Debates of Jan. 31st, 2002

Agriculture

[Reed Elley, Canadian Alliance, Nanaimo—Cowichan, BC]

Mr. Speaker, over two years ago an entrepreneurial farm couple in my riding took out a $125,000 mortgage to begin a new industry in Canada. They imported 19 water buffalo from Denmark and had contracted with a local cheese factory to market water buffalo cheese on the west coast. Unfortunately, one dairy cow in Denmark came down with mad cow disease and the government after doing a risk assessment ordered the water buffalo destroyed.

Beyond the issue of keeping Canada free of BSE there is the issue of a government that is failing the Archers by not taking into account all the evidence presented to it. There have been no cases of water buffalo with BSE anywhere in the world. The Danish government has categorically said that this herd was not exposed. Animals from the same herd were exported to other countries such as Australia and are not in quarantine. The Archers are on record as supporting zero tolerance for BSE. However there is no hard evidence that links BSE with their water buffalo.

I ask the agriculture minister and the Liberal government to rescind the destroy order and do all they can to save this new industry in a recessionary economy rather than do all they can to destroy it. It is no wonder Canadians are truly skeptical about their government.

Curling

[Reg Alcock, Liberal, Winnipeg South, MB]

Mr. Speaker, once again I am forced to rise in the House to inform the House that yet another Canadian championship has been claimed by a Manitoba team. In this case it is the Canadian junior men's curling champions.

The team, composed of skip Dave Hamblin, third Ross Derksen, second Kevin Hamblin and lead Ross McCannell, curls out of the Pembina Curling Club in my riding of Winnipeg South and, incidentally, the riding also represented by the minister of family services of Manitoba who is in the gallery today.

They are going on, March 23 to 31, to Kelowna, B.C. to compete in the world championships, and I know all members of the House will want to join me in wishing them the very best in bringing home that title to Canada and to Manitoba.

Cirque du Monde

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

Mr. Speaker, the Cirque du Monde, a subsidiary of the Cirque du Soleil, will be in Purvirnituq and in Inukjuak, Nunavik, in March 2002.

The Cirque de Monde is a program introduced by the Cirque du Soleil with the co-operation of the Fédération des coopératives du Nouveau-Québec, the Caisse d'économie des travailleurs et travailleuses du Québec and the Kativik school board.

The aim of the Cirque du Monde is to help young people between the ages of 15 and 24 develop their self-esteem, and thus prevent, among other things, youth suicide and violence. It is not professional training as such.

Currently, there are 35 similar programs sponsored by the Cirque du Soleil under way in 18 different countries. The Cirque du Soleil invests 1% of the revenue from its annual ticket sales in its social action programs. This represents a considerable sum of money.

The director of these programs, Paul Laporte, maintains that these projects have a long term impact on communities, because the projects started by the Cirque du Soleil can be kept going for many years.

Quebec Economy

[Hélène Scherrer, Liberal, Louis-Hébert, QC]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday KPMG released the results of a study presenting an international comparison of the costs of setting up an industrial operation in a G-7 country.

The purpose of this independent study was to compare the after-tax cost of startup and operation for 12 specific types of business, over a 10-year period.

Canada stood first for all the criteria examined, with a substantial cost advantage over the United States.

But I am particularly proud of the results for the Quebec City area, which also ranked first among cities in northeastern North America and which was surpassed by only the tiniest margin by the city of Edmonton among Canadian cities as a whole.

Quebec City, already world renowned for its tourist industry, can now boast that it is an area with a highly qualified labour force, and low energy, transportation and accommodation costs.

All foreign entrepreneurs looking for sites to start up and operate new technologies or products should take note that the Quebec City area is now recognized as a significant competitor internationally.

I wish to congratulate all the stakeholders who contributed to this achievement and—

[The Speaker]

The hon. member for Lethbridge.

Agriculture

[Rick Casson, Canadian Alliance, Lethbridge, AB]

Mr. Speaker, the beef industry in Canada is facing yet another challenge by the United States. The implementation of country of origin labelling on agriculture products in the U.S. will cripple our Canadian beef industry.

The U.S. National Cattlemen's Beef Association is meeting on February 7. I implore the minister of agriculture to instruct the CFIA to immediately implement the terminal feedlot protocol before this meeting to send a strong signal that Canada is open for business to head off this potentially disastrous situation.

