Debates of May 17th, 2001

Supply

[Randy White, Canadian Alliance, Langley—Abbotsford, BC]

Madam Speaker, I have dealt with many young kids in the country who need help today.

One young lady, a 14 year old named Angel, came off the streets. She had been in 22 foster homes before she entered a particular facility in British Columbia. The trouble is that she has to leave that facility after 14 weeks or so and, because there are no long term rehabilitation facilities, she will be put back into a foster home.

What does my colleague see as the answer for young people who are on the street and need treatment? Where do they go? What kind of resources are required? Do we need to spend some money on this issue?

[Larry Spencer, Canadian Alliance, Regina—Lumsden—Lake Centre, SK]

Madam Speaker, obviously we will have to spend some money. I recently saw a lady in Wilcox, Saskatchewan, who was about to retire from the RCMP. She sat as the facilitator for a community group. They brought in the young offender and those around him. They allowed community peer pressure to come to bear on the young person. Those are the kinds of things that are needed.

[Lynn Myers, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to Solicitor General of Canada]

Madam Speaker, this is a very important debate and I want to start by saying that Canada's drug strategy reflects a very careful balance. I will be splitting my time with the member for Vancouver Kingsway.

This careful balance between reducing the supply of drugs and reducing the demand for illicit drugs is very important. In Canada the abuse of drugs is recognized as primarily a health issue. Nevertheless it includes a very important enforcement component.

Drug enforcement continues to be recognized as an important aspect of our drug strategy because efforts to reduce the harm caused by drugs would be hampered by an environment of unrestricted supply. For example, studies have shown that one of the major causes of drug abuse among youth is simple availability. Enforcement activities then help to maintain a level of control over availability. Supply reduction creates an environment in which drug prevention can succeed.

In this regard the nature and focus of drug enforcement should be emphasized. Often we have heard references to a war on drugs. However law enforcement has not adopted this process. The focus of enforcement efforts is instead on high level criminals that supply illicit drugs rather than on individual users. For individual users the focus is on prevention, treatment and rehabilitation.

The enforcement component is seen as complementary to prevention, treatment and rehabilitation efforts. Specific efforts have been made to bring these components together. I refer in particular to the health and enforcement partnership network which was formed in 1994. This network brings together representatives of the health and enforcement fields to encourage collaborative efforts in addressing substance abuse issues.

The need for a balanced approach toward drugs has been specifically recognized by police forces in Canada. For example, I refer members to “Taking a balanced approach: Canada's Drug Policy from the National Police Perspective”, which is on the RCMP website.

I also refer members to the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police drug policy resolution from 1999 in which the CACP, while standing firmly opposed to the legalization of illicit drugs, specifically endorsed a “balanced approach of prevention, education, enforcement, counselling, treatment, rehabilitation and diversion to counter Canada's drug problems”. That is an enlightened view consistent with the values of Canadians and consistent with the values of the government in terms of how we want to see this very terrible problem tackled.

In addition, speaking of police services and forces, I should note that joint force operations involving various Canadian enforcement agencies and those of other countries are employed frequently during anti-drug operations. Recently we have seen very successful operations take place. We applaud all those involved, especially our police services that have done such a good job in this very important area.

Police are involved in drug prevention efforts. I mention specifically the RCMP drug awareness service which provides education, training, programs and co-ordination on substance abuse issues in communities across Canada. The focus of Canada's enforcement efforts is against high level drug suppliers rather than individual users.

Canadian Rangers

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

Mr. Speaker, I take this opportunity, as Aboriginal Awareness Week will be held from May 21 to 25, to draw attention to the singular, and too often ignored, contribution made by aboriginal people through the Canadian Rangers program.

Under the Rangers Program, which was established in 1942, there are currently close to 3,000 aboriginal people maintaining a military presence in this country's remote regions.

In addition to affirming Canadian sovereignty, the Rangers are always available to provide invaluable assistance in the event of a disaster.

As active and involved members of their community, program participants, moreover, often serve as role models for aboriginal youth.

The Canadian Forces have a long and proud history of accomplishments in the Canadian far north. Without the Rangers, it would be difficult for our military personnel to provide humanitarian assistance to the people who live in our sparsely populated northern regions.

Not only are the Rangers the eyes and ears of the community; they are also vital members of the Canadian Forces.

Agriculture

[David Anderson, Canadian Alliance, Cypress Hills—Grasslands, SK]

Mr. Speaker, throughout Alberta and western Saskatchewan farmers are facing a potential drought that could knock out any hope of producing a crop this summer. Some areas, especially in eastern Alberta, have had a shortage of moisture for well over a year.

