Debates of Dec. 11th, 1997

Patriots Of Saint-Eustache

[Gilles-A. Perron, Bloc, Saint-Eustache—Sainte-Thérèse, QC]

Mr. Speaker, carved out of the lands of the seigneurie des Mille Isles, the riding of Sainte-Eustache—Sainte-Thérèse occupies an important place in our national history.

On December 14, 1837, 2,000 English soldiers commanded by Colborne waged battle with some one hundred of our young men. In response to Queen Victoria's troops, Dr. Jean-Olivier Chénier and his companions offered heroic resistance. With only the meanest of weapons, this clutch of men, barricaded in the church, fought a courageous battle over several hours with 70 of them losing their lives.

The people of Quebec remember you, Jean-Olivier Chénier, Jean-Baptiste Lauzé, François Dubé, Nazaire Fillion, Joseph Guitard, Séraphin Doré, Joseph Bouvret, Jean-Baptiste Toupin, Alexis Lachance, Pierre Dubeau, Joseph Paquet, and all the others.

War Crimes

[Elinor Caplan, Liberal, Thornhill, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I do not believe everything I read in the newspaper. However, I hope what was reported on Monday in the Toronto Star is correct. It was reported that tomorrow, December 12, the Minister of Justice will announce that Neal Sher will be hired as a special adviser to the war crimes unit in the Department of Justice.

My constituents in the riding of Thornhill will be delighted if this report is true. Mr. Sher will be of great assistance to the Canadian government, bringing war criminals to trial in Canada. While acting as the head of the U.S. justice department's office of special investigations, he had a most impressive record of deporting war crime suspects from the United States.

Canada must not be, nor be seen as, a haven for war criminals and I am proud to say that the government of which I am a member is taking action to correct a problem that has gone on for too long. I would like to welcome Mr. Sher to Canada and I wish him success in his attempts to rid our country of people who have committed unspeakable crimes against humanity.

Rail Transportation

[Guy St-Julien, Liberal, Abitibi, QC]

Mr. Speaker, once again, the Quebec premier, Lucien Bouchard, and the PQ members of the Saguenay—Lac Saint-Jean and Abitibi—Témiscamingue regions are imposing new changes on the load requirements for heavy vehicles, by allowing 25 meter long road trains, and a load increase of several thousands kilos.

It is estimated that, every day, 400 additional trucks may travel on the secondary roads of the Saguenay—Lac Saint-Jean region. People are afraid of trucks. The Quebec transport minister is the first one to admit that certain roads in the Saguenay—Lac Saint-Jean region arre dangerous.

Through their silence, Lucien bouchard, who is from Lac Saint-Jean, and the PQ members are signing the death warrant of the railway network in these rural areas, that is the short line railway for northern Quebec. A public debate must take place. Quebeckers are the only ones who should make this decision.

'Twas The Night Before Christmas

[Myron Thompson, Reform, Wild Rose, AB]

Mr. Speaker,

'Twas the night before Christmas and all of Sundre was sleeping, Safe in the knowledge Reform's watch I was keeping. Me and my stetson and Art in the night, Prepared our Sea King for a long winter's flight.

We tightened the rotors and filled it with gas, Praying we will make it to see Preston at last. The copter it shook and landed with a splatter, On 24 Sussex, hey Art, grab the ladder.

We ran from the copter to the back of the house, Past the guards and the sensors, quiet as a mouse. The PM appeared, mad as a hatter, Sculptures in hand, poised like a batter.

Myron and Art, he cried with delight, Come in, come in, come in from the night. Of course you know Herb and Sheila and Paul, We're writing a new red book, it's due out next fall.

Our ideas are vague, disjointed and few, Will you call Preston, he'll know what to do. Do you think this is Christmas, Art said with a smile, While off in the corner, I started to dial.

Preston, it's Myron, I'm with the PM, He's turning Reform, Herb, lend me a pen. Just as he signed Paul started to shout, How much will this cost, our books are in doubt.

Our country's at stake, Reform is the answer If you don't like our beef, try eating Prancer.

Young Offenders Act

[Carmen Provenzano, Liberal, Sault Ste. Marie, ON]

Mr. Speaker, what is this relatively new phenomenon of teenage group criminality that manifests itself in the commission of serious assaults and the swarming, looting and vandalism of shopping malls?

What is this deviant activity that only two weeks ago resulted in the brutal murder of a teenage girl? And what is the anti-social impulse that compelled dozens of young people to stand by idly while this innocent girl was beaten to death?

This type of behaviour is occurring with alarming frequency and violence and is no longer confined to the asphalt jungles of North America's mega cities. This type of behaviour defies comprehension and suggests an underlying desensitization and total disregard for the consequences of a criminal act.

This form of group criminality goes beyond the scope of the Young Offenders Act. It needs to be examined right now and addressed independently of the act to ensure the future well-being and safety of Canadians.

