Debates of Feb. 19th, 2002

Supply

[Réal Ménard, Bloc, Hochelaga—Maisonneuve, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I thought earlier that our colleague was talking about something that had been left dangling, but I will let him clarify his thoughts on this, since this is an issue that, as you know, may interest you personally.

First of all, I want to congratulate our colleague for his remarkable erudition. Members will have noticed that he is very interested in the work of the Séguin commission on the issue of imbalance. This is a commission that was established by the Quebec government and chaired by a former Liberal minister. So this is not a partisan issue. But I would like to ask two questions of my colleague.

Would my colleague, in a historical perspective on which he knows quite well the ins and outs, be prepared to state in the House that, at this point, following an historical measure taken during the second world war, the federal government has invaded illegally, in a rather ultra vires manner, the field of personal income tax, as mentioned by our colleague from Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot?

Second, does he think that the federal government should restore health transfer payments to their 1993-94 level?

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

Mr. Speaker, the answer to the second question is of course yes. This is really what all the provinces are asking.

An agreement was reached shortly before the 2000 general election, but it only re-established transfer payments to about 80% of what they were before. Given the stubbornness of the federal government, the provinces agreed, at the time, to at least recover that portion.

Since then, federal surpluses have increased, as have the provinces' problems, because of the increase in health costs due to the aging population, drugs and technologies. People live longer but, at the same time, they are likely to be sick over a longer period.

The term “illegal” may be a little strong, but during the war it was not illegal, since an agreement had been reached. Because of the war effort, the provinces had agreed to sort of lease the right to collect taxes in this area. Now, the federal government—and the hon. member for Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot demonstrated it very clearly—sees a possibility here, because of the increase which, some years, was of the order of 7%. Personal income tax has increased much more quickly than other types of taxes, including corporate tax, which has actually gone down, if we take into account the gross national product.

The federal government has developed a liking for personal tax, so much so that 60% of its revenue comes from taxes paid by Quebecers, compared to 40% for the Quebec government, even though cost increases are taking place in two critical areas, namely health and education.

[Robert Lanctôt, Bloc, Châteauguay, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate my hon. colleague for his speech.

I would like him to clarify his position following the question put by the hon. member for Hochelaga—Maisonneuve as to whether or not it is legal to take back tax points that were handed or were to be handed to the provinces and how our tax dollars are spent. Under the agreement reached at the time, it was intended to be used on a temporary basis, and like a right to use, any temporary measure does not affect the property right.

Could the member explain to me and to our fellow citizens if going back to tax points is legal or not, and does it have to be requested?

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

Mr. Speaker, not everybody is in agreement on this issue. Some people think that Quebec, for instance, should request it. In fact, Duplessis did in some way by collecting personal income tax directly, and the federal government never challenged him before the supreme court. However, Quebec never went to the supreme court to challenge this whole thing, because many Quebecers feel that the supreme court always leans the same way. Consultation is therefore not guaranteed.

One thing is for sure, there is an agreement with the provinces to request what the Bloc Quebecois is asking for, which is the transfer of tax points for health care.

[Pauline Picard, Bloc, Drummond, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to be part of today's debate on the opposition motion moved by the Bloc Quebecois.

This motion reads as follows:

That this House condemn the government for withdrawing from health care funding, for no longer shouldering more than 14 per cent of the costs of health care, and for attempting to invade provincial areas of jurisdiction by using the preliminary report of the Romanow Commission to impose its own vision of health care.

This motion speaks for itself. Since coming to the House in 1993, the Bloc has never stopped speaking against the deep cuts orchestrated by the Liberal government in funding for health, social assistance and education.

We all remember the infamous Red Book of the Prime Minister and most of all the words accompanying it, and I quote the newspaper La Presse of September 25 1993: “In our program, we have no plan to cut payments to individuals or to the provinces. It is there in black and white”.

This speech of the Prime Minister vanished like the morning mist when the Minister of Finance set the record straight a few months later and said that the next budget would contain deep cuts in funding to the provinces for health, social assistance and education. This is what he said in an interview published in the Toronto Star of April 19, 1994.

