Debates of May 3rd, 2000

[The Speaker]

As is our practice on Wednesday we will now sing O Canada, and the choir of mixed parties will be led by the hon. member for Port Moody—Coquitlam—Port Coquitlam.

Friendly Giant

[Christine Stewart, Liberal, Northumberland, ON]

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of all Canadians I wish to offer my condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Bob Homme, Canada's Friendly Giant, who passed away yesterday at his home in Grafton, Ontario in my constituency of Northumberland.

For almost 30 years, beginning in 1958 and extending into the mid-1980s, the Friendly Giant was a fixture on CBC television. Mr. Homme was not only the star of the show but also its creative force. Over this period, during which more than 3,000 episodes were produced, Mr. Homme's character along with his trusty companions, Jerome the Giraffe and Rusty the Rooster, established an enduring bond with generations of Canadian children. Enchanting them with the wonder of books and music, my own three children, Doug, John and Cathy, like so many others, considered the Friendly Giant their favourite TV entertainment.

In 1998 the Order of Canada was awarded to Mr. Homme in recognition of these unique and significant accomplishments. He will be sadly missed but always fondly remembered.

Via Rail

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

Mr. Speaker, over the years billions—that is right, billions—of taxpayers' dollars have been wasted subsidizing VIA Rail.

Given these billions squandered by VIA, let me ask this not of the minister but of the taxpayers: What benefit have they, their families, their towns or their regions ever received from these billions of dollars in spending, or more important, how could this money have been better spent?

The minister claims that the private sector is not interested in VIA so the subsidies are necessary. I believe the private sector is interested and I offer this challenge to the minister. If I can get expressions of interest from the private sector operators to take over VIA Rail without taxpayer subsidies, will he commit to direct the transport committee to review the potential of their interest?

Millions of Canadians who have just sent in their tax returns want to know if the government is spending their money responsibly.

If the minister continues to subsidize VIA by almost $750,000 a day when it can be run by the private sector without cost to the taxpayer, Canadians will have their answer.

Walter F. Cook

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

Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness and regret that I inform the members of the House that Walter F. Cook of New Hamburg, Ontario passed away suddenly at his residence on April 27, 2000.

A community leader, Mr. Cook devoted himself to his local business, his church and his government. He owned and operated Cook's Pharmacy in New Hamburg and Wellesley. He committed himself to the Trinity Lutheran Church and represented New Hamburg on the Wilmot Township Council. Mr. Cook was also a veteran serving Canada in World War II.

Mr. Cook is remembered by his beloved wife, Audrey E. Cook, his children and his grandchildren and will be dearly missed by all members of our community.

Reservists

[Robert Bertrand, Liberal, Pontiac—Gatineau—Labelle, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to our country's devoted reservists.

Today, reservists across Canada are setting aside their usual cover of anonymity and wearing their uniform to work or school in order to show their pride in serving their country. Their employers, their teachers and the public will also have an opportunity to show their support in return.

These men and women are essential to the vitality of these illustrious Canadian units. They have served and continue to serve their country with distinction.

Members of the Primary Reserve, who wear the uniform of the army, the navy and the air force, can be proud of the services they have rendered, both in Canada and abroad, as well as in relief operations in disaster areas.

Other reservists are cadet instructors and work with young Canadians in over 1,100 communities. And the Canadian Rangers ensure an essential military presence in our remote northern regions.

On behalf of all members, I thank Canada's reservists, who serve our country with distinction, devotion and pride.

Literacy

[Andy Scott, Liberal, Fredericton, NB]

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to pay tribute to the 20 Corrections Canada teachers from British Columbia who are visiting the House this afternoon. These teachers play a vital role in the important work being done by Corrections Canada every day.

These dedicated professionals are here in Ottawa for the Literacy 2000 conference which is co-sponsored by Corrections Canada and U.S. Corrections.

The success of literacy programs is best illustrated by the success of learners. The many people who have taken advantage of the opportunities provided to improve their reading, writing and numeracy skills have taken advantage of an opportunity to dramatically change their lives.

The ability to read and write is essential in our own personal development. I applaud these Corrections Canada teachers and their efforts to meet the needs of undereducated adults and to encourage them to strive to meet their goals.

William Head Institute

[Darrel Stinson, Reform, Okanagan—Shuswap, BC]

Mr. Speaker, I am in favour of inmates learning a trade but the learning at William Head Institute in Victoria has been taken a little too far.

Inmates at the facility are encouraged to learn carving, woodworking and even a little welding. However, some inmates have decided to combine these activities and become boat builders. This would not be a bad thing if it were a prairie prison surrounded by only seas of blowing wheat but the institute is surrounded on three sides by water. This makes a boat building enterprise a very practical decision for an inmate with a little ingenuity.

Now I am no Mark Twain and this is not the story of Huck Finn, but believe it or not, it is true. A career criminal went on a crime spree after sailing away from William Head Institute. Even the court judge who sentenced the recaptured inmate to an additional 10 years was curious how an inmate could be allowed to build a raft.

To be fair to the warden, I believe him when he says they do not have a boat building program at the institute. That would be foolhardy and we all know that Corrections Canada would never do anything that is foolhardy.

