Debates of March 20th, 2001

Organized Crime

[Tony Tirabassi, Liberal, Niagara Centre, ON]

Mr. Speaker, the Liberal government has made the fight against organized crime its number one law enforcement priority.

Working with those in the justice system, including the police forces, is essential to this effort. Last fall the House subcommittee on organized crime reported to parliament with recommendations to help combat organized crime. Subsequently the government has been consulting with the provinces, police forces and others to identify needs and priorities in the fight against organized crime.

These efforts are proof of the government's work to fulfil its commitments in the Speech from the Throne and to provide law enforcement and others with the tools they need to break the back of organized crime.

Hockey

[Carol Skelton, Canadian Alliance, Saskatoon—Rosetown—Biggar, SK]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding group of young athletes from my riding, the Delisle Bruins, who on Saturday won the provincial bantam A hockey championships.

In the total point series, the Bruins triumphed over the Weyburn Red Coat Rams by a score of 12 to 4. The Bruins are made up of players from Delisle, Asquith and Harris.

I extend congratulations to Rylan Isaac, Cory Thiessen, Derek Gramson, Matt Dunlap, Kevin Chave, Andrew Busby, Perry French, Tyler French, Blake Rolston, Jeff Colborn, Brendan Reynolds, assistant captain Dustin Knittig, Kevin Burwell, Adam McTavish, Mitch Mrack, Dan Yakasovich, assistant coach Shawn Colborn, coach Joel Durham, and manager Bill Mrack. Because I am a bit biased, I wish to extend special congratulations to Shaun Cairns, assistant captain Chad Laing and captain Louis Genest, all from my home town of Harris.

On behalf of my constituents and all the proud parents, let me offer my congratulations to the Delisle Bruins on their wonderful victory.

Organized Crime

[Jacques Saada, Liberal, Brossard—La Prairie, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to underscore the importance I attach to any government initiative that would control the problem of the intimidation of society by organized crime.

Any attempt to intimidate a parliamentarian constitutes an attempt to intimidate the entire institution of parliament.

Any attempt to intimidate a party to the legal system, be it judge, witness or lawyer, constitutes an attempt to intimidate the entire legal system.

Any attempt to intimidate a member of the media constitutes an attempt to intimidate the media as a whole.

Parliament, the judiciary, and the media are all pillars of our democracy. It is time that concrete and effective actions were taken to preserve our democratic rights.

I am anxiously awaiting the outcome of government reflection and consultation on this matter. The measures we take must be energetic, effective and dissuasive in nature.

Journée Internationale De La Francophonie

[Benoît Sauvageau, Bloc, Repentigny, QC]

Mr. Speaker, on this Journée internationale de la Francophonie, we salute the dynamism of the various communities almost everywhere in the world who share the use of French, and whose devotion and passion ensure its survival and expansion.

Through a variety of events, such as the Francofête, and the Francophonie summits and games, and through the various associations and federations of the francophone communities here and throughout the world, we are building links which enhance the vigour of the francophone culture and contribute to the greater diversity of our global culture.

Some express the culture in song, some in the written word, and many in the spoken word, some of them in shouts. Many envy it, but everyone everywhere cherishes it.

Radio Jeunesse

[Diane St-Jacques, Liberal, Shefford, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to draw my colleagues' attention to the Radio Jeunesse initiative, which was launched as part of the Rendez-vous de la Francophonie, which will be held until March 25.

Radio Jeunesse broadcast on the airwaves for the first time in 1999 during the Jeux de la Francophonie in Moncton, and was a hit. The second edition is happening this year, as the fourth edition of the games is being held.>

Over 70 young people aged between 18 and 30 from countries belonging to the Francophonie will have a turn to speak. They will report the events of the games and introduce us to international Francophonie. They will prepare, host and produce very diversified programming.

I invite you to listen to 89.9 on the FM band, the RFA network or the Internet from June 24 to July 24, and you will be part of a great radio gathering as the guest of the world's young francophones.

Agriculture

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

Mr. Speaker, Ontario's vibrant culture begins with the family farm. The crisis in rural Ontario goes beyond agriculture. Our way of life is under assault.

The history of our province is steeped with stories of our attachment to the land. In my riding of Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke the extensive linkages that agriculture has in the local economy and the benefits provided go far beyond our farmers.

The government needs to look past the current economic crisis to the loss of our rural heritage with the demise of the family farm.

The government will subsidize books, films and television about Canadian culture because in the future if our children want to learn about the family farm, they will have to read about it in a book.

Journée Internationale De La Francophonie

[Bernard Patry, Liberal, Pierrefonds—Dollard, QC]

Mr. Speaker, every year on the 20th, Canada celebrates the Journée internationale de la Francophonie.>

This is the occasion chosen by francophones and friends of the Francophonie in Canada to express their attachment to the French language and culture and to promote its vitality in our country.

