Debates of Oct. 20th, 1999

[The Speaker]

As is our practice on Wednesday we will now sing O Canada, and we will be led by the hon. member for Nanaimo—Cowichan.

Oktoberfest Women Of The Year Awards

[Karen Redman, Liberal, Kitchener Centre, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to acknowledge and congratulate 10 outstanding women from the Waterloo region who were honoured in this past year's Oktoberfest Women of the Year Awards.

On October 18 we celebrated the 70th anniversary of the Persons case, which allowed Canadian women to be members of the Senate.

On the eve of the next millennium, women across the country are ready, willing and prepared to ensure this nation's success far into the 21st century.

It is women such as the ones who were honoured last Thursday in Kitchener who make a difference, who add to the strength and vibrancy of Canada as a nation.

I acknowledge these women by name and category: Hilde English, professional; Corry Den Duyf, senior; Arleen MacPherson, humanitarian; Aneita Brown, homemaker; Catherine Schwark, employee; Gita Morar, community volunteer; Helen Jowett, entrepeneur; Yvonne Tousek, fitness and sport; and Cheryl Muranko, young adult. I congratulate these women.

Canadian Farmers

[Charlie Penson, Reform, Peace River, AB]

Mr. Speaker, in September I held several meetings in my riding of Peace River. The majority of those attending were farmers who are extremely concerned about what is happening to their industry.

They told me of how they were proud to have chosen the noble task of providing food for Canadians and for people from other countries in the world.

They told me of the devastation caused by 20 years of stagnation in farm income and the devastation caused by escalating input costs.

They asked if anyone in Canada cares if they survive or if they must accept the fate of bankruptcy and retraining for some other job at the age of 60.

They are afraid that governments are not concerned about their fate or the fate of the entire sector of agriculture.

Is that what this once great country of Canada has come to, capitulating to the European Union and the United States and abandoning our once proud farmers?

Nunavut Legislature

[Nancy Karetak-Lindell, Liberal, Nunavut, NU]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday I had the honour of attending the opening ceremonies of the Nunavut legislature in Iqaluit and addressing the members of the legislature.

The importance of this day was recognized by many provincial governments from coast to coast, as well as the NWT and the Yukon, who had representatives attend the official opening of the Nunavut legislative assembly.

As the members of the legislative assembly start their third session they are happy to be in the newly completed legislative assembly chamber which reflects many aspects of the unique culture of Nunavut, including the seal skin seats in the chamber.

The members of the Nunavut legislature have exciting times ahead, facing important issues and challenges on behalf of their electorate.

I know my colleagues here will join with me in wishing the Nunavut legislature every success.

County Of Oxford Integrated Network

[John Finlay, Liberal, Oxford, ON]

Mr. Speaker, on Monday evening I attended industry's seventh annual salute to excellence in the management of information and technology in the public sector.

I was there to support representatives of the County of Oxford Integrated Network, known as COIN, which was nominated for an award.

To my great delight, COIN was awarded the gold medal in the building partnerships and alliances category. This award recognizes COIN's efforts on behalf of its partners within Oxford County to provide services to our citizens through technological advances.

In winning, COIN was selected over nominees from the RCMP, HRDC, the National Research Council and other federal departments. I congratulate all of those involved in COIN, especially Oxford County Warden Mark Harrison, County Librarian Sam Coghlan, COIN Manager John Moore, and Oxford's HRDC Manager Ed St. Gelais I applaud them all on a job well done.

Nuclear Test Ban Treaty

[David Pratt, Liberal, Nepean—Carleton, ON]

Mr. Speaker, there has been a global outpouring of concern and disappointment regarding the American Senate's rejection of the comprehensive test ban treaty on nuclear weapons.

The abandonment of American leadership on the issue of nuclear non-proliferation is a distressing development in the already challenging struggle to achieve a universal commitment to non-proliferation.

The American Senate's abdication of its crucial global leadership role undermines international efforts to persuade Russia, China and other nuclear powers to ratify the treaty. The disappointment which has been expressed by America's allies and rivals alike is a testament to the importance of the leadership role which the United States must take on this issue.

International support for this treaty remains strong. As Canadians, our efforts must be concentrated on encouraging the eventual adoption of the treaty by the United States. We must also convince our American neighbours that international peace and security are not served by a new form of U.S. isolationism.

Vimy Ridge

[Peter Goldring, Reform, Edmonton East, AB]

Mr. Speaker, while the sky rained shells and brave men died, 100,000 Canadians moved forth in a hell of inhumanity, testing their mettle and mortality of soul.

They advanced on unconquerable Vimy Ridge. On that same ridge tens of thousands had died before in vain British and French assaults. The goal—now Canada's turn.

Canada's finest young men won the contest that day, a victory for all the world to see. The greatest victory of World War I, Vimy Ridge, would enter Canadian history on April 12, 1917. Many would say that Canada took birth that day, born into the world of nations with respect, born by the blood of our young, born through their determination and skill. The spirit lives on to this day. It lives on in the name and scholastic pursuits of l'Académie Vimy Ridge in Edmonton.

