Debates of May 12th, 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—Musquodoboit Valley—Eastern Shore.

Chronic Immunological And Neurological Diseases

[Janko Peric, Liberal, Cambridge, ON]

Mr. Speaker, May 12 is International Awareness Day for Chronic Immunological and Neurological Diseases such as chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, gulf war and multiple chemical sensitivity syndromes.

These devastating illnesses are striking a growing number of Canadians who suffer from cognitive problems, chronic muscle and joint pain, extremely reduced stamina and numerous other symptoms which leave sufferers ill and bedridden for years at a time. Most sufferers are unable to work because of their pain. However, their suffering is not only physical. A lack of public knowledge about these disorders often causes sufferers their jobs and disability benefits.

A constituent, mother and very close friend of mine, Leni Spooner, suffers from fibromyalgia syndrome. She will live with this condition for the rest of her life. Her 16 year old daughter was also recently diagnosed with the same disorder.

I urge all members of parliament to spread the word about these devastating conditions so that people like Leni and her daughter may suffer a little less.

Trade

[Deepak Obhrai, Reform, Calgary East, AB]

Mr. Speaker, once again the Government of Alberta is taking a leading role in shaping the future of our country.

Recently Premier Klein invited the governors of several northwest U.S. states to Drumheller, Alberta for the annual western premiers conference to be held later this month. Premier Klein's mission is to persuade American politicians that there are provinces within Canada that support a growing and prosperous trade relationship with the United States.

Time and time again, this Liberal government has failed to take a proactive role in addressing contentious trade issues. The split-run magazine issue and Canada's most favoured nation status for U.S. defence contracts are just a couple of the disputes which come to mind.

The official opposition and the provinces are to be commended for taking the lead in ensuring a cordial trade relationship with the United States.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Day

[Andy Scott, Liberal, Fredericton, NB]

Mr. Speaker, today is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Day in the province of New Brunswick. Chronic fatigue syndrome, or CFS, is a debilitating and complex disorder characterized by profound fatigue that is not improved by rest and may be worsened by physical or mental activity. The cause or causes of CFS have not been identified and no specific diagnostic tests are available.

This is a real disease that deserves real research in order to find a cause and cure. Its affects are made worse by the fact it is commonly not recognized within programs that are otherwise available.

In past years in my riding of Fredericton I have participated in the annual elephant walk which raises money and awareness for CFS. This year's walk will take place in the town of Oromocto on May 30. I urge all adults and children in the riding of Fredericton to help this worthwhile cause, because together we can work to make life better for those suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome.

Canada Health Day

[Bernard Patry, Liberal, Pierrefonds—Dollard, QC]

Mr. Speaker, today, May 12, is Canada Health Day. It is also the anniversary of Florence Nightingale's birth.

Canada Health Day is sponsored jointly by the Canadian Public Health Association and the Canadian Healthcare Association.

The 1999 campaign highlights three important environments: home, work and nature.

By working together to make where we are a healthy place to be, we can ensure a promising future for ourselves and future generations.

Let us take this opportunity to thank and congratulate the staff of Canada's health care organizations, facilities and services.

Happy celebrations.

Thérèse Martin School In Joliette

[René Laurin, Bloc, Joliette, QC]

Mr. Speaker, it is with pleasure that I draw attention today to the presence in the gallery of Amnesty International student group 731 from Thérèse Martin school in Joliette.

These young people collected more than 2,000 signatures from people opposed to trafficking in human organs, to which Guatemalan street children are prey. Their petition calls on the government of this country to take action to ensure the safety of these children, and of the humanitarian aid workers trying to help them.

I wish to congratulate the man who spearheaded this project, Marcel Lacroix, and the students who took part: Marie-Pier Bellemare, Marie-Élaine Sabourin, Jean-Luc Coutu, Jean-Pierre Coutu, Éric Lévesque and Francis Giraldeau, not to mention Dulus Racine, their spiritual adviser on this worthy endeavour.

The exceptional interest the young students at Thérèse Martin school have taken in children from a less privileged country deserves our heartfelt admiration. May their example pave the way for other humanitarian initiatives to put a stop to this unacceptable practice to which young Guatemalans fall victim.

Team Canada

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

Mr. Speaker, next September, the Prime Minister will leave on a trade mission with Team Canada to promote Canada's economic interests in Australia and Japan.

The mission will focus on seven sectors identified as priorities by our government: aerospace, energy and natural resources, agriculture and food biotechnology, health care, telecommunications and information technologies and, finally, education and the environment.

This fourth trip to the Asia-Pacific region speaks to Team Canada's interest in developing trade ties in the area.

It is one specific way in which the government can promote the professionalism and know-how of Canadians and Quebeckers.

Taxation

[Monte Solberg, Reform, Medicine Hat, AB]

Mr. Speaker, here is yet another poem from an overtaxed Canadian:

Now he's a common, common man. Tax him. Tax him all you can.

Tax his house, tax his bed, Tax the bald spot on his head.

Tax his bread, tax his meat, Tax his shoes clear off his feet.

