House of Commons Hansard #16 of the 36th Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was treaty.
Myron Thompson Reform Wild Rose, AB
Mr. Speaker, dangerous high risk inmates are being escorted out of many of our prisons by unarmed guards, guards who are armed with nothing but their bare hands. In fact, some are being escorted by civilians, such as Robert Paul Thompson who was escorted by a nun.
Will the solicitor general stop these idiotic practices for the safety of our guards and Canadians as a whole?
Lawrence MacAulay LiberalSolicitor General of Canada
Mr. Speaker, Correctional Services Canada evaluates each situation when an offender is transferred from one institution to another. Sometimes they are transferred by one guard, sometimes by two and sometimes by armed guards. It is a decision that is made by Correctional Services Canada with public safety as the number one issue.
Hélène Alarie Bloc Louis-Hébert, QC
Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Health claims that genetically modified foods are absolutely safe. But his department is content to endorse private sector studies, without conducting its own research, and does not have studies on the long term effects of GMOs on health.
How can the minister guarantee the independence and accuracy of his department's expertise when, under the cost recovery policy, the bulk of the funding for its services come from the private sector?
Allan Rock LiberalMinister of Health
Mr. Speaker, we are naturally very proud of food safety standards in Canada.
As I have already assured the hon. member, all genetically modified foods are submitted in advance to Health Canada so that we can examine all the elements and assess all the information provided about them.
I repeat that, here in Canada, food is safe.
Svend Robinson NDP Burnaby—Douglas, BC
Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Later this month there will be a very important resolution voted on at the United Nations General Assembly sponsored by the New Agenda Coalition. The resolution calls on nuclear weapons states to move rapidly toward a total elimination of nuclear weapons as particularly important in light of the failure of the CTBT in the U.S. Senate and political instability in Pakistan.
I ask the Minister of Foreign Affairs whether Canada will show leadership at the UN and vote yes on this important resolution which is sponsored by the New Agenda Coalition?
Lloyd Axworthy LiberalMinister of Foreign Affairs
Mr. Speaker, as the hon. member should know, the resolution is still under negotiation. This morning a new variation was received. There are a number of amendments being presented on this particular issue. It is very hard to answer a hypothetical question when we do not know what the final form of the resolution will be. As soon as it is known, I will make sure the hon. member gets a copy.
André Bachand Progressive Conservative Richmond—Arthabaska, QC
Mr. Speaker, in the documents on the Onex strategy, we realize that Onex was to meet a number of people, including Mel Cappe, the Clerk of the Privy Council of the Government of Canada. The strategy was to convince Mr. Cappe to make the right choice of Deputy Minister of Transport.
Can the Minister of Transport tell this House whether the people from Onex actually met Mr. Cappe, the Clerk of the Privy Council? And, if so, when?
Herb Gray LiberalDeputy Prime Minister
Mr. Speaker, Mr. Cappe did not meet with the representatives of Onex. There was no such meeting.
Carmen Provenzano Liberal Sault Ste. Marie, ON
Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Secretary of State for Rural Development and Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario.
The secretary understands how important this economic initiative is for northern Ontario. What steps is the secretary taking to finalize a new expanded mandate for FedNor?
Andy Mitchell LiberalSecretary of State (Rural Development)(Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario)
Mr. Speaker, last June the Minister of Industry announced a $20 million increase to FedNor, doubling the budget, allowing us to create an environment within which individual businesses can be successful in creating wealth and creating jobs and giving us an opportunity to build strong communities in the north.
Since that time, we have undertaken extensive consultation as members of parliament and as a cabinet with individuals. I am pleased to to say that next next Monday, November 8, in Sudbury we will be announcing new programming that reflects this increasing budget.
Jim Abbott Reform Kootenay—Columbia, BC
Mr. Speaker, the solicitor general just told us about the assessments that are done prior to convicts being granted temporary release.
