Debates of Dec. 10th, 1997

[The Speaker]

As is our practice on Wednesday we will now sing O Canada , and we will be led by the hon. member for Vancouver Island North, with the help of students in Grades 1 to 6 from Good Shepherd School in Gloucester. Leading the choral will be Mrs. Michelle Hundertmark.

Big Bob

[John O'Reilly, Liberal, Victoria—Haliburton, ON]

Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to congratulate a House of Commons security guard affectionately know as Big Bob for creating a sense of national unity around Christmastime.

Bob has requested the Christmas cards of members of Parliament of all political parties in order to decorate the Christmas tree located in the Confederation Building. The tree is a true joy and I applaud the efforts of Big Bob and the rest of the security guards for creating something truly unique during this time of year.

I welcome all to come to see the tree. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, Joyeux Noël.

The Economy

[Maurice Vellacott, Reform, Wanuskewin, SK]

Mr. Speaker, the Liberal government has made it clear that 50% of any future surplus will go into spending. There is compelling reason to make debt reduction and tax relief a higher priority.

I appeal to the government's supposed social conscience. The negative impacts of exploding debt and excessive taxation are felt directly by the old, the young, the sick, the poor, the unemployed and families.

These are the people the Liberal government is turning its back on when it says new spending is its number one priority. The interest on the federal debt is eating the heart out of social programs. Health care, education, employment insurance and old age pensions combined receive less than what we spend on interest payments each year.

Reformers believe social responsibility and social conscience demand that the Liberal government reduce the debt and cut taxes in the name of the old, the young, the sick, the poor, the unemployed and families across the country.

International Human Rights Day

[Jean Augustine, Liberal, Etobicoke—Lakeshore, ON]

Mr. Speaker, today is International Human Rights Day. In 1948 the international community adopted the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and observed December 10 as Human Rights Day.

The respect for human rights is one of the cornerstones of a functional democratic nation. The world is rife with human rights abuses. Every day in one way or another we are informed about human rights violations in various parts of the globe. Individual rights are either violated by oppressive regimes or by the actions of others. In some instances others have lost their lives as they struggle for even the most basic human rights.

Canadians and the government must not take human rights for granted. As a nation we must continue to work at upholding and promoting human rights in Canada and around the world.

Drunk Driving

[Hec Clouthier, Liberal, Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the many organizations that wage a daily battle against drunk driving.

Groups such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving have changed the attitudes of Canadians. People who may have considered driving drunk before probably do not now because of stiffer penalties and RIDE programs.

As the Christmas season approaches I encourage everyone to make this a safe and happy holiday. If you do drink, don't drive.

In our gallery today we have a group of students from Bishop Smith Catholic High School in my riding of Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke. One of those students is Miss Kathleen Forder.

Miss Forder is the Ontario provincial chair of Students Against Drunk Driving. It is the leadership shown by Kathleen and other young Canadians like her who will help keep the pressure on parliamentarians to ensure that people continue to realize that driving drunk is not socially acceptable. We must work together to make our highways safer for all Canadians.

Kathleen, keep up the good work.

Baffin Regional Youth Council

[Nancy Karetak-Lindell, Liberal, Nunavut, NU]

Mr. Speaker, last Thursday I was privileged to attend the Baffin Regional Youth Council meeting in Broughton Island. I met with youth representatives from each Baffin Island community to discuss several issues affecting young people in Nunavut.

These future leaders are great ambassadors for the north. Their determination, hard work and leadership skills are proof of their abilities as role models for Baffin youth.

I commend their work and look forward to working closely with them toward the common goal of creating our new territory.

Cmhc

[Jay Hill, Reform, Prince George—Peace River, BC]

Mr. Speaker, last spring a young couple purchased a lot in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., and then bought a trailer to put on it. After it had been installed on the property, Shirley and Don were notified that a mistake had been made and they did not qualify for a CMHC mortgage unless they put another 20% down. They simply did not have the money.

They are now out $20,000, renting, and their dreams of owning their home are shattered. CMHC has designated Tumbler Ridge a special risk community, which means anyone working for the local coal mine needs at least 25% down before CMHC will even look at a mortgage.

This is ludicrous. If the mine ever shut down they could move the trailer to a new location. Where is the risk for CMHC? You can work in a corner store and buy a house in Tumbler Ridge, but you cannot if you work in the mine.

This is discrimination at its worse. On behalf of all Canadians living in resource based towns, I call on the federal government to review and amend CMHC special risk policy.

International Human Rights Day

[Daniel Turp, Bloc, Beauharnois—Salaberry, QC]

Mr. Speaker, today I wish to join forces with the other Bloc Quebecois members in drawing attention to International Human Rights Day. This event is even more meaningful this year since it coincides with the start of celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Every day, events remind us of the importance of these fundamental rights and freedoms. There is no doubt that they have contributed to legitimizing the principle of the constitutional state, to democratization, and to the broadening of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights.

