Debates of Oct. 15th, 2001

Supply

[Francine Lalonde, Bloc, Mercier, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I could say that my colleague, with whom I often work and am often in agreement, also appears to be in contradiction.

I would appreciate his support in calling for the United Nations to play a more important role. I would like him with us as well, with European socialist colleagues. They are not saying “No, we are letting bin Laden off”. The international community must take a stand, but there must be action at two levels, in two different directions.

This is how we will be strong, much stronger than if we were to say the UN should not be involved and we refused support that was in fact recognized by the security council. It did not tell the Americans they did not have the right. The UN security council told the Americans they had the right--

[Svend Robinson, NDP, Burnaby—Douglas, BC]

No, that is not right.

[Francine Lalonde, Bloc, Mercier, QC]

I am sorry, you look at your papers, I am looking at mine. In the Council of Europe, it was included in the resolution. The council is very concerned about compliance with international treaties. Obviously, it cannot speak for individual countries, but the elements of its resolution contained this point.

What is important is that there be a targeted response with the United Nations. I deeply regret the death of the four humanitarian workers and the villagers. Our information is that they died following the strikes. It is terrible indeed, but the international community had to react. And the response could not only be military, it could not only be a question of a country's domestic security, it could not only be anti-terrorism legislation.

This response must also be the one I mentioned, the vital signal in connection with the increase in poverty and the disparity between the wealthy and the poor countries.

Tomorrow we will have the opportunity to talk further on this, because it is the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. I hope my hon. colleague will agree with me on this matter.

[Alexa McDonough, NDP, Halifax, NS]

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to take part in today's debate.

I welcome the fact that we are today having a debate on the continuing challenges we face as a result of the absolute horror of the September 11 atrocities that visited our shores, that were visited upon thousands and thousands of people in three different parts of the United States and of course resulted in the deaths of people from 60 different nations of the world.

I want to deal very briefly with the motion itself. Then I want to expand somewhat upon what I, my party and my colleagues in the House of Commons feel very strongly is the need for a far more comprehensive response to the horrendous challenge we face as a result of the terrorism crisis that literally exploded on the world scene on September 11.

Briefly then, there are three parts to the motion before us. The first part calls upon all members of the House to once again condemn the atrocities committed on September 11. Let me say that my colleagues join again with all members of the House in doing exactly that. As we know, all five parties had an opportunity to be put squarely on the record in expressing their condemnation on the very first day the House sat after the September 11 events.

Whatever differences we might have about what the nature and extent of the response should be to the September 11 atrocities, no one should pretend that any member of the House is counselling turning the other cheek or advocating a policy of appeasement or a policy that says we will just go on doing what we are doing. That is simply false.

In 1916 the famous Irish poet Yeats wrote that all was changed, “changed utterly”. That says it all for us as it relates to what happened on September 11, as it relates to a call to each and every responsible citizen of the world and as it relates to us as parliamentarians to provide leadership in the appropriate response to the horrors of September 11.

Let us also be clear that the atrocities committed on September 11 were indeed a crime, a horrendous crime, a crime against humanity. It is very important that we be clear about that because that fact must guide us in our response to the atrocities of September 11. We know that when we are dealing with crimes a response to criminality is required and that we must use every single means at our disposal around the world to bring the perpetrators of those horrendous crimes to justice.

The terrorism of September 11 is also a terrorism that is now recognized as a global crisis, so our response to these crimes must also be a truly international response. As people understand the implications of what we are faced with the number of voices is growing as people call for a response based upon the rule of law which is truly international, understanding that we are dealing with crimes against humanity. That is why we have consistently advocated and argued for a special international court to be established, a tribunal under the auspices of the United Nations similar to those that have been set up to deal with the horrors of what happened in Rwanda, in the former Yugoslavia and in the Lockerbie bombing.

Those situations are not at all the same, but the mechanism, the moral and legal authority to deal with these crimes against humanity that are literally a global crisis, must reside with the United Nations. It is the one truly international body that exists for the purpose of dealing with an international crime and dealing with the kind of threat to peace and security around the world that is reflected in what happened on September 11.

