House of Commons Hansard #190 of the 36th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was c-49.

Topics

First Nations Land Management ActGovernment Orders

10:50 a.m.

Some hon. members

Agreed.

First Nations Land Management ActGovernment Orders

10:50 a.m.

An hon. member

No.

First Nations Land Management ActGovernment Orders

10:50 a.m.

Bloc

Antoine Dubé Bloc Lévis, QC

Mr. Speaker, if time is allowed for questions, it must be of the same length. Let us do as we usually do, so parties other than Reform can have the opportunity to respond.

Five minutes is not, therefore, sufficient. We would need ten minutes or none at all.

First Nations Land Management ActGovernment Orders

10:50 a.m.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. McClelland)

In the first two debate slots there is no provision for questions and comments. We had questions and comments through unanimous consent. We will now resume debate on the split time for 20 minutes if there is consent. I am not sure if there was consent. I will therefore ask again. Is there consent to split the time?

First Nations Land Management ActGovernment Orders

10:50 a.m.

Liberal

David Iftody Liberal Provencher, MB

Mr. Speaker, I would agree on the member's splitting his time as he was kind enough to allow the minister and I to split our time. I have no difficulty with this. I was unclear whether you had agreed to the Bloc proposal of 10 minutes of questions and answers and what precisely we were agreeing to.

First Nations Land Management ActGovernment Orders

10:50 a.m.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. McClelland)

I was pointing out that in the first two debate periods in this debate there is no provision for questions and comments. On the minister's debate, through unanimous consent, there was a provision for a five minute extension. All we are asking to do is split time, not to extend debate. There are no questions and comments in this period. We have requested a splitting of time for the member for Skeena.

First Nations Land Management ActGovernment Orders

10:50 a.m.

Liberal

Marlene Catterall Liberal Ottawa West—Nepean, ON

Mr. Speaker, I am happy to accommodate the request to split the time. We hope the opposition will be equally accommodating to agree to consent to five minutes for questions and comments at the end of the speech.

First Nations Land Management ActGovernment Orders

10:50 a.m.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. McClelland)

It is up to the House. Someone at the end of the speech will have to ask for questions and comments. We are now into debate with the member for Skeena for 20 minutes if there is consent.

First Nations Land Management ActGovernment Orders

10:50 a.m.

Some hon. members

Agreed.

First Nations Land Management ActGovernment Orders

10:50 a.m.

Reform

Mike Scott Reform Skeena, BC

Mr. Speaker, at the outset I would like to address some comments with respect to the issue the parliamentary secretary raised and his comments in the House of Commons a couple of weeks ago in debate which not only elicited a strong response from me, as he pointed out, but I am aware of a very strong response from a lot of residents on the Musqueam reserve, leasehold residents.

The parliamentary secretary made statements that were erroneous and not based on facts. He was challenged to come outside the House and make those same statements. That would have been the democratic test of whether the veracity of what he said was there but the parliamentary secretary chose not to do so. He has chosen not to apologize to the Musqueam residents and has chosen to ignore my letter.

I think it is really unfortunate because when he talks about driving a wedge between people, I can assure him that his comments served nothing more than to drive a wedge between Musqueam residents, the Musqueam band and the Government of Canada. I can assure him that was the effect of his comments. It is really unfortunate that he sees fit not to apologize for those.

I will go on to address some of the issues the minister raised.

She rightly identifies the Indian Act as a major obstacle for aboriginal people in Canada to get ahead. In that regard we agree with her completely. We also agree with the principle and the notion of decentralizing decision making especially with respect to reserve based land. As the minister knows and as members in the House know, reserve land does not even belong to the band. It belongs to the crown in right of the Queen. Obviously this is wrong and it needs to be addressed.

We thought we were in the process of having an arrangement whereby we could support Bill C-49 earlier in the year and late last year. That was based on agreement to have some amendments made to provide for property rights for aboriginal women, to provide for consultation between municipalities and to provide for expropriation provisions that would be seen to be fair to leaseholders on reserve land.