Violence Against Aboriginal Women

[Jocelyne Girard-Bujold, Bloc, Jonquière, QC]

Mr. Speaker, violence in Canada's aboriginal communities is omnipresent. It is a constant threat to the safety and the development of the full potential of aboriginal children and women.

During the hearings of the royal commission, First nations, Inuit and Metis women said they would like to see better support services, and also alcohol and drug abuse programs that are more effective and better suited to their environment.

I urge the Liberal government to follow up on the commission's recommendation by implementing community projects and a health care system for aboriginals, in which women will have a decision making role.

These women are aware of the consequences of violence in their communities and they want to be part of the new reality, so that their physical and psychological well-being, and that of their children, will finally be protected. The federal government must take immediate action in this area.

Tribute To Soeur Lorette Gallant

[Claudette Bradshaw, Liberal, Moncton, NB]

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to pay tribute to Soeur Lorette Gallant.

For the past 40 years, Soeur Lorette has been directing Les Jeunes Chanteurs de l'Acadie, a choir of young people from the Greater Moncton area. Soeur Lorette started this choir in 1957 at Beauséjour school.

Over the years, the choir became more community based. Les Jeunes Chanteurs de l'Acadie have won several provincial, national and international awards. The choir has provided many young people the opportunity to travel across Canada as well as abroad.

In 1996, Soeur Lorette was made a member of the Order of Canada in recognition of her dedication to young people and to her community.

Soeur Lorette is a remarkable person who dedicated herself to children in her community. She has helped many children over the years build a sense of respect and commitment. We are all very grateful to her for this. She is our idol.

'Twas The Night After Kyoto

[Chuck Strahl, Reform, Fraser Valley, BC]

Mr. Speaker,

'Twas the night after Kyoto, and all through the land Not a person could tell where the Liberals stand While the stockings are hung by the chimney with care The Liberals claim that chimneys shouldn't be there

They say we should trust them, don't worry or fret But Canadians feel they've been shafted, you bet They think back to Pearson, the airport that's gone Or the sad cancellation of the EH-101

The Somalia thing, and the Krever thing too It's no wonder Canadians don't know what to do The Quebec referendum, Mulroney's Airbus And the pepper spray story they said was no fuss

The fund-raising scandal where money brought grants Was a Liberal plan till the cops said you can't A victims first policy is replaced in the night With a new Liberal promise—more animal rights

The postal strike problem, it was clear as a bell It was proof, said the Libs, that the system works well Then out in the land there arose such a clatter The spin doctors asked themselves, what is the matter?

Our patronage system is working just fine Every Liberal job we give is one of a kind Could it be they detect that our Grit arrogance Has now reached such proportion it causes offence?

The Liberals are famous for taking, not giving They're year round examples that Scrooge is still living

Economic And Social Programs

[Yvon Charbonneau, Liberal, Anjou—Rivière-Des-Prairies, QC]

Mr. Speaker, with the Canadian first ministers conference just hours away, the PQ government went all out by asking the federal government to freeze its spending in various economic and social programs.

The PQ's political goals are clear: to derail any plans for federal-provincial co-operation regarding the future of Canada.

The Parti Quebecois is carrying on its irresponsible referendum battle, inviting the Canadian government to abandon its responsibilities to the people of Canada, something our government is obviously not prepared to do.

We made a vital commitment to the people of Canada in the last election campaign to improve their quality of life. Giving in to threats by a sovereignist provincial government, whose sole purpose is to break up the country, is out of the question.

If the Parti Quebecois is serious about taking Quebec out of Canada and will not agree to full and frank discussion, it should call an election in Quebec and let the people know what their future will be after separation.

Cape Tormentine

[Angela Vautour, NDP, Beauséjour—Petitcodiac, NB]

Mr. Speaker, the federal government has abandoned the once prosperous community of Cape Tormentine.

Upon completion of the fixed link, the ferry service from the village of Cape Tormentine to Prince Edward Island ceased. The village lost not only the ferry but its prosperity as well.

Hope was to be restored with the announcement of new money under the Cape Tormentine redevelopment program. The federal government pledged $1.8 million to help offset the closure of Maritime Atlantic's terminal.

The program turned out to be nothing but a series of empty promises. Why is it? Perhaps because the provincial government had already exhausted half the funds allocated to the program.

This government is subsidizing the New Brunswick provincial Liberal's byelection campaign by pick-pocketing ACOA funds in order to finance projects for the department of agriculture and the department of economic development and tourism.

I demand that the minister ensure that the money supposed to go to the Cape Tormentine area gets to the people who need it. They have suffered long enough.

“Let Us Spend”

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

Mr. Speaker,

Unemployment rates are frightful Inside the Grits feel delightful They say stop the cuts and then

[Some hon. members]

Let us spend, let us spend, let us spend.