What would such an international tribunal do? Such an international tribunal would do what we do when faced with horrendous crimes. It would indict. It would apprehend. It would try and it would punish the perpetrators of those horrendous crimes. To decide to give any nation or any coalition of countries, no matter how broad, the right to act as judge, jury and executioner when dealing with horrendous crimes is simply not acceptable. No country or coalition of countries can take the law into its own hands, because if we allow that to happen we descend into lawlessness and the implications for the future peace and security of the world are truly terrifying.

Let me be clear: I am not among the fainthearted and my party is not naive. The use of force may indeed be necessary to bring those perpetrators to justice, but let us make sure that the moral and legal authority for acting to bring them to justice, including if necessary the use of force, is carried out within the rule of law and under the auspices of the United Nations.

We simply cannot choose retaliation and military strikes over international justice. Many people with far more experience in the realm of international law, international relations and international diplomacy have pleaded this case. Let me quote one. Geoffrey Pearson, a distinguished diplomat, son of a distinguished prime minister who knew and understood this argument, and today the president of the United Nations Association in Canada, cautions that “Such action will only escalate the cycle of violence and is likely to create a new generation blighted by hatred and despair”.

Canadians were profoundly horrified by the 6,000 senseless deaths in the United States on September 11. We simply cannot remain indifferent to the deaths of more innocent people, to the deaths of more men, women and children in some other part of the world. We cannot and will not remain indifferent to casualties among innocent civilians simply because they happen to be in another part of the world.

Nor clearly can we accept, and I want to be very clear about this, that the horrendous crimes of September 11 are in any way, shape or form justifiable. There is no cause and no grievance sufficient to justify the crimes against humanity that happened on September 11. That is why the New Democratic Party has been very clear about distancing itself from any who would argue that somehow the past wrongs of one nation, in this case the United States of America, would explain and justify the September 11 atrocities. They do not, they cannot and they never will.

Just as all nations of the world must come together under the auspices of the United Nations with the moral and legal authority that only that body and that body alone lends to this fight against terrorism, it is also absolutely essential that the United Nations takes the lead in the campaign against terrorism, and it is doing just that. When the leaders of the political parties accompanied the Prime Minister to New York, it was the morning after the United Nations had grappled with the specific initiatives needed by every government and every nation of the world to put in place appropriate anti-terrorist measures.

We are now to debate the legislation introduced today. While I hope there will be some improvements that we will all probably contribute in that debate, I also hope that we have not killed democratic debate and responsible dissent in this parliament or in this country. The fact is that we do come together and I think that we absolutely must support the call from the United Nations for every single country of the world to bring forward within 90 days the concrete measures that we plan to take to combat terrorism here at home.

Nobody has made the case for a truly global response to what happened September 11 better than the United Nations secretary-general himself. Let me quote quickly from one of the many very important statements he has made since September 11, in which he said that it is essential that the global response to terrorism be truly universal and that it not be divisive. He said:

To defeat terrorism, we need a sustained effort and a broad strategy to unite all nations, and address all aspects of the scourge that we face.

Every nation and every people have a responsibility to contribute to the fight against terrorism by ensuring that differences in disputes are resolved through political means and not through violence.

I would say that it was a beacon of hope for a world torn with tensions and terrified about the escalating violence occurring that Kofi Annan was awarded, together with the United Nations, the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday of last week.

We have a motion before us in which the Conservative Party has called on all members to express our support for the families of and the men and women in the military who are called to duty, who are being assigned to duties in regard to the horrors of September 11. Let me say again that the New Democratic Party absolutely stands behind those men and women who are carrying out the duties to which they have been called. We have done so previously in parliament. We have done so publicly on numerous occasions. As one would expect I have done so, as have all of my colleagues with military men and women and their families in their own communities, because when our military men and women are called to service they are responding to the call to serve their country.

We must support our military men and women, and also their families which are all too often forgotten. Whether they take part in a peacekeeping mission or in an operation such as this one, they serve their country by putting their lives on the line. For this, they deserve our respect and support.

We have some concerns about some of the notions buried in the second aspect of the motion. There is an implication in the motion that is simply not accurate; that there is a truly international coalition that has come together to fight terrorism. Until the nations of the world conduct themselves within the rule of law and under the auspices of the United Nations, it is simply inaccurate and misinformed to call it an international coalition. We have concerns about the way in which this resolution reads.

