House of Commons Hansard #26 of the 36th Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was industry.
Canadian Institutes Of Health Research ActGovernment Orders
The Speaker
My colleague, you still have plenty of time in your talk today. I thought I would break in here because it seems like a logical place. We will go to Statements by Members.
Stan Dromisky Liberal Thunder Bay—Atikokan, ON
Mr. Speaker, today, representatives from the mining industry from across Canada are here to meet with parliamentarians, senior officials and others to discuss current challenges and opportunities facing this important sector.
The minerals and metals industry accounts for $45.3 billion, over 15% of Canada's exports; provides 367,000 high paying jobs to Canadians; forms the economic background of over 120 communities; and is an important bridge to the wage economy for aboriginal Canadians. The Canadian mining industry is a pace setter in productivity and a major user of advanced technology products and services.
I invite hon. members to join with me in recognizing the importance of the minerals and metals industry to Canadians now and in the years to come.
Monte Solberg Reform Medicine Hat, AB
Mr. Speaker, back in the 1970s, the Liberal government of the day created the Foreign Investment Review Agency, ominously known as FIRA. The agency was supposed to screen foreign investment to ensure that our sovereignty was not put a risk by big bad American companies buying up Canadian companies.
Fast forward to 1999 and we see something quite different. Today, the Liberal Minister of Finance and Prime Minister have effectively put Canadian business on the auction block at fire sale prices through their bizarre low dollar policy. Witness the Weyerhauser purchase of Canadian forestry giant McMillan Bloedel. Meanwhile, those that are not sold to foreigners join the thousands of other economic refugees who flee Canada's repressive taxes for the U.S. and other low tax jurisdiction, just like the executives at Nova Corp who now call Pittsburgh home.
The Liberals trumpet their balanced approach, but it is looking more and more like the Liberal balanced approach has come to mean “if we don't drive them out, we'll drive them under”.
Ted McWhinney Liberal Vancouver Quadra, BC
Mr. Speaker, we salute Nancy Greene-Raine who yesterday was voted by newspaper editors and broadcasters as Female Athlete of the Century, in recognition of her outstanding athletic achievements.
She focused the eyes of the skiing world on Canada when she won 17 of the 31 races she entered in 1967. She earned the silver medal in slalom and the gold medal in giant slalom in the 1968 Winter Olympics in Grenoble, France. Her athletic achievements combined with her engaging personality have made her one of most beloved and recognizable ambassadors of her sport in Canada and around the world.
Carolyn Bennett Liberal St. Paul's, ON
Mr. Speaker, tomorrow, November 24, marks National Child Poverty Day. I draw attention to the importance attached to this day.
Canadian children are the future of the country and are our largest investment. This means we cannot afford to turn a blind eye to the early years that pave the way for the child's future development physically, emotionally and cognitively. We must continue to make children one of our key priorities by helping families ensure that their children get the best possible start in life.
It is for this reason that we invested nearly $9 billion last year to help families with children. It is for this reason that we are putting billions back into the hands of Canadian parents to help provide clothing, food, adequate housing, day care, dental care and toys. It is for this reason that the government committed to a third significant investment into the national child benefit in the Speech from the Throne by July 2001.
We must continue on the path toward the eradication of child poverty in Canada. Children are our future.
Peter Adams Liberal Peterborough, ON
Mr. Speaker, today the book The Carving of Canada: A Tale of Parliamentary Gothic by Munroe Scott published by Penumbra Press will be launched on Parliament Hill. This book intertwines the story of our Parliament Buildings, Canada and its governing institutions with details of the life and work of those who created the sculptures that surround us in this place.
The work of Eleanor Milne, former parliamentary sculptor and her associates, the creation of the frieze of history, the constitution stones and the stained glass windows of the Centre Block are described in the fashion of a campfire story.
The book brings alive the largely anonymous efforts of those people who have worked to make our Parliament Buildings such a special place. This work is a fitting addition to the works of Munroe Scott, one of Canada's most creative film, theatre, television and literary figures.
Inky Mark Reform Dauphin—Swan River, MB
Mr. Speaker, 66 years ago an act of genocide took place which claimed the lives of millions of innocent people.
The Ukrainian famine genocide of 1932-33 was a manmade famine that ravaged through Ukraine. The Soviet leader of the day, Joseph Stalin, broke the spirit of Ukrainian peasant farmers and forced them under Communist rule. Ukraine was the most productive agricultural area of the Soviet Union and the Stalin regime was determined to crush all vestiges of Ukrainian nationalism.
