House of Commons Hansard #81 of the 36th Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was taxes.
John Manley LiberalMinister of Industry
Mr. Speaker, if the minister were here today, he would certainly say that the government will soon respond to House of Commons and Senate committees with respect to EDC and general concerns such as those raised by the member.
Peter Mancini NDP Sydney—Victoria, NS
Mr. Speaker, the development of the oil rich Laurentian sub-basin presents an enormous economic opportunity to the people of Cape Breton, the people of Newfoundland, and Canadians.
The Conservative Government of Nova Scotia and the Liberal Government of Newfoundland are engaged in a jurisdictional fight. The project is in jeopardy. The companies are looking at setting up in St. Pierre and Miquelon, taking with them hundreds of jobs and millions of dollars in royalties.
When will the federal government exercise a leadership role, help settle the dispute and ensure that the economic benefits come to the people of Atlantic Canada and not to the treasury of France?
Brent St. Denis LiberalParliamentary Secretary to Minister of Natural Resources
Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for his question. The report of the agent is still being evaluated.
As the member knows, this is a longstanding dispute between the province of Nova Scotia and the province of Newfoundland. At any time they wish they could settle the matter. In due course a response will be made on the report of the agent.
André Harvey Independent Chicoutimi, QC
Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Deputy Prime Minister.
With the number of RCMP investigations on the rise, does he think that the RCMP will have sufficient resources to conduct all of them and protect the interests of Canadian citizens?
Jacques Saada LiberalParliamentary Secretary to Solicitor General of Canada
Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to have this opportunity to reaffirm two fundamental points. The first is that the RCMP is doing an exceptional job of fulfilling its wide range of responsibilities.
The second thing I want to remind the member is that the RCMP budget was increased in the last budget and that allocations for all investigation-related items went up.
The RCMP has the resources it needs to do its job and I have the utmost confidence in the results it achieves.
Ian Murray Liberal Lanark—Carleton, ON
Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Industry. There are 350,000 Canadians alive today who have suffered a stroke and there are 50,000 new cases of stroke each year. What is the government doing to help eradicate this devastating and debilitating medical condition?
John Manley LiberalMinister of Industry
Mr. Speaker, I was delighted earlier today to announce the establishment of the Canadian Stroke Network, another of the networks of centres of excellence that we have established across Canada.
This is an investment in the first phase of just under $19 million over four years. It is subject to renewal based on peer review. This network will create a unique world class infrastructure on stroke prevention, stroke treatment and repair of the brain after injury.
It is cause for hope for all Canadians and their families who have suffered from this dreadful affliction.
Myron Thompson Reform Wild Rose, AB
Mr. Speaker, of course it is news to the minister regarding the threats on reserves that are going on. When they work only government to government why would they ever care about what happens to grassroots natives? They do not give a hoot.
The minister will not even return calls to the people who are calling him and asking him to call. They are calling my office and I am passing on the numbers. This is very serious. These people are being threatened for speaking out. Instead of bowing down to the chiefs, when will the minister protect the grassroots people and stand up for them?
Bob Nault LiberalMinister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development
Mr. Speaker, I suggest what the member should do, even though he has no respect for the RCMP, is call the RCMP.
Serge Cardin Bloc Sherbrooke, QC
Mr. Speaker, a poll by Environnics published this weekend reveals that 75% of Canadians are concerned about the safety of genetically modified foods. This poll reveals as well that 95% of Canadians think genetically modified foods should be labelled.
Will the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food act on the on the almost unanimous demand by consumers by labelling genetically modified organisms, without delay?
Lyle Vanclief LiberalMinister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
Mr. Speaker, if the hon. member checks the record, I believe he asked the very same question yesterday.
The government has responded. We have asked the Standards Council of Canada to work with consumer associations, provincial government associations, producer associations, representatives of the agricultural community and the agri-food industry to create a set of criteria that can be meaningful, enforceable and credible. Until we have that, nothing can be done. That is the first step, and that is the step that is being taken at the present time.
