Debates of Nov. 4th, 1999

Supply

[Dick Proctor, NDP, Palliser, SK]

Mr. Speaker, indeed I would like to ask a question of my colleague from the Reform Party. He said in his speech that any of the problems in terms of agriculture should rest on the heads of this government and the previous Conservative government. I would like the hon. member to acknowledge that the Reform Party should share in some of the blame.

In 1993 when members of the Reform Party arrived here in any significant numbers they said to the government that they opposed all government subsidies for agriculture and that everything should be based on market driven forces. I submit to the hon. member from Manitoba that the situation is a result of these programs. The finance minister over there put on his Cheshire cat grin and asked how much Reformers would like him to cut. Indeed the government has cut programs by about 60%, three times more than it was required to in 1993. I would submit that was done because it wanted the deficit eliminated as fast as possible. The Reform Party was sitting over here, the only party with official party status from English Canada at the time, and the government could not do it fast enough.

Would the hon. member stand in his place and agree that the Reform Party has contributed directly to the agricultural crisis that is happening right now in western Canada?

[Howard Hilstrom, Reform, Selkirk—Interlake, MB]

Mr. Speaker, the hon. member for Palliser is once again dead wrong on his interpretation of what he thinks he heard during the 1993 election. Certainly the Reform Party never ever said that there would not be programs in place to keep the field level for international competition between our farmers and other farmers. That misrepresentation is just the same as when the NDP goes around trying to say that the Reform Party will get rid of medicare or health care, that it will wreck health care and it will be gone forever.

We all ran in the last election. NDP members went around saying that kind of garbage and the voters sent back 60 Reformers and 18 or 19 NDPers. I do not think the interpretation of the Reform platform in the last election, or in the election of 1993, contributed in any what whatsoever to the Liberal government taking virtually all the domestic support away from the farmers of Canada.

Certainly the government is trying to replace it now on the same old ad hoc basis it has been using since the start of Confederation. When there is a problem it tries to figure out something in a hurry. It comes up with details and criteria which do not work because it has not had time to put any thought into it.

Reform is saying “Mr. and Mrs. Voter, give us a chance and we will come up with the long term programs”. We will make sure that Canada can compete with other countries around the world. We will free Canadians so they can do business without as much government interference.

I would invite everyone to compare the NDP platform with what we have done here in Ottawa on behalf of farmers.

Reform is way ahead in asking questions in the House on agriculture. When I look at the opportunity to use supply day motions to discuss agriculture issues, Reform is way ahead. Which party was it that moved for an emergency debate on the grain handlers crisis? It was Reform. The Reform Party got the debate going, but then we learned that a settlement had been reached during the debate.

That is the kind of action we need in Ottawa. Reformers take the bull by the horns and show all other opposition parties, including the NDP, what can be done in moving this country forward.

[Ian Murray, Liberal, Lanark—Carleton, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I welcome this opportunity to take part in the debate on the NDP motion. I will be sharing my time with the hon. member for Perth—Middlesex.

I would like to talk about the level of consultation that has been held between the Government of Canada and various groups, such as that which has become known as the civil society and many other non-governmental organizations.

As Canada prepares to head into multilateral trade negotiations and as it continues regional trade negotiations for the FTAA, the Government of Canada has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to seek the views of Canadians on the scope, content and process of these negotiations. Indeed it has just completed the most comprehensive consultation ever undertaken on this topic in Canada. We intend to continue this dialogue throughout the course of these trade negotiations.

Before describing to the House the extent of these consultations, I would like to emphasize that, from an international perspective, Canada is on the cutting edge of public consultations where trade negotiations are concerned.

In international fora it is clear to other countries that we are very informed about the wide variety of views which exist in Canada concerning the international trade negotiating agenda and that we are being very aggressive in taking every opportunity to listen and respond to public concerns about this agenda. I am proud to state that these consultations represent Canadian democracy in action, a democracy that is dynamic and effective.

The Government of Canada has pursued consultations in a wide variety of ways. We have sought public submissions on trade policy issues through a Canada

Gazette

notice and opened a new trade negotiations website to provide information and papers on the trade agenda. We are also using this site as a location for reporting on our consultations with Canadians. This strategy has put us at the forefront of using new information technology to communicate with Canadians and we are extremely pleased to be deepening our connection with Canadians in this new medium.

The Minister for International Trade asked the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade to undertake cross-country hearings to elicit public comments and views on trade issues. The committee produced a very comprehensive and informative report. The government will be formally tabling its response to the report on November 15.

