Debates of Oct. 30th, 2002

Kyoto Protocol

[Jean Chrétien, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, all the ministers responsible for the environment had an opportunity to meet this week. They will also meet with energy ministers at the end of the month. This is the procedure that was established.

At this time, we should not be looking for reasons to postpone the decision on Kyoto forever. We want to have a vote here and we want the input of this House at the earliest opportunity.

Following that, we will continue to work together. This is a 10 year program. I do not see the urgency. I want to know from this Parliament whether or not we should fulfill our international obligations.

[Michel Gauthier, Bloc, Roberval, QC]

Mr. Speaker, in the context of what the Prime Minister just said, since there is hardly anything on the legislative agenda, should the government not let us discuss all the aspects of the Kyoto protocol now? This way, when the time comes to approve the accord and authorize its signing, we will have had time to properly debate it. Would this not be normal and would it not be a good way to proceed?

[Jean Chrétien, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons informs me that a proposal was made to the opposition to have a debate on Kyoto in the coming days.

I would be very pleased to have such a debate, because we would know several weeks before the vote what hon. members think.

This would be very useful, and I hope that such a debate can take place at the earliest opportunity.

Terrorism

[Stockwell Day, Canadian Alliance, Okanagan—Coquihalla, BC]

Mr. Speaker, it has been reported that a Canadian was arrested in Israel, accused of training groups like Hamas, Hezbollah and Islamic Jihad in the latest bomb making techniques.

According to the Israeli government, this terrorist explosives expert was recruited by the Canadian wing of Hezbollah. Unless the government has finally taken action today, what is it going to take before the Liberals will shut down the Canadian wing of Hezbollah?

[Bill Graham, Liberal, Minister of Foreign Affairs]

Mr. Speaker, the premise in the hon. member's question is misleading at best and dishonest at worst. The member knows--

[The Speaker]

I am sure the hon. minister would not want to use words like that which might provoke trouble in the House and might be unparliamentary. Even though it is at worst or at best, I think it would be best if we avoided the word altogether.

[Bill Graham, Liberal, Toronto Centre—Rosedale, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I totally withdraw the allegation. Now maybe I can answer the question.

Mr. Speaker, I apologize to the member and I apologize to all the members.

However, this is a matter that has been raised in the House on many occasions. The hon. member knows that we have listed the military wing of Hezbollah. What the hon. member's question suggested was that this person was involved in military activities by Hezbollah, in which case that has been listed by the government and we will repress terrorism in all--

[The Speaker]

The hon. member for Okanagan--Coquihalla.

[Stockwell Day, Canadian Alliance, Okanagan—Coquihalla, BC]

Mr. Speaker, this is a very recent development. The Prime Minister has said himself that if it is a proof it is a proof, it is a proof it is a proof, and I agree with that, I think.

We have proof now. This is proof. Along with teaching courses in bomb making, this Canadian Hezbollah recruit has also scouted out potential targets for attack in Israel. This is proof, and all thanks to a Liberal government in Ottawa that treats Hezbollah as if it were an international aid agency.

What is it going to take for the Liberal government here to shut down this Canadian Hezbollah group and treat it the way it should be treated, like a terrorist group?

[Bill Graham, Liberal, Minister of Foreign Affairs]

Mr. Speaker, we have made it as plain as we can in the House. We have shut down the financing for Hezbollah's military activities. The government has taken actions against Hezbollah. It has been listed under the UN regulations. There is no fundraising. It is not allowed. Funds have been seized in this country.

I believe the hon. member should perhaps, before taking facts as proven that are under investigation in a foreign country, wait until there has been a decision by the foreign judiciary before he makes allegations of this nature in the House.

École de médecine vétérinaire de Saint-Hyacinthe

[Yvan Loubier, Bloc, Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot, QC]

Mr. Speaker, last March, the Government of Quebec invested $40 million to help the École de médecine vétérinaire de Saint-Hyacinthe fulfill its educational mandate. However, in order for the school to properly fulfill its mandate to perform research and provide protection for human and animal health under federal jurisdiction, it requires an investment of another $59 million. This is also needed if it is to keep its North American accreditation.

My question is for the Minister of Agriculture. When will the federal government fulfill its responsibility toward the École de médecine vétérinaire de Saint-Hyacinthe?

[Lyle Vanclief, Liberal, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food]

Mr. Speaker, as I said to the hon. member last week, the government recognizes the importance of the veterinary colleges for both animal and human health protection and for prevention in the country. We are seeking to work with the provinces in any way in which we can in order to ensure the continued accreditation of our veterinary universities and colleges in Canada.