Bill Blaikie NDP Winnipeg—Transcona, MB
Mr. Speaker, in an earlier question to the Minister of Health, the minister asked me to come forward with examples of where I felt the Canada Health Act was being violated by private for profit clinics. A number of examples have been brought to the minister's attention in the recent past.
Is the minister really saying that, in his view, there is nothing happening now in these for profit private clinics that violates the Canada Health Act? Is there nothing under investigation by his department pursuant to the Canada Health Act? Could the minister clear that up for us? Would he tell us what he thinks of situations where things are being deemed not medically necessary, like MRIs, where people have to pay $600 if they want to have one immediately rather than waiting for nine months?
Allan Rock LiberalMinister of Health
Mr. Speaker, indeed there are specific instances in relation to which my department has made and is making inquiries. As I said earlier, any time there are insured services and enhanced or uninsured services together, we have to worry about the principle of accessibility.
I want the member to know that my department and I are always alert to issues that arise and will investigate and pursue cases as appropriate.
Grant McNally Reform Dewdney—Alouette, BC
Mr. Speaker, during question period today the Minister of Human Resources Development Canada, in response to a question from a member of one of the other opposition parties, referred to a ministerial directive. I believe she read from it. I wonder if she would be able to table it for the House.
Jane Stewart LiberalMinister of Human Resources Development
Mr. Speaker, I would love to table it. I have it here, in both official languages.
Eugène Bellemare Liberal Carleton—Gloucester, ON
Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 32(2), I have the pleasure to table, in both official languages, the 1998 report on Canada's participation in regional development banks.
Derek Lee LiberalParliamentary Secretary to Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the government's response to 15 petitions.
Gurbax Malhi Liberal Bramalea—Gore—Malton, ON
Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 34, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the report of the 11th Canada-Mexico parliamentary meeting held from March 6 to March 10 in Mexico City.
Derek Lee LiberalParliamentary Secretary to Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present the 25th report of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs regarding the selection of votable items in accordance with Standing Order 92. This report is deemed adopted on presentation.
Jim Peterson Liberalfor the Minister of Finance
moved for leave to introduce Bill C-32, an act to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in parliament on February 28, 2000.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)
Derek Lee LiberalParliamentary Secretary to Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
Mr. Speaker, if the House gives its consent, I move that the 21st report of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs regarding the membership of the Standing Committee on Industry, presented to the House on March 22, be concurred in.
(Motion agreed to)
Derek Lee Liberal Scarborough—Rouge River, ON
Mr. Speaker, if the House gives its consent, I move that the following member be added to the list of associate members of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs: David Chatters.
(Motion agreed to)
Paul Szabo Liberal Mississauga South, ON
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to present a petition signed by a number of Canadians, including those from my riding of Mississauga South, on the subject of breast cancer.
The petitioners draw to the attention of the House that Canada has the second highest incident rate of breast cancer in the world. The petition outlines a number of details, but specifically states that Canada has no legislation for mandatory mammography quality assurance standards, that breast cancer results in the potential loss of 94,000 years of life each year, and that early detection remains the only known weapon in the battle against this disease.
The petitioners therefore call upon parliament to enact legislation to establish an independent body to develop, implement and enforce uniform mandatory mammography quality assurance and quality control standards in Canada.
Charlie Penson Reform Peace River, AB
Mr. Speaker, I have a petition to present which has been signed by 154 people living in the riding of Peace River.
The petitioners call upon parliament to demand the immediate resignation of the Minister of Human Resources Development, and for the auditor general to conduct a full and independent inquiry into HRDC's management and accounting practices.
Charlie Penson Reform Peace River, AB
Mr. Speaker, I have three petitions to present, which call upon parliament to withdraw Bill C-23, to affirm the opposite sex definition of marriage in legislation, and to ensure that marriage is recognized as a unique institution.
The petition is signed by a total of 204 constituents of Peace River.