Debates of Oct. 2nd, 1998

Trade

[Howard Hilstrom, Reform, Selkirk—Interlake, MB]

Mr. Speaker, Canadian farmers continue to suffer because of belated responses by this government to the non-tariff trade actions taken by mid-western states.

They will continue to suffer because this is obviously part of an overall policy of U.S. trade action against Canadians. This is not just an election issue as some members have stated.

The Americans are currently proceeding with anti-dumping complaints against Canadian beef farmers and the Canadian dairy industry in addition to the ongoing harassment of the Canadian Wheat Board. All of these trade actions will take money out of the pockets of Canadians.

The government has started the WTO and NAFTA complaint process. I support this action, but it is not enough. The government must give this trade issue a higher priority than it has in the past month. I call on the three ministers involved to use every possible remedy, including court action, to immediately put an end to this problem.

Souris Coast Guard

[Wayne Easter, Liberal, Malpeque, PE]

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize three Souris, P.E.I coast guard crew members for a job well done.

Around 9.00 a.m. on the morning of September 27, the Souris coast guard station tuned in to a mayday call. Captain Roddie MacLeod, Richard Harris and Leslie Croucher responded immediately to the call and came to the rescue of three Gaspé tuna fishermen and their 45 foot boat.

The three tuna fishermen were found with survival suits on, floating in a life raft and watching their boat sink about 16 kilometres south of East Point. The coast guard crew brought the three fishermen on board the cutter, captured the boat at considerable risk, and towed their boat to safety as heavy rains and winds began to pick up.

I commend the Souris coast guard's Captain Roddie MacLeod, Richard Harris and Leslie Croucher for their timely response and valiant rescue.

Women's History Month

[Bonnie Brown, Liberal, Oakville, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize women's history month. This October will be the seventh annual celebration of the past and current contributions of women to Canadian society and Canadian heritage. This year's theme is the Business of Women: An Evolving Story.

All across Canada women are becoming more involved in the small business sector. One-third of all small and medium enterprises are owned by women. That figure rises to 46% when one considers new small businesses. Women entrepreneurs are also creating new jobs at a higher rate than the rest of the small business sector.

This government supports women in the small business community. We will continue to listen to suggestions and look for solutions to help the cause of women in the Canadian business world.

Montreal Expos

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

Mr. Speaker, as a student at Loyola College in Montreal, I remember going to see Les Expos when they introduced Canadians to a major league baseball team they could call their own. I remember the announcer at Jarry Park calling “The catcher, John Bock-a-bella.”

I remember Rusty Staub—“Le Grand Orange”—Rhéal Cormier and Larry Walker, the first Canadian this century to win a major league batting title.

Let us never forget that the Montreal Expos brought together not only citizens of Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke, but all Canadians. They unified a country; they aroused a passion for the game of baseball.

If the Expos strike out for the last time, Canada's field of dreams will be forever diminished.

And that is sad.

Cancer

[Ken Epp, Reform, Elk Island, AB]

Mr. Speaker, I want to tell members today about Beverley and Susie. It is almost 18 years ago that each of these young women, then in their early teens, found out that their mothers had cancer. Beverley's mother survived; Susie's unfortunately succumbed to the disease. It was devastating to Susie, her father, her sister and her brothers.

Beverley is our daughter. Her mother who survived is my wife. We are so grateful for God's healing. Susie is our son's wife.

Pretty well everyone in Canada has been touched by this dreaded disease. During October, cancer month, let us do all we can to further the cause of research. Let us reach out in love and caring to those who are in the middle of the battle.

Veterans Affairs

[David Pratt, Liberal, Nepean—Carleton, ON]

Mr. Speaker, Canada's veterans are the reason why this country is the best place in the world in which to live. It is also why it is imperative that we recognize the contributions of these valiant Canadians.

Each year the Department of Veterans Affairs hosts overseas pilgrimages to the sites of major campaigns and battles. These are conducted on a five year cycle around specific anniversary dates and are part of the long term, multi-year plan to remember Canada's involvement in the first and second world wars, in addition to Korea.