Ywca Week Without Violence

[Raymonde Folco, Liberal, Laval West, QC]

Mr. Speaker, from October 17 to 23, the Young Women's Christian Association is celebrating the YWCA Week Without Violence

Despite all the progress that has been made and all the battles that have been won by women in the last one hundred years, we are still finishing this century on an ambiguous note.

The statistics are very eloquent: one girl in five abused by a boyfriend, one woman in three a victim of spousal violence at least once in her lifetime. A lot still needs to be done.

In light of these statistics, which are unworthy of the next century, I call upon the hon. members of this House to reaffirm their disapproval of this situation. I call upon them to support the organizations in their ridings that are involved in fighting these crimes, such as shelters for battered women.

This behaviour will become unacceptable to society only when it is universally condemned.

Rail Transportation

[Jean-Guy Chrétien, Bloc, Frontenac—Mégantic, QC]

Mr. Speaker, last Monday in Thetford Mines there was a demonstration by several hundred people from Thetford Mines and Beauce in support of restoration of Québec Central train service between Lévis and Sherbrooke, via Beauce.

Almost all the economic and political stakeholders in our region support this project. Many jobs depend on it. If the branch line is restored, Prolab promises an investment of $48 million, which would create 75 direct jobs in our area.

Yet on two occasions the federal government has refused to support putting this line back in service. The government must stop turning a deaf ear, and must provide financial support for restoration of the Québec Central train. I invite it to lend an ear to this heartfelt cry from the people of this area, and those representing them.

What is the Secretary of State responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec waiting for before he acts?

Ywca Week Without Violence

[Marlene Jennings, Liberal, Notre-Dame-de-Grâce—Lachine, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the week of October 17 to 23 has been selected as the fourth annual YWCA Week Without Violence.

This violence free week challenges all Canadians to come up with solutions to control violence in their community. Thanks to the ongoing support of Clarica—formerly the Mutual Group—the YWCA Week Without Violence will reach tens of thousands of Canadians.

Violence of one sort or another has affected every one of us, or at least someone we know. Violence is found everywhere: in our homes, in our schools, at work and at play. The YWCA Week Without Violence has become an international initiative organized by more than 30 countries worldwide, including Canada.

I wholeheartedly support this initiative and I urge all members of the House, indeed all Canadians, to do their part in stemming the flow of—

[The Speaker]

The hon. member for Battlefords—Lloydminster.

Canadian Farmers

[Gerry Ritz, Reform, Battlefords—Lloydminster, SK]

The Liberal government has the dubious reputation of throwing taxpayers' money at a problem. What happens if that money misses the target?

The agriculture minister continues to stand in the House and say that farmers are saved by his disastrous AIDA program. What he fails to mention is that fully three-quarters of Saskatchewan farmers, the ones most in need, have not qualified for any money.

In Saskatoon—Rosetown—Biggar the Reform candidate, Jim McAllister, who will soon be joining us here, has raised the issue of escalating farm foreclosures.

The sad reality is that over 1,000 Saskatchewan farmers are faced with losing their land base over the next year. What is the minister's response? His best advice to farmers in peril is to quit and look to the government to retrain them. There is a growing consensus among Saskatchewan farmers that they would best be served by the minister if he followed his own advice and resigned today.

Du Vallon School

[Mark Assad, Liberal, Gatineau, QC]

Mr. Speaker, in Gatineau, a group of parent volunteers and the staff of the Du Vallon school have come up with a plan to make the schoolyard more natural.

The school is asking for $15 from each parent sponsoring a tree to cover the cost of its planting. On Saturday, Oct. 16, teachers, students and parents from the school spent the day planting trees—a total of 120 new trees and bushes—in the schoolyard.

I would like to pay tribute to the work done by students, parents and staff of the Du Vallon school in the hopes that this sort of project may be repeated in other schools in Quebec and in Canada.

National Co-Op Week

[John Solomon, NDP, Regina—Lumsden—Lake Centre, SK]

Mr. Speaker, this is National Co-op Week and, as the NDP spokesperson for co-operatives and credit unions, it is my pleasure to congratulate them on their successes over the past year.

Marketing, economic and consumer co-operatives have always played a vital role in our economy. Rochdale Boulevard, where my riding office is located, is named after the founders of the co-op movement in North America, the Rochdale pioneers, whose principles were first developed in 1844.

In this globalized economy we now live in, co-ops and credit unions give individuals and communities the opportunity to take control of their own lives and their own futures. With assets of over $167 billion, 15 million members and 151,000 employees, co-ops make a significant contribution to our national economy, but they can do more.

For example, as the supply of affordable housing is disappearing, thanks to the Liberals, and homelessness is reaching epidemic levels we should be looking to co-op housing as part of the solution. The federal government should make it its co-op week project to restore funding to co-op housing.

[Rick Borotsik, Progressive Conservative, Brandon—Souris, MB]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to National Co-op Week, which is being held between October 17 and 23, and to recognize the important economic and social role co-operatives and credit unions play in many communities in Canada.

I would like to be parochial for a moment and particularly pay tribute to co-operatives in Manitoba, such as Credit Union Central of Manitoba, Federal Co-operatives Ltd. and Agricore.

