House of Commons Hansard #74 of the 37th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was pension.

Topics

Farm Credit Corporation ActGovernment Orders

2 p.m.

Some hon. members

Nay.

Farm Credit Corporation ActGovernment Orders

2 p.m.

The Deputy Speaker

In my opinion the yeas have it.

(Motion agreed to)

Farm Credit Corporation ActGovernment Orders

2 p.m.

Bourassa Québec

Liberal

Denis Coderre Liberalfor the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

moved that the bill, as amended, be concurred in.

Farm Credit Corporation ActGovernment Orders

2 p.m.

The Speaker

Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion?

Farm Credit Corporation ActGovernment Orders

2 p.m.

Some hon. members

Agreed.

Farm Credit Corporation ActGovernment Orders

2 p.m.

Some hon. members

No.

Farm Credit Corporation ActGovernment Orders

2 p.m.

The Speaker

All those in favour of the motion will please say yea.

Farm Credit Corporation ActGovernment Orders

2 p.m.

Some hon. members

Yea.

Farm Credit Corporation ActGovernment Orders

2 p.m.

The Speaker

All those opposed will please say nay.

Farm Credit Corporation ActGovernment Orders

2 p.m.

Some hon. members

Nay.

Farm Credit Corporation ActGovernment Orders

2 p.m.

The Speaker

In my opinion the yeas have it.

And more than five members having risen:

Farm Credit Corporation ActGovernment Orders

2 p.m.

The Speaker

Call in the members.

And the bells having rung:

Farm Credit Corporation ActGovernment Orders

2 p.m.

The Speaker

The division stands deferred until the conclusion of government orders later this day.

Tourism IndustryStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Liberal

Gérard Binet Liberal Frontenac—Mégantic, QC

Mr. Speaker, in 1999, tourism generated $54 billion in Canada. This is a 7.9% increase over the previous year.

Allow me to point out the determination and enthusiasm of residents and stakeholders in the Lac-Mégantic region to successfully help promote Quebec's tourism industry.

In the past year, eight new businesses in the hospitality industry opened their doors. This resulted in three new country inns in our region. Moreover, four other new attractions, including the AstroLab, the wildlife observation park and the Maison du Granit, all have new features this summer to showcase the tourist attractions of this beautiful region.

These initiatives truly reflect the vitality of the tourism industry in the Lac-Mégantic region. The region has been in the limelight since the beginning of the year, including in Le Devoir , Le Soleil , on the Évasion channel and in the newspaper La Tribune .

Again, I want to tell all these women and men who devote time and energy to their community, to ensure that a stay in that beautiful region is a memorable experience, that I admire them.

Nelson MandelaStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Canadian Alliance

Deepak Obhrai Canadian Alliance Calgary East, AB

Mr. Speaker, I grew up in Africa. I can personally attest to how Nelson Mandela is held in the highest regard for his contribution to the fight for human rights and dignity. His long and lonely fight for equality makes him a titan among not only world leaders but all citizens of the world.

As a member of the Canadian Alliance, where equality of all is the foundation cornerstone, I speak for the majority of our members in praising Mr. Mandela. However, I think the bestowing of honorary citizenship requires a procedure that all hon. members and all Canadians can support.

Motions put forward without debate robs us all of the opportunity to participate when such a high honour is contemplated. That is why I propose that the government set up an all party committee to lay the ground rules for such a high honour. The committee would continue to accept and ponder recommendations and debate the merits of each nominee.

I believe this way honorary Canadian citizenship would be widely supported by all Canadians and be seen as an honour coming from all corners of the nation.

Tall ShipsStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Liberal

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to tell the House that the tall ships are coming to Kingston, Ontario this summer, and event organizers are promising an exciting and integrated showcase of the city. Plans for several exciting events include a major Canada Day celebration with parades, fireworks, historical re-enactments, a ceremonial entrance into the Kingston harbour and feature entertainment.

The Kingston Tall Ships Challenge will feature between 20 and 30 tall ships visiting Kingston between June 28 and July 2. The event is part of a series of tall ship sailing races linked by visits to selected ports in the Great Lakes this summer. Young people sign on as crew members of tall ships putting their nautical skills, courage and endurance against each other in friendly competition. In port the crews relax and meet their competitors, as well as their local hosts in programs and festivals designed to show off the ports, the ships and their crews.

Kingston played host to the tall ships during the summer of 1984 drawing nearly 300,000 visitors. This summer Kingston is the only major port to host the tall ships exclusively. I know the hon. member for Kingston and the Islands will welcome this. We agree—

Tall ShipsStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

The Speaker

The hon. member for Bramalea—Gore—Malton—Springdale.

Health CareStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

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

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to say that according to a Maclean's magazine study, Halton-Peel is the third best place in Canada for health care services. Among big communities it ranks second. My riding of Bramalea—Gore—Malton—Springdale falls within the region of Peel.

This successful rating is a testament to the people who volunteer, run and staff the hospitals. Their continuous hard work and dedication to their patients and to delivering various health care services must be appreciated.