I might add that on the issue of leaseholders we are focused right now on the Musqueam because there is an obvious problem. What is not yet widely known across Canada is that there are some 60,000 leaseholders on reserve land in Ontario. There are some 20,000 leaseholders on reserve land in British Columbia. There are tens of thousands of leasehold interests on other reserves across Canada. We think that this is a sign of progress and that this is a good thing. We do not say it is bad. What we are saying is in the government's attempt to decentralize decision making some principles have to be followed like the principle that we do not take tens of thousands of people who have a leasehold interest on reserve land and let them twist in the wind. There must be provisions to protect those interests built into the legislation.

It is beyond me why the minister is not willing to consider those amendments. For the minister's benefit I point out that the member for Vancouver Quadra, a Liberal, was recently quoted in the Vancouver Sun saying: “The bill in my view needs corrections and I want them made”. This is a very well respected Liberal member of parliament. He is a lawyer and is recognized as a constitutional expert. He goes on to say a number of other things. He says Bill C-49 was poorly drafted. He supports concerns expressed by another Liberal member of parliament and B.C. Liberal leader Gordon Campbell who say that the expropriation rights for Indian bands are excessive.

This is the very point the minister was addressing and she said they were not excessive. Her colleague who is a recognized constitutional and legal expert says they are. He cites the bill's lack of protection for native women who often loose the right to marital property after a divorce and the omission of any mechanism requiring consultation with surrounding municipalities on development matters.

First Nations Land Management ActGovernment Orders

10:55 a.m.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. McClelland)

I am sorry to interrupt the hon. member, but he will have 15 minutes left in his dissertation when we get back to debate.

Bruce WylieStatements By Members

10:55 a.m.

Liberal

Joe Jordan Liberal Leeds—Grenville, ON

Mr. Speaker, following his historic radio addresses of the second world war, Winston Churchill often commented that he was never comfortable with the notion that he inspired his nation. He conceded that he might have been their voice, but the people provided the heart.

Throughout the ice storm of 1998 the people of Leeds—Grenville were updated, counselled and inspired through our local radio station CFJR, and in particular the voice of Leeds—Grenville, broadcaster Bruce Wylie.

Yesterday at the Canadian Music Week Media Awards, Bruce Wylie was awarded the Ontario Association of Broadcasters Broadcaster of the Year Award.

His work on behalf of our community makes him a legend in our area. Now the rest of Canada gets a glimpse of the valuable and professional manner in which he carries out his work.

True to form, Bruce and his tuxedo were delayed by the snow storm and he was not able to attend the presentation.

I sincerely want to congratulate Bruce, his wife Eileen, his sons Ben, Dan and Tom, as well as the staff and management of CFJR and the River, as the prestige of this award is a tribute to them all.

National Nutrition MonthStatements By Members

11 a.m.

Liberal

Eugène Bellemare Liberal Carleton—Gloucester, ON

I am pleased to announce to the House that March is national nutrition month. This year's theme is “Make nutrition come alive—it's all about you”.

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Canadian Dietetic Association and Health Canada on their efforts to promote national nutrition month, which has incidentally given us the opportunity to review food labelling policies.

The FamilyStatements By Members

11 a.m.

Reform

Garry Breitkreuz Reform Yorkton—Melville, SK

Mr. Speaker, this Liberal government continues to erode the power of parliament.

Parliament must be supreme. It must oversee the activities of the courts, the bureaucracy and cabinet.

Public and legal policy should respect the foundations of Canadian society like marriage and spouse that serve to bring appropriate consistency to the application of the law.

Currently Bill C-63 before the House contains a clause proposing to give cabinet the sole power to define what a spouse is and what constitutes a family.

If the government is considering fundamental policy changes, it should present its rationale and justifications and demonstrate how the public interest is served. Then we should debate it and allow a free vote.

The Reform Party defines marriage to be the union of a man and a woman as recognized by the state. Anything less than an open democratic process will only serve to undermine the credibility of the House.

Early Childhood DevelopmentStatements By Members

11 a.m.

Liberal

John Maloney Liberal Erie—Lincoln, ON

Mr. Speaker, the linkage between the quality of early childhood care and the physical, mental and social health outcome of children is well established.

As the finance minister has stated, good fiscal policy makes good social policy and good social policy makes good fiscal policy.

Investments in early childhood development will provide beneficial social dividends.

Families have diverse circumstances. As a consequence, parents must be given the flexibility, options and choices to provide the best possible care for their children.

