Debates of Nov. 22nd, 2002

Liberal

Mac Harb Liberal Ottawa Centre, ON

Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I learned this week of the passing of former Ottawa Police Chief Tom G. Flanagan. His distinguished career began in 1951 and continued until his retirement in 1993 after having served 40 years as chief of police.

Chief Flanagan had a remarkable sense of duty that was proven throughout his career. In 1958 he was awarded the Queen's commendation for brave conduct and in 1980 the Governor General's Star of Courage. After retirement Tom continued to give his time freely in the service of Canada as an active member of the Military Police Complaints Commission. Tom was both a great friend and a devoted public servant, and he is without a doubt a loss to Canada.

I ask all members to join me in expressing our deepest sympathy to the Flanagan family in this difficult time. He will be greatly missed.

LandminesStatements By Members

Liberal

Sophia Leung Liberal Vancouver Kingsway, BC

Mr. Speaker, in December 1997 the hon. Lloyd Axworthy and the House of Commons guided 122 countries into an anti-landmine treaty.

The Ottawa convention encouraged all nations to stop producing, exporting and using anti-personnel mines. Five years after this landmark treaty was signed between 50 million and 100 million landmines are still active in the world. The removal of landmines is one of the most pressing humanitarian issues of our age.

By hosting a fundraising dinner for the Canadian Landmine Foundation as part of the Night of a Thousand Dinners campaign, we can show support for this important issue while enhancing the quality of life for many innocent people all over the world.

Christmas Seal CampaignStatements By Members

Liberal

Carmen Provenzano Liberal Sault Ste. Marie, ON

Mr. Speaker, with the holiday season fast approaching I would encourage all members and all Canadians to give to the Canadian Lung Association's Christmas Seal Campaign.

This campaign began when a Danish postman, Einar Holboell, looked at the needy children around him and had the idea that a single extra stamp on each Christmas letter would cost each individual so little but do so much good. Canada's first Christmas Seal Campaign was in 1927. The money raised supports research and treatment of lung disease, tuberculosis as well as raising funds for sanatoria and community programs. Although TB is no longer as serious a problem in this country as it was in the earlier part of this century, there are still about 3,000 cases every year, and the occurrence of other lung diseases such as emphysema, chronic bronchitis and asthma has increased enormously.

This Christmas I encourage everyone to put a Christmas seal on their Christmas cards, websites or e-mail greetings.

HealthStatements By Members

Canadian Alliance

Grant Hill Canadian Alliance Macleod, AB

Mr. Speaker, the tainted blood scandal is not a closed file. This week the RCMP charged senior Health Canada bureaucrats with criminal negligence and more charges are possible.

To recap the events is instructive. HIV and hepatitis C infected many patients who required blood transfusions or blood products. The HIV patients were all compensated but the hepatitis C patients were compensated only between 1986 and 1990. The Krever report called for compensation for everyone infected and ill due to the failure of the federal watchdogs. Quebec and Ontario compensated everyone.

The federal government should also compensate every victim of hepatitis C from tainted blood who is ill. One patient who called me this week has $11 per month left after paying for her rent. She has to live with her son so that she can survive. She deserves compassion and not legalistic arguments.

United WayStatements By Members

November 22nd, 2002 / 11:05 a.m.

Liberal

Marcel Proulx Liberal Hull—Aylmer, QC

Mr. Speaker, we already knew how generous federal public service employees are. Today, we have proof again. Contributions by public servants to the United Way of Ottawa campaign account for over one third of all the money collected. They have contributed more than $7 million of the $20 million collected.

Also, public servants exceeded their objective for Centraide Outaouais, contributing $2.2 million, or 50% of all the money collected.

The reasons for giving so generously are many. The common thread, however, is the desire to help Canadians. In their everyday work, our public servants help people in one way or another. Their contribution to United Way/Centraide is a visible extension of their generosity.

I want to congratulate all public service employees for their great generosity, and especially the organizers and many volunteers who give their time and energy to help improve the lives of many people in need. Too often we take for granted the professionalism of our public service.

Today, I would like us to acknowledge their great generosity.

Ingrid BetancourtStatements By Members

11:05 a.m.

Bloc

Antoine Dubé Bloc Lévis-Et-Chutes-De-La-Chaudière, QC

Mr. Speaker, I wish to raise the awareness of hon. members of this House about a very important humanitarian cause, that of Ingrid Betancourt. Everyone remembers this Colombian woman, who ran in the presidential election of her country and was abducted by the FARC on February 23.

There is nothing that can justify the abduction of civilians. A true peace process cannot develop as long as such practices continue.

We must do everything in our power to bring about the release of Ingrid Betancourt and other civilians held captive by armed groups. A political dialogue must be established as soon as possible to restore the peace the vast majority of Colombians hope for.

In a show of solidarity for the fight that Ingrid Betancourt is leading, I urge everyone to take part in the walk that will be held tomorrow and on the 23rd of each month. Join supporters in Montreal, at the corner of McGill College and Sainte-Catherine, and in Quebec City, in front of the National Assembly building.

LiteratureStatements By Members

11:05 a.m.