During the two weeks surrounding this day were born the Rendez-vous de la Francophonie, which aim to draw attention to our francophonie through discussions, get togethers and celebration.

The Rendez-vous gives the country a picture of Canadian francophonie and underscores its strength, diversity, important contribution to building the country and contribution to Canada's cultural wealth.

March 20 reminds us of the solidarity of the francophonie. This is a rendez-vous not to be missed.

Canada-France Interparliamentary Association

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

Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure today to draw your attention to the presence in this chamber of a delegation of French parliamentarians, led by the member for l'Eure, François Loncle, who is also the president of the French section of the Canada-France Interparliamentary Association and the president of the foreign affairs committee of the French national assembly.

During its visit, the French parliamentary delegation will be taking part in the Journée internationale de la Francophonie.

In addition, president Loncle will present his views on the theme of European defence to members of the foreign affairs committees of both chambers as well as to members of the Canada-Europe and Canada-France interparliamentary associations.

Finally, the French delegation will attend the annual general meeting of the Canadian section of the Canada-France Interparliamentary Association.

I am pleased to note the very high quality of the relations established between French and Canadian parliamentarians over the years and I wish our colleagues and friends a productive visit to Canada.

Airports

[Norman E. Doyle, Progressive Conservative, St. John's East, NL]

Mr. Speaker, when the Liberals were in opposition they were against airport privatization. These days the Liberals have forced airports across Canada to come under local airport authorities, and Toronto's Pearson airport is no exception. Most airport authorities charge a departure tax of $10 and now Pearson airport is no exception to that practice as well.

However, Pearson airport will also charge a $7 connection fee for changing flights at Toronto, and that is a big change. Given that most flights of any distance involve passing through a major transportation link like Toronto, people will have little choice but to pay the extra fee.

Is this the beginning of more fees for the travelling public from a Liberal Party that used to be against these fees on principle?

Summit Of The Americas

[Svend Robinson, NDP, Burnaby—Douglas, BC]

Mr. Speaker, I took part in a press conference with Régine Laurent, the spokesperson for the Table de convergence pour une opposition pacifique au Sommet des Amériques, a member of the executive of the Fédération des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec and of the Table de convergence.

Also there was Philippe Duhamel, non-violent direct action trainer, and organizer and spokesperson for SalAMI, a grassroots anti-globalization organization.

I attended in order to express my solidarity with hundreds of groups from Quebec and various regions of Canada, including the Réseau québécois sur l'intégration continentale, which is calling on the government to make public the texts of the negotiations for the FTAA.

Today, March 20, is the deadline for making these documents public, and I now ask, on behalf of all these groups, that these documents be made—

[The Speaker]

The hon. member for Berthier—Montcalm.

Canadian Police Association

[Michel Bellehumeur, Bloc, Berthier—Montcalm, QC]

Mr. Speaker, today, for the seventh year in a row the members of the Canadian Police Association are meeting with parliamentarians to discuss issues of concern to them.

I take this opportunity to salute their determination and the professionalism with which they present their views.

You, the people in the front line, are the ones we need to listen to.

The Bloc Quebecois shares the majority of your concerns, and we will continue, with you, to seek to make our society still safer than it is at present.

Like you, the Bloc Quebecois has been concerned about biker gang wars and organized crime in all of its forms for some years now.

Like you, the Bloc Quebecois proposes legislative measures that are aimed at prohibiting membership in a criminal organization and make it more possible to get at those in charge.

Like you, the Bloc Quebecois also wants to see more federal government funding put into an effective battle against organized crime.

We hope that the Minister of Justice of Canada will, like all of us, have the firm intention of putting a stop to organized crime and of doing so very soon.

Greg Gatenby

[Sarmite Bulte, Liberal, Parkdale—High Park, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute and congratulate one of my constituents, Mr. Greg Gatenby, who has been named the third recipient of the WNED Steuben Canadian Arts Award. Mr. Gatenby was presented with his award on Tuesday, February 27, in Toronto.

Greg Gatenby is a poet, author and founder of the International Festival of Authors in Toronto. He is also artistic director of the Harbourfront reading series, which welcomes the world's finest and most influential authors to read their work at Harbourfront Centre in Toronto.

Greg has been an outspoken advocate for writers and for freedom of expression. He was one of the five founding members of the reconstituted PEN Canadian centre.

In 1989 Greg was given the city of Toronto literary award. In 1991 he was made an honorary lifetime member of the League of Canadian Poets. In 2000 he was named to the Order of Canada. I congratulate Greg. This is another award that is well deserved.

