Debates of Oct. 23rd, 1998

Justice

[Art Hanger, Reform, Calgary Northeast, AB]

Mr. Speaker, victims of sexual abuse frequently suffer for the rest of their lives as a result of the insidious, despicable acts perpetrated on them by their attackers. The last thing victims want to do is to shed public light on their darkest of experiences.

This week I had the honour of once again meeting Sheldon Kennedy. Sheldon has demonstrated an extraordinary amount of courage in speaking out against his attacker and this cancerous criminal activity which impacts on our youngsters.

At the October 21 parole hearing the government let Sheldon Kennedy and every other victim of sexual abuse down. Instead of punishing the pedophile who attacked Sheldon the government chose to grant him parole after a mere 20 months in jail.

Sheldon will carry the scars of the abuse for the rest of his life. His attacker will be a free man in six months. There is, however, a positive side to this story. Sheldon can hold his head high knowing he did the right thing. He has taken a stand against this terrible crime so others do not have to suffer. Canada can be proud of Sheldon Kennedy.

National Science And Technology Week

[Gerry Byrne, Liberal, Humber—St. Barbe—Baie Verte, NL]

Mr. Speaker, Canada is in the middle of celebrating National Science and Technology Week. I point out that Canada has made a commitment to become the world's smartest natural resources developer, the most high tech, the most environmentally friendly, the most socially responsible and indeed the most productive.

Natural Resources Canada provides the scientific knowledge to position Canada as a world leader in wise management of our natural resources. With industrial, university and government partners it also carries out research to exploit new technologies, products and services.

During National Science and Technology Week, Natural Resources Canada makes a special effort to open its doors to the community, particularly to students to communicate the importance of science and technology in the natural resources sector.

More and more Canadians look to science and technology to improve their lives and to address important issues such as climate change.

Space

[Mac Harb, Liberal, Ottawa Centre, ON]

Mr. Speaker, in these days of technological achievement countries are racing to open new frontiers. The sky is no longer the limit. Thousands of satellites circulate around our planet and thousands of others are lost in space. Since the 1960s there have been many space missions, some of which were not completed.

Members may remember in 1978 when a Russian spy satellite containing 100 pounds of uranium plunged through the atmosphere over the Northwest Territories. Members may also remember in 1996 when part of a Russian space probe plunged into the Pacific ocean. At this very moment thousands of pieces of broken space equipment are circulating above us with many more to come.

With 434 days to the new millennium Canada should take the lead and co-ordinate efforts with other interested countries to clean up space. We have over 5,000 intelligent experts who work in space and related industries. These men and women are the best in the world. With their support I am confident we can pass on to our children an even better future.

Gasoline

[Ian Murray, Liberal, Lanark—Carleton, ON]

Mr. Speaker, today in Toronto the federal government announced it will introduce regulations to reduce the level of sulphur in the gasoline sold in Canada. Scientists agree that sulphur causes emissions which contribute to air pollution.

In a report released last summer the Ontario Medical Association revealed that 1,800 people die prematurely in Ontario each year as a result of air pollution. Many more get sick and require hospitalization.

Over a period of 20 years it is estimated that low sulphur gasoline would prevent 2,100 premature deaths, 93,000 cases of bronchitis in children, 5 million other health related incidents such as asthma attacks and 11 million acute respiratory symptoms such as severe coughs and new cases of pneumonia and croup.

The facts are in. The evidence is clear. The initiative that was announced today will improve the quality of the air Canadians breathe and will help Canadians enjoy healthier lives.

Taxation

[Deepak Obhrai, Reform, Calgary East, AB]

Mr. Speaker, if the finance minister needed any more evidence that there exists a desperate need for tax relief in this country, it was delivered by the Centre for Social Justice.

The recently released study highlighted some very interesting points. One wonders how the minister responds to the fact that working class Canadian families are working harder than they did 10 years ago but have less to show for their extra efforts.

What about the fact that between 1989 and 1996 the average Canadian family saw its income decline by over $4,000. Is this the type of society we want to live in and pass on to our children? A tax break for middle and lower income Canadians is needed immediately.

This would be an important first step toward reducing the poverty which currently exists.