Liberal

Raymonde Folco Liberal Laval West, QC

Mr. Speaker, literature has always been very important in our country's cultural development. Literature is a reflection of our history and society and it allows thousands of people to recognize themselves through the imaginary world of our authors.

I am proud to see that Laval West has some great talents. Indeed, Claire Varin, who has written three novels, was just awarded the 2002 Prix de la Société des écrivains canadiens for her third novel, Désert désir . She tied with Nicole Brossard for that prize.

Let me also point out that Maxime Mongeon just announced the upcoming publication of his second novel. Mr. Mongeon is currently working with young pupils in Fabreville's elementary schools.

I am taking this opportunity today to congratulate these two authors from Laval for their work and their contribution to Quebec and Canadian literature.

Grain TransportationStatements By Members

11:05 a.m.

Canadian Alliance

Dale Johnston Canadian Alliance Wetaskiwin, AB

Mr. Speaker, yesterday I introduced a private member's bill that allows the labour minister to step in when the collective bargaining process at west coast ports bogs down and before costly work disruptions take place.

Since August 25, 650 grain handlers have been locked out at the port of Vancouver. At a time when western farmers are suffering through one of the worst droughts in Canadian history and one of the poorest harvest seasons, they are unable to move what little grain they managed to grow through the port of Vancouver.

If the government had passed final offer arbitration when I first presented the bill in 1996, this work stoppage could have been averted. It is time we had a permanent and fair resolution process that is removed from the whims of government.

The minister stands idly by while the reputation of Canada's largest port and the livelihood of 650 grain handlers hangs in the balance. Besides all of that, Canada's farmers deserve better.

Natural ResourcesStatements By Members

Liberal

Rodger Cuzner Liberal Bras D'Or—Cape Breton, NS

Mr. Speaker, with Canadian offshore oil and gas activities expanding, issues are emerging that require advanced scientific knowledge.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada is establishing a national Centre for Offshore Oil and Gas Environmental Research, or COOGER, at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography to build on DFO science expertise and to provide enhanced levels of scientific information for future needs.

COOGER will improve scientific knowledge, identify priority research needs, and coordinate and implement collaborative research efforts. Through national DFO science coordination COOGER will optimize current and future research initiatives, and build on existing regional research expertise and infrastructure.

I would like to commend the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans for his commitment to see the establishment of this important centre.

HousingStatements By Members

NDP

Brian Masse NDP Windsor West, ON

Mr. Speaker, today is National Affordable Housing Day.

Since the government came to power we have seen a steady systematic dismantling of federally funded social housing programs. It is now to the point where the government has virtually removed itself from the business of supporting affordable housing.

Earlier this week we heard a lot of talk, with the release of the government's urban strategy, the so-called “Blueprint for Action”, about the need for a national housing program. I want to point out that the NDP and thousands of Canadians have been calling for such a program for years.

However, it was only talk because yesterday in the House, during the debate on Bill C-229, an act to amend the Bank Act, members of the government had the opportunity to stand up and be counted and they did not. What they did was they stood behind the banks and that is unfortunate because the U.S. has this legislation and it has increased its affordable housing.

The next time one of the Prime Minister's staff calls anyone in the U.S. a moron, maybe that person should consider reflecting on our own policy and direct that comment where it is more justly deserved.

Quebec Citizenship WeekStatements By Members

Bloc

Madeleine Dalphond-Guiral Bloc Laval Centre, QC

Mr. Speaker, this is Quebec Citizenship Week. This week is an opportunity for the Quebec government to recognize the major contribution of citizens, organizations and businesses to the development of the Quebec society.

It is a unique opportunity to reaffirm our values as a distinct society on the North American continent, with a language, a culture, a history and even a joie de vivre that truly reflect the Quebec nation. This event allows all of us to reflect on Quebec citizenship and on the means through which we can further promote the fundamental values that are at the core of our identity.

All the regions of Quebec have scheduled activities to promote cooperative and harmonious relations between citizens of all origins.

This evening, the Bloc Quebecois will stress the importance of this week through a discussion on achieving a balance between cultural pluralism and belonging to the political community.

I wish a good Quebec citizenship week to each and everyone.

Operation ApolloStatements By Members

Liberal

David Pratt Liberal Nepean—Carleton, ON

Mr. Speaker, yesterday and this morning in Halifax over 800 Canadian sailors were honoured for their contribution to the war on terrorism. Medals were presented to personnel who served on Canadian naval ships in the Persian Gulf. These ships were part of Operation Apollo, Canada's contribution to the U.S.-led campaign against terrorism.

The first ships arrived in the north Arabian Sea exactly one year ago this week. Among their many tasks the ships assisted French and U.S. vessels with maritime interdiction operations in the Arabian Gulf, joined the American Amphibious Ready Group as an escort ship, and conducted replenishment at sea operations in the Arabian Sea.

Canadians are proud of the military personnel who served on these ships and who performed such vital duties to make us all safer from the terrible threat that terrorism poses.

I ask the House to join me in congratulating them on the medals they received.

SportsStatements By Members

Canadian Alliance

Val Meredith Canadian Alliance South Surrey—White Rock—Langley, BC

Mr. Speaker, earlier this month Canada's National Women's Soccer Team qualified as one of 16 countries for next year's Women's World Cup in China.

