House of Commons Hansard #119 of the 36th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was wheat.
The Speaker
As is our practice on Wednesday we will now sing O Canada, and we will be led by the hon. member for Bruce—Grey.
Sarmite Bulte Liberal Parkdale—High Park, ON
Mr. Speaker, the Ukrainian community in my riding of Parkdale—High Park and Ukrainians worldwide are commemorating the 65th anniversary of the 1932-33 famine in the Ukraine. This famine is considered to be the largest famine of the 20th century and one in which some seven million Ukrainians perished.
In 1932, under Soviet leader Joseph Stalin, the Soviet Union dramatically increased its grain procurement. Wheat grown on Ukrainian farms was shipped to Russia and as a result many Ukrainians were unable to feed themselves.
Soviet leaders, backed by the military and secret police units, seized all food in an attempt to break the spirit of independent-minded Ukrainians. Large parts of the Ukraine were blockaded, with no food being allowed in and no one being allowed out.
Only after the fall of the Soviet Union in the 1980s did information on this terrible human tragedy come to the world's attention.
I join today with members of the Ukrainian community and all Canadians in recognizing and remembering this man-made famine that killed seven million Ukrainians.
Keith Martin Reform Esquimalt—Juan de Fuca, BC
Mr. Speaker, the situation on the Pacheedaht Reserve in my riding is desperate. Band members have begged for over a year for the department of Indian affairs to investigate allegations of the gross misappropriations of funds and lack of accountability. For example: $1.8 million from Parks Canada, misappropriated; $1.3 million for treaty negotiations, misappropriated; $47,000 for suicide prevention, misappropriated; septic fields draining into the water table; social assistance and pension fraud.
The minister's response? Go to the RCMP. The RCMP, however, cannot investigate. The result is that the Pacheedaht people are caught in a vicious cycle with deteriorating third world social conditions and nowhere to turn.
The government has tossed money at these aboriginal people without accountability. The result is an abuse of the grassroots people.
I challenge the minister to listen to the aboriginal people, do independent audits and help those grassroots people right now.
Guy St-Julien Liberal Abitibi, QC
Mr. Speaker, on June 13, Abitibi will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the annexation of its territory to Quebec.
Until 1867, the Abitibi region was part of the Northwest Territories. Negotiations were then initiated between the provinces and the federal government concerning disposition of the northern regions of the country.
On June 13, 1898, the Canadian government gave a favourable response to the Quebec government's request, and the territories of Abitibi and Mistissini were annexed through legislation.
The matter took 25 years to bring to a conclusion, and as a result, Quebec acquired an additional 168,749 square kilometers.
This region, which is renowned for its mining and forestry activities, plays an important role in the economic history of Quebec and Canada.
My best wishes to all those who will be organizing activities throughout the summer to mark this important anniversary.
Marlene Jennings Liberal Notre-Dame-de-Grâce—Lachine, QC
Mr. Speaker, Canada is not the segregated United States of yesteryear when government officials at all levels conspired to defraud black Americans of their democratic and constitutional right to vote in any election, including school board elections. The segregationists used every trickery in the book to ensure that southern blacks could not get their names onto voters' lists.
Elections for the linguistic school boards are taking place right now in Quebec and thousands of English-speaking Quebeckers are being cheated out of their right to vote for the English school boards because of the Péquiste government's ill thought out voter registration process.
I call on all of my colleagues, including the Bloc MPs, to join their voices with mine in denouncing this election debacle and in calling on the Quebec government to ensure that all Quebeckers can cast their votes on June 14 in the elections of our linguistic school boards.
Yvon Charbonneau Liberal Anjou—Rivière-Des-Prairies, QC
Mr. Speaker, on May 8, a round table was held at York University in Toronto, focussing on the commercialization of Canadian education services. The Minister for International Trade co-chaired this event.
Participants included representatives of national education associations, of provincial bodies, of private and public institutions at all levels, of the council of ministers of education and of the provincial education ministers, including the Quebec minister, as well as federal officials.
This event is noteworthy because it paves the way for enhanced exchanges between all suppliers of education and training in Canada as well as some partners on the international level.
Familiar as I am with what Canada has accomplished in education and with the huge potential for international exchange and co-operation in this area, I believe this initiative by the Minister for International Trade will stimulate the implementation of numerous partnerships aimed at the commercialization of our expertise in education, both here and elsewhere.
This is one more piece of good news for both our economy and our entrepreneur-educators.
Derrek Konrad Reform Prince Albert, SK
Mr. Speaker, as a result of the Delgamuukw decision, the entire land mass of British Columbia is now subject to land claims.
The entire legal jurisdiction of the B.C. government over its aboriginal citizens and its natural resources has been challenged. In other words, the foundations of the provincial government have been shaken. What is the federal government doing?
The budgetary estimates for the coming years show reduced spending on land claims by the department of Indian affairs in the order of over $200 million by the year 2001. These estimates do not show one single dollar being allotted for any contingent liability which might arise from the Delgamuukw decision.
I urge the government to address this problem as soon as possible. Get on with the job.