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

The Grits say we need to buy some votes back We must reward some old hacks The jobless can wait till then

[Some hon. members]

Let us spend, let us spend, let us spend.

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

The Grits say, when we finally balance the books These same books we can cook And if Canadians hold on tight We'll give them a great big tax hike

The Tories made it easy Free Trade is not so sleazy So we'll take the credit and then

[Some hon. members]

Let us spend, let us spend, let us spend.

Cultural And Sporting Events In The Mauricie

[Yves Rocheleau, Bloc, Trois-Rivières, QC]

Mr. Speaker, once again the Mauricie region has to mobilize against this government.

Greater Trois-Rivières decries the inertia of the Liberals, who have forced the tobacco companies to withdraw their support for cultural and sporting events next fall, thus threatening the survival of the Trois-Rivières grand prix.

However, on the eve of the election, Mr. Dingwall, Minister of Health at the time, announced his intention to introduce amendments. In a letter to car race organizers, he wrote, and I quote “I want it to be clear that, before the end of 1997, we will have time to introduce amendments in Parliament”.

This government abused the trust of the people of Quebec and of the Mauricie region.

The Trois-Rivières grand prix means $10 million in economic benefits, but more importantly it is an opportunity for pride that unites our people behind an activity that gives them international recognition. We want to develop this event, not just to have it survive. This is why we demand the government honour the commitment it made before the last election.

Speaker's Workshop

[Marlene Catterall, Liberal, Ottawa West—Nepean, ON]

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of all members of Parliament I want to thank the little elves of parliament who sit at your feet ready to scurry to meet our every need.

I also want to thank the reindeer with their little green sleigh who drive us around Parliament Hill.

I also want to thank the angels posted at every door and in the corridors who look after our security and the beavers in the far corners of these buildings who help us to do our job.

And you, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Santa Claus pardon me, who sits benevolently in your big chair to make sure that we are all good little girls and boys.

Finally, to all Canadians who have given us the privilege of serving the history of this country, nos meilleurs voeux du temps des Fêtes.

Happy 1998 and thank you all.

The Environment

[Preston Manning, Reform, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday the environment minister signed the Kyoto deal. That means that Canada is committed to drastic cuts in economic activity.

Canadians now want answers on how much this will cost in terms of lost jobs and higher taxes, but the government refuses to answer. It just keeps saying “We don't know, so tell us your position” or the biggest whopper of all is “We don't know but it is probably cheaper to sign than not to sign”.

Tonight when the Prime Minister meets the premiers and they ask how much does Kyoto cost, does the government really think the premiers will buy these whoppers?

[Herb Gray, Liberal, Deputy Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, the Reform Party still has not made up its mind whether climate change is a problem. Until it does, it has no credibility with Canadians. It should go back home over the holidays and figure out what it wants to do.

[Preston Manning, Reform, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, Reform wants a balanced approach on this issue. It is the government that will not provide the economic side.

The premiers know that the cost of Kyoto could be thousands of lost jobs and even a 35¢ a litre jump at the pump. The Prime Minister lost the support of British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan before the government went to Kyoto and now Ontario says it will not go along.

How can the government possibly expect to implement this agreement and force it on these premiers when it has alienated at least four of them?

[Herb Gray, Liberal, Deputy Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, we believe that we made a good deal for Canadians on both environmental and economic grounds and we believe that as we discuss this with the premiers, they will join in the plan to make sure that the economy not only is not hurt by the Kyoto deal but will benefit from it.

Unlike the Reform Party, we have confidence in the ability of Canadians to develop and apply technologies not only to deal with global warming but also to advance our economy and to advance the position of the world.

[Preston Manning, Reform, Leader of the Opposition]

That is meaningless smog, Mr. Speaker.

A month ago Ottawa and the premiers agreed on a united position for Kyoto. Since then the Prime Minister unilaterally changed his position twice and the position that was signed at Kyoto is a different position again.

Why should other countries believe the Prime Minister will keep his promises at Kyoto when he does not keep his promises to the premiers of Canada?

[Herb Gray, Liberal, Deputy Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister took into account the views of the provincial premiers. Provincial ministers were present as part of the negotiations.

I ask the Leader of the Reform Party, why should the people of Canada believe him when he cannot even say what his position is and what should be done about the issue of global warming?

[Deborah Grey, Reform, Edmonton North, AB]

Mr. Speaker, Canadians woke up and asked themselves today, just what is this Kyoto deal all about. Now we know what it is about. It is a fancy photo op with some headlines.

In fact, the Kyoto deal is not even worth the recycled paper that it is printed on. The Prime Minister flip-flopped so many times about this that the provinces are refusing to implement the deal.

How can the government prove today that this Kyoto deal is not just a Rio repeat?