House of Commons Hansard #143 of the 35th Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was federal.

Topics

Public GalleryRoutine Proceedings

3:05 p.m.

The Speaker

And, you will respond for the Reform Party.

Public GalleryRoutine Proceedings

3:05 p.m.

Lethbridge Alberta

Reform

Ray Speaker ReformLethbridge

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Reform Party of Canada I would certainly like to support the action you have taken as Speaker of this assembly and the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs for the recognition and the apology extended to the young lady who was deterred from coming into our gallery. We certainly want to support that apology and recognize that quick action was taken.

It is very difficult for the security people under the variety of circumstances they face when different people come to the House of Commons.

I recall a somewhat similar situation in the Alberta legislature. A security person was asked to take very aggressive action and to be careful that no one arrived in the galleries who may do something that could harm someone sitting on the floor of the legislature.

In this case it was the House of Commons. I hope consideration will be given to the actions of the security person as well. I am sure the person applied the law as he thought fit at the moment. Maybe a misjudgement was made. We have rectified that at this time, but some concern should also be expressed from the House to the security personnel that have done an exceptional job under many circumstances for us as members of Parliament.

Public GalleryRoutine Proceedings

3:05 p.m.

Bloc

René Laurin Bloc Joliette, QC

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Bloc Quebecois, I join with the Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs in recognizing that the government must extend an apology for the incident that occurred yesterday.

The Bloc Quebecois and the people of Quebec have always had great respect for aboriginal people, as demonstrated time and time again in our long-standing relations with these people. We regret such an incident occurred. That is why, today, we want to make it clear that the respect the people of Quebec have for aboriginal people is always there.

We feel that the apologies made today by the Minister were justified and in order, and we support his action.

Public GalleryRoutine Proceedings

3:10 p.m.

The Speaker

When we have statements by ministers, the rules of the House set out that a member from the official opposition and a member from the Reform Party can intervene if they so desire.

However we have another rule that states whenever the House altogether wants to give unanimous consent to anything it can do so.

The hon. member for Churchill has approached the Chair and has asked me if he could intervene. If the House agrees I will give the floor to the member for Churchill.

Is there agreement for the hon. member for Churchill to address the House?

Public GalleryRoutine Proceedings

3:10 p.m.

Some hon. members

Agreed.

Public GalleryRoutine Proceedings

3:10 p.m.

Liberal

Elijah Harper Liberal Churchill, MB

Mr. Speaker, I was going to rise on a point of order and ask for your guidance on this matter. It is indeed an honour to rise.

I would like to acknowledge, if it is appropriate, your quick decision on this matter as Speaker of the highest authority in the land. As we know, the Creator honours this place.

I would like to present you or arm you with an eagle feather so you can have it with you in this Chamber at all times.

Public GalleryRoutine Proceedings

3:10 p.m.

The Speaker

I would consider it a great honour and I will accept it.

Public GalleryRoutine Proceedings

3:10 p.m.

The Speaker

Let it be understood that I accept this in the name of the Parliament of Canada and in the name of all of my colleagues.

Public GalleryRoutine Proceedings

3:10 p.m.

Some hon. members

Hear, hear.

Committees Of The HouseRoutine Proceedings

3:10 p.m.

Liberal

Andy Mitchell Liberal Parry Sound—Muskoka, ON

Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the third report of the Standing Committee on Natural Resources entitled "Think Rural", a study of rural economic development in Canada.

The committee heard evidence from a wide range of witnesses from across Canada and reports its recommendations calling on the government, the private sector and all Canadians to recognize the uniqueness of rural Canada, its separate economic base, its special challenges and its longstanding traditions, and to apply policies in a manner that addresses these differences and provides rural Canadians with access to all the country has to offer.

Final Offer Arbitration In Respect Of West Coast Ports Operations ActRoutine Proceedings

3:10 p.m.

Reform

Dale Johnston Reform Wetaskiwin, AB

moved for leave to introduce Bill C-383, an act to provide for the settlement of labour disputes affecting west coast ports by final offer arbitration.

Mr. Speaker, the timing of the bill is quite relevant since we were talking about the labour code yesterday. The amendments that we as a party put forward to the labour code would have adopted final offer selection arbitration as a tool to be used in west coast work stoppages. It is ultimately important that we discuss the bill.

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

Canadian Radio-Television And Telecommunications Commission ActRoutine Proceedings

3:10 p.m.

Liberal

Dan McTeague Liberal Ontario, ON

moved for leave to table Bill C-384, an act to amend the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission Act.

Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to table an act respecting the membership of the CRTC.

It is quite clear to me that the timing of the bill could not be any better given the decision today by the CRTC to go after consumers as it relates to various rates.

I am presenting a bill that will amend the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission Act to provide for representation of Canadian consumers on the executive board of the commission, to require reports of commission decisions to detail the way each commission member voted in respect to those decisions, and to ensure that the commission generally has regard to the cost effectiveness and the rights of Canada consumers, particularly as they relate to the cable production fund and the cable revolt of two years ago.

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

PetitionsRoutine Proceedings

3:15 p.m.

