House of Commons Hansard #96 of the 37th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was security.

Topics

Presence in GalleryOral Question Period

3:05 p.m.

The Speaker

I draw the attention of all hon. members to the presence in the gallery of Ministers of Labour of the Organization of American States.

Presence in GalleryOral Question Period

3:05 p.m.

Some hon. members

Hear, hear.

Points of OrderOral Question Period

3:05 p.m.

NDP

Judy Wasylycia-Leis NDP Winnipeg North Centre, MB

Mr. Speaker, my point of order arises out of events that took place during the last hour of debate last night on private members' business, Bill C-287, an act to amend the Food and Drugs Act (genetically modified food), which stands in the name of the member for Davenport.

As the House will be voting on this bill this evening, I felt it was urgent to bring this matter to your attention.

I would like you as Speaker to examine the record pertaining to the debate on Bill C-287 last night, and attempt to find some remedy to avoid this problem in the future.

I refer here to page 919 of Marleau and Montpetit, which states:

Although there is no practice of a fixed pattern for the recognition of Members wishing to speak during Private Members' Business, the Chair seeks to ensure that there is a smooth flow of debate, providing opportunities for all points of view to be expressed.

The matter of speaking order and rotation during private members' business has been raised many times in the House. The procedure book cites the occasions of March 16, 1992, March 18, 1992, November 30, 1992 and October 18, 1995 as examples.

Most of the time the debate flows smoothly. Time is shared on both sides of the House and among members from all parties. Indeed, many times the Chair upon seeing a lot of interest in debate on the subject matter of private members' business will consult the House as to division of the remaining time, so that all those who are in the Chamber and who wish to participate may.

I was very frustrated by the flow of debate last night and raised this with the Acting Speaker at the time, who stated:

At some point in time the Chair had to make a decision to balance those who were for and who were against the bill. I wanted to ensure a better understanding for the public and for our colleagues in the House to help members make up their minds before voting tomorrow afternoon. That was the reasoning behind it. There was no offence intended. I was trying to accommodate as many members as possible.

I notified the Table early in the day yesterday that I wished to speak on this bill. I was continuously in the House from the very beginning of private members' hour and rose in my place several times, but to no avail. This matter did not just affect me. Other members in the House intervened with the Acting Speaker as well, but to no avail.

I hope you will understand, Mr. Speaker, my frustration in not being allowed to speak on this bill during debate last night, so that I could place on record my full support and that of my party on Bill C-287.

I certainly had a unique position to bring to the House on this bill, not just to speak in favour of it, but in fact to bring a different argument forward and to put that on the record, one that focused on the precautionary principle, guaranteeing food safety, health protection and survival of the family farm.

The Acting Speaker last night could not have known that these were the points I wanted to get on the record, yet he did state in the House that he knew that other speakers were speaking pro and con, which is why he recognized them.

I resort to raising this with you today because of my interest in this issue. I have been working hard on this matter in the House and in committee during this and the previous parliament. In fact, on March 28, 2001, I introduced my own private member's bill, Bill C-310, an act to amend the Food and Drugs Act, and I also brought forward a motion in May 2000.

To conclude, in the interest of ensuring as much debate as possible during private members' business, I wonder if it is possible that when a private members' bill is deferred by order of the House that the full hour, rather than 45 minutes, is allowed for debate, and that in fact you will review the record and my concern that all sides of the House and all members in the House who would like to participate in such debate have an opportunity to do so.

Points of OrderOral Question Period

3:10 p.m.

The Speaker

The Chair is in a position to deal with this matter. I thank the hon. member for Winnipeg North Centre for her intervention.

The fact is when there are time limits on debate some members do miss an opportunity to speak on a bill, but I am advised and I understand this was debate at second reading stage. There will be an additional two hours on this bill should it return from committee, both at the report and third reading stage, so a total of two hours is allowed for debate then.

I have no doubt that the hon. member will be making representations to the committee in respect of this bill given the position she has stated. There are other opportunities available to her beside the limited time that is available for debate.

With respect to the 15 minutes taken up by the early termination of the debate, might I suggest she raise that matter with the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs that have wondrous powers to deal with changes in our rules and is always amenable to consider sensible and useful suggestions that are put forward by hon. members from every side of the House in that regard.

