Debates of Sept. 24th, 1998

Canadian Executive Services Organization

[John McKay, Liberal, Scarborough East, ON]

Mr. Speaker, before I begin my statement may I say that you said it well this morning on behalf of us all. Surely Nelson Mandela will take his place among the greats of the 20th century.

I rise in the House to recognize two of my constituents who have made their contributions to the 20th century. These two individuals, Stan Judd and John Mackillop, have made contributions through the Canadian Executive Services Organization.

Stan Judd spent a month in Panama to help a company engaged in the purchasing, classification and distribution of specialty grains. Among other things, Mr. Judd designed a better cleaning and classifying process, developed a new faster cooking grain and designed effective packaging. Because of Mr. Judd, this company expects to increase production, reduce costs and improve product quality.

Mr. Mackillop went on assignment to Sri Lanka to assist in the production of artificial limbs. He helped prepare study material and training for a company.

Stan Judd and John Mackillop are to commended for their efforts.

The Family

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

Mr. Speaker, Canadians are becoming increasingly aware that one of the keys for a strong society is not more costly government programs but respect and encouragement for the millions of committed parents who are raising our next generation.

Not surprisingly, the studies show what we already intrinsically know: a stable and loving family is a child's best hope. For example, recent studies confirm that children raised by birth parents in a stable relationship are significantly more likely to graduate from high school and less likely to have behavioural problems.

Increasingly though, academics, bureaucrats and social do-gooders present themselves as the champions of the best interests of children. What they seem to forget is that parents have a natural authority.

Respecting the authority that both parents have and tangibly encouraging the work that they do is one of the best long term investments we can make.

National Defence

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

Mr. Speaker, over the past two days national defence headquarters has been celebrating the 75th anniversary of the department and the 30th anniversary of headquarters.

As a member of the Standing Committee on National Defence and Veterans Affairs, I am delighted that the public has had this opportunity to learn more about the department and the men and women who serve there.

Over the summer I had the distinct pleasure of being a guest speaker at the annual meeting of the Ontario Regiment Veterans. I was presented with a poem written by Charles Province that I would like to share as a reminder of the supreme sacrifice made by so many:

It is the soldier, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press. It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech. It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, who has given us freedom to demonstrate. It is the soldier, not the lawyer, who has given us the right to a fair trial. It is the soldier who salutes the flag, who serves under the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protester to burn the flag.

Cultural Diversity

[Eugène Bellemare, Liberal, Carleton—Gloucester, ON]

Mr. Speaker, at the invitation of the Minister of Canadian Heritage, the ministers of culture of 19 countries met in Ottawa on June 29 and 30 to take part in a forum on the importance of supporting national culture at this time of globalization and of promoting co-operation to this end.

Among other things the meeting led to the formation of an international ministerial network to promote and protect cultural diversity and the establishment of a co-ordinating group comprising Sweden, Mexico, Greece and Canada.

The 10 initiatives approved include one requesting the leaders in broadcasting to promote television's cultural diversity and co-operation with the Organization of American States in order to develop a cultural plan.

The Canadian Conference on the Arts held a parallel forum on culture and co-operation, with over 60 organizations in the arts, culture and development sector participating. This shows clearly—

[The Speaker]

The member for Etobicoke—Lakeshore.

President Nelson Mandela

[Jean Augustine, Liberal, Etobicoke—Lakeshore, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I am honoured and delighted to welcome a great man to our nation's capital today, the President of South Africa, the Hon. Nelson Mandela.

President Mandela is a living symbol of the power of the human spirit and a true modern day hero. Nelson Mandela has fought and stood by his strong beliefs in fundamental human rights, the right to dignity, freedom and equality that we all cherish as Canadians.

His courage to challenge the injustices of the oppressive system of apartheid in South Africa cannot be understated. Like many Canadians such as Sherona Hall and other ANC supporters, I spent my youthful years in anti-apartheid support activities.

Today we are all bursting with pride as under President Mandela's leadership South Africa is making a peaceful transition into a democratic society that respects the rights of all its citizens.

Nelson Mandela will go down in history as one of the stalwarts of the 20th century.

Mr. Mandela, thank you for making South Africa and the world a better place. Canadians are proud that today you walked among us.

[Bob Mills, Reform, Red Deer, AB]

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Canadian official opposition I ask the members of the House of Commons and all Canadians from sea to sea to pay tribute to the President of South Africa, Mr. Nelson Mandela.

Canadians supported Mr. Mandela's struggle against oppression because Canadians believe in the equality of all people. We believe in justice and accountability and we believe in the fundamental freedoms for all people.

Now Canadians cheer on and support a renewed South Africa, a South Africa that works to achieve the ideals of democracy, equality and freedom, a South Africa that is a model for other states in and beyond Africa. Canadians also support South Africa as it reinvigorates its domestic democracy, as it reforms its institutions of government and moves into the 21st century.

