Debates of May 15th, 2000

Government Of Canada

[Reed Elley, Reform, Nanaimo—Cowichan, BC]

Mr. Speaker, I live on beautiful Vancouver Island and I am proud to be part of a wonderful country that stretches from sea to sea. I am Canadian but I also live in the highest taxed nation in the world. Like many fellow citizens I shake my head in disgust at how the government many times spends my money.

I believe deeply in the family as the cornerstone of a strong nation but watch in dismay as the Liberal government seems to try to destroy it.

I appreciate the freedom to worship in my church each Sunday but have grave concerns about a growing intolerance on the part of government and its bureaucracy for Judeo-Christian beliefs.

I have eight children but wonder about their future in a country where the Prime Minister does not even recognize the brain drain and does little to foster a business friendly environment, the ultimate creator of jobs.

After this past weekend I am increasingly thankful that I am a proud member of the Canadian Alliance which offers the only hope for the country in the 21st century. I am Canadian.

Crtc

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

Mr. Speaker, today we learn of an application before the CRTC for permission to operate three hard core adult entertainment channels on Canadian cable. If this application goes through, it will offer around the clock porn to Canadian cable and satellite subscribers.

One hopes the CRTC will fulfil its current mandate in this matter. The CRTC has the power to regulate and monitor all aspects of the Canadian broadcast system under the Broadcasting Act.

The Liberal government is responsible for that act and must be held accountable. In situations like this one common sense must prevail. Why is it in times past that the CRTC could approve playboy channels but turn down a Catholic education channel?

The government has allowed the regulatory agency to get involved in some cases, but look the other way in others. It is time to review the entire mandate of the CRTC. It is time to ask the government to rewrite the Broadcasting Act.

Cbc

[Wayne Easter, Liberal, Malpeque, PE]

Mr. Speaker, I am strongly opposed to any efforts by CBC's head office to reduce CBC television presence on Prince Edward Island.

People throughout Prince Edward Island are speaking with one voice: “Keep Compass , the only locally produced television news on Prince Edward Island”.

Canada's Broadcasting Act requires the CBC to reflect Canada and its regions to national and regional audiences while serving the special needs of those regions.

It is time for the board of directors of the CBC to understand that the government absolutely cannot stand by and watch this national institution undermine its very existence in the regions of Canada. We must maintain CBC's local staff in the regions so that they can continue to do the excellent job of reporting what is happening in those regions locally and nationally. It is an important institution in Canada.

International Day Of Families

[Judy Sgro, Liberal, York West, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House today on this International Day of Families.

As most of us know, countless Canadian parents face the daily struggle of balancing work and family life. Today approximately 70% of married Canadian mothers work outside their homes. Up to 60% of them return to work six months after the birth of their children.

Studies, as well as leading academics, have found that in the first year of their lives children benefit greatly from increased contact and stimulation by their parents. A strong relationship makes the children more creative, secure, sociable and curious individuals.

The government recognizes the critical responsibilities parents have in raising their children and understands the need to balance work and family life in the year 2000.

For these reasons the government has proposed to extend parental benefits to give parents the choice of staying at home for up to one full year. This will provide flexibility for mothers and fathers in the labour force.

Helping families to provide a supportive environment for their children is not only a worthy social goal, but increasingly a national economic imperative.

Millennium Partnerships

[Karen Redman, Liberal, Kitchener Centre, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to congratulate two organizations in my riding of Kitchener Centre which have received funding through the Canada Millennium Partnership Program.

J. M. Drama has been awarded $93,812 for the development of a community arts centre. The Registry Theatre will be housed in the historical Waterloo Registry Office. This facility will be a focal point for special events and festivals in Kitchener. It will undoubtedly encourage the development of arts well into the 21st century.

The Canadian Women's Army Corp has received $9,922 to erect a life-size memorial statue in front of Kitchener's new armoury. The bronze monument will commemorate the thousands of women who trained in Kitchener in the 1940s for the CWAC.

The residents of Kitchener have seized the opportunity to create long lasting millennial legacies. Under phase four the millennial bureau received 16 proposals from Kitchener organizations. Each project was unique and would add to our community in a different and special way.

