Debates of April 29th, 2002

Ralph Walker

[Janko Peric, Liberal, Cambridge, ON]

Mr. Speaker, my riding recently lost a passionate volunteer and founder of the Huntington Society of Canada.

Ralph Walker worked non-stop to help thousands of Canadian families affected by Huntington's disease, a brain disorder that can cause total disability and even death. This organization now has 50 branches throughout Canada. In 1974 Ralph helped found the International Huntington Association with chapters in 27 countries.

For his dedicated community service he received the Canada Volunteer Award, was named Cambridge's Citizen of the Year and was inducted into the Cambridge Hall of Fame. Ralph always had time to assist those in need and volunteered at the local food bank and in schools. Despite an all-consuming dedication to community he always found time for his family.

Our community has lost a rare individual who touched many lives.

Ross Mackenzie Whicher

[Ovid Jackson, Liberal, Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a former colleague of this House, Ross MacKenzie Whicher, who passed away a week ago last Friday in Wiarton.

Ross served as mayor of the town of Wiarton, MPP, and MP for Bruce. He was a great citizen and made a great contribution to his community, and those of us who knew him loved him.

J.F. Kennedy once said that for those of us who serve much is asked and much is done, but if we are to be judged in that high court of history by people about what we contributed to our society we will be judged by the answer to one of four questions: Were we men or women of courage, dedication, integrity or judgment? For Ross Whicher the answers to those questions are yes, yes, yes and yes.

Ross loved the House and he loved Hansard , and wherever he is at this time I give him the old Irish blessing: “May it rain upon your crops, may the sun shine upon your face--”

[The Deputy Speaker]

The hon. member for Parkdale--High Park.

International Dance Day

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

Mr. Speaker, today Canadians across the country are celebrating International Dance Day.

Since its founding in 1982 by the International Theatre Institute of UNESCO, the aim of International Dance Day has been to bring all dance together on this occasion; to celebrate this art form and revel in its universality; and to cross all political, cultural and ethnic barriers and bring people together in peace and friendship with a common language: dance.

April 29 also commemorates the birthday of Jean-Georges Noverre who was born in 1727 and is credited as being the creator of modern ballet.

I ask all members to join me in celebrating International Dance Day and to celebrate dance as an art form to bring people together in peace and friendship through the shared language of dance.

Ethics

[Dick Harris, Canadian Alliance, Prince George—Bulkley Valley, BC]

Mr. Speaker, when I was elected in 1993 someone asked me the question “What can politicians do to clean up their image?” I said “That is easy. Do not lie, do not cheat, do not steal, and do not pay off your friends with taxpayers' dollars”.

In the last nine years I have watched scandal after scandal follow the Liberal government, from Shawinigan golf courses to HRDC waste to the fixing of procurement contracts to the paying of fundraisers with taxpayers' dollars.

If government members ever get serious about cleaning up the image of politicians, I say again “Do not lie, do not cheat, do not steal, and do not pay off your friends with taxpayers' dollars”. If they want a memento of this I will frame it and send it to each and every one of them.

National Hockey League

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

Mr. Speaker, Le Petit Robert defines sport as physical activity with a recreational and competitive purpose, requiring methodical training and observation of certain rules.

It is these rules which I wish to address today. It seems to me that the managers of the National Hockey League do not wish to see the consequences their failure to observe these rules might have on the values of our Canadian society.

First of all, I am thinking of the poor example being set for young players learning this sport and for those hoping to become professionals one day. I am also thinking of the negative influence on the public in general of broadcasting acts of violence which are normally prohibited under the criminal code. Such acts of violence should result in swift and stiff criminal charges.

What is the National Hockey League waiting for to get serious and enforce its rules? For a player to get killed? For children less well trained and not as well protected to suffer the same fate?

National Hockey League officials—

[The Deputy Speaker]

The hon. member for Joliette.

Middle East

[Pierre Paquette, Bloc, Joliette, QC]

Mr. Speaker, in the interests of peace and justice, for Israelis and Palestinians alike, the United Nations has decided to send a fact finding mission on site to find out what really happed in Jenin.

