House of Commons Hansard #5 of the 37th Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was contract.

Topics

CitizenshipStatements By Members

10:55 a.m.

Liberal

Wayne Easter Liberal Malpeque, PE

Madam Speaker, on September 26 a citizenship ceremony was held in Mill Cove, Nova Scotia. Forty-seven people, who originally came from 20 different countries, took the oath of citizenship at Apostogan Consolidated Elementary School. They did so in the presence of the school's 100 students who greeted them wearing the red and white of the Canadian flag.

Every year Canada welcomes more that 150,000 new citizens in ceremonies that provide a source of precious memories for all who attend. For Canadian children these ceremonies are an excellent opportunity for them to open themselves to the world and to be introduced to the importance of citizenship. Children discover, in a way that cannot be taught by books or by television, the profound sense of belonging that real people of different backgrounds feel with regard to our country.

I wish to congratulate the school and the young people for having organized that type of educational activity.

CitizenshipStatements By Members

10:55 a.m.

Canadian Alliance

Paul Forseth Canadian Alliance New Westminster—Coquitlam—Burnaby, BC

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize our Queen's arrival today for Her official cross-Canada tour. On the occasion of the Queen's Jubilee I was pleased to receive community nominations from my riding and honour them with the Queen's Jubilee Medal for exemplary citizenship.

The following list of great Canadians have made Canada a better place. They are: Edna Anderson, Hilda Cliffe, Bill Drinkwater, Gordon Fulton, Alexandra Haussmann, Freda Hogg, Herb James, Alec Janyk, Douglas LaRoy, Peter Legge, J. Morrision McVea, Archie Miller, Noreen O'Neil, Antonio Paré, Baj Puri, Nancy Puri, Brian Smith, Gerda Suess, John Tompson, Ted Usher, Jean Buchan and F. John Blatherwick. I was honoured, on behalf of my Queen, to present the medals to many who do not usually receive recognition for making Canada the success that it is today.

We also wish to thank the Queen this day for exemplary duty in Her office that has given protection for us all.

Fire Prevention WeekStatements By Members

11 a.m.

Liberal

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

Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to rise today and inform the House and all honourable members that next week will be fire prevention week. This year's theme is “Team up for Safety”. The focus will be fire prevention practices and safety procedures to make our country fire safe. On average fire kills eight people each week and injures many more. Let us work together to achieve better success in prevention and fire safety.

We are pleased to work in partnership with Fire Prevention Canada. In appreciation of the many services provided by the Canadian fire services, Saturday, October 12 is fire service recognition day. Let us all continue to work together in promoting fire safety this week and throughout the year.

Regional DevelopmentStatements By Members

11 a.m.

Liberal

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

Mr. Speaker, Gilbert Bossé, a financier from Val-d'Or, wants to create a mini investment fund in the Abitibi-Témiscamingue to channel regional savings of $750 million into a local business start-up or development investment fund.

Project Frontenac, which Mr. Bossé hopes will be in operation in January, with an initial capital of $25 to $30 million, is designed to compensate for the imbalance that gives the five resource regions that make up 16% of the population less than 10% of start-up capital in Quebec.

The project is one of nine initiatives to promote economic development in resource regions that were presented at the Sommet des régions in Quebec City last November.

According to Jacques Talbot, the president of Val-d'Or's chamber of commerce, many other regions are already eyeing Project Frontenac with interest. He says that the fund will help new companies that require an investment of between $500,000 and $10 million to start up, businesses that are presently being neglected by Canadian financial institutions.

Kyoto ProtocolStatements By Members

11 a.m.

Liberal

Charles Caccia Liberal Davenport, ON

Mr. Speaker, critics say Canada does not have a plan to meet the Kyoto target. This is false. There is already an initial “Action Plan 2000 on Climate Change”.

Implemented two years ago, the plan will help Canada meet one-third of the Kyoto target. In addition, after consultations with the provinces and territories, the government released this year a document proposing 4 options and 40 measures to reduce emissions for the remaining two-thirds of Canada's Kyoto target. Consequently, in a few weeks the government will be able to release an implementation plan for the public, the provinces and Parliament before a vote on ratification takes place.

We have a plan that will take us one-third of the way and the soon to be released plan for the balance, developed after widespread consultations. Critics should stop misleading the public and instead help the government achieve Canada's Kyoto commitment.

Community ServiceStatements By Members

11 a.m.

Canadian Alliance

Andy Burton Canadian Alliance Skeena, BC

Mr. Speaker, on this the first day of Her Majesty the Queen's visit to Canada I am honoured to pay tribute to the following constituents of Skeena riding, nominated by their peers for exemplary community service and who have been selected to receive the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee commemorative medal.