The government has responded and will continue to respond. Consider the Canada child tax benefit, the community action program for children and the Canada prenatal nutrition program. Consider also the Canada millennium scholarship, the youth employment strategy and registered education savings plans for older children. Consider the spousal tax credit for single income families. Consider a balanced budget that gives us the freedom to provide broad based tax relief so that all parents have more money.

Let us work together to help all parents, those who work outside the home and those who work so hard at home, give their children the best future possible.

Business LeadersStatements By Members

11 a.m.

Liberal

Raymonde Folco Liberal Laval West, QC

Mr. Speaker, according to a survey carried out in January, 42% of respondents reported that they had complete, or considerable, trust in business leaders.

Three quarters of them felt business leaders ought to be actively involved in major societal debates. The economic role played by business leaders plays a determining role in the economy of Quebec.

Instead of using all manner of approaches for promoting the separation of Quebec, the sovereignists should devote that same amount of resources and energy to the political stability of Canada and of Quebec, and thus gain the confidence of those who have a definite impact on our lives.

The separatist government should build bridges for collaborative efforts, instead of driving away potential investors by attempting to sell them on this option of separating Quebec from the rest of Canada.

International TradeStatements By Members

11 a.m.

Reform

Inky Mark Reform Dauphin—Swan River, MB

Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday the U.S. trade representative imposed 100% duties on imports from Europe to the United States.

If the international trade and heritage ministers doubted the United States would follow through on retaliation because of Bill C-55 they should now be true believers.

What will the finance minister say to wool suit makers in Montreal when the U.S. retaliates against textiles?

What will the international trade minister say to pharmaceutical workers in Toronto when they lose their jobs because he would not take action?

What will the heritage minister say to Hamilton steel workers in her own riding when their jobs disappear because of trade retaliation?

How will the Prime Minister explain to Canadians that he allowed Canada to bear the brunt of a $1 billion retaliation?

United Nations Security CouncilStatements By Members

11 a.m.

Liberal

Mac Harb Liberal Ottawa Centre, ON

Mr. Speaker, Canada's long and proud history of supporting international peace and security was again honoured on October 8, 1998 with our election to a two year term on the United Nations Security Council.

Since taking its seat on January 1, Canada will have an opportunity to lead the UN and the world into the next millennium.

Canada was one of the charter members of the UN and our active involvement in this organization is a cornerstone of our foreign policy.

It is my hope that during this term we will continue to lead on issues of human security, democratic development, human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the rules of law and good governance.

But it is also important to initiate a fundamental change to the way the UN Security Council functions. Canada's influence will make resolutions more transparent, effective and responsive to the needs of UN members. For example, when a Security Council resolution is passed, we must ensure its prompt implementation.

Official LanguagesStatements By Members

11:05 a.m.

Bloc

René Laurin Bloc Joliette, QC

Mr. Speaker, recently I received a letter from a participant in the Katimivak program from my riding, inviting me to attend a gala. Nothing out of the ordinary so far, except that this letter by the Katimivak co-ordinator on behalf of my constituent, who comes from Quebec, was in English only.

According to the person responsible, the decision was that the letter was to be sent in English only because most MPs are English speaking.

This exemplifies a flagrant lack of respect for a very large number of young people who come to Quebec to take part in this activity.

We have proof yet again that French and the situation of Quebec are being ignored in favour of the anglophone majority. And all this is taking place within an organization that, since its inception, has received considerable federal funding.

The Late Gerhard HerzbergStatements By Members

March 5th, 1999 / 11:05 a.m.

Liberal

Marlene Catterall Liberal Ottawa West—Nepean, ON

Mr. Speaker, the flag on the Peace Tower flies at half mast today in memory of a great Canadian who brought much honour to our country and much enlightenment to human understanding of the world in which we live.

Dr. Gerhard Herzberg came to Canada from Germany in 1935. He regarded Saskatoon, his first home in Canada, as his Canadian birthplace, although he lived much of his life in Ottawa and did most of his work here at the National Research Council.

Although he was an astrophysicist, he nonetheless became Canada's first Nobel Laureate for chemistry. He made his latest major discovery of triatomic hydrogen when he was nearly 80. He continued his active research at the NRC until the age of 90 and he was a lifelong ardent advocate of research in Canada.

Canada and the world owe Dr. Herzberg much for his life's work and we extend our gratitude and sympathy to his family.

