Debates of March 21st, 2000

Taiwan

[Paul Szabo, Liberal, Mississauga South, ON]

Mr. Speaker, on March 18 the people of Taiwan elected a new president, Mr. Chen Shui-bian, leader of the Democratic Progressive Party.

His predecessor, President Lee Teng-Hui of the Kuomintang Party had led the way to democratizing Taiwan and promoting peaceful dialogue with mainland China. President-elect Chen now takes over the important responsibility of ensuring an orderly transition of power and, most important, he assumes the lead role in the delicate relations with the mainland.

On behalf of the Canada-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Group I wish to extend our sincere congratulations to President Chen on his democratic electoral victory and our sincere hope for his success in reaffirming Taiwan's intent to promote peaceful and trustful dialogue with mainland China.

Deanna Geddo

[Roy H. Bailey, Reform, Souris—Moose Mountain, SK]

Mr. Speaker, I rise to bring to the attention of the House a very special constituent whom I have recently had the pleasure of meeting.

Dr. Deanna Geddo was born in Hungary and when she was but 10 days old her home was completely destroyed by bombing. He family became refugees, escaping through Hungary, Austria and Switzerland. At the age of six she moved to Argentina and graduated from high school at 16. She graduated from dentistry and became the first woman to perform implantations in Argentina.

After the coup in 1976, Dr. Geddo came to Canada bringing her many skills, talents and professions with her. She speaks seven languages, is a professional playwright, a noted director, and a talented violinist. Her autobiography would be a huge volume.

During my visit I saw her warmth, kindness, hospitality and, above all, her genuine desire to serve her fellow man. I welcome Dr. Geddo to the constituency of Souris—Moose Mountain, to Kenosee Lake and to Wawota where she now practises dentistry.

The Late Lyal Holmes

[Lou Sekora, Liberal, Port Moody—Coquitlam, BC]

Mr. Speaker, my good friend Lyal Holmes passed away on March 16. I knew Lyal Holmes even before I began my political career some 27 years ago.

Lyal was actively involved in the Burquitlam Lions Club in British Columbia. He will be remembered as a loyal and dedicated hard worker. My heart goes out to his loved ones and his friends.

1St Battalion Royal Canadian Regiment

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

Mr. Speaker, the greatest atrocity of war is the suffering of innocent children. Last Tuesday, a little girl's life was saved thanks to the 1st Battalion Royal Canadian Regiment stationed in Kosovo.

I rise today to single out these brave men and women of the Canadian forces who have repeatedly demonstrated their humanity and touched the lives of many innocent victims in this terrible conflict. The eight year old girl was suffering from severe pneumonia and infection but was refused admission to the hospital in Pristina. With her condition rapidly deteriorating, members of the 1RCR took her to the medical centre at their headquarters. She had to be resuscitated twice, but her condition eventually stabilized.

Thanks in large part to the courageous members of the Canadian Forces, this little girl is currently in stable condition.

Once again our Canadian heroes have gone above and beyond their duty. Their efforts to mend these shattered lives bring great pride to our country, Canada.

Riding Of Saint-Maurice

[Guy St-Julien, Liberal, Abitibi, QC]

Mr. Speaker, one of the greatest defenders of the Prime Minister of Canada in Shawinigan is the local Parti Quebecois MNA Claude Pinard, who, in an interview with Vincent Marissal of La Presse , stated the following:

The Prime Minister of Canada is doing his duty as the MP for Saint-Maurice. He is backing projects, answering requests, bringing in money. The federal government is one of the stakeholders in regional affairs, and I work along with all stakeholders.

It is true that the Parti Quebecois MNA seems to get along pretty well with his federal counterpart. They will, of course, never be the best of friends, but the two sides do get along in Shawinigan far better than in most ridings with a Bloc Quebecois and/or Parti Quebecois representative.

Nisga'A Treaty

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

Mr. Speaker, when Reform staged a voting filibuster at report stage of the Nisga'a Treaty, it was not a protest. It was a last ditch effort to get the government to reconsider what we believed was a major mistake.

Many prominent people are starting to realize the error that parliament has made. The latest to step forward is former Supreme Court of Canada justice Willard Estey.

Our biggest concern about the treaty was the constitutionally entrenched self-government provision that exceeded provincial and federal powers, a concern now echoed by Estey. We support aboriginal self-government, but at a municipal level.

