House of Commons Hansard #119 of the 37th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was amendments.

Topics

Anti-terrorism ActGovernment Orders

1:45 p.m.

NDP

Peter Stoffer NDP Sackville—Musquodoboit Valley—Eastern Shore, NS

Mr. Speaker, I rise in condemnation of this piece of legislation. The previous member of the Liberal Party who spoke made comments about the bill being balanced. Those types of comments originate from the south end of a northbound cow. They have no justification whatsoever. The reality is that if the bill does not get dropped immediately to be reworked and redone for the benefit of all Canadians, my fear is Canadians will wake up to something that they will regret for a long time.

There are 116,000 young Canadians who fought for freedom and democracy buried in over 60 countries around the world. They did not fight for a country to create legislation like this. This is a major overreaction to what happened on September 11.

If one looks at the way the government works with its economic policies, it is probably the cheapest way to deal with what happened on September 11. The budgets of our enforcement agencies, military and others have been drastically cut over the years on a continuous basis by the government. Now the government says there are huge loopholes in the system because of those cuts and terrorists may take advantage of them. It figures the only way to deal with it is to bring forth legislation that would take away the rights of many Canadians.

I am not a lawyer, but the last time I checked a person was innocent until proven guilty. The premise would now be that a person would be guilty before proven innocent. It is unbelievable.

In an era of government when everyone says we need to be more open and transparent my colleague from Pictou--Antigonish--Guysborough introduced motions to dispense with becoming even more secretive. Where is the openness and transparency in that? There is not one piece of evidence that this would protect Canadians or allow them to sleep better at night. I suspect Canadians would have great nightmares over this.

What about the visible minorities? We read over and over again in the media how individuals of Arab descent are looked upon with a jaundiced view because of their nationality. That is unacceptable. This type of legislation would create fear among visible minorities in the country and would do away with the hard work that has been done over many years of attempting to create equality and bring an end to racism.

The bill would create a strong racist notion in most people's minds because determination of whether or not they were guilty or innocent would be based on perception of who they are and what they look like. That is something that our party could never support.

We encourage the government to drop the bill, go back to the table, look at it again, and this time work with all members of society to bring forth a bill that would provide the security we are looking for and end terrorism once and for all.

Anti-terrorism ActGovernment Orders

1:50 p.m.

Halifax West Nova Scotia

Liberal

Geoff Regan LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons

Mr. Speaker, I listened with interest to the comments made by the hon. member for Sackville—Musquodoboit Valley—Eastern Shore. It strikes me that the New Democratic Party has not listened to Canadians on this issue in the same way it did not listen to Canadians on the issue of our military going to assist in Afghanistan.

The NDP claims to support the military. However it says the reason the military is going there is wrong. That is not supporting the military. It is undermining the confidence of military families and creating anxiety among those families which is uncalled for and inappropriate. It is time the NDP started to recognize that.

I wish to deal with the amendment before us at the moment which would add the following in clause 29:

In no such case shall a person be bound to secrecy for a period exceeding fifteen years, unless otherwise indicated by the deputy head.

Let us examine what the motion is really about. It is important to consider the kinds of secrets that are being considered and whether or not we ought to be allowing secrets of this kind to be opened up after 15 years. The motion would amend clause 29 wich defines a “person permanently bound to secrecy” as:

(a) a current or former member or employee of a department, division, branch or office of the public service of Canada, or any of its parts, set out in the schedule; or

(b) a person who has been personally served with a notice issued under subsection 10(1) in respect of the person or who has been informed, in accordance with regulations made under subsection 11(2), of the issuance of such a notice in respect of the person.

That is all a bit confusing. What makes it clearer is the kind of person it is talking about when it defines special operational information. It talks about a person who has offered or agreed to be:

--a confidential source of information, intelligence or assistance to the Government of Canada.

That person might be inside or outside Canada. We cannot be confident or absolutely sure that the person would not be in danger 15 years hence if the information were disclosed that the person had been a source of information. It is not a reasonable assumption to make. The next one is secrecy in relation to:

(b) the nature or content of plans of the Government of Canada for military operations in respect of a potential, imminent or present armed conflict.

