Debates of Feb. 13th, 1998

The Senate

[Eric C. Lowther, Reform, Calgary Centre, AB]

Mr. Speaker, Canadians want accountable politicians. Reform is committed to improving our government system. A critical step in this process has to be a triple E Senate.

Canadians are calling for the return of some integrity and purpose to the Canadian Senate. It is unacceptable that the Senate is plagued with chronic absenteeism. It is undemocratic that the appointment process is a thinly disguised patronage plum. It is unfair to Canadians that the upper house provides little in the way of regional representation.

The Prime Minister said in 1990, when in opposition: “A reformed Senate is essential. It must be a Senate that is elected, effective and equitable”. Good words, but are they just empty words?

Begin today. Follow through on your words, Mr. Prime Minister. Let's get away from the triple A Senate, appointed, affluent, apathetic, and give Canadians some hope with a triple E Senate, equal, elected and effective.

The Late Eddie Sargent

[Ovid Jackson, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to President of the Treasury Board]

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to an outstanding Liberal politician who fought for the little guy at every turn of the road.

Eddie Sargent, former mayor of Owen Sound and former MPP from my riding, passed away January 28, 1998 at the age of 82. Eddie Sargent's political career spanned more than four decades. He was Owen Sound's mayor four times and was elected to the provincial legislature in 1963 and retired in 1987.

Eddie fought aggressively for his constituents. No problem was too big or too small. He put so much into life. He was a man with a heart and we will miss him.

Tribute To Dora Wasserman

[Maurice Dumas, Bloc, Argenteuil—Papineau, QC]

Mr. Speaker, at the Soirée des Masques ceremony, the Académie québécoise du théâtre paid tribute to Dora Wasserman, the founder and director of the Yiddish theatre at the Saidye Bronfman arts centre.

The Bloc Quebecois would like to pay tribute to Ms. Wasserman's exceptional devotion. She has given her life to the theatre and to preserving the language and longstanding traditions of the rich Yiddish culture.

After training at the prestigious Jewish theatre in Moscow, she arrived in Montreal in 1950. For 60 years, the Yiddish theatre has performed on the stage of the Monument national, which used to belong to the Société Saint-Jean-Baptiste. Keen to build bridges between cultures, Ms. Wasserman and her troupe presented a Yiddish version of Michel Tremblay's Les Belles-Soeurs in 1992.

Congratulations Dora Wasserman for making Quebec culture even richer.

Huntington Society Of Canada

[Janko Peric, Liberal, Cambridge, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to congratulate the Huntington Society of Canada on its 25th anniversary.

Located in my riding of Cambridge, the Huntington Society is a national network of volunteers and professionals working to find a cure and treatment for Huntington's disease. Huntington's is a hereditary brain disease which strikes between the ages of 30 and 45, for which no cure has yet been found.

On behalf of my constituents, I congratulate the Huntington Society for its 25 years of dedicated and tireless work.

Markham Resolution

[Elinor Caplan, Liberal, Thornhill, ON]

Mr. Speaker, as the supreme court begins to consider the legality of unilateral secession next week, I would like to read part of a resolution passed by the town of Markham in the riding of Thornhill on January 13, 1998. As I only have 60 seconds, I will read a small portion. It is entitled “People's resolution for a united Canada”:

Whereas the municipality of Markham believes that all Canadians are equal and all Canadian provinces have equality of status; And whereas the municipality of Markham believes that Canada, with its existing constitution and charter of rights and freedoms, offers all of its citizens and provinces an equal opportunity to prosper and flourish, this same constitution has enabled and must continue to enable the province of Quebec, a fundamental and valued partner of the Canadian confederation, the opportunity to promote and protect its culture, civil law tradition and French language.

I am proud that this resolution came from my riding of Thornhill, and I will later be asking for unanimous consent of this House to table this resolution.

The end of the resolution says:

Now therefore be it resolved that the municipality of Markham, in a spirit of friendship and in the name of unity, proudly adopts this “People's resolution for a united Canada” and we hereby urge all Canadian municipalities to join us—.

