House of Commons Hansard #77 of the 36th Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was man.

Topics

Canadian Cancer SocietyStatements By Members

1:55 p.m.

Liberal

Yvon Charbonneau Liberal Anjou—Rivière-Des-Prairies, QC

Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to remind the House that April is the Canadian Cancer Society's campaign month. Each year the campaign starts with daffodil days on April 6, 7 and 8.

Last week the Governor General of Canada, who is an honorary patron of the Canadian Cancer Society, officially launched this year's daffodil campaign at Rideau Hall.

In 1998 the employees and volunteers of the Canadian Cancer Society collected over $5 million through the sale of daffodils, which, since the 1950s, have represented, like suns, the hope that cancer may one day be beaten.

I hope that my colleagues in the House of Commons will join me in supporting the daffodil campaign of the Canadian Cancer Society, a volunteer organization operating for the past 60 years.

Occupational Health And SafetyStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Reform

Deepak Obhrai Reform Calgary East, AB

Mr. Speaker, on February 17, Tara McDonald was tragically murdered while she worked alone on a late shift at a fast food establishment in my riding. My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and the friends of Tara whose young life ended far too early and with so much promise left unfulfilled.

Residents of Calgary East, with the help of Calgary police detectives, conducted an extensive search of the area surrounding the crime scene and uncovered crucial evidence that led to the capture and arrest of the suspect.

The tragic murder of young Tara highlights a public safety concern for those who must work alone late at night. I appeal to the provinces and territories across the country to examine existing legislation dealing with occupational health and safety.

I urge the provinces to make a buddy system mandatory to ensure no one works alone late at night. I urge the provinces to amend legislation to make cameras and security systems mandatory for businesses that remain open past—

Occupational Health And SafetyStatements By Members

2 p.m.

The Speaker

The hon. member for Waterloo—Wellington.

Canadian Cancer SocietyStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Liberal

Lynn Myers Liberal Waterloo—Wellington, ON

Mr. Speaker, the Canadian Cancer Society is the largest single contributor of funds to cancer research in Canada. This year the Canadian Cancer Society contributed more than $30 million to fund a broad base of cancer research across this great country of ours.

The Canadian Cancer Society provides important patient support and is engaged in valuable public education activities. Without donations from the public, this important work would not be possible.

This April thousands of volunteers will hit the streets, knocking on doors across Canada to raise funds for research and to raise public awareness about cancer, a disease that kills tens of thousands of Canadians each year.

Activities planned for cancer month this April include daffodil days in various communities across Canada. Last year volunteers raised over $5.5 million through the sale of beautiful daffodils. This April let us open our hearts and our doors in support of this very worthwhile cause.

United Nations Security CouncilStatements By Members

April 3rd, 2000 / 2 p.m.

Liberal

Ted McWhinney Liberal Vancouver Quadra, BC

Mr. Speaker, this month under the rotation rules Canada assumes the presidency of the United Nations Security Council. The council is the key constitutional organ of the United Nations, but its political authority has been diminished by alleged abuse of the legal veto power accorded to five permanent members whose own composition mirrors the political realities at the end of World War II.

We have proposed modernizing the security council by opening up permanent member status on a regional basis and by limiting the veto to particular issues or even taking it away altogether where there is only a single negative vote cast.

Biochem Pharma Inc.Statements By Members

2 p.m.

Liberal

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

Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Industry of Canada announced today a repayable investment of $80 million by Technology Partnerships Canada in BioChem Pharma Inc. of Laval for a vast research and development project, which, if successful, will involve investments of up to $600 million and enable the firm to evolve into a fully integrated biotechnology company in the field of vaccines. About 450 highly skilled scientific and technical jobs will be created in Canada over the life of the project.

The goal of this research and development initiative is to allow BioChem Pharma to develop a new platform technology in recombinant protein vaccine. The company will create a range of innovative vaccines that promise safer, cheaper and more effective treatments of bacterial infections in children and adults.

HealthStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Reform

Garry Breitkreuz Reform Yorkton—Melville, SK

Mr. Speaker, the Liberals and the NDP are wailing and wringing their hands over Alberta's bill 11. Terms like two tier medicare and private clinics are used as if they are strictly forbidden in Canada just like they are in Cuba and North Korea. It is strange that only certain provinces and sectors of the health care system are targeted by the socialists for their criticism.

Two years ago the Globe reported that 21 special private clinics were operating in Canada. In most provinces these clinics are even funded by the taxpayer, except in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Manitoba where clients were charged $300 to $500. No one said a word about these clinics or anything about these provinces violating the Canada Health Act.

We have a government that allows privatization of health clinics that provide abortions but not private health clinics that provide medically necessary heart surgery. This is an obvious double standard. The dictionary defines a standard that applies to others but not to oneself as hypocrisy.

HealthStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

The Speaker

I ask hon. members to stay away from that word.

Walk Of FameStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Reg Alcock Liberal Winnipeg South, MB

Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate two great Canadians, internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter Neil Young and veteran actor Donald Sutherland, who were inducted on Thursday, March 30, into Canada's Walk of Fame in Toronto.