I will take the matter under advisement and get back to the House if necessary, but I suspect in the circumstances this will be the end of the matter.

Government Response to PetitionsRoutine Proceedings

3:10 p.m.

Leeds—Grenville Ontario

Liberal

Joe Jordan LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 36(8) I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the government's response to four petitions.

Claim Settlements (Alberta and Saskatchewan) Implementation ActRoutine Proceedings

3:10 p.m.

Kenora—Rainy River Ontario

Liberal

Bob Nault LiberalMinister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development

moved for leave to introduce Bill C-37, an act to facilitate the implementation of those provisions of first nations' claim settlements in the Provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan that relate to the creation of reserves or the addition of land to existing reserves, and to make related amendments to the Manitoba Claim Settlements Implementation Act and the Saskatchewan Treaty Land Entitlement Act.

(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)

Operation ApolloRoutine Proceedings

3:10 p.m.

Ottawa South Ontario

Liberal

John Manley LiberalMinister of Foreign Affairs

Mr. Speaker, it was exactly one year ago today that I received the honour of becoming Canada's foreign affairs minister. I must say it was beyond my imagination at that time that one year later we would be sending Canadian troops into battle, but here we are.

The Prime Minister and the Minister of National Defence are in Halifax right now—I know that the leader of the official opposition and the leader of the NDP are there as well—to see off the three Canadian ships taking part in Operation Apollo, Canada's military contribution to the international campaign against terrorism.

The men and women who form the crew of the HMCS Preserver, the Iroquois and the Charlottetown and all Canada's Armed Forces personnel on land, sea or in the air are not only courageous men and women, they are trained, skilled, equipped and ready to do their duty for Canada and for our allies and partners who are depending upon us.

As indicated last week by the Prime Minister, this is certainly the first great battle of the 21st century.

I am certain that all members of the House and all Canadians everywhere will want to join with me in expressing our pride and sending our prayers to our troops and to their families as they set off to join this most important battle, not one against a country, not against a people, not even against a traditional army, but against the forces of extremism and fanaticism that have sought and are seeking to undermine our open and free societies.

We may all look forward to standing in the House again one day very soon to welcome them home, to celebrate their courage and to thank them for their sacrifice.

Operation ApolloRoutine Proceedings

3:15 p.m.

Canadian Alliance

Leon Benoit Canadian Alliance Lakeland, AB

Mr. Speaker, I am honoured today to represent the Canadian Alliance as we extend our support and heartfelt thanks to the Canadian forces personnel leaving today in the war against terrorism.

We are pleased that our Prime Minister invited the Leader of the Opposition to join him in Halifax today to show support for Canada's military personnel serving on our naval ships as they head off to defend our democracy and our freedom. As those ships leave today I want to express my admiration for the men and women who serve our country.

It is no small thing to leave family and loved ones behind. Indeed, there will be trying times ahead. Let us make no mistake about it; we are asking these men and women to participate in war. We have no idea how long it will last nor can we be certain what they will face.

As they have been throughout our history, our Canadian forces personnel are proud and anxious to serve our country. It is up to us to remember every day that we enjoy the right to live and work in a peaceful and democratic society because our men and women were willing and are willing to risk their lives and futures to make it so.

Canada is an incredible country and we are all privileged to live in it. We owe that privilege to our military and the men and women who serve. I urge the government to ensure that our soldiers, sailors and airmen will be as safe as possible. While we cannot fully understand the sacrifice made by the families of our proud service personnel, I hope it will provide some comfort for them to know that all Canadians are joining with them in praying for their safe return. They truly are the pride of Canada.

Operation ApolloRoutine Proceedings

3:15 p.m.

Bloc

Gilles Duceppe Bloc Laurier—Sainte-Marie, QC

Mr. Speaker, on October 7, Canada agreed to provide military support to the international coalition against terrorism. The Bloc Quebecois immediately said that it agreed with the important support role the Canadian armed forces had been given.

The international community must respond to the terrible attacks of September 11 by striking back at the terrorists and those who are aiding them.

Accordingly, the Bloc Quebecois salutes the first Canadian troops leaving today for the theatre of operations. We have every faith that they will accomplish their mission.

To the sailors departing the Port of Halifax today, and to the troops who will follow, we say “We hope that all of you will return safely, once your tour of duty is over”.

