Mr. Speaker, the federal government is keeping its promises. With respect to the environment, this week we announced a $120.2 million investment to accelerate action on clean air.

Among other things, the measures announced will regulate vehicle production to provide cleaner transportation, will make a 90% reduction in the emission of smog-causing emissions from industry and will improve the network of pollutant monitoring stations.

As well, the federal government has signed the ozone annex with the United States. Under this agreement, we will be working in collaboration with our neighbours to the south in reducing pollution from vehicle emissions.

We know that air pollution is responsible for many heart and lung diseases. The problem concerns us all. I am proud that the federal government has made a commitment to improving our living conditions.

This clearly shows its concern for the health of its population.

Prime Minister Of CanadaStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Canadian Alliance

Werner Schmidt Canadian Alliance Kelowna, BC

Mr. Speaker, with these words, “I am just an ordinary MP looking after the interests of my constituents”, the Prime Minister dismisses his intervention in the application of a $600,000 loan for a friend.

The Prime Minister is no ordinary MP. He appoints the members of the Senate, supreme court judges and ministers of the crown. No one can appeal his decisions. He declares government bills and motions to be votes of confidence and does not permit members of his Liberal Party to vote the wishes of their constituents.

When the leader of the country engages in activities that are—

Prime Minister Of CanadaStatements By Members

2 p.m.

The Speaker

Order, please. The hon. member is aware that Standing Order 31 statements may not be used as an attack on another hon. member. It is out of order.

OxfordStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Liberal

John Finlay Liberal Oxford, ON

Mr. Speaker, on March 7, 2001, a tug of war team from my riding of Oxford will travel to Taiwan to participate in the second annual MacKay Memorial Tug of War Championship.

The Oxford-Zorra girls tug of war team has been invited to compete in this tournament because Oxford county is the birthplace of the Reverend George Leslie MacKay, a Presbyterian missionary highly revered for his work in Taiwan.

This trip will help to advance the twinning relationship between Oxford and the Tan-shui region of Taiwan by providing the participants with an exciting opportunity to participate in and experience a different culture.

The Oxford-Zorra girls, accompanied by the Ingersoll pipe band, look to carry on the tradition of another successful tug of war team from Oxford, the Mighty Men of Zorra. That legendary team became world champions at the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago.

Air CanadaStatements By Members

February 21st, 2001 / 2 p.m.

Liberal

Larry Bagnell Liberal Yukon, YT

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring from a constituent a non-partisan issue that every member in the House should find very distressing.

Air Canada has just increased the change fee for transborder fares from $100 to $145, a 45% increase. It appears that on March 1 it will burden all Canadians with this increase by also applying it to domestic fares. This is unacceptable.

To stabilize our economy, this nation has inflation targets of less than 3%. This quasi-monopoly has the nerve to impose a 45% increase in the fee. Quarante-cinq pour cent, c'est incroyable.

Canadians are turning increasingly to the competition because of such audacity. Canadians do not want it, businesses do not want it, Yukoners do not want it and I do not believe the constituents of any member here want an Air Canada increase.

I urge all members to stand up and be counted and say to Air Canada that enough is enough.

Candlelight VigilStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Liberal

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

Mr. Speaker, today on Parliament Hill the Indo-Canadian community will be joined by the Prime Minister for a candlelight vigil in memory of the victims of the recent earthquake in Gujarat, India.

Reports have confirmed over 30,000 dead and hundreds of thousands left homeless and forced to live in tent cities, dependent on the aid of humanitarian organizations.

I encourage my follow colleagues to pay their respects to the victims of this terrible tragedy and join the candlelight vigil in the Centre Block, Room 237-C, after question period.

The EnvironmentStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Canadian Alliance

Chuck Strahl Canadian Alliance Fraser Valley, BC

Mr. Speaker, the environment was the big winner last Friday when a Washington state regulatory body recommended against the Sumas Energy 2 power plant proposal.

Thanks to the hard work of Canadians and Americans alike, the message came through loud and clear that the public does not want a power plant built on the edge of the Fraser Valley, Canada's second most polluted air shed.