Maybe the warden should take a walk down to the shop to make sure the inmates are not making speedboats for an even faster getaway.

Polish Constitution Day

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate constitution day with the people of Poland and Polish Canadians.

May 3 marks the 209th anniversary of Poland's constitution. The constitution of 1791 was the first liberal constitution in Europe and the second in the world.

The philosophies of humanitarianism and tolerance are present throughout the constitution. These include the right to rule by majority, secret ballots at all elections, as well as religious freedom and liberty for all people. This constitution founded a government called the guardian of laws, established a constitutional monarchy and introduced the principle of ministerial responsibility to the parliament. In terms of democratic precepts, this constitution is a landmark in the history of central and eastern Europe.

Solidarity honoured the memory of the bill on government following the parliamentary elections of June 1989. On April 6, 1990, the parliament re-established the May 3rd constitution day which is celebrated today around the world.

Salon Du Livre De Trois-Rivières

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

Mr. Speaker, last weekend marked the Mauricie region's 12th Salon du livre de Trois-Rivières, another remarkable literary and cultural success.

The event, which this year attracted more than 225 authors and writers, some of them even coming from other countries, is making a name for itself throughout Quebec as a prestigious showcase for local and international literary talent.

The Salon was the perfect opportunity to organize a Semaine du livre in some 25 schools in the Mauricie and central Quebec regions and, during the first part of the Salon, the spotlight was on 3,000 young people to whom the organizers had issued invitations.

This is an event which quite rightly enjoys broad public support and, on behalf of the community, I wish to offer Johanne Gaudreau's entire team of volunteers my sincerest—

[The Speaker]

The hon. member for London—Fanshawe.

Reserve Force Uniform Day

[Pat O'Brien, Liberal, London—Fanshawe, ON]

Mr. Speaker, today is Reserve Force Uniform Day. Reservists throughout the country are wearing their uniforms with pride to their places of civilian work or study.

Our reservists come from virtually every segment of Canadian society. Although from different backgrounds, they have one thing in common: their love of Canada and commitment to military service.

Canada's reserve units are located throughout the nation and foster national unity. In my city of London, Ontario we have four units, the 1st Hussars, the 4th Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment, the 22nd Service Battalion and HMCS Prevost .

Reservists have played a vital role in the defence of Canada. From pre-Confederation to today, reservists have served with courage and distinction. Today our reserve forces are participating in peacekeeping missions throughout the world and have recently provided assistance during national emergencies here in Canada.

Please join with me in saluting Canada's outstanding citizen soldiers.

Friendly Giant

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

Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise in the House today to pay tribute to a Canadian cultural institution. Canadians were saddened at the news of the passing of the Friendly Giant. I express my appreciation and admiration for a man who meant so much to the lives of young Canadians.

Bob Homme created the Friendly Giant in 1953 for American radio. The show was quickly brought to Canada by the CBC and began an amazing run beginning in 1958, ending when Homme retired in 1985.

Who could forget the characters that meshed with the Friendly Giant: Rusty the Rooster and Jerome the Giraffe. We all recall being asked to enter the giant's castle with the infamous series of chairs including the rocking chair in the middle.

Yes, Mr. Speaker, the drawbridge has long been raised on a program that encouraged kids across the land to read, to think and to dream. To quote Bob Homme, the Friendly Giant, I ask members of the House to look up, look way, way up, and say thank you and God bless.

Student Exchange

[Nancy Karetak-Lindell, Liberal, Nunavut, NU]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to welcome to Ottawa a group of students from Attaguttaaluk High School, Igloolik, Nunavut.

These students from my riding are on their way to Winnipeg to visit the Manitoba students who visited Igloolik recently where they learned how to build igloos, travelled by dog team and visited the floe edge seal hunting.

I would like to congratulate these young students for their extensive fundraising activities which helped to make their trip occur.

I would also like to thank the YMCA Visions Youth Exchange Program which is funded by Open House Canada under Heritage Canada for helping to make such an exchange trip possible.

I believe that visiting other regions of Canada helps us to understand the uniqueness of other areas and brings us all closer together from sea to sea to sea. Mutna . Thank you.

Holland

[Peter Stoffer, NDP, Sackville—Eastern Shore, NS]

Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to stand on behalf of my deceased father, my mother, my oldest brother and the rest of us who were born in Holland as the celebrations for the 55th anniversary of the liberation of Holland are happening now.

Many of our war veterans and their families, and the currently serving military as well as the reserves, are over in Holland right now celebrating with the Dutch people the great victory of the allied forces and that of the Canadian liberators.

Again, it comes from the heart when I say as a Dutch-born Canadian how truly proud I am that my father chose Canada. He once said to me, “If they have a military like that, imagine what kind of country they have”.

On behalf of all Dutch Canadians, the New Democratic Party would like to say to all veterans, their families, the current military, the reserves and the Parliament of Canada, thank you once again for the liberation of our country and God bless each and every one of you.

World Press Freedom Day

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

Mr. Speaker, on this World Press Freedom Day, the Bloc Quebecois wants to stress the crucial importance of this fundamental freedom for the preservation of democracy.

