House of Commons Hansard #90 of the 36th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was health.
The Speaker
As is our practice on Wednesdays, we will now sing O Canada, and we will be led by the hon. member for Winnipeg—Transcona.
Ovid Jackson Liberal Bruce—Grey, ON
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my congratulations to Hillcrest School in my riding of Bruce—Grey which will be celebrating its 50th anniversary reunion this weekend in Owen Sound.
Since 1948 Hillcrest has provided primary and junior high school education in the Owen Sound area. It has grown from a building housing 150 primary students to a large junior high school of 700 students and a staff of 60.
Reunions are always full of memories. Returning staff and students will relive the thrill of the first day, remember obstacles they had to overcome and meet with friends. They will all get together to think about the dreams they had in the past and the future they will have together.
As both the present and past students assemble at Hillcrest this weekend to celebrate I offer them my best wishes and congratulations. I know that this weekend will be full of youthful memories, old friends and good times.
Paul Forseth Reform New Westminster—Coquitlam—Burnaby, BC
Mr. Speaker, there is a sea of blue in B.C.'s lower mainland and it has nothing to do with the Pacific Ocean.
Hundreds of large blue tarps are hanging from condominiums in a last ditch attempt to protect properties from extensive water damage during repairs due to second-rate building practices. The Condominium Owners Association of British Columbia estimates the repair costs to be in the neighbourhood of $1 billion—similar to Canada's other recent natural disasters.
These disaster victims are looking for help now. It is a serious crisis and not even the Minister of National Revenue, whose own constituents are many of the troubled condo owners, has spoken a word about it in this House.
The minister has the power to lend a hand: allow owners to use RRSP funds, make interest payments on loans deductible, or even permit emergency repairs to be GST exempt.
Let us have a B.C. minister finally do something for B.C.
Joe McGuire Liberal Egmont, PE
Mr. Speaker, as hon. members are aware, on April 7, 1868 a remarkable father of Confederation was assassinated. However, 130 years later the legacy of Thomas D'Arcy McGee is symbolized by the goals that we as parliamentarians strive to achieve.
McGee's important contributions reflect his Irish descendancy, defined by struggle and suffering, and his compassionate conscience which assisted in the development of the Canadian economic, social and political nature we have inherited.
McGee's work with immigrants led him into the political arena with a Montreal seat in the House of Assembly of the Canadas in 1857. He was responsible as a Reform MLA for legislating progressive social and health conditions and for providing a stable foundation for the Canadian fabric.
It was also his participation in the Confederation debates that fostered his historical legacy as a compassionate visionary, encompassing an equitable partnership between two peoples which would result in what he called a new nationality.
McGee saw Canada as a nation that would bridge differences—
Thomas D'Arcy McGeeStatements By Members
The Speaker
The hon. member for Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke.
Hec Clouthier Liberal Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke, ON
Mr. Speaker, the Canadian Special Olympics is the national sports organization that provides sport training and competition opportunities for athletes who are mentally challenged.
Today the Canadian Special Olympics serves 20,000 athletes through the efforts of 8,000 volunteers. There are offices in every province and the two territories where year-round training occurs.
The Canadian Special Olympics is endorsed by the Canadian Olympic Association. The national winter games will be held from January 25 to January 30 in the year 2000. Canada's capital region's bid for these games will be presented to the Canada Special Olympics on April 27, 1998. This bid, if successful, will be integrated into the Ottawa 2000 millennium celebrations.
On behalf of all citizens of the great riding of Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke I endorse this bid.
Congratulations to my friend and colleague the member for Ottawa—Vanier who has been superlative—
Canadian Special OlympicsStatements By Members
The Speaker
The hon. member for Vancouver Kingsway.
Sophia Leung Liberal Vancouver Kingsway, BC
Mr. Speaker, last week the Chinese Benevolent Association which represents over 40 organizations from Vancouver presented me with a petition signed by over 5,000 residents of Vancouver. They oppose the language requirement contained in the report “Not Just Numbers” presently being considered by the Department of Citizenship and Immigration. I will be presenting their concerns to the minister in the near future.
The people of Vancouver want their concerns taken into account. They have a right to be heard.
The minister has proven that Canadians have a voice in shaping our government policy. I have every confidence that the government will maintain an immigration policy based on fairness and openness. Why? Because the government cares about the views of Canadians.
Myron Thompson Reform Wild Rose, AB
Mr. Speaker, in December 1997 we heard the justice minister say that she was meeting her provincial counterparts in Montreal to discuss changes to the YOA and she would get back to us.