This is suggesting that it is not necessary to keep those things secret for more than 15 years. These are important kinds of matters. A terrorist could look at information of this sort that was used by the military in doing its planning and look at the intelligence it gathered to determine where that information came from.

It is not always only the person's name that is the key. Sometimes it is the fact that the military or the government has certain information and when that becomes apparent suddenly the person who gave it to the government is apparent to terrorists. It is a matter of great importance that the information be maintained and kept secret. The third part is:

(c) the means that the Government of Canada used, uses or intends to use, or is capable of using, to covertly collect or obtain, or to decipher, assess, analyze, process, handle, report, communicate or otherwise deal with information or intelligence, including any vulnerabilities or limitations of those means.

This is the kind of information that can make individuals vulnerable. The last thing the government wants is to place people in danger who have given information that is important to our security. That is what this clause would do.

We heard a lot today from the opposition parties about the time allocation motion and their anxiety and frustration with the so-called undue haste of the government. It strikes me as a bit hypocritical to hear this from opposition members because what we heard from them for weeks after September 11 was why the government had not moved more quickly. There was great anxiety and there were constant demands in the House for the government to move swiftly. For example, I refer members of the House to the Debates of October 16 when the hon. member for Provencher said:

The government has taken some important steps. Although we will be considering the provisions of the bill very carefully, it is imperative that the legislation move forward as quickly as possible. I therefore thank members of the House for the increase in the number of hours for debate to raise concerns and move the matter along.

A few weeks ago opposition members were talking about how important it was to stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies. Now they are telling us to slow down and not be in such a hurry. One minute they are telling us to go fast and the next to slow down. They ought to get their act together, get their messages clear and stop flip-flopping about what their view is on this matter.

Let us talk some more about how much debate there has been. Bill C-36 was introduced and read a first time on October 15, 2001. Second reading with extended hours took place on October 16, October 17 and October 18. In addition there were numerous opposition day debates on the same topic.

We had continuous demands from the opposition for the government to act after the events of September 11. We had debate about what the government response could be. We had all kinds of opportunities to express our views on how the government could respond to those events and what measures could come forward in relation to terrorist activities.

The government brought forward measures. We had those debates at second reading. They were referred to the House justice committee on October 18. That committee held hearings on October 18, October 23, October 24, October 25, October 30 and even on Halloween, October 31. It held hearings on November 1, November 5, November 6, November 7, November 8 and November 20.

The Senate was studying the bill as well. The special committee held pre-study hearings on October 22, October 23, October 24 and October 29.

We have heard from Canadians and from our colleagues in all parties. We are now moving forward as Canadians demanded and as members of the opposition demanded over and over in the House earlier this fall.

The real question is how should the government respond to the events of September 11? Do we go on as if nothing ever happened or changed? We heard a lot of comments around that time that the world suddenly became more dangerous on September 11. It is important for us to recognize that is not accurate because it did not become more dangerous that day.

We became aware of how dangerous the world was and what things could be done. We became aware of the terrorists who were in our midst and what impact they could have if we did not have measures to deal with terrorism, if we were not alert.

In spite of our best efforts we must admit that there may be times when things will happen, terrorist attacks may occur that we have not been able to foresee or prevent. I recommend to all colleagues that these amendments be rejected.

Religious OrganizationsStatements By Members

1:55 p.m.

Liberal

Judy Sgro Liberal York West, ON

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the grand opening of a new place of worship in my riding of York West. On Sunday, November 18, the Prayer Palace Ministries opened a new church. It was my honour to attend its official dedication.

The Prayer Palace Ministries has an international and multicultural congregation that represents the diversity of Toronto. Its food bank feeds over 8,000 hungry families every year. It has an extensive focus on outreach for the homeless, youth, children and the victims of circumstance. Its focus on love and compassion serves the spiritual and humanitarian needs of our community. This place of worship will undoubtedly be a focal point in the community.

I ask members of the House to join with me to recognize the new Prayer Palace Ministries Church and to applaud its unity and leadership in this time of uncertainty.

HealthStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Liberal

Charles Caccia Liberal Davenport, ON

Mr. Speaker, last month the New England Journal of Medicine published a study. It concludes that the widespread practice of feeding animals with antibiotics to accelerate growth for profit poses a major health risk to humans.

According to the journal, retail meat is frequently infected with drug resistant bacteria resulting from the overuse of antibiotics for the purpose of stimulating growth. In response to the study the Canadian Food Inspection Agency suggests simply that Canadians thoroughly wash and cook meat. That is hardly an adequate response.

The health threat posed by the overuse of antibiotics would be reduced by limiting the use of antibiotics in animal feed only to cases when there is a need to fight a disease. I therefore urge the ministers of health and agriculture to deal with the overuse of antibiotics in animal feed and issue regulations which would protect public health.

Vic De ZenStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Liberal

Albina Guarnieri Liberal Mississauga East, ON

Mr. Speaker, Canada was built by attracting skills, energy and talent from around the world with the promise of boundless opportunity and a quality of life that has no equal. One Canadian life history epitomizes the struggles and successes that are the Canadian dream for so many newcomers.

Vic De Zen, a tool and die maker, arrived in Canada in 1962 with little English, little money and few immediate prospects. Within 10 years he founded Royal Group Technologies, a company employing over 8,000 people that has made Canadians proud at home and abroad.

Vic De Zen has not only contributed to Canadian society. He has reached beyond the borders of his country to show how Canadian ingenuity can raise living standards and environmental conditions for struggling people in developing countries around the world who can now build secure futures from secure homes.

Vic De Zen's belief in Canada has brought this country esteem and gratitude from across the globe.

Saskatchewan School TrusteesStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Canadian Alliance

Roy H. Bailey Canadian Alliance Souris—Moose Mountain, SK

Mr. Speaker, as many members will know it was just a few years ago that I began an educational career and as I look back that career has given me a great deal of satisfaction.

I first served the public as a teacher, then as a principal and then as a director of education. I look back on those years very fondly. I finished my career with nine years with the Saskatchewan School Trustees Association and the last three years as a member of the executive, a very fine group indeed. That was the highlight of the short educational career that I had.

Today we have the new president of that association, John Nikolegsin, and the executive director, Craig Melvin, with us. It is a real privilege to welcome them to the House. These people are the very salt of the earth; real, true proud prairie people who I am very proud to say are my very good friends.

National AIDS Awareness WeekStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Liberal

Hélène Scherrer Liberal Louis-Hébert, QC

Mr. Speaker, it gives me pleasure to announce to the House that the week of November 25 to December 1, this week, is National AIDS Awareness Week.

This year, we are marking a special anniversary, but we do not celebrate it. In 1981, the first case of what would be called AIDS was reported in North America. Twenty years have passed and the disease remains with us. Indeed, it is a global epidemic.

The time has come to consider what Canada has done to fight the epidemic and to find ways to expand the fight against this disease.

Progress has been made. Thanks to new treatments, Canadians who have the disease live much longer. However, the rate of infection remains high, as does the need for increased awareness and education.

During National AIDS Awareness Week, hundreds of people and communities are working to collect funds and develop public awareness.

I ask all my colleagues to wear a red ribbon in tribute to those who have died from the effects of this illness and to those who face it daily.

Fédération des travailleurs et travailleuses du QuébecStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Bloc

Monique Guay Bloc Laurentides, QC

Mr. Speaker, I wish to pay tribute to all the delegates of the Fédération des travailleurs et travailleuses du Québec, meeting this week in Quebec's national capital.

The FTQ's contribution to improving the working conditions and working life of workers and to advancing all of Quebec society is exceptional.

Once again, these people will deal head on with questions as basic as employment, giving globalization a human face or giving workers greater say over their collective savings in order to promote sustainable development.

I am satisfied that the delegates will show once again that a link may be forged between progressiveness and pragmatism, a well anchored tradition within Quebec's largest labour federation.

I wish them all a successful meeting and pass on the support and friendship of the Bloc Quebecois.

The BudgetStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Paul Bonwick Liberal Simcoe—Grey, ON

Mr. Speaker, today I bring forward a message from the residents of Simcoe--Grey regarding the upcoming budget.

Our journey has been long and not without challenges. Canadians for generations to come will look back at our eight previous budgets and the direction laid out by the Liberal government with a sense of relief, relief at the fact that our government was able to reposition our economy from near certain economic ruin at the hands of the Conservatives to a country that is now recognized as a global leader.

The requests are that we continue to provide the necessary federal funding for health care, remain steadfast in our commitment to tax reduction, provide the necessary funding to our military and security agencies to do their jobs properly, remain vigilant in our focus on debt reduction and not lose sight of our obligation to our environment.

Lastly I say that we must not give up the valuable ground we have gained by moving toward deficit financing. I ask the minister not to borrow from tomorrow's generation to pay for today's.

LewisporteStatements By Members

November 27th, 2001 / 2:05 p.m.

Canadian Alliance

John Williams Canadian Alliance St. Albert, AB

Mr. Speaker, the events of September 11 may have torn a hole in our hearts but out of the tragedy comes a good news story that unites Canada and the United States.

The passengers of Delta Airlines Flight 15, one of many diverted to Gander, Newfoundland, were housed in nearby Lewisporte. The good people of Lewisporte acted immediately and took in their unanticipated guests without hesitation. Dental and medical services were provided free of charge and every passenger was cared for.

Those on board Delta Flight 15 were so moved by the generosity of the people of Lewisporte that one of the passengers is establishing a scholarship for the students in the town. Delta has agreed to contribute $15,000 and $35,000 has already been pledged by the passengers and others.

All Canadians can be proud of the people in Lewisporte, Newfoundland, who have demonstrated that they can be counted on in times of need. We thank them for the hospitality which they extended to our American friends.

HealthStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Steve Mahoney Liberal Mississauga West, ON

Mr. Speaker, yesterday Ontario's outgoing premier once again misled Ontarians by blaming the federal government for his own policies, but he left out a few important facts.

Last night the Prime Minister reminded him of what has actually happened. Last fall Premier Harris agreed to a health accord providing provinces with an additional $21 billion in federal health funding over five years.

Moreover, Premier Harris seems to have forgotten the facts in his own provincial budget. It clearly states that of the $1.2 billion in new health care spending, $1.1 billion or 92% comes from the federal government.

It appears that Mr. Harris is blaming the federal government for his own decision to cut taxes at the expense of medicare, but the Prime Minister made it very clear last night by saying “Do not fool around with public medicare. The people of Ontario will not stand for it and this Liberal government will not stand for it”.

Impaired DrivingStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Canadian Alliance

Dick Harris Canadian Alliance Prince George—Bulkley Valley, BC

Mr. Speaker, today Mothers Against Drunk Driving released a comprehensive review of federal impaired driving legislation and a checklist of policy initiatives that will help save lives and make Canadian roads safer.

MADD Canada's key proposal calls on the federal government to lower the blood alcohol content from 0.8% to 0.5%, a measure that will provide a strong deterrent to those who drink and drive.

The horrific crime of impaired driving kills about 1,700 people every year and injures over 45,000. Canada lags far behind other countries in getting tough on drunk drivers and serious changes are needed now.

I urge the government to act quickly on MADD Canada's proposals in order to save lives and make roads safer for Canadians.

Airline IndustryStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

NDP

Pat Martin NDP Winnipeg Centre, MB

Mr. Speaker, Canada was built on the strength of an effective transportation strategy. That was our national dream: to defy the massive geography of this country and to link the regions together into one great nation.

John A. Macdonald's national dream has turned into a national nightmare for the 4,800 hard-working employees of Canada 3000. Those airline workers woke up to find they were the victims of the government's ambivalence and neglect toward this essential air transportation industry.

This afternoon union members from the Canadian Union of Public Employees, the Canadian Autoworkers Union and the IAMAW machinists are in front of this building demanding that the Government of Canada take action to restore health to the airline industry. More than that, these members want the government to take the kind of action necessary for them to get working again.