The minister may say that his hands are tied by concerns the CFIA has about the slim chance of disease. That is wrong. Scientific studies have been produced, and the minister has seen them, that concluded any possible health threat is manageable. It is strictly a lack of will by the minister and foot dragging by the CFIA that have produced this action by the U.S. producers.

Will the minister of agriculture be willing to accept the responsibility for killing our Canadian beef industry? I hope that he does not have to and I hope instead he does the right thing.

Kitchener--Waterloo

[Andrew Telegdi, Liberal, Kitchener—Waterloo, ON]

Mr. Speaker, the 2002 KPMG Competitive Alternatives report was released earlier this week, ranking the Waterloo region as one of the foremost locations in the world to do business. The costs of setting up a business in the area are much lower compared to any of the U.S. cities matching our region's demographics.

Most of our local economy is made up of companies that are world renowned and were spun off from our excellent post-secondary institutions: the University of Waterloo, Wilfrid Laurier University and Conestoga College. The excellence of our tens of thousands of graduates drives the economic engine of my community.

The Waterloo region is Canada's technology triangle and I am proud the KPMG study has recognized our region to be amongst the best to invest in, in Canada and in the world.

Young Offenders

[Jocelyne Girard-Bujold, Bloc, Jonquière, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the barely sworn in Minister of Justice is already demonstrating the same arrogance as his predecessor and is prepared to do anything to impose a law upon us that does not take into consideration the distinct character of Quebec as far as its treatment of young offenders is concerned.

We would have liked to have seen more flexibility, more openness, and more respect from a minister from Quebec. This new lieutenant of the Prime Minister is starting off his new mandate very much on the wrong foot.

Quebecers will not forget that he has put his personal interests ahead of their young offenders; neither will they forget that he has denied their distinct nature although the Quebec model has resulted in the lowest rate of youth crime in Canada.

The minister's philosophy is repression rather than rehabilitation, to put 14 year olds in jail with adults, to judge them according to the severity of their crime rather than according to their particular needs.

This government's philosophy and the philosophy of this new Minister of Justice is to serve the interests of Canadian unity, not those of the young people of this country.

Economic Development

[Claude Duplain, Liberal, Portneuf, QC]

Mr. Speaker, today the Secretary of State for the Economic Development Agency of Canada participated in the opening of the national downhill ski training and competition centre at Le Massif de Petite-Rivière-Saint-François in the Charlevoix region.

The Government of Canada has contributed $10 million to bring this ski area up to world level. Now our athletes will no longer have to train elsewhere.

As well, this investment will make it possible for the centre to hold international downhill ski competitions, thus enhancing its international prestige. It should extend the season by some 30 to 60 days.

There will be economic benefits for the entire Charlevoix tourist industry in the off season. Estimates are that it will lead to the creation of 75 seasonal jobs with the resort corporation, as well as to additional economic spinoffs of more than $16 million over four years.

This is just one more excellent example of how our government is working to ensure the economic development of the regions of Quebec.

Rights of Children

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

Mr. Speaker, children in Canada are not for sale. This is a concept that the Liberal government has yet to grasp.

In Saskatoon an 11 year old girl was sold to a paroled sex offender for $45 and a pack of cigarettes. The girl was raped. What was this man doing on our streets? A national sex offender registry was to have been established by January 30, 2002. That date has come and gone. The price of the government's inaction is being paid for by our children.

Child pornography is also an issue that must be addressed. While the sexual age of consent in the country remains at 14 years of age we will continue to have a problem. A 14 year old girl can legally participate in pornographic situations as she is legally able to consent to such actions. This is despicable.

The government must develop a zero tolerance attitude toward the exploitation of our children. Does the government not care that children are being abused in this way?

The laws of this land need to be changed. The safety, security and innocence of our children must be protected.

Dean Campbell

[Eugène Bellemare, Liberal, Ottawa—Orléans, ON]

Mr. Speaker, today I pay tribute to a resident of Ottawa and Orleans who died after giving 26 years of great and loyal service to the House of Commons.

Constable Dean Campbell, 54, worked at security and traffic operations on the Hill. He was a kind and devoted man who was always there for his colleagues. Providing quality services was important to him and it is with greatness that he was achieving his duties. Dean Campbell was to take his retirement this coming April.

I express my sincere condolences to his wife Linda, his children and grandchildren, as well as his colleagues at the House of Commons.