We have also continued to consult with the business sector to identify our trading priorities. This consultation is taking place through the sectoral advisory groups on international trade. We are working very closely with the provinces in developing our trade negotiating positions.

We are very pleased that seven provincial trade ministers will accompany the Canadian government to the WTO ministerial meeting in December. Furthermore, we have conducted 26 separate consultation sessions on the issues of government procurement, investment and competition policy. These consultations, organized in close co-operation with provincial government trade representatives and senior trade commissioners in each region, attracted more than 300 participants across Canada from a total of 1,040 invitations.

These sessions met the government's objectives to build constructive links to and promote a dialogue with representatives of civil society on trade and investment related issues across Canada; to bring to the discussions a broad spectrum of stakeholders representing environmental, human rights and labour interests, as well as members of the business community; and to advance further substantive discussions with these stakeholders to ensure that Canadians' priorities and interests on these issues are reflected in the new round of WTO negotiations.

It was clear from these consultations that there exist differing levels of expertise on trade and investment issues represented among stakeholders. However, regardless of their level of knowledge, participants emphasized a need for continued, direct exchanges with expert stakeholders, and particularly with representatives of the federal government. We are committed to providing this contact and to ensuring that the process whereby our negotiating position is developed is as transparent as it can possibly be.

Consequently, in the next stage of our consultations leading up to the Seattle ministerial meeting the government will continue to work to expand productive working relationships with civil society stakeholders, develop focused and responsive public information and outreach activities to broaden these contacts, respond to the anticipated increase in stakeholder requests for information on the government's position on trade and investment, and lay the foundation for deeper and more strategic involvement of knowledgeable stakeholder groups that have the capacity and the credibility to champion federal consultation initiatives on trade and investment issues within their respective communities following Seattle.

The effectiveness of our consultations with Canadians can be measured in terms of the enunciation of Canada's overall negotiating objectives and priorities. We want to ensure that the lives of Canadians are improved through better access to global markets and through predictable and enforceable rules governing trade. We also want to ensure that these rules help protect the fabric of Canadian society and fundamental Canadian interests.

I believe that the extensive and ongoing consultation process that I have just described contributes very positively to these overall negotiating objectives and priorities.

[John Richardson, Liberal, Perth—Middlesex, ON]

Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to make a contribution to today's debate. It is a significant event for us to talk about the success stories of the past, beginning with the team Canada visit to Japan, the benefits of the Chile-Canada free trade agreement and the objectives of Canada and other world trade members.

According to the motion, it is apparent that hon. members opposite are prepared to turn back the clock in a world that has evidently left them far behind. However, I must say that is not true for all members opposite.

It is true that the Government of Canada has pursued greater trade liberalization. Unlike that which the hon. members would have us believe, the government has been responsible and democratic in its pursuit of greater trade liberalization for the benefit of the overall Canadian economy and the agriculture and agri-food sector.

First, Canada is a trading nation that relies on international trade to the extent of 40% of its gross domestic product. Could we imagine what it would be like without that, or with half of that? Canada is no longer a country comprised of hewers of wood and drawers of water. The world has become smaller and we live in a global economy. I say to hon. members, welcome to the future because the future is now.

Overall in the agriculture and agri-food sector farmers have adjusted to a constantly changing international market. Their success is obvious when looking at our export numbers. Agriculture exports have risen from $13 billion to $22 billion over the past five years. Even with the economic challenges of the past year, they were up slightly from 1997, which was a record year.

Trade is important to the growth of the sector. About half of the average Canadian farm gate income is the result of trade. That is why this government is committed to working on the international front to bring order and stability to the world marketplace and provide better access to world markets.

Despite the commodity market challenges, the outlook of Canada's agriculture and agri-food sector is positive. The Canadian agriculture and agri-food industry has also met the evolving demand for specialized food products. Our exports of value added goods and processed products are surging. In fact they grew by almost 9% last year. Processed goods mean processing plant investment and jobs, jobs which add to the sustainability of our rural communities.

Members should not just take my word for it. The industry itself has a lot of confidence in its own capabilities on the world market. Already Canada has about 3.3% of the world's agri-food trade, and the Canadian Agri-Food Marketing Council, or CAMC, which is made up of agriculture and agri-food industry representatives, has set a goal to increase that to 4% by the year 2005. It has also set a target for increasing processed agricultural exports over and above bulk commodity exports. By all current indications there is no reason to think this goal will not be met.

There is a lot of opportunity out there. The European Union, for instance, is the world's largest market for agri-food products. Ten of the world's top 12 food retailers are based there. I believe it is obvious why we have to be there.

