Debates of Oct. 31st, 2001

[The Speaker]

As is our practice on Wednesday we will now sing O Canada, and we will be led by the hon. member for Sackville--Musquodoboit Valley--Eastern Shore.

Canadian Bankers Association

[John Cannis, Liberal, Scarborough Centre, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to commend a unique money management seminar for senior high school students that is organized by the Canadian Bankers Association. This seminar entitled “There's something about money” focuses on introducing good financial basics to students.

I had the opportunity to participate in one of these seminars in my riding at David and Mary Thompson Collegiate. As a result of these seminars 94% of students felt better equipped to prepare for their financial future.

Prior to these seminars 46% of the students said they were not preparing for their financial future. The comments of students indicated a strong interest in all facets of the program, with particular emphasis in areas involving compound interest, credit rating and post-secondary assistance.

The overall content was rated good to excellent by 97% of the students and teachers. “There's something about money” is an excellent seminar for our youth. I extend congratulations to the Canadian Bankers Association for reaching out to our youth, their future clients but more so the future of our country.

Cida

[Deepak Obhrai, Canadian Alliance, Calgary East, AB]

Mr. Speaker, Canadians trust their government to use CIDA funds for the poor countries of the world, not for pre-election communication work in the riding of the Minister for International Cooperation.

It is obvious that the minister tiptoed around treasury board guidelines to avoid public scrutiny. However the issue is an ethical one about who was involved, the timing, if work was actually done and what kind. It is morally wrong for political campaigners to replace public service PR staff in a minister's riding, particularly just before an election. These actions would surely benefit the minister's election campaign, not the poor countries.

This is an hypocritical abuse of public funds by a minister whose role is to promote good governance in poor countries, which is why I am calling for an immediate investigation by the ethics counsellor and for her immediate resignation.

National 4-H Week

[Rose-Marie Ur, Liberal, Lambton—Kent—Middlesex, ON]

Mr. Speaker, this week is National 4-H Week. The historical roots of the Canadian 4-H program are solidly grounded in rural Canada.

The program originated for the purposes of improving agriculture, increasing and bettering production, and enriching rural life. Its beginnings were inspired by energetic and idealistic agricultural officials, dedicated school teachers, and others committed to ensuring that young rural Canadians learned important skills to succeed on and off the farm.

Today's programs continue to serve primarily rural communities but they do not have to live on a farm to join. Open to all youths, male and female between the ages of 8 and 21, 4-H focuses on developing well rounded responsible and independent citizens.

Members participate in technical skills development projects as well as other fun activities. There are 2,600 4-H clubs across Canada with over 35,000 members completing 53,000 projects yearly.

I congratulate 4-H members and their leaders throughout Canada for all the hard work they do and recognize the importance of their organization.

Student Employment

[Denis Paradis, Liberal, Brome—Missisquoi, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the report on the 2001 edition of the summer work student exchange program, an initiative which began in my riding of Brome--Missisquoi, has just been delivered to the Minister of Canadian Heritage.

This year over 1,000 young people from just about everywhere in Canada took part in this program, which often constitutes their first paying job along with an opportunity to learn a second language in an immersion setting and to learn about and appreciate the other culture while visiting another region of their country.

Thousands of young Canadians have taken part in the past six years. The program's success is in large part due to the involvement of over 100 MPs from all political parties, and I congratulate them.

I would also like to thank the program's president, Jocelyn Beaudoin, and director general, René Lemaire, and all the team for their excellent work.

Let us continue to work together to ensure that thousands more students are able to experience the marvellous challenge of the summer work student exchange program.

Craig Oliver

[Tony Tirabassi, Liberal, Niagara Centre, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I take this occasion to congratulate Mr. Craig Oliver for receiving the 2001 CAB gold ribbon award for broadcast excellence. Mr. Oliver was recognized last night in Ottawa at the annual convention of the Canadian Association of Broadcasters.

The gold ribbon award for broadcast excellence is the most prestigious award of the Canadian private broadcasting industry. It honours the service to private broadcasting and recognizes exceptional human qualities and practical, innovative achievements that reflect a genuine concern for the highest broadcast standards.

Mr. Oliver has been and continues to be an important part of the Canadian broadcasting system with more than four decades of broadcasting to his credit. He is a dedicated political journalist and analyst who viewers across the country have come to know and respect.

Mr. Oliver has received a number of industry awards and accolades over the years. He has also held several key roles in the broadcasting industry.

Aboriginal Affairs

[Reed Elley, Canadian Alliance, Nanaimo—Cowichan, BC]

Mr. Speaker, the government has abandoned four major Canadian churches and left some of them facing bankruptcy as a result of the announcement of the Deputy Prime Minister that the federal government would pay 70% of the out of court settlements reached with former Indian residential school students.

Why has the government turned its back on the Anglican, United, Presbyterian and Catholic churches of Canada in this desperate attempt to settle these lawsuits? Why is the government extending the damage it caused to aboriginal children to Canadian churches that cannot afford to pay these bills?

The federal government forced aboriginal children to go to residential schools for over a century. It delayed the settlement of the Indian residential school claims for many years forcing these people to go to court. Then the government further delayed the court cases by dragging the churches into the lawsuits.