The Senate

[Keith Martin, Reform, Esquimalt—Juan de Fuca, BC]

Mr. Speaker, on March 1 this year, British Columbia Senator Len Marchand was set to retire. Did he? No. The Prime Minister asked him to stay on until after the election. Why? Because he did not want to incur the wrath of British Columbians to have another unelected, unaccountable senator who has the power to change the laws of this country.

Putting senators up for election enables good, hardworking senators to stay and will get rid of the dead wood. It will invigorate the sleepy hollow Senate and make it an active, vigorous place.

The people of British Columbia, the people of this country, want value for money. They want a democracy. They want a triple E Senate.

Winter Olympics

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

Mr. Speaker, this morning in Nagano, Japan Team Canada began its bid for a gold medal in men's hockey by defeating Belarus by a score of 5-0.

All Canadians share a sense of pride in the calibre of our men's hockey team. We have great expectations.

There are three families in my riding of Whitby—Ajax that will be on the edge of their seats throughout this whole tournament. These are the families of Joe Nieuwendyk, Adam Foote and Keith Primeau. These three talented players are products of the Whitby Minor Hockey Association.

The town of Whitby wanted to recognize and cheer on our local heroes. Several weeks ago I was thrilled to participate in the kick-off of a banner signing campaign. Thousands of Whitby residents signed the congratulatory banners which were presented to the families for delivery to the players in Nagano.

All of Canada will be cheering our team on. Members will appreciate, however, that the cheers from Whitby will be a little louder, especially for our three homegrown boys.

To Adam, Joe and Keith, bring home the gold.

Child Sexual Abuse

[Jocelyne Girard-Bujold, Bloc, Jonquière, QC]

Mr. Speaker, during the last Parliament, the Bloc Quebecois presented a petition signed by more than 40,000 persons condemning child sexual abuse.

The petitioners were calling for the minimum sentence for a first sexual offence conviction to be raised to two years, five years for a repeat offence, for a review and assessment of treatments offered to abusers serving their sentences, for a post-release follow-up on the effectiveness of treatment, and for assurance that compensation measures and support would be made available to sexually abused children and their families.

Shortly thereafter, a general election was called. The petition therefore received no response from Parliament, and nothing has changed. The new Minister of Justice has still made no announcement.

Given the importance of this subject, I call on the minister to follow up on this petition, which I personally endorse. The minister must act.

Students

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

Mr. Speaker, one of my most pleasant tasks since becoming the member of Parliament for the great riding of Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke has been meeting students from my riding when they come for a tour of these Parliament buildings. I had that honour today with a group of students from St. James school of Eganville. They are seated in the gallery watching today's proceedings.

It is imperative that young people such as Shawn Lavigueur see how their Canadian government works and learn more about the Canadian parliamentary system. It is incumbent upon us as members of this House to help these young men and women understand that our system is one of the best in the entire world. The future of our country will rest on their shoulders.

I want to thank the teachers responsible for arranging these field trips and giving these students a firsthand look at our Parliament. They represent our future. We must not fail them.

The Senate

[Rob Anders, Reform, Calgary West, AB]

Mr. Speaker, we now have everybody criticizing Andy Thompson, even Senator Ron Ghitter.

Canadians can be relieved that even Senator Ron Ghitter thinks that Andy Thompson's attendance record is unacceptable.

A note to any senators watching, they may not remember Senator Ghitter, since he comes to work only about half the time.

This week Mr. Ghitter cranked up the handle on his lazy boy to a semi-reclined position and was outraged at absentee Andy.

A note to any citizens watching, this half-time senator cost them $150,000 last year. That is a pretty expensive lazy boy.

Now that Senator Ghitter is paying attention I will extend an invitation to him to get up out of his easy chair, step down from his Senate seat and stand for election.

National Unity

[Brenda Chamberlain, Liberal, Guelph—Wellington, ON]

Mr. Speaker, the president of France recently stated that France is one country indivisible, made up of regions and provinces each different from the other.

