House of Commons Hansard #142 of the 36th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was work.

Topics

SupplyGovernment Orders

1:45 p.m.

Reform

Monte Solberg Reform Medicine Hat, AB

Madam Speaker, I compliment the member for Saint John on her remarks. She made some excellent points.

The one question I have for her is somewhat in response to a question that was asked earlier by a Liberal member. Is it not a fact that if we went into a recession tomorrow the government would be forced to borrow the $19 billion that it would have to pay out to unemployed Canadians? Is it not true that it would be a lot better to have that money in a separate fund where the government could not get its hands on it to misuse for all kinds of political ends?

SupplyGovernment Orders

1:45 p.m.

Progressive Conservative

Elsie Wayne Progressive Conservative Saint John, NB

Madam Speaker, we have already taken a stand. We have already said that there should be a commission for the employers and employees that looks after the surplus. This commission should dictate how that surplus is used. It should be independent of the government. We have taken that stand. We all agree on this side of the House. I am just waiting for that side of the House to agree as well.

SupplyGovernment Orders

1:45 p.m.

Liberal

John Cannis Liberal Scarborough Centre, ON

Madam Speaker, let me remind the member for Saint John about a little history. It was the Conservative government in 1986 that passed legislation which permitted the funds to be used as they are today.

Let me also remind the member that this Liberal government has spent the last five years fixing the problems we inherited. For example, in 1993 the EI was pegged at $3.30 per $100. We have since been bringing it down to what it is today which is $2.70. If the member really wants to talk to her granddaughter she should be telling her the truth.

SupplyGovernment Orders

1:45 p.m.

Progressive Conservative

Elsie Wayne Progressive Conservative Saint John, NB

Madam Speaker, in the last year of the former PC government EI premiums were frozen at $3.00 per $100 of insurable earnings. In 1994 the Liberals raised the level to $3.07 which I think the member forgot about.

The member should take a look at history and what Trudeau did and the mess he left this country in when we took over.

SupplyGovernment Orders

1:45 p.m.

Progressive Conservative

André Harvey Progressive Conservative Chicoutimi, QC

Madam Speaker, allow me to congratulate our acting leader, who is doing an extraordinary job for our party. She just demonstrated it again by defending some really important causes for the poor.

First of all, I want to thank the hon. member for Madawaska—Restigouche for tabling a motion that shows great sensitivity on his part.

Earlier, I heard a Reform Party member say that the motion was too narrow. Go ask children in families where the difference in terms of survival, adequate clothing and food is often a mere $25, $30, $40 or $50 what they think about this.

I say to the member who suggested that today's motion is too narrow, that he should go and repeat his comment to his constituents. I am convinced he would not get a very positive reaction.

A Conservative member who rises in this House always gets the same reaction: “Under the Conservatives—”. I think we should also talk about the current government's track record in terms of public finance. So here is an excerpt from an editorial written by Mr. Murray in Le Droit , following the last budget: “It took all these years for the unpopular measures taken by the Conservatives to produce the conclusive results that we are witnessing today”.

Whenever we rise in this House, we are regularly told “you Conservatives should be ashamed. Everything you did was wrong”. I am pleased to have been around when the growing debt was brought under control. I want to take a minute to talk about this, because it is important. We must put the 1974-1984 period in its proper perspective.

During that period, the Liberals increased the debt from $18 billion to $200 billion. The important thing here is the rate of increase. Under the Liberals, the debt grew elevenfold in a decade. Under the Conservatives, it increased twofold over a period of nine years. However, let us not forget that we also took important measures, including the signing of the free trade agreement that allowed us, among other things, to double our exports to the American market. The GST also helped the government reduce the deficit. The purpose of all these initiatives was to alleviate the burden of Canadian taxpayers. All these measures could not have been in effect for just one year. They had to be implemented over a number of years.

Despite the royal commissions, the standing committees and so forth, the Liberals always voted against these measures that were essentially good for the future of our country. They always voted against them. I am definitely not about to go on a guilt trip here. According to the Reform and Liberal parties, the motion my colleague is proposing today is not a structural one.

It is most certainly a structural measure for the families of this country. It is a structural measure for the poor people of Quebec, the maritimes, western Canada, Ontario and elsewhere. But the government does not seem to want to take it seriously. I repeat, as my colleague, the member for Kamouraska—Rivière-du-Loup—Témiscouata—Les Basques, pointed out a few minutes ago, for the vast majority of Canadian families, $25, $40, $50 is the difference between surviving and not surviving. “mesure étroite”?