Former Justice Estey states “The Senate action now proposed in this bill could destabilize the legal framework of which the Canadian nation is built”.

The federal government must ask the Senate to amend the self-government provision of the bill, or at minimum delay its implementation until the Supreme Court of Canada rules on its validity under the Canadian Constitution.

Inclusion of that provision was a mistake. Former Justice Estey agrees that allowing it to become law will have disastrous consequences for all Canadians.

Agriculture

[Lynn Myers, Liberal, Waterloo—Wellington, ON]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday Mr. Nick Parsons from Dawson Creek, British Columbia arrived on Parliament Hill on a combine. His mission was to underscore the plight of farm families in the west. Since I still live on the family farm, I can appreciate a lot of the things he is talking about.

As usual, the Reform Party shamelessly tried to turn this into a cheap political photo opportunity instead of genuinely trying to find solutions. It is so typical of those Reformers, who they are and what they represent.

If Reform Party members were so interested, why did they not ask one question yesterday in question period? Instead, they chose not to ask even one question about this all important issue.

I am happy to report that the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and the Prime Minister met with Mr. Parsons yesterday to discuss farm income policy for the future. It was a good discussion that underscored the commitment of the government to find positive and consistent solutions. Out of that dialogue I am confident that meeting along with with other MPs. will find those solutions.

Young Offenders Act

[Michel Bellehumeur, Bloc, Berthier—Montcalm, QC]

Mr. Speaker, in the brief presented by the Coalition pour la justice des mineurs, a coalition of Quebec organizations working with young offenders, the following statement was made:

Before doing away completely with sixteen years of practice, adjustment and precedent, in order to engage in an avenue that breaks with close to a century of tradition, parliamentarians need to ask themselves whether it is worth it. Will they have the courage to defend legislation which is unanimously supported by those who are familiar with it and make use of it, or will they bow to lobbies which focus on disinformation, in order to push ahead a program that is as petty as it is reductionist?

Will the Quebec federal Liberals take notice of this message from the coalition? Are the Liberals aware of the harm they are preparing to do to youth justice with Bill C-3?

There is still time. Parliamentarians must refuse to play the Reform game. Youth justice must not became the battleground for those in search of sensationalism.

Alex Pauk

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate my constituent, Alex Pauk, for being named Musician of the Year by the Toronto Musicians' Association.

For 30 years, Alex Pauk has been championing the cause of new music in Canada.

Alex is the founder, musical director and conductor of Esprit Orchestra, Canada's only orchestra devoted exclusively to contemporary music.

Alex was chosen artist of the year for his work with the Esprit Orchestra in programming, obtaining funding and commissions, keeping musicians working during difficult times as well as encouraging education and outreach programs.

Alex Pauk has also won acclaim for composing more than 35 works and commissions for music and dance groups as well as writing for film, television, radio and musical theatre.

In receiving this award, Alex's name has been added to that of past honourees including Rush, Barenaked Ladies, Rob McConnell, Peter De Soto and Henry Cuesta.

Congratulations, Alex. This is an award that is well deserved.

Ciau Basketball Championships

[Rick Casson, Reform, Lethbridge, AB]

Mr. Speaker, this past weekend southern Alberta was well represented at the CIAU Basketball Championships in Halifax. Coached by CIAU coach of the year, Dave Crook, the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns competed against the best in the country.

The Pronghorns were led by pride of Magrath, Danny Balderson. Danny, a small town hero who led the beloved Magrath Zeniths to the provincial high school title in 1993, last week was awarded the Mike Moser trophy as Canada's top university player.

Since Danny was picked as top rookie in his first year at the U of L, he has racked up the CIAU honours. He is now a four time All-Canadian, two time Canada West MVP and a member of the national student team.

Danny's teammate, 24 year old LCI grad, Spencer Holt, was honoured as a second team All-Canadian. Sometimes rivals and sometimes teammates, these two young men serve as outstanding role models to all young players in Canada.

Congratulations to the University of Lethbridge, the players, to Sandy and all those concerned. One more thing: Dave, you may be coach of the year, but it is time for a haircut.

Liberal Party Of Canada

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

Mr. Speaker, it is my honour to rise today and congratulate the Liberal Party of Canada for voting to amend clause 14.8C of its constitution at its Biennial Convention this weekend and become the first party to cap expenditures on nomination campaigns.