According to Secretary of State Colin Powell, this mission is in the best interests of Israel and of all those concerned about the current situation in the Middle East.

Israel, which had originally agreed to an international fact finding mission, is now expressing serious reservations about its composition and mandate. On Sunday, the Sharon government again categorically refused to give the mission a green light.

The situation in the Middle East is still just as volatile, and this umpteenth delay of the fact finding mission is far from calming matters. We therefore urge the Canadian government to add its voice to that of the UN secretary general and all those who believe in peace and justice, and to make clear to Israeli authorities the urgent immediate need for the UN fact finding mission.

Anti-Doping In Sports

[Paddy Torsney, Liberal, Burlington, ON]

Mr. Speaker, Canada continues to be a leader in the worldwide fight against doping in sport.

In fact, this past weekend as co-chair of the meeting of the International Working Group on Anti-Doping in Sport in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Canada proposed the creation of an international instrument against doping in sport, and I am pleased to report the development of a memorandum of understanding to strengthen the collective efforts against doping in sport.

The World Anti-Doping Agency is leading a parallel process to develop world anti-doping codes, and Canada has a strong international reputation in the area of anti-doping and we will continue to show leadership. Both the memorandum of understanding and the code are expected to be in place in time for the 2004 Paralympic and Olympic games in Athens.

I congratulate the team that worked so hard on this initiative.

Species At Risk Act

[Andy Burton, Canadian Alliance, Skeena, BC]

Mr. Speaker, by threatening to invoke closure on Bill C-5 this arrogant Liberal government continues to show its total lack of respect for the parliamentary process and democracy in Canada.

Members on both sides of this place continue to have serious concerns with Bill C-5. The lack of adequate means of compensation to farmers, landowners, and resource users such as mining and forestry companies, guide outfitters, hunters and fishermen leave the legislation seriously flawed and unacceptable. If the government truly wishes to protect endangered species and their habitat then a requirement for compensation at fair market value must be included in the legislation.

I urge the minister to amend Bill C-5 to make it more acceptable to those who would be affected. It is not too late.

Citizenship and Immigration

[Lynn Myers, Liberal, Waterloo—Wellington, ON]

Mr. Speaker, let us imagine what it must be like to live where one's children grow up seeing violence and death every day. Let us imagine then what is must be like to arrive in Canada and find peace, safety and the warm hand of welcome.

This is exactly the story of an Afghan family of three who now live in Kitchener, Ontario who on April 14, along with 35 other newcomers from all over the world, took the oath of citizenship and became Canadian citizens. The ceremony was especially significant because it was hosted by the Ismaili community, a local Islamic group. Officiating at the ceremony was a long-time member of the community who said “When I became a citizen little did I know that 10 years later I would be swearing in new Canadians from 14 different countries”.

The road from Kabul to Kitchener is a very long one but I too am proud, proud to say that at the end of their journey there are groups all over Canada just like the Ismaili organization which welcome and support newcomers.

Kitchener may be a small community but clearly it has a big heart and is open to people who are willing to contribute to Canada and help us build a better future.

Natural Resources

[Bill Blaikie, NDP, Winnipeg—Transcona, MB]

Mr. Speaker, reports today that Alberta may want to withhold more of the water which currently flows from Alberta into Saskatchewan, and indeed ultimately into Manitoba and Hudson Bay, raise serious questions not just about the effect on downstream communities and provinces but also about water policy in Canada in general and the lack of an overall water policy based on sustainability and the maintenance of water as a public good and not a source of profit or the object of various privatization schemes.

We need a federal water policy, but before we can have a serious discussion about what that policy looks like we need to know that the government can be trusted. So far it has not been willing to live up to its own commitment made in the House to ban the bulk export of water. Until it does, or until it admits that it is NAFTA that keeps it from doing so, we cannot have an honest debate about water policy in the country.

Peacekeeping

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

Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to inform the House that this afternoon at the United Nations headquarters in New York, Canada will participate in the second Dag Hammarskjöld Medal Awards ceremony. The Canadian permanent representative, Mr. Paul Heinbecker, will be presented with a medal honouring the 108 Canadians who have lost their lives while serving in United Nations peacekeeping missions.