My advice to the finance minister is to read the report and go back to the drawing board.

Francophone Games

[Paul Devillers, Liberal, Simcoe North, ON]

Mr. Speaker, from the 14th to the 24th of July 2001, Canada will welcome more than 3,000 international performers and athletes to the Ottawa-Hull region, for the IV Francophone Games.

The Francophone Games are a unique international sports and cultural event open to the citizens of the 49 countries that are part of La Francophonie. Athletes from several nations representing various cultures and speaking different languages will get together in a friendly spirit of competition and will have an opportunity to display their artistic and athletic talents.

I encourage all members of the House to share in this excitement. When crossing the interprovincial bridge connecting Ottawa to Hull look up and see the countdown panel. As of today it is 996 days away.

United Nations Development Program

[Stéphan Tremblay, Bloc, Lac-Saint-Jean, QC]

Mr. Speaker, in early September, the United Nations Development Program submitted its world report on human development. This report, which used to serve as a political smoke screen to hide a country's social reality, will now have to be viewed as an indispensable tool to expose false political claims.

Indeed, the report indicates that the gap between rich and poor is a contemporary reality. It clearly states that, in the industrialized countries, it remains necessary to eradicate poverty and meet the basic needs of everyone. In fact, it is a shame that these objectives have still not been achieved in the richest countries.

Incidentally, the UN tells us that, when it comes to human poverty, Canada ranks 10th out of the 17 OECD members. There are more people living below the poverty line in Canada than in the Scandinavian countries, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, France and Italy.

A study released this week confirms that this trend is continuing, in spite of the government's rhetoric. It is high time the government increased social transfers and improved the employment insurance program.

The Late Jean Rafa

[Jacques Saada, Liberal, Brossard—La Prairie, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the singer Jean Rafa, of Nuits de Montréal fame, died yesterday at the age of 88. An artist and entertainer, Mr. Rafa had hosted many variety broadcasts since coming to Quebec in 1948.

Quebeckers adopted him as one of their own, and it was he who was responsible for popularizing pétanque in the province. But he was best known for his infectious joie de vivre and as a popular host on numerous television shows. He also went on many tours of Quebec.

In short, we will treasure wonderful memories of this artist and singer, who enchanted almost everyone with his zest for life and his love of Quebec, a love that I share.

Agriculture

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

Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food appeared before the standing committee yesterday. This was an opportunity for him to begin to address the serious concerns of farmers today. He failed to do so.

The minister could offer no assurances to farmers that he will immediately deal with the current farm income crisis. Furthermore, he offered no guarantees to producers of grain or livestock that he has a plan to address our competitors' unfair subsidies.

The minister is looking the other way as the Europeans and Americans increase their subsidies. New subsidies further drive down world prices while ensuring that our competitors' farmers will survive the commodity price collapse.

The next budget must contain provisions that will help our farmers through the crisis. It is very disturbing that the minister has not offered assurances that he will stand up for them within cabinet. All the minister has to offer is more meetings and more talk.

Leader Of The Opposition

[John Cannis, Liberal, Scarborough Centre, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my absolute disbelief of the actions of the leader of the Reform Party during the 1995 referendum.

It has been revealed that while the federal government along with ordinary Canadians from across our country were fighting tooth and nail to keep our country together, the Reform leader was scheming to take advantage of a separatist win.

United States Ambassador James Blanchard recently revealed that the Reform leader approached him and other foreign governments with a plan to dismantle Canada after supposedly a separatist victory. This is inexcusable.

It was the Reform Party that was so indignant when it learned of the former Bloc Quebecois member's letter campaign to solicit Canadian armed forces to join a new Quebec. What a hypocrisy. In front of the cameras it denounces a separatist cause but behind the scenes it works to undermine the federal government's effort to keep the country together.

The Reform leader's thirst for power seems to have no boundaries, not even the boundaries called Canada. Shame on him.

Air Atlantic

[Peter Stoffer, NDP, Sackville—Eastern Shore, NS]

Mr. Speaker, tomorrow will be a sad day in aviation history in Canada as Air Atlantic shuts its doors and 525 of the finest people working in the airline industry from Atlantic Canada will lose their jobs.