Raymond Lavigne Liberal Verdun—Saint-Henri, QC
Mr. Speaker, a page of our history was written this past year in southwestern Montreal, in Pointe-Saint-Charles, in my beautiful riding of Verdun—Saint-Henri.
Maison Saint-Gabriel is 300 years old this year. This house, built by François LeBer and bought by Marguerite Bourgeois in 1668, was used both as a farm house and a residence for “les filles du Roy”.
Thanks to the partnership between Heritage Canada and Maison Saint-Gabriel, activities depicting everyday life in those days will be held every Sunday as part of the 300th anniversary celebrations.
As the member of Parliament representing Pointe-Saint-Charles, allow me to congratulate all the organizers on showing us this part of our heritage, and particularly Madeleine Juneau, who was a driving force behind this project.
Jean-Paul Marchand Bloc Québec East, QC
Mr. Speaker, I live in the city of L'Ancienne-Lorette, in the riding of Québec East, which I represent.
In 1650, the Hurons, driven out by the Iroquois, left my home town of Penetanguishene to come and settle in L'Ancienne-Lorette, which Father Chaumonot, a Jesuit, founded in 1673.
Our city is celebrating this year the 325th anniversary of its founding, a historical event that took place under the French regime.
Throughout the month of June, a number of activities will be held to give the residents of L'Ancienne-Lorette the opportunity to celebrate this 325th anniversary. People can have fun and learn about the past by visiting an exhibition of old photographs, finding out about the life of Father Chaumonot and participating in other activities.
I congratulate everyone who helped organize these celebrations and wish a happy 325th anniversary to all the residents of L'Ancienne-Lorette.
Raymond Bonin Liberal Nickel Belt, ON
Mr. Speaker, I stand today to pay tribute to the late Peter Wong, chairman of the regional municipality of Sudbury.
Mr. Wong held the distinction of being the first elected chairman of my region.
This position was the culmination of a long and successful career of public service as a school board trustee and mayor of the city of Sudbury.
In his public life, Mr. Wong possessed a leadership style that cultivated the trust, loyalty and respect of his peers and constituents. Everyone who met and worked with Peter knew they were dealing with a man true to his principles and a man unselfishly committed to his community.
In his work with various community organizations he set a benchmark that few can aspire to attain. He will be missed.
On behalf of the people of Nickel Belt and the members of the House, I offer our sincere condolences to the Wong family, his wife Lynn, daughter Nancy and son Eric.
Reed Elley Reform Nanaimo—Cowichan, BC
Mr. Speaker, in his continuing fight to get compensation for all Canadians who contracted hepatitis C from tainted blood, 15 year old Joey Haché will leave Halifax on his bicycle this Monday and bike across Canada.
As someone who contracted the potentially fatal liver disease from a blood transfusion, Joey is calling his journey “The Cycle of Conscience”. Its purpose is twofold: to draw attention to the plight of hepatitis C victims callously forgotten by the Liberal government and to get a million signatures on a petition which demands that the government extend an offer of compensation to all victims of this tragedy.
I spoke with Joey Haché this morning and asked if there was any message he wanted to give the Prime Minister. He said to tell the Prime Minister that he will not give up until this government does the right thing, and that he is your conscience.
For those who want to wish Joey well on his journey, he will be out on the front steps of the Peace Tower today following question period.
On behalf of all members of this House, I want to wish Joey Haché good luck.
Joe Fontana Liberal London North Centre, ON
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to add my support to a very worthwhile cause, leukemia research in Canada. Leukemia is a cancer of blood cells. If affects children and adults from all backgrounds and of all ages. Canadian research centres across the country have made progress extending the life expectancy of those diagnosed with leukemia. The cure rate for children is 65%. This will only continue with more support from Canadians.
The Leukemia Research Fund of Canada, a national volunteer organization, raises money to provide grants to Canadian researchers and to educate the public about the disease. For the past 42 years, thousands of volunteers have donated many hours of their time throughout the year.
This year the Governor General, His Excellency Romeo LeBlanc, has given his support to this worthwhile cause. I am asking for the support of this House for the designation of the month of June as Leukemia Research Month. I want to thank the many volunteers for their time and encourage others to join the fight against this disease. I thank them on behalf of my mother, a survivor of leukemia.
John Solomon NDP Regina—Lumsden—Lake Centre, SK
Mr. Speaker, almost a lifetime ago in my grandparents' home country, seven million Ukrainians starved to death at the hands of Joseph Stalin. Determined to bring the Ukraine under Soviet control, Stalin starved the very Ukrainian farmers whose grain he then shipped to Russia and sold to western countries. The food left the Ukraine, but the people were barricaded in. The results devastated and nearly destroyed an entire generation of Ukrainians. In the words of one Soviet writer, people were “dying in solitude in slow degrees—trapped and left to starve, each in his own home”.
Moreover, it was a crime in the Ukraine to discuss the famine. Many international observers dismissed it as a rumour until documents surfaced in the 1980s.
