Debates of Sept. 20th, 2000

[The Speaker]

As is our practice on Wednesday we will now sing O Canada, and we will be led by the hon. member for Peterborough.

[Editor's Note: Members sang the national anthem]

Organized Crime

[Jim Abbott, Reform, Kootenay—Columbia, BC]

Mr. Speaker, in today's London Free Press and Sun Media there is an accurate description of the contents of a joint project between the RCMP and CSIS called sidewinder.

The contents of the report should raise very deep concerns with all Canadians. I have been contacted by a Toronto police officer who worked in the Asian crime unit for three years who said “The Canadian public have absolutely no idea what is taking place in our society insofar as the criminal activities of organized groups is concerned”.

Having read the report, it shows a seamless connection between the issue of organized crime and national security, with bridges built to significant Canadian companies and political parties. The Liberal government's inaction on these issues is deplorable. It must immediately undertake a rationalization of information sharing and jurisdiction between the armed forces, foreign affairs, immigration, CSIS and the RCMP.

The threat to Canadians' personal and national security, as illustrated by the contents of sidewinder, are far too profound to Canada to continue to be ignored by the government.

John Connor

[Paul Devillers, Liberal, Simcoe North, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I take this opportunity to pay tribute to John Connor, a constituent in my riding of Simcoe North, for his work as a volunteer with the Canadian Executive Services Organization. CESO is a non-profit, volunteer based organization which brings Canadian expertise to businesses, communities and organizations in Canada and abroad.

As a volunteer with CESO international services, Mr. Connor provided business advice to a Russian company involved in the manufacture of electric switches for auto plants. He also assisted the company in developing a business plan encompassing marketing and professional development.

On behalf of all Canadians, I wish to congratulate Mr. Connor for his commitment to share his time and expertise with emerging economies like Russia.

Humanitarian Catastrophes

[Bernard Patry, Liberal, Pierrefonds—Dollard, QC]

Mr. Speaker, this past September 14, Canada announced the creation of an international commission mandated to promote intervention by the international community in the event of humanitarian catastrophes.

Canada is creating this commission in order to be able to play a positive and constructive role in the resolution of conflicts affecting human dignity.

Canada is not alone in this crusade. It has the support of the Secretary General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan, as well as the leaders of a number of European countries.

Primarily, the new commission is to organize symposia and debates throughout the world on humanitarian catastrophes and to produce a report on its activities.

This is evidence of Canada's continuing lead role in international policy.

Fag Bearings Limited

[John Richardson, Liberal, Perth—Middlesex, ON]

Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to rise in the House today to announce that the FAG Bearings Limited of Stratford has recently opened a $23 million, 12,000 square metre plant in Stratford, Ontario. Production lines begin moving on August 18, 2000.

FAG Bearings currently employs 215 people in the manufacturing of high quality aerospace bearings with another 10 to 15 employees to be added by the end of the year. Stratford now has the most modern aerospace bearing plant in the world. This will allow the strategically important Canadian division of FAG Bearings to continue to increase its annual sales, which have grown from $10 million in 1995 to $50 million in 1999, and on and on.

This new plant facility is a perfect example of the growing strength of Canada's economy, which has outpaced even the United States over the past year. This is welcome news for the expanding local economy of Stratford and the riding of Perth—Middlesex, which maintains one of the lowest unemployment rates in Canada.

The Late Anthony Theodorus Roosenmaallen

[Paul Forseth, Reform, New Westminster—Coquitlam—Burnaby, BC]

Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the untimely passing of Anthony Theodorus Roosenmaallen. He died on 12th Street in New Westminster, British Columbia in August of this year when he bravely tried to intervene and come to the rescue of victims who were being assaulted. He tried to keep the peace in the community and, unfortunately, died as a result.

Born November 13, 1960 in Scarborough, Ontario, Tony is survived by his son Morgan, age 13, his parents Anthony and Jose, and his brothers and sister in Kingston. He was buried at Glen Abbey Memorial Gardens in Kingston.

In New Westminster there was a street candlelight vigil in Tony's memory, as this construction worker had many friends. Four males aged 16 to 21 were charged from this tragedy. My community was deeply offended. May the Minister of Justice change her ways and take notice of what is needed to defend our communities.

Tony refused to ignore an injustice taking place. Why are the Liberals ignoring taking responsibility for violent crimes?

Mammograms

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

Mr. Speaker, once again I have concerns that the National Post 's sensational headlines have caused a huge distortion of serious facts.

The title of today's article in the National Post suggested that mammograms are pointless. This could not be farther from the truth. A new study on breast screening procedures says that proper physical examinations can be a viable alternative for women who do not have access to mammograms or who fear radiation.

