House of Commons Hansard #43 of the 37th Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was money.
The Speaker
As is our practice on Wednesday, we will now sing O Canada and we will be led by the hon. member for Halton.
Marcel Proulx Liberal Hull—Aylmer, QC
Mr. Speaker, yesterday, we learned that our colleague, the hon. member for Abitibi—Baie-James—Nunavik, was hospitalized.
It seems that he experienced some cardiac discomfort early yesterday morning. We are waiting to hear more about his health, after the various tests that he is undergoing at Hull's CHVO. Knowing the competence and dedication of the staff at this hospital, I am confident that our colleague is receiving high quality care.
On behalf of all the members of the Liberal caucus, I wish him a quick recovery. Mr. Speaker, I invite my colleagues in the House to join me in offering our full support to him, to his wife Diane and to their daughter Sonya Kim.
I paid a brief visit to the hon. member for Abitibi—Baie-James—Nunavik yesterday evening and, after seeing his determination, I know that he will soon be with us again.
Jason Kenney Canadian Alliance Calgary Southeast, AB
Mr. Speaker, a young man from Tel Aviv is in Ottawa today to plead the case of Israeli prisoners held captive by the terrorist group Hezbollah. Ori Tannenbaum's father, Elchanan, was kidnapped two years ago while on a business trip in Belgium and is being held today by Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Today I tabled a motion urging the government to press for the release of Mr. Tannenbaum and other prisoners including five soldiers who have been held hostage by Hezbollah for up to 20 years.
Canada should raise this issue at the highest level with those states known to support or condone Hezbollah, including Lebanon, Syria and Iran. Instead, Canada has been cozying up to these countries with a trip to Beirut where the Prime Minister sat next to the leader of the Hezbollah, and $200 million U.S. in aid announced for Lebanon.
Rather than rolling out the red carpet and buckets of tax dollars for these governments, I urge our government to do whatever it can to have them exert pressure on Hezbollah to release its illegally held Israeli prisoners.
Sophia Leung Liberal Vancouver Kingsway, BC
Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to rise in the House today to congratulate people from my riding who will receive the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal for their community services. I will present them with the medals during a ceremony on Wednesday, December 18 in Vancouver.
The deserving individuals are: Mr. Gian Dhesi, Dr. Donald Rix, Ms. Mary Quan, Mr. Jason Ko, Mr. Doug Chan, Mr. Terry Hui, Dr. David McLean, Mrs. Shirley Wong, Mrs. Mirina Boyd, Mr. Andrew Ko, Mr. Julian Twaroq, Mr. Jozef Urbanowski, Mr. Kamlesh Dayal, Mr. George Lamont, Ms. Meghan Fitzgerald, Mr. Daniel Quon, Mr. Jim Bennett and Mr. Bud Li-Lam.
I want to extend my congratulations to all these hardworking people for their contributions to the Canadian society.
Joe McGuire Liberal Egmont, PE
Mr. Speaker, I was also honoured recently to present, along with the Lieutenant-Governor of Prince Edward Island, medals to exemplary citizens of Egmont who recently were awarded the Queen's Jubilee Medal in recognition of their contributions to their fellow citizens, their communities and their country.
These people included: Eddy and Amand Arsenault who kept the Acadian culture alive, Verna Barlow, Shirley Beaton, John Cousins, Warren Ellis, Joseph Ellsworth for his work with fishermen, Deacon Cyrus Gallant, Muncey Harris, Francie MacDougall, Rod MacNeill, Dr. Joyce Madigane, Wilbert Meggison, Marilla Millar who fostered over 100 children in her home, Premier Keith Milligan, Margaret Penwarden for her work with MS sufferers, Aubin Richard, Marilyn Sark, Benjamin Taylor and the Reverend Charles Wagner.
Once again, I want to congratulate all those who received this distinguished honour.
Andy Savoy Liberal Tobique—Mactaquac, NB
Mr. Speaker, in order for Canada to remain one of the greatest countries in which to live, work and prosper, it is important to fuel our economy with new ideas and scientific progress.
