Debates of March 3rd, 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 Sackville—Eastern Shore.

Kristin Willemsen

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

Mr. Speaker, it has often been said that Canada's future is only as bright as its youth. With teenagers like Stittsville's Kristin Willemsen in our communities it makes the nation's outlook for the new millennium that much better.

Ms. Willemsen was recently honoured with the 1998 Ontario Junior Citizen of the Year Award by the Ontario Community Newspaper Association for her outstanding contribution to her community.

Kristin is not your average teen. At just 15 she is an inspiration to us all. She maintains an amazing 94.5% average in her grade 10 studies at St. Paul's High School while being an active member in a number of varsity sports and doubling as a peer helper. She also volunteers at the local library, with the community choir and she enjoys precision skating.

In short, Kristin's efforts enhance her school, her home and of course our community. In the words of her nominator, “Kristin is committed to the community and an excellent role model for all youngsters”. That is one very good reason to be optimistic about our future.

Endangered Species

[Rick Casson, Reform, Lethbridge, AB]

Mr. Speaker, it is expected that this spring the environment minister will finally, after many delays, be introducing legislation that will give our endangered species the protection they so desperately need. Before the minister tables this legislation I want to make one thing crystal clear so she does not make the same mistakes that her predecessors made.

Co-operation, not confrontation, is what will ensure the prosperity of our threatened wildlife.

This government must work together with provinces and landowners. It must recognize the responsible stewardship practices of landowners and create an environment where these practices are rewarded. It must respect private property rights and provide fair compensation for those landowners affected by endangered species recovery plans.

Wildlife is not protected by top-down command and control government regulations. Wildlife is protected when the government works with landowners through voluntary incentive-based legislation. It is protected when all members of society work together. It is time for our endangered species to be given the kind of co-operation and protection they deserve.

International Women's Day

[Sarmite Bulte, Liberal, Parkdale—High Park, ON]

Mr. Speaker, on Friday, March 5, I will be hosting a breakfast in my riding to commemorate International Women's Day and to celebrate the accomplishments of the women of Parkdale—High Park.

International Women's Day in Canada was born in the 1900s. Women in large urban centres began fighting unsafe working conditions, contesting low wages and the lack of job security. In 1907 International Women's Day was first celebrated in Copenhagen, Denmark, where thousands of women rallied and marched in the streets.

Parkdale—High Park will celebrate the success of local women, including Connie Dejak, Vice-President of the Runnymede Chronic Care Hospital; Susan D'Olivera, of the Parkdale Community Watch; Dorothy Grey from the Parkdale Community Station; Mary Jo Leddy, a professor and refugee activist; award winning and critically acclaimed actor Fiona Reid; and film and television producer Mary Young-Leckie.

International Women's Day is a wonderful occasion to acknowledge the progress made by women from all walks of life in the advancement of gender equality, as well as an opportunity to honour all women in our communities.

Juno Awards

[Stan Keyes, Liberal, Hamilton West, ON]

Mr. Speaker, on March 7, 1999 the great riding of Hamilton West will once again host the Juno Awards. I cannot think of a better place to honour our performers and to show our appreciation for Canada's best musical talent.

Canadian music has never enjoyed more success at home and abroad than right now. Canadian International Music Week, the week leading up to the Junos, allows us to acknowledge Canadian talent in an increasingly competitive world.

The tidal wave of sales and success for Alanis Morissette, Céline Dion, Bryan Adams, Shania Twain, Sarah McLachlan and, dare I say, the True Grit Band certainly have international music industry observers wondering if there is something magical here.

There really is magic on the Canadian music scene. This week we pay tribute not only to those artists who are currently reaching the high notes, but also to hall of famers like Anne Murray, Gordon Lightfoot, Glenn Gould, Buffy Ste. Marie, Maureen Forester—there are just too many to list—and this year's inductee, Luc Plamondon.

We don't need a million dollars to hear the rock, jazz and Canadian folk music live on stage in Hamilton next week.

Official Languages

[Sheila Finestone, Liberal, Mount Royal, QC]

Mr. Speaker, our two official languages are an essential value and part of our Canadian identity.