Canada became the new home for many Ukrainian famine survivors after the second world war. All Canadians join with them and their families as they mark this month, the 65th anniversary of the Ukrainian famine. We pledge: “We remember. Never again”.
Hélène Alarie Bloc Louis-Hébert, QC
Mr. Speaker, personally and on behalf of the Canada-Algeria parliamentary group, I wish to welcome the parliamentary delegation, made up of members of Algeria's national council and headed by Bachir Boumaza.
We are pleased that the Speakers of both houses of Parliament are officially welcoming these senators, who are here to discuss with us our way of doing things. This visit will allow us to forge new ties and to strengthen existing ones.
In these difficult times for Algeria, we must not underestimate the hopes generated by the establishment of a parliament and an multiparty Senate. The fight for democracy in Algeria deserves our support.
Therefore, I invite all parliamentarians to participate in and contribute to the strengthening of Algeria's emerging democracy, and to also exchange views with our Algerian guests.
Steve Mahoney Liberal Mississauga West, ON
Mr. Speaker, at a time when the Reform Party is telling us that Canadians are flocking to join its so-called united alternative campaign, a CTV Gallup public opinion poll tells us otherwise. The poll shows that support for Reform has now fallen behind support for the Conservatives. Only 12% of Canadians support the Reform Party, while 15% would vote for the leaderless Tories. In my own province of Ontario where Reformers keep claiming to be making inroads, support for their party is at a paltry 8%.
What can they do to reverse their situation? Perhaps they can stop alienating Canadians and back away from the redneck extremist positions they take on most public policy issues. Or, they could simply get rid of their leader and try to boost their support by convincing the hon. member for Saint John to lead the united alternative campaign.
André Bachand Progressive Conservative Richmond—Arthabaska, QC
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer, personally and on behalf of my colleagues, support and sympathy to those affected by the terrible tragedy at Montreal's Accueil Bonneau, yesterday.
I want to stress the excellent work this shelter has done and must continue to do with the homeless in the greater Montreal region.
In this regard, I invite Montrealers to provide financial assistance and volunteer support to help rebuild Accueil Bonneau.
I also ask both levels of government to support Montrealers in getting Accueil Bonneau back in operation as soon as possible.
Saint John, New Brunswick was also the victim of a terrible tragedy yesterday when an explosion occurred at the Irving oil refinery. My colleagues and I take this opportunity to offer our support to the victims and their families.
Preston Manning ReformLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, Ann-Margaret Dickey was a soldier in the Canadian Armed Forces.
Today she courageously stood before a press conference to allege that two years ago she was sexually assaulted four times within a 10-day period at a military base in Quebec. She said she reported these assaults to the military police and the medical people but her complaints were ignored and she has been told not to raise the issue again.
My question is for the Prime Minister. Why did Private Dickey have to go public today, revealing painful personal information in order to get this government's attention to her complaint?
Jean Chrétien LiberalPrime Minister
Mr. Speaker, this is an accusation of a criminal nature and has to be dealt with by a special group called NIS, which has the responsibility for these investigations. I am informed that it is doing the investigation.
Yesterday we named somebody to receive complaints from outside the military. She decided to go public today.
I am informed that there is an inquiry about that. There will be a complete investigation. If some criminal actions have been done against her, the people will be taken to court.
Preston Manning ReformLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, female soldiers have no faith whatsoever in either the government's commitments or its procedures for dealing with sexual harassment or assault in the military.
The minister has appointed an ombudsman and that is good. But that ombudsman's investigators are exactly the same people who told Private Dickey not to raise a fuss. The minister fixes one link in the chain but it is the chain that is the problem. How can this ombudsman do his work when the government itself just wants to sweep these problems under the rug?
Jean Chrétien LiberalPrime Minister
Mr. Speaker, the Minister of National Defence was extremely clear last week that there will be absolutely zero tolerance. We intend to make sure that these reprehensible actions will be dealt with civilly.
In 1997 we put in the national investigation service which did not exist before. That is its task. Is the member telling me that it has perhaps not performed its duty the way it should? We are looking into that but I am telling you that if there was criminal action committed by some people, they will be taken to court. On top of that, we have named the ombudsman.
Preston Manning ReformLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, everyone in this House wants to believe that progress is being made in dealing with these complaints. They want to believe that there is zero tolerance. We want to believe that there is somebody somewhere in the government who is going to take up the concerns of rank and file soldiers and treat their complaints with dignity and with speed.
How can we believe that the government is taking any of this seriously when every day brings new allegations of wrongdoing, like those of Private Dickey?
Jean Chrétien Liberal Saint-Maurice, QC
Yes, I am. We put mechanisms in place but for a long time people were not coming forward. It is great that today they have the confidence to help the government make sure that that type of behaviour is not tolerated in the Canadian army.
Art Hanger Reform Calgary Northeast, AB
Mr. Speaker, Ann-Margaret Dickey contacted three successive defence ministers of this government with her case, including the present defence minister. None of them gave her a satisfactory response. The ministers would not even let her know if an investigation was under way.
Why does it take a press conference in Ottawa to get a minister of this government to address such serious allegations?