Until now, because there was no limit on the amount of money a potential candidate could spend for a nomination, a person with greater financial resources was always at an advantage. This amendment, which acts on the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Electoral Reform in 1991, rectifies such unfairness by removing financial hurdles and levelling the playing field. This is not a victory only for women but for everyone else who is not part of the establishment. The amendment targets people without deep pockets and rich friends, youth, aboriginals and persons with disabilities by making it less financially straining for them to seek office.

Politics should not be a sphere reserved for this country's economic elite. Rather it should be a forum in which concerned citizens can discuss and make decisions for their future. This amendment makes it easier for Canadians of various socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds to run as candidates and have an active—

[The Speaker]

The hon. member for Halifax West.

Racial Discrimination

[Gordon Earle, NDP, Halifax West, NS]

Mr. Speaker, today I would like to draw attention to the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which was declared officially by the United Nations in 1966. Subsequently, Canada was one of the first countries to show its support.

In the Halifax regional municipality this day will be celebrated by the 5th Annual Harmony Brunch, an event held to reflect on the problems created by racism and to look ahead to the elimination of racial discrimination.

Over two years ago the Halifax regional council adopted a community and race relations policy to ensure that residents from the many diverse communities in the area had equal opportunity to develop their potential.

Today may we all reflect upon the importance of eliminating racism, not only by policies and actions on the part of all levels of government but also by the attitudes and actions which we take individually as we interact daily with each other.

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

Mr. Speaker, today is the international day to eliminate racism and discrimination and on this day Canadians from coast to coast will be participating in a variety of activities to mark the anniversary of the Sharpeville massacre in South Africa in 1960.

As Canadians join together to send a message of tolerance and inclusion, I am particularly proud of an event being held in Pictou—Antigonish—Guysborough.

Today the 11th Annual Run Against Racism is being held in Pictou County, Nova Scotia. Master marathon runner Henderson Paris of New Glasgow, along with support runners are running a total of 38 miles to raise public awareness in the fight against racism. Henderson and his fellow runners started this morning at 8.30 and are running through all five municipalities and the Pictou Landing Mi'Kmaq first nations reserve, crossing the finish line at 5.45 this evening.

I would like to commend Mr. Paris and his organizing committee for their commitment to this event that instils hope. I believe that the success of this event and others is reflective of an evolving positive attitude among Canadians of all ages, sending a clear message that discrimination of any sort will not be tolerated and that we will oppose it wherever we find it.

Gasoline Prices

[Peter Adams, Liberal, Peterborough, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that the Conference Board of Canada will be conducting an independent inquiry into gas prices.

I favour tax reductions on gasoline, diesel and fuel oil but fear that without price regulation the oil companies will simply suck up the tax breaks as profit. I urge the federal government to encourage all provinces to regulate gas prices in such a way that tax reductions will flow directly to the consumer.

I also urge that GST rebates for fuel to all commercial users be flowed particularly promptly this year. Further, I urge the government to intervene where gas prices are causing clear hardship to commercial drivers, such as rural mail couriers, who are tied to long contracts signed before gas prices increased.

Meanwhile, let us continue to press OPEC to increase oil output and bring down the price of gas in Canada.

Reserves

[David Price, Progressive Conservative, Compton—Stanstead, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the Liberal government has done a fine job ignoring the reserves. It was not mentioned at all in the budget tabled three weeks ago. The government is boasting about injecting a little more money into national defence, but the Minister of Finance makes no mention of the fact that the reservists got nothing.

The Liberals are praising their budget, but I cannot see why. There is very little money in it for health care and education, immigrants are still charged an entry fee, and there is no funding for the reserves.

When it comes to natural disasters, reserves are the first group called upon in the country: the Saguenay floods of 1996, the Red River flood around the time of the last federal election, the ice storm in Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick. I could go on. What would Canadians have done without the reserve forces in these situations?

The government has used the reserves on many occasions since 1993. Why were they forgotten in the last budget?

Prime Minister

[Stéphane Bergeron, Bloc, Verchères, QC]

Mr. Speaker, behind the scenes at last weekend's convention of the Liberal Party of Canada, the Prime Minister took another dig at Quebec, adding to his already extensive track record in that regard.

This man, who is only too quick to dump on Quebec, has overstepped the limits with his comments about the sovereignist movement, a movement espoused by almost half of Quebecers.