This is why the Minister of Canadian Heritage announced yesterday that the Government of Canada would be giving an additional $70 million annually to promote linguistic duality.

The government is devoting its efforts to the optimum development of official language minority communities throughout the country.

This money will go to direct support for official language minority community groups as well as to encouraging the delivery of essential services such as health and job training and will also be used to reinforce minority language education and second language education.

This support helps more than 260,000 young people study in their first language, while 2.7 million are learning their second language. It ensures the further development of a network of 19 French language colleges and universities outside Quebec as well as 8 English colleges and universities in Quebec.

This money will enhance the vitality of English and of French, in accordance with the terms of sections 41 and 42 of the Official Languages Act.

The Late Jack Webster

[Paul Forseth, Reform, New Westminster—Coquitlam—Burnaby, BC]

Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, British Columbia broadcasting legend Jack Webster passed away. Friends have said that Jack probably would have wanted his obituary to state that he died on Tuesday, March 2, at 10.18 a.m. precisely.

Jack Webster was born in Glasgow, Scotland in 1918 and immigrated to Canada in 1947. He spent his life in reporting and broadcast journalism. Canada remembers his face on CBC Front Page Challenge .

Jack was a pioneer of open line radio on New Westminster's CKNW. He was notorious for finding a molehill at 9 a.m. and building it into a mountain by noon.

One story that separated Webster from the others was the 1963 riot at the B.C. Penitentiary. The prisoners demanded to speak to either Prime Minister Lester Pearson or Webster. What followed was an all-night negotiation session between Webster and the inmates, a story that changed the country.

Jack Webster was never one to avoid a challenge or succumb to political correctness. There is now a journalism award in his honour. Canada will miss him. His irascible voice of courage defined him as a great Canadian.

Canadian Space Agency

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

Mr. Speaker, on March 1, the Prime Minister of Canada helped the Canadian space agency celebrate its 10th birthday.

Canada has every reason to be proud of this concrete example of excellence in a sector which generates over 5,000 jobs throughout the country and revenues of $1.2 billion, 45% of this from exports.

Since its creation, the Canadian space agency has spared no effort to maintain a national vision of space, and this has culminated in our developing lead roles as experts in such areas as robotics and computerization.

Quebec, the Montreal region in particular, holds a special position in this field, both nationally and internationally.

I wish the Canadian space agency a long life, and look forward to our young people having the opportunity to become members of this skilled team working toward an even greater program focussing on—

[The Speaker]

The hon. member for Jonquière.

World Puppetry Week

[Jocelyne Girard-Bujold, Bloc, Jonquière, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the organizers of world puppetry week at Jonquière have been awarded a prestigious prize, le prix Rideau, in the initiative category, by the independent network of special event organizers.

This award goes to the organizers of an original event that has attracted and developed a new audience.

As well, two particular productions within the 1998 festival also attracted the attention of the provincial jury at the Soirée des masques, Les enrobantes , presented by Populus Mordicus, and the Théâtre de l'Oeil's Le Porteur .

The world puppetry festival was a great success for the city of Jonquière and the region of Saguenay-Lac Saint-Jean. My congratulations to the organizers, and wishes for continuing success for many years to come.

In conclusion, I extend an invitation to everyone to attend the next edition of the festival, which will be held at Jonquière in the year 2000.

Agriculture

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

Mr. Speaker, on February 24, the Government of Canada announced that it will give $110 million to Quebec farmers to ensure their financial security.

Farmers in my riding of Brome—Missisquoi are very pleased about this news. The program will be administered by the Quebec government, through its own aid program for farmers hit by the farm income crisis.

Back in December, the Canadian government had announced the creation of a new program designed specifically to help those affected by the international financial crisis, particularly on the Asian market.

The Quebec Minister of Agriculture has joined the national program. This, in our view, is a fine example of co-operation between Ottawa and Quebec City, something that will serve first and foremost the interests of Quebec farmers.