Members should try telling single parents that asking for an extension of the small weeks project is too limited an approach, as one of our Reform Party colleagues was saying, when we know very well that some people are having trouble just surviving. Young people are going to school in the morning on an empty stomach. There are serious problems of poverty in our country.

While I am on the topic, I would like to make another point. I was part of a government with a very substantial agenda in all areas, including regional development, the environment and acid rain—I was present at the signing—trade and tax reform. Right now, none of these items are on the government's agenda.

I would propose one item for the government and this country to tackle: the fight against poverty, which is the number one problem in the country right now. I read an article in which Michel Vastel said “Elected representatives are not listening to anyone any more”. That is serious.

Today, a motion was proposed to help the poorest of the poor in our country. While I have nothing against deputy ministers or senior government officials, the Parliament of Canada is paying closer attention to what senior officers say than to what the poor are saying, when it is a well-known fact that the taxpayers see millions and billions taken out of their pockets without benefiting from any return on their investment.

It is my pleasure to ask all my colleagues in this House to support this extremely important measure proposed by one of our colleagues from a riding that is not among the richest in the country.

It does not resolve the whole issue of employment insurance, of course, but at least it is a small step that could immediately benefit every Canadian family whose extremely low income is not enough to ensure adequate subsistence for their children.

We must bear in mind that the government is not a private insurance company. Overcontributions like those currently being paid by every worker and employer in Canada are inequitable and cannot be allowed to continue. A start must be made with a little measure such as we are requesting today. It is about paying attention to Canada's poorest citizens. It does not mean establishing a structural measure, but it does give us the opportunity to propose a solution to the surplus in the employment insurance fund. It would at least enable us to ensure the survival of the poorest families.

I also understand that, for the minister, it is difficult to travel across the country. He is having a really hard time convincing himself to visit the maritimes. Clearly, a politician needs to be able to remember some things. We know about that. It is true in Quebec and it is true in all the regions of the country.

Politicians have to choose. In opposition, it is a legitimate question to ask the government whether it should be more attentive to the wealthier element in our society, that is senior public servants. I have nothing against them, but the salary increases given federal government deputy ministers are worth a look. When you put those figures before people who have a hard time surviving, it is not much of a balance sheet.

I hope we will have the support of all of the members in opposition in support of this measure, which at least sends a signal to parliament. It is possible to listen to those who are the most disadvantaged.

SupplyGovernment Orders

1:55 p.m.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. McClelland)

The hon. member has five minutes for questions and comments but we are just about at the time for Statements by Members. We will have the full five minutes for questions and comments after question period.

Taste Of The Danforth FestivalStatements By Members

1:55 p.m.

Liberal

John Cannis Liberal Scarborough Centre, ON

Mr. Speaker, I take this opportunity to congratulate the organizers of the Taste of the Danforth Festival, an annual Greek food and cultural festival in Toronto. They put together a well organized event that offered the thousands of people who attended a safe environment, excellent food and entertainment.

More so, I congratulate and applaud their successful efforts in raising funds in the amount of $50,500 which they kindly donated to the East General Hospital in Toronto. That is giving something back to the community.

Bravo to the organizers of the Taste of the Danforth Festival. Keep up the good work and next year I invite everyone to take some time to take part in this beautiful festival. By doing so not only will people enjoy themselves but will at the same time contribute something to the community.

British ColumbiaStatements By Members

1:55 p.m.

Reform

Randy White Reform Langley—Abbotsford, BC

Mr. Speaker, I wonder how long the good people of British Columbia are going to put up with this Liberal government.

Since we got elected in 1993 a lot of things have happened in British Columbia. For instance, we lost our harbours police and we lost two military bases in British Columbia thanks to this Liberal government.

Our B.C. RCMP has been reduced to a 9 to 5 police force thanks to the cutbacks in the operation budget by the Liberal government.

Our B.C. fishing industry has been torn apart by the Liberal government. B.C. land claim issues have been a mystery to most of our residents and the beleaguered taxpayer is still picking up the bill. We have a major drug problem and this government does not even have a decent national drug strategy.

I ask all members in this House and I ask the people of British Columbia, just what is it over here that this government intends to do with British Columbia?

Kids From The ValleyStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Liberal

Hec Clouthier Liberal Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke, ON

Mr. Speaker, it is with pride and pleasure that I announce a group of young step dancers from the great riding of Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke became world champions in Los Angeles on Saturday. Kids from the Valley won the gold medal at the World Championships of Performing Arts as well as the prestigious overall world championship trophy in the dance category.

