House of Commons Hansard #136 of the 35th Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was grain.

Topics

Francophone CommunitiesStatements By Members

1:55 p.m.

The Speaker

I am sorry to have to interrupt the hon. member, but his time has run out.

Francophone CommunitiesStatements By Members

1:55 p.m.

The Speaker

The hon. member for Lisgar-Marquette.

TaxationStatements By Members

1:55 p.m.

Reform

Jake Hoeppner Reform Lisgar—Marquette, MB

Mr. Speaker, the Liberals crow about reducing the deficit, but how have they reduced it? Mainly by increases of $25 billion in tax revenue and cuts to health care and social programs of almost $7 billion. They even announced a major CPP hike on the backs of Canadians days before the budget and hoped it would be overshadowed.

The government has implemented 36 tax increases and craftily used the deindexed income tax system to its benefit. The Liberal government has increased the national debt by $100 billion, and we still have unemployment rates of nearly 10 per cent.

If the last four Liberal budgets were so successful why were there a record number of bankruptcies last year? Why are Canadians carrying record debt loads? Why are personal savings at record lows?

Canadians know the truth. They will not be fooled by a Liberal budget that spins rhetoric instead of offering hope.

TourismStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Liberal

George Proud Liberal Hillsborough, PE

Mr. Speaker, the summer tourism season is fast approaching. On Prince Edward Island our tourism industry is quickly preparing for a record breaking year. This is the year we open the Confederation Bridge between Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick.

There are plenty of other reasons to visit Charlottetown. In particular, on Canada Day weekend we have the Festival of the Lights. On Labour Day weekend we have the Festival of the Fathers. At Province House, the provincial legislature and site of the 1864 Charlottetown conference, an audio-visual program is run by Parks Canada.

Throughout the summer we have the Confederation Centre of Arts including the Charlottetown Festival Young Company. Besides showing the famous Anne of Green Gables play there are number of heritage events such as a film series, speakers series and a summer lecture series.

These are just some of the highlights of our summer season. I encourage all Canadians and all visitors to visit this summer the birthplace of Confederation.

LobbyistsStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Liberal

John Bryden Liberal Hamilton—Wentworth, ON

Mr. Speaker, because I have been critical of government funding of special interest lobbies and because I have called for more transparency and accountability from charities, I have become the target of repeated smear campaigns and attack ads by one of those lobbies, the Non-Smokers' Rights Association, and its front charity, the Smoking and Health Foundation.

Yet these organizations which are really one and the same have been receiving $500,000 yearly from Health Canada. This is unacceptable. Health Canada should not be bankrolling an organization that is trying to crush an MP who is merely doing the job he was elected to do. This has to stop.

Health Canada should be using taxpayers' dollars to finance health care and not lobbyists.

International Women's WeekStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Liberal

Georgette Sheridan Liberal Saskatoon—Humboldt, SK

Mr. Speaker, today marks the beginning of International Women's Week, a global celebration of women's accomplishments in seeking gender equality.

Since women's struggles were officially recognized through the first International Women's Day in 1911 great strides have been made but much remains to be done.

In Canadian politics, for example, less than 20 per cent of the members of the House are female compared to 52 per cent of the general population.

A more shocking imbalance occurs in science where less than 5 per cent of faculty and engineering are female, a statistic women like Dr. Lillian Dyck are working hard to correct. A biochemist at the University of Saskatchewan, Dr. Dyck takes very seriously her duties as a role model for girls and women in science.

Having completed her own chemistry degree without ever encountering a female professor, Dr. Dyck hopes to encourage more female students to seek careers in science and engineering. The supportive atmosphere and changing stereotypical attitudes are crucial if the imbalance in this male dominated field is to be corrected.

Just as in politics, women in science need to see other women in the jobs to which they aspire. Scientists like Dr. Lillian Dyck are making sure this happens.

Aboriginal AffairsStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Reform

John Duncan Reform North Island—Powell River, BC

Mr. Speaker, the government's lack of vision on aboriginal affairs has been exposed.

Last week at the meeting of national chiefs the AFN agreed to stage a national day of protest on April 17 due to Liberal inaction. Again last week the Prime Minister and the minister refused to meet the AFN to discuss the $60 million royal commission. Why do they duck and weave?

Two weeks ago an aboriginal Liberal senator said the federal government should stop funding the Assembly of First Nations. This week the minister is barging ahead on the misguided Indian Act II to give the appearance of doing something.

The Liberals are so compromised on aboriginal affairs that their solution has become spend, spend, spend. David Nahwegahbow has a word for the minister. Last week this author of the aboriginal affairs section of the Liberal red book said: "For the Liberals to say they fulfilled their promises in the red book was a lie".

Aboriginal AffairsStatements By Members

2 p.m.

The Speaker

As the member is well aware, we cannot use other people's words to say what we are not permitted to say in the House. I would like the hon. member to withdraw those words.

Aboriginal AffairsStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Reform

John Duncan Reform North Island—Powell River, BC

Mr. Speaker, he said it. I will withdraw it.

