House of Commons Hansard #129 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 Wednesday we will now sing O Canada, and we will be led by the hon. member for Dartmouth.
Paul Steckle Liberal Huron—Bruce, ON
Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Ron Hicks, a constituent of mine.
I was recently informed that Ron volunteered his time and business expertise to assist in developing the environmental practices and business skills of a firm in one of the world's most disadvantaged economies.
Ron was a CESO volunteer in Panama. During his tenure at this Panamanian business Ron was able to effect improvements and cost control by closely monitoring parts procurement and equipment failure diagnosis. He personally trained 25 maintenance staff, advised supervisory personnel and effected improvements in corporate environmental practices.
In short, Ron made a substantial difference in the way that this firm conducted its day to day operations. Because of Ron's efforts, the efficiency of this plant was improved which in turn will result in more economic output and growth. This will result in an improvement in employees' wages and their standard of living while at the same time helping to enhance the environmental standards of the country as a whole.
I applaud Ron's efforts. I feel that they represent a concrete example of how a hand up is often just as beneficial as a handout.
Inky Mark Reform Dauphin—Swan River, MB
Mr. Speaker, the Associated Press reports “Although ethnic Chinese people represent just 4% of Indonesia's 202 million people, they dominate commerce and industry. They are frequently scapegoats during troubled times”.
The Asian financial crisis is hitting Indonesia hard and Indonesian Chinese are being hit harder as scapegoats. For example, Chinese women and young girls are being gang raped. Stores and homes of ethnic Chinese are looted and torched. Many ethnic Chinese are being murdered. Some say that what is happening in Indonesia resembles ethnic cleansing. Ethnic Chinese are fleeing their homes from Malaysia, the Philippines and elsewhere to save their lives.
This government brags about its human rights record. When will the Prime Minister, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Secretary of State for Asia-Pacific speak up for human rights in Indonesia?
Brenda Chamberlain Liberal Guelph—Wellington, ON
Mr. Speaker, in November of last year Mr. Arthur Lee stepped forward to rescue the McCrae medals and generously donated them to the McCrae House located in my riding of Guelph—Wellington.
Colonel John McCrae was a Canadian doctor and soldier who wrote “In Flanders Fields”. Every day the McCrae House in Guelph—Wellington works to keep his memory alive. This year the house is celebrating its 30th anniversary.
On behalf of all the citizens of Guelph—Wellington and all Canadians, I want to congratulate the McCrae House for keeping an important piece of Canadian history alive. When John McCrae wrote the words “To you from failing hands we throw the torch; be yours to hold it high”, the McCrae House listened. Thank you for holding the torch and for protecting our heritage. May you continue to do so for many years to come.
John Maloney Liberal Erie—Lincoln, ON
Mr. Speaker, the St. Lawrence Seaway is a vital industry not only in my riding of Erie—Lincoln and the Niagara area but also for the entire country. The seaway is one of the world's busiest shipping waterways making Canada a competitive trader in the world economy.
Tomorrow history will be made when plans to establish a not for profit corporation to operate the St. Lawrence Seaway system will be implemented. This necessary step will promote economic growth by modernizing Canada's marine transport system. While the crown retains ownership of all assets, management and operation of the seaway will be assumed by a user group, the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation, pursuant to the Canada Marine Act for an initial 10 year term.
This accord will ensure that the seaway continues to bring benefits to all as Canada heads into the next millennium.
Carolyn Bennett Liberal St. Paul's, ON
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to announce the official launch of the 1998 national menopause awareness campaign which will take place tomorrow.
I hope all members are aware of the importance of this issue. Canadians must be better informed if they want to ensure a better life for themselves.
By the year 2000 more than four million women will enter or will have already entered this phase of their life. It is important that we educate women to the long term health risks that are associated with menopause, such as heart disease and osteoporosis.
Building awareness of these risks is key. Informed people make healthier choices which lead to improved health and quality of life, not to mention considerable savings to the health care system.
I would like to thank the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Osteoporosis Society of Canada, the Canadian Cardiovascular Society and the Canadian Pharmacists Association for their efforts in raising awareness of the effects of menopause.
I hope you all will—
MenopauseStatements By Members
The Speaker
I am sorry but the hon. member for Winnipeg—Transcona has the floor.
Bill Blaikie NDP Winnipeg—Transcona, MB
Mr. Speaker, on Monday morning I represented the NDP caucus at an ecumenical ceremony here on Parliament Hill that called for a jubilee on the unpayable debt of the world's poorest countries, countries that have a fiscal ball and chain around their necks and which need to be set free to seek the well-being of their people.
In the same spirit, a conference in Ottawa this week organized by the Halifax Initiative outlined a six point plan designed to prevent future global financial crises and respond to the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable nations.
The plan is a good basis for urgent action on the disaster that unregulated and speculative capital is wreaking upon the world and the unwillingness of existing global institutions like the IMF and the World Bank to seriously address the fundamental flaws of the current situation.