Today a delegation of about 40 Korean war veterans stops in Vancouver en route to their former battlefields to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the signing of the ceasefire.

The contingent will participate in a church service and a parade, followed by an address by the hon. Minister of Veterans Affairs.

One question that has recently been asked by thousands of Canadians is what does Canada do for its veterans. This is an example of how we honour our veterans. We will and must remember. We cannot forget.

Bombardier Inc.

[Judi Longfield, Liberal, Whitby—Ajax, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Bombardier Inc. for its recent success in landing a $1.5 billion contract to build 20 50-seat regional jets and 30 70-seat planes for Comair Inc. based in Cincinnati, Ohio.

This contract is the largest in Bombardier's history. It is reflective of this Canadian company's high level of quality, innovation and professionalism.

When this government invested in Bombardier, it knew what it was doing. The results are in for all to see.

A market leader in a very competitive industry, Bombardier's success is a shining example of how Canadian companies and in particular our high technology companies, are successfully competing in today's global economy.

This announcement means jobs. This is good news for Canada and good news for Canadians. I believe that we will see many more examples like Bombardier in the years ahead as Canadian high tech firms take their place at the forefront of industry.

Canada Post

[Gurmant Grewal, Reform, Surrey Central, BC]

Mr. Speaker, Canada Post franchise holders across Canada want the government to stop the negative impact of Canada Post's proposed changes to the operation of postal outlets.

The Canada Post chairman has agreed to review this matter to ensure franchise owners are not forced to operate at a loss. Many businesses will be badly hurt and the government should step in.

A very short timeline has been set for these businesses to finally have their evidence heard on the negative effect of the changes. Up to now there has not been adequate representation of franchisee concerns.

Feedback on the proposal was not accurate. The consultation process leading up to the implementation date of the changes was not sufficient. The Liberals should take immediate action to save these businesses and these jobs.

The government must act today and save these 1,700 businesses. Do not make them operate at a loss.

Breast Cancer

[Carolyn Bennett, Liberal, St. Paul's, ON]

Mr. Speaker, on Sunday, October 4, Canadians from across the country will run, jog or walk in support of breast cancer research, so that a cure can be found.

Some 50,000 Canadians in 22 cities will participate in the CIBC-sponsored Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation's Run for the Cure.

It is hoped that this event which serves as a main fundraiser for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation will raise $4 million to be distributed among hospitals, universities, cancer treatment centres and education centres across Canada.

The Run for Life is a major highlight of breast cancer awareness month. This year's theme is Living Proof, Loving Proof. It draws attention to the fact that breast cancer is a family affair and not confined to the woman alone. The support of friends and family is invaluable to a woman with breast cancer and this year's theme is a reflection of that.

Everyone knows someone who has been affected by breast cancer. It is estimated that some 19,300 Canadian women will develop breast cancer this year and 5,300 will die from it.

Saskatchewan Summer And Winter Games

[Rick Laliberte, NDP, Churchill River, SK]

I rise to congratulate the people of northern Saskatchewan.

The Hon. Carol Teichrob of the Saskatchewan government has announced the creation of zone nine for the Saskatchewan summer and winter games.

Louis Gardner, representative of the Northern Recreation Co-ordinating Committee said “This gives our northern athletes provincial and national exposure. Hopefully they will be participants in the Canada and Commonwealth games and have an opportunity to represent Canada at the Olympics”.

This decision recognizes the wealth of potential to be tapped by Saskatchewan's competitive sports teams from a a population where over 60% are under the age of 26. This opportunity will instil a sense of pride in our youth through their contribution of gifts and aspirations.

My very best wishes to northern Saskatchewan's young athletes.

Tricentennial Of Notre-Dame-De-Foy Parish

[Hélène Alarie, Bloc, Louis-Hébert, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I am happy to join all my fellow citizens in celebrating the 300th anniversary of the parish of Notre-Dame-de-Foy.

Celebrations have been under way since September 4 to commemorate the birth of this parish, founded on September 18, 1698, whose first priest was Charles Amador Martin, son of Abraham Martin, after whom the famous Plains of Abraham were named.

