Debates of May 21st, 2002

Assisted Human Reproduction Act

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

Mr. Speaker, we are pleased that legislation has at last come before us because there should be a full debate within the House of Commons on this complex and delicate issue. Certainly I sense a massive consensus within all groups of parliamentarians regarding the cloning question, the prohibition put on cloning. I think there is no dissension among us on this issue. However, I also sense a controversy brewing regarding the question of research on stem cells.

The committee advocated a priority for adult stem cells. Some even say there should be an exclusivity for those stem cells. I am one of those who believes that adult stem cells have been proven over the last 20 years. They provide no risk of rejection. They are far more practical in their application and far more successful than the use of embryonic stem cells because embryonic stem cells are totally unproven.

There is not one case on record of a cure achieved by embryonic stem cells, plus there is the risk of rejection of embryonic stem cells by the recipient. The use of embryonic stem cells for research provides many of us with moral and ethical questions and considerations which represent a huge problem.

I realize that in today's world no doubt a very significant majority of people disagree with my position and would say I am some kind of a moral dinosaur trying to recreate the past. At the same time I feel very deeply on moral grounds that embryos are human life and they should not be used willy-nilly, whether the end justifies the means. What is the reason for using them when safe, practical, moral alternatives such as adult stem cells exist today. So many examples are before us, starting with Dr. Helen Hodges from Britain. She says categorically that adult stem cells are much safer to use and much more successful than embryonic stem cells with the risk they entail.

Professor Prentice in an article in the Journal of Science in 1999 reiterated the same findings.

Adult stem cells have been successfully harvested in cases of brain damage, heart, bone and bone marrow transplants, cartilage, umbilical cord blood and other blood. There are several stories of success relating to adult stem cells.

I quote from the Toronto Star of August 12, 2001:

--doctors are already using adult stem cells to counteract auto-immune diseases such as Crohn's, multiple sclerosis and lupus.

Doctors at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago said on Thursday that a 22-year old female Crohn's patient, whose white blood cells were attacking her digestive system, was doing “phenomenally well” 2 1/2 months after the procedure. A 16-year old boy with Crohn's, a chronic inflammatory disease that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, underwent the procedure last week.

On August 16, 2001, the National Post had a headline which read “Spinal regeneration: Canadian researchers have been able to rebuild nerves in rats by injecting the spinal cord with cells from the intestine” at McMaster University.

On August 13, 2001, the Globe and Mail said that a McGill team harvested stem cells from skin. This was referring to Dr. Freda Miller of the Neurological Institute in Montreal whose research was described as groundbreaking work.

I quote from a story in the Globe and Mail that appeared on January 19, 2002 regarding Dr. Freda Miller and her achievement. It said:

Freda Miller's discovery last year that stem cells can be harvested from adult skin has massive implications--scientifically, clinically and politically. And it's taking on more urgency now that Quebec has recently banned research using embryonic stem cells...

Miller's groundbreaking work could eventually lead to treatments for Parkinson's disease and the regeneration of damaged spinal cords and brains. It could also, potentially, make unnecessary the harvesting of stem cells from human embryos that are aborted or grown in the lab, resolving one of the thorniest ethical debates of modern times.

Indeed, it is interesting to know that Quebec, which may be Canada's most secular province, issued a release on January 10, 2002, which ends as follows:

In conclusion, Minister Cliche reiterated his confidence in Quebec's scientists.

He said:

Researchers are, just like me—

[The Deputy Speaker]

I am sorry to interrupt the hon. member but it is time to proceed to statements by members. The hon. member will have approximately 14 minutes remaining in his intervention following question period.

National Mining Week

[Gérard Binet, Liberal, Frontenac—Mégantic, QC]

Mr. Speaker, May 13 to 19 was National Mining Week. This is a week which celebrates the benefits to our country of the mining industry and the contribution the industry makes to our daily quality of life.

From everyday products to high-tech discoveries, mining touches our lives in many ways.

Minerals and metals, as well as their compounds and alloys, play a vital role in our society.

Innovation is essential to the future prosperity of the mining industry. A future marked by new technologies and practices, attentive to our environmental and social needs, will help us meet our economic objectives.

Sustainable development is important not just for the future of the mining industry, but also for the people and communities who depend on the mining industry, such as in Frontenac--Mégantic.

Member for Calgary Southwest

[John Reynolds, Canadian Alliance, West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast, BC]

Mr. Speaker, today we welcome a new member to this Chamber, the hon. member for Calgary Southwest, the leader of our party. It gives me great pleasure to welcome him on behalf of all hon. members, especially our caucus.

In welcoming him I want to extend thanks on behalf of all of us to the other leadership candidates. They conducted themselves in our recent leadership campaign with integrity and vigour and we are a stronger and better party because of that. The hon. members for Calgary--Nose Hill, Okanagan--Coquihalla and Macleod deserve our party's gratitude for the campaigns they ran.