Toronto born, Winnipeg raised Neil Young first recorded with the band Buffalo Springfield in 1967, and with Crosbie, Stills and Nash is about to record their first album since 1988. At the induction ceremony Neil Young thanked Canada for his roots and his mom and dad for teaching him the value of free expression.

Donald Sutherland, who wishes he was raised in Winnipeg, began his career in 1963 at the University of Toronto where he acted in his first play. Since then he has starred in more than 100 films, including MASH where the role of Hawkeye propelled him to stardom.

Canada's Walk of Fame is an expression of our admiration for artists and athletes who have made a name for themselves in their respective fields.

I am pleased to offer congratulations to Donald Sutherland and Neil Young. On behalf of all of us, I thank you for your valuable contribution and offer you my best wishes.

Fight Against PovertyStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Bloc

Christiane Gagnon Bloc Québec, QC

Mr. Speaker, although the federal government has managed to build up exorbitant surpluses by chipping away at the quality of life of the weakest members of our society, the Minister of Finance confirmed in his latest budget that his government will not give priority to combating poverty over the next five years.

Despite six years of social deficit and a surplus topping $130 billion, the Liberal government has made no effort to build new social housing.

This same government refused to improve the EI scheme, but it will continue merrily dipping into the surplus of a fund that does not belong to it without contributing a single cent itself.

As the new millennium begins, the Prime Minister, the Minister of Finance and the docile Liberal caucus have passed up a rare opportunity to make the fight against poverty a priority.

This government is leaning more and more to the right.

Grands Prix Tourism Awards GalaStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Marcel Proulx Liberal Hull—Aylmer, QC

Mr. Speaker, I wish to pay tribute to the winners of tourism awards at the 15th Grands Prix du tourisme de l'Outaouais gala, and more particularly to Jean Gauthier, who was named Person of the Year.

Mr. Gauthier was singled out for his exceptional efforts to turn the steam train that runs from Hull to Wakefield through Chelsea and back into a top tourist attraction in the Outaouais.

All the other winners make the region a very popular tourist destination as well. They are: the Buckingham en fête festival, Café Henry Burger, the Au Charme de la montagne bed and breakfast, the Maison des merisiers inn, the Château Cartier, Esprit Rafting, Maestro Limousine, the Laurier sur Montcalm, Baccara and Ferme rouge restaurants, Gatineau Park, the Keskinada Loppet, and the Casino de Hull fireworks display.

These award recipients are proof of the joie de vivre and exuberance of the greater Outaouais region. I congratulate the Outaouais Tourist Association for its excellent work.

And to everyone at the Grands Prix du tourisme Québécois, Quebec's tourism awards gala, I offer my warmest congratulations and best wishes for good luck.

The EnvironmentStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Reform

Rahim Jaffer Reform Edmonton Strathcona, AB

Mr. Speaker, in a few days a shipment of PCBs from a U.S. military base in Japan will arrive at the port of Vancouver. It is unclear whether the environment minister has become a victim of Greenpeace hysteria in this case or whether he is a victim of his own bad judgment.

Let us consider the following facts. Canada has no restrictions on the length of time that PCBs and other kinds of hazardous waste can be stored or even how they can be disposed of. Earlier this year I expressed my concerns to the minister on this problem, yet he has refused to show leadership on the issue so far.

It is puzzling the minister now appears to abandon the same U.S. company to which the Liberals gave a generous $1.2 million HRDC grant to set up shop in Canada for the purpose of treating these kinds of PCBs.

Clearly the greater good for Canada and the rest of the world is to get PCBs out of the environment and eliminate their threat altogether. It is unfortunate the minister lacks a consistent policy on the issue. The minister is missing in action.

Canadian Conservative Reform AllianceStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Mauril Bélanger Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON

Mr. Speaker, it has been said that the transformation of the Reform Party into the Canadian Conservative Reform Alliance or the Canadian Alliance means that nothing has changed but its name.

I wish to suggest otherwise. At least one thing has changed. For the first time since my election to the House in February 1995 all parties without exception support the Official Languages Act of Canada. The Reform Party used to advocate the abolition of the Official Languages Act. Not so the Alliance. The Alliance, we are led to believe, embraces Canada's linguistic duality and the Official Languages Act.

We wish members of the Alliance, and in particular the member for Yellowhead and the member for Saskatoon—Humboldt, a speedy and smooth conversion on their personal road to Damascus.

HousingStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

NDP

Libby Davies NDP Vancouver East, BC

Mr. Speaker, on repeated occasions in parliament I have asked the minister responsible for housing why the federal government has been so blind and unresponsive in helping 50,000 British Columbians who are faced with a mess of leaky and mouldy condos.

I have asked the minister to work in partnership with the provincial Government of British Columbia, and I am asking today that the minister give serious consideration to the most recent report by the Barrett commission. People's homes depend on it.