This parish has a rich historical background, including events like the 1760 battle of Sainte-Foy, the construction of a hospital and the arrival of the Sisters of Charity of Quebec and the Brothers of Christian Schools. These valiant pioneers turned a country village into a thriving town to be proud of.

I wish to congratulate the team of organizers and volunteers for the care they have put into recreating the past through many festivities reflecting the profound values passed down from one generation to the next by the pioneers of the now 300-year-old parish of Notre-Dame-de-Foy.

Let us celebrate our past and pay tribute to three centuries of steadfastness.

Canada Post

[Raymond Lavigne, Liberal, Verdun—Saint-Henri, QC]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, October 1, I attended what might have been a fairly routine event, the release of a series of postage stamps with a circus theme.

Today I wish to congratulate and thank the President and CEO of Canada Post, the hon. André Ouellette, for his dynamism, which he transmits to the entire corporation, and for the vision he has demonstrated in the choice of stamp issues and in planning their release.

The routine nature of the release of a stamp issue yesterday was transformed into something rare, in fact unique as far as I know. The four clowns depicted on these new stamps are all still alive, and attended the ceremony. What is more, two of them are father and son, Giovanni and Frederico Boris Iuliani.

I wish to thank these four artists, all of whom live in my beautiful riding of Verdun—Saint-Henri.

Health Care

[John Herron, Progressive Conservative, Fundy Royal, NB]

Mr. Speaker, I would advise you not to break your leg in New Brunswick on a Friday night. Chances are there will be nobody available to look after you. Federal government cutbacks have affected the ability of our provinces to provide adequate health care to our rural communities. There are no incentives for young physicians to set up practice in rural communities and the ever increasing workload hampers the abilities of these towns and villages to fill vacant spots.

There are over 20 medical positions available right now in my constituency and in the surrounding region from Sussex to St. Stephen. The town of Hampton which in 1976 had eight physicians for the town and the region, as of November 1 will be serviced by only three. The last time this area had only three doctors was back in World War II.

Health care cutbacks by this government are forcing Canadian families to give up their rural way of life because it is no longer safe. The situation is serious and must be addressed immediately.

I urge this government to come up with a plan to ensure rural health care is protected. Canadians deserve adequate rural health care. Canadians deserve better.

Visit By Secretary-General Of Francophonie

[Monique Guay, Bloc, Laurentides, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the Government of Quebec has represented the Quebec people in certain international forums for a long time now. Ottawa, however, tried to take advantage of the visit by the Secretary-General of la Francophonie to again challenge the rights of Quebec. The former French minister Alain Peyrefitte has described these as “historically recognized rights”.

The excuse given by the Foreign Affairs protocol office had to do with VIP security, as if Quebec were not capable of ensuring this. Knowing as we do that for the federal government the word “security” is often synonymous with “repression of freedom of expression”, this demonstrates its total disdain toward Quebec.

In its unflagging efforts to isolate Quebec and to nibble away at its independence, Ottawa is proving that it is turning its back on the profound aspirations of the Quebec people. That disdain will be short-lived, however, for the Quebec people will soon be opting, clearly opting, for sovereignty.

Human Rights

[Sheila Finestone, Liberal, Mount Royal, QC]

Mr. Speaker, on October 6 a special stamp honouring the late Dr. John Humphreys will be unveiled by Canada Post. This stamp will pay tribute to a great Canadian who made an unparalleled contribution to the international human rights community.

In 1945 after the world had witnessed the atrocities of World War II, Dr. Humphreys along with Eleanor Roosevelt drafted the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights. The never before seen injustices of the Holocaust prior to and during the war gave need to find and define a new term, genocide, and to condemn it as a crime against humanity. This is but one of the legacies of the universal declaration.

Dr. Humphreys' visionary perspective laid the groundwork for the realization of human dignity across the world for all people, whether as groups or individuals, by affirming fundamental rights and freedoms. The principles enshrined in his legacy have been adopted in national constitutions in all corners of the world. His road map is a vision for peace and humanity so that we can live in human dignity and hope for a more respectful society worldwide.