The regulator's recommendation, however, is only a roadblock and not the end of the road for the SE2 project. The Washington governor now has the final say on whether the proposal can go ahead. It is no longer an environmental decision. That has been resolved. It is now a political decision.

The situation boils down to this. There are no further environmental hearings planned in the United States. There are no National Energy Board meetings planned because they have now been suspended in Canada. The studies are over. The hearings are finished. It is now a political decision and the governor of Washington will make that decision soon.

The question is, will the Minister of the Environment finally stop talking about process and reports and now tell Governor Locke, in the strongest terms possible, that Canada opposes the SE2 project?

TradeStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Liberal

Sophia Leung Liberal Vancouver Kingsway, BC

Mr. Speaker, the team Canada trade mission to China was a unique opportunity for me to join the Prime Minister and eight provincial premiers on the largest trade mission in Canadian history.

The Prime Minister, as captain of the team, delivered a strong message for human rights to Chinese officials, students and the general public. He stated that human rights not only protect individuals from abuse but also empower people to contribute fully and creatively to building a stronger society.

With $5.7 billion in new deals for Canadian companies, team Canada was a success for commerce and for advancing Canadian concerns about human rights in China.

Community TelevisionStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Bloc

Christiane Gagnon Bloc Québec, QC

Mr. Speaker, the government of Quebec has decided to intervene with the CRTC in support of community television. As we know, this has undergone unique development in Quebec.

In 1997 the CRTC decided to make the existence of community television a precarious one by no longer requiring the cable companies to fund it, thus forcing the majority of these stations to close down.

At that time, the Bloc Quebecois intervened to support community television against the diktat of the CRTC, which was thumbing its nose at Quebec's cultural specificity. We also intervened with the CRTC, requesting that it hold public hearings.

When these do take place, the Bloc Quebecois intends to continue to pressure the CRTC to ensure the continuation of community television so that regional voices will not be silenced.

AgricultureStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Karen Kraft Sloan Liberal York North, ON

Mr. Speaker, a week ago the House witnessed a powerful and moving debate on the crisis facing our family farms.

I want to thank all the farmers I have met with over the past few months, especially the Chapmans, the Donors, the Holtrops and the Oldhams. They gave me the words I needed to share with the members of this House and with Canadians who watched the debate.

Last night our nation's farmers were here in Ottawa sharing the tasty fruits of their labour at a family farm food and wine celebration. This was an unprecedented event that brought members and senators from rural ridings and urban ridings together to meet with our country's agrifood producers.

Together we must continue this very important dialogue and work toward solutions that solve the problems faced on the family farm.

HealthStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Canadian Alliance

Rahim Jaffer Canadian Alliance Edmonton Strathcona, AB

Mr. Speaker, Canadians are needlessly suffering because federal health bureaucrats in the Surveillance Management Program are dragging their feet on new pharmaceutical drug approvals. In fact, Canada's drug approval process is slower than most other developed nations and the problem is getting worse, not better.

Dr. Russell, a researcher from the University of Alberta, was providing his patients with an exciting new drug to treat arthritis on a trial basis. However, after the trial was over his patients were no longer able to get access to this medicine even though every other country in the developed world has the approved the drug.

Dr. Russell is now doing the only thing his conscience will allow: he is providing his patients with a safe and effective but still unapproved drug.

The Minister of Health has to make a decision. Does he want Dr. Russell to continue to provide his patients with an unapproved drug or would he prefer to force these sick people to wait in pain until Health Canada bureaucrats catch up to the rest of the world?

Saro PanuccioStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Mac Harb Liberal Ottawa Centre, ON

Mr. Speaker, it is an honour for me to acknowledge Mr. Saro Panuccio on his 50 years as a Canadian citizen in my constituency of Ottawa Centre.

On February 21, 1951, Mr. Panuccio arrived in Halifax, Nova Scotia with little more than the clothes on his back and a determination to make a better life for himself and others in Canada.

Since then, Saro has received numerous awards for his outstanding volunteer service, especially for making sure that countless new Canadians feel at home in this country and in Ottawa in particular.

In recognition of his tireless efforts, Saro is a recipient of the Governor General's prestigious Caring Canadians Award, the Canada 125 Commemorative Medal and a certificate of merit for citizenship and immigration.