In short, Canada and South Africa have been close in the past and will remain friends in the future. Today it is a great honour to welcome Nelson Mandela and his wife and celebrate a victory for freedom over oppression.

[Ovid Jackson, Liberal, Bruce—Grey, ON]

Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure today to be among those Canadians who welcome Nelson Mandela here to our parliament. President Mandela's visit gives us an opportunity to honour a remarkable man for his lifetime struggle against racism and apartheid.

He has fathered a peaceful revolution, guided by his gentleness, wisdom and strength. This remarkable legacy continues through his dedication to helping the children and youth of South Africa.

The Government of Canada is proud to be a sponsor of the “Mandela and the Children” event at the Skydome tomorrow. Nelson Mandela will reach out to our young people and give them an awareness of Canada's activities in South Africa.

This event will connect young people of Canada with the South African youth in a common cause: the elimination of racism and the promotion of human rights.

The struggle of this great leader encourages us all to reaffirm our commitment to tolerance, equality and social justice.

President Of South Africa

[Daniel Turp, Bloc, Beauharnois—Salaberry, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to join with my colleagues in recognizing the official visit of the President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela.

On the eve of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we are honoured by the presence of a true defender of human rights.

Nelson Mandela's actions, his very life, have marked not only Africa, but indeed the entire world. Through personal sacrifice, Mr. Mandela stands out as a true statesman and as a beloved and respected political leader. He will remain forever an example of a freedom fighter.

As others continue the fight for democracy, Mr. Mandela's exemplary tenacity should give cause for reflection to those who think that repression can silence people who, like President Mandela himself, embody the courageous battle for fundamental rights.

President Mandela, on behalf of the members of the Bloc Quebecois and of all the people of Quebec, I thank you.

[Eleni Bakopanos, Liberal, Ahuntsic, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I invite all my colleagues to applaud the government's initiative to support President Mandela in his efforts to fight racial discrimination in his country and internationally.

As we know, President Mandela is one of the most credible and most respected world leaders in terms of the advancement of social justice, and our country has recognized this yesterday by making him a Companion of the Order of Canada.

The Canadian government's support of the “Nelson Mandela Children's Fund” campaign naturally fits in with our country's tradition, a country that has been championing the cause of peace and human rights around the world for years.

Our contribution to this initiative also gives an international dimension to the annual national campaign against racism and discrimination that the government and many Canadians have been leading for the past nine years: the March 21 campaign.

As we move into the 21st century, we must work even more diligently with the inspiration and spirit of one of the great heroes of our history, Mr. Mandela, to eradicate all forms of racism and discrimination in Canada and around the world.

National Capital Commission

[Inky Mark, Reform, Dauphin—Swan River, MB]

Mr. Speaker, a secretive organization of the government is making decisions behind closed doors without public scrutiny.

The unelected National Capital Commission proposes to spend some $5 billion on a questionable project affecting the city's tax base.

Now we have learned that unelected NCC chairman Marcel Beaudry pressured elected Ottawa city councillor Elisabeth Arnold. Mr. Beaudry asked Councillor Arnold to withhold two recommendations from a city draft report. The recommendations strongly object to the destruction of the heritage buildings and the shrinkage of downtown development the NCC's Metcalfe Street proposal would cause.

We have advice for the National Capital Commission. Be transparent and be accountable.

Bloc Quebecois

[Claude Drouin, Liberal, Beauce, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the marriage of the sovereignists and the Reform Party has been a rocky one, to say the least. Despite their vows, the honeymoon does not seem to have lasted very long!

Now the Bloc is linking up with Mike Harris, while the Reform Party is flirting with the likes of former PQ minister Rodrigue Biron.

As well, there is division among the sovereignists on the holding of a referendum. As recently as yesterday, Jacques Parizeau again demonstrated that the Parti Quebecois did not have the courage to be frank with Quebeckers as to whether or not there will be a referendum.

The people of Quebec are nobody's fools; they are calling for practical solutions to their problems and, as always, refuse to swallow any old story the Bloc and the sovereignists try to sell them.

Sydney Tar Ponds

[Peter Mancini, NDP, Sydney—Victoria, NS]

Mr. Speaker, it is with both anger and sadness I address this House today.

A study released in Sydney found that the cancer rates there were 16% higher than the national average and that numerous other serious diseases and health problems are alarmingly high. These results, shocking as they are, come as no surprise to the people of my community. We have lived with them for a generation.

The people of Cape Breton mined the coal and made the steel that built the railways that brought this nation together. Steel from Sydney helped Canada and our allies in the second world war and the first world war.

The people of my riding have paid a terrible price for their nation. They have sacrificed both their lives and their health.

