Earlier this day the chair received submissions from the hon. member for Vancouver Island North concerning a request for an emergency debate pursuant to Standing Order 52. I wish to advise the House that the Chair has decided to accept that request and grant it. Accordingly, there will be a debate this evening under the terms of Standing Order 52 at 8 o'clock on the subject of softwood lumber.

Dana Canada IncorporatedStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Liberal

John Richardson Liberal Perth—Middlesex, ON

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise in the House today to congratulate Dana Canada Incorporated for announcing the creation of 125 new jobs in the town of St. Marys, Ontario.

Dana Canada will be building a 140,000 square foot addition to its current automotive parts plant. This will be the second expansion for the growing St. Marys operation, with a 90,000 square foot addition to the truck parts manufacturing plant having been added last year. Dana Canada's new addition will be completed next summer and will house a new line of parts for the Ford Motor Company.

The addition of 125 new jobs is good news for the people of St. Marys, many of whom have been affected by layoffs resulting from two plant closings in nearby Stratford.

Congratulations to Dana Canada Incorporated for taking the initiative to provide these new jobs to the people of St. Marys. Best wishes to all new and present employees of Dana.

Salmon FisheryStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Canadian Alliance

Jim Gouk Canadian Alliance Kootenay—Boundary—Okanagan, BC

Mr. Speaker, the fruit growing town of Oliver has endured attacks by weather, insects and U.S. apple dumping policies with little help from the federal government. Now it is under attack by the government itself.

Oliver provides farm irrigation through the operation of a canal. It has been in use since the 1920s. Now the Department of Fisheries and Oceans has decided to enhance the salmon fishery in the Okanagan River by having an elaborate fish screen placed over the mouth of the canal and is demanding that Oliver pay the $400,000 cost, this despite the fact that the canal has operated and presumably the fishery has survived for over 80 years without one. The cost may not be much for a government that squanders more than that per day on subsidizing VIA Rail, but it is devastating to a small community.

When I spoke to the minister about this, I mentioned that it was not fair that DFO decided to enhance the salmon fishery and stick the town of Oliver for the cost. His response was “DFO makes lots of decisions. Obviously we cannot be expected to pay for all those decisions, we would be broke”.

If DFO wants it, it should be prepared to pay for it instead of downloading it on a small British Columbia town.

Communities in BloomStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Liberal

Bryon Wilfert Liberal Oak Ridges, ON

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the town of Richmond Hill in my riding of Oak Ridges for being awarded a four bloom rating out of a possible five for its 2001 Communities in Bloom program. The results were announced on September 22 at a national awards ceremony hosted by the greater Saint John, New Brunswick area which honoured competing municipalities from each province and territory across Canada.

Richmond Hill achieved high scores in community involvement, environmental efforts and a special mention for its efforts in the area of heritage restoration. With its four bloom rating, the town is eligible to compete on the national stage next year.

The judges noted that they were impressed with the strong support from many groups of Richmond Hill volunteers and commented “a beautiful city is being created with highly landscaped commercial areas, treed boulevards, an abundance of trees, play fields and open spaces, naturalized water drainage and urban forest areas”.

Mr. Speaker, I could not be happier to agree.

LiteracyStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Liberal

Raymonde Folco Liberal Laval West, QC

Mr. Speaker, recently, on behalf of the Government of Canada, I presented a cheque for $14,000 to an organization in my riding of Laval West the name of which is “Au jardin de la famille de Fabreville”.

This funding, which is part of federal-provincial literacy initiatives, will allow the organization to pursue its objective of facilitating participants’ social, economic and cultural integration.

It is especially important to encourage all Canadians to take up the challenge of literacy. I am proud that the Government of Canada has made a commitment to take specific measures to support literacy and organizations such as Au Jardin de la famille de Fabreville.

OktoberfestStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Karen Redman Liberal Kitchener Centre, ON

Mr. Speaker, this coming weekend, Kitchener invites the world to share in the great German tradition of Oktoberfest. The nine day festival is the largest Bavarian celebration in North America and boasts Canada's greatest Thanksgiving Day parade.

The 33rd annual Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest celebrates our local German Canadian heritage with over 20 festhallen and 45 family and cultural events. Through the gaiety of this spirit of gemuetlichkeit, the local economy is stimulated and over 70 charities and not for profit organizations raise funds to benefit the residents of Kitchener-Waterloo.

Kitchener is firmly rooted in its German heritage. Oktoberfest is an opportunity to commemorate the traditions and culture of our nation's three million German Canadians.

I would also like to congratulate the hundreds of volunteers who commit their time and energy to the success of Kitchener-Waterloo's Oktoberfest. Kitchener is the place to be for the next two weeks. I invite all Canadians to don their lederhosen and head out to Oktoberfest.

Strathcona Christian AcademyStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Canadian Alliance

Ken Epp Canadian Alliance Elk Island, AB

Mr. Speaker, two grade six students from Strathcona Christian Academy in my riding have penned a prayer. They gave it to me and asked me to ask members of parliament to pray this prayer with them:

Dear Father, please be with America, and all the grieving Americans who lost friends and loved ones. We pray that those who are in charge will make wise decisions. Also, be with the younger children, because they don't really understand what is going on right now in the world, and for those children who lost parents and grandparents. Thank you that it was not worse than it already is. In your Name we pray, Amen.

