Debates of Dec. 12th, 2002

Public Transportation

[Peter Adams, Liberal, Peterborough, ON]

Mr. Speaker, the vote on the Kyoto accord is behind us. It is now time for immediate action to improve public transit across Canada.

All forms of public transit deserve support. The support can be in the form of municipal decisions to, for example, designate bus only routes, or special breaks for passes which involve bus and train use. It could also be in the form of tax breaks for long term public transit passes.

However, in the vicinity of our major cities Kyoto means a much greater emphasis on rail transportation. I urge the federal government to throw its weight behind improving passenger rail service across the country. In particular, I urge that we move now on returning passenger rail service along the Peterborough-Oshawa-Whitby-Pickering-Toronto route.

The studies have been done. Public and municipal support is there. Let us act now.

Forest Industry

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

Mr.Speaker, since the expiry of the softwood lumber agreement last year, forest industry employment has been slashed by 25%, throwing over 20,000 Canadian forest workers out of work.

In Okanagan Falls, recently announced prolonged layoffs affected hundreds of families in my riding. In the Nicola Valley, where unemployment is already at 40%, a further 163 hardworking constituents have been laid off in the past month at two sawmills and a construction forestry company.

The softwood lumber dispute is not the only disaster facing the forest industry in B.C. The mountain pine beetle infestation is the largest and most severe epidemic of its kind in Canada's history, and there is still no realistic involvement by this federal government, only misguided and delayed actions affecting a province which is going to be losing approximately one billion cubic metres of infested wood by next year.

Now more than ever it is time for the federal government to understand the problems faced by British Columbians and work with us on meaningful solutions. Let us give our citizens some reason for hope this Christmas season.

Western Economic Diversification

[Raymond Simard, Liberal, Saint Boniface, MB]

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to speak about the great success of our regional economic corporation, Western Economic Diversification Canada.

Regional economic development has proven to be extremely effective in achieving its objectives. The program is delivered throughout western Canada by community led and community based organizations, for instance, Canada Business Service Centres, Community Futures Development Corporations, Women's Enterprise Centres and, for the francophone community, the CDEMs.

Western Economic Diversification has been successful in leveraging substantial amounts of funding from provincial and municipal governments as well as the private sector. It is a valuable tool that provides a focused economic development strategy based on actual community needs and strengths.

WD is strengthening and diversifying the western economy through programs and services that inspire innovation, encourage entrepreneurship and build sustainable communities. The success stories are too numerous to count.

I encourage all members of the House to continue to support this excellent initiative. Western Canada is much stronger because of it.

Sex Offender Registry

[John Maloney, Liberal, Erie—Lincoln, ON]

Mr. Speaker, the announcement of the development of a national sex offender registry is good news. I applaud the Solicitor General and federal, provincial and territorial justice ministers, whose cooperation has made this happen.

This registry will improve upon the Canadian Police Information Centre by providing a special new sex offender database. CPIC is accessible by only accredited law enforcement agencies and serves over 60,000 law enforcement officials in every province and territory.

This new legislation will provide police with a new investigative tool to help them quickly locate known sex offenders living near the location of a sex crime. Under the proposed legislation, convicted offenders will have to register within 15 days of being released from incarceration. Re-registration will be required annually and within 15 days of a change in residence. Penalties will be provided for failing to comply with a registration order or for not giving truthful information.

This is part of the ongoing commitment by this government to reform the Criminal Code and protect the safety and security of Canadians.

Canadian Forces

[Geoff Regan, Liberal, Halifax West, NS]

Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize the sacrifices members of our Canadian Forces and their families make for us, especially at this time of year.

While most of us are gathering with our families for Christmas, Hanukkah, Ramadan or other celebrations, our military personnel serving overseas will be far away from their families back home.

The special challenges to family life for our service people should not be overlooked. As much as we appreciate our troops, we also are thankful for the support of those they leave at home.

On behalf of my constituents and, I am sure, on behalf of all members of the House and all Canadians, I want to wish our Canadian Forces members and their families all the best of the holiday season and a Happy New Year.

Peace Award

[Deepak Obhrai, Canadian Alliance, Calgary East, AB]

Mr. Speaker, the South Asian Studies Program at the New College, University of Toronto, is awarding the International Acharya Sushil Kumar Peace Award to Nobel laureate Professor John Polanyi, a very distinguished Canadian scientist.