Liberal

Tom Wappel Liberal Scarborough West, ON

Mr. Speaker, I have two petitions. The first contains approximately 325 signatures.

The petitioners call on the House of Commons to enact Bill C-205, introduced by myself, at the earliest opportunity, to provide in Canadian law that no criminal profits from committing a crime by telling the story of their crime.

PetitionsRoutine Proceedings

3:15 p.m.

Liberal

Tom Wappel Liberal Scarborough West, ON

Mr. Speaker, the second petition has approximately 75 signatures from the Mississauga area primarily.

It calls on Parliament to amend the Divorce Act to include a provision which is similar to article 611 of the Quebec civil code to prevent a father or mother without legal cause to place obstacles between a child and its grandparents. It asks for greater accountability and rights for grandparents to allow access to their grandchildren.

PetitionsRoutine Proceedings

3:15 p.m.

Bloc

Jean-Guy Chrétien Bloc Frontenac, QC

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to table a petition circulated by Albert Vachon, of Garthby, asking for the abolition of the Upper House, that is to say the Senate.

This would represent yearly savings of $60 million, or $5 million per month, for the federal government. Needless to say, the member for Frontenac supports this petition.

PetitionsRoutine Proceedings

3:15 p.m.

Bloc

René Laurin Bloc Joliette, QC

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to table today a second petition like the one I tabled a few weeks ago on behalf of residents of my riding who are asking Parliament to pass legislation to set a ceiling on interest rates charged on credit cards issued to consumers by banks and major retailers, based on the Bank of Canada rate.

PetitionsRoutine Proceedings

3:15 p.m.

Liberal

Ovid Jackson Liberal Bruce—Grey, ON

Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to table on behalf of my constituents a petition which asks that the Government of Canada co-operate with the provinces to make our highway systems better.

The operative clause reads: Therefore your petitioners call upon Parliament to urge the federal government to join with the provincial governments to make the national highway system upgrading possible beginning in 1997.

PetitionsRoutine Proceedings

3:15 p.m.

Liberal

Paul Steckle Liberal Huron—Bruce, ON

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing order 36, it is my pleasure to present two petitions. The first petition has about 250 names.

The petitioners believe there are profound inadequacies in the sentencing practices concerning individuals convicted of impaired driving charges. They request that Parliament proceed immediately with amendments to the Criminal Code that will ensure the sentence given to anyone convicted of driving while impaired or of causing injury or death while impaired reflects both the severity of the crime and zero tolerance toward this crime.

PetitionsRoutine Proceedings

3:15 p.m.

Liberal

Paul Steckle Liberal Huron—Bruce, ON

Mr. Speaker, my second petition has 550 signatures and is from people not only in my constituency but is from a broader base.

The petitioners believe the current justice system continues to be lenient on criminals, allowing them to re-enter society without receiving sufficient punishment and without facing proper responsibility and accountability for their actions. The current methods of punishment are not acting as proper deterrents and are not producing the desired effects of lower crime rates and safer communities.

Therefore, they call on Parliament to amend the appropriate laws to include corporal punishment as an alternate method of punishment for those adults who are repeat offenders and who choose not to be governed by more conventional methods.

PetitionsRoutine Proceedings

3:15 p.m.

Reform

Bob Mills Reform Red Deer, AB

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to present a petition signed by 54 of my constituents, which I endorse.

The petitioners call on Parliament to urge the federal government to join with the provincial governments to make the national highway system upgrading possible.

PetitionsRoutine Proceedings

3:15 p.m.

NDP

Bill Blaikie NDP Winnipeg—Transcona, MB

Mr. Speaker, I have two petitions. The first calls on Parliament to not increase the federal excise tax on gasoline.

PetitionsRoutine Proceedings

3:20 p.m.

NDP

Bill Blaikie NDP Winnipeg—Transcona, MB

The second petition, Mr. Speaker, asks that the equal pay for work of equal value legislation take effect immediately and that workers be reimbursed at the rate recommended.

PetitionsRoutine Proceedings

3:20 p.m.

Liberal

Rose-Marie Ur Liberal Lambton—Middlesex, ON

Mr. Speaker, I would like to table a petition signed by constituents of Lambton-Middlesex pursuant to Standing Order 36, and duly certified by the clerk of petitions.

The petitioners request that Parliament amend section 7 of Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms to recognize the fundamental right of individuals to pursue family life free from undue interference by the state, recognize the fundamental right and responsibility of parents to direct the upbringing of their children, and urge the legislative assembly of the province to do likewise.

PetitionsRoutine Proceedings

3:20 p.m.

Liberal

Anna Terrana Liberal Vancouver East, BC

Mr. Speaker, I have the pleasure of submitting a petition signed by over 100 residents of the greater Vancouver.

The petitioners ask Parliament to zero rate books, magazines and newspapers under the GST because education and literacy are critical to the development of our country.

PetitionsRoutine Proceedings

3:20 p.m.

Liberal

Andy Mitchell Liberal Parry Sound—Muskoka, ON

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased on behalf of my constituents to table some petitions. The first petition calls on the government to lower the tax on gasoline, another calls on the government to eliminate the tax on reading materials.