They are: Dr. Lawrence M. Greene, Teresa Mackereth, Ben Matheson, Jonna Mattiesing, James Goodacre, Gordon William Sr., Eric Janze, Peggy Underhill, Brigitta van Heek, Doug Leach, Mary Anne Dilley, Yvonne Moen, Aileen Frank, Eric Ross, Miles Bode, Audrey Bode, Elizabeth Joan Wilson, Patricia Grue, Mary Kasum and Vera Kirkwood.

My sincere congratulations to them all.

Jamie BellStatements By Members

11 a.m.

Liberal

Sarmite Bulte Liberal Parkdale—High Park, ON

Mr. Speaker, it is with great sorrow that I announce the passing of one of my constituents, Mr. Jamie Bell. To many of my constituents and to many in Toronto, Jamie was the public face of Swansea, one of the city's most historic and liveable neighbourhoods.

Jamie was a leader and an active participant in the High Park Citizens Advisory Committee, the March of Dimes, the Ontario Science Centre, the Mariposa Folk Festival and the Swansea Recreational Advisory Board. I especially remember his leadership and enthusiasm in building the playground in High Park with a number of volunteers.

As Jamie was the executive director of the Swansea Town Hall, I had to meet with him on many occasions. The breadth of his knowledge and interests constantly impressed me. He also had a personal style of raising issues in an inclusive manner that invited cooperation and agreement. The loss to our community is great, but I will always treasure the opportunity to have worked with someone like Jamie Bell.

World Teachers' DayStatements By Members

October 4th, 2002 / 11:05 a.m.

Bloc

Bernard Bigras Bloc Rosemont—Petite-Patrie, QC

Mr. Speaker, on this, the eve of World Teachers' Day, allow me to pay tribute to those who are vested with a great responsibility in the future of our youth, who play a critical role in the betterment of our communities.

The theme chosen this year, “Teachers create dialogue everyday”, shows how big a challenge teachers have to meet everyday not only in sharing knowledge, but also in instilling positive values that will prepare our youth to become the citizens of tomorrow.

Given the economic, social and cultural situation in the world today, teachers face a double challenge: that of being mindful of these upheavals and also being visionary in educating students.

I invite parents and students alike to thank our teachers for their commitment to education and for being a bridge to the future, day after day.

World Teachers DayStatements By Members

11:05 a.m.

Liberal

Raymonde Folco Liberal Laval West, QC

Mr. Speaker, today we are celebrating World Teachers Day, the theme of which is “Teachers Create Dialogue Every Day”.

Dialogue involves a number of values that are dear to our society: understanding, respect and solidarity, and tolerance.

In a world where interdependence is of such great importance, undeniably the role of dialogue is becoming more and more important.

The theme is well chosen, showing as it does the involvement of teachers in the social development of the children and others they teach. All of us can remember a teacher who had a particular impact on our life.

Teachers contribute to Canada's future by teaching tomorrow's adults. In recognition and gratitude for their devoted service to society, I would ask the House to join with me in wishing them an excellent day and a great school year.

Softwood LumberStatements By Members

11:05 a.m.

Canadian Alliance

Philip Mayfield Canadian Alliance Cariboo—Chilcotin, BC

Mr. Speaker, British Columbia's forest firms and workers are victims of the government's failure to negotiate a softwood lumber deal with the United States.

The Liberals had more than five years to secure free trade in softwood lumber with the Americans. They failed to do this work and now our softwood lumber industry and B.C.'s economy is suffering terribly. It has been months and the devastation has wreaked havoc on families and local communities. They need some transitional help to get through a restructuring of this industry.

It was unfair for the natural resources minister to create expectations last May that federal help was only weeks away. These relief measures are still on hold. There was nothing in the Speech from the Throne for the $10 billion softwood lumber industry in crisis. Nothing. The Liberal government has bailed out its favourite industries in Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada in the past and even the auto sector during periods of downtime.

Canadians want the federal government to stop ignoring B.C. and give more attention to returning B.C. from its have not province status. This is urgent. There is a 15% unemployment rate that needs to go down now.

AgricultureStatements By Members

11:05 a.m.

Liberal

John Maloney Liberal Erie—Lincoln, ON

Mr. Speaker, last June the Minister of Agriculture came to Larry and Debbie Hipple's farm in Beamsville, Ontario to announce the government's plan to further develop environmentally responsible farming practices and fuelling growth and profitability for the Canadian agriculture and agrifood sector.

I am pleased that the minister came to Niagara to announce a $100 million program to facilitate implementation of environmental farm plans and a $54.5 million strategy to give Canadian producers better access to minor use and reduced risk pesticides. These initiatives are important to my riding of Erie--Lincoln as a major supplier and producer of world class tender fruits and wines.