I would like to thank Alexis Foster and Sarah McConnell for the inspiration they have given to us through this prayer.

Mental Illness Awareness WeekStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Stan Dromisky Liberal Thunder Bay—Atikokan, ON

Mr. Speaker, next week is Mental Illness Awareness Week. This is an opportunity for Canadians to raise awareness about mental illness, to give hope to those who suffer from such disorders, and to recognize the many groups and individuals who have helped to bring about changes through research and through public awareness projects.

During the past decade there have been many scientific advances that have led to new medications for severe mental illness.

A new perception of mental illness is emerging, thanks to public information programs that eradicate the myths and stigma that once prevented people from seeking treatment. Today individuals with these disorders have a real chance at reclaiming full and productive lives.

All Canadians can make a difference in promoting mental health awareness by providing hope to the courageous individuals who struggle with these illnesses.

World Teachers' DayStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Bloc

Diane Bourgeois Bloc Terrebonne—Blainville, QC

Mr. Speaker, October 5 is World Teachers' Day. Let us reflect on the vital role teachers play in our society.

Teaching is about more than passing on knowledge. It is also about listening, understanding, explaining, guiding, encouraging, developing, training, educating, and instilling values, principles and ideals.

Teaching is also about helping to shape an identity.

Teaching is a profession that carries with it some very weighty responsibilities and, too often, we neglect to point this out. We forget to thank the people who are there for students, who support their initiatives and who guide their steps.

Today, the Bloc Quebecois pays tribute to these women and men who play a role in developing our society's most important resource, our young people.

Mental Illness Awareness WeekStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Judy Sgro Liberal York West, ON

Mr. Speaker, I am glad to join with my colleagues and recognize Mental Illness Awareness Week sponsored by the Canadian Psychiatric Association.

The focus for this year's campaign is “Making a difference-Shed light, Give hope, Take action”. These are words that evoke a great deal of meaning to those who live with or suffer some form of mental illness.

Through information workshops held throughout the week the Canadian Psychiatric Association hopes to shed light on this largely misunderstood disease, to give hope and to ask the public to take action.

Mental illness affects a dramatic number of Canadians. One in five will likely experience a bout of mental illness some time in their lives serious enough to impair daily function. A great deal of research is continuing in this area through the Canadian Institute on Health Research and other research institutes.

I acknowledge the work of the advisory board of the Institute of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Addiction and recognize in particular a member of that board, Mr. Phil Upshall, who volunteers his--

Mental Illness Awareness WeekStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

The Speaker

The hon. member for Calgary--Nose Hill.

Mental Illness Awareness WeekStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Canadian Alliance

Diane Ablonczy Canadian Alliance Calgary Nose Hill, AB

Mr. Speaker, many of our fellow citizens and their families face the challenges of mental illness. I am told that 50% of emergency room admissions are related to mental illness. Fourteen billion health care dollars each year go toward the treatment of mental illness.

Mental illness is not just a health issue. Problems in the workplace and family setting are also factors. We need to strongly affirm the personal dignity and worth of every individual, including those with mental illness. These fellow citizens need to be assured of their valued and active roles in our communities.

Disability payments alone will not provide needed integration into the larger society. We also need more mental illness research to find new and better ways to relieve those affected by mental illness. We need to be aware of ways to promote good mental health in ourselves and in others around us.

I trust that each of us will set aside a little time during the upcoming Mental Illness Awareness Week to reflect on these important considerations.

Fire Prevention WeekStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Gurbax Malhi Liberal Bramalea—Gore—Malton—Springdale, ON

Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to inform the House that from October 7 to October 13 Canada will once again observe Fire Prevention Week.

Before elaborating on activities of this year's events I should like to take a moment to express my deepest sorrow and remember those members of the fire service and their families who were touched by the tragic events in the United States on September 11.

Each year we move closer to our fire prevention goal through public awareness, promotion of fire safety measures and escape planning. The tragic events of recent weeks have reminded us how important safety procedures are to us.

Fire Prevention Canada with the support of the labour program is launching an exciting series of animated public service announcements targeting fire prevention and safety in the home. These pubic service announcements are scheduled for broadcast on national networks and local affiliates across Canada in the next few weeks.

I hope members will support and participate in promoting fire safety awareness this week and throughout the year.

National SecurityStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

NDP

Joe Comartin NDP Windsor—St. Clair, ON

Mr. Speaker, as a result of the tragic events of September 11 traffic at the Windsor border crossing, the busiest in Canada, has been dramatically reduced because of necessary security measures.

The slowdown has resulted in thousands of jobs being lost. Workers have been laid off at automotive companies, in feeder plants and throughout the whole service sector. It has been quite devastating on our community.

The people of Windsor are acutely aware of the need for the increased security. However they do not want open borders. They do not want to be at risk for the possible influx of crime from the American side of the border.

