House of Commons Hansard #111 of the 37th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was housing.
The Speaker
As is our practice on Wednesday we will now sing O Canada, and we will be led by the hon. member for Edmonton North.
Walt Lastewka Liberal St. Catharines, ON
Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Richard B. Wright on his splendid achievement in winning the 2001 Giller Prize for his novel Clara Callan . Clara Callan , Mr. Wright's ninth novel, is a remarkable depression era story of two sisters from small town Ontario whose lives diverge radically during a period marked by social upheaval and the imminence of war. As the jury remarked, Wright succeeds in “precisely evoking the Depression...while portraying Clara and her radio-actress sister with grace and wit”.
This is not the first time Richard Wright's work has received recognition. His first novel, The Age of Longing , was nominated for both the Giller Prize and the Governor General's Award. With his recent retirement from a teaching position at Ridley College in St. Catharines we can hope to see more work flow from the pen of this prolific and talented Canadian writer.
In 1994 Jack Rabinovitch established this Canadian literary prize to celebrate Canada's best fiction writing and to honour the memory of his late wife, literary journalist Doris Giller.
On behalf of the Government of Canada I congratulate Richard Wright for this achievement and wish him many productive years to come for the benefit of Canadian literature.
Rob Anders Canadian Alliance Calgary West, AB
Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to rise in the House today in honour of Canada's veterans. This is Veterans Week and as Canadian soldiers are once again shipping off to war it behooves us to honour and remember the proud tradition that they and our veterans represent. We do this because we cannot afford to ignore the very real and constant threats to our security.
This week should also serve as reminder to the government that failure to maintain our strong and proud military tradition is to fail not only our veterans but all Canadians.
I humbly suggest that the best way to honour our veterans is to ensure they are well taken care of as they took care of us and to respect their noble traditions by making the troops of today a priority.
Paddy Torsney Liberal Burlington, ON
Mr. Speaker, this is National Seniors Safety Week. Many seniors are injured in their own homes. Declining vision, hearing, sense of touch and smell are all part of the normal aging process, yet they can increase the risk of injury.
As we age our bodies take longer to heal and recover, making injury prevention that much more important.
Fortunately, the news is not all bad. Many of the injuries occurring in the home can be prevented. Hazards just have to be recognized and the necessary precautions taken.
The Canada Safety Council is encouraging seniors to make their homes safer. Its campaign “Good Living and Independence—That's the Ticket for Aging Canadians” includes public service announcements and ideas for improvement.
All colleagues in the House can get help the message out. Simple precautions in each of our homes would help prevent injuries and improve our quality of life. Indeed there is no place like home and all of us want to be as safe and injury free as possible.
Diane St-Jacques Liberal Shefford, QC
Mr. Speaker, I wish to draw the attention of the House to Canada Career Week, November 4 through November 10.
By supporting the communities, Human Resources Development Canada and its partners are contributing to the organization of events to provide our fellow citizens with the opportunity to learn more about various careers, retraining opportunities and the necessary steps to take to improve their future.
By pooling their efforts, people can achieve a degree of personal satisfaction that leads to furthering their education, increasing their earnings, and reducing poverty and dependence on social programs, which in turn benefits the entire community.
In the spirit of Canada Career Week, I encourage all of my colleagues to take an interest in the initiatives in their regions and to encourage people to learn more about career opportunities everywhere in Canada.
Carmen Provenzano Liberal Sault Ste. Marie, ON
Mr. Speaker, another Veterans Week is upon us. It is a time when collectively we declare our great pride in the service and sacrifice of Canada's veterans.
Whenever they were called on to fight oppression and tyranny they answered the call with courage and distinction. In two world wars, in Korea and in countless peacekeeping operations around the world, theirs is a legacy that we pledge never to forget.
With the world now at war with terrorism and with our servicemen and women once again being sent into harm's way it is more important than ever that we remember those who have stood on guard for us from the turn of the last century to the beginning of this one.
This year once again we will meet on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. It is an act of allegiance that knows no limits of time. It is an act of remembrance that we have pledged to honour.
Lest we forget.
Gurmant Grewal Canadian Alliance Surrey Central, BC
Mr. Speaker, everyone but the government seems to know that Canada's border control measures are a farce. Yesterday we found out just how bad they really are when a number of people snuck into Canada through Halifax harbour despite supposedly stepped up and improved security measures.
The ease with which stowaways walk away from ships is a serious concern. The government must drop the pretence and start taking border control and the security of Canadians seriously. The U.S. examines more than three times as many ship bound containers as we do in Canada.
When will the government start addressing the root causes of our lax border control policies by reinstating the port police and bringing our inspections of containers up to acceptable standards?
Larry Bagnell Liberal Yukon, YT
Mr. Speaker, in Ottawa today are two important groups. First, I recognize the cruise industry that is an important and strong contributor to our tourism industry.