Aboriginal AffairsStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

The Speaker

I put the question to you. It is just a straight yes or no. Will you withdraw?

Aboriginal AffairsStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Reform

John Duncan Reform North Island—Powell River, BC

I will withdraw, Mr. Speaker.

Human RightsStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Bloc

Philippe Paré Bloc Louis-Hébert, QC

Mr. Speaker, on February 5, the Minister of Foreign Affairs said: "In terms of international relations, human rights may be considered a fundamental issue that is an immediate element of any relationship regardless of what else is involved".

For three years now, Tran Trieu Quan has been a prisoner in Vietnam in a matter of fraud in which he is the victim rather than the perpetrator. The policy of effective influence based on dialogue and encouragement has not produced any of the results we might expect.

The government continues to prefer a trade approach to international relations combined with a muted human rights policy. In November 1994, during his trip to Asia, the Prime Minister said: "-I prefer opening markets and trading; the walls will eventually come down".

In the prison where he has been languishing for more than three year, Tran Trieu Quan is still waiting for the walls to crack and let in the light of day. When will the government decide to speak up?

EmploymentStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Jag Bhaduria Liberal Markham—Whitchurch-Stouffville, ON

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister's strategy for job creation has been truly a failure. This was demonstrated by the fact that some three million Canadians applied for unemployment insurance last year, which cost the government more than $13 billion. That is the Prime Minister's do nothing job strategy.

On another point I want to congratulate every hard working Canadian for contributing a total of $26 billion over the past three years toward reducing the federal deficit. I am pleased the Prime Minister has acknowledged their contribution. These Canadians are solely responsible for reducing our federal deficit and the Prime Minister must not take any credit for this. The victory is not his and Canadians know this.

The hard working middle class Canadians had their pockets drained once again and we must thank all of them for their generosity.

MiningStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Stan Dromisky Liberal Thunder Bay—Atikokan, ON

Mr. Speaker, it is often said that the Canadian mining industry is a world leader in terms of technological development, environmental stewardship and mineral production. In a similar fashion Canada is gaining a reputation in the manner in which it handles issues of concern to the mining industry.

There is no better example of this than South Africa's use of the Whitehorse mining initiative as a means of bringing stakeholders together to promote mining. The Whitehorse mining initiative brought together Canadian governments, the mining industry, and labour, environmental and aboriginal groups to set out common principles and an agenda to deal with issues facing the mining industry.

Now South Africa is following Canada's lead to assist it in reforming its minerals and mines policy. I applaud our Minister of Natural Resources and all participants in the Whitehorse mining initiative for their leadership on mining issues.

Montfort HospitalStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Eugène Bellemare Liberal Carleton—Gloucester, ON

Mr. Speaker, Mike Harris and the Conservative government of Ontario are slashing the province's hospital services.

The health services restructuring committee has just recommended the closure of the Montfort hospital, the only French language hospital in Ontario. To close the Montfort is to threaten French life in Ontario, particularly in eastern Ontario where 40 per cent of the francophones live.

Mike Harris should be ashamed. The Ontario Minister of Francophone Affairs, Noble Villeneuve, the only francophone in cabinet, should also be ashamed for not defending the rights of Franco-Ontarians in this matter.

International Women's DayStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Ronald J. Duhamel Liberal St. Boniface, MB

Mr. Speaker, March 8 is International Women's Day. This day is an opportunity to celebrate the many important achievements of women over the past centuries as well as today. It is also a time to pay tribute to the women who are so important to us in our daily lives: our partners, mothers, sisters, daughters, colleagues and friends.

You will no doubt recall that International Women's Day was instituted after the major strikes that took place in the middle of the 19th century, when industrialization drew women to the labour market in droves.

In 1977, the United Nations officially invited nations to dedicate one day to celebrating the equality of women. As a new century draws near, efforts in support of gender equality must not only continue but increase.

Mr. Speaker, my colleagues, please join me in celebrating International Women's Day.

ZellersStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Bloc

Osvaldo Nunez Bloc Bourassa, QC

Mr. Speaker, Zellers just announced the final closure of its distribution centre in my riding of Bourassa.

In the name of corporate restructuring, 379 employees will lose their jobs in Montreal North, a community which is already struggling with more than its fair share of unemployment and poverty as it is. Some of the jobs will be transferred to Toronto, where Zellers moved its head office in 1996. With its anti-Quebec policies, the federal government is largely responsible for this closure and the resulting human tragedy.

To Zellers employees, I offer my support and solidarity. Of the federal government, I ask that the necessary steps be taken to get this company to reconsider its decision and remain in operation in Montreal North, where they have a well-trained, skilled and qualified workforce.

EmploymentStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Reform

Jay Hill Reform Prince George—Peace River, BC

Mr. Speaker, while in opposition Liberals knew that payroll taxes kill jobs. However it seems power has clouded their memories.

Here is a reality check:

Every time we raise the contribution rate for the CPP or the QPP-we increase the tax burden on workers and employers-such increases are difficult to justify.

The current Minister of Labour said that.

How about this one?