However, health care remains the most important issue to Canadians, and as the federal government we must continue to protect our national health care system.

William SampsonStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Mac Harb Liberal Ottawa Centre, ON

Mr. Speaker, I rise today concerning the case of William Sampson, a Canadian detained in Saudi Arabia on suspicion of being involved in two separate bombings, causing the death and injury of innocent people.

Saudi officials have provided their co-operation and assistance in ensuring that Canadian embassy officials are given unhindered access to Mr. Sampson, including a complete medical examination by a Canadian designated medical professional. Contrary to media reports, this individual was not tortured or physically abused. I should also add that Saudi officials have made arrangements for Mr. Sampson's father to visit his son in prison.

Canada and Saudi Arabia have enjoyed excellent relations for a long time, and I am confident that Mr. Sampson will continue to receive due process in the course of this investigation.

Saudi Ambassador to Canada, Dr. Mohammed R. Al-Hussaini said “I urge all parties to handle this case with the sensitivity it deserves”. To do otherwise is not wise and unproductive.

CrtcStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Canadian Alliance

Roy H. Bailey Canadian Alliance Souris—Moose Mountain, SK

Mr. Speaker, the CRTC is out of line and out of touch with most Canadians. A major cable company is predicting consumer a revolt if his cable company bundles Pride Vision, a channel devoted to gay issues programming, with other channels, if they feel it is forced upon them whether they want to accept that channel or not.

Pride Vision is among 16 English language digital channels set to launch this fall which must be carried by all cable companies.

The CRTC will not allow single faith broadcasting, but is quite free in granting specialty licences to other special interest groups. I believe the CRTC should get out of the licensing business. However, if it remains it ought to treat all groups equally.

If Pride Vision is going to be bundled with other channels, why not grant a licence to the Eternal Word Television Network? Why not allow the broadcasting of other specialty programs into Canada such as radio programs—

CrtcStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

The Speaker

The hon. member for Madawaska—Restigouche.

Spina Bifida And HydrocephalusStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Jeannot Castonguay Liberal Madawaska—Restigouche, NB

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to inform the House and all Canadians that June is National Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Awareness Month in Canada.

Spina bifida is a neurological malformation that occurs during the first four weeks following fertilization. This disease permanently damages nerves to various degrees, thus causing paralysis. In Canada, it is estimated that one out of every 750 newborn is affected.

Hydrocephalus, which affects the majority of spina bifida victims, is caused by an excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain. This disease can be treated through surgery. However, if left untreated, it may cause permanent damage to the brain and even result in death.

This year, the association is urging Canadian women who could get pregnant to add folic acid to their daily food intake. There is evidence that folic acid reduces by up to 75% the risk of giving birth to a child affected by this disease.

Beauport BayStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Bloc

Michel Guimond Bloc Beauport—Montmorency—Côte-De- Beaupré—Île-D'Orléans, QC

Mr. Speaker, I would like to draw attention to yesterday's announcement of phase 1 of the naturalization of the banks of Beauport bay. Made possible by a joint investment of $200,000 by the Quebec City port authority and the two levels of government, this work will help preserve the flourishing ecosystem of this exceptional site.

Let us hope that, with its change to green thinking, the Quebec City port authority will be more open to the needs of the public and will implement a phase 2 for work at other sites it manages. In fact, the work of stabilizing and naturalizing the banks of Beauport bay could have been completed for a little more than $50,000, nearly one-quarter of the cost of the present project.

The beach at Beauport bay continues to provide access to the St. Lawrence for the people in the Quebec City area. Its preservation and improvement will directly improve the quality of life of the people of Beauport and the greater Quebec City area.

SoccerStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Clifford Lincoln Liberal Lac-Saint-Louis, QC

Mr. Speaker, defeat is never pleasant, but two defeats in a row are doubly unpleasant.

I regret to inform you, Mr. Speaker, and the House that for the second year in the row our MPs' soccer team went down to defeat facing a very determined pages' team. The score was four to three in favour of the pages.

The MVPs on our side were the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Halifax West.

This is the tournament's fourth year, and the games stand at two for the pages and two for the MPs. We congratulate the pages very warmly, and thank all who took part in a game where the spirit of fun and fair play was the big winner.

Special thanks to the member for Sackville—Musquodoboit Valley—Eastern Shore, the creator and inspirer of the annual event.

Canadian Wheat BoardStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Canadian Alliance

Brian Pallister Canadian Alliance Portage—Lisgar, MB

Mr. Speaker, the Prairie Centre for Agriculture recently released a study of wheat marketing in 35 nations. It found that Canada is one of only two countries not moving toward more private ownership and freer markets.

Incredibly, the Minister responsible for the Canadian Wheat Board has told western farmers that the solution to their income crisis is to stop growing wheat. When will the government realize that the real problem is not the state of the wheat market, but state control over the wheat market?

Western Canadian farmers have repeatedly called for the freedom to add value to their produce and create employment in rural areas. While farmers in other regions of Canada are relatively free of government control, western Canadian farm families remain hobbled by a restrictive, Soviet-style marketing system. The government should just get out of the way of western initiative.