Professor Polanyi is a professor of chemistry at the University of Toronto and president of the Canadian Committee for Scientists and Scholars. He is a member of the Queen's Privy Council of Canada and a Companion of the Order of Canada. Professor Polanyi's awards include the 1986 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, the Royal Medal of the Royal Society of London, and some 30 honorary degrees from six countries.

The award is named after a most revered and respected Jain teacher, the late Acharya Sushil Kumarji, who spent his life promoting peace and harmony in the Indian subcontinent and the world.

On behalf of the South Asian community and the Canadian Alliance, I would like to congratulate Professor John Polanyi on winning this award.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving

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

Mr. Speaker, the festive season is upon us. I would like to remind all Canadians of MADD, Canada's annual red ribbon campaign against impaired driving.

MADD Canada raises awareness about the dangers of impaired driving and continues to make a difference in the lives of many Canadians.

I ask all members of the House to join with me and the many Canadians who support MADD Canada's red ribbon campaign against drunk driving. If by displaying the red ribbon on our vehicles we can prevent one death or one injury this season, we will have helped save a life.

François Saillant

[Diane Bourgeois, Bloc, Terrebonne—Blainville, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse presented its Droits et Libertés award to François Saillant of FRAPRU.

As a coordinator, communicator extra-ordinaire and educator, Mr. Saillant has been working for over 20 years to improve the living and housing conditions of low-income earners. Recognized for his generosity, his constant presence and his proven leadership skills by FRAPRU, a community organization for urban renewal, Mr. Saillant is always there to defend and debate fundamental issues related to housing as well as social policy.

The Bloc Quebecois wants to pay tribute to the excellent work done by this individual, whose passion and perseverance attest to his desire to fight for access to decent housing for everyone.

Bravo, Mr. Saillant, and congratulations for those many years dedicated to community well-being.

Literacy

[Carole-Marie Allard, Liberal, Laval East, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the Maison des mots des Basses-Laurentides will receive $15,000 for its realizing intellectual potential project in order to develop educational activities tailored to each literacy group with which the organization works.

The Maison des mots will provide training to teachers, educational materials, and tools for evaluation. The project began October 21 and will continue until March 31, 2003.

I would like to congratulate all those who believe in the cause of literacy and wish a merry Christmas to all the associations working to improve the well-being of the voters of the Mille-Îles area and also to all the residents of Laval.

Merry Christmas and all the best in 2003.

Multiculturalism

[Gurmant Grewal, Canadian Alliance, Surrey Central, BC]

Mr. Speaker, Christmas is around the corner and Canadians are ready for the festivities. Christians should be proud of their religion. It is a time for giving and helping those less fortunate, but the spirit of the season has been bruised by unnecessary political correctness.

The Royal Canadian Mint replaced the 12 days of Christmas with the 12 days of giving. Toronto city hall replaced its Christmas tree with a holiday tree. Statistics Canada speaks of the December experience. Canadian Heritage removed Easter and Christmas from its calendars. The PMO interfered by removing references to Jesus in the memorial service for the Swissair tragedy at Peggy's Cove.

I am a non-Christian and a visible minority. I am not in any way offended when Christians celebrate Christmas. Cultural tolerance and ethnic equality should not mean diluting anyone's faith.

It is time we moved from tolerance to acceptance. We should mutually appreciate and respect each other's traditions, and I wish to say Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone.

Canadian Space Agency

[Rick Laliberte, Liberal, Churchill River, SK]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to acknowledge the presence of Canadian Space Agency astronaut Dr. Dafydd Williams in Ottawa today. It gives me great pleasure to announce that Dave Williams has been selected for a mission to the International Space Station in November 2003, which will closely follow Steve MacLean's mission in May.

Dr. Williams will perform a series of space walks, assisting in the construction of the station and positioning of solar panels critical to powering the microgravity science laboratory.

Canadians are proud of Canada's continued excellence and leadership in space science and technology and innovation.

The selection of Dr. Dave Williams is recognition of his dedication and contributions to the space station program and of his achievements as the first non-American to hold a senior position at NASA in Houston.

It is also recognition of the work of our astronauts, engineers, scientists and researchers of over 250 companies throughout Canada who are contributing to enhancing global recognition of our vibrant Canadian space program.

During their space walks and space adventure, let us think of them as dancers with our northern lights.