I am proud to acknowledge Saro Panuccio's 50 years in Canada. I ask all members of the House to please join me in congratulating him for making our country a better place for everyone.

Foreign AffairsStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

NDP

Svend Robinson NDP Burnaby—Douglas, BC

Mr. Speaker, the recent bombing by the U.S. and the U.K. of the Baghdad area of Iraq is another gross violation of international law that has led to more injury and deaths of innocent Iraqis.

While this illegal bombing is being condemned by many countries, including France and Germany, shamefully Canada's Liberal government makes us one of the only countries to support this outrageous attack.

Tony Blair is coming to town today. On behalf of our New Democratic caucus, I would urge the Prime Minister to let both Tony Blair and George Bush know very clearly that Canadians are appalled by these latest bombings, the ongoing bombings in the north and south, and the impact of depleted uranium.

Tell Tony Blair and George Bush that Canadians support the immediate lifting of the genocidal economic sanctions on Iraq that have killed so many innocent civilians. Act on the unanimous recommendations of the foreign affairs committee on Iraq. Let us send a clear and strong message to Tony Blair and George Bush. Let us stop bombing Iraq and lift the economic sanctions now.

Summit Of The AmericasStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Bloc

Stéphan Tremblay Bloc Lac-Saint-Jean—Saguenay, QC

Mr. Speaker, if I may, I will read a statement that comes directly from the students of Alma college and the people of Lac-Saint-Jean. It is directed to the Minister for International Trade representing the public at the summit of the Americas:

That the summit of the Americas and Canada's participation in it be conditional on human rights and the environment being given priority over trade interests in the negotiations. In addition, public participation must be given greater importance.

For this to happen, the students want all negotiations to be governed by a code of ethics and subject to the universal declaration of human rights and to environmental protection in the case of all countries concerned. This will mean human, including workers' rights must be respected.

Finally, the students want the texts of the negotiations to be made public immediately.

AgricultureStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Peter Adams Liberal Peterborough, ON

Mr. Speaker, for every dollar that Canadians spend on agriculture Americans spend $2.06, Europeans spend $2.14 and the Japanese $3.47. The United States subsidizes farmers four times more than we do and the Europeans six times more.

A good result of this is that all Canadians spend less than 10% of their incomes on food. All other developed nations spend much more. However, a bad result is that our farmers' share of food costs is very small.

While we can be proud that we eat the healthiest food in the world at the least cost, we must think of the long term. Our wonderfully efficient farming system will be maintained only if farmers and their families receive a fair income for their efforts and ingenuity.

If today's food is too cheap we will pay the cost tomorrow. Let us be sure that our farmers receive their fair share.

AgricultureStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Progressive Conservative

Rick Borotsik Progressive Conservative Brandon—Souris, MB

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the hon. member for Toronto—Danforth for the fine work done in organizing the Canadian family farm food and wine celebration in the Hall of Honour last night.

The reception was attended by representatives from all political parties in an effort to further advance the concerns of our farm communities across Canada here on Parliament Hill.

The reception demonstrated that the message is starting to get through to members of the government side. The overwhelming concern for the plight of our farmers has crossed party lines and at last week's emergency debate was clearly shown. The federal government should seize the opportunity to extend a helping hand to this industry in a demonstration of goodwill.

The message from last night's reception was clear: whether members represent an urban or rural centre in Canada, we can all learn about, understand and recognize the problems the agricultural industry has faced over the past few years.

The only question that has to be asked is when will the minister of agriculture act and when will he put his words into action?

Foreign AffairsStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Marlene Jennings Liberal Notre-Dame-de-Grâce—Lachine, QC

Mr. Speaker, one of our government's aims in international politics is to lighten the debt load of the poorest countries.

In many of the countries considered the poorest, the debt is borne by the people. At the moment, 17 of the world's most indebted countries owe Canada some $1.1 billion. We recently declared a moratorium on the repayment of $700 million in debt for 11 of them.

This specific action is helping make Canada one of countries most committed to reducing human suffering in the world on behalf of Canadians everywhere.