Agriculture

[Gerry Ritz, Canadian Alliance, Battlefords—Lloydminster, SK]

Mr. Speaker, recently the government attempted to address the anguish of Canadian farmers by tossing out some old money and claiming it was new. The fact that the amount was still too little does not seem to bother the government. In fact it diverted untold thousands of dollars to big city newspapers to brag to urban Canadians about their phony compassion.

The agriculture minister claimed he was merely trying to inform all Canadians about the great job he was doing. However, the ads failed to mention that farm programs were slashed over the last year while our trading partners continued to prop up their industries. The ads did not mention that almost half the money promised back in 1998 was never delivered, while the part that was delivered is now being clawed back.

Government advertising is not the real issue. Did it ever occur to the government that thousands of Canadian travellers should be informed that the hoof and mouth virus rampaging through European herds can be carried on shoes, clothing or on fresh foods? Did it ever occur to the government to stop patting itself on the back and to put resources in the hands of farmers and inspectors who will save Canadian agriculture, despite the Liberal government?

The Economy

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

Mr. Speaker, Alan Greenspan has just cut the United States federal reserve rate by 50 basis points. The Canadian dollar is weakening and the C.D. Howe Institute has stated:

Inflation has been creeping up and is now pushing on the upper limits of its target range, which of course will limit the bank's ability to match the federal reserve's rate cuts.

Could the government tell us how it intends to provide further stimulus to the Canadian economy without further jeopardizing our dollar and without risking inflation?

[Paul Martin, Liberal, Minister of Finance]

Mr. Speaker, as the Leader of the Opposition ought to know, the Bank of Canada is independent. Monetary policy will be decided by the Bank of Canada.

In terms of stimulus in the Canadian economy, again as the hon. member ought to know, as of January 1 the Canadian government as a result of its fiscal actions and its spending actions provided the Canadian economy with a larger amount of stimulus than any of the major industrial countries.

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

Mr. Speaker, as the Prime Minister clings frantically and stubbornly to his policy of maintaining a weak Canadian dollar, the savings of Canadians continue to erode. Mr. Jeff Rubin of CIBC World Markets has said:

If we continue to have our heads in the sand about this, we are going to wake up one day and we are going to see a 60 cent Canadian dollar.

He went on to say:

I think that day could well come before the end of the year.

When will the Prime Minister get his head out of the sand and take action to improve the position of the dollar and abandon his policy of a weak dollar? When will the Prime Minister abandon his policy of a weak dollar?

[Paul Martin, Liberal, Minister of Finance]

Mr. Speaker, when we are in a time of global volatility such as we are now, when they are talking of deflation in Japan, when there is a banking crisis in Japan, and when there is a major slowdown in the world's largest economy, the United States, it is incumbent upon all political and economic leaders to show a sense of responsibility.

I would ask the Leader of the Opposition to do that. As we discussed yesterday here in this room, he knows full well that the government does not have a weak dollar policy. It makes absolutely no sense to take statements out of context.

The fact is the Canadian economy is doing much better than those of the vast majority of our competitors and that—

[The Speaker]

The hon. Leader of the Opposition.

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

Mr. Speaker, I will quote the Prime Minister's own words. There was a question to the Prime Minister when he was in opposition about the fact that the dollar was too strong and he did not like that. He said again that he wanted the dollar to flow downward. He then said 12 years later that it was time to accept a weaker dollar.

For the past 15 years, the Prime Minister has been an avowed supporter of a weak Canadian dollar. The Minister of Finance, however, claims that this is an irresponsible position.

Can the Prime Minister tell this House whether it is his own statements that are irresponsible or whether...

[The Speaker]

The hon. the Prime Minister.

[Jean Chrétien, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, as the Minister of Finance yesterday and today has stated, we have an independent monetary policy that is decided by the Governor of the Bank of Canada and the Canadian dollar is a floating currency.

In fact over the last two years it is the Canadian dollar that has done the best of all currencies in relation to the American dollar.

[Jason Kenney, Canadian Alliance, Calgary Southeast, AB]

Mr. Speaker, when the Liberal loonie tanked four years ago, the finance minister said that it was because of low commodity prices at the time.

Now we are facing new record high commodity prices, so I am wondering what is the finance minister's excuse. Could it possibly have something to do with the fact that his boss, the Prime Minister, has articulated a weak dollar policy for 20 years?

[Paul Martin, Liberal, Minister of Finance]

Mr. Speaker, that statement is simply ridiculous. The fact is that the policies of the government are the result of the economic consequences of the actions taken by this government under this Prime Minister.

Let me just simply say that our mortgage rates, as an example, will now save the average Canadian over $750 a year. That cut has occurred since January.

Let me go on. Our building permits have surged to a record level in January. Our housing starts were up 6% in January and February. This is what is happening in the Canadian economy and there is no other economy in the world—

[The Speaker]

The hon. member for Calgary Southeast.