British Columbia Fruit Growers

[Jim Hart, Reform, Okanagan—Coquihalla, BC]

Mr. Speaker, I rise on behalf of the people of Okanagan—Coquihalla to express my concern over this government's gross neglect of the British Columbia fruit growers.

About 5,000 jobs in the Okanagan Valley are directly linked to the $700 million orchard industry. After two years of weather related disasters, cash-strapped growers were looking to the government's Agricultural Income Disaster Assistance program for immediate relief.

After being told they would have to wait until the summer, the growers have said enough is enough.

On March 15 the sound of chainsaws will ring through the Okanagan Valley. Growers, who have nothing to lose, will cut down their apple trees.

Financial relief is needed now, not in the summer, and long term solutions like reduced taxation must be a priority. This is just another example of Canadians paying more in taxes and getting less in services. Will the Liberal government stop the March 15 Okanagan chainsaw massacre?

Such A Long Journey

[Mauril Bélanger, Liberal, Ottawa—Vanier, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank all the members of this House who will be among the some 600 guests expected this evening for the showing of the feature film entitled Such a Long Journey .

This feature film is the result of a pan-Canadian effort involving Toronto based production company Film Works, as well as director Sturla Gunarrsson and distributor Red Sky Entertainment, both of Vancouver. The film has already achieved considerable success with 12 Genie Award nominations, taking home three Genie Awards, including best performance by an actor in the leading role for Roshan Seth, who is with us today as well as others involved in the making of this film. Such a Long Journey is based on the internationally acclaimed novel by Governor General Award winner Rohinton Mistry. Set in Bombay in 1971, the year India went to war with Pakistan, this feature film tells the story of a hard working bank clerk and devoted family man who gradually sees his modest life unravelling.

Please join me in wishing success to all of those who have contributed to the making of Such a Long Journey .

Sons Of Italy

[Joe Volpe, Liberal, Eglinton—Lawrence, ON]

Mr. Speaker, founded in 1905, the Sons of Italy have been a vital cog in the Canadian dynamic. Several chapters are in Ottawa today from disparate parts of the country to celebrate the achievements of Canada and to recognize the participation of Italian Canadians in the development of the country.

Italian adventurers and entrepreneurs accompanied voyageurs in the 17th century, fought alongside Montcalm and Vaudreuil in the 18th century, and in the 19th and 20th century Italian Canadian settlers immersed themselves in the agricultural, mining, forestry and transportation industries in emerging Vancouver, Trail, Canmore, Calgary, Winnipeg, Thunder Bay, Sudbury, Hamilton, Toronto, Montreal, Sydney and elsewhere.

Their descendants have become respected entrepreneurs, professionals, academics, jurists, doctors, politicians—leaders in strengthening the fabric of Canadian society. Their Canadian experience has always been marked by a sense of personal responsibility, sacrifice, self-reliance and civic duty, no matter the challenge or the hostility.

I join all colleagues today in saluting the representatives of the Sons of Italy, some of Canada's most valuable, dedicated and energetic pioneers.

Racism

[Gordon Earle, NDP, Halifax West, NS]

Mr. Speaker, Canada's legal system is as white as an Ottawa blizzard. Racism infects Canada's legal system and it is not getting any healthier.

A Nova Scotia study says that the chances of a person of colour being hired by the firm where they articled are virtually nil. As well, white men are twice as likely as women to be hired by the firm at which they articled.

How are visible minorities reflected in the number of judges appointed by this federal government?

The Canadian Bar Association admits that this plague of racism in our legal profession infects the whole system, from law school admission tests to hiring practices to appointments. Each and every member of parliament has both the moral obligation and political duty to fight racism in their own lives and communities and in all federal operations.

Our bill of rights outlines freedoms “without discrimination by reason of race, national origin, colour”. Canada's legal profession miserably fails the test of our bill of rights.

Pharmaceutical Industry

[Maurice Dumas, Bloc, Argenteuil—Papineau, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise and tell the House some very important news for the pharmaceutical industry in Canada and in Quebec. Technilab Pharma has bought out AltiMed Pharmaceutical, an Ontario company.