Despite these real advances, however, there is still much to be done. The tragedy of the Palestinian refugees in the Middle East, the scandal of the loagai in China, the denial of the rights of the aboriginal communities in Chiapas, are all examples which rightly trouble the international community.

For this reason, governments, the Government of Canada included, must loudly reaffirm the inalienable and universal character of human rights, the rights of women in particular, and must continue to remind—

[The Speaker]

The hon. member for Beauce.

Canada Foundation For Innovation

[Claude Drouin, Liberal, Beauce, QC]

Mr. Speaker, Quebec researchers are reacting strongly to the PQ government's threat to cut off research centres and universities which accept funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation.

The PQ government, on the other hand, is demanding its share of the sums to be allocated to R and D.

The former leader of the Bloc, the man who believes his party is destined to disappear, the hon. member for Roberval, indicated on February 28, 1996 that they believed R and D investments were needed to create jobs.

Quebec Premier Lucien Bouchard said on October 3, 1995:

Quebec only gets 18.6% of federal funds compared to 50% for Ontario.

The federal government is taking action, but the PQ is complaining and protesting against the action of the Government of Canada with respect to Quebec institutions. By making the researchers pay the political price, the Parti Quebecois is acting against the interests of Quebec. The Bloc ought to join with those who are speaking out against this action by the separatists.

Let us have protection of the public at heart.

Quebec Government

[Robert Bertrand, Liberal, Pontiac—Gatineau—Labelle, QC]

Mr. Speaker, we heard sad news this morning: the Quebec minister of labour, Louise Harel, hit the wall with her cabinet yesterday when she presented her social assistance reform proposal.

It was somewhat reminiscent of the last Parti Quebecois congress when those who were hoping for socio-economic improvements were disappointed by the PQ government.

The Parti Quebecois needs social agencies when it comes time to promote Quebec's separation from the rest of Canada, but when it comes time to give people real help, they are told the Quebec government has no money.

This attitude is called disdain. So when the sovereignists try to give us a lesson in social politics, we can send them out to pasture, because they are doing worse to the people of Quebec.

Journalism

[Cliff Breitkreuz, Reform, Yellowhead, AB]

Mr. Speaker, last week Diane Francis wrote about Quebec terrorist Ray Villeneuve. On Friday in her member's statement the separatist member for Laval Centre referred to patriotic Canadian editors and columnists as stalinizers.

To equate thoughtful journalism to Stalin the slaughterer is shameful. Stalin murdered millions of innocent people. My ancestors and other Canadians who fled Russia are disgusted and insulted by the separatist's comments. How dare she minimize the memories of such a murderous madman.

Convicted killer Villeneuve and his guerrillas continue to threaten innocent people. Senior citizens, for heaven's sake, are being beaten in the streets of Quebec by separatist thugs while our justice system stands idly by.

Villeneuve brags about taking hammers and bombs to federalists. The separatists should be attacking the hammer and sickle techniques of Villeneuve, not the media that are merely reporting the facts.

Bill C-14

[Maurice Dumas, Bloc, Argenteuil—Papineau, QC]

Mr. Speaker, at their latest national council, the members of the Parti Quebecois unanimously passed a motion introduced by the riding of Argenteuil, the Conseil régional des Laurentides and the Conseil exécutif national, which reads as follows:

“It is moved that the national council reiterate Quebec's full rights to administer a general policy on Quebec waters and condemn the latest federal infringement in an area of provincial jurisdiction with the introduction of Bill C-14.”

The people of Quebec will never agree to let the federal government appropriate this common wealth, which belongs to Quebec. It alone must have control and it intends to keep it.

Rights Of Children

[Eleni Bakopanos, Liberal, Ahuntsic, QC]

Mr. Speaker, on December 13, 1991 Canada ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, ensuring the right of every child to a standard of living adequate for the child's physical, mental, spiritual, moral and social development. However development cannot begin unless we provide the most fundamental necessities of housing, clothing and, above all, nutrition.

The government's commitment to children is very clearly demonstrated through our numerous initiatives such as the prenatal program, the Canada child tax benefit and our national children's agenda.

We all need to do our part in our communities to see that children do not go hungry, especially at this time of year.

When I held my open house for the holidays, I invited the people of the riding of Ahuntsic to help out those less fortunate by donating food to Magasin-Partage of the community help and nutrition service (SNAC). Thanks to these donations, some 350 families will have food for the holidays.

I congratulate my colleagues who have put forward such initiatives. We must all do our part, not only during this holiday season but year round.

Air Crash

[Bev Desjarlais, NDP, Churchill, MB]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday afternoon in my riding tragedy hit Little Grand Rapids, a remote community some 260 kilometres northeast of Winnipeg.

A plane crashed killing the pilot and two others. A child also died later in the hospital. The remaining passengers, some of them critically injured, are being treated in a tiny nursing station near the crash site. Only now are the injured being air-lifted to a hospital in Winnipeg.