ImmigrationStatements By Members

11:05 a.m.

Reform

Leon Benoit Reform Lakeland, AB

Mr. Speaker, earlier this week Chris Taylor, head of the western division of the immigration department, came down hard on the RCMP officer who works on the very serious problem of Honduran refugee claimants who deal drugs on the streets of Vancouver. At committee this week the minister of immigration fully supported the actions her minister took against the RCMP.

Incredibly, instead of attacking the problem, the minister and her department have chosen to attack the RCMP officer who has spoken out about the problem. Immigration officials have launched a formal complaint against the RCMP officer involved, when all he did was tell the truth about the problems in immigration law and in the enforcement of those immigration laws.

Why does the minister not focus her efforts on attacking the problems in her department rather than attacking the RCMP for speaking out about these problems?

Luc PlamondonStatements By Members

11:05 a.m.

Liberal

Jacques Saada Liberal Brossard—La Prairie, QC

Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to Quebec composer Luc Plamandon, who will be inducted into the Canadian music hall of fame as part of the Juno Awards night.

He will join other greats, including Oscar Peterson, Paul Anka and Glenn Gould, among others.

This recognition of the talent of Luc Plamondon speaks of perseverance and hard work over many years and demonstrates eloquently that a Quebec product compares favourably with the best internationally in both artistic and cultural terms.

In making this statement, I particularly please my daughter Jordana, a devoted fan of the work of Luc Plamondon.

There are a number of other artists to watch for on Sunday. I wish them all good luck and want them to know I am proud of them as a Quebecker and a Canadian.

Genetically Altered FoodsStatements By Members

11:10 a.m.

NDP

Rick Laliberte NDP Churchill River, SK

Mr. Speaker, I would like to raise the issue of the consumer's right to know. This forms a basic right in any democracy. We have a right to decide and to make a choice.

In the recent budget the Liberal government claims that Canada is a leader in biotechnology, but it is also a leader in removing the right to know.

Genetically altered foods are not being labelled in this country and any promotion for the liability of mistakes made in terms of genetically altered foods and products in the world is not ensured.

In Cartagena, Colombia, the Liberal government scuttled the United Nations biosafety protocol. The government refused to address the international concerns on biotechnology liability.

When will this government legislate genetically altered food labelling? It is a leader in financing these foods and products. It also has an equal moral responsibility to all consumers.

Social TransfersStatements By Members

11:10 a.m.

Bloc

Paul Mercier Bloc Terrebonne—Blainville, QC

Mr. Speaker, once upon a time there was an ogre named Canadosaurus. He shared his cave with ten dwarfs who were bound in servitude to him. The fattest was called Ontariette, and the prettiest, Québequine.

To reward them for their loyalty, the ogre gave each of them 100 crowns a year to help them feed their children. He called these social transfers.

One day, in order to pay off his debts, the ogre decided to reduce their annual stipend from 100 to 50 crowns each. Soon forced to feed her children nothing but bread and water, Québequine made known her indignation, but her sisters submitted without complaint. That, of course, was because they loved the ogre.

One day, tired of the protests of Québequine, the ogre announced that the dwarfs' stipend would now be 70 crowns. “See how kind I am”, he said, trying to look sincere. “Seventy crowns?”, exclaimed Québequine. “You are a thief and a robber. I want my 100 crowns”. “Ungrateful wretch”, shouted the ogre. “I give you an extra 20 crowns and you cannot even say thank you”.

Nortel Networks InstituteStatements By Members

11:10 a.m.

Liberal

Andrew Telegdi Liberal Kitchener—Waterloo, ON

Mr. Speaker, I have great news of an event taking place right now in my constituency of Kitchener—Waterloo. If I was not here, I would be there.

Dr. James Downey, president of the University of Waterloo, is hosting a media conference. Keith Powell, senior vice-president of Nortel Networks, will announce the establishment of the $10.3 million Nortel Networks Institute for Advanced Information Technology at the University of Waterloo.

This institute will fund student scholarships, faculty research chairs and will increase enrolment in advanced technology disciplines through a collaboration of business, education and government.

This partnership is great news. It will be of great benefit to my community, Ontario and Canada. I join with the rest of the House in congratulating all of the parties involved in this exemplary collaborative partnership.