Why are the premier of Quebec and the Bloc Quebecois not quoting him as they have before? It must be because it does not suit their needs.

The Bloc will not speak about what it is to be a proud Canadian.

Is it not important to talk about the many fellow Canadians in the Canadian military who have helped the province of Quebec in times of trouble?

When the Saguenay flood occurred, who was there? Fellow Canadians. When the ice storm hit, who was there to help? Fellow Canadians.

Canadians have always loved and helped Quebec, a province of Canada. Let us join together with all the provinces across this great country and celebrate the pride of being Canadian.

Housing

[Libby Davies, NDP, Vancouver East, BC]

Mr. Speaker, recently in my riding of Vancouver East a Liberal cabinet minister came to undertake a public relations job to try to convince us, by announcing an extension of the RRAP program, that the Liberal government cares about housing in this country.

The announcement was a huge disappointment in the lowest income community in Canada and in other urban and small communities which are suffering desperately from the lack of affordable safe housing.

The extension of the RRAP program does not make up for the abandonment of the national housing program, our social housing in Canada, by the Liberal government in 1993. In B.C. alone we have lost 8,000 units since 1993 because of abandonment by the Liberal government.

People in my riding of Vancouver East, in the downtown east side and in other communities across Canada are demanding that the federal government renew its commitment and provide financial responsibility to ensure there is a housing program in Canada.

Research And Development

[Nick Discepola, Liberal, Vaudreuil—Soulanges, QC]

Mr. Speaker, this morning we got some good news about research in the Montreal region. The government of Canada announced its participation in $15 million worth of investments for research at McGill University and the Université de Montréal.

The Montreal region is becoming increasingly known as an ideal venue for research and development. Our government is pleased to be associated with this reality, which will benefit not only the Montreal region but all of Quebec, which is already expending considerable efforts to attract investments in this sector of activity.

In our opinion, the image of our universities cannot help but be enhanced by such encouragement, at a time when our young people are increasingly choosing careers in this field of the future. Good luck.

Bridgewater

[Gerald Keddy, Progressive Conservative, South Shore, NS]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 99th birthday of the town of Bridgewater, Nova Scotia.

Bridgewater is a picturesque town of 7,200 souls, located on the bank of the Lehave River, 20 kilometres from the sea.

Since its early history Bridgewater has been an enterprising town with boat builders, tanners, coopers, millers and foundries.

For years Bridgewater was the centre of a brisk lumber industry and the fertile land of the south shore of Nova Scotia still grows some of the best timber in Nova Scotia.

Mills such as Lohne's, Bowater and Turners continue to operate in the area.

Mayor Ernie Bolivar, the Bridgewater town council, the local chamber of commerce, businesses and merchants are the reason that this town is the main street of the south shore.

As well, Bridgewater has attracted industry such as the Michelin tire plant and centres like the new South Shore hospital.

Today, February 13, 1998, it is an honour to congratulate the town of Bridgewater in the Parliament of Canada.

Multilateral Agreement On Investment

[Mac Harb, Liberal, Ottawa Centre, ON]

Mr. Speaker, the multilateral agreement on investment currently being negotiated will protect Canadian jobs and investment in Canada and abroad.

In 1996 foreign investment in Canada grew to $180 billion. Canadian direct investment abroad stood at $170 billion, with an estimated $30 billion in individual Canadian mutual funds invested abroad.

As a trading country, Canada relies on these investments. Our social programs and safety net depend on the success of our economy.

The NDP says that the MAI will kill jobs, but it is wrong. For every $1 billion in new foreign investment 45,000 jobs are created in Canada. NDP members say the MAI threatens Canadian health care, social programs and cultural industries. They are wrong. These items are not and will not be on the negotiating table. They are opposed to the MAI. Those who are opposed to the MAI remind me of someone who cannot go to bed at night because they are worried someone else is still up having a good time.