Like the young ladies who proudly play for Canada's National Hockey Team, they are competing for the love of their sport and the pride of representing Canada, not for million dollar contracts. While women's sports are finally starting to get the attention they deserve, we still have a long way to go before we reach parity with men's teams.

After both our men's and women's hockey teams won gold medals at the Winter Olympics, the Vancouver Province newspaper printed a two page, colour photograph of the victorious men's team. Thinking I had missed the same photo of the women's team, I called the paper to purchase the women's team photo. A male editor of the paper informed me that the paper did not run a similar size photo of the women's team because Canadians did not have the same interest in women's sports.

I would like to ensure all athletes who represent Canada that Canadians are equally proud of them regardless of their gender.

World Television DayStatements By Members

Liberal

Jeannot Castonguay Liberal Madawaska—Restigouche, NB

Mr. Speaker, this week we are celebrating World Television Day. The United Nations proclaimed November 21 as World Television Day in 1996, to draw attention to the great value this medium has for social development and education.

More than 50 studies on the learning process have proven that technology can help children learn.

Canadian teachers and their students can use their knowledge of this medium to address such issues as peace, security, economic and social development, and to foster cultural exchange, all issues to which the UN attaches great importance. All Canadians can learn more about these issues through the medium of television.

I am pleased to help Cable in the Classroom to draw attention to this world day by making the public more aware of the value of teaching media skills to all Canadians.

Newfoundland and LabradorStatements By Members

Progressive Conservative

Loyola Hearn Progressive Conservative St. John's West, NL

Mr. Speaker, it is no news to the House that the province of Newfoundland and Labrador is going through a very difficult time. Just during this past week, we have become aware that government intends to close down the cod fishery. We are not saying whether that is right or wrong. That will be debated.

However, at the same time other departments of government are also tightening the screws on the people of Newfoundland. For example, the Department of Human Resources Development is closing down or cutting back on services in rural areas to save a minuscule $30,000. It says that some of the work done in the rural areas does not fit the regulations precisely. This is a complete and utter embarrassment because the offices, particularly at this time, are so essential.

I ask the minister responsible to please look at the decisions that have been made by officials and act responsibly.

National DefenceOral Question Period

Canadian Alliance

Grant Hill Canadian Alliance Macleod, AB

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister's attempts at NATO to defend his negligence toward our military are quite frankly absurd. The Prime Minister has said we are competitive in NATO.

We are competitive, all right. We are competitive with Luxembourg, a country just about the size of Toronto, and competitive with Iceland, a country that does not even have a military.

When we are facing a war with Iraq, surely, is that the best that the Prime Minister can do, comparing us with those small countries?

National DefenceOral Question Period

Don Valley East Ontario

Liberal

David Collenette LiberalMinister of Transport

Mr. Speaker, my friend displays a profound ignorance of the capabilities of the Canadian military. The fact is that the Canadian military has outstanding resources and outstanding personnel who have been deployed in a number of conflicts around the world.

We realize there is a funding issue and that has been addressed by the Minister of National Defence and it was addressed by the Prime Minister in Prague yesterday, where he said unequivocally there will be more spending for the Canadian military.

I can say from my experience of three years as minister of defence that the Canadian armed forces were highly regarded in NATO.

National DefenceOral Question Period

Canadian Alliance

Grant Hill Canadian Alliance Macleod, AB

Mr. Speaker, in fact the Canadian military is highly regarded in spite of this government.

Here is where we are. The Prime Minister is saying on the one hand that the Canadian military is in need of more money, yet he also says it is not a high priority for Canadians. That, frankly, is wrong.

Canada's sovereignty is threatened with every dollar that is taken away from our military. How can we expect our U.S. allies to help us when we insult them? Why are we waiting until February's budget to put more money into the military?

National DefenceOral Question Period

Don Valley East Ontario

Liberal

David Collenette LiberalMinister of Transport

Mr. Speaker, the Canadian military is highly regarded around the world in spite of the negative criticisms of the official opposition in this place, who should know better. If the Canadian military was not as good, as the opposition alleges, why is it that our allies in the United States have come and requested certain things for us to contribute to the particular forum that is going to unfold in the next few weeks? They do so because they know we have the capabilities, they know we have the personnel and they know we have the will.

Canada-U.S. RelationsOral Question Period

Canadian Alliance

Grant Hill Canadian Alliance Macleod, AB

Mr. Speaker, Canada's relationship with the Bush administration was damaged when his nephew, who was then the ambassador to the U.S., said he preferred Gore over Bush.

Now we have a senior government official calling President Bush a moron. Is it not a fact that this anti-American attitude hurts our diplomatic relationships with the United States, our major trading partner?

Canada-U.S. RelationsOral Question Period

Don Valley East Ontario

Liberal

David Collenette LiberalMinister of Transport

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister addressed this allegation yesterday in Prague. Specifically, he reiterated his support and friendship for President Bush and supported the United States in the difficult situation we now find ourselves in with respect to Iraq.

Canada-U.S. RelationsOral Question Period