The Canadian Association of Science Centres and its members are ready to do just that through their Canadian science promotion and learning program. Working together with the Canadian government, this program would invest in bringing the public to our nation's science centres and promoting Canadian scientific advancement. It would accomplish this by encouraging partnerships between governments, science centres, the media and the private sector, all of which could maximize both the level of public awareness and the level of scientific innovation within Canada.
I believe that a Canadian science promotion and learning program would be an invaluable investment for our government that would positively affect all Canada, not to mention generations of Canadians to come. By increasing the public's interaction with science centres and bolstering scientific pioneers, we can ensure that Canada will remain the innovative country that it is today.
John Reynolds Canadian Alliance West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast, BC
Mr. Speaker, once again the Liberals have killed an attempt by a majority of members of the House to reduce the democratic deficit. We do not know which of the two Prime Ministers sitting opposite cracked the whip but we do know that backbenchers over there cringed and tugged their forelocks and obeyed.
It was a simple agreement among all parties that would have made private members' bills votable. It was a small step toward further democracy in this place but the word democracy is a foreign word to the Liberals.
In November the House voted unanimously to adopt the 4th report of the standing committee that called for full votability of all private bills.
What optimism there was after that, Mr. Speaker. Even Liberals were joyful at the prospect of seeing this tiny baby step toward the democratization of the House. At least that is what they conveyed publicly.
Canadians should know, as do all members of the House, it does not matter who leads them, as long as the Liberals are in power Canada will be run as a dictatorship.
Diane St-Jacques Liberal Shefford, QC
Mr. Speaker, at the end of August, I had the great pleasure of announcing that the Department of Canadian Heritage, through Musicaction, would provide $250,000 to the École nationale de la chanson de Granby.
Last week, on behalf of the Minister of Canadian Heritage, I announced that financial support totalling $160,000 would be provided to the Réseau national des Galas de la chanson. This money will help greatly in further promoting French language songs and performers.
The Réseau national des Galas de la chanson is a network that includes the most important Canadian galas, including the Festival international de la chanson de Granby, Chant'Ouest, Chant'Est and Ontario Pop.
With the Festival de la chanson, which is in its 35th year, and the Palace theatre, where the event is held, Granby was already playing a major role in the promotion of francophone songs. With the addition of the École nationale de la chanson and the Réseau national des galas de la chanson, Granby will become a hub for song.
I salute all those who are behind these ambitious projects. Let us make room for talent and culture in the riding of Shefford.
Diane Bourgeois Bloc Terrebonne—Blainville, QC
Mr. Speaker, a symposium on wrongful convictions held recently in Toronto afforded Michel Dumont of Terrebonne with the opportunity to share the consequences of wrongful conviction on rape charges.
During his address, Mr. Dumont emphasized the unconditional support and tremendous assistance he received from his wife Solange. Solange Tremblay was honoured by the Association in Defence of the Wrongfully Convicted in recognition of her devoted efforts to obtain justice for her husband.
The Bloc Quebecois would like to draw attention to the courage and determination of this woman and of all victims of wrongful conviction. I would also like to see the members of this House extend warm congratulations to this couple for their efforts to raise public awareness of this issue.
Paddy Torsney Liberal Burlington, ON
Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise today to congratulate an outstanding member of our Burlington community.
Ms. Kathy Daniels-Owen was honoured recently by the Big Sisters Youth Services of Burlington-Hamilton-Wentworth with a Big Sister of the Year Award. Kathy was nominated by her little sister for this award which recognizes Kathy's commitment and dedication to providing a caring and supporting partnership to another young Canadian.
The relationships that develop in the Big Sisters program are a positive demonstration of the best sense of community; people looking out for other people, especially those who are more vulnerable.
I hope all members of the House will join me in congratulating Kathy. I say way to go to Kathy. She is a wonderful person.
Val Meredith Canadian Alliance South Surrey—White Rock—Langley, BC
Mr. Speaker, I just received a letter to Santa from the member for LaSalle—Émard. It reads, “Dear Santa, I really have been a good boy this year, getting kicked out of cabinet was not my fault. It is just that the Prime Minister got a little miffed when I kept sitting in his chair and moving my stuff into his office. I mean, it is only another 14 months before they are all mine anyway.
