Debates of March 25th, 1999

Foreign Affairs

[Ted McWhinney, Liberal, Vancouver Quadra, BC]

Mr. Speaker, the arrest and forcible transfer to jurisdiction of a national criminal court of the Kurdish leader, Abdullah Ocalan, raises the possibility for the Canadian government to make use of our excellent diplomatic relations abroad to offer our good offices in having Canadian observers present at any future trial processes and to offer to provide additional legal counsel from Canada, if that would be relevant.

Royal Canadian Mounted Police

[Philip Mayfield, Reform, Cariboo—Chilcotin, BC]

Mr. Speaker, there is a serious situation developing within the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

The plan to eliminate some 1,000 RCMP positions is very disturbing. What is even more disturbing is that half of these positions are to be left vacant in British Columbia.

To open up the Regina training centre for four groups of 25 trainees each, for a total of 100 new officers a year, is an inadequate token.

RCMP detachments in rural British Columbia are seriously understaffed and overworked. Investigations per member are at record numbers. The personal and health consequences for them is frightening. What happens when a violent situation erupts and there is no backup available?

This is a serious problem with long term implications. The Mounties are unable to provide Canadians with basic services, yet they are still expected to target long term organized crime and to support the new gun control implementation.

We need our Mounties in full force. I call upon the government to act now to restore staffing and funding so that Canadians from coast to coast can have the police—

[The Speaker]

The hon. member for St. Paul's.

Tuberculosis

[Carolyn Bennett, Liberal, St. Paul's, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark World TB day.

Dr. Brundtland, director general of the World Health Organization, said yesterday:

Tuberculosis, which many of us believed would disappear in our lifetimes, has staged a frightening comeback.

Today TB kills more adults than AIDS, malaria and all other tropical diseases combined.

It is the first disease to be classified as a global emergency by the WHO. This is not just a developing world problem. In Canada our aboriginal population suffers at a rate seven times greater than the rest of the population. We need to treat this disease seriously.

I thank Dr. David Brandling-Bennett, deputy director of the Pan American Health Organization; Dr. Howard Njoo, director of tuberculosis prevention and control at Health Canada's LCDC; Dr. Neil Haywood, director of immigration health policy for Citizenship and Immigration Canada; Duane Etienne, health promotion officer for the Assembly of First Nations; and Deirdre Freiheit, chief operating officer and manager of government and corporate affairs for the Canadian Lung Association for their enlightening presentations—

[The Speaker]

The hon. member for Nunavut.

Nunavut

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

Mr. Speaker, today I speak for the last time as a member from the Northwest Territories. When I return to the House I shall be the member from Nunavut, Canada's third territory, and the map of Canada will have been redrawn to show the new boundaries.

Last night friends enjoyed a small preview of what the festivities will be like throughout Nunavut next Thursday, April 1. My Nunavut celebration was an evening of throat singers, country food, drum dancers, and traditional games and clothing. I thank everyone who participated in making the evening so special, and most of all for their continued support throughout the process.

I look forward to next Thursday and I know Canadians will welcome their third territory with open arms. It is a momentous occasion of which all Canadians can be proud as we begin to make footprints in new snow.

Casinos On Cruise Ships

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

Mr. Speaker, thanks to the action of the Canadian government, cruise ships operating casinos may continue to do so until they are within five nautical miles of port.

Previously, they had to shut down casino operations as soon as they entered Canadian territorial waters, or in other words at Anticosti Island.

This amendment to the Criminal Code, which came into effect on March 15, will allow casinos on cruise ships to continue to operate in Canadian waters.

I would point out as well that the ports of Quebec City and Montreal draw some 75,000 cruise ship passengers annually, and they generate tourist revenue of close to $12 million.

Cancer Awareness Month

[Gurmant Grewal, Reform, Surrey Central, BC]

Mr. Speaker, April is Cancer Awareness Month. An estimated 129,000 new cases of cancer and 62,700 deaths from cancer occurred in 1998.

The most frequently diagnosed cancers are breast cancer and prostate cancer. The incidence of breast cancer has risen steadily over the past decade but the mortality rate has been slightly decreasing.