These measures will provide farmers with better tools and realize the environmental goals of the agricultural policy framework. By giving Canadian producers access to more environmentally sound technologies for pest control we are further positioning Canadian agriculture for profitability and prosperity. These measures will also go a long way towards addressing the expectations of consumers for environmentally responsible food production.

I wish to congratulate the minister and his department for helping Canadian farmers protect both our environment and our consumers.

ReligionsStatements By Members

11:05 a.m.

NDP

Bill Blaikie NDP Winnipeg—Transcona, MB

Mr. Speaker, sweeping statements about any world religion, particularly negative statements, are never very helpful, but in the post-September 11 context they are downright unacceptable and dangerous. Reverend Gerry Falwell's description of the Prophet Mohammed as a “terrorist” is in this category of statements.

Reverend Falwell would do well to heed biblical teachings that warn against self-righteousness and look for ways in which the best of all the world's faith traditions can be brought together in common cause against violence and injustice. Ill-informed attacks on the founder of the religion of one-fifth of the world's population are hardly the mark of a peacemaker.

Neither the Prophet Mohammed nor Jesus Christ should be held responsible for all that is said or done in their names.

Mental Illness Awareness WeekStatements By Members

11:10 a.m.

Bloc

Réal Ménard Bloc Hochelaga—Maisonneuve, QC

Mental Illness Awareness Week, October 6 through 12, is a national public awareness campaign launched by the Canadian Psychiatric Association. Its aim is to eliminate the stigma associated with mental illness.

This year, the purpose of the week is to encourage us to reach out to overcome the barriers that stop people from getting help for their mental health problems. We need to be watchful and reach out to a friend, relative or colleague in need.

Anyone in need of help for themselves or a friend or loved one should waste no time calling the closest community mental health centre or a help line.

It is a sad fact that mental illness is an important factor in the rate of suicide. If we feel that someone near to us is in need of help, we must remember that reaching out a helping hand can prevent suicide.

The Royal VisitStatements By Members

11:10 a.m.

Liberal

Tony Tirabassi Liberal Niagara Centre, ON

Mr. Speaker, today marks the arrival to Canada of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh.

This special golden jubilee year has brought Canadians from coast to coast to coast together in celebration of our many achievements over the past 50 years in every field.

Her Majesty's very first step on Canadian soil for the 2002 royal visit will be historic as she is the first member of the royal family to visit Canada's newest territory of Nunavut.

Her Majesty's day starts with a unique welcome to Canada ceremony according to Inuit tradition and a tour of Iqaluit that includes a visit to the legislative assembly, a tour of the local high school where she will watch Inuit sports demonstrations and a tour of the Nunavut Arctic College Sculpture Garden, a truly memorable start to what will be an unforgettable visit.

Newfoundland and LabradorStatements By Members

11:10 a.m.

Progressive Conservative

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

Mr. Speaker, a royal commission is currently holding public hearings in Newfoundland and Labrador on our status and our future prospects in Confederation.

Some 53 years after joining Canada we have one of the highest economic growth rates in the nation, yet we are still the poorest province with the highest unemployment rate.

One of the reasons for our lack of economic progress is the clawback provision in the current equalization formula. Fully 80% of all the revenues from the development of our natural resources is clawed back to Ottawa through reductions in our equalization payments.

Under such a formula it is impossible for a small province to make any economic headway, especially a small province in Atlantic Canada. We need a reduction in or the elimination of the equalization clawback if we are ever to claim our rightful place in Canada.

SenegalStatements By Members

11:10 a.m.

Liberal

Serge Marcil Liberal Beauharnois—Salaberry, QC

Mr. Speaker, this summer there was a lot of talk about Africa at the G-8 meeting held in Kananaskis, and about the adoption of a recovery plan for Africa called the New Partnership for Africa’s Development, or NPAD, initiated by our Prime Minister.

Since last week, the population of one of Africa's most active countries in the defence of the NPAD has been trying to cope with an incredible tragedy. Senegal is mourning the death of over 900 people who perished when Le Joola sank. This ship, which was sailing from the south of the country to the capital, sank last Thursday during a storm. Over 1,000 people were on board, including children who were coming home to begin the new school year, saleswomen who were travelling to Dakar to sell local products, and teachers who were going back to work.

These men and women were from a region already greatly affected by the rebellion that has been going on for a long time, and they relied on that ship to travel safely, because there are too many ambushes along highways by armed gangs who steal and kill shamelessly.

I just got back from a visit to this beautiful country, Senegal, and I wish to express my sincere condolences to all its people, particularly those living in the south of the country, following this terrible tragedy.

