Debates of March 5th, 1999

Points Of Order

[The Acting Speaker (Mr. McClelland)]

Is there unanimous consent?

[Some hon. members]

Agreed.

[Some hon. members]

No.

Privilege

[Rob Anders, Reform, Calgary West, AB]

Mr. Speaker, the proceedings of the in camera meeting of the Standing Committee on Natural Resources and Government Operations looking into a proposal to invite a member of the Senate's board of internal economy to appear before the committee to defend the Senate's increases in spending has been deliberately revealed to the media.

I deliberately revealed the contents of the meeting. The contents of the meetings have been revealed in the Ottawa Citizen , the National Post and others.

Beauchesne's 6th edition, citation 57 reads:

The House has in the past regarded the publication of the proceedings or reports of committees sitting in camera to be a breach of privilege.

While this is a clear contempt of the House, I feel it is a justifiable contempt since the principle of accountability is, in my opinion, greater than the principle of secrecy of an in camera meeting.

A request to have a representative from the Senate defend its estimates before a House of Commons committee is an attempt to bring some accountability to the Senate. The decision by the Liberal majority on the natural resources and government operations committee to consider this proposal in secret confirms the government's policy that the Senate need not be accountable for its thirst to spend taxpayer money.

Mr. Speaker, if you find this to be a prima facie question of privilege I am prepared to move the following motion: That the deliberate disclosure of the March 4, 1999 in camera proceedings of the committee on natural resources and government operations concerning the proposal to invite a member of the Senate's board of internal economy to appear before committee to defend its increase in spending be referred to the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs.

[Don Boudria, Liberal, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons]

Mr. Speaker, I listened with great interest to the hon. member's raising a question of privilege against himself. I found it very interesting. His confession to the House and the apology inherent in it are duly accepted by all members on this side of the House.

Having heard that confession and apology, I am fully willing to accept them right now. There is no need to refer it to any committee.

[The Acting Speaker (Mr. McClelland)]

This question of privilege will be dealt with by the Speaker. I will resolve to ensure that the Speaker is made well aware of both the form and the context of the point of privilege. In due course the Speaker will rule on this point of privilege.

[Rob Anders, Reform, Calgary West, AB]

Mr. Speaker, in my statement I made no apology for what I have done.

House Of Commons

[The Acting Speaker (Mr. McClelland)]

I have the honour to lay upon the table the report on plans and priorities in relation to the main estimates for the House of Commons.

A message from His Excellency the Governor General transmitting supplementary estimates (C) of sums required for the public service of Canada in the fiscal year ending March 31, 1999 was presented by the President of the Treasury Board and read by the Speaker of the House.

Government Response To Petitions

[Mauril Bélanger, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to Minister of Canadian Heritage]

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 36(8), I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the government's response to four petitions.

Interparliamentary Delegations

[Roger Gallaway, Liberal, Sarnia—Lambton, ON]

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 34, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the report of the Canadian delegation of the Canada-Japan interparliamentary group, the seventh annual meeting of the Asia-Pacific parliamentary forum which took place in Lima, Peru January 11 to 14 this year.

Under the chairmanship of the hon. Yasuhiro Nakasone, former prime minister of Japan, parliamentarians from 24 countries gathered to consider an agenda centred on economic matters in the Asia-Pacific region, political and security issues in the Asia-Pacific region and regional co-operation, including environmental issues and money laundering.

The Canadian delegation was successful in having its two resolutions adopted by the assembly, namely measures to strengthen the national financial sectors and control of small arms.

Canada was also elected to serve on the executive committee of the APPF. The influence of this important international body cannot be neglected. The Canadian section is very pleased with its accomplishments and wishes to thank the Departments of Foreign Affairs and International Trade and the Department of Finance for their assistance in meeting its objectives.

We also wish to note the excellent work of our ambassador Graeme Clark and his team in Peru.

[John Maloney, Liberal, Erie—Lincoln, ON]

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 34, I have the honour to present to the House a report, in both official languages, of the Canada-United Kingdom Interparliamentary Association concerning the inaugural visit to Belfast and London, United Kingdom, which took place from January 24 to 30, 1999.

It was a very productive delegation which included discussions with our own General John de Chastelain on the progress of the Belfast agreement and subsequently with representatives from five parties of the Northern Ireland Assembly on the peace process.

We also met with a representative of the Monaghan and Portadown project which takes Catholic and Protestant youths together for classes at Confederation College in Thunder Bay, Ontario.

Subsequently we met extensively with members of the parliament of Westminster on Canada-U.K. areas of concern. Much was accomplished by the delegation and we are very appreciative of the parliament allowing this opportunity.

[Paul Szabo, Liberal, Mississauga South, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I request unanimous consent of the House to table the third report of the Canada-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Association concerning a recent delegation to Taiwan.

[The Acting Speaker (Mr. McClelland)]

Is there consent?

[Some hon. members]

Agreed.

[Paul Szabo, Liberal, Mississauga South, ON]

Mr. Speaker, last April a delegation of parliamentarians representing all parties in the Senate visited Taiwan on an official visit to discuss bilateral trade issues, agricultural issues as well as immigration and visa issues. Their report has been presented back to us. It will be reviewed by the membership of the friendship group and recommendations as appropriate will be directed to the ministries involved.

Committees Of The House

[Maurizio Bevilacqua, Liberal, Vaughan—King—Aurora, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the 14th report of the Standing Committee on Finance. Pursuant to its order of reference of Monday, February 15, 1999, the committee has considered Bill C-65, an act to amend the Federal-Provincial Fiscal Arrangements Act.