This government said it has done no draconian cuts. Yet, it announce them through the finance minister. Here again is what he said to the Toronto Star on April 19 1994: “The next budget will contain deep cuts in funding to the provinces for health, social assistance and education”.

This is what destroyed our health care system. This contradiction, and there have been so many others, shows how the Liberals have constantly misled the public, promising a rosy future, while in fact it would get darker.

By refusing to fund adequately health care, the government has undermined the whole structure of our services and put provinces in a situation where they are no longer able to provide the public with the services they need. The government seems to be the only one unable to see the reality as it is. Provincial governments, heath organizations, social organizations and the general public all agree that the massive cuts imposed by Ottawa in health spending are responsible for the dire straights we are in.

In his budget, the finance minister announced no new measure to help provinces overcome the many problems he has caused them by withdrawing from health care funding, which is a priority for Canadians and Quebecers.

The Premier of Quebec was right when he said a few weeks ago in Vancouver, and I quote, “Saying that problems with our health care system have nothing to do with money is denying the obvious”.

There must be adequate health care funding in this country. To achieve that, the federal government must at least restore transfers to 1994 levels, which would result in an increase of about $8 billion, a quarter of which would go back to Quebec. I think that my colleagues who spoke before me demonstrated that the government must keep its promises and put money back into the health care system. We are asking it to restore transfers to where they were in 1993-94, and that is without indexation.

The federal government must recognized that the cuts made since 1994 have had a devastating effect on the health care system across the country. Instead of refusing to listen to the needs that have been expressed, the Liberal government should bring funding back to where it was before it decided to make drastic cuts in 1993-94, plus indexation. It would make a little more sense.

The needs are in the provinces and the money is in Ottawa. The problem is obvious. The population is aging, technologies are more and more expensive, to say nothing about the increasing costs of drugs and research.

Money is needed. The tax system within the Canadian federation needs to be readjusted, but first the government must recognize that a tax imbalance does exist, which it is still denying.

Must I remind the Minister of Finance that, in the 1960s and 1970s, the federal government made a commitment to fund 50% of health care costs? Since that time, its contribution has fallen to less than 20%, resulting in the inability of provinces to financially support the system. Instead of recognizing the facts, the government prefers to make flashy announcements.

Education

[Shawn Murphy, Liberal, Hillsborough, PE]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the University of Prince Edward Island for its commitment to literacy.

UPEI along with the University of Calgary and the University of Alberta is currently hosting an electronic lecture series with nine internationally renowned scholars in the field of literacy. Beginning in February UPEI will host three of the nine presentations with speakers from New Zealand and Sweden.

This electronic lecture series will allow people in the literacy sector to benefit from the experience of literacy educators and researchers from across the world. The conference will play an important role in global efforts to understand illiteracy.

I commend the University of Prince Edward Island for its part in the organization of the conference, and applaud all three universities involved for their efforts in furthering international education about this worthy cause.

Laura Ellis

[Kevin Sorenson, Canadian Alliance, Crowfoot, AB]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay my respects to Toronto police constable Laura Ellis.

Tragically, constable Ellis was killed yesterday when her police cruiser collided with another car and hit a utility pole. Ms. Ellis and her partner were apparently responding to an emergency call.

Every day police officers all across the country put their lives on the line to protect Canadian citizens. We all know and respect the sacrifices they make to keep our communities and streets safe. No other profession demands such selfless acts of courage day in and day out as that of a police officer.

I extend my condolences to constable Ellis' husband, young daughter and other family members. They are all in our thoughts and our prayers.

Heritage Day

[Clifford Lincoln, Liberal, Lac-Saint-Louis, QC]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday was Heritage Day, a day that I invite all Canadians to celebrate and embrace, and to take the time to reflect on the shared values that unite us as a people in these times of global uncertainty.

Our heritage consists of shared symbols: the collections held in our museums, libraries and archives; the buildings, cultural landscapes and archaeological sites that bear witness to the lives of our ancestors; our breathtaking parks and natural spaces; our traditions, customs, languages and stories. In essence, everything that reflects Canada's cultural diversity is part of the common heritage of all Canadians.

I would also like to highlight the work of the Heritage Canada Foundation in partnership with Industry Canada to provide Heritage Day kits to ministries of education--

[The Acting Speaker (Mr. Bélair)]

The hon. member for Guelph--Wellington.