Cattlemen are already telling us that they will have to sell off cows due to a lack of groundwater. Yesterday, as it has done for the last few weeks, the wind blew. It blew until there were dust storms with blizzard like conditions and in some areas visibility was down to 100 yards.

Meteorologists are already anticipating that this widespread drought could be the worst drought we have seen in 100 years.

Given the Liberal government's previous slow response to agricultural issues, I would like to ask the government the following questions: Is the government aware of this potential crisis? Does Agriculture Canada have an action plan in place to help those farmers affected by a drought? Will it be too late before this government takes any action?

Government Of British Columbia

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

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Government of Canada, I would like to extend sincere congratulations to the new Premier of British Columbia, Gordon Campbell, and to his new caucus.

The size of the election victory provides a strong mandate for the new government of British Columbia. This will mark the beginning of a new era in British Columbia.

This is the first time in 49 years that a Liberal Party has been in government in British Columbia. We express our sincere best wishes for success during its term of office, and we look forward to working with the new government.

Olympic Games

[Irwin Cotler, Liberal, Mount Royal, QC]

Mr. Speaker, Canadians were pleased to learn that Toronto, along with Paris and Beijing, is one of three cities in the running to host the 2008 Olympic games. However it is regrettable that the decision to award the Olympic games appears unrelated to issues of human rights.

For this decision to come at a time when China is engaged in the most persistent and pervasive assault on human rights since Tiananmen Square sends the wrong message to those anywhere concerned with the protection of peace and human dignity, an objective of the Olympic charter itself.

In a word, awarding the Olympic games to China turns the struggle for human rights on its head. It not only does not hold China accountable for the most egregious human rights violations but it even confers retrospective legitimacy upon it. It sends the disturbing signal that not only can human rights be violated with impunity but countries can even be rewarded for it. Such a decision can only breed cynicism in a world that has too much indifference and not enough moral courage.

Beijing might be a good place, but not now, not until it comports with the basic principles of the Olympic charter regarding the protection of human security. For 2008, Toronto would be the better choice.

Government Of New Brunswick

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

Mr. Speaker, two days ago the Conference Board of Canada released its publication “Provincial Outlook”.

The conference board specifically cited a continuing weakness in construction activity as dampening real growth in New Brunswick. In yesterday's Globe and Mail write-up, New Brunswick was even branded as an economic “laggard”. They stated, and I quote:

In both years, the biggest laggard will be New Brunswick where a three-year string of declines in construction activity is undermining the province's ability to gather momentum.

Although I fully endorse the Government of New Brunswick's commitment to fiscal responsibility, I call on the premier to use some of their $100 million in rainy day fund on highway construction and help New Brunswick in the upcoming tough economic times.

New highways will create much needed jobs. New highways will help New Brunswick weather hard economic times, but most importantly, new highways will help save lives.

Government Of British Columbia

[Betty Hinton, Canadian Alliance, Kamloops, Thompson And Highland Valleys, BC]

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise in the House today to congratulate two constituents of mine who yesterday won seats in the British Columbia legislature.

Kevin Krueger was easily re-elected to his seat for Kamloops—North Thompson. Claude Richmond, a former Socred cabinet minister, is the new MLA for Kamloops. I am certain these two fine individuals will be excellent representatives for my people and my riding and I look forward to working with them.

For the first time in a decade, my home province of British Columbia will be governed by a party espousing the free enterprise principles of the Canadian Alliance. Lower taxes, smaller responsible government, free votes and a set election date will all soon be law in B.C.

The government across the way should take note of the overwhelming majority of British Columbians who cast their ballots for common sense government.

Science And Technology

[Larry McCormick, Liberal, Hastings—Frontenac—Lennox And Addington, ON]

Mr. Speaker, the Canada-wide science fair is an annual national exhibition of outstanding science and technology projects created by Canadian youth in grades 7 to OAC and is the premiere event of the Youth Science Foundation of Canada.

This year's science fair, entitled, “A Science Odyssey through the Thousand Islands”, is being held from May 12 to May 20 at Queen's University in Kingston.

Students have committed many long hours to the conception and design of their projects. This event offers them a remarkable opportunity to showcase their hard work while exploring a number of exciting areas of science and technology.

Participants have entered and won their local, regional and provincial competitions; accomplishments that clearly reflect an understanding of their projects and their scientific importance.

I am sure, and I know the hon. member for Kingston and the Islands will agree, that those involved with the Canada-wide science fair will experience a memorable time in Kingston.