Yes, there are trade distortions that exist among our trading partners, especial in the EU. Achieving substantial reductions in these disparities is a key objective for Canadian producers and exporters. That is why the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food will be aggressively seeking greater world markets abroad for our products at the World Trade Organization talks, which will be launched at a ministerial meeting in Seattle at the end of this month. He will be pressing hard for reductions in domestic subsidies and the elimination of exports.

[The Speaker]

The hon. member has five minutes left, and five minutes of questions and comments. However, I thought this would be a good time to split the speech. You will be our first speaker when we return to debate after question period.

Railways

[Stan Dromisky, Liberal, Thunder Bay—Atikokan, ON]

Mr. Speaker, today more than 110 individuals representing Canada's rail industry will be meeting with more than 130 parliamentarians.

The Canadian public should know that the North American railway system has been, and is, the best in the world for shippers and governments by providing the best overall service at the lowest overall price, attracting the most investment and not depending on subsidies.

Canada's railways are safe. They reduce road costs and highway congestion, are fuel efficient and environmentally friendly.

However, Canadian rail shippers have the most regulated transportation environment in North America. Therefore, ongoing dynamic policy changes must keep Canadian shippers competitive in domestic and international markets and encourage sustained investment for the delivery of improved services and lower costs.

National Defence

[Art Hanger, Reform, Calgary Northeast, AB]

Mr. Speaker, I have just returned from a military fact finding mission in Australia.

I first want to thank those private donors and the Reform Party which financially supported this endeavour to make it possible.

For 10 days I visited with Australian defence leaders and met with men and women of the Canadian forces in Darwin. Unlike Canada's military, which has suffered from political neglect for decades, the Australians have a replacement or upgrade program in place for all their major equipment.

Here in Canada air crews continue to struggle to keep the 36 year old Sea King helicopters in the air, while our government dithers.

If there is one overriding lesson that I would like to pass on to my colleagues on both sides of the House it is this: In Australia national defence is truly a national and non-partisan issue.

The tragic cancellation of the EH-101, where this Prime Minister made a cynical promise that continues to jeopardize the safety of military personnel, could not happen there—

[The Speaker]

The hon. member for Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke.

Nuclear Industry

[Hec Clouthier, Liberal, Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke, ON]

Mr. Speaker, Canada's nuclear energy industry contributes an impressive $4.5 billion annually to the country's economy and directly employs 30,000 people. Atomic Energy of Canada's Chalk River plant employs nearly 2,000 people in my great riding of Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke.

As a result of our national nuclear program, many spinoff industries have been created which employ roughly 100,000 people. One such company is SRB Technologies of Pembroke. This is a successful growing company run by bright, aggressive young people such as vice-president Stephane Levesque.

SRB Technologies manufactures tritium-filled light sources, Betalights, which have both scientific and commercial applications, from luminous energy emergency signs to military vehicles. Next year SRB plans to expand, hire more people and increase sales in both Canada and around the world.

I am proud to salute Stephane Levesque and his great upper Ottawa valley company.

Child Pornography

[Aileen Carroll, Liberal, Barrie—Simcoe—Bradford, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I have received more than 1,000 letters from citizens in my riding of Barrie—Simcoe—Bradford concerning the recent decision of the B.C. Court of Appeal that the law making it a criminal offence to possess child pornography is unconstitutional.

My constituents wrote to me during their white ribbon campaign against pornography last week and letters are still arriving. The purpose of the WRAP campaign is to help educate and sensitize Canadians to the fact that pornography is addictive and damaging.

My constituents and all Canadians should know that the government believes the law prohibiting possession is constitutional. We too believe that our children are our greatest possession and must be protected against child pornography. We intervened in the B.C. case to vigorously defend the law and we will do so again when the case is before the Supreme Court of Canada.

Remembrance Day

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

Mr. Speaker, on Remembrance Day we will pay tribute to the Canadians who fell in war throughout the century.

As we pause to remember, we would do well to recall that war affects not just those on the front lines but also those left at home to cope.

During the second world war, for every Canadian in uniform there were 10 serving at home on the home front. They worked the farms and factories. They gave blood, collected scrap, planted victory gardens and bought victory bonds. They suffered privations and rationing.

Throughout it all, they worried and prayed for their sons and daughters, husbands and wives waiting in fear for that dreaded telegram that would begin “We regret to inform you—”. It was a tremendous time of sacrifice but of great spirit.

On November 11, we will remember those who sacrificed all so that we in this world would be rid of the forces of oppression and tyranny. They would be proud of the nation that their children built and merely ask us to remember them still. We pledge to do this forever.