Kids from the Valley are no strangers to the House. Last month they performed for all members of parliament at Kingsmere. Mr. Speaker, as you well recall, you hosted the parliamentary barbeque and even danced with Kids from the Valley. Members from all parties were united in emotion as they clapped or jigged with the kids. The member for Saint John showed she is really fast on her feet.

The Kids from the Valley are Amy and Sarah Chapman, Krista and Steven Rosein, Katie Moyles and Kristin Carr. They are true ambassadors of Canadian culture.

They are truly Canada's ambassadors.

Regional DevelopmentStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Liberal

Guy St-Julien Liberal Abitibi, QC

Mr. Speaker, there is more good news for the economy of eastern Quebec: the Government of Canada will be investing $11.3 million over the next five years to launch Quebec's first Technopole maritime, involving a dozen partners in the Lower St. Lawrence, Gaspé and North Shore areas.

This money, which is going to a region that has taken the initiative in developing its economy, will be used to develop eastern Canada's shipping expertise. Most of the money will go towards the direct funding of applied research projects, with the emphasis on shipping.

The program will be administered by Canada Economic Development. It will encourage regional partners to join forces in developing eastern Quebec's shipping expertise. A study of the feasibility of setting up a shipping biotechnology research centre in eastern Quebec will be carried out.

This is good news, something the Liberal government is doing to encourage partners in the eastern Quebec region and thus develop shipping expertise with a future.

Government Of CanadaStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Reform

Chuck Strahl Reform Fraser Valley, BC

Mr. Speaker, the horse race for the most outrageous action of the Liberal government has begun, and they are off.

The first one to the gate is the finance minister stumbling rather badly while carrying the extra load of high taxes, user fees and several tons of debt. Coming up on the inside is the Minister of Public Works, trying to convince the world that the cost of repairs to the House of Commons should not be included in the cost of repairs to House of Commons.

The Minister of Justice seems content to ride backwards on a beautiful Senate reform thoroughbred named Alberta while the Prime Minister is hampered by his tendency to pepper spray everyone else in the race.

As they reach the final turn it is the Prime Minister out in front, running now with his own foot in his mouth while trying to castigate his chief of staff for getting him into the race to begin with. The Minister of Public Works has wandered into the infield, disqualified for firing a bureaucrat who pointed out the difference between cost accounting and the minister's colouring book, while the Minister of Justice is whipping Alberta and calling her a joke, which means Alberta will get even with her later.

As they come to the wire, the finance minister is making a valiant effort but he is held back by extra EI premiums that are forcing him to use the whip on workers and businesses.

But, great scott, coming out of nowhere is the solicitor general whispering loudly to everyone in sight while pretending to be invisible. The other participants are falling away. They are in awe of his ability to remember, forget, deny and confirm, all at virtually the same time. The winner, hands down, is the solicitor general and the loser is the Canadian people.

Street CentsStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Liberal

Rey D. Pagtakhan Liberal Winnipeg North—St. Paul, MB

Mr. Speaker, the television show Street Cents provides young people with the information they need to be smart consumers in the midst of aggressive marketing and advertising. This show is a valuable forum for young Canadians to assert themselves.

Since one of our greatest responsibilities as members of parliament is to nurture the assertive minds of our youth, it is therefore my pleasure to note that today Street Cents is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Produced at CBC Halifax, this program has won dozens of national and international awards, setting a positive example of the quality programming that is created in Canada.

Let us applaud the producers of Street Cents and hope this television show will inspire more youth programming in the future, for the future of our country.

National Block Parent WeekStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Liberal

Jacques Saada Liberal Brossard—La Prairie, QC

Mr. Speaker, this week is National Block Parent Week. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the block parent program in Canada.

Public safety is one of the government's highest priorities. All Canadians want their communities to remain safe, and that is why organizations like Block Parents of Canada exist.

This organization deserves our recognition and support. The volunteers who make up the program devote their time and energy to raising public awareness, ensuring the safety of their communities and, above all, protecting our children.

Whether involved in making schoolyards safer, reducing street crime, or decreasing the public's fears of crime, this program is a concrete illustration of the importance Canadians attach to public safety, a value this government shares.

I am calling upon all Canadians to join us in honouring Block Parents of Canada and its remarkable work in our communities.

Gordon MolendykStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Reform

Dick Harris Reform Prince George—Bulkley Valley, BC

Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay special tribute to a very special person in my riding who has just made been citizen of the year.