Second, I recognize Chief Joe Linklater from the Vuntut Gwitchin first nation in Old Crow, the farthest northwestern community in Canada. The Old Crow people are the ones who depend on the caribou herd we have been fighting so hard in the Canadian government to save.
I salute the heroic efforts of Chief Joe Linklater and the Vuntut Gwitchin people who have fought for years a heroic battle against the large oil companies to save their lifestyle, a very important way of life in far northwestern Canada.
Louis Plamondon Bloc Bas-Richelieu—Nicolet—Bécancour, QC
Mr. Speaker, in Quebec and in Canada we have the pleasure of living in a land of rich resources with a decent standard of living. During Veterans Week, with its theme “In the Service of Peace”, let us remember our fellow countrymen who were killed in action and pay tribute to their fellow soldiers who served our two nations in difficult times.
On behalf of all members of the Bloc Quebecois, I also want to express all our gratitude to members of our forces currently serving overseas and to say that our thoughts and prayers are with them and their families.
We have no greater duty than to honour the sacrifice of those who served to protect our peace and our freedom. We have a duty to pay tribute to all those who gave their lives for us, and those who are protecting us this very day.
We have a duty to perpetuate the memory of our veterans throughout Quebec and Canada, those men and women who served so nobly in peace and in war.
We will never forget the marvellous legacy they have left to us, so that we may live freely within a democracy.
Gurbax Malhi Liberal Bramalea—Gore—Malton—Springdale, ON
Mr. Speaker, since the bombing of Afghanistan began, an additional 130,000 refugees have fled the country. Especially now, with winter fast approaching, we must turn our attention to humanitarian aid for the people of Afghanistan. Our cause, to root out terrorism sanctioned by the Taliban, will suffer terrible harm if Afghanistan refugees starve to death.
I ask all members of parliament to join with me in calling upon the coalition to make humanitarian aid to the innocent in Afghanistan a top priority.
Men, women and children must be fed, shelter must be provided and the injured cared for. We must make humanitarian aid a central component of our mission in Afghanistan.
Deepak Obhrai Canadian Alliance Calgary East, AB
Mr. Speaker, on November 14, Hindus across the world and in Canada will be celebrating Diwali, the festival of light.
The Diwali celebration symbolizes the victory of good over evil and Hindus join their families and friends in celebrating it with prayers, sweets, exchanges of gifts and fireworks.
Hindus also start their new calendar immediately following Diwali. Today Diwali is celebrated on all continents of the world.
Following the September 11 terrorist attack, it is important that we take time to pray for peace and tranquility for all humankind.
I urge all Hindus in Canada to share with their families, neighbours, friends and all Canadians the message of peace that symbolizes Diwali.
As a member of the Hindu faith, I wish to extend, along with all my colleagues in parliament, a happy Diwali and a prosperous new year to all Hindus.
Geoff Regan Liberal Halifax West, NS
Mr. Speaker, Remembrance Day is a sacred and solemn occasion in my home province. In fact it is consider important enough for Nova Scotia to have a separate Remembrance Day act. That act includes fines of up to $15,000 for any employer who contravenes the act and thereby breaks faith with those who died.
I strongly support my home province's position on this important day but I am afraid that other jurisdictions are not so committed. In fact I am told that here in Ontario students are barely given enough time to attend a cenotaph ceremony.
At this turbulent time in our history, we need to remember appropriately the freedoms our veterans won for us and the terrible price they paid. Let us never forget.
Joe Comartin NDP Windsor—St. Clair, ON
Mr. Speaker, by Monday the performance of the Canadian negotiators at the Kyoto protocol talks in Marrakesh earned them all three Fossil of the Day awards. They get this award for doing the most harm to the negotiations.
The awards are voted on by more than 60 environmental organizations from around the world. This is the first time that any country has gotten all three awards in one day.
As a result of this embarrassment, Canada's position has actually improved since then and the talks are going fairly well. We received several accords and the results are looking positive.
However, we are vacillating as a country on the issue of legally binding consequences for non-compliance. We call on the government to take a stern, unequivocal position on legally binding consequences for non-compliance with the Kyoto protocol.
Serge Cardin Bloc Sherbrooke, QC
Mr. Speaker, on Monday, awards of excellence were presented to 54 young Quebecers at the annual gala of the Fondation de l'athlète d'excellence du Québec.
I was pleased to learn that the Université de Sherbrooke women's volleyball team was proclaimed university team of the year.
The Sherbrooke team distinguished itself last year at the national level, winning a silver medal at the Canadian university championships. Three of its players later went on to play with the senior national team.
The team's trainer, Normand Bouchard, was named university trainer of the year.
On behalf of my fellow Quebecers, I offer warm congratulations to the Vert et Or team and its trainer on making the podium. They do the Eastern Townships and Quebec proud.