Highway System

[Val Meredith, Reform, South Surrey—White Rock—Langley, BC]

Mr. Speaker, earlier this week I had the pleasure to attend a conference on trade corridors held in Niagara Falls. People came from across the continent to discuss ways Canada and the United States can more efficiently transport the $1.5 billion of goods that cross the border every day.

Since 70% of these goods travel by road, everyone acknowledged the need to upgrade the highway system.

The American government is pumping over $200 billion into its highway system over a six year period; that is 90% of the money it collects in fuel taxes. Contrast this to the federal Liberals who, despite collecting over $4.5 billion in fuel taxes a year, put only a pathetic $150 million back into Canada's roads; that is only 3%.

Trade has been a major factor in Canada's economic recovery. It is time the Liberals put some of that money back into roads instead of ripping off the taxpayers yet again.

Remembrance Day

[Pat O'Brien, Liberal, London—Fanshawe, ON]

Mr. Speaker, to understand Canada's military history in the 20th century, one need only follow the sad trail of monuments and cemeteries the world over.

At Passchendale in Belgium and Vimy in France, Canadian heroes of World War I are buried. At Beny-Sur-Mer in France, Sai Wau Bay in Hong Kong, Bergen-op-Zoom in the Netherlands and the Moro River in Italy, Canadian heroes of World War II are buried. At Pusan in Korea, Canadian heroes of the Korean War are buried. At these and hundreds of other cemeteries the world over, the headstones of tens of thousands of Canadians speak to us of their sacrifice that we might live in peace and freedom.

May Canadians always remember their stories, honour their sacrifice and cherish their precious gift to us.

Drinking Water

[Ghislain Fournier, Bloc, Manicouagan, QC]

Mr. Speaker, never did I think I would have to rise in the House and remind the federal Minister of Transport that people in the Sept-Îles region still do not have access to drinkable running water. The inhabitants of the beaches area have been deprived of this essential service because the water table has been contaminated for several years.

Yet, in the summer of 1998, the federal Minister of Transport admitted responsibility for contaminating these residents' water source and promised to come up with a long term solution to the problem.

Today, I join with the spokesperson for the citizens' group and denounce the Minister of Transport, who seems in no hurry to assume his responsibilities in this matter and to foot the bill for the environmental damage caused by—

[The Speaker]

The hon. member for Abitibi—Baie-James—Nunavik.

Millennium Scholarships

[Guy St-Julien, Liberal, Abitibi, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the 70 million Canadian dollars now available in Quebec for millennium scholarships over a ten-year period are intended to benefit students from Quebec, particularly those in the greatest need and, combined with the financial assistance they are already receiving, reduce their level of indebtedness significantly.

Minister Legault wants to use the money from the millennium scholarships to replace existing scholarships under Quebec's regular grants and loans program. The students have requested that their loans become millennium scholarships.

Will Minister Legault give a clear undertaking, on behalf of the Government of Quebec, that students in the greatest need will receive approximately $2,000 a year in addition to the assistance they were receiving under Quebec's regular grants and loans program?

Fisheries

[Bill Gilmour, Reform, Nanaimo—Alberni, BC]

Mr. Speaker, the supreme court ruling regarding Donald Marshall and native fishing rights has led to chaos on the east coast and uncertainty across the nation. The judicial ruling is unclear yet this government is unwilling to ask the supreme court for clarification.

Clarification is required regarding who the beneficiaries of the treaty are, what DFO's regulatory powers regarding the native fishery are, what the definition is of moderate income, what the geographical limitations of the treaty are, what rights the existing commercial fishery have and how far-reaching the decision is. Is it limited to eels or does it affect lobster, snow crabs, forestry, oil or more? Finally, how much will it cost?

It is time for the fisheries minister to get involved so these issues are clarified and all Canadians know where they stand regarding this decision.

Millennium Scholarships

[Yvon Charbonneau, Liberal, Anjou—Rivière-Des-Prairies, QC]

Mr. Speaker, Quebec students are hoping there will be a positive outcome to the millennium scholarship matter. They want to see the money available paid out to them, and they want the Quebec government to stop playing petty politics with something as vital to their futures.

The students of Quebec want to see a considerable reduction in their debt loads. The Government of Quebec must stop shilly-shallying about the actual amounts to be paid to students. It is clear that those receiving millennium scholarships must be the real winners in this. They must receive the amounts to which they are entitled.

The Quebec Minister of Education must be frank with the students, the real beneficiaries of the millennium scholarships, and must tell them the whole truth in this matter.