Rimouski Oceanic

[Suzanne Tremblay, Bloc, Rimouski—Mitis, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I want to extend hearty congratulations to members of the Rimouski Oceanic on their stunning win at the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League final.

The team owes its berth in the Memorial Cup tournament to the discipline of its players and the skill of its trainer, Doris Labonté. Mention should also be made of the public's unwavering support of the team over the past five years. In return, the players have delivered some exciting hockey and progressive wins as they improved their skills.

I also wish to congratulate general manager Éric Forest and co-owner Maurice Tanguay on their talent as organizers and their belief that the Oceanic can be built into a solid team of which the entire Lower St. Lawrence can be proud.

Bravo to the Rimouski Oceanic, and good luck on your next step, the Memorial Cup.

Northern Studies

[Peter Adams, Liberal, Peterborough, ON]

Mr. Speaker, the Association of Canadian Universities for Northern Studies, ACUNS, is calling for a coherent policy on polar affairs, including research.

It calls for legislation similar to that in the United States, which would include a polar institute with research capacity, which would be sustained by the federal and other northern governments. It sees this institute as playing an important role in the expansion of research and education in the north.

Canada is a great polar nation. We should be truly masters of our own northern house and a leader in polar affairs abroad.

I urge the government to give the ACUNS document the most serious consideration. It is time we revitalized and rejuvenated northern studies in Canada.

Grain Transportation

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

Mr. Speaker, prairie farmers received the news of the government's intention to introduce grain transportation reform with mixed emotions. Certainly farmers are pleased, as I am, with the freight rate reduction, but there are unanswered questions.

Why did the government take so long to make this announcement? Why is there still no legislation before the House? Why will the bill look so different than the recommendations of the Estey and Kroeger reports, which asked for a complete commercialization of the grain transportation industry? Why is the government delaying commercialization of grain transportation?

Farmers, grain companies and the railways all agree that a commercialized system of grain transportation would result in lower freight rates. Why would the government want to withhold further freight rate reductions by paying lip service to the commercialization of grain transportation in the west?

Vina Waddell

[David Pratt, Liberal, Nepean—Carleton, ON]

Mr. Speaker, the old saying “You don't know what you've got till it's gone” never rang more true for me than with the retirement last week of one of my long time staff members, Mrs. Vina Waddell.

Vina joined me when I was first elected to Nepean city council in 1988. She stuck with me through the next two elections and such was the quality of her work that when I resigned to run federally in 1997 she was appointed regional councillor for the duration of the term. She has continued to work for me in my constituency office.

Not only did Vina provide excellent service to me and my constituents, she also found time to serve her community, volunteering with the Canadian Cancer Society and Pinhey's Point Historical Society.

To Vina Waddell I say many, many thanks for her wonderful work and service. I wish her and Eldon the very best for a long and healthy retirement.

The Late Keizo Obuchi

[Bryon Wilfert, Liberal, Oak Ridges, ON]

Mr. Speaker, as chair of the Canada-Japan Interparliamentary Group I would like to express on behalf of the members of the interparliamentary group our deepest condolences with the sad news of the death of former Japanese Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi.

Mr. Obuchi was a strong supporter of Canada-Japan relations. His counsel and his advice were most appreciated. In November 1999 a delegation of Canadian parliamentarians had the great honour of meeting with Mr. Obuchi in his private residence in the context of the 10th bilateral consultations with their counterparts in the Diet. Members were struck by his warmth, friendship and genuine interest in Canada. They sensed that they were among a true friend.

We offer our deepest condolences to Mr. Obuchi's family and to the Japanese people. We will miss him.

Nisga'A Treaty

[Libby Davies, NDP, Vancouver East, BC]

Mr. Speaker, on Friday, May 12 I had the honour to attend and witness the signing of the historic Nisga'a treaty in the home of the Nisga'a people in the beautiful Nass Valley. Amidst snow capped mountains and glaciers, fields of green and black lava rock thrown for miles from its volcano 250 years ago, the people of the Nass River celebrated in their great tradition of community over 130 years of struggle for justice and equality.

President Joe Gosnell Sr. solemnly told those assembled, including the premier of B.C. and the federal Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, that the treaty sends a beacon of hope to all aboriginal peoples throughout the world.