It could not be better expressed than in some of the messages I have been receiving from people literally across the country and in many other countries, particularly the United States, but from some others as well. Let me quote from a couple of those messages that I have received. I am sure every member has received messages from people saying that they want their parliamentarians to take into account what is really happening here and what the implications are of their actions.

One very interesting message and one I suspect went to all members was eight Nobel peace laureates who came together to put out a statement which read in part as follows:

The response of the United States and its allies should not be driven by a blind desire for vengeance, but rather a renewed determination to work for a peaceful and just world. The single great evil that must be opposed is not one group of people or another, but rather the fear and the hatred that continue to find root in human hearts.

We must always keep in mind that we are not talking about one nation fighting another. We are not talking about one religious group or one ethnic group fighting another. We are talking about the human family worldwide coming together to pave the path to peace and security, and let us never forget it.

The third part of the motion calls upon the government to respect the traditions of parliament and make full use of parliamentary committees. Let me say how easy it is to indicate our support for that. We have called for that on numerous occasions. One of the shameful and disappointing things that the government has not seen fit to do is to put all of us as parliamentarians to work on finding ways to deal with this crisis. We do not have a problem with that aspect of the motion.

It is disappointing that the Conservative Party did not bring forward a far more comprehensive motion than the one before us, one that would be worthy, and I say this sincerely, of the very considerable skills and achievements of the current leader who served very capably as the foreign affairs minister in a previous government in this country. It is disappointing that the motion is rather paltry and shrunken down. It really lacks the clear alternatives and concrete measures and actions for which I think people are looking in response to this terrorist crisis that the government has failed to lead on. We now see very little in the motion today that would suggest the Conservative Party has any suggestions to make in this regard.

The inadequacy of this motion is apparent to people. I have to say that I am genuinely disappointed that I and my colleagues find it impossible to support that motion, for some of the reasons I have already mentioned, but particularly because it falls so short of the kind of comprehensive response that is needed from parliament today.

I want to take a minute to read into the record a more adequate response and one that I feel very proud to stand behind. The federal council, the international affairs committee and the federal executive of the New Democratic Party met over the weekend. They adopted a resolution that sets out in a more comprehensive way a more adequate response than the motion we have before us.

Let me very quickly read the elements of the motion. First, we condemn in the strongest possible terms the crimes against humanity and call for the perpetrators to be brought to justice through an international tribunal under the auspices of the United Nations, as we have said.

Second, we support the men and women of the Canadian armed forces who have been assigned to undertake their missions. We support them with a view to returning them safely home, as well as supporting their families who have remained behind in Canada.

Third, we call upon the federal government to bring this issue before the United Nations General Assembly under the provisions of article 35 of the UN charter, with the objective of seeking a peaceful, diplomatic resolution that would bring the perpetrators of the September 11 attacks to justice.

Fourth, we condemn the federal government's decision to commit military support in the U.S. led military action without first having scheduled in the House of Commons a full debate and vote. We insist that such debate and vote take place before any further deployment of military resources, particularly given the U.S. indication that it may be prepared to expand its attacks to other countries behind Afghanistan.

Fifth, we reaffirm our policy to oppose offensive military intervention that is not sanctioned by the United Nations. We call for an immediate end to the U.S. led military action in Afghanistan and an end to Canadian participation in this action.

I do not have time to read the full contents of that motion but it is available and we will be speaking to it again.

In conclusion, there has never been a bigger challenge to those of us who aim to serve our nation and to make this a more secure and peaceful world. I hope it is recognized that there are many people who do not support a militaristic response to the challenge we face. We are proud to stand in the House and represent the voices, views and values of those many people across the country who stand with us in that position.

[Paul Szabo, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Works and Government Services]

Mr. Speaker, when the leader of the New Democratic Party spoke on this issue about two weeks ago she was very specific in the choice of her words. The theme was peaceful solutions. I remember asking one of her colleagues whether or not she thought peaceful solutions would be appropriate with people like Saddam Hussein, Slobodan Milosevic or Osama bin Laden.

The member called for a comprehensive response. I think she characterized the situation very well by saying that these are crimes against humanity. Her definition of international puzzles me because she seems to define something as not being of an international context if it does not involve the UN, period, notwithstanding that the coalition involves countries from all over the world.

She calls for the UN to set up an international tribunal. The UN, which represents countries all around the world, including some of the countries involved in this conflict, has not taken any steps whatsoever to initiate this tribunal, which has been advocated by many groups for years and years.