Spring is in the air and we can feel the optimism and the excitement among our members from coast to coast. They are excited because we have chosen a leader from a new generation. I have known him for a long time and am proud to say he believes government should be motivated by concern for the next generation and not the next election.

I welcome his return. This place will be better because of his presence.

Commonwealth War Graves Commission

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

Mr. Speaker, today is the 85th anniversary of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

For 85 years now, the commission, supported by Veterans Affairs Canada and our Commonwealth partners, has contributed greatly to the commemoration and remembrance of the achievements and sacrifices of those who gave their lives for peace during the first and second world wars. This includes over 110,000 Canadians who paid the ultimate price.

Sir Winston Churchill once said that these beautifully maintained graveyards and monuments would “preserve the memory of a common purpose pursued by great nations in the remote past and will undoubtedly excite the wonder and the reverence of future generations”. Indeed it has.

Over the last 85 years, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission has ensured that those who paid the ultimate sacrifice on the fields of Europe would not be forgotten. Today I encourage all Canadians to remember those veterans who fought and died during the first and second world wars and if possible to visit the Commonwealth cemeteries to truly understand the magnitude of the sacrifices made by our Canadian troops and those of our allies.

Société Radio-Canada

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

Mr. Speaker, I do not understand Radio-Canada. It is refusing to continue negotiations with the communications union, following a very close vote not to accept of 50% plus three votes.

It is now denying the Canadian public its right to news and public affairs broadcasting.

It must not be forgotten that union members were locked out by Radio-Canada on March 23, 2002, moments after they began what was just a 24-hour strike.

Out of respect for its employees and for the public, Radio-Canada's board of directors should take a few moments and decide to return to the bargaining table.

Renewable Energy

[Julian Reed, Liberal, Halton, ON]

Mr. Speaker, on May 8 I had the great pleasure to learn that Royal Dutch/Shell has made a major investment in the bioethanol industry. This $46 million investment in Iogen Corporation, a world leading bioethanol technology company, will provide capital to enable Iogen to develop the world's first commercial scale biomass to ethanol plant.

Bioethanol is made from the fermentation of sugars derived from the plant fibre in renewable feed stocks such as wood and straw.

This announcement is a major boost not only for our agricultural sector which could find a market for surplus organic material, but also for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The announcement is one more step toward building the supply capacity to bring bioethanol to market.

I congratulate Iogen and Royal Dutch/Shell for this important investment.

Croatian Fraternal Union

[Lynne Yelich, Canadian Alliance, Blackstrap, SK]

Mr. Speaker, I call on all members to welcome Bernard Luketich, president of the Croatian Fraternal Union of America, North America's largest organization representing Canadians and Americans of Croatian descent.

Established in 1894 with over 100,000 current members, the CFU provided accident and life insurance for Croatian immigrants who worked in the most dangerous jobs under hazardous conditions when social supports did not exist.

During both world wars CFU members served in the Canadian and American armed forces, with many paying the ultimate sacrifice for freedom and democracy. The CFU passionately supported the allied war effort through donations, bond drives, blood donations and other activities.

Today there are hundreds of CFU lodges and centres across North America promoting cultural and social events, folklore, sport activities, scholarship programs and other fraternal activities.

I congratulate the CFU on its long and distinguished history, and I wish it continued success in its second century of fraternalism.

Waterloo County & Area Quilt Festival

[Karen Redman, Liberal, Kitchener Centre, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise in the House today to invite Canadians to the seventh annual Waterloo County & Area Quilt Festival which is now underway until May 26.

Billed as the largest quilt festival in North America, the festival is truly a regional festival that celebrates the art and heritage of quilting. The festival welcomes approximately 35,000 people to more than 40 events taking place in 10 communities.

Quilting is now the number one recreational artistic pastime of men and women throughout North America. The festival brings together local, national and international quilters and their artworks for all to enjoy.

The 2002 quilt festival includes educational programs; the Canadian Heritage River Quilt Celebration and the Grand River Quilt Collection; world class quilt artists; South African and Newfoundland quilt art; and the Ontario Mennonite Relief Sale quilt auction. The Waterloo County & Area Quilt Festival relies on approximately 4,000 volunteers logging over 10,000 hours annually.

I invite everyone to visit the Waterloo County & Area Quilt Festival.

Quebec City's Synagogue

[Madeleine Dalphond-Guiral, Bloc, Laval Centre, QC]

Mr. Speaker, last week Quebec City's only synagogue was attacked, proving that conflicts know no borders.

Late Sunday night, the jardins Mérici district was shaken by a bomb blast. A bomb had been thrown under the porch of the Beth Israel Synagogue, causing damage to the building.

This incident has led to understandable concerns among Quebecers about the increase in antisemitic acts. The respect for diversity and the tolerance that characterizes our society must continue to be among our fundamental values.

I call upon all parliamentarians to deplore this bombing and to make it clearer than ever that freedom depends on a conviction that violence is not, and cannot be, the proper solution to disagreements.