“Let the sleeping dog lie”, he was urged, in an attempt to discourage him from introducing his clarity bill. Thinking it was safe to speak, the Prime Minister came back with “The dog is not sleeping, it is ailing”.

In The Golden Dog , 19th century English writer William Kirby wrote, and I quote:

I am a dog that gnaws his bone, I couch and gnaw it all alone. A time will come, which is not yet, When I'll bite him by whom I'm bit.

With all his canine reflections, the Prime Minister would do well to study this verse, for there is no doubt that Quebecers are impatiently awaiting the opportunity to let him know for the third time that, in politics, scorn and arrogance are a sure way to lose votes.

Racial Discrimination

[Inky Mark, Reform, Dauphin—Swan River, MB]

Mr. Speaker, today is the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. It is unfortunate that we need a day like today to remind us that racism still exists in Canada. This vast country is made up people from all walks of life, many ethnic backgrounds and personal beliefs. We need to deliver the message every day, a message of respect, equality and diversity.

Perhaps it is best said in the lyrics of a song by Garth Brooks which state:

When the last child cries for a crust of bread When the last man dies for just words that he said When there's shelter over the poorest head Then we shall be free

When the last thing we notice is the colour of skin And the first thing we look for is the beauty within When the skies and the oceans are clean again Then we shall be free

There is no question that racism exists in Canada. We have embarked upon a new millennium. Let us all continue in the fight to end it.

[Rick Laliberte, NDP, Churchill River, SK]

Mr. Speaker, I rise to mark this day, March 21, the International Day to Eliminate Racial Discrimination. It is also a new season. Spring is upon us. It is with this optimism that I would like to share these words of prayer. As in the teachings of our elders, we must live among each other in harmony.

I extend this prayer to all our police officers who have embarked on the journey to our capital to meet with parliamentarians. In the Creator's name, give them strength and wisdom so that they may carry out their duties in the most humble and respectful way.

In my first language I would like to say:

I pray to the peoples of the east, to the peoples of the south, to the peoples of the west and to the peoples of the north, that we may live in harmony and raise our children in peace amongst each other and with respect to our Mother the Earth and all of our Creator's being and gifts, the four-legged, the winged ones, the swimmers and the crawlers that live with all of the plants and creation.

In the Creator's name, may we live in respect.

Human Resources Development

[Preston Manning, Reform, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, this morning Mel Cappe, the former deputy minister of human resources, testified at the human resources committee. He testified that there were no explicit guidelines focusing on pockets of unemployment when handing out HRD grants. This directly contradicts what the human resources minister has told the House concerning the justification for handing out millions of taxpayers dollars.

How does the minister explain this contradiction?

[Jane Stewart, Liberal, Minister of Human Resources Development]

Mr. Speaker, as I said on a number of occasions, it is the flexibility in the transitional jobs fund that has allowed for the majority of the investments to be made in opposition ridings. I ask the hon. leader to confer with and talk to members on his backbenches about how much they appreciate the investments that they have seen in their own communities.

[Preston Manning, Reform, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, the minister did not address the question at all. It was raised by testimony at committee this morning.

The minister has been using this pockets of unemployment rationale for handing out millions of dollars of HRD grants. This morning Mel Cappe blew her cover on that subject.

I will again ask the minister to explain why there is a contradiction between what she told the House today and what Mel Cappe told the committee this morning.

[Jane Stewart, Liberal, Minister of Human Resources Development]

Mr. Speaker, the whole point of the transitional jobs fund was to help communities where the levels of unemployment were significantly high and where they were stagnant and were not going to be reduced without assistance. We know that party would just like issues that go along with unemployment to fester and for these communities to have to struggle on their own. That is not the view on this side of the House.

[Preston Manning, Reform, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, this party believes in fixing unemployment by lowering taxes.

The simple fact is that this morning Canada's most senior public servant contradicted the Minister of Human Resources Development Canada. My question is, who should Canadians believe?

[Jane Stewart, Liberal, Minister of Human Resources Development]

Mr. Speaker, clearly the Canadian public does not believe that party. The leader said that all we need to do is reduce taxes and everything will be fine.

Canadians know that it is not just through a reduction of individual taxes that will ensure that Canadians with disabilities get opportunities in this economy. Canadians know that trickle down economics will not ensure that young people get their very important first job in our economy. They know that trickle down economics will not improve the levels of literacy in this country. That is why we on this side of the House believe in grants and contributions.