I would like the member to clarify. She cannot support the military and then condemn the government for putting the military into service if it is not under the auspices of the UN. I think it really comes down to not having it both ways. The New Democratic Party has to be clear that it does not support retaliation, which is what she characterizes it as, but rather the protection and defending of Canadians and all democracies around the world.

[Alexa McDonough, NDP, Halifax, NS]

Mr. Speaker, let me try to respond to the very first question which is when a peaceful solution is appropriate when we are dealing with terrorists. Peaceful solutions are always appropriate, especially when we are dealing with terrorists and with the instability of many countries in the world whose response to escalating violence and greater military assaults is truly terrifying in terms of what it means for the peace of the world.

Let me quote briefly an American by the name of A.J. Muste who said, when debating how Canada will participate in the war, “There is nothing more courageous than a stance for peace”. Let us never forget that.

Second, on the question of what would be an international auspices, it is about the moral and legal authority and about who should bring this matter to justice.

I received an e-mail message from a young lawyer in my riding stating that there was an international coalition to be built, the UN would be the obvious forum for that purpose. The e-mail went on to state that having the U.S. convene the coalition would leave the broader world community without a real voice.

That is one of many such messages that people have sent, pleading for all of us not to fall prey to the notion that there are only two responses to this crisis: we are either for bin Laden or we are for bombing.

Do we seriously think those responses, that we are either for terrorism or for the bombing and killing of innocent civilians, are the only choices available? Many people in this country do not believe the world is that black and white and if we are to truly solve the problem that it serves us well to divide the world in those terms.

Finally, I quote from someone who has written the following words:

Bombing is unworthy of us.... Militarism is not the answer to terrorism. The building of an international legal system that promotes social justice is. The world must move beyond the tears, grief and anger of September 11 and finally establish a just and stable foundation for true international peace and security.

This was written by Senator Douglas Roche, who has written, studied and devoted most of his adult life to building a political agenda for social justice.

Many other countries in the world are devoted to that political agenda for social justice. We need to be working together under the auspices of the United Nations but we also need to be working together with middle powers that are making progress in this direction. It is through those kinds of deeds that we will find a true solution to the terrorism that rocks the world as a result of the events of September 11.

[Val Meredith, Canadian Alliance, South Surrey—White Rock—Langley, BC]

Mr. Speaker, I understand the hon. leader of the NDP represents approximately 1,000 sailors who have been sent to play Canada's part. Do those 1,000 soldiers think they are doing the right thing or do they support her position and the position of the NDP?

[Alexa McDonough, NDP, Halifax, NS]

Mr. Speaker, I have to say in all honesty that I am truly astounded by this fact, but I will share it. As a result of my candour and being frank, I suspect that I will now receive a great many messages from people who are called to military service. If I were to hear from a good many of them, I would understand if they said they were shaken about my having reservations about the military approach being taken by the government.

However, it has been a whole month since the horror of the September 11 atrocities. I represent thousands and thousands of military personnel and their families. In the 20 years since I was elected, I have always had military bases in my riding. In that month I have received only three such calls to my offices asking me why I am standing against a military assault on Afghanistan. However, I have been flooded with thousands and thousands of messages from people directly and indirectly saying the opposite.

Let me read what one of them said: “When will we learn that we don't stop someone from hitting us by trying to hit them harder? Please continue to stand against the pressure to conform. Please continue to express your views and ours”. I take pride in that.

It is a pathetic notion of what our duty is in the House to badger one another by asking members if they are afraid they will lose votes if they stand up to be counted and if they stand up to represent the concerns and the fears of people about where a military response will lead us. I do not accept that. It is not worthy of what we as parliamentarians are called to do in the line of service to Canadians.

[Gerald Keddy, Progressive Conservative, South Shore, NS]

Mr. Speaker, to go back to another era, perhaps Neville Chamberlain should move over and the hon. member for Halifax should sit down because they are both standing in the same place. This is not the time nor place in Canadian history to try to stand on both sides of a line. We very clearly have drawn a line here and now is the time to take a stand.

The hon. member for Halifax does represent a number of Canadian military personnel. Other members of parliament represent them as well. However, what we have is a person trying to justify a position with which the individual is not comfortable. If we listen to the speech, we cannot take a stand that is not a stand. There is an old Yiddish word schlemiel, which is someone who falls on his or her back and breaks his or her nose. I realize it is not necessarily a parliamentary phrase but it is a very important phrase.

