Debates of April 10th, 2002

[The Speaker]

As is our practice on Wednesday we will now sing O Canada, and we will be led by the hon. member for Algoma--Manitoulin.

[Editor's Note: Members sang the national anthem]

Hockey

[Geoff Regan, Liberal, Halifax West, NS]

Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise in the House today to congratulate the city of Halifax, Nova Scotia, which was named the host city of the Women's World Hockey Championships in 2004.

As the House is well aware women's ice hockey is one of Canada's fastest growing sports and our best are also the world's best having won gold at the recent winter olympic games in Salt Lake City.

The Canadian Hockey Association announced on April 5 that the city of Halifax will host the Women's World Hockey Championships in March and April 2004. Halifax has always been a great sport city and has successfully hosted many national and international sport events. Halifax is also hosting the upcoming 2003 Junior Men's World Championships and is now positioned as a leader in hosting international events.

I am sure all members will join me in congratulating the city of Halifax, the Canadian Hockey Association and all female hockey players, coaches and volunteers on bringing the world's best to Canada in 2004.

Police and Peace Officers

[Kevin Sorenson, Canadian Alliance, Crowfoot, AB]

Mr. Speaker, this is the third time in just over one month that I have risen in the House to pay respects to a fallen police officer. In mid-February, Toronto Police Constable Laura Ellis was tragically killed while responding to an emergency call. In mid-March I rose in honour of RCMP Constable Christine Diotte who lost her life in the line of duty.

Today I stand out of respect for RCMP Constable Wael Audi. This 29 year old officer was killed March 29 while responding and patrolling the Sea to Sky Highway 10 kilometres north of Squamish, British Columbia.

Like the fallen officers before him the communities in which Audi worked and volunteered were deeply affected by this tragic loss. An RCMP spokesman said Audi represented everything good and right about the RCMP's presence in the community.

Dennis Strongquill, Benoît L'Écuyer, Laura Ellis, Christine Diotte and Wael Audi represent the selfless sacrifice Canadian police officers from coast to coast make every day to keep the citizens of this country safe.

Agriculture

[John Richardson, Liberal, Perth—Middlesex, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House today to announce that a new dairy show is making its home in Stratford, Ontario.

Ontario Dairy Discovery, a new two day Holstein and Jersey show which also includes a trade show, will debut at the Stratford fairgrounds on April 11 and 12, 2002. Amalgamating the former Ontario Holstein spring show, the Ontario Jersey spring show and the Ontario Dairy Discovery show, this could become one of the two largest dairy shows in the province.

At present there are more than 200 Holsteins, 150 Jerseys and at least 30 businesses registered in the trade show. Entries have been coming in from all over Ontario, Quebec, eastern Canada and the northeastern United States.

This new venture plans to make a permanent home at the Stratford fairgrounds. It represents a pooling of resources and talents from the previous smaller dairy exhibitions. Hopefully it will become a great success in future years.

I congratulate the Stratford fairgrounds and the constituents of Perth--Middlesex for becoming the hosts to this new venture.

Infrastructure

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

Mr. Speaker, recently some very significant improvements have been made in the riding of Argenteuil--Papineau--Mirabel, through the Canada-Quebec Infrastructure Works Program. I believe it is important to draw attention to these projects.

In the municipality of Ripon, the Government of Canada's participation of $15,395 will make it possible to replace the obsolete water mains serving rue Martel.

The Government of Canada's $17,682 contribution to Montpellier will enable the municipality to install a disinfection system as well as control mechanisms for their water system.

In Mirabel, the Government of Canada's $1 million participation will be used for expansion of the Saint-Canut waste water treatment plant.

The mayors of these three municipalities, Léo Bédard, Rhéo Faubert and Hubert Meilleur, are delighted with the positive effects of these projects. They will make it possible to improve community infrastructure, the environment, and their citizens' quality of life at the same time. I believe it is important for the people of Argenteuil--Papineau--Mirabel to be aware of the benefits of the Canada-Quebec Infrastructure Works Program.

When completely implemented, this program will have resulted in projects with a total value of $1.686 billion.