I ask all hon. members to join me in playing tribute to all peacekeepers, military and civilian, who have served since 1948 and especially those who have died while serving under the United Nations flag.

Since its inception over 50 years ago Canada has participated in almost all UN peacekeeping operations. I am sure I speak for all Canadians when I say how proud we are of these men and women, military and civilian, who made the supreme sacrifice while serving in UN peacekeeping operations. The recognition of their unequalled contribution to international peace and security is long overdue.

National Defence

[Claude Bachand, Bloc, Saint-Jean, QC]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday at Edmonton's Skyreach Centre, a memorial service was held for the four soldiers who died in theatre in Afghanistan on April 17, 2002.

The solemn ceremony acknowledged the supreme sacrifice made by four soldiers. Richly deserved tributes were paid to Corporal Ainsworth Dyer, Private Nathan Smith, Private Richard Green, and Sergeant Marc Léger.

The Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, which incidentally served in my riding and in all of the Montérégie area in 1998 during the ice storm, brought out all possible military pomp and circumstance to pay tribute to their fallen comrades.

In the opinion of many, this ceremony was a first in the annals of the Canadian military. Four members of the military led the march bearing helmets and weapons symbolizing the four who lost their lives while on duty.

Needless to say, this was an emotional event for the 16,000 in attendance, who were overwhelmed with sadness and feelings of great solidarity in honouring these soldiers.

The Bloc Quebecois extends its condolences to the families and friends of these worthy men. Rest assured that their contribution and the gift of their lives will never be forgotten.

Fisheries

[Inky Mark, Canadian Alliance, Dauphin—Swan River, MB]

Mr. Speaker, since last November unlimited net fishing by aboriginals in my riding has cost two stocked lakes an estimated 250,000 pounds of walleye spawning stock. Lake of the Prairies, a man made PFRA structure which has never seen a net, has lost an estimated 100,000 pounds of walleye while Lake Dauphin, having an annual controlled commercial net fishery of 25,000 pounds, has already lost more than 150,000 pounds.

No one disputes the aboriginal community's right to sustenance fishing, but hauls of more than a quarter million pounds of fish for commercial use should not qualify. Most of the illegal fish was sold through the Manitoba Freshwater Fish Marketing Board which is a federal agency.

Manitobans are demanding answers and action from all levels of government. Every lake in Manitoba is at risk. Manitoba is the only prairie province which does not regulate sustenance fishing.

Will the Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs, along with the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, please intervene in this crisis so that Manitoba does not become the next Burnt Church?

Softwood Lumber

[Guy St-Julien, Liberal, Abitibi—Baie-James—Nunavik, QC]

Mr. Speaker, last Saturday I took part in a meeting in Val d'Or concerning the imposition of a tax on Canadian softwood lumber, which is unfair and punitive toward all Canadians.

This meeting was organized by Diane F. Raymond, on behalf of the FTQ regional council for Abitibi--Témiscamingue and Northern Quebec.

In attendance were a number of representatives of unions, the forest industry and the federal MP for Témiscamingue.

We believe we must consolidate our efforts in order to get special measures put in place to help out the businesses and workers affected by President Bush's tax.

The Government of Canada must, in conjunction with the provinces, find a long term solution in order to protect the interests of the forestry communities and their workers. Let us keep softwood lumber in Canada.

Kyoto Protocol

[Charlie Penson, Canadian Alliance, Peace River, AB]

Mr. Speaker, despite denials from the natural resources minister that a 10 cent a litre Kyoto tax is in the works, Canadians are suspicious. The Liberal government's track record on Kyoto is murky to say the least.

Just in case the Liberals are wavering, I want to remind them of some very important contingencies.

First, nearly half the price of gasoline at the pumps is already taxes and there is no evidence that higher gas taxes curb consumption.

Second, a tax hike of this nature would do serious damage when the Canadian economy is still vulnerable.

