Debates of March 1st, 2001

Supreme Court Of Canada

[Vic Toews, Canadian Alliance, Provencher, MB]

Mr. Speaker, over the past two decades supreme court justices have engaged in a frenzy of constitutional experimentation that resulted in the judiciary substituting its legal and societal preferences for those made by the elected representatives of the people.

A leader in this judicial activism was former Chief Justice of Canada Antonio Lamer. Although he is now retired, the decisions that he wrote or participated in will continue to impact adversely on the principles and institutions of our democracy.

In a recent interview, another supreme court justice, Mr. Justice Bastarache, warned the nation of the dangers of judicial government favoured by the former chief justice.

The House and the people of Canada should commend Mr. Justice Bastarache and other jurists who recognize the dangers of the legal and constitutional anarchy reflected in the judgments of the former chief justice. Our democratic principles and institutions are too important to be hijacked by non-elected political judiciary.

Amos

[Guy St-Julien, Liberal, Abitibi—Baie-James—Nunavik, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the drinking water of the Canadian municipality of Amos, in Abitibi, is the best in North America and even in the world, according to the jury at the Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting Awards, in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia.

Amos was awarded the gold medal in the municipal water category at the 9th edition of this international competition, the most important one in the world.

The special quality of the groundwater in the region of Amos is due to the presence of an esker.

I invite governments to support the community of Amos in its efforts to become an interpretation centre on esker waters.

National Engineering Week

[Andy Savoy, Liberal, Tobique—Mactaquac, NB]

Mr. Speaker, as a registered professional engineer it is indeed an honour and a privilege to inform the House of the upcoming National Engineering Week.

Since its inception in 1992, National Engineering Week has celebrated Canada's engineering excellence. This year's honorary chair, Canadian astronaut Julie Payette, will be launching National Engineering Week on March 2 in Ottawa by presenting the grand prize to the winner of the great Canadian engineering space quest.

National Engineering Week is an opportunity to celebrate Canada's engineering heritage and to promote awareness of the role engineering plays in our daily lives. It is being celebrated this year between March 3 and March 11 with activities being held across Canada, all dedicated to reaching out to young Canadians to let them know that engineering is an exciting, fun and rewarding career choice.

Hats off to the 157,000 engineers who every day help us build a better and safer nation.

Northumberland

[Paul MacKlin, Liberal, Northumberland, ON]

Mr. Speaker, it is a fact that rural communities face many challenges in obtaining and utilizing technology. In this light, on January 9 of this year I launched my first major initiative as the member of parliament for Northumberland, that being the creation of a research, innovation and technology advisory committee.

This committee is developing a vision of Northumberland, where communities can work together to ensure that our children can find a prosperous future without having to leave their community.

I wish to commend the talented members of the research, innovation and technology advisory committee for their hard work and dedication. I look forward to working with that committee to achieve that vision of a brighter and innovative future for many generations to come.

Research And Development

[Cheryl Gallant, Canadian Alliance, Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke, ON]

Mr. Speaker, in April 1999 a proposal was presented to the government to build a Canadian neutron facility for advanced materials research at Chalk River laboratories.

This facility is critical for Canadian industries and universities in developing the advanced materials needed to compete in the global economy. If Canada is to maintain its economic independence, we need to stay ahead of the competition by developing new materials and new industries.

All innovations depend on the discovery and development of new materials, whether they be for medical, mining, aerospace, optical or energy industries.

Working at Chalk River, Canadian Bert Brockhouse developed the method now used around the world to view the movement of atoms. For this outstanding achievement he shared the 1994 Nobel prize for physics.

To continue to have Canadian success stories such as this one, we as a nation must invest in primary scientific research. I am calling on the government to act now and provide the funding necessary to build the Canadian neutron facility at Chalk River.

