canada's economy tomorrow.

These children will remember tomorrow what you do for them today.

Canada Post

[Preston Manning, Reform, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, after seven months of collective bargaining at the post office and assurances from the minister that this is the best way to go, what do we have today? A strike at Canada Post and a shutdown of mail service right across the country.

We know the minister and the government can be counted on to defend the rights of management in the collective bargaining process. We know the NDP and the Bloc can be counted on to defend the rights of the union, but we are here to uphold the rights of the long-suffering Canadian public who is sick and tired of strikes at Canada Post.

I ask the Prime Minister, in the name of that long-suffering Canadian public, will the government legislate the post office workers back to work today?

[Jean Chrétien, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, the parties are talking at this time through negotiations. Under the law of the land, workers have the right to strike and we have to respect that law of this land. We would not take away the right to strike before a strike occurs.

Now we hope that the parties will find a solution. They were very close a few days ago, and I hope today's discussion will bring about a conclusion through these negotiations. This has always been the position that this government has preferred.

[Preston Manning, Reform, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, we support the collective bargaining process, but when it fails the government has an obligation to act.

This government claims to be concerned about the economy. This strike will cost businesses millions of dollars. It cripples the direct marketing industry at the worst time of the year. It hurts the economy.

I ask the Prime Minister, in the name of economic common sense, in the name of fiscal responsibility, how many millions of dollars does the Canadian business community have to lose before the government will legislate workers back?

[Jean Chrétien, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, we have in the laws of Canada a provision that gives these employees the right to strike. Perhaps the opposition party does not want to have the collective bargaining process exist in our nation. That is fine. That may be its position, but it is not ours.

We know that when we give the right to strike, the right to strike can be used. At this moment, I am urging the parties to sit down and find a solution in the interests of all Canadians.

The union has the prerogative to go on strike. It knows it is causing problems for the people of Canada. I urge them to be reasonable—

[The Speaker]

The hon. Leader of the Opposition.

[Preston Manning, Reform, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister upholds the right to strike. When is he going to uphold the right of the Canadian public to its mail service?

Appeals to fiscal and economic sense do not get anywhere. Perhaps we can appeal to the jaded social conscience of the government. The disruption of postal service, as everyone in the House knows, falls most heavily upon the poor citizen. It falls upon the ordinary citizen who has no alternative except the post office.

In Montreal, the Old Brewery mission serving 1,200 meals a day is going to have a mail campaign—