Debates of April 18th, 2002

Vaisakhi

[Sophia Leung, Liberal, Vancouver Kingsway, BC]

Mr. Speaker, last Saturday the Canadian Sikh community held its annual Vaisakhi celebration. It was my pleasure to attend the Vaisakhi ceremony arranged by the Khalsa Diwan Society of Vancouver.

This society was founded in 1906 as the first Sikh society in Canada. It has over 60,000 registered members and plays an active role in the economic, social and religious activities of the Vancouver community. The annual Vaisakhi parade is one of the highlights of the year. It attracts more than 50,000 people to a 303-year old celebration of freedom, equality and peace among the Sikh people.

I wish to congratulate the Khalsa Diwan Society and the Canadian Sikh community for their contributions to our communities and our nation.

National Defence

[Leon Benoit, Canadian Alliance, Lakeland, AB]

Mr. Speaker, many of us woke up this morning to the shock that Canadian soldiers serving in Afghanistan had been killed and wounded while on a training exercise near Kandahar.

One can only imagine the grief and anguish felt by the families who were informed that their loved ones were involved. For many friends and family members of the Canadian forces the fear of a phone call in the middle of the night is something they think about daily.

The Canadian Alliance joins with all Canadians in mourning the tragic death of our brave soldiers. These individuals answered their country's call in the aftermath of September 11. All Canadians owe them a great debt of gratitude: Sergeant Marc Leger, Corporal Ainsworth Dyer, Private Richard Green and Private Nathan Smith. To all their comrades in the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, we recognize their loss.

On behalf of the official opposition, the Canadian Alliance, we offer them our thoughts and prayers. We will not forget.

Vaisakhi

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

Mr. Speaker, first let me express my sadness and regrets after the tragic events of last night.

This month Sikhs in Canada and around the world are observing Vaisakhi, the 303rd birthday of the Sikh faith, Khalsa. The founder of the Sikh nation, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, preached equality, compassion, tolerance and human rights. It is important to affirm the diversity and tolerance that are so basic a part of our Canadian heritage especially following the terrible events of September 11.

I invite all my colleagues to participate in the Vaisakhi annual event immediately after question period today in the railway committee room from 3 p.m. to 4.30 p.m.

I wish to thank the Prime Minister, all members of the cabinet and my colleagues from all parties for their continued support and involvement with me since 1993.

Fondation Beaudoin-Desrosiers

[Pauline Picard, Bloc, Drummond, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to highlight the work of an exceptional couple from my riding. Over the last 21 years, Michel Desrosiers and France Beaudoin have adopted some ten children with disabilities in need.

These children, aged 2 to 21, come from across Quebec. The Beaudoin-Desrosiers' decided that they wanted to provide a real family life for these children, and they hope to be able to adopt more children. This has become their life's work.

Caring for several children with disabilities requires a considerable amount of money to purchase specialized medical equipment. In 1995, they established the Fondation Beaudoin-Desrosiers, to fulfill the dream of allowing children to live in a family environment.

I invite everyone to support this foundation and to give generously so that it can meet the growing needs of these children.

National Defence

[David Pratt, Liberal, Nepean—Carleton, ON]

Mr. Speaker, as chair of the defence committee and indeed on behalf of the committee I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and comrades of Sergeant Marc Leger, Corporal Ainsworth Dyer, Private Richard Green and Private Nathan Smith who were killed last night in the tragic friendly fire incident near Kandahar.

I hope the families of these brave soldiers know that we feel their loss profoundly, we share their grief and we mourn with them.

To those who were wounded: Sergeant Lorne Ford, Corporal René Paquet, Master Corporal Curtis Hollister, Corporal Brett Perry, Private Normal Link, Corporal Shane Brennan, Master Corporal Stanley Clark and Corporal Brian Decaire, each and every one of us is praying for their full and speedy recovery.

To their families, friends and comrades, they too are in our thoughts and prayers. I hope this terrible accident will cause all Canadians to reflect on the service and sacrifice of the men and women of the Canadian forces.

Agriculture

[Monte Solberg, Canadian Alliance, Medicine Hat, AB]

Mr. Speaker, this week Cypress county in my riding declared itself a drought disaster area. Year after year of drought in southern Alberta has left pastures devastated and dugouts empty. No water and no grass means that for the fourth year in a row ranchers will have to sell off herds or send them out of the area in search of greener pastures.

Last weekend while Edmonton was being blanketed by snow, southern Alberta was blanketed and blasted by a severe dust storm, a storm that led to a terrible car crash that claimed four lives. For oldtimers it must have looked like the 1930s all over again.

The agricultural year is just beginning and farmers and ranchers in southern Alberta are already in trouble. I urge the federal government to move quickly to assure ranchers that it will extend the tax deferral for sale of breeding stock until pastures can support grazing again. I urge the government to put in place an enhanced safety net program that covers disasters like the drought that has seized southern Alberta.

Waterloo Regional Children's Museum

[Karen Redman, Liberal, Kitchener Centre, ON]

Mr. Speaker, the Waterloo Regional Children's Museum presents a place where art and technology meet to stimulate creativity and motivate learning. It is a place of wonder and adventure that we can share with our children.