In return we are asking that this government take real and immediate action and commit to the funding needed to clean up the Sydney tar ponds before another generation of Cape Bretoners suffers the same fate as the last. I ask this not only as a representative of my people but as a Canadian.

Business Mission

[Bryon Wilfert, Liberal, Oak Ridges, ON]

Mr. Speaker, this past summer I had the privilege of leading a business mission to the People's Republic of China. Included were representatives from many sectors including waste management, trade consulting, textiles, computers and local government.

We travelled to promote industry in my riding of Oak Ridges. With a significant Asian population, we have an advantage in dealing with the Chinese market. I was pleased to help businesses from my riding to establish firm ties with one of our largest trading partners.

On behalf of the mission, I would like to thank the member for York West, the Minister for International Trade, for his assistance.

Let me say that I was proud to follow up on the Prime Minister's example and lead my own mini team Canada.

President Of South Africa

[Mark Muise, Progressive Conservative, West Nova, NS]

Mr. Speaker, today we have welcomed a true statesman among us. President Mandela is the very incarnation of the word statesman. with his great vision, integrity, and sense of what a state is all about.

The Progressive Conservative members are particularly delighted with the visit of President Mandela.

While they were in office, Prime Minister Mulroney and Minister of External Affairs Joe Clark fought hard within the G-7 countries and the Commonwealth to put an end to apartheid in South Africa.

They were strongly determined to put an end to human rights violations on the international level, and under their direction the Progressive Conservative government remained faithful to the reputation Canada has gained for standing up to oppressive regimes.

The visit by President Mandela bears witness to the strength of that tradition.

Apec Summit

[Preston Manning, Reform, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister is stonewalling Canadians with respect to his actions at the APEC summit. Police notes continue to connect the Prime Minister with the suppression of student protesters. Now an eye witness, who was the Prime Minister's guest, claims that she saw him personally involved in directing security activities. Canadians want the truth.

Will the government now revise its position that the Prime Minister was never personally involved in police actions at the APEC summit?

[Herb Gray, Liberal, Deputy Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, the allegations referred to by the Leader of the Opposition were made by a guest, Ms. Sparrow, who admitted that she could not hear what the Prime Minister was saying.

The Prime Minister categorically denied the allegations of Ms. Sparrow, so I think that should end that aspect of this matter.

[Preston Manning, Reform, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, whatever happened to the concept of ministerial accountability? Whatever happened to the concept of prime ministerial acceptance of responsibility?

The Prime Minister passes the buck to the police. He passes the buck to his staff. He blames the protesters and now his spin doctors are smearing a witness.

Why does the Prime Minister continue to refuse to tell Canadians what he told the RCMP and his staff to do?

[Herb Gray, Liberal, Deputy Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister has been in the House every day until today answering questions over and over again.

I might add that the student protesters themselves asked the RCMP Public Complaints Commission, an arm's length civilian body, to look into their concerns. The complaints commission is proceeding to do this.

Why is the Leader of the Opposition trying to undermine the work of this reputable body set up by parliament?

[Preston Manning, Reform, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, the RCMP Internal Complaints Commission is the only commission looking into the APEC summit event right now. That inquiry cannot investigate politicians. It cannot investigate bureaucrats. Even if the commission subpoenas documents from the Prime Minister he can withhold them if he so chooses. The commission is toothless as long as the Prime Minister continues to stonewall its activities.

Will the government commit today to personally have the Prime Minister co-operate with the commission, including the provision of all documents and appearing as a witness if called?

[Herb Gray, Liberal, Deputy Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, the government is providing material to the commission. The commission has not asked the Prime Minister to appear, so that is perfectly hypothetical at this point.

I again say to the Leader of the Opposition that he should not be undermining the work of the arm's length civilian commission which has been asked by the student protesters themselves to look into the matter.

Why is he trying to prevent the commission from doing the work the protesters themselves are seeking if he is on their side? He is not acting on their side. He is not acting for human rights. He is just making a lot of noise.

[John Reynolds, Reform, West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast, BC]

Mr. Speaker, this government says “Let the Public Complaints Commission work. We will get out the truth”. Let me tell members—

[Some hon. members]

Hear, hear.

[John Reynolds, Reform, West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast, BC]

Mr. Speaker, they love it now, but they hated it in 1986 when the bill was introduced.

The present minister of heritage said in 1986 “The only reason you like the Public Complaints Commission now is that your government is in trouble”, and that was the government of the day.

The reason this government likes the Public Complaints Commission now is that it is in trouble and it is the government of the day.

[Herb Gray, Liberal, Deputy Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, I have to thank the hon. member for reminding us that when he was a Conservative supporting the Mulroney government that government brought this measure to this House. It was adopted by this parliament. His contradiction at this time of what he was supporting then shows that the attack on the commission is totally unwarranted.

He should give the commission the support now that he gave it then because it is ready to do the job for the protesters that the protesters themselves want to see done.