As for that hefty air security tax on every flight in Canada, while I did introduce that tax, it is the current finance minister's fault that they have not been reduced.
As for that billion dollars I shovelled into the gun registry, that is really the fault of the current ministers of industry, health and justice. I always exercise fiscal prudence; too bad they did not do the same.
Can you please keep the media taking those nice pictures of me flipping burgers or making public statements, but for those mean ones who actually ask me policy questions, just give them a lump of coal.
Actually you can send everybody who opposes my coronation a lump of coal, because when I'm in charge I will tax every piece of carbon in the country so we can meet our Kyoto commitments”.
Massimo Pacetti Liberal Saint-Léonard—Saint-Michel, QC
Mr. Speaker, I rise in this House to draw attention to an unprecedented historic event for the entire Italian Canadian community.
On November 30, 2002, the Madonna della Defesa church in Montreal's Little Italy was designated a national historic site by the Minister of Canadian Heritage.
This recognition speaks not only to the importance of the role of this church for the entire community, but also to the contribution of Italian immigrants to the growth of our country. Despite all the difficulties and problems encountered, the community can be proud to have preserved this heritage for all Canadians.
Madonna della Defesa is the oldest church erected for the Italian community in Montreal. It was the gateway and the foothold for many Italians who settled in Canada.
In conclusion, designating this church a national historic site will help keep its riches in Canada and preserve the history of Italian immigrants for future generations.
Wendy Lill NDP Dartmouth, NS
Mr. Speaker, today members of the NDP caucus are delivering over 1,500 letters from Canadians to the Prime Minister expressing opposition to the government's unfair approach to the disability tax credit. These letters echo the recent unanimous vote in the House which forced the withdrawal of the Minister of Finance's proposed changes to the DTC. These letters prove that Canadians are watching the government and members from all sides of the House will not accept the Minister of Finance trying to sneak the same odious restrictions back on the public agenda over the holiday break.
Five million Canadians with disabilities deserve respect from the government, not harassing bureaucracies and punitive legislation. The courts, Parliament and disability groups from coast to coast to coast are all calling for new humane and compassionate approaches to the definition of disability under the Income Tax Act.
It is time for the Minister of Finance to be Santa and not Grinch this Christmas.
Pauline Picard Bloc Drummond, QC
Mr. Speaker, SGT 2000 and VisuAide, from Saint-Germain-de-Grantham and Drummondville respectively, are two finalists in the 50 Best Managed Companies in Canada program, organized by Samson Bélair Deloitte & Touche.
VisuAide specializes in the research and development of products for the visually impaired. This company made the decision to leave Montreal's south shore for Drummondville.
SGT 2000 specializes in transportation and provides jobs for approximately 700 people. This company has 16,000 semi-trailers and serves all of North America.
Some 50 companies in Quebec submitted an application to the provincial selection committee.
Since the names of the winning companies will be made public tonight, I can only wish good luck to these two companies from the Drummond region in hopes that they will be able to affix the program logo, a prestigious and highly reputable honour, to their letterhead.
Judy Sgro Liberal York West, ON
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today and to take this opportunity to pay tribute to an important and special group of people who deserve mention in the House, our hardworking and loyal assistants who manage the daily operations for all of us as members here in Ottawa and in our constituencies. They help make our work efficient and effective. They work on the frontlines. They support us and represent us in all manners of duties and responsibilities and work long hours doing so.
Without them we could not do the jobs we were elected to do. I am proud and grateful to have such a wonderful team in my office: Ihor Wons, Emily Marangoni, Judy Borges, Rossanna Pena, Jenny Hooper and Patricia Pepper.
On behalf of all members on both sides of the House, I want to say thanks to our staff and let them know how much we appreciate them. I wish them and their families a well deserved holiday and blessings of the season.
Inky Mark Canadian Alliance Dauphin—Swan River, MB
Mr. Speaker, in 1885, to discourage Chinese immigration, the federal government introduced the head tax and later the Chinese exclusion act, which remained in place until 1947. This act prohibited the Chinese from immigrating to Canada as they were considered unfit for citizenship.