Technilab Pharma, a company that was founded in 1974 and has its headquarters in Mirabel in my riding, will now be the third-ranking generic drug manufacturer in terms of revenues and the fourth-ranking pharmaceutical company in terms of number of prescriptions filled by pharmacists across Canada.

Technilab Pharma expects to more than double its annual revenues to $160 million and currently employs 350 people in its three plants.

Congratulations to this leader of the pharmaceutical industry for its contribution, on the economic level, to the health of all Canadians.

Pay Equity

[Norman E. Doyle, Progressive Conservative, St. John's East, NL]

Mr. Speaker, one of the demands of striking federal public servants in my riding is that they should be paid the same in all regions of the country. However, at this very moment a federal electrician in Newfoundland, doing exactly the same job as his counterpart in British Columbia, gets $4 an hour less.

This is the policy of the same government that recently changed our health transfers to a per capita basis, saying it wanted to make all Canadians equal no matter where they lived. If the cost is the same per capita in all regions of the country to build and equip hospitals, to hire nurses and doctors, why does it not cost the same all over the country to hire an electrician?

I support pay equity. Glaring pay inequities, be they gender based or geography based, are a disgrace and should be eradicated from the public service of Canada.

Year 2000

[Susan Whelan, Liberal, Essex, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I was pleased to read an article in the Financial Post today which indicated that a special United States senate committee investigating the year 2000 computer problem found that Canada is among the top ranked countries in the world in terms of its year 2000 preparedness. The U.S. senate committee found that 70% of Canadian businesses and 94% of medium and large companies have launched programs aimed at heading off the year 2000 problem. It estimated that Canadian companies have spent over $18 billion U.S. so far to ensure year 2000 compliance.

The members of the industry committee have worked hard on this issue and continue to monitor the year 2000 progress of business and services for consumers. We commend the Minister of Industry, his department and the private sector task force for ensuring that companies across Canada are aware of this potential problem and are taking steps to ensure that January 1, 2000 will arrive with little disruption.

With less than 10 months to go, let us continue to work toward eradicating the problem with the possible millennium bug.

Taxation

[Preston Manning, Reform, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday the Secretary of State for International Financial Institutions took a swipe at parents who stay home with their children. He said they do not work as hard as parents who work outside the home, that their expenses are smaller, and that is why the Liberal government discriminates against them in the tax system.

Will the Prime Minister explain to the millions of Canadian parents who stay home with their children why their work and their financial position are of such little value to this government?

[Jean Chrétien, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, the secretary of state explained himself very clearly this morning and I am very surprised to see the Reform Party raising the question today about support for families.

Where was the Reform Party's support for families when its members voted against the child tax benefit in this House? They voted against increased funding for the community action program for children. They voted against increasing funding for the prenatal nutrition program. They voted against making child support payments tax exempt for recipients. They wanted to dismantle CPP and employment—

[Some hon. members]

Shame.

[The Speaker]

The hon. Leader of the Opposition.

[Preston Manning, Reform, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, obviously the Prime Minister was not listening yesterday. His minister was asked why government tax policy discriminates against stay at home parents and he did not deny the discrimination. Instead he justified it by saying “Well, they don't work as hard as parents outside the home”.

Is this the reason the government continues to discriminate against stay at home parents in its tax policies and in its budget?

[Paul Martin, Liberal, Minister of Finance]

Mr. Speaker, I have known the secretary of state for a long time. In everything that he has done he has shown an acute sensitivity and a great appreciation for the work of Canadians, whether their workplace be in the home or outside the home.

Anyone who has any doubt of that only has to look at the transcripts of when he was the chairman of the House of Commons finance committee, when time and time again he fought for the rights of children against the Reform Party.

[Preston Manning, Reform, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, whenever the finance minister starts to bellow like that I am reminded of the preacher who wrote in his notes “Argument weak here, yell like hell”.

I want to ask the finance minister, which weakness in his budget is he trying to cover? Is he trying to cover the establishment of two tier health care? Is he trying to cover the highest income tax rates in the western world? Or is he trying to cover discrimination against stay at home parents?