House of Commons Hansard #69 of the 36th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was budget.
Peter Adams LiberalParliamentary Secretary to Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 36(8), I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the government's response to 23 petitions.
A message from His Excellency the Governor General transmitting supplementary estimates (B) for the financial year ending March 31, 1998 was presented by the President of the Treasury Board and read by the Speaker to the House.
Dick Harris Reform Prince George—Bulkley Valley, BC
moved for leave to introduce Bill C-365, an act to amend the Criminal Code (desecration of the flag).
Mr. Speaker, all over this country our national flag flies proudly from government buildings, from residences, from places of business, from public gathering places. This is a flag that our country has a right to be proud of. People have indeed given their lives for our national flag.
This motion would seek to make it a criminal offence for any person or persons who would consider desecrating in any way the national flag of Canada. I am proud to introduce this private member's motion.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)
Leon Benoit Reform Lakeland, AB
moved for leave to introduce Bill C-366, an act to amend the Income Tax Act (deduction of mechanics' tool expenses).
Mr. Speaker, this private member's bill would allow mechanics to deduct their tool expense, which is now denied, provided that it is a requirement of their employment to purchase the tools.
The deduction would encompass maintenance, rental, insurance costs and the full cost of tools under $200 and the capital cost allowance above $200. That is consistent with what artists, musicians, chain saw operators and other individuals now do when claiming the cost of their tools as an income tax deduction.
I am very pleased to present this bill on behalf of mechanics.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)
Dan McTeague Liberal Pickering—Ajax—Uxbridge, ON
moved for leave to introduce Bill C-367, an act to amend the Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
Mr. Speaker, I wish to flag your attention to the problem which has persisted for some time in the minds of the public about the question of public safety with respect to the automotive industry.
The purpose of this bill is to amend the Motor Vehicle Safety Act to make manufacturers notify the public in a prescribed manner when they become aware of a design, construction or functional defect in vehicles which they either manufacture or import for sale.
The bill would also give the Minister of Transport the power to order an immediate recall of defective vehicles which have caused or are likely to cause injury or death and prevent the sale of these vehicles until the defect is corrected.
I thank the hon. member for Laval West for her support.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)
Marcel Massé LiberalPresident of the Treasury Board and Minister responsible for Infrastructure
Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 81(5) and 81(6), I would like to table a motion to refer the estimates to the standing committees of the House.
Therefore, I move:
That the Supplementary Estimates (B) for the fiscal year ending March 31, 1998, laid upon the Table on March 9, 1998, be referred to the several Standing Committees of the House, as follows:
As there is a lengthy list attached to the motion, if it is agreeable to the House, I would ask that the list be printed in Hansard as if it had been read.
Supplementary Estimates (B)Routine Proceedings
Some hon. members
Agreed.
To the Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
Indian Affairs and Northern Development, Votes 1b, 5b, 6b, 15b, L20b, 35b and 40b
To the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food
Agriculture and Agri-Food, Votes 1b, 10b, 11b and 12b
To the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage
Canadian Heritage, Votes 1b, 5b, 10b, L21b, 25b, 45b, 60b, 65b, 70b, 85b, 95b, 105b, 110b, 115b, 130b and 145b
To the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration
Citizenship and Immigration, Votes 1b, 2b, 5b and 15b
To the Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development
Environment, Votes 1b, 5b and 10b Privy Council, Vote 30b
To the Standing Committee on Finance
Finance, Votes 6b and 15b National Revenue, Votes 1b and 10b
To the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans
Fisheries and Oceans, Vote 1b
To the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade
Foreign Affairs, Votes 1b, 5b, 10b, 11b, 20b, 25b and 26b
To the Standing Committee on Health
Health, Votes 10b, 20b and 30b
To the Standing Committee on Human Resources Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities
Human Resources Development, Votes 1b, 20b and 35b
To the Standing Committee on Industry
Industry, Votes 1b, 5b, 20b, 30b, 35b, 50b, 60b, 65b, 80b, 85b, 90b and 120b
To the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights
Justice, Votes 1b, 10b, 15b, 20b, 25b and 35b Solicitor General, Votes 1b, 10b, 15b and 35b
To the Standing Committee on National Defence and Veterans Affairs
National Defence, Votes 1b and 10b Veterans Affairs, Votes 1b, 5b and 10b
To the Standing Committee on Natural Resources and Government Operations
Canadian Heritage, Votes 135b and 136b Governor General, Vote 1b Natural Resources, Votes 1b, 20b, 25b and 35b Privy Council, Votes 1b and 10b Public Works and Government Services, Votes 1b, 5b, 15b, 16b, 17b and 18b Treasury Board, Vote 1b
To the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs
Parliament, Vote 5b
To the Standing Committee on Public Accounts
Finance, Vote 30b
To the Standing Committee on Transport
Privy Council, Vote 15b Transport, Votes 1b and10b
(Motion agreed to)
Nelson Riis NDP Kamloops, BC
Mr. Speaker, it is my honour to present a petition, pursuant to Standing Order 36. Because of the necessity of dealing with the budget debate I will not read the petition. I will simply say that the petitioners are calling for tax reform of a comprehensive nature.