The head tax and Chinese exclusion act remain two of the worst examples of legalized racism in Canadian history. Yesterday I introduced my private member's bill, Bill C-333, entitled the Chinese Canadian recognition and restitution act. This act, if passed by Parliament, will provide an apology to over one million Chinese Canadians and restitution in the form of an educational foundation.
I brought this issue to the Prime Minister's attention in October and I hope he will resolve this matter before he leaves office. The Prime Minister's legacy can and should include righting the injustices of the past.
Stephen Harper Canadian AllianceLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, as we approach the end of the session, the government stumbles from one incompetent mess to another.
Last year it brought in a badly structured tax on the airline industry. It was warned not to bring it in, and now that this tax has done nothing but damage to an industry that already has difficulties, even some Liberal members of the transport committee are calling for the tax to be suspended and re-evaluated.
Will the government finally figure it out, finally get it, and agree to suspend the air tax?
John Manley LiberalDeputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance
Mr. Speaker, I suggest the Leader of the Opposition review the release that we put out on November 9 in which we propose discussion around the structure of the air tax going forward.
However we do not agree with him and his colleagues that the cost of additional security, which was necessary in the air service sector, should be paid for by taxpayers who do not use it.
Stephen Harper Canadian AllianceLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, the minister will have to take up that argument with some of his own colleagues.
Here is another area of gross incompetence. The government has refused for a year to ban Hezbollah. It rubbed shoulders and urged dialogue with this terrorist organization.
At 2:30 yesterday afternoon, the Solicitor General in the House again refused to ban it. Then at 5:30 p.m., the minister caused information to be leaked to the press that he was banning Hezbollah.
What new information appeared between 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. that caused him to flip-flop on this issue?
Wayne Easter LiberalSolicitor General of Canada
Mr. Speaker, I can assure members and Canadians that I did not flip-flop on this issue. As I have said quite a number of times in the House, this process takes time. If we are to do our job under the act, we have to base it on criminal and security intelligent information.
We will not do our job by showboating with other groups, as the hon. member and his colleague tried to do today at a press conference. I do not have the luxury to showboat. I can only do my job according to the act.
Stephen Harper Canadian AllianceLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, groups like B'nai B'rith are responsible organizations; they are not showboaters.
Here is yet another example of gross incompetence. For seven years the government refused to create a sex offender registry. Then it agreed to an Alliance motion to create one, and has spent two years trying to come up with legislation.
Could the government now confirm that its new sex offender registry will not even include known existing convicted sex offenders?
Wayne Easter LiberalSolicitor General of Canada
Mr. Speaker, again the leader of the official opposition has his facts wrong. The fact of the matter is that if we are to introduce legislation, which is on the Order Paper to be introduced today at 3 o'clock, we want to have the cooperation of the provinces.
We had a federal-provincial-territorial meeting about six weeks ago where we had agreement to come forward with the legislation. We will do just that at 3 o'clock this afternoon. Hold on to your shirt.
Kevin Sorenson Canadian Alliance Crowfoot, AB
Mr. Speaker, flip-flopping and incompetence are often very closely related. The Liberal government is a master of both flip-flop and incompetence.
A national sex offender registry is not punishment for criminals; it is protection for every child in this country.
I would like to ask the Liberal government this. What good is a national sex offender registry if it does not even list Karla Homolka?
Wayne Easter LiberalSolicitor General of Canada
Mr. Speaker, let me put it this way. The member is trying to debate legislation before he has in effect seen it. We will bring forward the legislation at first reading this afternoon. He will have an opportunity to talk about the pros and cons of that legislation at committee.
I believe, as do the provinces and the territories, that it will be very good legislation and will do a lot in terms of protecting the public health and safety of Canadians.
Kevin Sorenson Canadian Alliance Crowfoot, AB
Mr. Speaker, the minister admits that there are many cons in this upcoming national sex offender registry.
The minister's arguments are completely bogus. Ontario has been operating a successful, retroactive sex offender registry for nearly two years. Unbelievably the Liberal government will launch a sex offender registry with zero names on it.
What good is a national sex offender registry that will not even include people like Karl Toft and Joseph Fredericks?