The Senate

[Peter Goldring, Reform, Edmonton East, AB]

Mr. Speaker, I rise to express both concern and appreciation for the Senate. I have witnessed the dedicated efforts of some of our honourable senators. However, I am concerned that a representative of Canadians can be so inaccessible to his constituents that he does not even have an office, staff or a phone, that such a person living outside of Canada returns but one day a year to collect a $70,000 paycheque, that such a person will receive a lifetime pension amounting to nearly $50,000 per year, all paid by taxpayers.

Perhaps members of this House wonder how such a person could remain in this place year after year. This is a safe riding and how does one get the nomination? It is time for an elected Senate. No riding should be that safe. Accountability is so very obviously necessary.

[The Deputy Speaker]

Before we proceed with oral questions I draw to the attention of hon. members the provisions of Standing Order 18 which may be applicable to some statements. I urge members to read Standing Order 18 before our next meeting.

Taxation

[Chuck Strahl, Reform, Fraser Valley, BC]

Mr. Speaker, if the finance minister is ever going to realize his dream of becoming the prime minister, he must make sure he is a household name. It is happening but I am not sure if the accompanying fist waving and arm waving is what he had in mind.

According to a StatsCan study, Canadians pay more in taxes than they do for anything else, including food, shelter and clothing. From 1992 to 1996 while the finance minister has been in charge of the coffers, Canadians' tax load has grown at twice the rate of inflation.

Is the finance minister finally going to listen to overtaxed Canadians? Is he going to offer broad based tax relief in the upcoming budget?

[An hon. member]

Keep your hands in your pockets.

[Paul Martin, Liberal, Minister of Finance]

Mr. Speaker, there is no money in my pockets. The statistics to which the hon. member is referring obviously deal with the trend that began in the middle 1980s and was exacerbated substantially in the recession of 1989 to 1992. I am quite confident that as we look ahead we will see Canadians paying less in taxes. They will be paying more for things they choose for themselves. I am about to be cut off but I would like to go on.

[The Deputy Speaker]

The hon. member for Fraser Valley.

[Chuck Strahl, Reform, Fraser Valley, BC]

Mr. Speaker, I will try to save him. If the finance minister is going to be the prime minister, he has to be known as the greatest. He is the greatest tax collector the country has ever seen. That goes without saying. His favourite slogan is never have so many been taxed so heavily for so long.

But yesterday the Alberta treasurer showed him that it could be done. Alberta can look forward to a balanced budget, and the lowest taxes in the country are going to become even lower while retiring more of the provincial debt.

I ask the finance minister again if he will commit 100% of the budget surplus to tax relief and debt retirement.

[Paul Martin, Liberal, Minister of Finance]

Mr. Speaker, I suggest to the hon. member that he might want to take a look at the Alberta budget and what the Alberta government is doing. It is putting more money into health care. It is putting more money into education. It is putting more money into the priorities of Albertans.

It would appear that the whole country supports health care, the whole country supports education, and the only Canadians who do not are the members of the Reform Party.

[Chuck Strahl, Reform, Fraser Valley, BC]

Mr. Speaker, of course it has to put more money into health care. He slashed a whole bunch of the last budget out from under it.

Canadian taxpayers spent millions of dollars developing a French version of a debt management software program for African countries. This software program is designed to help nations with huge debts become more responsible. It is kind of like taxaholics anonymous for finance ministers.

I would like to ask my question to the minister responsible for CIDA who developed this debt management software. Would she lend a copy of this debt management software program to our finance minister? He is $600 billion in debt and he needs all the help he can get.

[Paul Martin, Liberal, Minister of Finance]

Mr. Speaker, what I would really like to do is to give that software to the Reform Party members who every January seem to engage in some kind of a flip-flop on their basic policies.

Perhaps if the Reform Party had been able to engage in some proper analysis since it came into this Parliament it might well understand that what Canadians are looking for is a consistent and well thought out plan, which is what we set out in 1994. It is working and Canadians support it.