My riding of Dauphin—Swan River has a large Ukrainian population. In fact, Dauphin is the home of Canada's National Ukrainian Festival. I would add my voice to theirs in condemning this senseless act of aggression.
Tonight a special event is being held in Centre Block to remember the victims of this horrible, inhumane act. Several dignitaries will be in attendance, including the Ambassador of Ukraine. All members of the House are invited to attend this special event.
Pat O'Brien Liberal London—Fanshawe, ON
Mr. Speaker, the International Fund for Ireland strives to promote the cause of peace in Northern Ireland by focusing on the economic and social development of the counties of the north and the border counties.
Emphasis is placed on cross-border projects which build intercommunity links and dialogue, thereby reducing sectarian hatred. By encouraging and helping nationalists and loyalists to work together, the International Fund for Ireland helps them to understand that it is possible for them to live together not only in peace but even in friendship.
Canada is a founding partner of this important fund. Last June the Prime Minister saw the work of the fund personally during his trip to Ireland. He also announced Canada's latest contribution to the International Fund for Ireland of $1 million. Today I am pleased to welcome to Ottawa the chair of the International Fund for Ireland, Mr. Willie McCarter, and the Canadian observer on the fund, Mr. Ted McConnell.
Maurice Dumas Bloc Argenteuil—Papineau, QC
Mr. Speaker, last Thursday, some 50 musicians of the Ménétriers d'antan did us the honour of giving a concert of traditional music in the rotunda of parliament in Ottawa.
These musicians from Laval-Laurentides-Lanaudière, most of whom are retired seniors, had been invited by the member for Rivière-des-Mille-Îles and had accepted the invitation with alacrity.
Founded in 1988 by Jean-Pierre Paiement, this group of volunteers, now under the direction of Jean-Paul Desjardins, brings together musicians playing traditional music in an effort to revive the tradition of the strolling players.
They perform in public places, churches, shopping centres and seniors' residences, Saint-Jean-Baptiste celebrations and festivals. They have made three compact disks, which are available on the market.
In this international year of older persons, we pay tribute today to them and their leader. May they continue to impress their audiences with their dexterity and their playing.
Denis Paradis Liberal Brome—Missisquoi, QC
Mr. Speaker, over 60 people representing organizations and businesses in the farm tourism industry from my riding of Brome—Missisquoi met today in Ottawa to learn about programs that could benefit them.
They come from Bromont, Magog, Sutton, Lac Brome, Bedford and Farnham, to name but a few places. I take this opportunity to once again express my pride at the dynamism of the people of Brome—Missisquoi.
They responded enthusiastically to my invitation, and their presence speaks clearly of the importance of farm tourism in our region, and of the important place this market will have to assume in the coming years.
Congratulations to all those who continue to be innovative. They are the proof that, in the regions, we are not afraid to roll up our sleeves to make available both recreation and rural products each varied and original.
Chuck Cadman Reform Surrey North, BC
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Arnold Silzer, a well respected and active member of the Whalley community of Surrey. Arnold passed away on November 11.
I first came to know Arnold personally in his role as returning officer for my constituency in the 1997 federal election. Arnold's passion for the well-being of young people can no doubt be linked to his 43 years as a teacher. As a long time member of the Lions Club he constantly advocated for youth. It was in that capacity that he worked closely with my office on the summer work student exchange program for the past two summers.
Arnold was a founding member of the Surrey Crime Prevention Society, a past president of the Surrey Chamber of Commerce, and secretary for the Whalley & Area Merchants Association.
Our sympathies go to Lois, his wife of 45 years, his children Bruce and Diane, and his grandchildren Jason, Jeremy and Chelsea, as well as to his extended family and countless friends.
Arnold Silzer, always a smile, always a story to tell and always a gentleman, will be sorely missed by his community.
Hec Clouthier Liberal Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke, ON
Mr. Speaker, it is indeed a great honour and privilege to salute the brave men and women of the second regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery.
The RCHA was formed in 1905 as a fast, mobile brigade that would gallop into action with a 13 pounder quick firing gun. Also in 1905 Sir Wilfrid Laurier deemed it of vital national importance to establish Canadian Forces Base Petawawa in my great riding of Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke.