École de médecine vétérinaire de Saint-Hyacinthe

[Pauline Picard, Bloc, Drummond, QC]

Mr. Speaker, on the issue of the accreditation of the École de médecine vétérinaire de Saint-Hyacinthe, we really should give credit where credit is due.

As a tribute to the work done by my colleague, I would like to quote the radio commentary by the editorial chief of the Courrier de Saint-Hyacinthe , Jean Vigneault.

This is a great victory for the member for Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot and the coalition he organized. He is the one who fought virtually day and night for the school to get its due from the government.

His comments were less congratulatory of the member for Shefford, and I quote:

The Liberals had nothing to do with this. I think that in the beginning, the Liberals did not even know there was a school of veterinary medicine and that it was in need.

On this issue, as in many others, the member for Shefford waited until the Bloc Quebecois did the work, then stepped in and took credit for it. This type of behaviour is shameful and petty.

Hon. Member for Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke

[Marcel Proulx, Liberal, Hull—Aylmer, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I was dumbfounded upon reading the householder of the hon. member for Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke, entitled “The Communicator-Fall 2002”.

In a message that defies comprehension, she had the audacity to invite her francophone voters to obtain a French version of her householder. I will not repeat the content of the message, but I would like to express to my hon. colleagues my indignation over this type of behaviour.

If the hon. member needs help translating her messages to her voters, which seems evident, the House of Commons has an excellent translation service available to all members. Perhaps the hon. member is simply unaware that this service exists or perhaps it is her lack of regard for her francophone voters that led to her communicating with them in a manner unworthy of our fundamental Canadian values.

The hon. member's behaviour is indicative of the despicable views of Alliance members toward francophones outside Quebec. I hope the hon. member will apologize to this House and to her voters in the next issue of her householder.

Peacekeeping

[Elsie Wayne, Progressive Conservative, Saint John, NB]

Mr. Speaker, the following is an excerpt of a poem written by one of our peacekeepers:

T'was the night before Christmas, He lived all alone, In a one bedroom house, Made of plaster and stone.

I had come down the chimney, With presents to give, And see just who, In this home did live.

I looked all about, A strange sight I did see, No tinsel, no presents, Not even a tree.

No stocking by the mantle, Just boots filled with sand, On the wall hung pictures, Of far distant lands.

With medals and badges, Awards of all kinds, A sober thought , Came through my mind.

For this house was different, It was dark and dreary, I found the home of a soldier, Once I could see clearly.

The soldier lay sleeping, Silent, alone, Curled up on the floor, In this one bedroom home.

I realized the families, That I saw this night, Owed their lives to these soldiers, Who were willing to fight.

I couldn't help wonder, How many lay alone, On a cold Christmas Eve, In a land far from home.

The very thought brought, A tear to my eye, I dropped to my knees, And started to cry.

The soldier awakened, And I heard a rough voice, 'Santa, don't cry, This life is my choice'.

I fight for freedom, I don't ask for more, My life is my God, My country, my corps.

Then the soldier rolled over, With a voice, soft and pure, Whispered, “Carry on Santa, It's Christmas Day, all is secure.”

One look at my watch, And I knew he was right, “Merry Christmas my friend, And to all a good night”.

Queen's Jubilee Medal

[Mauril Bélanger, Liberal, Ottawa—Vanier, ON]

Mr. Speaker, on Monday next, December 16, I will be presenting the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal in a ceremony on Parliament Hill.

My congratulations go to: Marc Arbour, Harvey Barkun, Georges Edouard Bourgoignie, Pierre Choquette, Robert Charles Day, Jeffrey Docksey, Jennifer Eastham, Sharon Evans, Timothy Graham, Christopher Jackson, John Hadwen, Norman Lafrance, Jack Lee, George Lindsey, Ian Morgan, Faye Morgan, Mario Denis Paillé, the late Joan Robinson, Renald Paquette, Paul de B. Taillon and Philip Whitehead.

I also had the privilege of presenting a posthumous medal to the late Fred Shortt at a commemorative evening held in his honour on Monday, December 9, at the Canadian Aviation Museum. I will also have the honour of participating tomorrow afternoon in the ceremony honouring the National Research Council's outstanding employees.

A well deserved honour to all.