These employees provided superb customer service and are responsible for Air Atlantic's impeccable safety record. What is the response from this federal government? The Minister of Labour turns himself into the minister of business and grants International Marine Products a waiver from the Canada Labour Code. This is the Liberal government's slap in the face to hardworking and dedicated employees.

As a former airline employee for over 18 years, and behalf of all New Democrats across this country, I would like to wish the outstanding employees and all their families all the best in their future endeavours.

Election In Quebec

[Stéphane Bergeron, Bloc, Verchères, QC]

Mr. Speaker, we recently learned that the Minister of Finance was going to campaign door-to-door to help out Jean Charest during the next election campaign in Quebec.

That is all very fine and well, but the Minister of Finance probably now feels he must explain to the public why the same Quebeckers he advised not to elect a Charest government at the federal level last year should now elect one today. Unless the answer can be found on last Monday's political satire program La fin du monde est à 7 heures .

That was how we found out the Liberal Party of Quebec is looking for greenery to decorate its convention hall. The Liberal Party of Quebec even paid for the travel and meals of so-called supporters willing to cheer loudly for Mr. Charest in front of the television cameras. Perhaps the Minister of Finance would like his own Liberalmobile with unlimited mileage to make the trip to Old Orchard Beach to meet the production team of La fin du monde , which is enjoying the Liberal Party's generosity.

The only distressing thing for the minister in all this is that the Liberal Party of Quebec now seems to prefer canvassing with Mike Harris's Conservatives, rather than with members of the federal Liberal Party.

Women's History Month

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

Mr. Speaker, October is Women's History Month, an opportunity for Canadians from coast to coast to honour women whose efforts have made a difference in our society.

One of my constituents, Mrs. Claire Heggtveit of Nepean, is a woman who has dedicated her life and work to the principle of equality.

Earlier this week Mrs. Heggtveit was one of five women honoured with the 1998 Persons Case Award which recognizes outstanding contributions toward promoting equality for women in Canada.

As an economist, she was vital in developing a statistical framework during the 1960s and 1970s which aided the federal government in assessing the quality of women's health and socioeconomic status. She also completed a Canadian survey for the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, the first national focus on family planning, abortion and divorce.

All Canadians owe a debt of gratitude to women like Mrs. Heggtveit who have helped move this country along the road to true equality.

Agriculture

[Scott Brison, Progressive Conservative, Kings—Hants, NS]

Mr. Speaker, an emergency debate was held this week in the Nova Scotia legislature to debate the crisis faced by Nova Scotia farmers who have suffered their second consecutive severe summer drought.

The summer of 1997 was the driest growing season in nearly 40 years and 1998 has been even worse. The effects of the drought are extensive, including reduced milk production, reduced apple, vegetable, berry and potato crops. Higher feed crops are now threatening our beef industry.

The economic hardship for farmers is extraordinarily serious. Many will soon be on the verge of bankruptcy. Federal support programs like NISA are simply not meeting the needs of Atlantic Canadian farmers in crisis. Immediate financial assistance is essential to prevent many from going out of business.

This is no time for finger pointing between federal and provincial governments. Both levels of government must respond immediately to the crisis facing the Nova Scotia agricultural industry.

I urge this government to immediately assist these farmers in crisis.

Kick Drugs Out Of Canada

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

Mr. Speaker, today it is my pleasure to inform colleagues about a truly good news story.

Patterned after and with the approval of a successful program in the United States, a pilot project has been launched in my hometown. Kick Drugs Out of America was the brainchild of Hollywood legend and martial arts superstar Chuck Norris. His dream was to create a drug prevention foundation aimed at America's youth. That dream became a reality eight years ago and now Darrell Marsh from Fort St. John has brought the vision north.

By teaching respect for others, instilling self-discipline and motivation, setting and achieving goals, building self-esteem and developing courage, Kick Drugs Out of Canada will better equip students to make the right choices.

Those children identified at risk and enrolled in this community sponsored initiative will develop the values and skills necessary to combat the peer pressure which all too often would push them into a life of drugs, crime and violence, and it will not cost the government one red cent.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

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

Mr. Speaker, five years ago the baby daughter of John and Cory Rossiter went to sleep in her crib and never woke up. Thirty years ago Cathy Loucks also lost her baby to sudden infant death syndrome. These three have now re-established the Ottawa-Carleton chapter of the Canadian SIDS Foundation.