Constable Gordon Molendyk is a dedicated and hard working representative of the RCMP who is even better known for his countless and tireless community volunteer work. His volunteer efforts play a large part in making my home town of Prince George a great place to live. His integrity and devotion to his work is an example to all those who see and enjoy the benefits of our community and his dedication to our community every day.

On behalf of all of my colleagues I wish to send my sincerest appreciation and congratulation to RCMP Constable Gordon Molendyk for his many services to the people of Prince George in my riding and to all of Canada.

UnicefStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Rose-Marie Ur Liberal Lambton—Kent—Middlesex, ON

Mr. Speaker, October is UNICEF Month.

On October 24, 32 Cineplex theatres across Canada raised $40,000 from the sale of popcorn and drinks. This will help the United Nations Children's Fund protect the rights of children around the world.

UNICEF day at the movies is one of the many fundraising initiatives culminating in the annual trick or treat for UNICEF campaign on October 31, when Canadian children carry the orange and black collection boxes on Halloween night. Carrying these boxes is a Canadian tradition raising $4 million in Canada annually. A little money goes a long way. Thirty five cents provides 15 vitamin A capsules to protect against blindness. Just $5 will supply school workbooks for 80 children.

This Saturday help UNICEF continue its positive work around the world.

Mi'KmaqStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

NDP

Gordon Earle NDP Halifax West, NS

Mr. Speaker, Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia have achieved tremendous gains since the failure of the government's disastrous centralization policies of the 1940s when over 1,000 Mi'kmaq were forcibly removed from their communities, loosing homes, farms, schools and churches in the process.

October is Mi'kmaq History Month. I am pleased to draw the attention of all Canadians to this event. I am honoured to offer tribute in the House of Commons to all the Mi'kmaq who worked to maintain and develop Mi'kmaq traditions, education and culture.

The time of the harvest is indeed the most fitting time to celebrate the ongoing contribution of Mi'kmaq, not only to their own first nation but also to Nova Scotia as a whole and to all the Atlantic provinces. Part of the bounty reaped through Mi'kmaq efforts this year have been the tremendous gains in the area of Mi'kmaq education in Nova Scotia.

My NDP colleagues and I salute Mi'kmaq's struggles, achievements and many victories.

Community Futures Development CorporationsStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Brent St. Denis Liberal Algoma—Manitoulin, ON

Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate Small Business Week I rise today to remind the House of the important work done by the many community futures development corporations throughout Canada, especially in my riding of Algoma—Manitoulin.

With the help of volunteer boards of directors the seven CFDCs play a pivotal role in fostering local economic development. They work with our communities, give local small business direct access to capital and good advice, and make available to them the services of the federal government.

I wish to salute the Lacloche Manitoulin Business Development Corporation, the Waubetek Business Development Corporation, the Community Development Corporation of Sault Ste. Marie and area, the Community Development Corporation for East Algoma, the Nord-Aski Non-Profit Development Organization, and the Superior East and the Superior North Development Corporations for their excellent service to our communities and entrepreneurs in my riding.

I ask all hon. members to join me in congratulating the fine work of all CFDCs throughout Canada.

Epidermolysis BullosaStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Sarmite Bulte Liberal Parkdale—High Park, ON

Mr. Speaker, today I would like to raise awareness about EB. EB refers to epidermolysis bullosa, a group of rare and devastating genetic diseases characterized by extremely fragile skin and recurrent painful blisters. To date there is no cure for EB.

Despite the physical limitations that can be caused by EB there is no impairment of intelligence. Many EB sufferers excel at work and in the classroom.

The Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa Research Association of Canada, also known as DEBRA, is seeking to develop a national registry of EB sufferers, raise awareness of the disease and encourage Canadian research into EB. Many of the problems of EB sufferers can be overcome with the support of a well informed and caring community.

For this reason I seek to bring attention to EB and encourage research and efforts to care for those who suffer from this devastating disease.

J. Alphonse DeveauStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Progressive Conservative

Mark Muise Progressive Conservative West Nova, NS

Mr. Speaker, last Thursday, J. Alphonse Deveau of Rivière au Saumon, a great historian, author and researcher, was inducted into the Order of Canada by the governor general. He was the recipient of this honour in recognition of his great contribution as a witness to Acadian culture and history.

Mr. Deveau was the fourth Acadian from Nova Scotia to be admitted to the Order of Canada. I am proud to point out that all four are from my riding of West Nova.

I have known Mr. Deveau for a long time, and have always admired his devotion to the Acadians of southeastern Nova Scotia. I, and countless other Acadians, have discovered the distinctive wealth of our heritage from the wonderful writings of this great Canadian.