Organ Donations

[Yvon Godin, NDP, Acadie—Bathurst, NB]

Mr. Speaker, on January 11 I had the opportunity to meet with George Marcello, in Bathurst. Mr. Marcello survived a liver transplant.

In 1992 he was diagnosed with the terminal stage of liver disease. In 1995 he received a liver thanks to an organ donor. In 1998 he founded the Step by Step Organ Transplant Association in order to promote organ donation.

In December, the DeGrâce family, in my riding, lost their son in a car accident. After their loss, the family decided to donate Yannick's organs. This generous donation allowed six people to be saved.

The NDP is asking the federal government to set up a national organ donation registry immediately, for the welfare of Canadians.

Middle East

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

Mr. Speaker, in recent months, the crisis in the Middle East has produced many victims. The terrible situation, which is difficult on a daily basis, has had a political impact, of course, but it has also had a social and economic impact.

It directly affects the lives of men and women who must carry on living despite the ubiquitous violence. The two sides must come together and negotiate in order to end the violence. Unfortunately, comments made by Mr. Sharon, which are to be published tomorrow by the daily Maariv , only add to the climate of mistrust that exists between the two groups.

Mr. Sharon stated that he regretted, as a matter of principle, not having liquidated Yasser Arafat, because there was an agreement not to do so in Lebanon.

I would therefore like to join with the Spanish Foreign Minister, Josep Piqué, whose country occupies the presidency of the European Union until the end of June, in condemning Ariel Sharon's comments.

Black History Month

[Jean Augustine, Liberal, Etobicoke—Lakeshore, ON]

Mr. Speaker, February 1 is the beginning of Black History Month.

Black History Month was born out of the work of Carter G. Woodson, a black historian who in 1926 launched Negro History Week in the U.S. as an initiative to bring attention to the contribution of black people throughout American history.

In 1995 the Parliament of Canada unanimously adopted a motion declaring February Black History Month and therefore giving recognition to the African experience in Canadian society.

From Mathieu Da Costa, the first recorded black man to set foot on Canadian soil, to the slaves of the underground railroad, the United Empire Loyalists and the newcomers of today, men and women of African heritage have pioneered in many sectors of our society including medicine, law, politics, education, science and the arts. Recognizing the contributions of blacks to Canadian society is of special importance to all of our young people.

On this occasion I congratulate Robert Small on the creation of a poster, the 2002 official Black History Month poster, which speaks to the African saying: “Know your history and you will always be wise”.

Let us celebrate Black History Month.

Electoral Coalition

[Chuck Strahl, Canadian Alliance, Fraser Valley, BC]

Mr. Speaker, this week the member for Calgary--Nose Hill, an Alliance leadership hopeful, unveiled her plan to reunite democratic conservatives. It marks perhaps the most specific plan yet on how to bring principled conservatives together in an electoral coalition designed to seriously challenge the federal Liberals in the next election.

This is what the leader of the Progressive Conservative Party had to say about the plan. He said “I think it is a very constructive step that she has taken. It certainly reflects the kind of co-operation that I want to see achieved”.

Alliance Party members have not stood in the way of co-operation. They voted recently to merge with the PCs. Neither have the PCs been a problem. In fact, the PC leader and the PC caucus have gone out of their way to not only talk about unity but to demonstrate how it can be done.

It is becoming obvious that several, or two at least, Alliance leadership candidates are also prepared to make unity a priority for their campaigns. In other words, co-operation is possible and the Liberal government's recent actions prove once again why democracy needs a viable political option and it needs it now.

Principled conservatives have a unique opportunity to champion the unity cause by supporting a unity candidate in the upcoming Alliance leadership race, and I urge all members to do so in the upcoming contest.

Ron Henry

[Mac Harb, Liberal, Ottawa Centre, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the life of Ron Henry. In 1965, Ron was awarded two scholarships for study at the Banff School of Fine Arts. While being trained in tap and jazz dancing, his vocals caught their attention and they encouraged him to sing. This was the opportunity that launched his career in voice.

Over the next 35 years, he proved himself to be a prolific songwriter and talented singer. Albums that Ron has appeared on include Terry Carisse, The Cooper Brothers, Christine McCann, Wayne Rostad and Streetboy, among others. Ron loved playing live and was a vocalist in Backyard Symphony, Ensemble, Messenger, Streetboy and Weight.