Women's Demands

[Diane Bourgeois, Bloc, Terrebonne—Blainville, QC]

Mr. Speaker, in 1918, before the members of the Canadian Senate who were going to rule on the right of women to vote, Laurent-Olivier David said “Let us leave these poor young women of 21 to their piano, embroidery or needlepoint, and particularly to the tasks that will prepare them to become good and resourceful homemakers”.

At the time, women's demands were made in the context of industrialization and urbanization. Today, they are made in the context of globalization.

Because they make a contribution, women are entitled to their share of the economic, political and social spinoffs. Women must take part in the discussions on the free trade area of the Americas, and they must be heard by the leaders of the 34 states. This is an issue of fairness.

Gun Control

[John Harvard, Liberal, Charleswood—St. James—Assiniboia, MB]

Mr. Speaker, opposition members continue to confuse fact with fiction when it comes to the firearms program. Allow me to clear up any confusion they may have.

The government does not intend to privatize the Canadian firearms program. The government is exploring outsourcing options to ensure that the system is as efficient and cost effective as it can be while continuing to improve public safety. We owe this to Canadian taxpayers.

The government is not compromising the privacy of people in the system. In fact, any new technologies will serve only to enhance the stringent privacy measures already in place.

The government has been clear about the cost and clear about the benefits. More than 2,600 licence applications have been refused or revoked for public safety reasons and 65,000 potentially dangerous gun sales have been delayed for further investigation.

This system is helping to keep guns out of the hands of those who should not have them. The facts are clear. It is unfortunate that critics of the program refuse to look at them and acknowledge that the system is working.

Minister Of Public Works And Government Services

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

Mr. Speaker, recently in this House, members of the Bloc and the Alliance have attacked the Minister of Public Works and Government Services without justification on an immigration matter.

They have accused the minister of using his status as an MP for unjustified purposes and of maintaining links with the Mafia.

I find it unacceptable that some are doing everything possible to tarnish the reputation of a man known for responsible and honest work, a devoted MP concerned for the welfare of the community. These accusations are also tarnishing the reputation of the Italian community.

I am, however, pleased that some members of the opposition have withdrawn their remarks, admitting that their attacks had gone too far, but I deplore the fact that they have yet to officially apologize to the minister, and I encourage them to do so without further delay.

Gildas Molgat

[Inky Mark, Canadian Alliance, Dauphin—Swan River, MB]

Mr. Speaker, it is with profound sadness that I rise today to pay tribute to a man from my riding of Dauphin—Swan River, the Hon. Senator Gil Molgat. As recently as last year we attended community events together.

Senator Molgat was from Ste. Rose du Lac, Manitoba. Senator Molgat had a long and distinguished career in politics, serving as a member of the Manitoba legislature from 1953 to 1970. He was appointed to the Senate by Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau in 1970.

Senator Molgat was elected Deputy Speaker of the Senate in 1983, appointed Deputy Leader of the Opposition in October 1991, and appointed Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate in November 1993. He became Speaker of the Senate in 1994.

Upon my arrival on Parliament Hill in 1997, Senator Molgat was friendly and welcoming to me and made me feel that I belonged here.

On behalf of the Canadian Alliance and the people of Dauphin—Swan River, I wish to extend sincerest condolences to Mrs. Molgat and her family. He will be missed by all Manitobans.

Acts Of Bravery

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

Mr. Speaker, on January 9, three persons in my riding displayed exemplary courage.

A group of 11 snowmobilers from the Netherlands and Moncton were on an excursion in Kent County, on the Bouctouche River.

At one point, the ice gave way underneath the weight of the snowmobiles. While some managed to free themselves, four of them were imprisoned in the icy waters.

It was at this point that Ronald Allain, David Small and Louis Godbout helped them, thus preventing an unfortunate outcome.

A few weeks ago the municipality of Bouctouche recognized their courage. It is with pride and admiration that I would like members of the House to join me in congratulating them and thanking them for their heroism.

Transportation

[Bev Desjarlais, NDP, Churchill, MB]

Mr. Speaker, the transport minister has finally acknowledged that our roads and highways need fixing. The NDP has been saying that for years and I am glad to see he has finally gotten the message.