We know from prior experience that if we work together with our neighbours to the south there are technologies and additional resources that can be put into place to allow for security and the free flow of goods and people.

I called on the revenue minister to raise these concerns with U.S. officials and to encourage them to take immediate steps to increase--

National SecurityStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

The Speaker

The hon. member for Hochelaga--Maisonneuve.

Médecins du monde CanadaStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Bloc

Réal Ménard Bloc Hochelaga—Maisonneuve, QC

Mr. Speaker, I would like to express my congratulations and encouragement today to three Quebec physicians from Médecins du Monde Canada, Drs. Réjean Thomas, Glidor Delev and Amir Khadir, who, along with engineer and project manager Jean-Philippe Tizi, will be taking part, starting October 6, in a huge humanitarian project in Iran, which shares a border with Afghanistan and faces an influx of some 400,000 refugees from that country.

Médecins du monde Canada condemns the September 11 terrorist attacks, but while maintaining the political neutrality that enables it to intervene in the hot spots of the world, this non-profit organization dreads a military retaliation against Afghanistan and the consequences of such action on civilian populations.

A public awareness campaign has been launched, involving private donors and various levels of government. I call upon everyone to support the humanitarian actions of Médecins du monde, an association of international solidarity, dedicated to providing care to the most vulnerable populations in situations of crisis and marginality, anywhere in the world.

World Teachers' DayStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Liberal

Yvon Charbonneau Liberal Anjou—Rivière-Des-Prairies, QC

Mr. Speaker, October 5 is World Teachers' Day. All levels of government should focus attention on the essential work done by educators in modeling and building the future.

Teachers are at the centre of the present and future of our society; they are, in fact, at the crossroads between the two.

Teachers are, however, expected to transmit values that sometimes appear to have been rejected by society as a whole: effort, discipline, respect of authority.

In a context of increasingly cosmopolitan communities and the reality of cultural globalization, teachers must shape responsible and competent citizens.

The emphasis of this international event is on teacher training, and this year's theme is “Qualified Teachers for Quality Education”.

Teaching requires a total commitment. Can our societies and our governments make that same commitment to teachers?

National LibraryStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Canadian Alliance

Grant McNally Canadian Alliance Dewdney—Alouette, BC

Mr. Speaker, many of our most treasured historical documents continue to be exposed to irrevocable damage. The National Library of Canada is tasked with preserving Canada's published heritage so that it is available for present and future generations. Yet over $2 million of irreplaceable information has already been lost since the Liberals took over in 1993.

Works like the original hand drawn maps of Champlain, pages from the original Guttenberg Bible and the first newspaper ever published in Canada are threatened daily by leaky roofs, exploding pipes and a climate so humid that it routinely sets off the fire alarm.

When asked about her plans to protect the 20 million items representing our shared history, the heritage minister said that the government was still deciding on whether or not this was a priority. I find it amazing that the minister can find half a billion dollars for new culture spending but is still mulling over whether she will take action to find safe storage for priceless documents.

The current repair costs already exceed the budget. Collections are being stored under tents of plastic and the rains are going to come. Will the Minister of Canadian Heritage commit today to saving what remains of these irreplaceable documents before it is too late?

National SecurityOral Question Period

2:15 p.m.

Okanagan—Coquihalla B.C.

Canadian Alliance

Stockwell Day Canadian AllianceLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, it is day 23 and still no lead from the government at all in terms of calling for a non-partisan federal provincial initiative on perimeter security which would protect our citizens and cross-border trade.

The president of the Canadian manufacturers and exporters says we need to do this. A number of premiers of various political stripes say we need to do this. Most Canadians say we need to do this.

It is time to put aside partisan politics and immediately convene a federal-provincial initiative on perimeter security. Why will the Prime Minister not do this?

National SecurityOral Question Period

2:15 p.m.

Ottawa South Ontario

Liberal

John Manley LiberalMinister of Foreign Affairs

Mr. Speaker, it is indeed time to put aside partisan politics. That includes fearmongering about security in our country. It includes implying that somehow or other Canada was responsible for the events that occurred on September 11. It includes working constructively across the border with our partner, the government of the United States, on cross-border issues.

That is exactly what we have been doing in consultations between myself and Mr. Ridge, between the solicitor general and the attorney general of the United States.

National SecurityOral Question Period

2:15 p.m.

Okanagan—Coquihalla B.C.

Canadian Alliance

Stockwell Day Canadian AllianceLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, when the Prime Minister is here this gentleman sounds non-partisan. As soon as the Prime Minister is not here, he slides right into the Prime Minister's mould and starts looking and sounding like him.

With Quebec's exports to the United States down 15% since September 11, the business community supports the Canadian Alliance's idea of holding a federal-provincial summit on the North American security perimeter.

The president of the Alliance des manufacturiers et exportateurs du Québec, Paul-Arthur Huot, stated that he believed it was a very good idea, and that the government must show leadership on this issue.

My question is simple: Will the government show leadership on this issue by holding a summit?