The government does not care about the damage it will cause Canadian churches. The government does not care about the aboriginal victims who will be unable to receive damages from these churches when they are forced into bankruptcy.

Why will it not do the right thing as Grand Chief Matthew Coon Come has suggested: assume 100% liability, pay the damages and leave the churches alone?

Ecological Reserves

[Gérard Binet, Liberal, Frontenac—Mégantic, QC]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday I attended a ceremony marking the opening of a conservation project and the creation of the ecological reserve of Trois-Monts de Coleraine at St-Joseph de Coleraine. This is a region of unequalled natural resources containing numerous rare and endangered plant species.

The purpose of the ceremony was to call attention to the sustained efforts over the past two years of partners in the private and public sector, who worked together in solidarity to ensure the preservation of the largest natural vestiges of Appalachian serpentine outcroppings, the home of numerous rare plants.

I had the pleasure and honour of announcing a federal contribution of $100,000 via the Department of the Environment and its endangered species stewardship program.

Needless to say, the federal government is proud to have been able to help the community of Coleraine with this project.

UNICEF Day

[Antoine Dubé, Bloc, Lévis-Et-Chutes-De-La-Chaudière, QC]

Mr. Speaker, through the eyes of a child we see the beauty of the world. Unfortunately, at the moment the eyes of children reveal the misery and suffering they are growing up in.

In order to fight this sad state of affairs, people are putting their heart and soul into coming to their aid. This is what UNICEF does. Founded in 1946 and now established in 162 countries, areas and territories, the organization is mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to advocate for the protection of children's rights, to help meet their basic needs and to expand their opportunities to reach their full potential.

On this UNICEF Day, and especially on Halloween when thousands of children come by with their collection box, we invite everyone to pay tribute to all the children of the world by giving generously to support the efforts of UNICEF.

Gilles Cuerrier

[Raymonde Folco, Liberal, Laval West, QC]

Mr. Speaker, a teenager's activities can affect the rest of his life.

The proof is Gilles Cuerrier, a resident of Laval West, who joined the cadets in 1957 and has gone on to become the national president of the Air Cadet League of Canada.

The fifth Quebecer and the first resident of Laval to hold high office in the league, Mr. Cuerrier has set himself the task of making the air cadet movement known to more young people.

It is thanks to people like Gilles Cuerrier that young people have the opportunity to take part in group activities and to enjoy themselves in a setting that allows them to learn and to develop their talents.

Education

[James Rajotte, Canadian Alliance, Edmonton Southwest, AB]

Mr. Speaker, the Action démocratique du Québec has recently endorsed the concept of education vouchers for Quebec's education system. The purpose of this initiative is to give parents more freedom of choice. Parents would receive an education voucher that they could remit to the public or private school of their choice to defray the tuition costs.

Rather than promoting an education system that levels down, ADQ members have dared to think outside the box and have come up with an original idea that will democratize and diversify our schools.

I would like to commend the ADQ and its leader, Mario Dumont, for their efforts to improve the quality of teaching through an education system where it is the parents and students who decide.

Persons with Disabilities

[Marcel Proulx, Liberal, Hull—Aylmer, QC]

Mr. Speaker, on September 15 the Fondation Entre Deux Roues and the Association des bénévoles en fauteuil roulant de l'Outaouais held their third Roulethon with Mr. Martin Godcher serving as honorary chair.

The purpose of this annual event is to raise funds for the Association des bénévoles en fauteuil roulant de l'Outaouais and the Fondation Entre Deux Roues and to raise awareness regarding persons in wheelchairs who are often forgotten and marginalized.

I would like to highlight the efforts made by these organizations and the relentless work they do to improve the quality of life of those they serve.

I would also like to congratulate Mr. René Séguin, the chief organizer of the third annual Roulethon, and his entire team on the great success of their September 15 event which raised $12,162. I wish them all the best in their future endeavours.

Dick Martin

[Alexa McDonough, NDP, Halifax, NS]

Mr. Speaker, earlier today we received the sad news of the untimely death of Dick Martin, one of the best loved labour leaders in the country.

Dick was a former secretary treasurer of the Canadian Labour Congress, a former president of the Manitoba Federation of Labour, a lifelong New Democrat and a true friend to working people in the country and around the world. Sometimes referred to as a diamond in the rough, he rose through the ranks from his days as a miner and a member of the United Steelworkers of America to become president of local 6166 in Thompson, Manitoba. He then became president of the Manitoba Federation of Labour before becoming executive vice president of the CLC in 1984.

On behalf of my colleagues and on behalf of my party, I want to extend our deepest condolences to his wife Cathy, his family Margaret, Ross and Jack, and to his countless friends in the trade union movement and in the health, safety and environmental communities.

Town of Mount Royal

[Claude Bachand, Bloc, Saint-Jean, QC]

Mr. Speaker, we were shocked to learn earlier today that the town of Mount Royal shut the doors of the fence that runs along Acadie Boulevard to prevent underprivileged children from the Parc-Extension area from going trick or treating on its territory.