Order of Canada

[Brenda Chamberlain, Liberal, Guelph—Wellington, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate three of my constituents who have been appointed Members of the Order of Canada.

Mr. T. Sher Singh, a leader in the Sikh Canadian community, has shown through his endless hours of public service how a vibrant multicultural landscape enriches our nation.

Mr. Ken Danby is recognized as one of Canada's best realist painters. His images of familiar and cherished Canadian themes have earned him an international following.

Mr. Robert W. Gillham has made one of the most important contributions in decades to groundwater science, developing a process of cleaning contaminated water.

These great Canadians will be outstanding Members of the Order of Canada. They truly are great Canadians.

Lithuania

[Sarmite Bulte, Liberal, Parkdale—High Park, ON]

Mr. Speaker, every year the people of Lithuania and Lithuanian Canadians gather to celebrate the independence of the land of their heritage. This year on Saturday, February 16, they celebrated the 84th anniversary of the independence of Lithuania and the 748th year of Lithuania's statehood.

Since 1990 when Lithuania reclaimed its independence from the Soviet Union the people of Lithuania have supported with their time, energy and resources Lithuania's efforts to establish democracy within its borders, to develop a free market economy and to build up a national defence system capable of defending Lithuania's democratic way of life.

Canada has always had a very positive relationship with Lithuania. Canada's active Lithuanian Canadian community has also greatly contributed to fostering exchanges and maintaining the friendship between our countries.

I offer my congratulations to President Adamkus, the Lithuanian parliament and people of Lithuanian origin on this momentous occasion.

Harvey Kirck

[Jim Abbott, Canadian Alliance, Kootenay—Columbia, BC]

Mr. Speaker, long time news anchor Harvey Kirck has died at age 73. Harvey, who was proud to say he was never known as Mr. Kirck, had the common touch and the gruff, direct delivery that endeared him to a generation of Canadian listeners.

Born in 1928, he began his long career at radio and TV stations around Ontario and out west in Calgary. He spent 20 years as the anchor and co-anchor of the CTV Evening News , surpassing the venerable Walter Cronkite in longevity and certainly matching him in the sense of trust and respect in which he was regarded by his audience.

Though he retired from the evening news in 1984 he did not leave broadcasting. He had stints with Canada AM and W5 and displayed his simple love for his country with shows like Inside Canada and Sketches of Our Town . Harvey Kirck signed off his last newscast with the words “With a heartfelt thank you, I think we should carry on as usual”.

On behalf of the House I thank Harvey for years of excellent service to Canadian journalism.

2002 Winter Olympics

[Raymonde Folco, Liberal, Laval West, QC]

Mr. Speaker, our Canadian athletes have already been living the Olympic dream for some days already in Salt Lake City, where they are all doing their utmost to come home with those precious medals which instill pride in us all. Among those representing us are four young people from Laval.

Tania Goulet, a young woman speed skater from Sainte-Dorothée, who came back from Nagano, Japan, with an Olympic bronze in the 3000 meter relay short track, will be aiming for another trip to the podium for Canada.

Along with her in the 3000 meter relay short track will be Amélie Goulet Nadon, also from Laval.

Pascal Richard, an RCMP constable who grew up in Sainte-Dorothée, will be enjoying his very first Olympic adventure. He will be competing in the skeleton run, at speeds of close to 140 kilometers an hour.

Erik Desjardins, a sledge hockey player, will be competing in the Paralympics for the first time. These will be held March 7 though 16 in Salt Lake City.

All of us wish our athletes good luck. For these few days, they are giving us the opportunity to live the Olympic dream along with them.

Ethics Counsellor

[Stéphane Bergeron, Bloc, Verchères—Les Patriotes, QC]

Mr. Speaker, in a statement made yesterday, the member for Abitibi—Baie-James—Nunavik attacked the government of Quebec for wanting to control lobbying activities.

Quebec's legislation on lobbying, which will be among the most progressive and binding in the world, will establish a position of ethics counsellor, who will be appointed by the National Assembly and accountable to the National Assembly, which is what the Bloc Quebecois has been calling for in Ottawa since the Liberals have been plagued by scandals and which, incidentally, was part of a bill that I introduced last June.