Early detection techniques are responsible for our progress in beating cancer. Cancer can be beaten. Lung cancer remains the leading cause of death among men and women. Keeping Canadian youth and children from smoking is the most effective cancer prevention.

My past involvement with the Canadian Cancer Society makes me proud to extend a special thanks to all volunteers. Let us give generously when the Canadian Cancer Society knocks on our door. We can achieve our goals through research, education, patient services and advocacy for healthy public policy. Cancer can be beaten.

Student Summer Employment Exchange Program

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

Mr. Speaker, today marks the launching of the fourth edition of the student summer employment exchange program.

Four years ago, we initiated this little pilot project, which now provides more than 800 young people with an opportunity to discover another region of Canada, to learn a second language and appreciation of another culture, and to earn a little money toward their studies.

This project has become what it is today thanks to the contributions of many different parties. I want to particularly mention the involvement of the many host families and employers throughout Canada, and the more than 100 parliamentarians of all political stripes.

Our young people are the wealth of our future. Our young people are the best ambassadors of this program. They are our pride, and they will make tomorrow's Canada an extraordinary country in which mutual understanding lies at the heart of Canadian values.

Common Currency

[Richard Marceau, Bloc, Charlesbourg, QC]

Mr. Speaker, on March 15, the House of Commons rejected a motion from the Bloc Quebecois proposing that a special committee of the House be struck in order to consider the possibility of Canada's participation in the creation of a pan-American monetary union.

Far from advocating the immediate adoption of a common currency, our motion sought to provide elected representatives with an opportunity to discuss this issue of the future.

Instead of assuming its responsibilities, the Liberal Party, and the NDP, resorted to acrimonious and falsely patriotic arguments. Liberal backbenchers and NDP members spewed claptrap and bafflegab all day long.

Today, the Senate begins examining this vital issue for the future of Quebeckers and Canadians. This is the direct result of the Liberals' lack of leadership, of the Liberals running out of steam and getting weary.

By abdicating the legitimacy of the House of Commons in favour of an obsolete and archaic institution like the Senate, the Government of Canada is making a very telling demonstration to its partners in the Americas of its lack of leadership and vision, this on the eve of a new millennium.

Canadian Jewish Congress

[Sheila Finestone, Liberal, Mount Royal, QC]

Mr. Speaker, last week marked the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Canadian Jewish Congress, a national representative organization of the Jewish community of Canada.

In 1919 the upheaval of the first world war and the desperate situation of Jews in eastern Europe contributed to the movement in Canada to found a body that would represent the interest of Canadian Jews and coordinate their efforts to send help to their brothers overseas.

Democratically elected, nationally representative, CJC has become one of Canada's foremost human rights organizations and a voice for social justice, harmony and equity for all Canadians.

Over its eight decades it has become a model community advocacy organization, blending its efforts on behalf of the Jewish community of Canada seamlessly with its outstanding contributions on issues of national scope and significance. Internationally its vigorous promotion of global human rights and the elimination of racism and discrimination everywhere complement its efforts on behalf of the State of Israel and Jews around the world.

To CJC, I say happy anniversary. It has earned our admiration. Yashar koach . May it go from strength to strength.

Child Pornography

[Jim Gouk, Reform, West Kootenay—Okanagan, BC]

Mr. Speaker, it has now been more than two months since the possession of child pornography was made legal in British Columbia. We still have more than a month to wait before the court hears the appeal of the Shaw decision.

The Minister of Justice and her parliamentary secretary have been consistent, if nothing else, as they falsely continue to assure British Columbians that everything is under control.

Everything is not under control. We now have two child pornographers walking the streets in B.C. because of the Shaw decision. The second dismissal was even more galling, given that the accused pleaded guilty to the charge but had to be released because of Shaw.

I have recently received an RCMP intelligence report that indicates the extent of the child pornography flooding into British Columbia from outside the country. Yes, it is business as usual for this element of sick, perverted behaviour in B.C., behaviour that is aided and abetted by a Liberal government that refuses to act.

The Late Edmund Tobin Asselin

[Clifford Lincoln, Liberal, Lac-Saint-Louis, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to mark the passing yesterday of a prominent citizen and lawyer from the West Island of Montreal and a former member of the House, Mr. Edmund Tobin Asselin, who served as the MP for Notre-Dame-de-Grâce from 1962 to 1965, sitting for two years at the same time as his brother, Patrick Tobin Asselin, the MP for Richmond—Wolfe in the province of Quebec.