Apec Summit

[André Bachand, Progressive Conservative, Richmond—Arthabaska, QC]

Mr. Speaker, our Liberal friends, particularly the PMO and the Prime Minister himself, seem to have very special ties with the RCMP.

Whether it is the Airbus affair, Liberal Party influence peddling in Quebec, or the APEC demonstration, it is becoming clear that the PMO knew, and so did the Prime Minister.

I would like to remind the House that, far from being the Prime Minister's own presidential guard, the RCMP is there to serve all Canadians.

Once again, when the Prime Minister knows something, we feel he should be required to level with the House.

I hope that we will not have to wait for some post-graduate research paper to uncover the whole truth of the APEC affair.

Home Renovation Industry

[Brent St. Denis, Liberal, Algoma—Manitoulin, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I inform the House that the minister responsible for the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation is announcing that October is renovation month.

This occasion is the perfect opportunity to showcase innovative techniques and celebrate the professionalism of the home renovation industry in Canada. This industry generates $20 billion and thousands of jobs each year. We also want to ensure if Canadians decide to renovate their homes that they are successful.

This year the Canadian Home Builders' Association and CMHC will feature Canada-wide activities focusing on consumer education and protection under the theme: do it right, work with a professional renovator.

I also point out that CMHC Canadian housing information centre, the largest housing resource centre in the country, has extensive resources available to assist homeowners and renovators with their renovating needs.

National Unity

[Chuck Strahl, Reform, Fraser Valley, BC]

Mr. Speaker, it is 11.15 in Ottawa. Whom do the Liberals want to fire today?

We certainly see the trend. Tell the truth about cost overruns on Parliament Hill and you're gone. Won't adjust your numbers on the CPP fund and you're toast. Chair a committee that criticizes the government and you're history.

Now the health minister has vowed to elevate this to a new level. He said that he would get rid of the Ontario government because it will not agree with the Liberal Party.

[The Deputy Speaker]

Perhaps I could remind the House that we are on questions, not on Standing Order 31 statements. The hon. the whip of the official opposition.

[Chuck Strahl, Reform, Fraser Valley, BC]

Mr. Speaker, the idea that you are a omnipotent seems to be going to their heads.

Does the government really believe that declaring war on Ontario is the best way to promote national unity?

[Herb Gray, Liberal, Deputy Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Health is a voter in Ontario. He has a right to express his opinions.

When it comes to promoting national unity it is a two way street as between the federal government and all the provinces.

I do not know why the hon. member complains because the Minister of Health, as a voter in Ontario, is expressing an opinion which has already been expressed by a lot of other voters in the province.

[Chuck Strahl, Reform, Fraser Valley, BC]

Mr. Speaker, the minister was not speaking as an individual when he attacked the Government of Ontario. He threatened Ontario with the power of the federal government.

This is the sort of venomous, personal attack that got the minister shuffled out of the justice portfolio into his current portfolio when he carried out his vendetta against Brian Mulroney.

I wonder is the real reason the health minister blew his stack at Mike Harris yesterday because Mike Harris has shown compassion toward hep C victims and the health minister has shown none.

[Herb Gray, Liberal, Deputy Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, the people of Ontario will wonder why the Reform Party, through its whip, is using the House of Commons in a campaign to support the Harris Government of Ontario.

[Chuck Strahl, Reform, Fraser Valley, BC]

Mr. Speaker, the health minister was asked if the anti-Ontario position was the formal position of the Government of Canada and he said it was the informal position. Just exactly what does that mean?

Will the federal government informally try to derail Ontario initiatives? Will it informally overcharge it for its EI fund? Or, perhaps today it will informally sabotage its efforts to build a social union.

Does the health minister really think it is right to use government resources and his influence to defeat the Ontario government's initiatives on national unity?

[Herb Gray, Liberal, Deputy Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, does the hon. member think it is right for him to use the House of Commons to advance the Reform effort to create a new reformatory party?