The Liberals will respond that they did create an ethics counsellor position, but it is an ethics counsellor with no real investigative powers, who is paid by and accountable to the Prime Minister alone. Despite their rhetoric, the legislative and regulatory framework that exists in Ottawa still allows for patronage, a skill the Liberals have mastered with flair.

When the member for Abitibi—Baie-James—Nunavik stated that “the reality is not so grand”, he should have been referring to the situation in Ottawa. When will we get an ethics counsellor who is credible, objective, transparent and, most importantly, accountable to parliament?

Bill Barclay

[David Price, Liberal, Compton—Stanstead, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I ask the House to join me today to recognize the life and achievements of Bill Barclay, president of the Royal Canadian Legion, who passed away last week.

Bill Barclay served with the militia in the Saskatoon Light Infantry. He held several positions with the Royal Canadian Legion including past president of the Saskatchewan command and four years on the national executive council before becoming president. He was also chair of the Remembrance and Poppy Committee. He was a strong advocate for veterans, committed to improving benefits and services. He also promoted the teaching of Canadian history in schools.

I ask the House to join me in extending deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Bill Barclay.

Citizenship and Immigration

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

Mr. Speaker, for years the Liberal mismanagement of our immigration system has seen the stayed deportation of many individuals who should have been deported immediately.

Won Pil Park, a South Korean, was originally ordered out of Canada in 1995 after being sentenced to three years in prison for causing the death of a teenager in a road rage offence. After his release Park appealed to the Immigration and Refugee Board and had his deportation put on hold twice. During this time he committed a criminal act where he sexually assaulted a waitress at his restaurant and has again been found guilty and sentenced to another three years in prison.

What kind of example is the government setting by allowing convicted criminals to remain in the country? Will the immigration minister ensure that once Park is released from prison for the second time he will finally be deported? This is one of many cases which again reveals that the Liberals cannot manage even the basics for the country.

Ryan Gibbs

[Dan McTeague, Liberal, Pickering—Ajax—Uxbridge, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I pay tribute to Ryan Gibbs of Pickering who passed away on December 31, 2001, at the tender age of 11. Diagnosed with brain cancer last October, Ryan underwent four operations and chemotherapy. After a valiant battle he passed away peacefully in his sleep with his loving parents Trevor and Ingrid by his side.

Although he was only here for a short time he lived life to the fullest. Ryan was the proud and successful captain of the Pickering East Enders Atom AA team, sporting jersey No. 10. He not only excelled in hockey but was also an accomplished black belt in tae kwon do.

He will be sadly missed by his coaches and teammates alike. Ryan will be forever remembered as a vibrant and caring little boy who his friends could always count on. Ryan enriched our community in so many ways and we are indeed blessed to have had a person like him in our lives. Ryan will be truly missed but the memory of his lively personality will continue to live on for all those who knew him.

I know all members of the House join me in extending our sincere condolences to Ryan Gibbs' family and his countless friends.

The Economy

[Lorne Nystrom, NDP, Regina—Qu'Appelle, SK]

Mr. Speaker, when the Bank of Canada sold off to an American firm the administration of the Canada savings bond program, one of our crucial symbols of national sovereignty, the Minister of Finance turned a blind eye.

Now the Minister of Finance believes that Canadian companies are not smart enough to develop security technology for our currency. He wants to import paper from another country for the printing of our money here in Canada. Canadian paper, considered to be the best in the world, is not good enough for the Minister of Finance.

As well, by increasing the foreign content ceiling on pension funds and RRSPs from 20% to 30% the finance minister has caused the Canadian economy to lose $100 billion in investments and the Canadian dollar to depreciate even further.

I have a question. Is the Minister of Finance planning to run for president of the United States or is he serious about building our country right here in Canada?

Heart Month

[Monique Guay, Bloc, Laurentides, QC]

Mr. Speaker, February is designated Heart Month. Every year in Quebec, more than 6,000 people die of heart attacks, and heart disease is the cause of 1,043,582 days of hospitalization.

We must destroy the myth that would have us believe that heart disease only affects older people.

Young people in Quebec and Canada are not physically active enough, and 25% of youth are obese.

