House of Commons Hansard #101 of the 37th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was security.
The Speaker
As is our practice on Wednesday we will now sing O Canada, and we will be led by the hon. member for Souris—Moose Mountain.
Denis Paradis Liberal Brome—Missisquoi, QC
Mr. Speaker, in my riding of Brome—Missisquoi, an event is held that is dear to the hearts of all lovers of fine food. It is called “Le canard du lac Brome en fête”.
This is a country celebration of the gastronomic and scenic wonders of the Eastern Townships.
More than 40 restaurants, hotels and inns in the region take part in the celebration of Brome Lake duck, which has become a real institution in our region, as well as gaining international renown. Hon. members will recall the place of honour our Brome Lake duck held at a reception given by our Prime Minister during the last summit of the Americas.
My congratulations to Claude Trottier of la Ferme des canards du lac Brome, founded in 1912, the oldest duck farm in Canada, as well as one of the region's biggest employers.
We can be proud of the dynamism of our people and their invaluable contribution to the development of our rural regions.
Gurmant Grewal Canadian Alliance Surrey Central, BC
Mr. Speaker, terrorism and organized crime are interlinked. Terrorism is visible, violent and emotional so it is scary. Organized crime is latent, hidden and invisible so it is given less attention. However its effect is long term. It undermines the economy and is a root cause of many social evils at high cost to taxpayers.
Terrorists thrive on organized crime. Drugs, fraud, human and firearms smuggling, extortion and money laundering are common symptoms. Due to recent heightened security potential terrorists may shift to organized crime to raise funds, strengthen themselves and wait to strike at the appropriate time.
The success or failure of our war on terror hinges on the ability and willingness of Liberals to fight terror and organized crime simultaneously. The government should create a synergy by integration and co-ordination of its resources, policy and legislation.
At a town hall meeting Surrey Central constituents told me they were afraid and that they believe the government is not doing enough to protect them. They expect no less.
Shawn Murphy Liberal Hillsborough, PE
Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House today to congratulate all participants, volunteers and sponsors who organized the harness racing Breeder's Crown weekend which was recently held in Charlottetown.
The gala weekend included a reception, pancake breakfast, banquet and two cards of harness racing held between October 7 and October 9. The culmination of the weekend was the Breeder's Crown finale for two year old colts and fillies and three year old colts and fillies.
In particular I congratulate Joe Kennedy of Amherst, Nova Scotia, and Hardy Mills Stable, the owners of Firm's Phantom, winner of the three year old colt final and winner of 27 consecutive races over the past two years.
On behalf of all residents of the district of Hillsborough and all harness racing fans throughout the maritime provinces I thank all the participants, volunteers and sponsors of the very successful Breeder's Crown weekend.
Diane Marleau Liberal Sudbury, ON
Mr. Speaker, today is United Nations Day.
On October 24, 1945, the United Nations Organization was founded, a significant date in world history. The Organization was quick to take its place on the international scene and now plays an irreplaceable role.
Canada's John Humphrey drafted the first version of the Declaration of Human Rights, which was to be adopted by the UN in 1948. Lester B. Pearson was the one who came up with the idea of the first peacekeeping operation, in 1956.
Canada has contributed greatly to the UN and has served six terms as a member of the Security Council. Many Canadians continue to be involved.
Let us take advantage of this day to focus on our commitment to the United Nations.
Aileen Carroll Liberal Barrie—Simcoe—Bradford, ON
Mr. Speaker, it is an honour for me to remind parliamentarians that, today, Canadians are joining with the other members of the United Nations family, to celebrate United Nations Day, which marks the date the UN charter came into effect in 1945.
The credibility and effectiveness of the United Nations have been enhanced by the outstanding leadership of Secretary General Kofi Annan. His vision for a revitalized organization received a vote of confidence of the highest order when the Nobel committee decided to award the Nobel Peace Prize to him and to the United Nations.
It is clear that the terrorist threat can best be met through a co-ordinated multilateral response. However while the United Nations faces unprecedented challenges it is reassuring that the purposes and principles entrenched in its charter continue to provide inspiration for our multilateral efforts to meet these threats.
I take this opportunity to pay tribute to the many Canadians who serve throughout the United Nations system.
Art Hanger Canadian Alliance Calgary Northeast, AB
Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a great Canadian, Assistant Commissioner Don McDermid of RCMP K Division who retired on October 19, 2001. His last act of duty was to transfer command to Assistant Commissioner Sweeney.
A fitting ceremony was held for a man who dedicated over 36 years of his life to the service of his country and to the legacy and legend of the RCMP. Hundreds of family members, friends, acquaintances and business contacts gathered to pay tribute to the assistant commissioner. The true measure of this man's accomplishments was expressed through the relationships he had developed with others over his years as a lawman.
Too often men strive just to gain the praise of others. Not so for Assistant Commissioner McDermid. He was praised by many though he did not seek it. His dedication, loyalty and integrity brought true success and his leadership inspired confidence in the community he served.