[Yvan Loubier, Bloc, Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the numerous epidemics, such as mad cow disease, foot and mouth disease and the West Nile virus, have demonstrated that veterinary research and epidemiological screening are not only absolutely necessary, but they also represent a vital and strategic sector.

Is the federal government, by its inaction—because the Government of Quebec has fulfilled its responsibilities—not in the process of dangerously reducing the ability of Quebec and Canada to intervene in the event of an epidemic?

[Lyle Vanclief, Liberal, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food]

Mr. Speaker, all I can do is repeat the answer that I just gave. I agree with the member on the importance of the veterinary colleges. The government is seeking ways in which we can ensure the continued value and the accreditation of the colleges.

National Defence

[Deborah Grey, Canadian Alliance, Edmonton North, AB]

Mr. Speaker, the Liberals have been dragging their feet on the Maritime helicopter replacement for going on 10 years now, but finally the Liberals seem to be prepared to send the Sea Kings, sort of like the Prime Minister, out to pasture. Of course, that lingering leave-taking of both the Sea Kings and the Prime Minister will certainly be a long goodbye. Even if a contract is tendered in 2003 it will still take another 10 years to retire the Sea Kings.

Could the Prime Minister confirm today that the formal process for replacing the choppers will start January 3, with a firm decision made by October 2003?

[John McCallum, Liberal, Minister of National Defence]

Mr. Speaker, as I have said before, this is a very important item which has a high priority. We will get the right helicopter as soon as possible.

I think the House would agree with me that today is a perfect day to have special praise for our naval forces in the Arabian gulf. As has been pointed out by the media and our American allies, our navy has fought above its weight with about 10% of the ships and half of the boardings and hailings. I would ask the whole House to join me in congratulating our navy.

[Some hon. members]

Hear, hear.

[Deborah Grey, Canadian Alliance, Edmonton North, AB]

Mr. Speaker, I commend the Canadian Forces, but it is in spite of the government, certainly not because of it, and I say congratulations to our military.

I can hardly believe that the minister would stand up here and brag about what a high priority it is for the Sea Kings or anything else. It would take 10 years if that process began today for them to be completely refurbished and replaced.

I would be embarrassed if I were the minister. I would like him to stand up and tell the House if he thinks he is the new Red Green of the military to keep this equipment together with duct tape.

[John McCallum, Liberal, Minister of National Defence]

Mr. Speaker, the hon. member said she would be embarrassed if she were me. Given her behaviour over pensions, I would be embarrassed if I were her.

[Some hon. members]

Oh, oh.

Agriculture

[Rose-Marie Ur, Liberal, Lambton—Kent—Middlesex, ON]

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.

Concerns have been raised by producers that consistent, accurate information regarding NISA payments is needed. Could the minister assure farmers that they will be able to trigger transitional funding through NISA even if they have already withdrawn funds from their accounts this year?

[Lyle Vanclief, Liberal, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food]

Mr. Speaker, I said earlier this month that the transition funding would go into the accounts of farmers in the month of October. Over $500 million has gone into their NISA accounts. Farmers can immediately trigger those funds to top up any claims they had for the 2001 business year. For the 2002 business year they can apply for an interim payment. In both cases they will receive their money within 30 days of application.

Persons with Disabilities

[Wendy Lill, NDP, Dartmouth, NS]

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Human Resources Development.

In 1975 Canada signed the UN declaration on the rights of disabled persons pledging to assist disabled persons to develop their abilities and to promote their integration as far as possible in normal life. Yet, in Ontario special education funding has been slashed and almost 40,000 students remain on waiting lists.

Why sign international agreements if the government will not back them up with action? Will the minister honour this declaration by taking steps to guarantee children with special needs equal access to our public education system?

[Jane Stewart, Liberal, Minister of Human Resources Development]

Mr. Speaker, first and foremost the hon. member is making reference to a provincial jurisdiction. Aside from that let me say to the hon. member that social services ministers have as a priority on their agenda the focus of Canadians with disabilities.

It is my view that together we can build a plan, build on our vision called In Unison, to move to an agenda of action that will ensure that Canadians with disabilities can exercise full citizen rights in this country.

Employment Insurance

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

Mr. Speaker, the employment insurance fund has a surplus of $40 billion. The Auditor General says that this is $25 billion too much.

Is the Prime Minister not tired of balancing the budget on the backs of workers who have lost their jobs? Is he not tired of that?