While awaiting a liver transplant, Ron passed away in November 2001 at the tender age of 52. I send my deepest condolences to his family and friends.

Canada Customs and Revenue Agency

[Sophia Leung, Liberal, Vancouver Kingsway, BC]

Mr. Speaker, recently I was proud to take part in the official unveiling of the VACIS machine in Vancouver. This state of the art technology will allow customs officers in British Columbia to more effectively prevent illegal drugs from entering Canada.

In fact, last year the customs marine team made a seizure of marijuana which was the largest ever in British Columbia. That seizure resulted in 1,700 kilos being kept off our streets and away from our children.

The VACIS machine was funded by the Vancouver Port Authority as part of its joint partnership with CCRA. The Canada Customs and Revenue Agency is very proud of the tremendous professionalism and dedication the customs officers show as they work to improve the safety and security of all Canadians.

Minister of National Defence

[John Reynolds, Canadian Alliance, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, first I want to congratulate our troops for taking al-Qaeda terrorists and handing them over to justice.

The scandal is about an incompetent minister, not the bravery of our forces. The Minister of National Defence misled the House and made a fool of the Prime Minister. We cannot trust his version of events from day to day.

My question is for the Deputy Prime Minister. Do our troops not deserve someone better than this incompetent minister?

[John Manley, Liberal, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Crown Corporations]

Mr. Speaker, the Minister of National Defence gave a full explanation this morning in the House of exactly what happened, who knew what and when, and how it was conveyed. The Prime Minister has accepted that explanation.

I think it is time to recognize the important service that the men and women of the Canadian armed forces are performing in Afghanistan on behalf of all of us in rooting out the causes of terrorism.

[John Reynolds, Canadian Alliance, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, members on my side of the House appreciate the job our troops are doing, but the minister has a record of stretching the truth to inflate his own performance.

Before this latest whopper, the minister implied that the JTF2 was already in Afghanistan but he had to admit it was still in Ottawa. A few weeks ago the minister claimed that the Americans were asking for Canadian troops but General Myers said that Canada asked to participate.

Do our troops and the Canadian people not deserve a minister of defence they can trust?

[John Manley, Liberal, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Crown Corporations]

Mr. Speaker, the Canadian armed forces has had a minister over a number of years now, one of the longest serving ministers in the history of the Department of National Defence, who has done yeoman's service on their behalf, who they know is their champion in cabinet, who they know represents them well around the world. The job that they are doing on behalf of all of us--not on behalf of the United States but on behalf of Canadians, in harm's way--is one that Canadians know is important for us to do.

[John Reynolds, Canadian Alliance, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, we also talk to the troops. The minister has failed to get our forces the resources they need. Our per capita spending on defence is the second lowest in NATO, next to Luxembourg. Our troops do not have heavy airlift or sealift capabilities. Our troops do not have proper uniforms. Our planes cannot be refueled. Our troops are still flying in outdated, dangerous Sea Kings.

Do our troops not deserve someone who will put the needs of our forces ahead of his own political will?

[Art Eggleton, Liberal, Minister of National Defence]

Mr. Speaker, that is absolutely irresponsible. That is not the kind of support our Canadian troops need now. To suggest that they do not have the training or the equipment, or that there is anything dangerous in what they are using is absolutely irresponsible. The government fully supports the Canadian forces and is making sure they have what is needed to do the job.

[Brian Pallister, Canadian Alliance, Portage—Lisgar, MB]

Mr. Speaker, we have been asked to believe that the Prime Minister did not know about Canadian soldiers capturing al-Qaeda terrorists for more than a week. However there are other people in the chain of command who should have informed the Prime Minister: the chief of defence staff, the assistant secretary for foreign policy and defence, and the minister of everything, the Deputy Prime Minister who is supposed to be briefing the Prime Minister daily on security issues.

Did any of those people inform the Prime Minister or does the entire flow of vital defence and intelligence information depend on the whims of the Minister of National Defence?

[John Manley, Liberal, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Crown Corporations]

Mr. Speaker, the Minister of National Defence gave a full explanation earlier today in the House.

I would ask the hon. member what difference it would have made had the Prime Minister known a few days or a few hours earlier than in fact he was advised in cabinet. In fact, it really would not have made any difference.

The men and women of the Canadian armed forces present in Afghanistan are doing their job properly and the flow of information was entirely adequate to ensure that they were doing so.