Emily Poupart

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

Mr. Speaker, allow me to recognize Emily Poupart from Jonquière, who will have the honour of attending the prestigious University of Oxford, in England, to pursue graduate studies.

The Rhodes Scholarships, worth approximately $50,000, allow ten Canadian students, including two from Quebec, to go to England for two or three years.

Emily Poupart is currently completing a masters in conflict resolution in Victoria, B.C. While in Oxford, she will have the opportunity to embark on either a second masters program or a doctorate project on an international development issue, an area she is fond of and in which she has some experience.

In addition to working on her academic achievements, Ms. Poupart will get to develop her rowing skills with the Oxford team and could even take part in the 2004 or 2008 Olympic Games.

We extend our congratulations to her and wish her the best of luck in England.

Davis Inlet

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

Mr. Speaker, Christmas is a time for family and friends to be together, but the community of Davis Inlet is being pulled apart by the government's mismanagement. The new community is nowhere near completion and the hopes and dreams of many families for a new home and a new future will just have to wait.

The first time Canadians saw the tragic images from Davis Inlet we all wanted to help. Millions have been invested, but the new town is still under construction. Expectations were high. Parents had hopes for a better future for their children. Now they are being told to take a number. Some families will be lucky and will move, while others will stare across the water and see the flicker of lights, the flicker of hope, on the other side.

Despite saying that money is no object, the mismanagement and bungling by the government has divided this community and turned its dreams into nightmares. How about a Christmas present for the folks of Davis Inlet? Tell them when their homes will be ready so they can move to a better future. They have waited long enough.

Member for Halifax

[Brian Masse, NDP, Windsor West, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I rise with great pleasure to pay tribute to one of Canada's most committed social activists and one of the House's best parliamentarians, Alexa McDonough who sits for the last day today in the House as leader for the NDP.

Born in Ottawa, Alexa grew up in Nova Scotia and, like so many New Democrats, her activism began early. At the age of 14 she helped initiate, through her church youth group, an outreach and day camp program for children and families of African Canadian families who were struggling with racial barriers and exclusion in her own province of Nova Scotia.

In 1980 Alexa became the first woman elected to lead a major party in a provincial legislature when she became the leader of the Nova Scotia NDP. In 1995 she took over the reins of the federal NDP and triumphantly brought the party back to official party status, electing the NDP's first MPs ever from mainland Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.

She has worn many different hats over the years and she has met all the challenges with grace, fierce determination and unwavering commitment to building a social democracy in Canada.

It has been my pleasure to serve under her leadership. Her support and encouragement since I first decided to run in the byelection earlier this year have been valuable and for that I am deeply grateful.

We would like to recognize and thank her family, David, her sons Justin and Travis and their families, right down to the newest addition to her family, granddaughter Abbie Jean, for sharing her energy and talents with us for all these years.

On behalf of my caucus colleagues and the New Democrats across the country, I would like to thank her for her incredible and tireless efforts as our leader for the past seven years fighting for a better, more democratic and just society that we know Canadians want.

Our thanks to Alexa, we look forward to the inspiration and dedication we know she will bring to the House as the member for Halifax.

Firearms Registry

[Stephen Harper, Canadian Alliance, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday the Prime Minister apparently admitted to his caucus that he knew of cost overruns on the gun registry for years. This is just one more piece of evidence that the government, in the words of the Auditor General, “kept Parliament in the dark” about spending on the registry.

Will the government now come clean and admit when it first became aware of the billion dollar cost overruns on the gun registry?

[John Manley, Liberal, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance]

Mr. Speaker, the report on spending is available through the estimates over and over. The Prime Minister has made it clear, as all of us have, that we remain committed to the gun registry.

I was looking at the statement of policy of the Canadian Alliance Party, article 31, where it says:

We are committed to keeping guns out of the hands of violent criminals as a necessary part of making our communities safer.

[Some hon. members]

Oh, oh.

[The Speaker]

Order, please. The Deputy Prime Minister has the floor.

[John Manley, Liberal, Ottawa South, ON]

I am sorry, Mr. Speaker, it deleted that part from its statement of policy in 2002. It is gone.

[Some hon. members]

Oh, oh.

[The Speaker]

Order, please. I have to remind hon. members that Christmas is coming and Santa Claus will reward the good and the virtuous. We are hoping that everyone will be quiet today so they will be well treated when Santa appears. The hon. Leader of the Opposition has the floor.