Finally, since the United States will not implement Kyoto, any drastic moves on Canada's part will only ensure that our standard of living will continue to fall behind those of our neighbour.

Canadians remember the NEP. Who can blame them for being suspicious when the Liberals start thinking out loud about new ways of taxing energy.

Noranda Workers

[Georges Farrah, Liberal, Bonaventure—Gaspé—Îles-De-La-Madeleine—Pabok, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the following resolution was unanimously passed at a symposium held on Saturday by Liberal supporters from eastern Quebec:

Whereas Noranda closed its smelting plant in Murdochville;

Whereas this closure will result in the loss of a $17 million payroll for the Gaspe;

Whereas the 300 workers who were laid off are now without any income;

Whereas the economic situation in the Gaspe is not only worrisome, but also extremely precarious and even dramatic;

it is resolved that a request be made to the Minister of Human Resources Development to have an exclusion order passed by the Government of Canada, so that the Murdochville workers who were laid off on April 27, 2002 can immediately qualify for employment insurance benefits, notwithstanding the sections of Employment Insurance Regulations that would defer the payment of such benefits.

It should be noted that this request would not result in any cost for the federal government. Denial of this request would only delay the payment of employment insurance benefits to the workers who were laid off in Murdochville.

Terrorism

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

Mr. Speaker, for years the government has ignored the warnings of the opposition and its own security services that terrorist organizations are operating in Canada.

For almost eight months it seems that the government has ignored the lessons of the September 11 attack.

Last night our U.S. neighbours heard from its most popular and respected news program, 60 Minutes , that this government has been indifferent to reforming our refugee system. Americans are hearing that Canada is a safe haven for terrorists.

Will the Deputy Prime Minister now admit that our refugee system has failed and needs immediate reform?

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

Mr. Speaker, one thing I can say in defence of 60 Minutes is that it started its series by attacking its own system first.

What Americans did not hear last night was that so far in 2002, 72% of Canada's refugee claimants have entered Canada from the United States of America. Another thing they did not hear was that in the December budget the Government of Canada devoted over $7 billion to increased defence and security measures. Another message that we need to ensure is repeated over and over again is that the 19 terrorists involved on September 11 entered the United States not from Canada.

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

Mr. Speaker, last week the Liberals blamed our own media in Canada. They blamed the opposition. Now they are blaming the American media.

Ahmed Ressam did not go through the United States. He went from Canada. Nabil Al-Marabh went from Canada. PLO convicted 50 years still in Canada. It was not this party or the media that corrupted our immigration and refugee policy. It was that Liberal government over there.

Since September 11 Canada has accepted 15,000 refugee claimants. We are for real and legitimate refugee claimants and so are most Canadians.

When will the government help secure North America and stop surprise refugee claimants from walking the streets of Canada?

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

Mr. Speaker, I remind the hon. member that a huge percentage of our claimants are entering Canada from the United States.

Let us face reality. If we want to have open, democratic societies where people move about freely, then there will be people in those societies who try to do it harm. That is not just true of Canada or the United States. It is true of western Europe and other countries.

It was not the Canadian immigration service that issued a visa to Mohammed Atta six months after he flew a plane into the World Trade Center. It was the U.S. INS.

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

Mr. Speaker, it was Ahmed Ressam who tried to blow up parts of the United States who was allowed to stay in Canada for seven years because CSIS did not have the money. We did not catch him. The Americans caught him. It was the security service of Canada that warned two ministers on that side of the House not to go to a dinner but they went anyway.

We must take the lessons of September 11 seriously. The United States has a number of countries where it requires people from those countries to have visas. Canada, for those same countries, does not require visas.

Will the government ensure all Canadians that we will work with our American neighbours and make sure we blend together so that both countries--

[The Speaker]

The hon. Deputy Prime Minister.

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

Mr. Speaker, we have certainly endeavoured to review visa requirements. The hon. member will know that we have a completely different system from the United States in terms of visa waivers versus visa requirements. At the same time these requirements are constantly under review.

The government will not simply accept U.S. visa requirements as being the standard against which we apply ourselves. We will look at the facts and determine for ourselves what is in Canada's interest.