It is too bad that the Liberal government's solution to the problem is all wrong. The Liberal government's idea is to give big cities more power to tax. That way, cities can raise their own money for roads and public transit.

Canadians do not need to pay more municipal taxes. The Liberal government already collects enough taxes, including gas taxes. It just needs to stop hoarding the money in Ottawa so the finance minister can brag about the big surplus.

The other problem with the Liberal government's plan is that it completely ignores rural Canada. Of course urban transit is important, but rural areas need help as well. Once again the Liberal government is showing its anti-rural, anti-northern bias.

Fixing Canada's roads and improving transit is not that hard. Letting big cities raise taxes is not the answer. The Liberal government should spend tax dollars wisely and work co-operatively with all levels of government, provinces, municipalities and first nations, to fix the roads that need fixing in cities and rural areas throughout Canada.

International Year Of Volunteers

[Suzanne Tremblay, Bloc, Rimouski-Neigette-Et-La Mitis, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the United Nations has declared 2001 International Year of Volunteers. We are being encouraged to share or continue to share our individual resources in order to meet the many needs of the society in which we live.

Getting involved as a volunteer means helping to build a more humane society. Many non-profit organizations would not be able to survive without the help of volunteers.

If the health of a democratic society can be judged by the quality of its volunteer commitment, Quebec is doing well, because one million Quebecers are already active as volunteers. But with the wide range of needs in our communities, there is always room for more volunteers.

I want to join with all those who are benefiting from the generosity of their fellow citizens and express my gratitude to the volunteers of Quebec and of Canada.

Canadian Men's University Volleyball Championship

[Jean Guy Carignan, Liberal, Québec East, QC]

Mr. Speaker, tomorrow marks the beginning of the Canadian men's university volleyball championship at the PEPS complex at Université Laval.

This event will be a wonderful opportunity for young athletes from across the county to compete with the best in their category.

The event will also be an excellent opportunity for the players of Laval University's volleyball team, the Rouge et Or, to measure up to eight of the best teams in the country, including the defending national champions and number one ranking team, the Manitoba Bisons.

Since I represent the greater Quebec City area, I would be remiss if I did not mention the exceptional performances of Laval's team, the Rouge et Or.

Three times national champions during the past decade, this team has maintained a perfect record during the regular season—12 wins and no losses.

The Rouge et Or also won the provincial championship, beating out the Montreal Carabins on February 25.

On behalf of all members of the House, I wish to extend best of luck to all teams participating in this championship and to say especially “Go, Rouge et Or, go”.

Agriculture

[Gerald Keddy, Progressive Conservative, South Shore, NS]

Mr. Speaker, after much pressure from the opposition, the minister of agriculture will finally announce a support package for producers.

There are three problems that the minister must address. First, there is still an unlevel playing field for Canadian farmers today. Canada spends 0.78% of its GDP on agricultural support while the U.S. spends 1.07% of its GDP on agricultural support.

Second, input costs are going up at an alarming rate. The cost of putting fuel in tractors, combines and other farm equipment went from 37 cents a litre to over 50 cents a litre for the crop year starting in 2000. Nitrogen in some cases has gone from 16 cents a pound to 40 cents a pound this spring.

Third, the value of the commodity has gone down drastically. In 1996 a producer received $5.50 a bushel for wheat. Today that same bushel of wheat is returning $2.45. The same year canola returned $10 a bushel and today it is $5.18 a bushel. We need two more things—

[The Speaker]

The hon. member for Laval Centre.

Women's Rights

[Madeleine Dalphond-Guiral, Bloc, Laval Centre, QC]

Mr. Speaker, last October, the World March of Women captured the attention of the entire world. Canadians and Quebecers marched to back up their demands at the provincial, federal and international levels. They called for equity, not violence.

These marchers understood that the power is theirs and that it is their duty to exercise it. Yet sexist attitudes still prevail: pay inequity, lack of recognition for the sociopolitical contribution of women, refusal to recognize the equality of the sexes.