Donald Shaver

[Janko Peric, Liberal, Cambridge, ON]

Mr. Speaker, Donald McQueen Shaver, agriculture visionary and chair of the Canadian Farm Animal Genetic Resources Foundation, was recently inducted into the Ontario Agriculture Hall of Fame.

The founder of Shaver Poultry, with five local farms and franchises in 94 countries, he is a leader in the preservation of biodiversity and genetic conservation in the agriculture sector.

A former commander of a World War II tank regiment he always fostered pride, loyalty and community. An honourary colonel in the Highland Fusiliers he has served on area hospital and university boards and various service clubs. He continues to provide his vast knowledge to developing nations as a member of the United Nations food and agriculture organization committee.

I know all members will join me in congratulating Donald Shaver on this recent honour.

Rural Route Mail Couriers

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

Mr. Speaker, today a delegation from the national congress of the postal workers union , members of the rural mail couriers organization and other related groups assembled on parliament Hill to speak out against the way rural route mail couriers are treated.

Although these men and women do a job similar to that of letter carriers, they are far from benefiting from the same recognition. They have no job security and are continually forced to bid lower and lower.

In addition to having to use their own vehicles and bear any related expenses, rural mail couriers earn less than minimum wage and have no paid annual leave, or even sick leave. This is because the Canada Post Act denies them the right to collective bargaining. This act must therefore be changed.

The Bloc Quebecois supports the actions of the rural mail carriers and the demands they are making, and faults the federal government for its inertia in this matter.

Airline Industry

[Joe Comartin, NDP, Windsor—St. Clair, ON]

Mr. Speaker, communities all across Canada are suffering from decreased air service over the past several years due to the elimination of a national carrier and a reduction in routes.

Many local and regional airports have been forced to cover the cost of the federal government's downloading and pass on the costs directly to passengers in the form of service fees. These fees are in addition to the Liberal government's multibillion dollar airport security tax grab that forces passengers, including children as young as two years of age, to pay $24 on round trip tickets.

In Windsor, Ontario the airport authority is considering charging a $10 service fee to all passengers to help cover the financial losses due in part to a decrease in air travel since September 11. This charge would be an additional $34 for a round trip ticket for people flying from Windsor.

These unfair taxes are hurting Canadian families, the already struggling airline industry and communities across the country dependent upon the economic activity generated by local airports, and they should be removed immediately.

International Criminal Court

[Irwin Cotler, Liberal, Mount Royal, QC]

Mr. Speaker, in a world beset by a brooding omnipresence not only in the Middle East which we hear a good deal about, but also in the killing fields in the Sudan and the Congo which we do not hear enough about, I am pleased to share with colleagues one bit of good news.

We are on the eve of one of the most dramatic developments in the history of international criminal justice since Nuremberg with the coming into effect tomorrow of the treaty for an international criminal court when the necessary 60th state party ratification will be deposited at the UN.

The 20th century was not only the age of atrocity, it was also the age of impunity since few perpetrators were brought to justice. We trust that the treaty for an international criminal court will not only deter an age of atrocity in the 21st century but will ensure that all perpetrators of these atrocities will be brought to justice.

Agriculture

[Rick Borotsik, Progressive Conservative, Brandon—Souris, MB]

Mr. Speaker, the U.S. farm bill promises to bring undue hardship on Canadian farmers. The bill will increase government payments to American farmers and potentially introduce pulse crops to the American subsidy umbrella.

I have brought these concerns to the attention to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. Up until this point, he has done little to reassure working Canadian farmers that he is doing anything on their behalf.

In light of this, members will be surprised to learn that the U.S. secretary of agriculture, Ann Veneman, recently travelled to Mexico to meet with her counterpart, the Mexican secretary for agriculture. For two days they discussed co-operation with regard to agriculture policies between their two countries. I guess Canada was not invited. I guess Canada has lost all of its influence.

Despite this, the minister of agriculture today is in Washington, D.C., but who is he meeting with? He is meeting with the American farm bureau, he is meeting with the NFU but he has no meeting with the minister. What an insult to Canada. What an insult to our policy.

Bobby Ball

[Andy Burton, Canadian Alliance, Skeena, BC]

Mr. Speaker, on Sunday a true northern British Columbia pioneer passed away. Bobby Ball, raised on a Stikine River ranch that his father homesteaded, epitomized the spirit and endurance of that very special breed, the northerner.