I challenge the member for Halifax to represent Canadian military personnel, the men and women in her riding whom she represents, and to make sure that when they go into battle to represent Canada's forces on the world stage that they know they have the support of every parliamentarian here, including the member for Halifax.

[Alexa McDonough, NDP, Halifax, NS]

Mr. Speaker, let me be absolutely clear about where I and my party stand. We stand on the side of justice. We stand on the side of internationalism. We stand proudly to represent military men, women and their families all over the country, but particularly in Atlantic Canada.

Let me say that there have been many voices that are counselling against plunging into military duty. It may be of some historical interest to remember that although Canada entered the second world war in 1939, the United States did not enter that same war until December of 1941, 27 months later.

The point is that many people are pleading with us to not rush into a military escalation when there are many more things that we can do and we must do to advance peace and security.

Let me quote again from someone in my riding who wrote: “I know that any level of opposition to the bombing campaign may be politically dangerous but it is the right position and I do not believe that public opinion is as unified in support of military assaults as some would have you believe. There is clearly not unanimity on this issue”.

Another person wrote “There are many people who believe that a reasoned approach that seeks justice rather than retribution is required”.

We stand proudly to represent that point of view because we believe that that is the path to the peace and the security that all members of the human family would want and deserve if they are going to survive as a human family on this planet.

[John Herron, Progressive Conservative, Fundy Royal, NB]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to make two points.

First, I do not concur with the position that the NDP is taking on today's motion with respect to the heinous crime which took place on September 11. With that kind of disregard for human life, I think the vast majority of Canadians believe that event just cannot go unchecked.

Second, I would make this comment to the hon. member who is a strong defender of social justice issues and as a humanitarian. We have an immense obligation to ensure that we do not read in the history books that we allowed 400,000 individuals to die of starvation on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.

If she wants to move forward with respect to the UN building this coalition, I would ask her to move beyond what I believe is her position and encourage the international community to supply those individuals with bread to ensure they do not go unnourished and risk human life. That is where she should be putting her social justice energies.

[Alexa McDonough, NDP, Halifax, NS]

Mr. Speaker, the member should have referred to a couple of other provisions of the comprehensive motion adopted by the federal council of the New Democratic Party yesterday morning. It called upon the federal government again to contribute generously to an international humanitarian campaign to assist Afghani refugees fleeing Taliban persecution and U.S.-led bombing, including the offer of both significant aid and assistance in relocating refugees.

Canada's response along humanitarian grounds has been pathetic. It is an embarrassment. It is an impoverished response compared to many other countries in the world and compared to what the government, apparently with the support of every other opposition party, stands ready to do by way of pouring billions of dollars into military solutions and very little into humanitarian and peace building solutions.

Michelle Greiver

[Bryon Wilfert, Liberal, Oak Ridges, ON]

Mr. Speaker, today I would like to commend my constituent Dr. Michelle Greiver who won the Pfizer Investigator in Practice Award from the North American Primary Care Research Group and a Janus Research in Education Scholarship from the College of Family Physicians of Canada.

By combining the convenience of a handheld personal digital assistant with the accuracy of clinical software, Dr. Greiver created a software program to help family physicians care for patients who have chest pain. Her program allows family physicians to determine if the patient's chest pain is angina without unnecessary tests or waiting a long time for an appointment with a cardiologist.

A pilot study involving family physicians from the North Toronto Primary Care Research Network will start in November. This six month study will determine if there is a more effective and efficient approach to the management of patients with chest pain.

I have had the honour of meeting Dr. Greiver and her family, and I am sure Eric and Sarah would join me in congratulating her on this outstanding achievement.

National Defence

[Ken Epp, Canadian Alliance, Elk Island, AB]

Mr. Speaker, it is unconscionable to send our troops into combat situations without adequate equipment. A case in point is the helicopter fiasco.

Talk of replacing the Sea Kings began in 1975. Now, in 2001, our dedicated members of the armed forces are still using these increasingly unreliable 40 year old machines. At best we can expect the new ones only four years from now.