The government may be devoid of ideas but the workers in this industry are not. These workers and their unions have put together a concrete action plan that will put the airline industry back--

Airline IndustryStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

The Speaker

The hon. member for Verchères--Les-Patriotes.

The AcadiansStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Bloc

Stéphane Bergeron Bloc Verchères—Les Patriotes, QC

Mr. Speaker, a little later today, the Liberals will show their true colours. Indeed, in all likelihood, the Liberal majority will oppose a motion seeking simply to acknowledge the historic facts surrounding the tragic episode of the Acadian deportation.

Some Liberal members have tried to justify the unjustifiable by saying that we would only rehash the past in vain instead of looking positively to the future, but Acadians wish to put these sad events behind them once and for all and fully live the present while looking resolutely toward the future.

It was said that this motion seeks to bring us back on the warpath and that we are out for revenge, when in fact it seeks to establish the foundations for true reconciliation. It was said that its purpose is to rewrite history when it merely asks that history be acknowledged. It was said that it would reopen old wounds when it seeks to heal them.

If the House of Commons refuses to look at our past with serenity, who will do so? If this motion is rejected, it will be a new snub, which will only serve to keep feelings of distrust and bitterness alive.

Therefore, the House must adopt this motion. It is the only fair and honourable thing to do under the circumstances for Acadians and their history.

Liberal Party of CanadaStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Gérard Binet Liberal Frontenac—Mégantic, QC

Mr. Speaker, one year ago today, Canadians gave a third consecutive mandate to the Liberal Party of Canada, thus expressing their satisfaction with our government.

During the past year, we worked hard to continue on the same path. We made changes to the employment insurance program, helped farmers, provided funding for the arts and culture, cut taxes, lowered the debt, hosted the summit of the Americas and launched initiatives to protect the environment.

I am particularly proud of the measures taken to fight terrorism through amendments to the Immigration Act, the anti-terrorism bill and the legislation on public security. We are on the right track. Our government rose to the challenge.

One year ago, Canadians reiterated their confidence in the Liberal Party of Canada. They were right to do so. Our party is the one that is in the best position to see to their interests.

Once again, I thank the residents of Frontenac—Mégantic for putting their trust in me.

Impaired DrivingStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Progressive Conservative

Peter MacKay Progressive Conservative Pictou—Antigonish—Guysborough, NS

Mr. Speaker, the latest Mothers Against Drunk Driving Canada initiative entitled “Taking Back Our Roads” includes a checklist of legislative changes needed to combat the dangerous criminal problem of drunk driving.

The checklist includes lowering the BAC limit to .05, enhancing police enforcement powers such as the use of passive alcohol sensors, demanding breath and blood samples from any driver involved in a crash causing personal injury or death and taking blood samples when an impaired driver is injured in a crash.

MADD also is calling for the elimination of conditional sentences for impaired driving causing bodily harm, the expansion of the use of ignition interlock programs for all offenders, the creation of a victim's policy office and a mandatory parliamentary review of impaired driving legislation every five years.

Impaired driving in Canada kills almost five people every day. The PC/DR Coalition supports Louise Knox and MADD Canada in their efforts to eliminate the scourge and carnage on Canadian highways caused by drunk driving. We join with MADD Canada in calling on the government to act decisively to eliminate drunk driving in Canada.

Fire PreventionStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Diane St-Jacques Liberal Shefford, QC

Mr. Speaker, National Home Fire Safety Week continues until November 30.

During this week, the Canada Safety Council draws the public's attention to the importance of safety measures to prevent fires in the home.

As the holiday season approaches, I urge all Canadians to be vigilant.

Whether choosing a Christmas tree, lighting and decorations, or leaving a fire burning in the hearth or a dish simmering on the stove, take care.

A fire can start and spread very quickly.

This week, I ask Canadians to make a point of checking the batteries in their smoke detectors, sit down with family and plan an escape route from the house, and find out what precautions you can take to set their minds at rest. The holiday season is a time for rejoicing, for celebrating and for getting together with family and friends. We do not want to see our festive spirits go up in smoke.