Assistant Commissioner McDermid's daughter graciously spoke the words that said it all: “You can't get any more Canadian than to be part of a family whose father is a Mountie”. We are all part of that Canadian family.
I thank Don McDermid and his wife Pat for their years of service and love of Canada.
Karen Redman Liberal Kitchener Centre, ON
Mr. Speaker, I ask the House to join me today in congratulating the outstanding Kitchener women who were recently honoured at the Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest. These women were recognized for their contributions within various aspects of our community.
Deborah Rothwell has made a significant impact in the arts community. Nancy Fletcher was recognized for her commitment to home and family. Leslie Benecki has made remarkable career advancements. Yvonne Taylor was awarded for her achievements in sport and recreation. Marlene Fretz took the outstanding senior citizen honours and Jennifer Sloane received the youth leadership award.
I make special mention of Joan Euler who is well deserving of the community volunteer award. Joan is a treasure to all the organizations that benefit from the investment of her time and talent. I am proud to see that she was recognized with this special honour.
We have recently recognized Persons Day. The women of Kitchener share the spirit of the Famous Five. Their leadership and perseverance have set fine examples for future generations of young women.
Francine Lalonde Bloc Mercier, QC
Mr. Speaker, with the passage of each year we come back to United Nations Day. The charter of the UN was adopted 56 years ago today, and begins as follows:
We the peoples of the United Nations,
determined to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war--
--to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights...in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small--
--to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom,
have resolved to combine our efforts to accomplish these aims.
We have to admit that the world today is far from achieving these objectives, especially since September 11, as the UN is all too often too weak and its role is diminished.
May today's events give parliamentarians of all countries the courage and determination to once again include the UN in decisions.
Guy St-Julien Liberal Abitibi—Baie-James—Nunavik, QC
Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the Grand Chief of the Grand Council of the Crees, Dr. Ted Moses, signed a historic agreement in principle at the Quebec national assembly.
This agreement is based on a common desire to settle the disputes between Quebec and the Crees, through a new framework based on dialogue, to pursue the development of Northern Quebec in the respect of the Crees' way of life, and to ensure greater responsibility by the Crees regarding their own development.
Grand Chief Moses said “We feel that this agreement and the final agreement to be signed by the end of 2001 are important steps that will allow us to pursue the development of our communities and to become players in Quebec's development. The positive impact of this agreement on future opportunities for young people is even more important to us”.
Congratulations to Dr. Ted Moses for his leadership, to his team and to Roméo Saganash.
Myron Thompson Canadian Alliance Wild Rose, AB
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to stand here today to pay tribute to two people from my riding, Bonnie Ryan and Jeannie Taylor of Exshaw. While the Ryans were watching Senator Charles Schumer of New York on CNN, Senator Schumer commented about the nightmares his children had been experiencing since the tragedy of September 11.
When she heard this message Bonnie Ryan immediately decided to donate to Exshaw School the supplies required for the children to make dream catchers.
This past Wednesday the entire school of Exshaw, all 234 students, made dream catchers to send to some of the children of the police and fire personnel that were lost on September 11. After the dream catchers were made a native princess from the Stoney reserve came to bless them.
With the kind assistance of the Alberta government some of the children of emergency personnel will have their very own dream catchers. I wish these children only the happiest dreams courtesy of the true selflessness, generosity and kindness of Bonnie Ryan, Jeannie Taylor and all the caring students of Exshaw School.
Pat O'Brien Liberal London—Fanshawe, ON
Mr. Speaker, an historic step has been taken in the Northern Ireland peace process. The IRA's decommissioning of weapons is a decisive move toward a just and lasting peace.
Canada fully supports this move. In fact Canada has been instrumental in the peace process as well as the decommissioning process. Retired Canadian General John de Chastelain is head of the commission and he will be responsible for ensuring that the handing in of weapons is carried out.
I congratulate the leadership of Sinn Fein for its political contribution in working for peace. I also reiterate that Canada will continue to play its part in the Northern Ireland peace process as we continue to encourage both communities to work toward a true and lasting peace.
Svend Robinson NDP Burnaby—Douglas, BC
Mr. Speaker, today, October 24, is United Nations Day.
As UN Secretary General Kofi Annan pointed out, this is a very special day for each member of the United Nations family and for all those who believe in the ideals of that organization.
This year the United Nations has been awarded the Nobel Peace Price for its important work in promoting peace, defending human rights and fighting poverty.
My colleagues in the New Democratic Party and I join in congratulating the United Nations, all of its agencies, and all the dedicated staff and volunteers for their important contributions.
Canadians have always played a key role in the United Nations: John Humphrey, Lester Pearson and others. We played a particularly significant role in United Nations peacekeeping.
At this critical time we call for the United Nations to play the central role in bringing to justice the perpetrators of the crimes against humanity of September 11 and in rebuilding Afghanistan in the future.
Christiane Gagnon Bloc Québec, QC
Mr. Speaker, the Scully affair is resurfacing today, despite that fact that certain people have been doing everything in their power for the past year to bury it.