Dr. Cornelia Baines, deputy director of the study, explained that if women can arrange to have a good clinical breast exam, they will be looking after their breast health as well as if they were getting a mammogram, but that mammography screening of women who take no other steps to detect breast cancer does reduce the number of deaths.

Canadian Cancer Society numbers say that 19,200 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in Canada this year alone; all the more reason why Canadian women over 50 must still be encouraged to have either a mammogram or an appointment for a proper clinical examination by a trained professional every two years.

Health

[Gurbax Malhi, Liberal, Bramalea—Gore—Malton, ON]

Mr. Speaker, since Canada's new health care plan was signed on September 13, I have received many calls from constituents. Many of them say they are pleased that the federal Liberal government has reached an historical agreement with the first ministers.

The good news is that this health action plan will help sustain and modernize Canada's publicly funded health care system.

Canadians in general are pleased that their federal Liberal government is investing over $21 billion over five years through the Canada health and social transfer.

Once again Canadians can feel proud of having one of the world's best medicare systems, a cornerstone of Canada's unmatched quality of life.

Bombardier

[Maurice Dumas, Bloc, Argenteuil—Papineau, QC]

Mr. Speaker, on August 11 Bombardier made an official announcement of the construction of its new plant in the Montreal foreign trade zone at Mirabel, which is in my riding.

This is excellent news, since it will create 1,700 jobs in the Mirabel region, and investments of some $170 million. Assembly operations for the CRJ900, Bombardier's new 90-seat aircraft, and of the CRJ700, its 70-seat model, are expected to begin next spring.

Bombardier's location in Mirabel's foreign trade zone is the direct outcome of the recommendations of the Tardif Commission on the development of Mirabel airport.

I must therefore thank the government of Quebec for its involvement in this matter. It will be recalled that the foreign trade zone was created in response to the flagrant lack of action by the federal government.

Fisheries

[John Cummins, Reform, Delta—South Richmond, BC]

Mr. Speaker, there is leadership on Miramichi Bay. It is not with the federal government, Bob Rae or the fisheries minister. It is with commercially licensed fishermen who have been so patient these past few weeks. They are the heroes of Burnt Church because they chose to exercise restraint, even though their livelihood was being put at risk and even when conservation was being thrown out the window.

These people watched as their fish stocks were poached. And then watched our government reward the poachers, and still they exercised restraint. They heard their fisheries minister tell them he would end the illegal fishery and protect their stock. And then they saw him do nothing.

These people chose to be responsible even when their minister was not. They could teach him a thing or two. They recognize that actions have consequences and the law must be obeyed. We wish the minister had their wisdom. The official opposition salutes the commercial fishermen, the real leaders on Miramichi Bay who chose to exercise restraint.

Health

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

Mr. Speaker, last week the federal and provincial governments reached an historic agreement.

Thanks to this agreement, the people of Canada will have quality health care because of a considerable increase in health care funding: $21.1 billion over the next five years.

Quebec is a winner with this agreement. Thanks to it, Quebec will be able to count on having nearly $5 billion more in its coffers between now and 2005-2006.

Our government's co-operation and its concern about reaching a satisfactory agreement were recognized by the premier of Quebec.

This is a concrete result. The Liberal government is working ceaselessly to improve the quality of life of Canadians from coast to coast.

Grand & Toy

[Yvon Godin, NDP, Acadie—Bathurst, NB]

Mr. Speaker, I am sure you have been made aware of the unfortunate circumstances at Grand & Toy.

The employer, or its American parent company, seems determined to provoke a long and hostile labour dispute with its workers, members of the United Steelworkers of America, by first locking them out when they had agreed to continue working throughout negotiations, and then using scabs, some of whom can only be described as violent people who provoke and intimidate locked out employees.

The federal government is a major client of Grand & Toy. I am asking this federal government to cease purchasing goods and services from Grand & Toy until a fair and responsible collective agreement can be reached.

Our continued business there will only prolong the lockout. I hope the Liberals will wake up.

Housing

[Christiane Gagnon, Bloc, Québec, QC]

Mr. Speaker, FRAPRU continues its fight for those needing proper housing and reminds us that, according to the latest statistics, 833,555 renters spend half and more of their meager income on housing. This figure represents a 43% increase since 1990.

During my recent visit to community organizations in 27 ridings, I encountered over 400 bodies in the various regions of Quebec. This point is clear: Quebecers do not accept the fact that one person in five is not benefiting from the economic growth and full citizenship.

Why does the Prime Minister continue to ignore an urgent need such as the that of hundreds of women, men and children to find housing?

The need is known, the funds are there. What is lacking is political will to act. The federal government's reinvestment in public housing and not just affordable housing is more than a matter of choice, it is a matter of human dignity.