A good start would be for the finance minister to champion an international Tobin tax to help stem the flow of short term capital.
Rick Casson Reform Lethbridge, AB
Mr. Speaker, Corporal Graeme Cumming, a 37-year old member of the RCMP who lived in Lethbridge, was killed in a horrific traffic accident on August 12, 1998. A young truck driver, Daniel Entz, also lost his life.
Corporal Cumming's funeral was in Lethbridge on August 18. Hundreds of police and peace officers from all across Canada and the world joined his wife, Marina, also an RCMP officer in Lethbridge, and friends at the solemn occasion.
Corporal Graeme Cumming was an outstanding police officer, an honourable member of his community, a wonderful husband and a loyal citizen of our country. He left all the communities he served better places for having known and experienced his dedication. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him, who worked with him and who had contact with him.
The death of Corporal Cumming underscores the courage and bravery of those whose job it is to serve and protect Canadians wherever they may be.
I ask the House to join with me in remembering Corporal Graeme Cumming. He was a man of great faith and conviction. He will be missed.
Jean-Paul Marchand Bloc Québec East, QC
Mr. Speaker, 150 years ago, Sister Marcelle Mallette and her companions arrived in Quebec City to establish the charitable institutions they ran with their colleagues, the Sisters of Charity of Quebec.
The Saint-Sacrement, Civique, Laval and Saint-Michel-Archange hospitals, the Nazareth and Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes homes for the aged, the Institut Saint-Joseph de la Délivrance, the Saint-Sauveur and d'Youville children's orphanages and the Maison Mère-Mallette providing food and clothing for the disadvantaged all bear witness to the devotion and solicitude of these Sisters of Charity.
I join with my colleagues from the Quebec City area in congratulating and thanking these devoted nuns and in expressing the hope that their work with the disadvantaged in our society will continue revitalized. On the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the founding of the congregation of the Sisters of Charity, the public wishes to express its gratitude for all they have done.
Carmen Provenzano Liberal Sault Ste. Marie, ON
Mr. Speaker, Sault Ste. Marie and other communities dependent upon the steel industry are home to honest, hard working people who are proud of this industry and the role it plays in their communities.
Algoma Steel provides thousands of direct and indirect jobs in my riding. Yesterday the member for Edmonton North rose during question period and made a sarcastic disparaging remark designed to trivialize my question to a minister concerning the import crisis facing our steel industry.
The member's comments clearly show a total lack of concern for our steel industry and Ontario, home to Canada's largest steelmakers. Her remarks show why the Reform Party has found it necessary to seek a united alternative, or should I say a desperate alternative.
For Ontarians, especially those who depend on the steel industry, the remarks of the member for Edmonton North show why the Reform Party is no alternative at all.
Jack Ramsay Reform Crowfoot, AB
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge the Alberta government to immediately appeal the Alberta Court of Appeal's marginal 3:2 decision regarding the constitutionality of Bill C-68.
The provinces must stand firm and not retreat. They must protect their exclusive power to regulate property and protect law-abiding Canadians from this unprecedented attack upon their civil liberties. They must protect taxpayers from the horrendous costs of Bill C-68. There is clear justification to stop the Liberal government from implementing Bill C-68 at any cost.
According to Sun columnist Michael Harris, the justice department failed to competitively tender a $1.3 million printing contract for the registration forms, a direct violation of Treasury Board guidelines and the NAFTA agreement. This is a clear and apparent circumvention of the law.
Once again I implore the provinces to stand firm. The Alberta court decision must be appealed.
Nick Discepola Liberal Vaudreuil—Soulanges, QC
Mr. Speaker, Quebec has just had an exceptional tourist season, according to all the statistics.
The favourable economic conditions that permitted foreign travellers to benefit from the drop in the value of the Canadian dollar combined with Quebec's numerous attractions and the warmth of its people gave a boost to the economy of this province.
The Government of Canada is also contributing to the revitalization of tourism in Quebec through a variety of federal-provincial agreements on regional development. I would point out as well that, in our first term, our government set up an agency to develop Canada's tourist industry.
Finally, we must never forget that our visitors appreciate the diversity of Canada and of Quebec, where they discover the wealth and facets of the francophone culture unique in this corner of North America.
Claude Drouin Liberal Beauce, QC
Mr. Speaker, on August 26, the Government of Canada announced its intention to fund the creation of the first national fibre-optic Internet network in the world. This desire to play a lead role in state-of-the-art technology confirms the dynamism of our government and its desire to keep abreast of the rapidly developing Internet market.
Initially, this network, with its absolutely amazing capacity and speed, will serve the Canadian research and high tech sectors. Its amazing capacity will make numerous research, academic and trade applications possible, whose demands are far beyond the capacity of existing networks.
Canada will be the first country in the world to possess a national network that is wholly fibre-optic based. We can be proud of all the men and women who work in this complex high-tech environment, in an expanding field from which all Canadians stand to benefit in the near future.