This means that children from low income families will not be able to knock on doors of the homes of the wealthy in Mount Royal. This is unacceptable. Halloween is an important event for all children, rich or poor, regardless of their social standing.

I hope to see children who for weeks have been anxiously waiting for this event walk around freely, without fear and, above all, without borders.

As chair of our caucus and on behalf of my Bloc Quebecois colleagues, I deplore this unfair measure for the children of underprivileged families. I urge the hon. member for Mount Royal to condemn this situation since he is always claiming to be a strong advocate of rights and freedoms.

Unicef

[Dominic LeBlanc, Liberal, Beauséjour—Petitcodiac, NB]

Mr. Speaker, today, October 31, is national UNICEF Day. On this occasion the United Nations Children's Fund is taking part in Halloween.

Since 1955, children have been collecting pennies for the poor. So far, over $75 million have been collected.

Last year Canadian children collected more than $3 million. This money makes it possible to improve the living conditions of children in more than 150 developing countries. It goes to protecting children from exploitation and provides them with an education, vaccines and safe drinking water.

Tonight is Halloween. When a princess or a wizard, a ladybug or an astronaut knocks on the door and holds out an orange and black piggy bank, be generous.

National Security

[Norman E. Doyle, Progressive Conservative, St. John's East, NL]

Speaker, the security of Canada's borders continues to be of great concern to all of us. We have greatly increased our security at airports and at our border crossing sites with the United States of America. However Canada is a country with a long coastline and many harbours. Government needs to be vigilant of the dangers presented by lax security in this important area.

For example, the oil refinery at Come by Chance, Newfoundland receives oil deliveries by tankers from all over the world. Ships crews are free to come and go while the oil is being off loaded. It is therefore difficult to understand why the local Canada customs office serving the area has been de-staffed. There is nobody minding the ship.

Surely this is a glaring gap in our security perimeter and government would do well to plug such gaps immediately.

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

Mr. Speaker, for weeks we have asked the solicitor general for information related to people arrested and possible terrorist activity in Canada and in the United States. We have asked this to protect Canadian citizens. For weeks the solicitor general has scorned us and has said that he cannot talk publicly about this because it could put people at risk.

Yesterday, in front of the entire world, he announced that CSIS has given important information to the United States. There is no problem with it giving the U.S. information, but he announced an ongoing operation publicly.

Does the Prime Minister think it is appropriate for the solicitor general to be standing out in public giving public information about ongoing CSIS operations?

[Jean Chrétien, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, the solicitor general just said that there is good collaboration between Canada and the United States.

The opposition is always dumping on the federal institutions of Canada rather than supporting Canadian institutions. The solicitor general wanted to prove that the Americans appreciate the good work of the Canadian public service.

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

Mr. Speaker, we have never asked that the solicitor general to reveal ongoing CSIS operations.

We have a situation now and the reports are clear: Canada and Afghanistan playing a part in Monday's warning of new terrorist attack; RCMP seeking al-Qaeda operatives in Toronto; and now the solicitor general talking about ongoing CSIS operations in public.

Can the Prime Minister really stand and say Canada is not at all being threatened by this ongoing giving of information and implication? Are we not at threat at all?

[Jean Chrétien, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, I am happy to repeat that the warning given by the attorney general of the United States the day before yesterday was based on the information he had. The CSIS organization was able to provide him with very useful information.

What the solicitor general said was that we were helpful. At the same time, CSIS and the RCMP have informed the government that this threat was of no relation to Canada at all. Canadians were not under a special threat the day before yesterday.

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

Mr. Speaker, I would like to hear if CSIS operatives think it is a good idea for that kind of discussion to go on.

Now we have U.S. senators Ted Kennedy and Sam Brownback introducing the enhanced borders security act that calls on the United States, Canada and Mexico to set up a North American national security perimeter. The bill would also impose entry and exit controls on every Canadian entering or leaving the United States. This is not exactly a confidence builder to business. Our dollar is sitting at an all time low today.

Will the Prime Minister commit to a signal of confidence--

[The Speaker]

The right hon. Prime Minister.

[Jean Chrétien, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, we said from the beginning that Canada will offer security. It is our preoccupation in Canada to make sure that our borders are well protected and that terrorists are not using Canada as a place to move.

We are changing our laws. Some laws are in front of the House of Commons and the Senate at this time. We have legislated on the Immigration Act. We will have more power to make sure that our borders are secure, and we will be in a position to tell Americans that they do not have to worry about Canada.

[Kevin Sorenson, Canadian Alliance, Crowfoot, AB]

Mr. Speaker, we have been asking about past arrests and information that may affect the security of Canadians. Repeatedly the solicitor general has hid behind his briefing books and a series of canned answers. Now in his drive for headlines, he may have divulged top secret information.

The former solicitor general was fired because of a slip of the lip during a private conversation. Now we have a solicitor general publicly broadcasting confidential information.

How can the solicitor general possibly justify his decision to brag about Canada's role in an ongoing investigation?

[Lawrence MacAulay, Liberal, Solicitor General of Canada]

Mr. Speaker, like my hon. colleague has said, I will not give any information that is specific to an investigation. I have not and will not give such information.