Nuclear Weapons

[Bill Blaikie, NDP, Winnipeg—Transcona, MB]

Mr. Speaker, as the new year approaches and we see more and more articles about Y2K, a great many people are worried about the inconvenience that may be caused by various forms of computer breakdown. However, one of the things we have not heard and talked enough about is the whole question of whether or not the nuclear weapons systems that exist around the world are being given the kind of attention they deserve in light of the Y2K possibilities.

I would therefore urge the government to respond to the requests of many groups that are concerned about Y2K and the nuclear question, to use its position in NATO, in the United Nations and everywhere else to see if it cannot achieve a stand down of nuclear weapon systems on December 31.

Let us take all the systems off alert so that the one thing Canadians and people around the world do not have to worry about as we enter the new millennium is an accidental nuclear war.

Governor General's Awards

[Pierre De Savoye, Bloc, Portneuf, QC]

Mr. Speaker, today there are some important visitors here in Ottawa, the recipients of the Governor General's Awards: Michel Tremblay, Denise Filiatrault, Ginette Reno, Louis Quillico, David Cronenberg and Mavor Moore. They are not the only ones with us, however.

Look carefully and you will also see Thérèse and Pierrette, Laura Cadieux, Marcel, Édouard, the Fat Lady, and all the other wonderful characters created by Michel Tremblay and so skillfully portrayed by Denise Filiatrault and Ginette Reno on stage or screen.

All of these honorees have given us such pleasure, as we read their works, hear them in concert, see them on stage or screen. Once again, their contributions are being recognized today far beyond the borders of Quebec.

The international renown you all enjoy is a source of pride to Quebec and to Canada. Bravo to each and every one of you.

[Some hon. members]

Hear, hear.

Millennium Scholarships

[Eleni Bakopanos, Liberal, Ahuntsic, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the matter of the millennium scholarships is a happy event for Quebec students.

I point out, however, that the $70 million provided annually for Quebec for a ten year period is to benefit Quebec students.

These grants will be awarded to the students who need it the most, while also helping them reduce their debt and guaranteeing that we uphold our previous financial commitment to these students.

The Government of Quebec has attempted to evade the real issues. The Parti Quebecois should not ignore the students of Quebec because they should be the ones to benefit from this contribution.

They should think twice before trying to make political gain on the backs of young Quebecers. They have no interest in political battles, as they told the Bloc member for Longueuil.

It is now up to the Government of Quebec to show its good faith in this matter, because the Government of Canada wants our young people to enjoy the fruits of this program, which is intended for them.

Atlantic Canada

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

Mr. Speaker, on Monday, the Liberal Atlantic caucus, what is left of it, will announce its plans for Atlantic Canada which I will call a “Liberal Ode to the East”.

Since 1993 The east coast they could not see A government so rotten Atlantic Canada, all but forgotten

No real plan for six years Frankly, I must say, it brings me to tears Now that an election is so near Suddenly they see things so clear

The latest Liberal rave Eastern Canada they will save! By catching what they call tomorrow's wave

They've come up with a scheme But it ain't what it seems It is a disingenuous attempt To appease the contempt

A policy for shipbuilding? Not needed said they But with an election approaching Guess what, a review is on its way!

While the U.S. agree To Baltimore and New York City The Liberals tell Halifax: Sorry, no Post Panamax!

Yet another red book Just a new look But once you review it There ain't that much to it

This plan for the east I know you'll agree Is more Liberal deceit Again, just words on a sheet!

Governor General's Awards

[Denis Paradis, Liberal, Brome—Missisquoi, QC]

Mr. Speaker, actor and producer Denise Filiatrault, dramatist Michel Tremblay, singer Ginette Reno, filmmaker David Cronenberg and theatre personality Mavor Moore will be among tomorrow's recipients of the Governor General's Performing Arts awards.

This is a prestigious award, whose aim is to honour the excellence of the work done by Canadians. It pays tribute to our artists' major contribution to the country's cultural life.

I would like to congratulate the winners, while recognizing their commitment to promoting the quality of artistic life for Canadians and Quebecers.

China

[Rob Anders, Reform, Calgary West, AB]

Mr. Speaker, early in the morning of July 20, security forces in China began arresting hundreds of their sleeping citizens. These were people who meditate. Two days later, the government outlawed the practice entirely.

The group the Government of China is picking on is known as Falun Gong. Several thousand have been arrested or detained. Twisting the rule of law, China amended legislation allowing sweeping powers to silence a peaceful movement. The solution to the problem lies at home in China.

Denied the ability to gather or even speak about their beliefs, this group is now forbidden any legal defence. The government has actually ordered Chinese lawyers not to plead cases for Falun Gong. This is poor conduct from a government that claims to be a representative of a people's republic.