Tax his pipe and tax his smoke, Teach him government is no joke.

Tax his “Henry”, tax his gas, Tax the road that he must pass.

Tax the farmer, tax his fowl, Tax the dog and tax his howl.

Tax his plow, and tax his clothes, Tax the rag that wipes his nose.

Tax his pig and tax his squeal, Tax his boots run down at the heel.

Tax his cow and tax its calf, Tax him if he dares to laugh.

Tax his barns and tax his lands, Tax the blisters on his hands.

Tax the water and tax the air, Tax the sunlight, if you dare.

Tax the living, tax the dead, Tax the unborn before they're fed.

Tax them all and tax them well, And do your best to make life hell.

North American Free Trade Agreement

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

Mr. Speaker, the Departments of Foreign Affairs and International Trade recently distributed a fine document in celebration of the first five years of life of the North American Free Trade Agreement.

The report presents a scorecard of impressive statistics including a marked increase in trade with the U.S. and Mexico. Added to these global data are seven success stories highlighting quotes from spokespersons in various sectors.

What concerns me is that while I too am committed to open door trade policy, the reports of the impact of NAFTA are highly selective. To obtain a more complete picture we need to see the other side indicating the compromises to our environmental protection policies and our heritage and cultural strategies.

Even if it is difficult to isolate the causes and effects of trade agreements, we have a duty to aim for the utmost transparency, and to present both the negative and the positive aspects of the situation.

Semaine Québécoise De La Famille

[Christiane Gagnon, Bloc, Québec, QC]

Mr. Speaker, this year, the theme of the Semaine québécoise de la famille is “families: a social strength”.

In the past few decades there have been major changes in the family landscape, but the family still remains a keystone of the socio-economic structure of Quebec and of the psycho-affective development of the individual.

Despite the federal government's never-ending efforts to weaken social programs with its see-sawing social transfers, and its preference for visibility for the maple leaf over the needs of the clientele concerned, Quebec is the province with the greatest investment in services to the family and to children.

Because of its integrated approach, Quebec's family policy constitutes an innovative solution and offers a real model for the rest of Canada. We in Quebec are justifiably proud of the priority given to a family policy which respects the multiple realities and fundamental needs of families.

EASTVIEW

Hmcs

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

Mr. Speaker, it is indeed a distinct honour and privilege to salute the World War II naval veterans of HMCS Eastview who have travelled from across the continent to be here today.

The HMCS Eastview escorted convoys from St. John's to Ireland through cold treacherous U-boat infested waters during the bloody bitter Battle of the Atlantic.

The Royal Canadian Navy lost 24 warships and suffered 2,024 fatal casualties. However, the Eastview 's greatest distinction is the fact that she never ever lost a warship.

Fifty Ways To Leave Your Jailer

[Gary Lunn, Reform, Saanich—Gulf Islands, BC]

Mr. Speaker, following the revelation that there are 1,000 convicts at large in this country we have come to the conclusion that there must be 50 ways to leave your jailer.

You can slip through the cracks, Jack, Break out of the can, Stan, You don't need to be coy, Roy, it's not hard to get free.

You can hop on the bus, Gus, And get lost when you can, man, And you don't need a key, Lee, to set yourself free.

You can walk through the gate, Nate, Or hitch a free ride, Clyde, There are so many ways, Jay, To set yourself free.

You won't have to kill, Phil, Because the system is lax, Jack, And there's no locks to pick, Dick, To get out on the street.

In no time you'll be gone, John, Say goodbye with a wave, Dave, You don't even need luck, Chuck, To walk away from the clink.

Forget the RCMP, G. They have no funding in B.C., It's so easy to get free, Under Lawrence MacAulay.

[The Speaker]

Members should not use each other's names in the statements.

Windsor—St. Clair

[Rick Limoges, Liberal, Windsor—St. Clair, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I now represent the riding of Windsor—St. Clair because of the untimely demise of Shaughnessy Cohen whom members all came to know so well.

I have no intention of replacing Shaughnessy. Frankly, I would not know where to start. It is however my intention to serve the people of Windsor—St. Clair and all of Canada to the best of my ability.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the many volunteers, family and friends who helped to ensure my victory at the polls on April 12.

I can say firsthand that our citizens expect the work of the government to continue. They expect us to deliver services and legislation in a balanced and caring way while reducing the tax burden that each of us is feeling.

I would also like to thank the members of the House of every political stripe, and the hard working and diligent staff members who have made me feel so welcome.

Nursing

[Alexa McDonough, NDP, Halifax, NS]

Mr. Speaker, every member of the House at one time or another has experienced the compassion and skill of our Canadian nurses.

Today, International Nurses Day, we honour these hardworking women and men on the frontlines of health care. The best way to show our gratitude to the people who put care and compassion into health care is to improve their working conditions, hire more full time nurses, improve their training, reward them fairly for their work including pay equity, and, most of all, listen to and address their concerns about the quality of care in our beleaguered health care system.

If we take seriously our responsibility to do that, nurses in Canada will be properly recognized and rewarded for their critically important work, and all of us who use health care services in the country will be the beneficiaries.