Nelson Riis NDP Kamloops, BC
Mr. Speaker, I have a second petition which I wish to present. A large number of petitioners from throughout British Columbia are calling upon the government not to sign the multilateral agreement on investment, period.
Nelson Riis NDP Kamloops, BC
Mr. Speaker, I have a third petition which I wish to present. The petitioners are concerned about the government's plans to change the pension system and the retirement income system of Canada. They call upon the government, at least this time, to ensure there is adequate public debate on the issue before any decisions are taken.
Philip Mayfield Reform Cariboo—Chilcotin, BC
Mr. Speaker, I am honoured to rise today in the House of Commons to present a petition signed by more than 100 constituents from the Quesnel, Wells and Williams Lake Districts of my riding Cariboo—Chilcotin.
My constituents are concerned that freedom of choice in health care is becoming increasingly curtailed and further threatened by legislation and statutory regulations of the Government of Canada.
My constituents request that Canada's Food and Drug Act be revised to allow for freedom of choice in health care.
Paul Szabo Liberal Mississauga South, ON
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to present a petition signed by a number of Canadians, including from my riding of Mississauga South.
The petitioners would like to draw to the attention of the House that police officers and firefighters are required to place their lives at risk on a daily basis as they discharge their duties. When one of them is killed in the line of duty, their employment benefits do not often provide sufficient compensation to their families to deal with their needs. The public mourns that loss when a police officer or a firefighter is killed in the line of duty and they wish to support in a tangible way the surviving families in their time of need.
The petitioners therefore ask Parliament to establish a public safety officers' compensation fund for the benefit of families of public safety officers who are killed in the line of duty.
Gary Lunn Reform Saanich—Gulf Islands, BC
Mr. Speaker, I am honoured to present a petition on behalf of 564 constituents of Saanich—Gulf Islands and the surrounding area.
The petitioners call upon Parliament to enact legislation to repeal the Young Offenders Act and replace it with an act that will provide penalties for violent crimes committed by young people that will act as a deterrent to such actions and provide safety and security to the general public as well.
We have had a very large increase in crime in our area. The public is gravely concerned and they are of the belief that what is in place is clearly not working. They are asking Parliament to act.
Chuck Cadman Reform Surrey North, BC
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to present this petition of some 2,000 names requesting Parliament to raise the age of consent for sexual activity between a young person and an adult from 14 years to 16 years.
These petitioners are concerned, as are all Canadians, about the increasing sexual exploitation of our young people. They look to us and this place to do something about it.
Jason Kenney Reform Calgary Southeast, AB
Mr. Speaker, I rise to present a petition signed by some 47 residents of Calgary who expressed their concern about the July 22, 1997 decision by the Canadian Radio and Television Commission to license the Playboy channel at the same time that it denied a license to four religious broadcasters, including the International Catholic Broadcast.
These petitioners pray that Parliament will review the mandate of the CRTC and direct the commission to administer a new policy which will permit and encourage the licensing of religious broadcasters to end this mark on freedom of expression in Canada.
Peter Adams LiberalParliamentary Secretary to Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
Mr. Speaker, the following questions will be answered today: Nos. 26, 40, 48, 49, 59 and 69. .[Text]
Rick Borotsik Progressive Conservative Brandon—Souris, MB
With regard to the CN Rail line to Churchill, Manitoba, (a) what were the specific contract details concerning the $34 million that was spent on upgrading; and (b) why was $6 million given to CN Rail in order to ensure the sale of the line?
Peter Adams LiberalParliamentary Secretary to Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
(a) On August 8, 1997, the Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs, on behalf of the Minister of Transport, announced that the Government of Canada would be transferring the port of Churchill to the Hudson Bay Port Corporation in accordance with Canada's national marine policy. In support of that transfer, Transport Canada is providing a total of $14.45 million under its port divestiture fund for health and safety upgrades to the port facility. These upgrades include improved dust control, a new hopper car unloader and concrete restoration measures.