Black History MonthStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Canadian Alliance

Deepak Obhrai Canadian Alliance Calgary East, AB

Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure for me to rise today on behalf of the official opposition in recognition of Black History Month.

Ancestors of Canada's black community have been present in Canada for more than 300 years and have made tremendous contributions to the building of our nation, both as slaves and free men and women.

Thankfully slavery in the British Commonwealth ended on August 1, 1834. Abolitionists and others who fought against slavery, including those who arrived in Canada by the underground railroad, have recognized August 1 as Emancipation Day. I will be debating a motion on Thursday, March 1 that would proclaim August 1 as Emancipation Day in tribute to those who struggled against slavery and continue the ongoing international struggle for human rights.

I welcome the support of my colleagues for this non-partisan initiative.

The EconomyOral Question Period

2:15 p.m.

Okanagan—Coquihalla B.C.

Canadian Alliance

Stockwell Day Canadian AllianceLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, along with the official opposition others are also expressing concern about the government's financial plan no longer being in touch with the changing economy.

I would like to quote from the chief economist at the TD Bank. He is also the former assistant deputy minister of finance. He said of the finance minister's economic update that “the October 2000 economic statement and budget update is now outdated”.

A vague commitment from the finance minister about some update some time in the spring just will not cut it. If the finance minister is not prepared to listen to concerned Canadians, to the markets, to people in business or to the official opposition, will he at least listen to his former top adviser and now a chief economist and table a budget and do it soon?

The EconomyOral Question Period

2:15 p.m.

LaSalle—Émard Québec

Liberal

Paul Martin LiberalMinister of Finance

Mr. Speaker, the hon. member ought to listen to the people that he is quoting. Neither Mr. Drummond nor the vast majority of other economists have said that we should be producing a budget.

They have asked for us to do an economic update to update the projections. Of course we have said on a multitude of occasions that when the consensus of private sector forecasters is ready, of which Mr. Drummond is one, it will obviously be the time to consider an update, as indeed we did last spring.

The EconomyOral Question Period

2:15 p.m.

Okanagan—Coquihalla B.C.

Canadian Alliance

Stockwell Day Canadian AllianceLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, we have been trying to give him that consensus for days and days now, and he is not listening.

Here is another quote from Mr. Drummond, his former senior adviser: “The economic assumptions underpinning the October update now seem decidedly optimistic”. He is saying these are not realistic plans.

I want to assure the finance minister that we are not blaming the downturn on him. We are not doing that. He had nothing to do with it, just like he had nothing to do with the upturn.

I am trying to impress upon him that this is an important issue. Canadians want a financial plan to know how to lessen the impact of an economic downturn. When will he table it, not some vague promise of spring?

The EconomyOral Question Period

2:15 p.m.

LaSalle—Émard Québec

Liberal

Paul Martin LiberalMinister of Finance

Mr. Speaker, I would really like to welcome the Leader of the Opposition to the real world if he has only now discovered that there has been a revision by most private sector forecasters that there is a slowdown going on in the United States. Well, then, welcome to reality.

The government has been saying that for quite some time. What the government has also said in terms of its own forecasts is that in the October statement we put in a contingency reserve and the prudence to cover this very kind of eventuality. In short, we have shown foresight and that Canada is the stronger for it.

The EconomyOral Question Period

2:15 p.m.

Okanagan—Coquihalla B.C.

Canadian Alliance

Stockwell Day Canadian AllianceLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, it was only last Friday that the government finally admitted we are into an economic downturn.

Let us talk about that contingency reserve. In the red book there is a reflection about revenues, with 50% going to increased spending and 50% going to taxes and debt reduction.

Since the Prime Minister wrote the red book we will not blame the finance minister. Will the Prime Minister tell us, then, what is his plan? How can we know? With revenues being reduced as they will because we are in a downturn, is he planning to reduce spending, or will he back off on debt reduction which will weaken the dollar? How can we know what he will do without a budget?

The EconomyOral Question Period

2:15 p.m.

Saint-Maurice Québec

Liberal

Jean Chrétien LiberalPrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, everyone around who knows the situation is praising the government because we reduced the taxes on January 1. Everyone said that we had perfect timing in doing it at the same time as the downturn in the United States.