Bobby followed in his father's footsteps as a big game guide outfitter. In the early days of his career, 40 day hunts were still the norm, heading out with pack trains loaded with gear and supplies and hunters from around the globe, returning weeks later with trophy sheep, goat, caribou, moose and grizzly. In later years fly-in base camps became more efficient as times changed.

An accomplished musician in his own right, he always loved a good party and picking and grinning with his countless friends.

Bobby faced his final challenge, a 10 year battle with cancer in the same way he lived his life, tough to the end.

On behalf of all his friends, I am proud to stand here in this place and say, so long partner.

Société Radio-Canada

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

Mr. Speaker, as a former journalist with the Société Radio-Canada in Montreal, I would like to bring to the attention of the House the labour conflict causing the disruption of television and radio broadcasts throughout the regions of Quebec and in Moncton, New Brunswick.

Société Radio-Canada locked its employees out on March 23 and since then, all public affairs programs, such as

Zone Libre, Le point , La facture , and Enjeux , have been suspended; this, right in the middle of the crisis in the Middle East.

Three weeks after being locked out, employees are still in the street. They came to meet with us today.

How can this situation be justified? The crown corporation must explain to Liberal members from Quebec and New Brunswick why it has maintained the lockout, despite the fact that negotiations have resumed.

It is important that both the English and French networks of the CBC are treated fairly. The current negotiations represent a real opportunity to do this.

Aboriginal Affairs

[Richard Marceau, Bloc, Charlesbourg—Jacques-Cartier, QC]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday the Premier of Quebec, Bernard Landry, and the president of the Kativik regional administration, Johnny N. Adams, signed an historic partnership agreement between the Government of Quebec and Nunavik's Inuit peoples.

This agreement will accelerate economic and community development in Northern Quebec over the next 25 years.

This is yet another example of the great relationship between the government of Quebec and first nations, a relationship based, in this particular case, on shared confidence and the common desire to further the development of Nunavik.

The great potential for the development of hydroelectric resources will provide major economic benefits for northern Quebec and for all of Quebec.

The Bloc Quebecois is proud to salute this partnership and points out once again the avant-garde nature of relations between the government of Quebec and aboriginal peoples.

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

[Marlene Jennings, Liberal, Notre-Dame-de-Grâce—Lachine, QC]

Mr. Speaker, today I will to do my member's statement in English because I want to ensure that Mr. Rabinovitch of CBC understands every word I say.

It is simply unacceptable that in 2002 employees working for a federal crown corporation such as CBC do not enjoy equity. There exists a serious problem of gender discrimination when it comes to salary and access to positions within CBC, particularly the French network side. It is also interesting and deplorable that with regard to access to permanent employment, on the French network they have less access to permanent employment.

Do the members of the House realize that 64% of salaried professionals throughout CBC are permanent employees; 72% in Ontario but only 49.7% in Quebec? It is simply deplorable and I urge CBC to negotiate serious--

[The Speaker]

The hon. member for Provencher.

Curling

[Vic Toews, Canadian Alliance, Provencher, MB]

Mr. Speaker, today I am very pleased to congratulate four young men from Manitoba who claimed the world championship title in junior men's curling last week in Kelowna.

Canadian champions Dave and Kevin Hamblin of Morris, Ross Derksen of Winkler and Ross McCannell of Dauphin beat out the Swedish team with a final score of three to two. The third member of the team from the Hamblin family, Lorne Hamblin, coached these young men to win first the Canadian and now the world title. I am pleased to note that the three Hamblins are from the riding of Provencher in Manitoba.

Through hard work, dedication and resolve, these young men have achieved a level of excellence in their sport that few ever accomplish. This team exemplifies the positive spirit of Manitoba and Canada. Well done.

Father Andy Hogan

[Alexa McDonough, NDP, Halifax, NS]

Mr. Speaker, it is with sadness that I rise today to share sad news of the passing earlier today of former New Democrat member of parliament Father Andy Hogan.