Diane St-Jacques Progressive Conservative Shefford, QC
Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Progressive Conservative caucus, I would like to draw attention to the fact that today is World Translation Day. This day was inaugurated by UNESCO and the International Federation of Translators.
In today's information society and fast changing global environment, language professionals are in growing demand to facilitate the movement of spoken and written information in a wide range of cultural settings.
The theme adopted this year, “Professionalism in Translation”, focuses on the skills of those who facilitate communication and bring nations closer together. I would like to take advantage of this opportunity to pay particular tribute to all the translation Bureau professionals in the House of Commons for their vital and constant support. They simplify our role as parliamentarians and contribute greatly to facilitating exchanges between Canada's two cultural communities. We appreciate their efforts and are most grateful to them.
Peter Goldring Reform Edmonton East, AB
Mr. Speaker:
Canada's merchant navy of World War II Kept England alive Until the Atlantic war tide turned To victory.
Now 50 years hence Canada's merchant navy veterans Are still held hostage To unresolved concerns.
These determined veterans now fast On the steps of this House To garner government will To correct what has been wrong for far too long.
These men are not seeking great wealth Only the respect Given their armed force brethren For the years from the war To this date.
To be recognized as war veterans To have prisoner of war benefits To have fair recompense for years of denial of equality To have recognition on ceremonial days.
Why, Mr. Minister, are these men Driven to risk their health? Please answer their call Lest tragedy occur.
Sue Barnes Liberal London West, ON
Mr. Speaker, Canada recently lost one of its most distinguished citizens, Dr. Charles Drake.
A world renowned neurosurgeon, Dr. Drake was an innovator in his field. He first gained worldwide recognition in the 1960s for his work in surgically treating aneurysms at the base of the brain. An active lecturer, he shared his expertise with students at the University of Western Ontario and around the world.
Over his lifetime, Dr. Drake was the recipient of numerous awards and honours, including the Order of Canada. He was also inducted into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame.
It is due to the contribution of pioneers and innovators like Dr. Drake that London is recognized as a leading centre for medical research and development.
I join with all members of this chamber in sending my respectful condolences to the family and friends of Dr. Charles Drake.
Bob Kilger Liberal Stormont—Dundas, ON
Mr. Speaker, the late Lucien Lamoureux represented Stormont—Dundas from 1962 to 1974. He was the longest-serving Speaker of the House of Commons.
After retiring from politics, the hon. Lucien Lamoureux served as our ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg and Portugal.
In 1974 the city of Cornwall named the waterfront development in his honour. Lamoureux Park today is enjoyed by the entire community.
Left to mourn are his wife, Elizabeth Hoffman-Lamoureux of Brussels, and his five children, Michel, Sylvie and Adèle of Ottawa, Claude of Montreal, and Isabelle of Brussels.
Lucien Lamoureux also leaves behind Claire Couture of Hull.
I wish to extend to them once again my deepest sympathy on the passing of the hon. Lucien Lamoureux. His record in this institution is a matter of great pride for his family and all the residents of Stormont—Dundas.
The hon. Lucien Lamoureux was a great parliamentarian.
Preston Manning ReformLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister wants to get his hands on employment insurance funds that belong to workers and businesses. But if a construction worker or a small business had contributed hundreds of dollars to a private insurance fund and the managers of that fund tried to siphon off those funds for some other purpose the police would be called.
Who do you call when it is the Prime Minister who is trying to shake you down?
Jean Chrétien LiberalPrime Minister
Mr. Speaker, if the hon. member had searched a bit before asking the question he would have known that the consolidation of the two funds was done in 1986 by the previous government when it was decided not to have a segregated fund for UI. It was under the advice of the auditor general at that time.
The reality is that it is not a special fund, it is a contribution to the treasury of the government.
Jean Chrétien Liberal Saint-Maurice, QC
Mr. Speaker, the truth is the truth. If the hon. member knew what he was talking about he would know this was done in 1986.
Preston Manning ReformLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, the government's chief actuary said yesterday, not in 1867, that the Prime Minister is overcharging businesses and workers by up to 33% on employment insurance premiums.
If a private insurance company with a monopoly was caught overcharging like that every member opposite would be up in arms demanding some punitive action.
Why is the Prime Minister even thinking of doing something which would land the CEO of a private insurance company in jail?
Jean Chrétien LiberalPrime Minister
Mr. Speaker, we are having a debate on what to do with a very nice problem for the federal government.
When we formed the government we found that there was $42 billion deficit. In January 1994, at that time, the rate was $3.30. We have reduced the rate to $2.70 and it will go down further.
We have a surplus in the fund and we will debate with Canadians how to use it for the benefit of all Canadians.
Preston Manning ReformLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, here are the relevant facts. Because the Prime Minister refuses to give back to workers and businesses over $7 billion of their own money in this fund, a waitress forks over more than $175 more per year, a factory worker pays an extra $350 a year and the small business that employees that factory worker pays an extra $500 a year.
Can the Prime Minister explain to these people why he continues to rip them off?