Today the federal NDP pay tribute to the Nisga'a people for their perseverance, strength and vision that, as Dr. Gosnell said, is creating a new society.

We congratulate the Government of Canada, the province of B.C. and the Nisga'a on this truly historic day. Premier Dosanjh said “This treaty is about justice” and he is right.

Nuclear Fusion

[Stéphane Bergeron, Bloc, Verchères, QC]

Mr. Speaker, once again, we see the federal government's bad faith in its dealings with Quebec. It deviously forced the closing of the most important energy R and D project in Quebec: the Varennes Tokamak.

The real reasons behind the closing of the Varennes Tokamak are finally clear: members of the Canada-United States interparliamentary group are being urged to bring pressure to bear on the Americans in order to push for Canada, more specifically Ontario, as the site of the future ITER reactor.

The federal government has therefore shut down Quebec's nuclear fusion research project in order to launch a new, infinitely greater fusion program, but this time in Ontario, a province that already enjoys more than 50% of federal R and D funding. If the ITER reactor project comes through, billions of dollars in economic benefits will once again go to Ontario.

Gaspé

[Mark Assad, Liberal, Gatineau, QC]

Mr. Speaker, given the difficult economic times buffeting the Gaspé, the Government of Canada has announced it will contribute $1 million to a project to invest in the rail link between Matapédia and Chandler. This will mean the improvement of much of the rail line and railway bridges.

This long expected news was well received by the people of the Gaspé, as was the news of two weeks ago on the division of the Lower St. Lawrence and Gaspé regions for employment insurance calculation purposes.

The Government of Canada is there as well for the Gaspé region in Quebec.

Progressive Conservative Party

[Rick Borotsik, Progressive Conservative, Brandon—Souris, MB]

Mr. Speaker, members of the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada demonstrated to Canadians this past weekend in Quebec City that we are the only truly national alternative to the Liberal government. Over 1,000 dedicated Conservatives from across this great country discussed, debated and approved what will be our vision for Canada's future in the next federal election.

This past weekend also demonstrated to cynics of other political persuasions that the Conservative Party is very much alive and kicking after more than 130 years. Our party will continue to put forward new, bold, progressive ideas, ideas that will appeal to all Canadians from coast to coast to coast.

I would also like to congratulate Kris Paulson from my constituency who won a communications award from the PCYF.

On behalf of the PC caucus I would like to thank all of the dedicated Progressive Conservatives, young and old, across this great country who showed their true blue colours over the weekend in Quebec City.

I am a Canadian, my country includes Quebec as well.

Occupational Health And Safety

[Judi Longfield, Liberal, Whitby—Ajax, ON]

Mr. Speaker, the week of May 15 to 21 marks the fourth annual North American Occupational Health and Safety Week. Each year this special week gives us extra opportunity to promote awareness of the importance of preventing injury and illness in the workplace.

Workplace accidents take a tremendous emotional, physical and financial toll on many Canadian workers and their families. On average three workers are killed every working day. Every nine seconds someone is injured on the job. An investment in occupational safety and health is an investment in the well-being of workers and in the economic health of Canadian business.

It is fitting that this year, the 100th anniversary of the labour program, the theme is “Work Safely for a Healthy Future”. The aim is to encourage young workers to become aware of the critical importance in working in a safe and healthy manner.

Many special events are being held throughout this week in Canada, Mexico and the United States to bring attention to workplace safety issues. I hope hon. members will join me in wishing the participants a very successful week.

The Family

[Bernard Bigras, Bloc, Rosemont, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to point out that today is the International Day of Families and the start of Quebec's week of families.

The family lies at the heart of our personal universe. Family members meet often to create a bond of trust, security and longstanding respect to last a lifetime. The family is also a source of the support and frustration, happiness and obstacles, the routine and wonderment, sadness and joy that make an enormous contribution to all of our daily lives.

Starting a family today is an act of courage and, all too often, we forget the merit of it and the contribution it makes to the quality of life of mothers and fathers, children, grandparents, seniors, aunts and uncles, brothers and sisters.

On this international day of and Quebec week of families, I want to remind them of our recognition.