Base Petawawa was specifically chosen for RCHA so it could train on wide open spaces with varied terrain. It was and still is a world class military training ground. As a result the RCHA became great Canadian heroes in World War I and World War II. It was the first into the bloody battles, the first to win and the first to die.
The rallying cry was “Root, toot-a-toot, toot-a-toot, merry men and women are we. There is none so fair that can compare to the Royal Canadian Horse Artillery”.
Gordon Earle NDP Halifax West, NS
Mr. Speaker, November is International Diabetes Month. Health Canada suggests that Canadians pay up to $9 billion, mostly through taxes, on costs associated with diabetes and related complications including lost productivity.
The members of my family with diabetes are not alone. Over two and a quarter million Canadians have diabetes. Canadians with diabetes not only face the day to day demands of diabetes but are also four times more likely to have heart and vascular disease, 250% more likely to have a stroke, more likely to have end stage renal disease, likely to have mild to severe nerve damage, and face a 15 year shorter life expectancy.
The Juvenile Diabetes Foundation is committed to helping improve the lives of diabetes sufferers and to finding a cure. Every year over 60,000 new cases of diabetes are diagnosed in Canada. I urge the government to do all it can to support both finding a cure for diabetes and to review its support for care for those diagnosed with the disease.
Stéphane Bergeron Bloc Verchères, QC
Mr. Speaker, on Sunday, a large crowd gathered in Saint-Denis-sur-Richelieu to celebrate the Journée nationale des patriotes, which is held on the Sunday closest to November 23, the anniversary of the battle of Saint-Denis-sur-Richelieu, which ended by a Patriots' victory, in 1837.
However, the patriot movement had begun several years earlier and was then the most influential political movement in Lower Canada, with a majority of seats in the House of Assembly.
Unfortunately, as is often the case when peoples are subjected to oppression, the Patriots had no choice but to trade their pens and their words for forks and guns, to protect their properties, their lives and the ideals in which they believed. Several of them were killed, injured or jailed for having taken up arms against the British occupant, who even tried to have them blamed for the violence that had taken place.
History will remember that we owe it to the Patriots if we have a truly democratic and responsible government, civil and political liberties of which we are proud, not to mention the fact that our people is now on its way to autonomy and freedom.
Marlene Jennings Liberal Notre-Dame-de-Grâce—Lachine, QC
Mr. Speaker, this morning the daily La Presse reported that 18 Bloc Quebecois members have asked for their annual quotas of Canadian flags and pins.
To all these members I say thank you. Thank you for showing that it is perfectly possible to be a Canadian and a Quebecer at the same time. Personally, I am proud of my flag, and my flag is the Canadian and Quebec flag.
Thank you and, more importantly, we hope that the Bloc Quebecois will continue its good work in promoting Canadian unity.
Scott Brison Progressive Conservative Kings—Hants, NS
Mr. Speaker, the Liberal government's combination of a weak dollar policy, high corporate and personal tax rates, and a high level of regulatory burden are reducing productivity, restricting growth and reducing the value of Canadian equities.
Liberal policies are making Canadian businesses particularly vulnerable to foreign takeovers. Referred to by some as Canada's corporate fire sale, the list of Canadian companies being taken over is getting larger every week. Just recently, British American Tobacco bought Imasco for a whopping $17.3 billion. Other takeover targets include MacMillan Bloedel, JDS Fitel, Newcourt, Poco Petroleum, MetroNet, Celanese, Discreet Logic and Groupe Forex.
When will the government listen to the IMF and other authorities and make debt and tax reduction priorities, not just afterthoughts? When will the government realize that we cannot devalue our way to prosperity and that Liberal policies are turning Canada into the Wal-Mart of the world?
Raymonde Folco Liberal Laval West, QC
Mr. Speaker, after counting on the eventual demise of the elderly to increase support for the separatist cause, Quebec's minister of state for economy and finance, Bernard Landry, has now chosen as his target the vote of immigrants to Quebec.
Bernard Landry is well known to the cultural communities. In September 1998 his comments on the majority required in any future referendum stirred up a great deal of controversy.
Great democrat that he is, Bernard Landry did not beat around the bush at all in trying to discredit the vote of the cultural communities on the separation of Quebec. Here is what he said: “Everyone is well aware that the bar is being set too high. It is like giving a veto power to our compatriots, our brothers and sisters of the cultural communities, over our national project.”