At their fundraiser last night we were able to celebrate that the Back to Sleep campaign of the foundation has cut infant deaths from SIDS by over 40% in Canada. But much more needs to be done to increase awareness and knowledge about this silent killer that takes the lives of more than 200 well cared for, healthy children every year.

I congratulate and thank these brave parents for turning their pain into the hope for other parents that they may avoid the tragedy of SIDS.

Apec Inquiry

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

Mr. Speaker, today a Vancouver newspaper reported that APEC commission chairman Gerald Morin was overheard in a Prince Albert casino saying that the RCMP would take the fall for APEC. Apparently he made his judgment even before the commission hearings started.

Will the Prime Minister end this fiasco and strike a new independent judicial inquiry to look into the entire APEC affair, including the Prime Minister's own personal involvement?

[Herb Gray, Liberal, Deputy Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, I understand that at 8.30 a.m. Vancouver time, which is 11.30 a.m. our time, the commission will make a statement about the matter which has been touched on in the Vancouver Sun article. I think we should wait and see what that statement is.

In the meantime I want to reiterate that the commission has been set up by legislation passed by this parliament. This government has no authority under that legislation to direct the internal management of the commission or how it carries out its work. It is up to the commission to hold its hearings and decide how to carry them out.

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

Mr. Speaker, that is utter nonsense and the Deputy Prime Minister knows it.

The Prime Minister has tried to scuttle the APEC investigation from day one. He refuses to answer questions in parliament. He refuses to testify before the commission. His gossipy solicitor general publicly said that the RCMP would take the fall for the Liberals. He paid for his lawyers but not the students' lawyers. He is withholding key evidence, including police audiotapes. And now reportedly, the commission chairman himself has scuttled things yet again.

We do not need to wait. When will he strike a new independent judicial inquiry?

[Herb Gray, Liberal, Deputy Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, the premise of the hon. member's question is totally wrong. The Prime Minister has not withheld any audiotapes. The Prime Minister has not tried to scuttle the commission.

We want to see the commission do its work. Senior representatives of the Prime Minister's office are ready to testify before the commission. The commission is an independent body as set up by this parliament.

Why does the hon. member not want to let the commission do its work?

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

Mr. Speaker, it is obvious that the so-called independent commission is not going to be able to do its work. It is not going to be able to get to the bottom of this.

It is unbelievable to see the lengths to which this government will go to cover up this embarrassing situation. The Prime Minister's office directed the pepper spraying of innocent students and then he tried to cover it up. Then he tried to cover up the cover-up with this toothless RCMP commission. Since that did not work, now he is trying to cover everything up.

Reform asked for an independent inquiry as long ago as September 23, exactly one month ago. I ask again, will this government restore public trust and strike—

[The Acting Speaker (Mr. McClelland)]

The hon. Deputy Prime Minister.

[Herb Gray, Liberal, Deputy Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, I have to reject the unwarranted and inaccurate premises of the hon. member's question.

This commission as set up by this parliament is independent of the government. It is at arm's length from it. In fact if a commission was set up as demanded by the hon. member, it would be set up by this government which would set its terms of reference and appoint its members. Whereas the commission is set up for a permanent period and it decides whether to hold its inquiry and its own terms of reference.

Why does the hon. member not accept the independence of the commission and let it do its work and not try to sabotage that work through unwarranted—

[The Acting Speaker (Mr. McClelland)]

The hon. member for Dewdney—Alouette.

[Grant McNally, Reform, Dewdney—Alouette, BC]

Mr. Speaker, the independence of this inquiry was put in jeopardy a long time ago by the solicitor general and by the Prime Minister's office.

Gerald Morin was overheard prejudging the APEC inquiry and the government has filed a complaint about bias. The solicitor general was heard doing exactly the same thing and it was business as usual.

Why the double standard? With the solicitor general's loose lips nothing happens, and then with Gerald Morin's everything grinds to a halt. Why the double standard?