My NDP colleagues from Burnaby—Douglas and Kamloops and I have asked the government not to charge GST on repairs, to provide tax relief as recommended by the Barrett commission, and to provide help in correcting mould and spore problems.

The minister's sorry response is that RRAP funds will help. They do not. The provincial government has issued PST tax relief. Why will the feds not do their share on GST?

Homeowners are very disillusioned. I ask the government to reconsider its previous position so these homeowners can be assured of federal assistance as outlined in Mr. Barrett's report.

Quebec EconomyStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Bloc

Pierre De Savoye Bloc Portneuf, QC

Mr. Speaker, the federal government's communication guru in Quebec and Minister of Public Works publicly announced that his government had done a good thing by introducing Bill C-20. He said “Now that we have eliminated the threat of separatism, investors want to come back to Quebec”.

That statement is rather astounding, if not downright demagogic.

The minister from Montreal should reread Saturday, February 19 issue of Le Devoir , more specifically the economy section. Under the headline “If the trend continues, Montreal will catch up with Toronto” journalist François Normand clearly explains how the gaps between Montreal and Toronto regarding unemployment, job rate and per capita income are diminishing.

Thanks to the Quebec government, led by a sovereignist party since 1994. Thanks for the positive results of its economic policies.

Raoul Stuart BlaisStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Marlene Catterall Liberal Ottawa West—Nepean, ON

Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to rise today to pay tribute to one of our own security guards and to congratulate him on 50 years of service to the people of Canada. Constable Raoul Stuart Blais began his career at the age of 17 in the navy, then moved to the air force and then the military police.

As a security guard in the House of Commons, Stu Blais has watched over a generation of parliamentarians and employees and helped create a secure environment for millions of visitors to Parliament Hill.

Today, as he begins his second half century of service to Canada, I am pleased to note that he is on duty in the gallery and with his family present. On behalf of us all, I salute him and I thank him.

Raoul Stuart BlaisStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Some hon. members

Hear, hear.

VolunteersStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

NDP

Angela Vautour NDP Beauséjour—Petitcodiac, NB

Mr. Speaker, today I recognize and thank the many volunteers who are responsible for running our local food banks.

Last week I visited the eight food banks in my riding. It is sad to see that the government is still turning its back on the less fortunate of the country and is leaving them with no choice but to rely on food banks to feed their families. Without the hard work of many volunteers working in our local food banks many families would go hungry.

I take this opportunity to send my personal thanks to the following people with whom I had the pleasure to speak last week: Theresa Richard, Rosalie Richard, Noëlla Léger, Val Goodwin and Jennifer Blacklock, Janice MacKay and Joan Cant, Beryl and Car Kingston, Vicky Crossman and Malcolm Fife. I also give a special thanks to Phyllis Carter for volunteering her time for 11 years at the Sackville and District Assistance Centre.

As a member of the community, I want to thank the volunteers for the important work they are all doing. I know the hours are countless.

HealthOral Question Period

2:15 p.m.

Edmonton North Alberta

Reform

Deborah Grey ReformLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, Canada's health care system is in crisis. What is the Prime Minister's answer? He says that the provinces should not cut taxes, never mind that his government slashed $25 billion when it came to office, never mind that it bungled $1 billion over at HRDC alone and never mind that over the weekend he boasted about being a living testament “to patronage at its best”.

Why does the Prime Minister care so little about health and so much about patronage?

HealthOral Question Period

2:15 p.m.

Saint-Maurice Québec

Liberal

Jean Chrétien LiberalPrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, I think the people of Cape Breton are very happy that we used government money to help them create 900 jobs and possibly up to 1,500 jobs. I think it was a very good investment.

In terms of health care, I think the Leader of the Opposition should check with members of her party, who are on the record. The member for Calgary Southeast said very clearly that he wants a two tier health care system. The member for Esquimalt—Juan de Fuca said the same thing.

HealthOral Question Period

2:15 p.m.

Edmonton North Alberta

Reform

Deborah Grey ReformLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, he does know how to mince it up.

The Prime Minister knows full well that he has slashed billions of dollars out of health care. He presided over cabinet meetings where members fought around the table as to who would get more money for grants and contributions for their programs. Tragically, Canadians' number one priority, health care, was left waiting in the hallway. Now the Prime Minister will not even meet with the premiers to try to come up with a solution.

Why does he care so little about the health of Canadians?

HealthOral Question Period

2:15 p.m.

Saint-Maurice Québec

Liberal

Jean Chrétien LiberalPrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to say that the total CHST transfers to the provinces were $28.9 billion in 1993-94. In this fiscal year, which started two days ago, they will receive $30.8 billion. That is an increase of more than $2 billion.

HealthOral Question Period

2:15 p.m.

Edmonton North Alberta

Reform

Deborah Grey ReformLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, that includes the tax points. If we just talk about health care funding, in 1993-94 it was $18.8 billion—

HealthOral Question Period

2:15 p.m.

Some hon. members

Oh, oh.

HealthOral Question Period

2:15 p.m.

The Speaker

Order, please. The hon. Leader of the Opposition.