Shawn Murphy Liberal Hillsborough, PE
Mr. Speaker, in a ceremony repeated many times in Halifax harbour's long naval history, Canadian warships once again departed for troubled waters to the sorrow and applause of family members and supporters, and to the appreciation and pride of all Canadians.
Canada's deployment of 2,000 Canadian forces personnel in Operation Apollo includes the deployment of the naval frigate HMCS Charlottetown . The name Charlottetown holds special significance to all Canadians as it is the birthplace of this nation. As a citizen of the city, I am proud to rise today to extend on behalf of all citizens of the birthplace of Confederation support and best wishes for a safe and successful return of all personnel involved.
As Canadians we are all proud of them.
Gerald Keddy Progressive Conservative South Shore, NS
Mr. Speaker, maritime softwood lumber producers are reeling from the impact the 12.6% anti-dumping duty will have on the economy and their livelihoods.
In situations reflected across this country, workers in the softwood lumber sector, already faced with hardships of an economic downturn, dare I say recession, are further curtailed by this unfair duty.
It is particularly unfair to Atlantic Canadians because, as Nova Scotia premier, John Hamm, has pointed out, the maritimes have always enjoyed unrestricted access to the U.S. market. Now that has changed. Not only are loggers affected, truckers, mill workers and others are all being negatively affected by this unfair duty, and all because of the political decision by this government not to defend Canada's interests.
The United States is dependent on affordable, accessible Canadian softwood lumber for its construction industry. Lumber companies from British Columbia to Nova Scotia have shown that they are fed up with the government's inaction. When are Canadians going to see this government stand up for Canada's interests?
Stockwell Day Canadian AllianceLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, Canadians were not impressed yesterday at the sight of political leaders insulting each other over shaking hair, shaking hands or shaking speech. Canadians want to see action on jobs. They want to see action on security.
On the issue of security, the minister of immigration continues to tell us that she detains suspicious claimants and yet we have a quote today from her own officials. They said “Rarely do we detain undocumented people”. That was said by her own officials.
Why does the Prime Minister continue to hurt genuine refugees by not dealing with these suspicious claimants who are undocumented?
Elinor Caplan LiberalMinister of Citizenship and Immigration
Mr. Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition misinterprets the quote. We detain when we have evidence or concern about security, where we have evidence or concern about identity or where we have concern that the individual will not show up.
The overwhelming majority of those people who show up undocumented, if they are not detained, is because they do not pose any risk.
Stockwell Day Canadian AllianceLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, let me help her with the picture. People cannot get on a plane in another country, men, women or children, unless they have documents. If they arrive here without documents it means they have destroyed them. That makes them a little bit suspicious.
We have another quote from one of her officials saying that things have changed since September 11. Now the official says that suspicious claimants are delayed from anywhere from two to four hours.
When will the government detain, until being cleared of being a security risk, any person arriving here without documents?
Elinor Caplan LiberalMinister of Citizenship and Immigration
Mr. Speaker, the Immigration Act gives the immigration officers the authority to detain anyone where they have reason to believe that person poses a security risk. They do detain.
However things have changed since September 11. Now, not only do we photograph and fingerprint, there is what some might call an indepth grilling of two to four hours and an assessment is made as to whether or not that person poses a risk.
I want to assure the Leader of the Opposition that when my officials have reason to believe that someone poses a concern or a security threat to Canada they detain without hesitation.
Stockwell Day Canadian AllianceLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, they are not detained until they have been declared a security risk. When we raise these issues we get accused of being unpatriotic.
We have another report today stating that 11,000 people were arrested by U.S. authorities trying to get into the United States between border points and another 4,000 were arrested from Canada to the United States at border points.
We are tired of a Liberal government that puts more focus on the rights of suspicious claimants and fugitives from the law than genuine claimants and people who heed the law--
ImmigrationOral Question Period
The Speaker
The hon. Minister of Citizenship and Immigration.
Elinor Caplan LiberalMinister of Citizenship and Immigration
Mr. Speaker, I reject the premise of what the member opposite has said. I want to give him important information.
As Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, my officials are responsible at ports of entry for people coming into Canada. Last year they identified and stopped over 25,000 people coming into Canada from the United States when there were criminality concerns.
Border patrols of both U.S. and Canadian law enforcement do their best to patrol our borders but immigration stops people coming into Canada.
Grant Hill Canadian Alliance Macleod, AB
Mr. Speaker, on the issue of terrorist assets, President Bush has just signed a new executive order adding 62 organizations and individuals to that list. We expect to get some indication whether any of these organizations or individuals are Canadian. There is one company and one individual on the list with Canadian addresses.
Has the finance minister seized the assets of Al-Barakat North America Inc. or an individual by the name of Liban Oussan, yes or no?
John Manley LiberalMinister of Foreign Affairs
Mr. Speaker, having received the list from the United States, Canadian authorities are now reviewing it, as I am sure the member would believe is appropriate. We will deal with it once we have had our own verification of the identity and the nature of the persons on the list.