Agricultural co-operatives play a major role in Canadian economy: in grains, oilseeds, dairy, poultry and eggs, livestock, fruits and vegetables.

Co-operatives are the grouping of people around a shared objective and operate not for profit but for the economic benefit of their members. They promote initiatives from the grassroots rather than from governments.

Whether it is in agriculture, financial services, insurance or housing, co-operatives are growing, adapting and changing to help shape a better world for all of us.

Quebec Minister Of Finance

[Nick Discepola, Liberal, Vaudreuil—Soulanges, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the separatists obviously keep shooting themselves in the foot these days.

This morning, we learned that the Quebec Minister of Finance now feels that outright independence is old fashioned. He just discovered that the Parti Quebecois' option is outdated. This is some discovery.

That same finance minister served under Jacques Parizeau, someone who pulled no punches when stating that Quebec's separation from the rest of Canada was something necessary. Bernard Landry also tried to downplay the polls indicating that separatism is on the wane.

In light of these developments, sovereignists should quickly hold another convention to find out if everyone is aiming in the same direction.

Breast Cancer

[Suzanne Tremblay, Bloc, Rimouski—Mitis, QC]

Mr. Speaker, today, Les Voix du Ruban rose are celebrating breast cancer day in Canada.

This non-profit organization is run exclusively by volunteers, which reduces management costs to a minimum and makes it possible to allocate most of the money collected to fighting breast cancer.

Les Voix du Ruban rose delegates the responsibility of distributing research funds to a group of people dedicated to that cause, several of whom know the disease not only from a professional standpoint, but also from direct or indirect personal experience.

The organization Les Voix du Ruban rose is well aware that breast cancer does not discriminate and can strike anyone. It is with unwavering determination that it is moving forward and pursuing its efforts to gradually eliminate this form of cancer. The organization provides vital support and comfort, as well as a voice to all the women who have to fight that disease. Let us give generously during its fundraising campaign.

The Late Allan Leal

[Ted McWhinney, Liberal, Vancouver Quadra, BC]

Mr. Speaker, Allan Leal, who died in Toronto on October 12, 1999, had a distinguished career as a legal educator and civil servant. He had been named as a Rhodes scholar but because of military service never took up the appointment. He took his legal education at the Osgoode Hall Law School after the war, with a later degree from Harvard Law School. He was then Dean of Osgoode Hall and subsequently Chair of the Ontario Law Reform Commission and Deputy Attorney General of Ontario.

His deanship at Osgoode Hall came during the public controversy over the role of the legal profession in legal education. As the dispute came to a head, he proposed a union of the Osgoode Hall and University of Toronto law schools.

This was not to be. Instead, there emerged two separate university law schools with their own distinctive personalities and philosophies of legal education. The intellectual legal differences between the two schools have done much to shape Canadian jurisprudence today.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

[John Herron, Progressive Conservative, Fundy Royal, NB]

Mr. Speaker, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Today breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in Canadian women.

Directly or indirectly, breast cancer affects us all. We all have a mother, a sister, an aunt, a daughter or a friend who has been struck by this devastating disease.

Nonetheless, we must recognize that much progress has been made in combating this disease and that more and more women are breast cancer survivors.

I urge all members of the House to wear their pink ribbons in support of the thousands of Canadian families affected by breast cancer.

Pay Equity

[Preston Manning, Reform, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, in 1978 the Trudeau government adopted the flawed concept of basing pay for civil servants on arbitrary assignments of value by bureaucrats and politicians. It misnamed it pay equity. Now the courts have said that the government has to pay $5 billion to correct the shoddy application of this flawed concept, and it is the taxpayers who are on the hook for the $5 billion.

I ask the Prime Minister where the equity and fairness are in that?

[Jean Chrétien, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, this has now been debated in many courts. The judgment rendered yesterday will be studied by the Department of Justice. After a review of the judgment, the government will make a decision when it knows all the possibilities. Equal pay for equal work is a concept we accept. I am very pleased to note that Reform is opposed to it.

[Preston Manning, Reform, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, we support the concept of equal pay for equal work but not the assignment of arbitrary values by politicians and bureaucrats.

The reality of all of this is that instead of millions of Canadian workers getting a pay increase this year because of a tax cut, these workers can now kiss that pay increase goodbye because of a $5 billion bungle by the government.

Why should millions of workers forgo a pay increase to pay for a $5 billion bungle by the government?

[Jean Chrétien, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, the commitment made by the Minister of Finance on tax cuts is still there. We have already started with tax cuts and we will keep cutting taxes but we have a problem that must be dealt with. We will decide how to do it, and when, but the commitment to reduce taxes is a commitment we intend to keep.

[Preston Manning, Reform, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, just to be clear, is the Prime Minister then saying that the government will make this $5 billion payment to correct this bungling and give all the tax relief it was going to give in the first place?

[Jean Chrétien, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, the leader of the Reform Party should know that we have been very responsible in administrating the affairs of the nation. We managed to balance the books faster than we predicted.

Sometimes we have expenditures that are not forecast, but we have still managed to balance the books, have new programs and make tax cuts, as we said we would do in our political program for the 1997 election when the Leader of the Opposition was elected as well.