This exciting concept is one that clearly mirrors the character of the Waterloo region itself. While Kitchener is home to technological leaders and innovative research, it is also a place where the earliest forms of agricultural practices remain in use. The children's museum explores the diversity and development of our culture and presents a unique learning opportunity.

I am proud to say that the federal government is sharing in the local community's commitment to the museum with funding of $675,840 through the Cultural Spaces Canada Program.

The children's museum is the culmination of artistic interpretation and cultural heritage. Like many in our community I eagerly await the doors to open so we can share in this experience.

Percy Demers

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

Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise today to pay tribute to a great humanitarian and healer. Dr. Percy Demers was an extraordinary and committed physician, a specialist in cardiac and internal medicine.

The devoted husband and father of seven has been described by all who were fortunate enough to have known him as an exceptional doctor, human being and father. I extend my deepest condolences and those of my entire constituency to his wife, Patricia, and his family.

The even greater tragedy of this loss is that Dr. Demers and his family were victims of our health care system, the very system that he had given so much of his life to serve and sustain. Just hours before the tragic slaying, Dr. Demers' son, now charged with his death, was turned away from the emergency room while accompanied by Dr. Demers. Why? Because no emergency psychiatric care was available for him. Had he received the timely medical attention he so desperately needed, this tragedy may well have been avoided.

Our overburdened medical system has failed the Demers family and the people of our community. Let this be a--

[The Speaker]

The hon. member for Matapédia--Matane.

Women Farmers of the Lower St. Lawrence

[Jean-Yves Roy, Bloc, Matapédia—Matane, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the women farmers of the Lower St. Lawrence make a remarkable contribution to their region's development, particularly as shareholders in family farms.

Some 36% of women farmers own shares in family farms of the Lower St. Lawrence, compared to 19% across Quebec, almost double the Quebec average.

These women do not limit their participation to accounting or management, but work where they want in the various activities and related organizations.

This is based on the information provided by the Conseil du statut de la femme du Québec in a statement of opinion on the living conditions of women and regional and local development in the Lower St. Lawrence region.

It should come as no surprise then that Ms. Sophie Gendron of Kamouraska was chosen as Quebec's woman farmer of the year.

Thanks to all these women who work toward the development of their region.

National Defence

[Stan Keyes, Liberal, Hamilton West, ON]

Mr. Speaker, it is always a terrible blow to a community when we lose a young person. That blow is particularly keen when the individual in question is a respected, dedicated member of our Canadian armed forces.

One of the four soldiers lost today was from my hometown of Hamilton. I would like to express my deep sympathy to the families of all those lost and to let those injured in this terrible accident know that they are in our prayers for a speedy recovery.

As a Hamiltonian, I would like to extend my condolences to the friends and families of our lost soldiers and to tell them today that their loss is borne by our entire community. I am certain the good people of Hamilton will provide condolences and support through this difficult time. Nonetheless the names of the casualties specific to each Canadian community will not be released immediately out of respect for the families.

While nothing can soften the blow of such a tragedy, it underlines the courage and dedication of the members of our armed forces who choose to put themselves in harms way to serve a greater good.

It is my sincerest hope that some small comfort can be shared among the loved ones of those good soldiers to know they died in the service of the principles of human dignity, respect and justice.

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

Mr. Speaker, it is a sad day in the House today.

I have had the opportunity of gaining a personal appreciation for the men and women of the Canadian armed forces through my association with Canadian Forces Base Shilo. I have learned that the military is a big family and that military family has suffered a terrible loss.

This country has suffered a terrible loss not here at home, but almost half a world away. Today Canada mourns the four soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice. We also hold hope for their eight comrades for a full recovery. Today we are reminded of the men and women who serve to protect our security and our freedom.

I know I speak on behalf of all of my constituents, particularly those residents of CFB Shilo, when I express my deepest sympathy to the friends and families of those lost soldiers. We open our hearts and we offer our most sincere condolences.

[Nancy Karetak-Lindell, Liberal, Nunavut, NU]

Mr. Speaker, today comes with the news of the tragic death and injury of Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan. As we collectively mourn their loss, another branch of our armed forces continues to make Canada a safe place.

The Canadian rangers reached the magnetic north pole on Tuesday reaffirming Canada's sovereignty in the north. The rangers braved minus 50 degree windchills, shifting ocean ice, and polar bears.

Founded in 1947 as the first line of defence in the north, this patrol marked the rangers' 60th anniversary and was the largest and longest patrol in their history. The rangers in Nunavut are renowned for their superb winter survival skills, making them among the world's best at winter tracking and search and rescue.

Over the years the rangers have trained with their counterparts in the regular forces. I know they join with us in expressing their deepest condolences to the families and colleagues of our fallen soldiers.

[Peter Goldring, Canadian Alliance, Edmonton Centre-East, AB]

Mr. Speaker, Canada's worst fears became reality today. Four soldiers were killed in the war on terrorism, Canada's first loss in a declared war in 50 years. Their families and friends mourn today. Our nation's people are stooped with sympathy as our flags are brought to half mast.