I also take this opportunity to thank all members of the committee for their unanimous support of Bill C-65 and for participating in the finance committee hearings. We had over 160 meetings and members on both sides of the House demonstrated a great deal of commitment to making sure that the finance committee reflects the views and opinions of Canadians from coast to coast to coast.

[Charles Hubbard, Liberal, Miramichi, NB]

Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the 10th report of the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans pertaining to the order in council appointment of the Commissioner of Agriculture.

I would say, with the exception of one committee member, that all members of the committee were most impressed with the appointment of Mr. Yves Bastien.

Equal Treatment For Persons Cohabiting In A Relationship Similar To A Conjugal Relationship Act

[Réal Ménard, Bloc, Hochelaga—Maisonneuve, QC]

moved for leave to introduce Bill C-481, an act providing for equal treatment for persons cohabiting in a relationship similar to a conjugal relationship.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I reintroduce a bill to recognize same sex partners and to amend 70 statutes accordingly in order to give equal treatment to all those in such relationships. I am hopeful about getting the full support of this House, including that of the member for Saint-Léonard—Saint-Michel.

(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)

Supplementary Estimates (C)

[Marcel Massé, Liberal, President of the Treasury Board and Minister responsible for Infrastructure]

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Orders 81(5) and 81(6), I move:

That the Supplementary Estimates (C) for the year ending March 31, 1999, laid upon the table on March 5, 1999, be referred to the several standing committees of the House as follows:

Since the list is rather lengthy I would ask that it be printed in Hansard at this point without being read.

[The Acting Speaker (Mr. McClelland)]

Is that agreed?

[Some hon. members]

Agreed.

To the Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development

Indian Affairs and Northern Development, Votes 1c, 5c, 7c, 8c, 15c, 30c and 35c

To the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food

Agriculture and Agri-Food, Votes 1c, 5c, 11c, 15c and 20c

To the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage

Canadian Heritage, Votes 1c, 5c, 20c, 25c, 30c, 50c, 55c, 60c, 65c, 70c, 75c, 80c, 85c, 90c, 100c, 105c, 110c, 120c, 125c and 135c Privy Council, Vote 26c

To the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration

Citizenship and Immigration, Votes 1c, 2c, 10c and 15c

To the Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development

Environment, Vote 1c Privy Council, Vote 30c

To the Standing Committee on Finance

Finance, Votes 20c and 35c National Revenue, Vote 1c

To the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans

Fisheries and Oceans, Vote 1c

To the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade

Foreign Affairs, Votes 1c, 5c, 10c, 15c, 20c 21c, 22c, 25c, L30c and 40c

To the Standing Committee on Health

Health, Votes 1c, 5c, 10c, 15c and 25c

To the Standing Committee on Human Resources Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities

Human Resources Development, Votes 1c, 5c, 10c, 15c, 20c, 25c and 35c

To the Standing Committee on Industry

Industry, Votes 1c, 5c, 25c, 40c, 45c, 55c, 60c, 65c, 70c, 75c, 80c, 85c, 90c, 95c, 100c, 105c and 110c

To the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights

Justice, Votes 1c, 5c, 10c, 15c, 25c, 30c, 40c and 50c Privy Council, Vote 40c Solicitor General, Votes 1c, 15c, 25c, 35c and 50c

To the Standing Committee on National Defence and Veterans Affairs

National Defence, Votes 1c and 5c Veterans Affairs, Votes 1c, 5c and 10c

To the Standing Committee on Natural Resources and Government Operations

Canadian Heritage, Vote 130c Governor General, Vote 1c Natural Resources, Votes 10c and 30c Parliament, Vote 1c Privy Council, Votes 1c, 5c, 10c and 35c Public Works and Government Services, Votes 1c, 5c, 6c, 7c, 8c, 9c, 11c, 12c and 13c Treasury Board, Vote 1c

To the Standing Committee on Transport

Privy Council, Vote 15c Transport, Votes 25c, 28c, L29c, 30c and 35c

To the Standing Joint Committee on Official Languages

Privy Council, Vote 25c

(Motion agreed to)

Petitions

[Judy Wasylycia-Leis, NDP, Winnipeg North Centre, MB]

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased and honoured to present a petition from hundreds of concerned Canadians regarding the critical state of the health care system in Canada today.

The petitioners call upon this government to preserve and enforce the Canada Health Act, which they call the foundation of medicare. They call upon this government to maintain and enforce the five principles of medicare.

I would also like to acknowledge the work of the individuals involved in presenting this petition and particularly mention the work of the save medicare committee, and in particular the work of one individual, Russ Rak, who is with the Retired Workers' Chapter of Local 222 of the CAW in Oshawa.

It is with great honour that I present this petition which calls upon this government to move quickly to preserve and strengthen medicare in this country.

[Mac Harb, Liberal, Ottawa Centre, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I have a petition signed by many constituents of Ontario which requests that the House of Commons ask the Government of Canada to amend the Divorce Act to make a provision for grandparents who, as a consequence of the death, separation or divorce of their children, are often denied access to their grandchildren by guardians. The petitioners ask the government to implement a provision which would allow them to have access to their grandchildren without having to go to court.

[Paul Szabo, Liberal, Mississauga South, ON]

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 36, I am pleased to present a petition signed by a number of Canadians, including those from my own constituency of Mississauga South, on the issue of human rights.

The petitioners draw to the attention of the House that violations of human rights continue to be rampant around the world in countries such as Indonesia.

They also acknowledge that Canada continues to be recognized internationally as a champion of human rights.

Therefore the petitioners call upon the Government of Canada to continue to speak out on behalf of those whose human rights are being violated and also to seek to bring to justice those responsible for such violations.

Questions On The Order Paper

[Mauril Bélanger, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to Minister of Canadian Heritage]

Mr. Speaker, I move that all questions stand.