The Late Louis Quilico

[Judy Sgro, Liberal, York West, ON]

Mr. Speaker, today I would like to pay tribute to a great Canadian opera singer, the late Mr. Louis Quilico who passed away at the age of 75 last July 15 from a heart attack. Mr. Quilico was one of the most celebrated baritones of his generation.

Born in Montreal of a Quebecois mother and an Italian father, Mr. Quilico made his first foray into opera at the Opera Guild of Montreal and spent 25 years at the Metropolitan Opera in New York as well as other great stages of the world.

He is recognized for the exceptional quality of his performances and the strength of his voice.

In addition, Mr. Quilico taught music at the University of Toronto and the University of Montreal where he also taught Gino, his son, who would later play in many operas with his father.

In 1974 Mr. Quilico was named Companion of the Order of Canada. Last year he received a Governor General's award in the performing arts.

Mr. Quilico contributed in an extraordinary way to Canadian music and to opera as a whole. On behalf of the Government of Canada, I would like to thank Mr. Quilico and offer my sincere condolences to his loved ones.

World Alzheimer's Day

[Elsie Wayne, Progressive Conservative, Saint John, NB]

Mr. Speaker, tomorrow, September 21, will mark World Alzheimer's Day.

Currently there are more than 316,000 who suffer from Alzheimer's, but as our nation's population ages that statistic is expected to grow.

Researchers predict that within 30 years there will be three-quarters of a million people afflicted with this devastating disease.

Alzheimer's is a progressive and irreversible dementia that is neither a fair nor normal companion to the aging process. It takes from its victims the loving memories and associations formed through the course of a vibrant lifetime.

The scientific community continues to seek not only a cure, but also preventive measures to eliminate the threat of this heartbreaking disease.

We wish the researchers every success in their efforts and we pray that all people across the country will support the families and all those people who are out to try to cure this disease.

Human Rights

[Jean Augustine, Liberal, Etobicoke—Lakeshore, ON]

Mr. Speaker, today Action Canada on Population and Development, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund, launched the United Nations' State of World Population report. That report is entitled “Lives Together, Worlds Apart”.

The report draws to the attention of Canadians and the international community the global problem of inequality between women and men in societies around the world.

Ending gender discrimination is an urgent human rights and development priority. Inequality between women and men limits the potential of individuals, families, communities and nations around the world.

I urge the Canadian government to work with its counterparts and take action on its commitment to the International Conference on Population and Development Program to end gender inequality.

Fuel Taxes

[Stockwell Day, Canadian Alliance, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, I am kind of new around here, so I am trying to get a handle on this government policy.

As I understand it now, when the government is in a position to give money back to people, it says it cannot because it has to consult. However, when it wants to take money away from people, as it did when it reduced health care to the provinces by 33%, and as it did when it raised the gas taxes in 1995, there is no consultation.

Will the Prime Minister please abandon this self-interested policy and state clearly that his government will in fact allow consumers to have a reduction in their taxes at the pump?

[Jean Chrétien, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, we have replied to this question. To have a meaningful policy on that, the Minister of Finance is right to consult with the provinces otherwise it will not work.

We have many options that we are looking into, but we have to go back to the fact that the increase in the price of oil in Canada has been caused by the tripling of the price of oil around the world, including those who produce oil in Alberta.

By the way, I would like to tell the House of Commons that there was no tax on gasoline in Alberta when the Leader of the Opposition became a member of the assembly. He was the minister of finance for three years and there was a 9 cents a litre tax in Alberta.

[Some hon. members]

Oh, oh.

[The Speaker]

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

[Stockwell Day, Canadian Alliance, Leader of the Opposition]

The Prime Minister is correct, Mr. Speaker. When I was minister of finance we had the lowest tax on gasoline in the country and lower taxes right across the board. We lowered the debt at a time when oil prices were low and global commodity prices were high. When the Prime Minister was the minister of finance, taxes went up and debt when up.

I am asking the Minister of Finance this. While he is parlaying at that palace in Prague next week and the people from P.E.I. to Penticton and Princeton continue to have their pockets picked at the pump, will he please, before he leaves, make the recommendation to lower that price?

[Paul Martin, Liberal, Minister of Finance]

Mr. Speaker, after imposing the tax, then at a time of rising fuel taxes in Alberta, and public discussion on whether or not the excise tax should be cut when it was at 9%, the minister said he would consider it. In his budget, he specifically rejected it. The question is, why is he recommending in opposition a course of action that he refused to accept when he was in office?

[Some hon. members]

Oh, oh.

[The Speaker]

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

[Stockwell Day, Canadian Alliance, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, my record as finance minister was to continue to lower taxes at a rate unseen across the country, even when prices were low.

If the Prime Minister is sincere when he says he thinks the increase in the price of gasoline may increase the risk of a recession, why will he not support the Alliance proposal to reduce the price of gasoline by almost 5%, which would reduce the risk of a recession?