When you look at the burden of payroll taxes on small firms, you have to include, of course, the Canada pension plan employer contributions-the combination of all these taxes impose an onerous burden, especially on small and medium sized businesses.

Our industry minister said that.

Since the two ministers most associated with employment know that the finance minister's 73 per cent CPP increase will kill jobs, why do they not speak up? So much for the jobs, jobs, jobs promise. It looks like the only jobs and pensions this government cares about are its own.

Black CommunityStatements By Members

March 3rd, 1997 / 2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Michel Dupuy Liberal Laval West, QC

Mr. Speaker, last Friday, the human resources development minister and the hon. member for Mount-Royal attended the opening of the black community resource centre in Montreal.

This centre, which will receive funding from the Canadian government of more than $1 million for the next three years, is desgined to promote social integration of young black anglophones in the Greater Montreal area. The activities are aimed at a clientele from 0 to 25 years of age. In co-operation with the qualified staff and the many volunteer organizations that will be involved, the centre will try to develop an awareness of the psychosocial, health, education and economic needs of the youth from that community.

This is another example of our government's interest in working, in partnership with the stakeholders in the sector, toward improving living conditions for our young people.

TourismStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Andy Mitchell Liberal Parry Sound—Muskoka, ON

Mr. Speaker, there is no industry more important in my riding than tourism. It accounts for half the jobs in Parry Sound-Muskoka and it is an important economic generator throughout rural Canada.

The tourism industry supports over half a million jobs Canada-wide. It is a $26 billion industry and the Canadian Tourism Commission has been successful in achieving a 13 per cent increase in our international tourism receipts which is leading to even more jobs.

This year's budget builds on that progress. The $15 million annual increase to the Canadian Tourism Commission means that we will be better positioned to market Canada around the world. Our commitment of $50 million to the Business Development Bank of Canada will result in $250 million in new loans for tourism operators in rural Canada, in areas like mine where the operators have been starved for capital in the last few years.

Our government is committed to tourism. It is committed to creating jobs for Canadians. It is committed to rural Canada.

Tobacco BillOral Question Period

2:15 p.m.

Roberval Québec

Bloc

Michel Gauthier BlocLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, with its tobacco bill, the government is getting ready to strike a very hard blow to the economy of Montreal and of all of Quebec.

A great many major cultural and sports events take place in Quebec, and the government, through its bill, which places very serious limitations on sponsorships, is going to deal a fatal blow to the sports, cultural and economic life of Quebec.

My question is for the Prime Minister. Does the Prime Minister realize that, if his government goes ahead with its bill, there will be no television coverage next weekend of the Australian Grand Prix,

or of any other grand prix later this season, and that the health minister's bill will mean the end of the Montreal Grand Prix, something Quebecers can never accept?

Tobacco BillOral Question Period

2:15 p.m.

Saint-Maurice Québec

Liberal

Jean Chrétien LiberalPrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, we introduced a bill that was supported by the official opposition party.

I could point out a number of the members' concerns. I could say that the whole purpose of this bill is to protect the health of young people. I believe that the age at which people take up smoking is lower in Quebec than elsewhere.

We are not banning all forms of advertising. We are proposing regulations making it possible to operate under stricter rules, so as to mitigate the effects. The minister's bill is being considered by the House of Commons. We have made a few concessions to accommodate people. The government's concern, however, is to ensure that the health of Canadians and of Quebecers is properly protected.

In this connection, I quote Quebec's health minister, Mr. Rochon, who said: "It is a step in the right direction". He told the press: "Sponsorship is subliminal advertising. It is a very powerful way of encouraging consumption of the product, particularly by young people".

With this in mind, we must focus on people's health, and try to work out an arrangement in so far as possible. There were restrictions with respect to sports events throughout the world.

Tobacco BillOral Question Period

2:15 p.m.

Roberval Québec

Bloc

Michel Gauthier BlocLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister can leave Jean Rochon in Quebec City. We are speaking to the federal government, to the federal health minister, to the Prime Minister himself, because he is the one jeopardizing the very existence of most of the major cultural and sports events, which are held primarily in Quebec. That is what we are talking about.

Yes, it is true that the opposition supports the principle of limiting tobacco consumption, but the advertising measures are going to jeopardize culture and sports. And that is what we are against.

Can the Prime Minister turn a deaf ear to the militant members in his own Liberal Party who met in Quebec over the weekend and expressed their concern about the fate reserved for cultural and sports events, and who spoke critically of the health minister's bill to the responsible ministers in the Quebec government? Can the Prime Minister turn a deaf ear even to the federal Liberals from Quebec?

Tobacco BillOral Question Period

2:15 p.m.

Saint-Maurice Québec

Liberal

Jean Chrétien LiberalPrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, when we spoke with those involved, they asked us for more time. The legislation was to take effect immediately in December, and we decided to grant an extension until October 1998, in order to give the organizations in question time to adjust.

Tobacco BillOral Question Period

2:15 p.m.

Bloc

Paul Crête Bloc Kamouraska—Rivière-Du-Loup, QC

They are not happy.