Additional funding of $19.6 million is being provided for capacity enhancements at the port including a new tug and trackmobile, wharf face repairs and dredging of the port. This funding consists of $9 million from western economic diversification, $4.6 million under the western grain transportation adjustment fund and $6 million from the province of Manitoba. This funding will be provided to Hudson Bay Port Corporation under a contribution agreement with western economic diversification with funds to be provided on a reimbursement basis after eligible costs have been incurred.
Total federal support of $28.05 million along with provincial funding of $6 million are key elements in ensuring that the port of Churchill will be internationally competitive and economically viable and independent over the long term.
(b) In a separate transaction, CN rail has sold the bay line to Churchill to Hudson Bay Rail Company. Western economic diversification will provide $16 million to CN in recognition of its losses on the bay line and to allow it to proceed with the sale rather than abandon the line and recover the salvage value.
The rail line transaction involves 1,300 km of track connecting the communities of Flin Flon, Lynn Lake, Churchill and other smaller centers. This rail link is critical to the economy of northern Manitoba and under its new ownership it will provide the opportunity for new growth and development in the area.
Diane Ablonczy Reform Calgary Nose Hill, AB
With regard to the government's formulation of the projections for income, expenses, account and account earnings, contribution rates, yield and paygo rate for the latest Canada pension plan proposal: (a) how many separate actuarial runs did the government require to complete the proposal; (b) how many officials were involved in the computations and how long did it take them to arrive at the finished product; (c) how many private consultants were involved; (d) what services did they perform at what cost; (e) how long did the process take; and (f) how much did the entire process cost?
Tony Valeri LiberalParliamentary Secretary to Minister of Finance
(a) 2,251 projections were prepared by the office of the chief actuary of the Canada Pension Plan since the tabling of the 15th actuarial report in February 1995, for the purpose of developing the federal-provincial agreement on the CPP.
(b) Three full time officials and one half time official were employed by the chief actuary in the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions.
(c) No private consultants were involved in preparing projections.
(d) None, as private consultants were not involved.
(e) The 2,251 projections were prepared after the February 1995 tabling of the 15th CPP actuarial report and continued to the present.
(f) The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions received $1,375,000 in 1996-97 from the CPP account to provide ongoing actuarial services for the CPP, including the preparation of actuarial reports required by the CPP act and all other actuarial services relating to the CPP. These funds covered all salaries and other goods and services. The office received no additional resources to prepare projections for the review.
Dick Harris Reform Prince George—Bulkley Valley, BC
With regard to the government's and Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation's ongoing litigation involving, directly or indirectly, the former board or directors of the Northland Bank, what services did each of the following law firms perform and how much have each of the following firms charged the Canadian government or the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation from September 1, 1985, to the present: (a) Ogilvie and Cole of Manitoba; (b) Howard Mackie of Calgary; and (c) Fraser & Beatty of Toronto?
Tony Valeri LiberalParliamentary Secretary to Minister of Finance
The law firm of Ogilvie & Co. of Edmonton was appointed as agent of the Attorney General of Canada to conduct the litigation on behalf of the Government of Canada and the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation; to December 31, 1997 it has been paid $6,154,819.56 for its services. Howard Mackie and Fraser & Beatty have not performed any services on behalf of the Government of Canada or the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation in respect of this litigation. They act for the liquidator of the bank appointed by the Court of Queen's Bench of Alberta in the companion litigation brought by the liquidator against, among others, certain former directors of the bank. Any response regarding those firm's charges to the liquidator should be made by the liquidator, but it can be said that the amounts recovered as a result of the settlements achieved to date far exceed the total fees charged by all three law firms added together.
Dick Harris Reform Prince George—Bulkley Valley, BC
With regard to the government's and Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation's ongoing litigation involving directly or indirectly, the former board or directors of the Northland Bank, did any of the law firms retained on this case or the Department of Justice prepare any opinions within the last 12 years as to: (a) cost recovery; (b) time frame for completion; and (c) the likelihood of a favorable outcome?
Tony Valeri LiberalParliamentary Secretary to Minister of Finance
The opinions given have been in respect of ongoing litigation and the subject of solicitor-client privilege.
Ken Epp Reform Elk Island, AB
With respect to the auditor general's report (Public Accounts, 1997) statement that the value of computers stolen is $2,228,122 and the value of computers destroyed or damaged is $40,282: a) has the President of the Treasury Board enacted any measures to ensure that departments are more accountable for their equipment and b) if so, what are these measures?