In addition to being twice elected to the House, in 1962 and 1963 Mr. Asselin served Canada as a flight lieutenant in the Royal Canadian Air Force from 1940 to 1946.

After World War II, he had the distinction of sitting on Montreal's municipal council from 1950 to 1962, before being elected to the House of Commons.

Mr. Asselin is survived by his wife, Carmel, his six children and his niece, Constable Janet Asselin, who is a member of the House of Commons security service and on duty this afternoon in the House gallery.

I would like to offer all my sympathy to the family.

Gasoline Prices

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

Mr. Speaker, the big oil companies have confirmed what every Canadian consumer believes when they said to the National Post , “When did costs have anything to do with gasoline pricing”.

The world crude oil price fell 60%, 17 months ago, but it took 15 long months for gas prices in Saskatchewan to drop even a couple of cents. Now crude oil prices are rising slowly but it only takes 15 hours for gas prices to jump right back again, an unjustifiable gouging of Canadians.

The major oil companies brag that Canada has among the lowest gas prices of the G-7 countries, but they do not tell Canadians that we have the highest prices of any oil exporters. The gas retail market in Canada is dominated by those four big elephants that sing “It's every man for himself” to their tiny competitors while they dance all over them, according to Tommy Douglas.

The Competition Bureau is supposed to report soon on its investigation on predatory gas pricing in Saskatchewan following the complaint I made along with my leader and my NDP Saskatchewan colleagues.

I call on the major oil refiners to quit gouging Canadians on gas prices.

Daffodil Day

[Pauline Picard, Bloc, Drummond, QC]

Mr. Speaker, today, March 25, is Daffodil Day.

Organized by the Canadian Cancer Society, Daffodil Day has, for almost 40 years, been a major fundraising activity for this agency, whose goal is to wipe out cancer and improve the quality of life of those who have the disease and of their families.

In Quebec alone last year, Daffodil Day raised over $1 million. It is through the continuing generosity of Quebeckers and of Canadians that the Canadian Cancer Society can provide material and psychological support for the tens of thousands of individuals struggling with this terrible disease and help fund medical research.

Let us give generously. We may think that cancer is something other people get, but life has a way of proving us wrong.

To all the Canadian Cancer Society volunteers, I say thank you for your generosity and have a great Daffodil Day.

Greek Independence Day

[Eleni Bakopanos, Liberal, Ahuntsic, QC]

Mr. Speaker, today, Canadians of Hellenic origin join with 17.5 million Hellenes around the world in celebrating the most important day in the history of Greece, my country of origin, that is March 25, 1821, Greek Independence Day.

Today I welcome to Ottawa and to Canada a group that has travelled from Greece to participate in the various celebrations organized in Montreal and Ottawa: Mrs. Maria Lambrou, deputy mayor of Chalkidos; Ms. Pagona Theodorou and Ms. Fevronia Kastani, members of the provincial chamber of commerce of Evoia; and the Hellenic national organization whose goal is to preserve and promote the authenticity of Greek dance and the genuineness of Greek traditional dress.

I am proud of my roots. More important, I am proud of Canada which allows for the respecting of the cultures and traditions of all Canadians. I invite all members of the House to join in the celebrations to celebrate this important day.

Run Against Racism

[Peter MacKay, Progressive Conservative, Pictou—Antigonish—Guysborough, NS]

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in the House as a proud participant of the 10th anniversary of Run Against Racism, its motto being “Together we can make a difference.”

Last weekend the founder of this event, Henderson Paris, and many residents of communities in Pictou County came together for one common noble purpose: to heighten the awareness of racism in these communities and throughout Canada.

This ultimately will help alleviate racism from society. People of all ages and races came together to lend their support for this worthwhile cause. This event was held in conjunction with the International Day to Eliminate Racism and Discrimination observed worldwide on March 21.

The goal of this annual marathon is commendable in its efforts to eliminate racism everywhere. Efforts such as this touch on the hearts and souls of every member of society from the youngest to the most senior. We hope that one day the dreaded perils of racism and discrimination will be eradicated completely.