The freedom of the press is an essential rampart against abuse of all kinds. The press is the public's guiding light and a vital source of information that influences society's choices. Therefore, no one can question the freedom of the press.

Today, the Bloc Quebecois wants to acknowledge the work of the members of the press gallery who report daily on what goes on in parliament, in a difficult context. Working in both official languages, they must read reports in record time and, on any given day, their schedule may be disrupted one, twice or even three times.

Given the complexity of their role and deadlines that are seldom conducive to producing the rigorous work that is required of them, and in spite of the fact that we sometimes have our differences, the Bloc Quebecois wants to express its appreciation for the work and efforts of the press gallery members.

[Stan Keyes, Liberal, Hamilton West, ON]

Mr. Speaker, today Canadian Journalists for Free Expression is celebrating World Press Freedom Day. One of the hallmarks of a civilized society is the encouragement of public debate. As we all know and sometimes take for granted, an essential agent in this democratic process is the free press. In countries in turmoil where a free press is most needed many journalists are forced to put their lives in jeopardy.

To mark World Press Freedom Day, the first National Press Club press freedom award will be presented to a journalist who has contributed to the cause of press freedom. Also today Journalists in Exile, a group of journalists from Burundi, Iran, Serbia, Sierra Leone and Sri Lanka, is gathering at Ryerson University to share its experiences and promote this worthy cause.

On behalf of members of the House I offer my gratitude as well as my personal admiration to those individuals who fight to maintain freedom of the press, especially where it is most threatened. We owe them a great debt.

Jean-Noël Groleau Farm

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

Mr. Speaker, today, I am pleased to congratulate Diane Beaulieu and Jean-Noël Groleau, whose farm operation in Compton received ISO 14001 certification.

This farm is at the top when it comes to protecting the environment. It uses a unique technique in milk production, which takes into account current environmental concerns, while maintaining above average production levels.

I also want to mention the success of La Framboisière de l'Estrie. This organization also showed environmental management leadership in the agricultural sector. I am proud to have people in my riding who are innovative and resourceful, and who are not afraid to take action.

Jean-Noël Groleau's farm makes a concrete contribution to the promotion of safe farming operations.

Again, congratulations to the farm operated by Mrs. Beaulieu and Mr. Groleau.

Human Resources Development

[Deborah Grey, Reform, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, when the $1 billion bungle was discovered over at HRD the minister crowed about how her little six point plan would save the day. It turns out that her plan went six points to no place according to her own independent appraisers.

Deloitte & Touche reviewed that plan and gave it a failing grade. Why did she pretend that this plan would work when she was told by the experts that it would fail?

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

Mr. Speaker, it turns out that the hon. member is at least a day late. If she had been her yesterday, as we made clear, Deloitte & Touche received the audit plan in the first draft. We paid them to look at it, to make recommendations, and they did.

If she had been here or maybe at the committee yesterday, she would have heard what they actually said, which was and I quote—

[The Speaker]

Order, please. We should not mention whether a member was here or is here.

[Deborah Grey, Reform, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, I was around enough to know that Deloitte & Touche made a recommendation on February 2 and there were no substantive changes in the minister's six point plan.

The report was dated February 2. They said they had serious concerns about it. On February 8 she stood in the House after no substantive changes to the six point plan and said “I am going to save the day”.

That simply is not true and I would like to repeat my question to the minister. Why did she brag about this when the very company she hired showed that it had serious concerns?

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

Mr. Speaker, I bragged about it because indeed we took the recommendations of this company and implemented them. Yesterday in committee, and I quote, Deloitte & Touche stated:

—subsequent to our report...my understanding is the department has taken our advice, the advice of others and revised the action plan.

Again let us remember that the auditor general said this was an extraordinary response to an extraordinary circumstance.

[Deborah Grey, Reform, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, this minister knows she created those extraordinary circumstances. She just said that Deloitte & Touche said “my understanding is that the minister has taken the recommendation”. She never even gave them the decency of giving it back to them to read and make any recommendations on.

It is just great to sit there and laugh it off, but this was $1 billion that Canadian taxpayers are pretty darned concerned about. The minister has had the gall to stand in the House and say that everything is fine. How can she stand here and tell the House that the plan is working when people across the country know that it is a doomed failure?

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

Mr. Speaker, quite the opposite. In fact, Deloitte & Touche said that we had a good short term plan and Deloitte & Touche gave us recommendations on how to make it better for the longer term.

We implemented those plans. We have added aspects of training and we have added aspects focusing on accountability. We have ensured that senior management know what their roles are and what accountable role they will have to play.

We have a plan that will work. Men and women across the country are implementing this plan day and night because they believe in providing good service to the taxpayer. We will do it.

[Diane Ablonczy, Reform, Calgary Nose Hill, AB]

Mr. Speaker, here is what happened. In January the minister was caught in a billion dollar boondoggle. Instead of resigning, she waved around a six point plan that was supposed to fix everything.

She used words in the House to imply that Deloitte & Touche had endorsed her plan. Now we find out that Deloitte & Touche actually gave the minister's plan a failing grade. Why did the minister hide the fact that Deloitte & Touche had advised her that her plan was inadequate?