Residents travelled to the site by skidoo to assist the injured. Volunteers were up all night bringing needed supplies to the nursing station. For more than 20 hours, rescue planes were unable to land due to treacherous weather conditions. The airport at Little Grand Rapids, like many remote communities, has limited resources and equipment, increasing the potential for dangerous landings.

Today we extend our deepest sympathy to the families and friends of those who died in the crash. We also commend the community and the many volunteers who have offered their help to the victims of the crash.

Marcia Adams And Marlene McCutcheon

[Jean Dubé, Progressive Conservative, Madawaska—Restigouche, NB]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honour two people whose lives touched many in my community.

Last Friday a terrible car accident took the lives of two school teachers, Mrs. Marcia Adams and Mrs. Marlene McCutcheon. The entire community has suffered a tremendous loss.

Marcia Adams was an exceptional woman and an example to all young teachers entering the profession. Her devotion and her love for her job and the children she taught were only surpassed by the respect she gained in the community.

Marlene McCutcheon was just starting in her career, but already she was distinguishing herself as someone who cared about the young people she taught and the betterment of her school.

While we mourn our loss we also remember their lessons of determination, self-esteem, compassion and devotion. We will all miss them.

National Unity

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

Mr. Speaker, Statistics Canada recently confirmed what Canadians have known for years: the face of Canada is rapidly changing.

According to StatsCan, 4.7 million people reported a mother tongue other than French or English. That is a 15% increase in just five years.

Canada is much more than francophone and anglophone. It is time for the government to scrap outdated policies such as official multiculturalism and bilingualism that fail to reflect the reality of Canada. Multiculturalism is a misplaced policy which does more to divide Canadians than to unite us. Bilingualism is costly, unfair and discriminatory.

It is time for a national debate on the true nature of our country. It is time to redefine what it means to be Canadian and to embrace the new reality. It is time to capture and foster a new national spirit.

Human Rights

[Mauril Bélanger, Liberal, Ottawa—Vanier, ON]

Mr. Speaker, today marks the 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This milestone reminds us that human rights are the foundation of women's equality in Canada and around the world.

Internationally, Canada uses venues such as the United Nations, the Commonwealth and the Organization of American States to promote women's rights.

Here at home, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees equal protection and benefits under the law to Canadian men and women. Women have used the charter to challenge legislation which discriminates against them.

The Government of Canada will continue to fight discrimination against women and support their efforts to find solutions to the problems confronting them.

[John McKay, Liberal, Scarborough East, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise in the House today in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This milestone gives us cause to recognize that human rights are the foundation of women's equality in Canada and around the world.

Internationally Canada continues to play a leadership role in support of human rights at the United Nations, the Commonwealth and the Organization of American States.

Here at home the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees Canadians equal access and equal benefit under the law. Women have used the charter to challenge legislation which discriminates against them.

The government will continue to support women who face discrimination based not only on their gender but also on their race, their age and their disabilities. We will continue to support them in their efforts.

Deputy Clerk Mary Anne Griffith

[The Speaker]

My colleagues, I want to pay tribute before we start our question period today and you will understand why.

Today, for those of us who are House officers, is rather a bittersweet day because Mary Anne Griffith, Deputy Clerk of the House of Commons, is sitting for the last time as a table officer in this Chamber.

She is leaving us after 30 years in the public service, 27 of them here, in the House of Commons. During her long career in the House, Mary Anne achieved a lot.

In April 1883 she became a table officer—

[Some hon. members]

Hear, hear.

[An hon. member]

She looks so well.

[The Speaker]

Forgive me. And in 1983 she did it again. As the first principal clerk of the Table Research Branch and later the clerk assistant, Research, she contributed greatly to this House's current status as a Commonwealth leader in procedural research and information.

In 1987, she became the first person to be appointed Deputy Clerk. In 1994, she took over the responsibility for administrative services, the position she will be leaving next month.

I know, my colleagues, that you will join me in recognizing Mary Anne's distinguished career. I want to wish you, Mary Anne, your husband Greg and your family, good health and every happiness in the years to come. You have done a great service for us here in the House of Commons and we are deeply appreciative.

[Some hon. members]

Hear, hear.

Search And Rescue

[Preston Manning, Reform, Leader of the Opposition]

Best wishes, Mary Anne, from the new members as well as the old members.

Mr. Speaker, Canadians were shocked to hear of a tragic plane crash last night near Little Grand Rapids, Manitoba. Our hearts go out to the families of the four people who died.

An armed forces Hercules circled above the crash site but were unable to help the injured below. It could not land. It was the Winnipeg Sun that had to come to the rescue. It chartered a commercial helicopter, landed at the site and ferried three of the injured to safety.

It is our understanding that the government is supposed to be responsible for search and rescue. Therefore my question for the Prime Minister is why did a newspaper have to do what this Liberal government could not?