Canadian ForcesStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Canadian Alliance

Garry Breitkreuz Canadian Alliance Yorkton—Melville, SK

Mr. Speaker, last week I received a letter from Shirley Pachal of Saltcoats, Saskatchewan. She writes:

Mr. Prime Minister, I have two wonderful sons who are members of our Armed Forces—one is with the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, the other with the Royal Canadian Regiment and they are very precious to me.

My sons are honourable, brave and courageous. They are the kind of men that Canada should be proud to call their own.

My sons have gone through rigorous and gruelling training and have worked hard and are committed to their jobs. They are prepared to stand up and defend all that is considered to be good and right.

They are prepared to put their lives on the line to defend their beliefs, families and Country.

I wish to say only one thing to you Mr. Prime Minister and to those who support you—Your actions, inactions and your lack of leadership have been nothing less than degrading and demoralizing to my sons as well as all Canadian troops. You have shown a lack of faith and confidence in courageous, hard working men and women of our Military. You have struck them with a crippling blow to their hearts and—

Canadian ForcesStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

The Speaker

Order, please. The hon. member must remember that he must address his remarks to the Chair.

Anti-Terrorism LegislationOral Question Period

2:15 p.m.

Okanagan—Coquihalla B.C.

Canadian Alliance

Stockwell Day Canadian AllianceLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, imagine any of the leaders of the 50 terrorist organizations that are known to be operating in Canada advising their fugitive agents where to hide. They would look at the tough laws in the United Kingdom, the United States and western Europe, they would read Bill C-36 and they would say “Come to Canada. You can still get in without documents, you can still be a member of your terrorist organization, you will probably never be extradited and you can mass-murder Canadians and still apply for parole”.

Why will the Liberals not finish the job with Bill C-36 and slam the door on terrorists trying to hide in Canada?

Anti-Terrorism LegislationOral Question Period

2:15 p.m.

Saint-Maurice Québec

Liberal

Jean Chrétien LiberalPrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, I guess that member is in deep trouble somewhere to talk like that, as if it is a disaster. It is a bill that has been studied by the House of Commons, by all the members of parliament. They have listened to the Senate. They have listened to witnesses for days and weeks, for many hours, with amendments and so on. The wishes of Canadians have been represented by the members of the House.

Anti-Terrorism LegislationOral Question Period

2:15 p.m.

Okanagan—Coquihalla B.C.

Canadian Alliance

Stockwell Day Canadian AllianceLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, I defy the Prime Minister to find one Canadian who would support the things that I just listed.

Not only has the government gagged the opposition on the anti-terrorist bill and rejected the amendments we have put forward, but it has done nothing to resolve the problem of bogus refugees.

Will the Prime Minister introduce effective legislation so that those arriving in Canada without identification can be detained and any bogus criminal refugee who represents a risk to our safety can be deported?

Anti-Terrorism LegislationOral Question Period

2:15 p.m.

Saint-Maurice Québec

Liberal

Jean Chrétien LiberalPrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, we have just passed a new immigration act. It was studied for weeks on end by the House of Commons, and by House and Senate committees. It was passed and will help us to do something about the problem of bogus refugees.

We have introduced Bill C-36, which will be passed very soon by the House of Commons, and we have another bill before the House.

Naturally, with the problems mentioned, we want to combat terrorism but, at the same time, we must preserve Canadian values.

Anti-Terrorism LegislationOral Question Period

2:15 p.m.

Okanagan—Coquihalla B.C.

Canadian Alliance

Stockwell Day Canadian AllianceLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, how about preserving safety and security? That is a Canadian value.

Here is an amazing quote from the minister of immigration. She said about the false refugee claimants that “we need to know who people are, where they are”. What an amazing statement. She is almost ready to join our side with that kind of revelation.

Her department is now frantically reviewing 35,000 files of people it fears it has improperly let into the country. Now will she admit that she must send a clear signal, very clearly saying people will be detained and possibly deported if they are suspect, if they do not have documents and if they are--