Let me tell him about a person who was escorted by an unarmed guard. He has had 41 incidents since 1985. He murdered two inmates in 1994 and 1996. His most recent assault was on May 25th. He has had two incidents since then. He has the potential for violence during his ETA.
How is this assessment protecting Canadian citizens?
Lawrence MacAulay LiberalSolicitor General of Canada
Mr. Speaker, I am not sure who the individual is that my hon. colleague is talking about.
I can tell the member that Correctional Services Canada evaluates each case and decides how an individual will be transferred from one institution to another. Sometimes they use one guard, sometimes two. Sometimes they use armed guards. The decision is made by Correctional Services Canada.
René Laurin Bloc Joliette, QC
Mr. Speaker, according to a recent report on TVA, the army considers Corporal Daniel Aubut a deserter, when in fact he was fleeing Meaford base in Ontario in an effort to escape his colleagues, who were harassing him because he was the only francophone on the base.
Does the minister intend to reveal the circumstances surrounding this matter, which would tend to indicate once more that discrimination against francophones remains, unfortunately, a fact of life in the army?
Art Eggleton LiberalMinister of National Defence
Mr. Speaker, I will be pleased to look into the matter and further advise.
Presence In The GalleryOral Question Period
The Speaker
I draw the attention of hon. members to the presence in the gallery of Dr. Janez Podobnik, Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia, and his delegation.
Presence In The GalleryOral Question Period
The Speaker
I also draw the attention of hon. members to the presence in the gallery of the Honourable Abdus Samad Azad, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of Bangladesh.
Jason Kenney Reform Calgary Southeast, AB
Mr. Speaker, I want to raise a question of privilege with respect to comments that I heard uttered by another hon. member during question period.
When the member for West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast was posing his question to the Minister of Justice he said that the possession of child pornography was still legal in British Columbia. At that time I heard the member for Regina—Lumsden—Lake Centre say “When are you going to turn in your stuff, John?”, referring obviously to child pornography.
It appears that member was imputing that the member for West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast was in possession of child pornography. He was imputing criminal activity. He was imputing ill motive, and by this act of slander was inhibiting the capacity of the member for West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast to perform his duties in this place.
I would therefore ask that the member for Regina—Lumsden—Lake Centre withdraw those remarks.
PrivilegeOral Question Period
The Speaker
What we have is an hon. member accusing another hon. member of saying something in the House. The hon. member is here with us right now. If he would like to join in this point I will hear him.
John Solomon NDP Regina—Lumsden—Lake Centre, SK
Mr. Speaker, if that remark were attributed to me, and I believe I did say something very quietly to that effect, I withdraw it and apologize to the hon. member if he took it wrongly.
PrivilegeOral Question Period
The Speaker
I consider the matter closed.
We will now have tributes to a former member of parliament, Mr. Roderick Webb who was a member of the Progressive Conservative Party. Because he was a member of the Progressive Conservative Party, we will hear from the hon. member for Markham for the opening statement.
Jim Jones Progressive Conservative Markham, ON
Mr. Speaker, Roderick Webb, a name synonymous with leadership and patriotism, a man who put his hometown of Norwood on the map, passed away on October 1, 1999. Mr. Webb, the former Conservative MP for the Hastings—Frontenac riding, was a man said to bring water to Norwood homes in 1949.
Married on June 12, 1941, Mr. Webb poured out his life as an example in love, marriage and family, along with his wife Roxie and son Fred. He devoted his life to the people of Norwood who frequented his small town business, Rod Webb Electric, for 15 years. He gave to his friends in a most typical small town Canadian way through the making of stained glass lamps and through the repairs of their household appliances.
Mr. Webb poured out himself to his town and his country in the same way. He served 13 years on Norwood council, 11 as a councillor and the last 2 as a reeve. He was president of the East Peterborough Agriculture Society, the Travellers Association and numerous other community organizations that typified his desire to give back.
Rod did not know how to give anything less than his best effort. Too often in politics superlatives are used loosely and generously, but make no mistake. Rod Webb was legitimately “an inspiration” through his kind disposition and strong leadership. In many ways he typified what it meant to be a constituency MP.