Let us remember the facts: the program called Le Canada du millénaire and the heritage minutes for which former journalist Robert Guy Scully was either co-producer or co-creative director served as vehicles of federal propaganda.
In fact, Mr. Scully's production house, BCE Média, as well as the CRB Foundation served as fronts for the federal government to secretly channel funds from the Canada Information Office and Canadian Heritage to pay for these pseudo information programs.
The response from the CBC's ombudsman partially vindicates the complaint lodged by the Communications Union of Radio-Canada, by recommending that in the future, there be a requirement for all of the funding for information programs to be made public.
This is only a small victory in the battle against federal propaganda, since the Canada Information Office will have an annual budget of between $30 million and $60 million dollars over the next three years.
The Bloc Quebecois—
Judy Sgro Liberal York West, ON
Mr. Speaker, I stand proudly in the House to applaud the men and women of the Canadian forces who are participating in Operation Apollo and to express my support for the families who stand by them.
Because of their dedication to our nation and to our values we have confidence in our armed forces, confidence in our leadership and confidence that we will see a positive resolution to the task at hand.
In the face of terror it is our moral responsibility to Canadians and to humanity as a whole to participate in this battle of fundamental importance.
I call on my fellow parliamentarians and every Canadian citizen to unite behind our armed forces and their loved ones who stay behind. In the struggle to preserve our freedom they make extraordinary sacrifices. They are all Canadian heroes of the highest calibre.
Val Meredith Canadian Alliance South Surrey—White Rock—Langley, BC
Mr. Speaker, last year an average of $1.7 billion of commerce flowed across the Canada-U.S. border each and every day. Fifty-seven per cent of that commerce was Canadian exports heading south.
In the aftermath of September 11, that trade is now in jeopardy as the Americans place security at the top of their agenda. Yet when people like American Ambassador Paul Cellucci talk about perimeter security the government outrightly rejects that idea.
Members of the government frequently say that September 11 changed everything. However, when it comes to the $1 billion a day in Canadian exports that head south to the United States, the government acts like nothing at all has changed.
Is the government prepared to protect Canadian exporters, or is it intent on sitting back and risking the one-third of the Canadian economy that is shipped to the United States each day?
Stockwell Day Canadian AllianceLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, Bayer says that at no time did Health Canada contact it to order one million Cipro tablets.
The minister is accusing the company of lying. This is serious. It is only common sense that there should be a written request when one is getting ready to spend $2 million.
Will the minister table evidence to support his statements, which are becoming increasingly contradictory?
Allan Rock LiberalMinister of Health
Mr. Speaker, as I made clear yesterday in the House, Health Canada officials have confirmed that on two occasions last week they asked for Cipro and they were refused.
By the way, while we are on the subject and in relation to a matter raised by the Leader of the Opposition yesterday, he should know that today Apotex agreed that if Bayer fills future orders from Health Canada and the Apotex product is not used, it will refund every cent of the Government of Canada's money to make sure that we do not pay one cent more than we should.
Stockwell Day Canadian AllianceLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, damage control is an amazing thing. When a minister of the crown puts in an order of $2 million to an international pharmacy company it is not the same as phoning the local pharmacy and asking if there is any aspirin on the shelves.
There must be a record of this request. The official opposition has now contacted Bayer and it has denied that any such request ever took place.
As the minister said, he has only two options. Will he restore his integrity by tabling the evidence that he ever made a request or will he restore the shattered public confidence in--
Allan Rock LiberalMinister of Health
Mr. Speaker, Health Canada officials acted last week in good faith to protect the health of Canadians. They have confirmed to me their conversations with Bayer, and that is good enough for me.
I want to know why this member is more interested in protecting the bottom line of a giant pharmaceutical company than in protecting the health of Canadians.
Stockwell Day Canadian AllianceLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, the bottom line is that there is no proof that he is telling the truth. We cannot get an answer out of him.
My question is for the Minister of Finance. To be able to cover this loss of dollars and the hundreds of millions in other losses the auditor general has talked about this year, will the finance minister finally, after a year of our requesting, commit to restore some confidence in the public in terms of government spending and table a budget before the year is over? Will he do that?
Jean Chrétien LiberalPrime Minister
Mr. Speaker, I compliment the Minister of Health on having the right priorities. When an urgent situation such as this exists, it is the responsibility of ministers to ensure that everything will be done to protect the health of Canadian citizens.
Charlie Penson Canadian Alliance Peace River, AB
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister might be a little early in congratulating the health minister. We have learned today that Health Canada had already ordered 800,000 Cipro pills from Bayer before it contacted Apotex.
An order for 400,000 pills was made by Health Canada on October 9 and was confirmed with a purchase order. An additional order for 400,000 pills was ordered on October 15, again confirmed with a purchase order. Bayer officials say there were no further discussions about quantities.
Why did the Minister of Health feel it was necessary to break the patent law by ordering pills from Apotex?