In February 1998 she was still in consultation, but she would get back to us.
This week she tells us that she will respond in a timely fashion. I guess that means she will get back to us.
What we need today is a commitment from the justice minister to announce changes to the YOA before we recess this summer. I only hope that she will give us that commitment.
It seems all we get are words, words, words and no action. For me everything boils down to either you cannot do something or you will not. It is obvious that she either cannot make these changes to the YOA or she will not. I wonder which it is.
I hope when the senior minister from Alberta returns to her riding she can explain to her constituents and the rest of Alberta why her bleeding heart eastern colleagues have torpedoed her law and order.
Words are not enough to pacify Albertans. We are people of action, especially in terms of the safety of our children and grandchildren.
Jacques Saada Liberal Brossard—La Prairie, QC
Mr. Speaker, at a luncheon today, the Prime Minister paid special tribute to Canada's Olympic and Paralympic medalists.
He honoured them on behalf of all the people of Canada, drawing attention to the contributions of the athletes and all those supporting them.
We cannot fully imagine all the sacrifices and all the efforts expended by these athletes in bringing these honours to our country. I wish to offer them my humble and sincere thanks.
Joe Jordan Liberal Leeds—Grenville, ON
Mr. Speaker, it is a great honour to rise in the House today to pay tribute to all the athletes from Canada who participated in the Paralympic games this past winter in Nagano, Japan.
We have in our presence today some of these world-class athletes, athletes who are dedicated to excellence in their sport as demonstrated through their commitment to training and achieving results. The results have been impressive.
This was Canada's best ever showing at the Paralympic games as we came away with one gold, nine silver and five bronze medals.
I would like to recognize the tremendous sacrifices made by all our athletes and the support that is given to them by their families, coaches, trainers, friends, as well as the financial contributions of over 20,000 donors. All these people played a big part in the theme of the Paralympic games which was “Friendship and Warmth”.
I ask my fellow members of parliament to join me in congratulating our very own Canadian Paralympic athletes and medal winners.
Bernard Bigras Bloc Rosemont, QC
Mr. Speaker, today is Earth Day, which offers us the opportunity to reflect on our relationship with the environment.
In recent generations, the human race's ability to modify the world ecosystem has increased in a spectacular way, because of our exploding population and our technological progress. World economic activity, for instance, is 20 times what it was in 1900. Consequently, many human activities surpass our planet's ability to replenish its resources.
A short-sighted view will not enable us to solve these problems. We need to start to again incorporate environmental considerations with our day to day decisions as individuals, managers and legislators. It is possible for economic development to go hand in hand with respect for the environment.
International Earth Day reminds us that there is no time to waste in making the still theoretical concept of sustainable development a concrete reality.
Jason Kenney Reform Calgary Southeast, AB
Mr. Speaker, this week marked a fresh start for the people of Saskatchewan and the beginning of the end of the NDP stranglehold on that great province. That is because a new free-enterprise coalition was born with the election of Elwin Hermanson to the leadership of the Saskatchewan Party on Monday.
As a distinguished former member of this place, a former House leader and one of the founding members of the Reform movement, Elwin is a man of integrity who will help to bring new hope to the people of Saskatchewan, especially the young people who have for too long been driven out of that province by the tax and spend government-knows-best ideology of the NDP.
Elwin's leadership in the Saskatchewan Party is concrete evidence that common sense Canadians can put aside their partisan differences to advance a united alternative based on fiscal responsibility, strong families and democratic reforms.
On behalf of all members of this House, we extend our best wishes to the new leader of the opposition and the next premier of Saskatchewan, Elwin Hermanson.
Nick Discepola Liberal Vaudreuil—Soulanges, QC
Mr. Speaker, Earth Day represents an important time for all societies in the world, as we direct our planet toward an enhanced quality of life, free of wars, injustice and violence.
We all share values of peace and sharing, although these remain dreams rather than realities for many countries in the world.
If we can contribute, even in the most modest of ways, to raising the awareness of all societies in the world to the need to show tolerance, unity and generosity, Canada will be shouldering at least some of its responsibilities.
Canada is involved on an ongoing basis with bringing peoples together. Through its presence in international institutions and through its embassies, the Canadian government has historically shown its desire for peace and its confidence in humankind.
We must wish collectively for Canada to continue this mission it has undertaken in partnership with all the other countries that share our values of compassion, openness, and generosity toward—
International Earth DayStatements By Members
The Speaker
The hon. member for Winnipeg—Transcona.