Father Andy, as he was affectionately known, was the first Roman Catholic priest to be elected to Canada's parliament. From 1974 to 1980 he capably served his constituents in Cape Breton--East Richmond with passion and with conviction. He was a devoted champion of workers, all workers but especially the coal miners and steelworkers in his beloved Cape Breton. He was a co-operator, an educator in the Antigonish movement, and he will long be remembered for Peoples Schools, which he organized throughout Nova Scotia.

As the NDP leader in Nova Scotia said today in paying tribute, Father Andy dedicated himself to seeking an abundant life for everyone in the community. On behalf of the New Democratic Party, I extend sincere condolences to members of Father Andy Hogan's family.

Middle East

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

Mr. Speaker, it seems that the Prime Minister has been away from Canada so long that he does not know what Canada can do or should be doing in the Middle East or what the Minister of Foreign Affairs has said Canada would do.

Now the government has flip-flopped by the Prime Minister offering to send troops into the Middle East conflict. Only a short while ago, the foreign affairs minister said that Canada would only commit peacekeepers if both parties came to an agreement. It is pretty clear there is no agreement.

How can the Minister of Foreign Affairs explain this flip-flop in Canadian policy?

[John Manley, Liberal, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Crown Corporations]

Mr. Speaker, let me say there is no inconsistency whatsoever. Canada has always stood ready to do what was necessary when the circumstances were appropriate, and of course at the present time it is impossible to send troops in.

I would also like to take the opportunity to underline the importance that the Prime Minister has put to ensuring that Canadian parliamentarians denounce acts of violence which are committed in Canada on behalf of people who are interested in the situation in the Middle East. He has sent a very strong letter of condolence to the synagogue in Saskatoon. However whatever side it is, we take pride in resolving our issues peacefully in Canada and we--

[The Speaker]

The hon. Leader of the Opposition.

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

Mr. Speaker, there is no question there is a flip-flop. The Deputy Prime Minister would not even let the Minister of Foreign Affairs answer to clear up the air.

It seems that the Prime Minister may have promised more than Canada can deliver. While we all agree that Canada should be more engaged, the reality is that the Canadian army is presently having great difficulties just by sending 1,600 troops in Bosnia and another 900 or so in Afghanistan.

The chief of defence, General Henault, says that we cannot sustain both the Bosnia mission and the Afghanistan mission. From where exactly are the troops for the potential Middle East peacekeeping mission supposed to come?

[John Manley, Liberal, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Crown Corporations]

Mr. Speaker, the hon. member is getting away ahead of himself. What Canadians have managed to do with distinction and with pride in situations around the world is to meet the needs that are there. If there is a possibility of peace in the Middle East and if Canadian troops can contribute to that, he can be assured that we will be there and our troops will give us a lot of cause to be proud.

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

Mr. Speaker, talk in the House is cheap, but the government has not done the job. Senior military personnel have informed the government that forces are seriously overstretched. The government's soldiers are telling it that. A few weeks ago the chief of the army, General Mike Jeffery, said that “The army is being run into the ground by overcommitment and it is living on borrowed time”.

We all support the forces. With the forces leadership telling the government that the military is at the end of its rope, will the Deputy Prime Minister tell us exactly who, if anyone, is providing the Prime Minister with advice and why is the Prime Minister making promises that Canada cannot keep?

[Art Eggleton, Liberal, Minister of National Defence]

Mr. Speaker, the government will not make promises it cannot keep. Any time that the government sends its troops anywhere, it will ensure that they have the support they need to do the job.

The troops that were sent to Afghanistan, the troops we have in peace support operations, are in fact doing a terrific job for this country, and we should be very proud of them.

General Jeffery has made it quite clear that we do need reforms in the army plan. He is carrying them out. The government supports what he wants to do. The government supports our troops.

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

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, while the Hezbollah were firing rockets at civilian settlements in northern Israel, the Minister of Foreign Affairs was telling Canadians that Hezbollah's social arm and any activities that it is conducting in Canada has nothing to do with raising money for military activities. However court documents quoting captured Hezbollah terrorist, Mohammed al-Husseini, informed CSIS that Hezbollah has members all over Canada and has the ability to bomb federal buildings in Canada at will.

Will the minister please take action today to ban all fundraising by all branches of Hezbollah in Canada?