I express sincere congratulations to Henderson Paris, a resident of New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, who started this marathon 10 years ago. His efforts are applauded and admired. Next year's run will be highlighted as part of New Glasgow's 125th birthday and millennium celebrations. I encourage all—

[The Speaker]

The hon. member for Malpeque.

East Wiltshire Intermediate School

[Wayne Easter, Liberal, Malpeque, PE]

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to congratulate the grade seven students of East Wiltshire Intermediate School who recently won a national anti-racism award sponsored by Heritage Canada and Much Music.

The anti-racism video produced by these students was one of 10 award winners chosen from almost 300 entries. The students used their own time to write scripts and construct props for the one minute video.

On March 21, the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, five of these students, Erika Weeks, April Walker, Elysse Roberts, Emilie Michellod and Meghan Harris, took part in the awards program at Much Music studios in Toronto.

Once again, congratulations to all East Wiltshire students and faculty involved. Their efforts and actions speak well to the future as we attempt to eliminate racism from our society and around the globe.

Gun Control

[Garry Breitkreuz, Reform, Yorkton—Melville, SK]

Mr. Speaker, last week members of the Canadian Police Association told me that the people of Saskatchewan were losing faith in the criminal justice system.

Do you want to know how bad it is? On February 20 the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation passed the following resolution with 84% support:

Whereas the opposition to Bill C-68 continues to grow, and whereas several provinces including Saskatchewan, have opted out of enforcement and administration of the bill, and whereas the federal government intends to use the RCMP to enforce C-68 in spite of overwhelming opposition to this legislation in Saskatchewan, Be it resolved that the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation recommends that the Government of Saskatchewan replace the RCMP with a provincial police force that is more accountable to the people of Saskatchewan.

If respect for the law erodes, the work of the police becomes more difficult. Law-abiding gun owners in Saskatchewan are even calling the RCMP the Chrétien cops. See what stupid ineffective gun control laws do.

Red Cross

[Mark Muise, Progressive Conservative, West Nova, NS]

Mr. Speaker, over the past year the Red Cross has experienced many changes. However, its fundamental commitment toward helping relieve human suffering remains the same.

During last year's ice storm the Canadian Red Cross mobilized some 3,300 staff and volunteers to help those affected by the disaster. Last September it assisted with the Swissair crash off Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia.

In addition to programs such as water safety, emergency services and first aid, the Red Cross offers programs from homecare support to abuse and suicide prevention programs.

Overseas the Canadian Red Cross is part of a network of 175 Red Cross and Red Crescent societies and has sent relief workers on many humanitarian missions.

The Canadian Red Cross would like to thank the Canadian public which generously donated $6 million to its hurricane Mitch relief fund.

I ask all hon. members to join me in proclaiming March as Red Cross month.

Foreign Affairs

[Preston Manning, Reform, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday marked the first time that Canada was directly involved in a major bombing attack since the Korean conflict.

Canadian pilots flew in the first wave of NATO air strikes against Serbian military positions in Yugoslavia.

Will the government give us an update on what was achieved yesterday, including a comment on the safety of Canadian personnel involved?

[Art Eggleton, Liberal, Minister of National Defence]

Mr. Speaker, our four Canadian CF-18s participated with other aircraft in the air mission over Yugoslavia. They hit targets as they were required to do. It was a successful operation and they returned safely. We hope that in any future missions they will also return safely.

[Preston Manning, Reform, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, the stated objective of the NATO air strikes is to damage Serbia's capacity to make war, including making war against innocent civilians in Kosovo.

Will the defence minister inform the House how long he expects these NATO strikes to continue and at what point the mission will have been considered to be a military success?

[Art Eggleton, Liberal, Minister of National Defence]

Mr. Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition has quite correctly pointed out that the purpose of the mission is to diminish the capabilities of the air force and other components of the military of Yugoslavia so as to stop the advances they are making against the people of Kosovo.

Hopefully the air campaign will come to a conclusion as quickly as possible, with the Milosevic government coming back to the negotiating table and signing the agreement so that we can get on with implementing a diplomatic and political solution.

We do not know, though, the precise time that will take. We take it a step at a time and are hopeful that will occur soon.