Canada, which boasts that it is the best country in the world but does not respect women, mothers, and female workers, is a poor model indeed. Once again, those who preach democracy around the world are knowingly passing the buck.

But these women who marched and carried a message will not give up until their rights are fully recognized. And they have the full support of the Bloc Quebecois.

Ethics Counsellor

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

Mr. Speaker, for almost two years now the Prime Minister has been stumbling over questions from the opposition related to the Shawinigan file, but yesterday he fell flat on his face.

He declared unequivocally in the House that when he was elected he had revealed to the ethics counsellor that he was owed money on the shares in the golf course. Yesterday the ethics counsellor contradicted that. I have the Prime Minister's public declaration of declarable assets. There is no mention of the over $200,000 debt for the sale of the golf course.

My question is very simple. Why did the Prime Minister not declare the debt owed to him from the golf course to the ethics counsellor when he should have?

[Jean Chrétien, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, I gave all my assets to the lawyer who is my trustee and she had all the discussions with everyone. She informed the ethics counsellor or the staff of the ethics counsellor. It was a time when they were doing a lot of work because all the ministers were doing the same thing.

They were informed. It was not an obligation to reveal this type of asset but she revealed it anyway. That is exactly what the ethics counsellor said. He said it was not an obligation and she did it right at the beginning.

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

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister's own words on June 8, 1999, showed that it was an obligation to reveal it. That is in his own words. He should have done that.

He lent someone as much as $200,000 to $300,000 in the purchase of the shares in the golf course. He neglected to tell the ethics counsellor about it. The reason that he did not tell him about it was because he did not want the ethics counsellor to know about it.

Why did he hide an asset worth over a quarter of a million dollars from the ethics counsellor? It is not on the file. It is not there.

[Jean Chrétien, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, I gave all my assets to my trustee. I checked again with her yesterday and this asset was declared to the officers at that time.

She repeated that. She said that she discussed my file with the ethics counsellor and the staff of the ethics counsellor. She revealed it for me after I transmitted my assets a few days after I became Prime Minister. It was a problem for her and not a problem for me.

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

Mr. Speaker, I am sorry but he did not declare it in 1993. As a matter of fact three years went by. He thought the little secret would not come out, but when it did not go through in 1996, only then was he forced to confess to the ethics counsellor that he had this loan of over $200,000. Then he was given three years to sell it or to declare it. He did neither of those for another three years until the opposition forced him to do that.

We see that first he hid it from the ethics counsellor; then he hid it from the House; and now he has tried to hide it from the Canadian people. Why—

[The Speaker]

The Right Hon. Prime Minister.

[Jean Chrétien, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, the ethics counsellor spoke today. He wrote a letter to the press today. Again he repeated what is clear. We have explained time and time again that there was no conflict of interest, that there was no link at all between the golf course and the auberge, that I did nothing wrong and that I followed all the rules. The RCMP did the same thing.

I have always followed the guidelines. I have not misled anybody. I repeat, my assets were transferred and they were informed in the first days of the administration in 1993.

[Val Meredith, Canadian Alliance, South Surrey—White Rock—Langley, BC]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister's shares in the golf course were owned by his holding company, J & AC Consultants, and had been put in a blind trust.

The conflict of interest code states that public officeholders can only be involved in their blind trust after the ethics counsellor has been consulted.

In this case it was the Prime Minister who informed the ethics counsellor that there was a problem with his shares. When did the Prime Minister learn about the problems of his shares and who told him?

[Jean Chrétien, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, the ethics counsellor reviewed that four times. He knows all the facts.

I became the Prime Minister. I had sold my shares before I was sworn in. I had sold my interest in the hotel six months before. The day after I became Prime Minister my assets were transferred to my trustee, like anybody else. She had to deal with the ethics counsellor. He returned a certificate to me saying that he was satisfied with what I did. He repeated that to the public time and time again.