Bill Blaikie NDP Winnipeg—Transcona, MB
Mr. Speaker, the members of the New Democratic Party understand the frustration of the young member of the Bloc Quebecois. Many young people across Canada share his frustration. They see the need to deal immediately with the social problems caused by globalization. They are asking a very important question, one that the NDP keeps asking day in and day out: Do we want a society where the interests of a minority of elite people take precedence over the well-being of the community?
The Bloc Quebecois does little to address these issues. In fact, the Bloc has joined the Reformers and Conservatives in supporting the position of the Liberals on the MIA, as they did before on free trade.
Globalization is all about sovereignty and the erosion of the power of all governments—provincial, federal, federalist, separatist—to act in the public interest. The NDP urges all those who are concerned about sovereignty to engage in the real debate about sovereignty.
We call on social democrats and other progressive—
Sheila Finestone Liberal Mount Royal, QC
Mr. Speaker, today is Yom Hashoah, a worldwide day of remembrance that commemorates one of the greatest tragedies of our century, the Holocaust.
On this day we pay respect, with the survivors, as we remember the six million people who were murdered in the ultimate affront to democracy, human rights and human lives.
From the ashes of the concentration camps rose the democratic state of Israel which will soon celebrate its 50th anniversary with just pride and honour.
Jointly we mark the 50th anniversary of the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, a worldwide recognition of the fact that all people by virtue of their humanity possess the right to life and dignity.
Unfortunately, such atrocities continue to plague mankind which we must bring to closure. We must use more effectively the UN tools such as peacekeeping and peacemaking forces and the rule of international law so that all citizens are able to live in peace amongst themselves and amongst the world family of nations.
Peter MacKay Progressive Conservative Pictou—Antigonish—Guysborough, NS
Mr. Speaker, fishing in Guysborough County can be traced back to the Basque as early as 1504. Yet as we enter the next millennium this important industry has fallen upon tough times.
Today a delegation from my Nova Scotia riding became the second group from Guysborough County this month to come to Ottawa to discuss their concerns with the deputy minister of fisheries.
Two weeks ago representatives from the Canso Trawlerman's co-op and Seafreez in Canso, and today ACS Trading in the town of Mulgrave, arrived to request shrimp quota. Both groups have realistic, community based proposals to modernize the fisheries and create jobs in two of the poorest areas of Canada. Both proposals are supported by the private sector, the public, municipal leaders and the local Liberal MLA.
These proposals are consistent with the will to Canadianize the industry and to give Nova Scotia a fair share of the quotas.
On behalf of the men and women of these constituencies whose livelihoods depend on the federal government's commitment to work with them and for them, I urge the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans to give both proposals his full support and approval.
Suzanne Tremblay Bloc Rimouski—Mitis, QC
Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Bloc Quebecois, I would like to welcome the Canadian and Quebec medal winners at the 18th Winter Olympic Games and 7th Winter Paralympic Games, which were held in Nagano.
After several years of effort, these athletes have seen their dream come true; they performed remarkably.
Today, I salute their courage and determination. I thank them for their brilliant performance. Whether they brought a medal home or not, they were already winners as far as we were concerned.
Dear Olympians, you are outstanding models and a great source of inspiration for all young people in this country. We are very proud of you. Congratulations on your participation in these Olympic Games. You have successfully risen to this great challenge.
Preston Manning ReformLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, enough is enough. The House has heard nothing but excuses from the health minister for his failure to compensate the victims of hepatitis C. He provides neither leadership nor direction on this issue. Nor does he show compassion.
Tomorrow the Reform Party will therefore introduce the following motion:
That this House urge the government to act on the recommendation of Justice Horace Krever to compensate all victims who contacted hepatitis C from tainted blood.
Will the Prime Minister call upon—
Jean Chrétien LiberalPrime Minister
Mr. Speaker, for many days we have repeated that we have taken action on that. We have done it in collaboration with all other governments in the country. People have looked at this problem and we have met our obligation.
On April 6, on behalf of all the provincial health ministers, Clay Serby said:
As health ministers from every province, we worked together to reach a consensus on this very difficult issue. This was not an easy decision to reach. This is a very complex issue and we have come up with an approach that is national in scope, fair and—
Preston Manning ReformLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, the issue was whether the Prime Minister would call off the whips and allow his members to have a free vote on that motion.
We know the Prime Minister's backbenchers are profoundly dissatisfied with the health minister's position. They simply cannot justify his lack of compassion and his lack of leadership back home.
Sacrificing a single health minister is one thing, but will the Prime Minister really force every Liberal backbencher to vote against these victims too?