The fight against terrorism must result in as few victims as possible, both within the coalition and on the ground. I therefore call upon the troops to safeguard their own lives as well as the lives of Afghani civilians.

Canadian troops have a responsibility to assist the international coalition in its efforts to spare the civilian population as much as possible.

We pay tribute to their courage, we thank them for their sacrifices, and we assure them and their families that we admire them greatly and that we are behind them all the way.

Operation ApolloRoutine Proceedings

3:20 p.m.

NDP

Bill Blaikie NDP Winnipeg—Transcona, MB

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the New Democratic Party I join with the other parties in the House in marking the departure of the Canadian naval task force from Halifax.

As we do our duty in parliament, faithful to the freedom of expression the Canadian armed forces have fought to defend in the past, we commend the men and women who are leaving Canada today for doing their duty. We know that in some ways the call to such an assignment is an opportunity to put training into practice and commitment into action. We also know that whatever challenge may be associated with such an opportunity is mixed with anxiety and the pain of distance from loved ones, a pain felt aboard ship and at home back at the base.

To the men and women of the forces and their families may we all pledge, despite whatever differences we may have, vigilance with respect to the prospects for peace, with respect to their need to be well equipped for the task, with respect to taking care of their families in their absence, and with respect to wishing that they all return to Canada safe and sound.

To this end the three NDP MPs from the Halifax area, the members for Halifax, Dartmouth, and Sackville--Musquodoboit Valley--Eastern Shore, are in Halifax today to participate in the farewell. We join with our colleagues in Halifax in their support for the men and women of the Canadian armed forces.

Operation ApolloRoutine Proceedings

3:20 p.m.

Progressive Conservative

Joe Clark Progressive Conservative Calgary Centre, AB

Madam Speaker, I begin by commending the government for resuming the practice of ministerial statements in the House of Commons. I hope the practice will be continued regularly throughout this conflict.

On behalf of the opposition coalition I extend to our Canadian armed forces our deepest thanks and our best wishes as they prepare to sail today in Operation Apollo. We are pleased to be represented at their departure by our defence critic, the hon. member for Saint John.

Members of the House will know that Edmund Burke once noted that the only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing. We make the decisions here as to what Canada should do, but it is our armed forces whose lives are on the line to fight the evil of terrorism. We are proud of the commitment and professionalism of our Canadian troops. They are in our prayers.

The men and women of the Canadian armed forces are setting out today on a vital mission, that of combating terrorism and protecting the values we hold most dear.

Freedom and democracy are the values on which our society was built and which have made Canada the envied nation it is today.

I say to the men and women who today are leaving the comfort of their homes and the embraces of their children and loved ones that the thoughts of Canadians accompany you on your journey. You honour us all and I thank you.

Committees of the HouseRoutine Proceedings

3:20 p.m.

Liberal

Peter Adams Liberal Peterborough, ON

Madam Speaker, I have the honour to present the 30th report of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs regarding the associate membership of some standing committees, in both official languages, and I should like to move concurrence at this time.

(Motion agreed to)

PetitionsRoutine Proceedings

3:25 p.m.

Liberal

Clifford Lincoln Liberal Lac-Saint-Louis, QC

Madam Speaker, I present a petition signed by 2,162 people and stating that Canadians are not, at this time, in a position to know which food products contain genetically modified material.

The signatories of this petition call upon parliament to pass Bill C-287, an act to amend the Food and Drugs Act (genetically modified food).

PetitionsRoutine Proceedings

3:25 p.m.

Liberal

Peter Adams Liberal Peterborough, ON

Madam Speaker, I am pleased to rise to present another petition from citizens of the greater Peterborough area in favour of replacing VIA Rail service between Toronto and Peterborough.

The petition has been signed by thousands of people who believe the return of VIA Rail service would decrease congestion and accidents on the highways, improve the environment by decreasing greenhouse emissions, and improve the business environment not only of Peterborough but of the greater Toronto area.

The petition has support in eight federal ridings.

Questions on the Order PaperRoutine Proceedings

3:25 p.m.

Leeds—Grenville Ontario

Liberal

Joe Jordan LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister

Madam Speaker, the following questions will be answered today: Nos. 56 and 69.