Once again, Bernard Landry is sowing the seeds of division within Quebec.
Jim Abbott Reform Kootenay—Columbia, BC
Mr. Speaker, I am reading from a criminal intelligence brief dated June 15, put out by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police on the issue of computer crime and national security.
The top four highlights are, first, that the likelihood of a serious, deliberate and targeted attack to a Canadian critical infrastructure system has increased from low to medium and the impact of such an attack remains high; second, that Canada is lagging behind other information intensive countries in the area of co-ordinated information protection; third, that several government departments dealing with an increasing number of sophisticated attacks are seeking guidance, support and assistance from law enforcement agencies, only to find there is a lack of skilled and trained resources; and, fourth, that critical network systems and systems control are the Achilles heel of the nation's information infrastructure.
This criminal intelligence brief is a damning indictment of the inaction of the Liberal government and the solicitor general.
Yvan Loubier Bloc Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot, QC
Mr. Speaker, it is an invention by the other side of this House that newly sovereign countries experience economic difficulties. This is far from the reality.
Claude Picher wrote this morning “When the former Czechoslovakia was divided, all observers felt that the Czech republic would be far better off than the Slovak. The opposite was what occurred.”
In fact, according to the OECD, the most successful newly sovereign countries have been the countries of central Europe that have had to make the difficult transition toward a market economy.
Another wrong idea being spread by the federalists is that the economic performance of the major countries such as the G-7 is better than that of countries of similar size to Quebec. The growth of the G-7 countries for 1990-98 was 1.8%, while that of countries the size of Quebec was, again according to the OECD, 3.1%.
A sovereign Quebec, as the 16th-ranking world power, would be true to this trend toward superior economic performances.
Bill Blaikie NDP Winnipeg—Transcona, MB
Mr. Speaker, foreign multinationals gobbled up over $25 billion of Canadian controlled corporations in Canada in 1998, an increase of 70% over 1997. For the first nine months of 1999, U.S. corporations have spent $28 billion snapping up Canadian companies, an increase of 16% over the same period last year.
To make things worse, the federal government is planning to reduce the Canadian content required on the country's corporate boards from 50% to 25%. Consequently, Canadians will completely lose control over corporations which still have their head offices in Canada.
As if abandoning national sovereignty was not bad enough, the industry minister said that his decision is in line with recommendations from the Senate.
Preston Manning ReformLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, while the Prime Minister has been talking about democracy at Commonwealth meetings his government has been busy denying democracy at home.
The people of British Columbia have not yet been given an opportunity to vote on the Nisga'a treaty which establishes a new race based government in their province, which assigns access to natural resources on the basis of bloodlines and which denies the Nisga'a people access to property rights.
If the Prime Minister wants to champion democracy, why does he not hold a province-wide referendum on the Nisga'a deal in British Columbia?
Jean Chrétien LiberalPrime Minister
Mr. Speaker, there is a legislative assembly in British Columbia which voted on this issue, expressing the view of the people of British Columbia. This parliament will vote on the issue. This is the way we express democracy in Canada.
Preston Manning ReformLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister says that it is the duty of parliament to decide, and yet look at how the government has treated parliament on this issue. It uses closure and time allocation to cut off debate. It stacks committees and stifles committee hearings. It was not going to hold hearings in British Columbia until forced to by the official opposition. It denies free votes to its own members on any issue of government policy.
If the Nisga'a treaty is so good, why does the government have to resort to all of these undemocratic procedures in order to ram it through parliament and impose it on British Columbia?
Jean Chrétien LiberalPrime Minister
Mr. Speaker, four out of five parties in the House of Commons have agreed on the procedure in this matter. It is clear. There will be a vote in the House of Commons. I am sure this is the way to deal with a problem of this kind.
This is an obligation that was vested in the Government of Canada by royal proclamation centuries ago. We have to respect the obligations of this country vis-a-vis the first nations of Canada.
Preston Manning ReformLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, four out of five parties agreed on Charlottetown and look what happened to it. The government is alienating the people of British Columbia on every front. It taxes them to death. It has mismanaged the west coast fishery. It has bungled the people smuggling problem in British Columbia. Now it is imposing a 19th century race based treaty on the people of that province.
If the Prime Minister really believes that this treaty is in the best interests of the people of British Columbia, why does he not allow them to have a say through a province-wide referendum?