Gun RegistryStatements By Members

11:10 a.m.

Canadian Alliance

Garry Breitkreuz Canadian Alliance Yorkton—Melville, SK

Mr. Speaker, last Saturday the Ottawa Citizen called on the Liberal government to “end the gun registry, which has been reduced to mailing stick-on numbers to gun-owners”.

One of the main reasons the government used to justify the gun registry was to trace stolen firearms. Now the justice minister trusts criminals so completely that he thinks they will just leave his department's stickers on the firearms they steal.

In the throne speech, the Prime Minister said “We need regulation to achieve the public good”. What public good can come from issuing 4 million gun registration certificates with 3 million blanks and unknown entries, three-quarters of a million of them with no serial numbers?

The registry has become the most expensive garbage collection system in the country. How big do the mistakes have to be before the government will admit its billion dollar blunder?

René CousineauStatements By Members

11:15 a.m.

Liberal

Mark Assad Liberal Gatineau, QC

Mr. Speaker, on September 10, the Gatineau community lost one of its sons, René Cousineau.

Mr. Cousineau was a notary by trade and he taught that discipline at the University of Ottawa. He was elected to Parliament in 1979 and re-elected in 1980. The Right Honourable Pierre Elliott Trudeau appointed him deputy government whip and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of State for Small Businesses.

Mr. Cousineau was a dedicated person and he was always available to his fellow citizens. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and of the Rotary Club in Gatineau.

I wish to reiterate my most sincere condolences to his wife Paulette, his daughters Danielle and Sylvie, and the members of the Cousineau family.

Government ContractsOral Question Period

11:15 a.m.

Calgary Southwest Alberta

Canadian Alliance

Stephen Harper Canadian AllianceLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, in response to the Solicitor General's contracts for friends scheme, the Prime Minister said that there was no problem.

There are problems. Everett Roche is a friend of the minister. He was the minister's two-time official agent. Public money was paid to the friend of the minister. The minister's office hired this friend and broke the rules in so doing.

Why did the Solicitor General award an untendered consulting deal to his friend?

Government ContractsOral Question Period

11:15 a.m.

Cardigan P.E.I.

Liberal

Lawrence MacAulay LiberalSolicitor General of Canada

Mr. Speaker, yesterday there were a number of inaccurate statements made by the opposition. This morning I have released a statement with the facts.

The contract was publicly posted on March 15, 2001, and signed on May 10, 2001. Companies had two weeks to appeal this contract. The contract was in accordance with all Treasury Board guidelines. The contract was given, and I am sure the Leader of the Opposition will be pleased to hear this, to a firm, not an individual. These are the facts.

Government ContractsOral Question Period

11:15 a.m.

Calgary Southwest Alberta

Canadian Alliance

Stephen Harper Canadian AllianceLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, the minister knows that the contract was sole sourced and that there was no proper tendering process.

The contract was given to a partnership. Everett Roche is the firm's principal consultant. He signed the contract. The correspondence was directed to Everett Roche. He obviously negotiated the contract. He directly benefited from it.

Is it really going to be the government's position that it is okay to funnel money through to friends if it is done through a firm?

Government ContractsOral Question Period

11:15 a.m.

Cardigan P.E.I.

Liberal

Lawrence MacAulay LiberalSolicitor General of Canada

Mr. Speaker, the contract was for strategic advice to help me to do my job as Solicitor General and regional minister for Prince Edward Island. One can never get enough good advice.

That is why David Nicholson, a highly respected former federal public servant, who has contributed a lot to the federal system in the country, was the man who advised me on issues in the Solicitor General's office and on issues pertaining to Prince Edward Island.

If he examines the facts, Prince Edward Island and the federal government have received a lot of great advice.

Government ContractsOral Question Period

11:15 a.m.

Calgary Southwest Alberta

Canadian Alliance

Stephen Harper Canadian AllianceLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, if this advice was so terrific and so memorable, one would think the minister would have been able to remember it yesterday.

We all remember the minister lobbying the RCMP for funding for his brother's college. I want to ask the minister something. Will the minister confirm that Everett Roche, his close friend who received this contract, was, 10 days later, appointed to the body charged with deciding the funding application for the Solicitor General's brother?

Government ContractsOral Question Period

11:20 a.m.

Cardigan P.E.I.

Liberal

Lawrence MacAulay LiberalSolicitor General of Canada

Mr. Speaker, it is a sad case in the House. They refer to a couple of institutions as my brother's.

Government ContractsOral Question Period

11:20 a.m.

Canadian Alliance

Myron Thompson Canadian Alliance Wild Rose, AB

You are a sad case.