Canadian Alliance

[Werner Schmidt, Reform, Kelowna, BC]

Mr. Speaker, something new is in the air. There is a vibrancy and an enthusiasm that I have not felt for quite some time. Canadians are coming out of political hibernation and taking a new interest in politics. Why? The Canadian Alliance is filling the leadership vacuum in this country. For far too long true leadership in government has been missing. Canadians have been deliberately lulled into complacency by a Liberal government satisfied with the status quo, and distracted by a seatless leader who does not know which battles to fight.

These days are over. True leadership is not measured by where one stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where one stands in times of challenge and controversy. Those times are upon us.

The alliance leadership race is provoking Canadians to think, to discuss and, most importantly, to determine the course of their future. It is indeed a welcome change and one that will surely lead Canadians to their full potential.

Export Development Corporation

[Deborah Grey, Reform, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, we cannot help but be intrigued at the government's view of ethics. Patrick Lavelle is a long time friend and confidant of the Prime Minister, and friendship has its privileges.

Mr. Lavelle was handpicked to head up the Export Development Corporation. While that is a lovely little job in its own right, it is even better for Patrick because he has a personal stake in companies that receive EDC assistance.

Why is it that conflicts of interest are always overlooked for friends of the Prime Minister?

[Herb Gray, Liberal, Deputy Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, my hon. friend is overlooking the fact that Mr. Lavelle is a part time appointee to the board of directors where he serves as chair. He was chair at the time that EDC put into effect its code of ethics. I understand that Mr. Lavelle has complied with this code of ethics.

Furthermore, I understand the EDC board has never considered a matter related to any of the organizations Mr. Lavelle has an interest in. Part time board members are not subject to the compliance measures of the conflict of interest code, but they are fully subject to its principles.

I think that deals with the matter, contrary to the unwarranted assertions of my hon. friend.

[Deborah Grey, Reform, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, not exactly. I do not think Canadians who are forking out cash are really pleased with that answer. He talks about a part time chairman. Too bad they were not just giving out part time cash.

It is absolutely amazing that when Patrick Lavelle is not chairing EDC board meetings, which he does as the minister just said, he sits on the board of the Canadian Bank Note Company and Slater Steel and he has stock options in both of those. Wouldn't you know it, the Canadian Bank Note Company and Slater Steel both got millions of dollars in assistance from EDC.

Why is public money being used to finance private business deals for friends of the Prime Minister?

[Herb Gray, Liberal, Deputy Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, my friend's assertions are completely unwarranted. As I have already said, I am informed that the EDC board has never considered a matter related to any of the organizations in which Mr. Lavelle has an interest. Why does she not stick to the facts?

[Deborah Grey, Reform, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, maybe he does sit out those particular meetings but I do not think that it looks good or smells good for the government, and the minister knows it.

Patrick Lavelle oversees the management of millions of dollars of public money, period. He also sits on the board of two private companies that do business with that same public money. He is in a massive conflict of interest and the government is his accomplice. Why?

[Herb Gray, Liberal, Deputy Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, my hon. friend is wrong in alleging a conflict of interest. I have been advised that Mr. Lavelle complies with the EDC's code of ethics. I am advised that Mr. Lavelle complies with the conflict of interest code for government appointees. I repeat, the board of directors does not deal with any matters in which Mr. Lavelle has an interest.

My hon. friend is wrong. If anything smells, it is my hon. friend's question.

[Chuck Strahl, Reform, Fraser Valley, BC]

Mr. Speaker, he does not have to sit on the board. He just has to put his name on the letterhead and it seems to go to the right place.

Last week the EDC was in the news for giving untendered contracts to friends of the Prime Minister. This week we find out that a deal between the Canada Bank Note Company and India went sour. Guess who picked up the $3.5 million tab? EDC, of course.

Why does that matter? It is because Patrick Lavelle, the chairman of EDC, is also a director of the Canada Bank Note Company. Mr. Lavelle says it is not a lot of money. He does not get involved unless the amount of money is $20 million or more. Apparently somebody else looks after the petty cash.

Why is it that friends of the Prime Minister keep getting bailed out with public money?

[Herb Gray, Liberal, Deputy Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, I challenge my hon. friend to put facts on the table in the House and outside the House which indicate that Mr. Lavelle was personally involved in the matter in question. I challenge the hon. member to do that or to stand revealed as not having the ethics that he wants from others.