It matters not who delivered the blow that felled these men, the theatre of war is a perilous place of unpredictable life threatening circumstance. The responsibility of all war dead is that of the protagonist, not of the peacemaker.

These members of the 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry served their country with courage and distinction and gave the ultimate gift to our nation: their lives. They now join with 120,000 other Canadian soldiers since Confederation, their lives laid down for our country, the true price of the peace we enjoy today.

Let us not forget their sacrifice. Let us welcome home Afghanistan war veteran wounded and never forget the dead.

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

Mr. Speaker, as I said earlier today, on behalf of the official opposition and our leader, Stephen Harper, the Canadian Alliance joins with all members of the House in offering our condolences to the families who lost loved ones tragically in Afghanistan and to our forces who have lost some of their finest in this terrible accident.

Could the Minister of National Defence take this opportunity to update Canadians on the progress of any investigation into this accident and what care is being provided to those who were injured?

[Art Eggleton, Liberal, Minister of National Defence]

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the sympathies that are expressed by the hon. Leader of the Opposition. I know all members of the House have their thoughts, their prayers and sympathies with the families and the loved ones of those who have been killed and injured.

We will fully look after the families. The veterans affairs programs for pensions and services and health care services will be provided to them. Certainly the rear parties of the battle group and the family resource centres are helping look after their present needs with respect to funeral arrangements and appropriate honours will be given in the traditional military fashion by the Canadian forces.

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

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the defence minister's comments on this matter. Like him, the Canadian Alliance supports our troops.

The families of our fallen soldiers must also be foremost in all our minds. Could the defence minister tell Canadians what efforts are being taken to keep the families of our soldiers informed about the status of their loved ones?

[Art Eggleton, Liberal, Minister of National Defence]

Mr. Speaker, the families were all contacted during the night to advise them of the accident. There will be an ongoing communication with them. The Prime Minister will himself this afternoon be contacting the families on behalf of the government and all members of the House to express condolences.

Furthermore, with respect to an investigation which the hon. member asked about, there will be a board of inquiry, the normal kind of procedures that are followed by this. Details of that will be announced soon.

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

Mr. Speaker, Canadians everywhere were saddened at the tragic loss of life in this incident. Could the defence minister tell Canadians how they might express their regret and show their loss and sorrow? Is there anywhere they can send their messages so they can be forwarded to the families and to our soldiers?

[Art Eggleton, Liberal, Minister of National Defence]

Mr. Speaker, yes, there will be that opportunity. The details of that are being worked on right at this point in time.

Certainly the defence department, myself as the Minister of National Defence, or the local MPs of any party would be happy to receive and forward to the Canadian forces and to the families any sympathy statements. As for other means, those are being worked on and will be announced shortly.

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

Mr. Speaker, the government has indicated that it wishes to opt out of the Northern Command announced yesterday by the United States.

How does the government hope to influence American policies when it is outside the decision-making process?

[Art Eggleton, Liberal, Minister of National Defence]

Mr. Speaker, we are not disengaging from the northern command. The northern command is an internal United States military structure. It is one of 10 commands. No other country is involved with any of the other commands, even though the geographic interest covers the entire globe.

In our particular case, the general who will hold northern command will also doublehead as the head of Norad. Norad will continue to have the same kind of high level binational reporting structure.

Meanwhile, since the details have not been worked out about the northern command, we continue to explore how we can work together and enhance co-operation between the two countries in the interests of our people.

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

Mr. Speaker, I think Canadians are having a hard time understanding. We are talking about a decision made by the United States which in fact is going to influence and cover Canadian territory.

Canadians are having a hard time understanding why the government is not wanting to directly engage and has not been directly engaged in the parameters of the discussion. We obviously need that clear communication between what the United States is doing and what is going to affect Canadian territory.

[Art Eggleton, Liberal, Minister of National Defence]

Mr. Speaker, we still have every sovereign right with respect to our territory.

I think there is a misunderstanding as to what this matter is all about. It is an internal organization where they want to protect the United States. Of course they are interested in what happens in Canada and other parts of the northern area.

We have been having discussions with them since last fall. They have said they are going to have a northern command. It has not been officially started and will not be until October. We have plenty of time to continue with the discussions we have been having as to how we can enhance our co-operation in the interests of both of our citizens, their safety and their security.

The Environment

[Gilles Duceppe, Bloc, Laurier—Sainte-Marie, QC]

Mr. Speaker, Nick Taylor, a Liberal senator and chair of the Senate's energy and environment committee, says that political donations by the oil and coal lobby to candidates to succeed the Prime Minister are already paying dividends. According to him, these donations are creating an “irresistible force to do nothing” within the government which, not so long ago, was determined to ratify the Kyoto protocol in 2002.

Will the Deputy Prime Minister tell us whether the pressure from ministers enjoying the support of this lobby is the reason his government is taking a second look at ratifying the Kyoto protocol?