It cost about $500 million to cancel the contracts when the Liberals were elected in 1993. It took $50 million to upgrade them at that time. The Sea King maintenance for the last 10 years is at least $750 million. In other words, the total cost is greater than it would have been to just take the EH-101s in 1993.

As a member of parliament representing a large contingent of our armed forces, I am outraged that our faithful and dedicated armed forces personnel have been so let down. Shame on the Liberals for this total mismanagement.

Research and Development

[Peter Adams, Liberal, Peterborough, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge that the government boost and co-ordinate its northern research efforts. Programs like the northern science training program, NSTP, and the polar continental shelf project, PCSP, have proven track records both for training students in polar research and supporting established researchers. They have earned our support. A boost in support of such programs is well deserved.

At this time there is a particular need to focus the activities of the federal government in northern research. Departments like NRCan, Fisheries and Oceans, Heritage Canada, Indian and Northern Affairs, Environment Canada and Justice do a great deal of valuable research in the north. Effective co-ordination of their efforts would make this work even more worthwhile and would release funds for further research.

A strong federal research and development presence in the north is a benefit to northern Canadians including those in the territories.

Renovation Month

[Andy Savoy, Liberal, Tobique—Mactaquac, NB]

Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to announce that October is Renovation Month, an annual event put on by the Canadian Home Builders' Association to provide consumers with information on home renovations, as well as showcase the building industry's professionals and their products and services.

As the federal body responsible for housing, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation supports this event and plays a key role by providing Canadians with valuable information to help them make the right choices and decisions regarding the renovation and maintenance of their homes.

This fall CMHC is helping Canadians who are planning renovations by providing them with free renovation information like the “Before You Renovate” guide and “About Your House” fact sheets on projects such as windows, roofing, kitchens, bathrooms and more.

CMHC is the most reliable and objective source of housing information in Canada. In this, and in many other ways, CMHC is committed to helping improve the quality of life for Canadians and communities across the country.

Week Without Violence

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

Mr. Speaker, it is once again time to bring awareness to an important campaign that has specific significance in the wake of recent tragic events. The Annual YWCA Week Without Violence begins October 14 and ends October 20. In its sixth year, the campaign promotes the eradication of violence in all of its forms.

Created in 1995 by the YWCA of the United States, over 50 countries and their respective YWCAs have since joined this campaign and have become part of an international commitment to eradicate violence.

Since its establishment, the YWCA Week Without Violence has imparted the messages of anti-violence to more than five million Canadians. Through organized school and community group activities and local and national media coverage, this number continues to grow.

Our participation and support during this week speaks to our longstanding commitment to eradicate violence in all its forms in our society and builds upon Canada's continuing effort to ensure violence-free communities for all Canadians.

From October 14 to 20, I hope all members will join me in making a commitment to ensure a safe and peaceful future.

Breast Cancer

[Rob Merrifield, Canadian Alliance, Yellowhead, AB]

Mr. Speaker, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Each year more than 19,000 Canadian women are diagnosed with breast cancer and approximately 5,500 die from this dreaded disease.

Most of us likely know family members, co-workers or friends who have suffered from breast cancer. One of my close neighbours has been fighting a long and difficult battle with this affliction.

Thankfully, there is good news regarding the fight against breast cancer. Since 1985, breast cancer deaths have declined 25% among women age 50 to 70 and by almost 14% overall.

Various screening techniques are a good defence against this disease. There is exciting research on the side of prevention which shows that physical activity will decrease the risk of breast cancer by up to 30%. More work needs to be done both on the treatment and prevention sides.

What affected my neighbour could affect neighbours or loved ones of others. Please make a donation and help fight against breast cancer.

World Skills Competition

[Raymonde Folco, Liberal, Laval West, QC]

Mr. Speaker, in September, I travelled to Korea to attend, on behalf of the Minister of Human Resources Development, the 36th Compétition internationale des compétences/World Skills Competition. The Canadian team that was entered in that event won two medals and achieved nine international standards.

This international competition provided an opportunity to Canadian students who had already won at the national level to test their skills against teams from 35 countries. Some of the winners and coaches on the Canadian teams, which took one silver and one bronze medal, are residents of Laval.

Again, the Canadian know-how and talent were honoured during that international competition. I congratulate all those who contributed to this success.

Décision'elle

[Christiane Gagnon, Bloc, Québec, QC]

Mr. Speaker, on September 7, Décision'elle, an organization created to promote Quebec women of Haitian origin, held its gala award ceremony.