I would like to congratulate the organizers of this event and wish the participants every success. I hope hon. members will visit their young constituents in Kingston for this event.

Bernadette Renaud

[Stéphane Bergeron, Bloc, Verchères—Les Patriotes, QC]

Mr. Speaker, recently, during la Quinzaine du livre de Contrecoeur, a two-week celebration of books in the municipality of that name, located in the riding I have the honour and pleasure of representing in this House, the municipal authorities acknowledged the literary contribution made by Bernadette Renaud, throughout her 25 year career, which has been prolific, to say the least.

Among the works Bernadette Renaud has authored during her impressive career, which has been marked with numerous prestigious awards, are children's books, textbooks, and children's theatre productions, as well as a number of film and television scripts for such programs as Bach et Bottine and

Watatatow.

It may be mere chance, but her decision 25 years ago to settle in Contrecoeur coincided with the start of her brilliant writing career. The people of Contrecoeur are extremely proud of their fellow citizen and author of the trilogy Un homme comme tant d'autres .

Congratulations, Madame Renaud, for the quality of the timeless works you have given us so far. We can hardly wait to see what else is going to come from your pen in future. Thank you very much.

Spielo Gaming International

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Mr. Jon Manship, the chief executive officer of Spielo Gaming International of Moncton, New Brunswick, for being selected as one of Canada's top 40 under 40.

This prestigious award honours the achievements of a new generation of leaders in business, the professions, academia and public service.

Mr. Manship is a most deserving recipient of this award. He has built an impressive, new economy business in Moncton which employs hundreds of people and exports its products and technology around the world.

My colleague, the Minister of Labour, has done a great deal to support this important business in southeastern New Brunswick and she joins me in expressing our congratulations to Mr. Manship and his team at Spielo Gaming International.

Jessica Koopmans

[Ken Epp, Canadian Alliance, Elk Island, AB]

Mr. Speaker, as the grandfather of four grandchildren, including five year old Kayla, my heart is grieved over what happened to Jessica Koopmans in Lethbridge. This five year old was innocently on her way to her friend's house when she was abducted and brutally murdered.

How could anyone so violently attack a little girl? It is totally beyond comprehension. The person who did this is really sick.

While the federal government dithers on a registry of sexual offenders and child molestors, the provincial governments are going ahead to set up their own. However it would be much better to have a nationwide registry since it would track offenders everywhere instead of just in their home province. Alberta is fast-tracking the setting up of such a registry, following the lead of Ontario and British Columbia.

I cannot understand why the federal government is doing nothing to set up a national registry to protect our children. It would make a great deal more sense than registering the long guns of law-abiding citizens who go hunting in fall.

Brain Tumours

[Joe Volpe, Liberal, Eglinton—Lawrence, ON]

Mr. Speaker, each year approximately 10,000 Canadians will be diagnosed with primary or metastatic brain tumour.

The Canadian Alliance of Brain Tumour Organizations is in Ottawa this week to raise awareness of the impact of this most debilitating and too frequently fatal disease. Brain tumours afflict young and old alike. Early diagnosis of course is crucial to treatment, yet the incidence and rate of death from brain tumours has increased dramatically since 1960.

Regrettably, reliable information regarding brain tumours is both scattered and uncoordinated. This makes it difficult to make proper assessments or to prepare proposals for research, and research is required. Some estimates put the number of new people diagnosed with primary brain tumours at above 5,000 per year.

Health Canada and the Canadian Cancer Society need to set aside resources in order to establish an effective data gathering system. As well, I encourage Health Canada, the Medical Research Council of Canada and other funding agencies to allocate moneys for research in combating this most deadly and debilitating of diseases.

Cape Bretoners

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

Mr. Speaker, New Democrats across the country are feeling very sad for the good people of Cape Breton with the announcement yesterday by the Minister of Natural Resources to close the last operating mine, the Prince Mine. This will throw 440 hardworking men and their families out on the streets again.

The provincial Tories went after them on the Sydney steel. The federal Liberal Party left them with the worst toxic site in all of Canada, with the highest rates of cancer in all of Canada, and it will not even move those people to safer grounds. Now it is again throwing the hardworking people of Cape Breton out on the streets.

What is worse is that in the last election Liberal after Liberal told the people of Cape Breton “Just vote for us and we will take care of you”. What an absolutely misleading truth that was. The Liberals of Canada misled the good people of Canada.

I want to tell the good people of Cape Breton here and now that they can always count on provincial and federal New Democrats across the country to stand up for the people of Cape Breton once and for all.