The courage and patriotism he displayed by serving in the Royal Canadian Air Force in the second world war remained with him. These attributes were witnessed time and time again by my former colleagues in the Progressive Conservative Party.
During his time in the House of Commons he was fortunate enough to serve in both government and opposition. Mr. Webb was first elected to the House of Commons on October 5, 1959, where he served under Prime Minister Diefenbaker. He was re-elected in 1962. He then successfully held his seat in the subsequent Pearson victories in 1963 and 1965.
As we remember and salute Mr. Webb, we say thank you. Thank you for your commitment. Thank you for your patriotism. Thank you for pouring out your life to your hometown and the rest of Canada.
Also, as a man who held true to the ideals of Sir John A. Macdonald, those of us in my party thank you for contributing to the history and tradition of the Progressive Conservative Party. We are stronger because of you.
As we honour you today, Roderick Webb, the collective prayer of the House where you once served is a simple one. May the Lord's peace be with your family.
Larry McCormick Liberal Hastings—Frontenac—Lennox And Addington, ON
Madam Speaker, today it is an honour for me to pay tribute to a former parliamentarian, the hon. member for Hastings—Frontenac, Roderick Arthur Ennis Webb, who at 89 years passed away on October 1.
I did not have the privilege of knowing Mr. Webb personally, but I know the high regard held for him by members of his community of Norwood and throughout the riding. It is through the affectionate stories of many of his friends, colleagues and family that I have come to appreciate his life, one that was more complete than many.
Rod Webb was an athlete, a war veteran, a small businessman, an electrician, a community builder, a politician and a family man. In his youth Mr. Webb was a Trent Valley hockey league star defenceman. During World War II he served as a master mechanic with the 407 Demon Squadron in the RCAF and continued his relationship with the military long after. Out of great respect for his commitment and advocacy, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 300 gave him a rare life membership.
He started a small business in appliance repair and other electrical work. Plying his services, Webb's good will and generosity became well known by residents for miles around.
Webb was known as a natural leader whose love of his community and church was evidenced by his actions. He took every opportunity to promote his community. He was an encyclopedia of his town's history and knew people for miles around.
Webb's involvement in community organizations included the Masonic Lodge, the Trent Valley Shriners and the Travellers Association. He had a hand in numerous initiatives at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church. A past-president of the Norwood Agriculture Society, he was also an enthusiastic key member on the Norwood Fair Board. He left his mark on infrastructure projects ranging from bringing water to town in 1949, to the GA Brethen Coliseum.
A man who loved to talk with people, Rod Webb's energy, sense of humour and generous nature attracted many friends. It also helped lay the groundwork for his career in politics. Rod Webb cherished political life. He served as councillor and as reeve of the village of Norwood for 13 years. In 1959 he ran successfully as a Progressive Conservative for a seat in Canada's parliament. Webb enjoyed three consecutive re-elections, faithfully serving his constituents as the member for Hastings—Frontenac until his retirement in 1968.
My heartfelt best wishes go out to his wife Roxie Webb, his son Fred, and his grandchildren. Rod will be missed.
Randy White Reform Langley—Abbotsford, BC
Madam Speaker, the mark of a quality Canadian is the amount of service and time an individual puts in toward others, service above self one might say.
We are here to pay tribute to a former parliamentarian and a man of service, Mr. Rod Webb, and I am honoured to speak on behalf of my Reform colleagues.
Throughout his life Mr. Webb set an example to everyone of what a community oriented, caring individual should be. His life was one of a quality small businessman, giving service to others. From his career in the RCAF during World War II from 1940 to 1945 to his long standing career on the Norwood council and as a parliamentarian in this place from 1959 to 1968, he was always a helpful individual who got involved in causes he believed in.
On behalf of the Reform Party caucus I would like to extend our condolences to Mr. Webb's family. I am sure he will be sorely missed but his loving memory will live on and on in the House of Commons.