With the support of the Secrétariat à la condition féminine du Québec and of the Montreal Urban Community, Décision'elle holds coffee meetings at which are discussed such issues as running a business, entrepreneurship for women, autonomy, leadership and strategic alliances women must form in order to crack the power structure.

I am proud to mention the tribute paid to Myrlande Pierre, chair of the Bloc Quebecois's citizenship committee, who received the award Femme, politique et société for her community involvement and participation in political structures.

During her acceptance speech, she recalled that the full participation of women of immigrant origin was dependent on the exercise of citizenship and their awareness that they are also an integral part of the Quebec people.

Bravo to all these Quebec women of Haitian origin.

Volunteer Work

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

Mr. Speaker, this is the International Year of Volunteers and Women's History Month.

Since the 18th century, where native women acted as volunteer intermediaries in the fur trade, women have been actively volunteering to make a difference in Canadian society.

More than four million women age 15 and over participate in formal volunteer activities. That is over one-third of all Canadian women. Over twice that number participate in informal volunteer activities outside their homes whether it is helping others with housework, child care or caring for the sick and elderly.

On average Canadian women spend 136 hours per year on voluntary activities. My hat goes off to all Canadian women who volunteer.

Softwood Lumber

[John Duncan, Canadian Alliance, Vancouver Island North, BC]

Mr. Speaker, the minister has abdicated his responsibility in the softwood lumber dispute. The U.S. is now negotiating directly with the provinces in a divide and conquer arrangement.

The minister said that we could win the softwood lumber dispute on its merits. Why is he allowing the provinces to negotiate against themselves on stumpage, tenure and forest policy while U.S. officials put forth nothing?

The consensus developed between Canadian stakeholders and U.S. consumer groups is being put at risk. A cooked up backroom deal will inevitably go sour. The minister will then no doubt say the industry and provinces made him do it.

Canadians must know what is being proposed. It is time that the minister called a national stakeholders meeting.

Operation Apollo

[Geoff Regan, Liberal, Halifax West, NS]

Mr. Speaker, Halifax has long been a centre of military and particularly naval activity. It is no surprise that the bulk of Canada's substantial contribution to the actions in Afghanistan is coming from Halifax.

This Wednesday frigates, destroyers, a supply ship and support aircraft will be leaving Halifax. Along with them will go nearly 2,000 members of the armed forces. Their dedication to their country is a source of pride for all Haligonians and indeed all Canadians.

Canadians from coast to coast know the tremendous sacrifice that these brave men and women will make. Many will leave behind spouses and young children.

I ask all members of the House and all Canadians to join with me in thanking these brave men and women and wishing them Godspeed. I look forward to seeing them all back in Halifax very soon.

International Aid

[Wendy Lill, NDP, Dartmouth, NS]

Mr. Speaker, we have all been horrified and outraged by the events and huge loss of life on September 11. No one is questioning Canada's commitment to protect the lives of innocent civilians as a matter of policy, but there is a gap between government rhetoric and government action.

If we are really concerned about protecting the innocent we would be looking at how to save the hundreds of thousands of civilians who are at risk of death by starvation in Afghanistan this winter.

Canada should be following the lead of countries like Norway and Sweden that have made a real commitment to humanitarian effort, headed by the world's newest Nobel laureate, the United Nations.

Our country has offered a token $6 million which is less than a tenth of that offered by our smaller NATO ally Norway. Canada should be looking beyond the language of war to the needs of the innocent for food, medicine and life. We should be proudly following in the footsteps of Nobel laureates such as Mike Pearson and using the United Nations as a tool for peace and humanitarian aid.

Kofi Annan

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

Mr. Speaker, in receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, Kofi Annan's crucial role as world leader and secretary-general of the United Nations has been endorsed.

During his first term, Mr. Annan focused on rebuilding the organization to enhance its influence and effectiveness.

His second term, which lasts five years, will be most difficult. His leadership will be put to the test during the debate that will no doubt accompany this international fight against terrorism, and contributions to humanitarian assistance to populations ravaged by war and hunger.

This Nobel prize will strengthen Mr. Annan's influence among the UN's 189 member states. We can only hope that this influence will be strong enough to establish a new world order that is more balanced, fair, peaceful and just.