Health Care

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

Mr. Speaker, there is a serious staffing situation in the province of New Brunswick which can mean a serious downturn in patient care. Because of the high demand for radiation therapists across the country, provinces are competing for qualified staff to fill vacancies.

Sadly, radiation therapists in New Brunswick are the lowest paid in the country. For that reason many are seeking better paying jobs in other provinces. Already the province has lost four people and one more is planning to leave.

The people of New Brunswick deserve access to qualified health care providers. We need to stress the importance of retaining our qualified, experienced radiation therapists in New Brunswick to care for the hundreds of cancer patients who are in desperate need of treatment. We have an obligation to those patients to ensure that this alarming situation does not create an exodus to the west or stateside and that our health care workers remain in the province.

I challenge Premier Thériault to address this issue. If he does not, Bernard Lord will.

Fédération De L'Âge D'Or De La Mauricie

[Yves Rocheleau, Bloc, Trois-Rivières, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the Fédération de l'âge d'or de la Mauricie is this year celebrating its 30th anniversary in Trois-Rivières.

Indeed, it was in 1969 that senior citizens met to bring together people 50 years of age and older proposing activities to suit their needs and interests.

The Fédération de l'âge d'or de la Mauricie is the birthplace of all seniors' groups in Quebec. On May 19 and 20, thousands of people will gather in Trois-Rivières under the banner “La Fédération, in tune with society for all ages”.

As the member for Trois-Rivières, I am proud to pay tribute to all those attending. In this, the international year of older persons, I can assure them they have the support of the Bloc Quebecois in defending their interests and in demanding fairness and respect from this government.

Taxation

[Preston Manning, Reform, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, six weeks ago I met an auto plant worker in southern Ontario who had just received a paycheque for overtime work.

He was madder than a boiled owl because the amount the government had ripped out of his paycheque was equal to the amount that was left for him and his family. He said he thought he was working for Chrysler but it turns out he is working half time for the federal government.

When will the Prime Minister provide substantive broad based tax relief for the overtaxed workers of Canada?

[Jean Chrétien, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, we have reduced taxes. A surtax of 3% which was put in place by the previous government has been taken away. We have reduced taxes for a family of four with two earners and an income of $60,000. They have seen a reduction in their taxes of virtually 10%. The same family with an income of $100,000 has seen its taxes cut by 4.8%, and we have reduced the EI premium by 20%.

We have balanced the books and so on. The people of Canada are much better off today than they were when we took over.

[Preston Manning, Reform, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, if the Prime Minister gave that answer to that auto plant worker, the worker would laugh in disbelief.

While the government is promising $16.5 billion in tax relief by the year 2002, like it promised to get rid of the GST, in fact what it has done is collect over $42 billion in tax increases since it took office. That is why that worker is paying half of his overtime pay in tax deductions.

The Prime Minister could give every worker in the country a pay increase this year simply by reducing the federal tax rip-off from paycheques. Why does he not do so?

[Jean Chrétien, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, 600,000 Canadians who paid taxes before we reduced them are not paying taxes any more. We have moved in many other fields, as I explained earlier.

Of course for the opposition there is only one problem. It thinks it will solve everything with just that. However, the balanced approach is to have some tax relief and at the same time to help productivity in the land and to resolve social problems. That is the way to have a better society. There is not only one avenue to having a good situation in our country.

[Preston Manning, Reform, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister runs a tax system which not only gouges workers but particularly gouges low income workers with almost $4 billion per year in incomes taxes from Canadians who make $20,000 a year or less and over $2 billion per year in payroll taxes from workers who make $20,000 or less.

The tax policies of the government have become one of the chief contributors to poverty in Canada. How can this tax rich government, which is sitting on a $7 billion to $15 billion surplus, justify ripping $6 billion a year out of the pockets of the working poor?

[Jean Chrétien, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, as I said, a two earner family with two children making $60,000 is paying $620 less this year than it was paying two years ago. Also it is paying $270 less in EI premiums. That gives the family $900 more in its pocket which it did not have before. It is the right direction.

To have a proper society we must not look only at one side of the ledger. We must look at all the problems of society, which is what my party is doing.

[Deborah Grey, Reform, Edmonton North, AB]

Mr. Speaker, the government talks about a balanced approach. Here is some balance. It ripped $21 billion out of health care and social services and then it put $11 billion back in. It ripped out $42 billion more in taxes and then it says it will give us $16.5 billion back in tax relief. It looks to me like this is the new Liberal math, and taxpayers just do not get it.

Why does the Prime Minister not just get up off his big fat surplus and give taxpayers the money back that he owes them?

[Jean Chrétien, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, what a compliment. We are standing in the House after five and a half years when we started with a $42 billion deficit. The country was facing bankruptcy and we have solved it. Now the opposition pretends that we are doing too well.

We will spend a lot more money in health care, $11.5 billion in the next five years. We have invested in innovation. We have invested in federal health care programs. We have invested in child tax credits. We have done a lot of things so the country is in much better shape.

Thanks again to the member of the opposition for saying that we have done quite well in the last five and half years.