Lack of exercise is as significant a risk factor as smoking in the development of heart disease. Other studies indicate that children whose parents are physically active are likely to be active as well.

Let us take advantage of Heart Month to develop healthy habits by taking health walks and by starting sporting activities. Let us get active and play outside with our children.

Harvey Kirck

[Stan Keyes, Liberal, Hamilton West, ON]

Mr. Speaker, Canadians were saddened to learn that journalist Harvey Kirck passed away yesterday. Harvey Kirck was a news anchor for CTV for 20 years. He was the first person in North America to anchor the national evening news for such a length of time. He became a part of our lives, reporting on the major events of a generation including the Kennedy assassination, the Apollo missions, the funeral of Winston Churchill, the Quebec referendum and of course many federal elections.

Harvey Kirck was inducted into the Canadian Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame in the year 2000. He was an old school, traditional, trusted news reporter's newsman. That is what made him real. That is what made him believable to the viewers.

I ask the House to join me in extending our deepest sympathies to his family, friends and indeed all Canadians who remember him with affection.

Pesticides

[Bill Casey, Progressive Conservative, Cumberland—Colchester, NS]

Mr. Speaker, I ask the new Minister of Health to address a problem in her department which has created a barrier for innovation in the agricultural and horticultural industries in Canada. The problem is the pest control registration process. Last year in Canada only 22 minor use registrations were approved. Last year in the United States 1,200 similar products were approved.

Canada's regulatory system must be adapted to ensure access to new products and safeguard the sector's ability to compete. The regulatory process must not be a drag on innovation. Organizations across Canada like the Wild Blueberry Producers Association of Nova Scotia are demanding that the cumbersome system be changed to encourage innovation, not stifle it.

The minister last week moved quickly to correct another problem with respect to pesticide regulation. I hope that she can now act quickly to again address the unnecessary hurdle that prevents these Canadian industries from competing with countries that promote innovation.

Organized Crime

[Janko Peric, Liberal, Cambridge, ON]

Mr. Speaker, over the last year illegal, homegrown pot operations have risen.

These organized crime operations are a serious danger to the public. Electricity is being diverted by wires that are not insulated properly and can be live. Recent fires in Waterloo region were caused by attempts to bypass hydro meters. The ground around these operations can also be electrified, especially if wet.

To address this serious problem, local city councils have asked that: a mandatory five year sentence be imposed on those convicted of using homes to grow marijuana; the criminalization of marijuana be maintained; and the proceeds from homegrown operations be passed on to local police.

I call on all members of the House to take a stand against the dangers of homegrown pot operations.

Firearms Registration

[Garry Breitkreuz, Canadian Alliance, Yorkton—Melville, SK]

Mr. Speaker, a few weeks ago three RCMP officers showed up at a home in Langley, B.C. at 10 o'clock at night and advised the owner that they were there to seize his firearms because he did not have a firearms licence.

The homeowner took his valid firearms licence out of his wallet and showed it to the three officers. The RCMP officers said that there must have been a mistake in their records and left.

Maybe the solicitor general would like to explain why harassing law-abiding gun owners is a higher priority for the RCMP than tracking down suspected terrorists.

Maybe the justice minister can explain why his super-duper, $700 million gun registry cannot even let RCMP officers identify gun owners with a valid firearms licence. Was not the whole point of setting up the registry in the first place to save police time and resources?

Two ministers have fumbled the firearms file. Will this new minister be the third, or will he do the right thing and put an end to this firearms fiasco?

Foreign Affairs

[John Reynolds, Canadian Alliance, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, the government's position on Iraq is more confusing each day.

First the Prime Minister said that Canada would not support military action against Saddam Hussein's Iraq. Yesterday he said that military action against Iraq was completely hypothetical. The Minister of Foreign Affairs said that he was open to all options.

What exactly is our government's position on Iraq and the war against terrorism?

[Bill Graham, Liberal, Minister of Foreign Affairs]

Mr. Speaker, the government's position on Iraq has always been totally clear. We have clearly supported the position at the United Nations of bringing sanctions to bear against a person or a regime which we find detestable. We will continue to support that and to support UN actions against Iraq. We will continue to make sure we are free to act to constrain Saddam Hussein.