In closing, my congratulations once again to Mr. Deveau for his induction into the Order of Canada, and my best wishes for the future.

Quebec-Japan RelationsStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Bloc

Maud Debien Bloc Laval East, QC

Mr. Speaker, I take this opportunity, as we are welcoming a delegation of parliamentarians from Japan, to point out that 1998 marks the 100th year of relations between Quebec and Japan

Indeed, it was 100 years ago that Sister Hélène Paradis, from the Franciscaines Missionnaires de Marie community, took charge of a hospital, in Kumamoto. Since then, Quebec religious communities have played a major role in the development of Japan's education and health system.

After the second world war, the Quebec government was the first to borrow from Japanese financial institutions. Also, it was 25 years ago that Quebec opened its general delegation in Tokyo.

These 100 years of rapprochement between Quebec and Japan were marked this year, in Montreal and in Tokyo, by a number of activities. Let me take this opportunity to welcome our honourable guests from the land of the rising sun.

Canadian ForcesStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

John Maloney Liberal Erie—Lincoln, ON

Mr. Speaker, the message is clear. Sexual harassment will not be tolerated, especially among the ranks of the Canadian Armed Forces. Chief of Defence Staff General Baril recently stated that harassment is particularly appalling when it occurs in our military.

In a system where chivalry, honour, protection of the weakest and respect for all should be guiding principles, General Baril is demanding a higher standard of conduct for members in uniform, as are Canadians, as am I. There are no excuses for this unacceptable behaviour, and those who do not comply can expect to pay the price.

I commend the military for taking a hard line against sexual harassment. It will help to eradicate such inappropriate conduct in the Canadian forces as well as send a clear and unequivocal statement to society that sexual harassment and sexual misconduct in any form are intolerable.

Employment InsuranceStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Reform

Monte Solberg Reform Medicine Hat, AB

Mr. Speaker, what to do with the $7 billion EI surplus is a question of fundamental fairness that every Canadian understands.

The finance minister says he wants to debate the issue but the fact is that the money is not his to spend. It belongs to the workers and employers who were forced to pay an extra $7 billion into the plan because they have been overcharged for their EI premiums.

It means the average worker is asked to pay $350 too much into this fund every year. It means the employer who hired him pays $500 too much into this fund every year. It means that the finance minister skims billions of extra taxes from the pockets of those least able to afford it.

If the minister chooses fairness he will give this money back to the people it belongs to. If he chooses political expediency he will confiscate the money to get around the law and pad his political slush fund. I hope he chooses fairness.

Fonds De Solidarité Des Travailleurs Du QuébecStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Bloc

Odina Desrochers Bloc Lotbinière, QC

Mr. Speaker, the Fonds de solidarité des travailleurs du Québec is celebrating its 15th anniversary.

Born out of the economic crisis of the early eighties, this workers' fund has become, like Quebec's Caisse de dépôt et placement, and the General Investment Corporation of Quebec, one of the finest examples of Quebec's specificity, and one of the major venture capital corporations in Canada.

With assets of $2.5 billion, the Fonds de solidarité has helped create, protect or maintain over 56,000 jobs in Quebec. The fund is also a vast network of 16 regional funds and 85 local investment corporations dedicated to promoting employment and regional development.

At a time when some are talking about dismantling our collective development tools that were acquired after a great struggle, the Bloc Quebecois salutes the major achievements of the Fonds de solidarité and wishes it a long life.

Quebec ElectionOral Question Period

2:15 p.m.

Calgary Southwest Alberta

Reform

Preston Manning ReformLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, over the weekend the Prime Minister fired the first shot in the Quebec election, but unfortunately he shot at his own foot.

By saying that Quebec's demands have already been filled and that the Constitution is not a general store the Prime Minister gave the impression that Canadian federalism is not open to change.

Why on earth would the Prime Minister make such remarks on the eve of the Quebec election?

Quebec ElectionOral Question Period

2:15 p.m.

Saint-Laurent—Cartierville Québec

Liberal

Stéphane Dion LiberalPresident of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs

Mr. Speaker, the list of changes in the last years is quite impressive and it is certainly the will of the Prime Minister and the government to go ahead and improve this federation for the good of the federation of Canadians, including Quebeckers.

Look at the list. I will indicate some changes that have been made during the last years. For instance, the use of federal spending powers, and the reduced conditions of the main federal transfers to the provinces with the creation of the CHST. The list is long.