Jean Besré Award

[Serge Cardin, Bloc, Sherbrooke, QC]

Mr. Speaker, on March 14, Sherbrooke, the Eastern Townships and all of Quebec lost one of their most remarkable sons, Jean Besré.

Jean Besré was a well known comedian and a great humanist. He was active in all sorts of organizations, including the Little Brothers of the Poor and the telethon for the CHUS foundation, in Sherbrooke.

To honour the memory of this great volunteer, the CHUS foundation has created the Prix reconnaissance Jean-Besré. This award has just been granted to television hostess France Beaudoin, who was born in the Eastern Townships and who hosted the telethon for several years. Incidentally, Ms. Beaudoin said that she was sharing this award with all those who worked behind the scenes to produce this special program.

Ms. Beaudoin is like Jean Besré who, throughout his life, showed great and very unassuming generosity toward his community.

On behalf of my Bloc Quebecois colleagues, I offer Ms. Beaudoin our sincere congratulations.

The Economy

[John McCallum, Liberal, Markham, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I have a word or two about the Canadian Alliance's call for an early budget. At least when we get off Parliament Hill people care more about actions than words. In terms of actions, it is abundantly clear that the measures taken last October, including the largest tax cut in Canadian history, constituted maxi action or maxi budget.

We could call these budget measures an economic statement or a mini budget if we wished. If it would make us feel happier we could even call it a hippopotamus or a stockwell day, and I use that term—

[The Speaker]

That sounded very much like a name. I assume the hon. member knows he is referring to the Leader of the Opposition.

[John McCallum, Liberal, Markham, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I was using that word in the generic, uncapitalized version. In any event, my point is that words do not matter. The only thing that really matters is that these budget actions were maxi actions that will carry us through for another year.

Pension Plans

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

Mr. Speaker, the nation's police and firefighters face daily dangers in their service to the public that can exact a heavy toll on their lives and their families. In recognition of that fact, police, firefighters and other public safety officers have the ability to retire early. However that means many of them retire with less than the usual 70% of what they had been earning.

In an effort to correct that problem, firefighters and police have been asking government to change income tax regulations to allow them a pension approval rate of 2.33% as compared to the usual 2%.

I call upon the Minister of Finance to make this regulatory change so as to provide full and fair recognition of the service that our firefighters and police make to the rest of us in the community at large.

Employment

[Sophia Leung, Liberal, Vancouver Kingsway, BC]

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce that over 70 student jobs will be created in my riding of Vancouver Kingsway through the HRDC summer student employment program.

With over 26 different employers in my riding this program will help the many community groups with their summer staffing requirements while providing valuable summer work experience for the young people of Vancouver Kingsway. Without the help of the federal government, those jobs would not be available.

I congratulate HRDC for continuing the funding of this important program. We wish all students and community groups involved in the program success this summer.

The Economy

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

Mr. Speaker, this morning the Minister of Finance released a five year target and forecast for the rate of inflation. I do not mind saying that was the right thing to do, but he did not release a report showing a five year projection for taxing and spending.

In light of the fact that some economists at least are saying we could be hitting a deficit within three years, will the Minister of Finance do the right thing and return to the good habit he was just getting into of tabling five year projections?

[Paul Martin, Liberal, Minister of Finance]

Mr. Speaker, I made it very clear at the meeting this morning that we were not going into deficit. There is an ample cushion to protect us against any kind of an eventuality. However I would simply like to quote an eminent economist who said the following:

Much more weight should be placed on...forecasts, over the two year budget horizon than over the five year planning horizon. Not only is there more immediate accountability, the economic and fiscal forecasts are much more reliable.

That is what he said. Interestingly enough this is by WEFA.

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

Mr. Speaker, I am glad the minister is reading our stuff. It is good stuff. It goes on to say that we encourage him to return to a precedent he was making, and that was five year forecasting.

The numbers just released show that spending has increased by 8%. That is the same rate of increase in spending that we saw when the Prime Minister was finance minister under Mr. Trudeau, and we know where that took us. What can the finance minister tell us about how he will curb this vicious increase in spending?

[Paul Martin, Liberal, Minister of Finance]

Mr. Speaker, first, the fact is that the hon. member's numbers are wrong. Second, I would like to quote a couple of things.

Who was the treasurer of Alberta when program spending increased by 28.6% in a three year period? Who was the treasurer of Alberta who presided over the largest one year increase in program spending of any Alberta finance minister since 1985-86? I have more, Mr. Speaker.