Question No. 56Routine Proceedings

3:25 p.m.

Liberal

Peter Adams Liberal Peterborough, ON

With regard to the involvement of Canadians (as distinct from Canada) in activities in the Antarctic, can the government: ( a ) provide a list of these Canadian activities; ( b ) indicate if it monitors these in any way and if so, how; and ( c ) estimate its share of the cost of these same activities?

Question No. 56Routine Proceedings

3:25 p.m.

Barrie—Simcoe—Bradford Ontario

Liberal

Aileen Carroll LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs

The Canadian Polar Commission, CPC, has responsibility for gathering, promoting and disseminating knowledge of the polar regions, including the Antarctic, contributing to public awareness of the importance of polar science to Canada; enhancing Canada’s international profile as a circumpolar nation; and recommending polar science policy direction to government.

In carrying out its mandate, the commission hosts conferences and workshops, publishes information on subjects of relevance to polar research and works closely with other governmental and non-governmental agencies to promote and support Canadian study of the polar regions. The commission established the Canadian Committee for Antarctic Research, CCAR, to serve as a national advisory body on Antarctic matters and to act as a link between the international Antarctic science community and Canadian scientists active in or seeking to become involved in Antarctic and/or bipolar research.

Information on projects involving Canadians in the Antarctic or on Antarctic-related subjects is submitted voluntarily to CCAR and published by the CPC. The July 2000 report entitled “Current Canadian Research Activities in the Antarctic, 1999-2000” identifies Canadian institutions working on a wide range of Antarctic themes including human adaptation, landscape evolution, ecology of extreme environments, paleoclimate reconstruction and ice sheet dynamics. The report also contains a bibliography of more than 80 Antarctic/bipolar scientific publications involving Canadians since 1997. “Current Canadian Research Activities in the Antarctic/ is updated on a periodic basis.

Canadians pursuing research activities in the Antarctic and on Antarctic-related subjects receive funding form a wide range of sources, including academic, governmental, non-governmental and private funders. Canadians also often partner their research efforts with national programs of other countries. As such, it is difficult to obtain accurate and reliable information on the share of the costs Antarctic research that is provided by the Canadian government.

Question No. 69Routine Proceedings

3:25 p.m.

Progressive Conservative

Rick Borotsik Progressive Conservative Brandon—Souris, MB

Has the government developed strategies to attract young people to farming and, if so, what are those strategies?

Question No. 69Routine Proceedings

3:25 p.m.

Prince Edward—Hastings Ontario

Liberal

Lyle Vanclief LiberalMinister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

On June 29,2001 the federal, provincial and territorial agriculture ministers agreed, in principle, on a national action plan to make Canada the world leader in food safety, innovation and environmental protection. Part of the action plan includes efforts to renew the sector through programming for farmers that addresses their unique needs and helps them to change.

The sector is facing rapid change and is becoming an increasingly knowledge intensive industry. As well, a demographic turnover will occur over the coming years as a significant number of farmers retire. Ministers agree that it is important for governments to help farmers adapt to this changing environment and will work over the coming year to develop the details of the agricultural policy framework encompassing specific federal-provincial-territorial agreements in the areas of renewal, environmentally sustainable agriculture and on-farm food safety.

For beginning farmers, this means ensuring that they have the tools to prepare for successful careers in agriculture and access to viable farming operations and financing arrangements.

Question No. 69Routine Proceedings

3:25 p.m.

Liberal

Joe Jordan Liberal Leeds—Grenville, ON

I ask, Madam Speaker, that the remaining questions be allowed to stand.

Question No. 69Routine Proceedings

3:25 p.m.

The Acting Speaker (Ms. Bakopanos)

Is that agreed?

Question No. 69Routine Proceedings

3:25 p.m.

Some hon. members

Agreed.

Motions for PapersRoutine Proceedings

3:25 p.m.

Leeds—Grenville Ontario

Liberal

Joe Jordan LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister

Madam Speaker, I ask that all Notices of Motions for the Production of Papers also be allowed to stand.

Motions for PapersRoutine Proceedings

3:25 p.m.

The Acting Speaker (Ms. Bakopanos)

Is that agreed?

Motions for PapersRoutine Proceedings

3:25 p.m.

Some hon. members

Agreed.