National Mining Week

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

Mr. Speaker, Canada is one of the world's foremost mineral producers and exporters, producing some 60 mineral commodities. We rank among the world's top 5 in 16 of these commodities. Canadian mining companies are active in over 100 countries around the world.

Canada has a well deserved reputation for leadership on the global stage for promoting sustainable mining and for our innovative approaches to economic, social and technological advances. In sustaining remote communities and on Canadian stock exchanges the impact of the minerals and metals industry is felt on a daily basis.

National Mining Week which was celebrated last week gives us an opportunity to reflect on the importance that the mining industry has for the Canadian economy as a whole. It is therefore essential that we continue to support this important sector of our economy.

Member for Calgary Southwest

[Werner Schmidt, Canadian Alliance, Kelowna, BC]

Mr. Speaker, today signals the beginning of a new era in Canadian politics.

A few hours ago the newest member for Calgary Southwest was sworn in as a member of the House. In a few minutes he will commence his first question period.

The contrasts between the opposition and the government are more evident than ever before. On this side is a fresh, young, principled, intelligent leader at the head of a united, strong, focused and determined caucus. Over there is a tired, disengaged, distracted, fuzzy leader at the head of a directionless, fractious, incompetent, arrogant and corrupt government.

The official opposition is standing for Canadians, for law and order, good management, lower taxes and less intrusion. The government is standing for nothing but helping its friends with smelly land deals, questionable contracts and a wink, wink, nudge, nudge approach to the business of the nation.

I invite Canadians to watch us and our new leader carefully. We demonstrate both the need for change and the choice for change.

Landmines

[Janko Peric, Liberal, Cambridge, ON]

Mr. Speaker, several guests are here today to open a Croatian art exhibit in support of child mine victims. The event is hosted by the Croatian embassy and Lodge 2000 of the Croatian Fraternal Union of America.

Croatia was among the first countries to sign the Ottawa convention banning anti-personnel landmines and the 12th to ratify it. Some three million landmines litter the country blocking refugee returns, reconstruction efforts and economic development.

Canadian technology has been used in the removal of landmines in Croatia, and last month Canada donated $3.5 million for several programs including de-mining.

I join members of the House in welcoming CFU national president Bernard Luketich, and I commend Lodge 2000 for its efforts to support child mine victims.

Member for Windsor West

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

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to welcome the newly elected member for Windsor West to the House.

On Monday, May 13 the voters of Windsor West made a choice to recognize the new member's hard work, dedication and commitment to his community as a community activist, a city councillor and through his work with youth and persons with disabilities.

The hon. member has been a tireless advocate for his community. I know he will continue to be an outspoken advocate on behalf of the people of Windsor West.

The voters of Windsor West have chosen to put an end to 40 years of Liberal reign. They have sent the new member for Windsor West to Ottawa with a clear message for this government.

They want a government that defends our health system. They want a government that protects our environment with real action. They want a government that protects jobs in the automotive industry.

I congratulate the member on his victory and welcome him to the House. We look forward to working with him to ensure the message is heard.

East Timor

[Francine Lalonde, Bloc, Mercier, QC]

Mr. Speaker, on Sunday, 850,000 Timorese entered into the family of nations after more than four centuries of Portuguese occupation, followed by 25 years of Indonesian occupation.

In August 1999, 78% of the population voted for independence, with a voter turnout of more than 98%, despite threats of violence from Indonesia and the militia.

Alas, these threats were carried out and to such a great extent that the country's poor infrastructure was devastated and a large part of the population was displaced.

Today, the Timorese have their own country, led by Xanana Gusmao, the leader of the resistance under the Indonesian occupation. Along with Kofi Annan, we say:

We honour you, the people of East Timor, for the courage and perseverance you have demonstrated... We also remember the many who are no longer with us, but who dreamt of this moment. It is their day too.

Yet there remains much to do in this country marked by poverty and a tragic history. Let us stand by them.

The Internet

[Anita Neville, Liberal, Winnipeg South Centre, MB]

Mr. Speaker, as we all know, the Internet is continuing its exponential growth and its impact on all facets of our economic and social activities.

The Simon Wiesenthal Centre is an international Jewish human rights organization dedicated to preserving the memory of the Holocaust. It is providing a crucial contribution to our knowledge of Internet use through its evaluation of hi-tech hate with its Digital Hate 2002 program. Digital Hate 2002 examines all varieties of the online content of hate. This includes games that promote racism to the online recruitment and validation of suicide bombings.

Researchers at Canada's Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Centre for Holocaust Studies have contributed by tracking the significant and troubling contributions of Canadian origin to this worldwide phenomenon.

I urge all members of the House as well as all other Canadians to familiarize themselves with this unique and vital tool in the fight against the promotion of hatred, terror and racism on the Internet.

The Environment

[John Herron, Progressive Conservative, Fundy Royal, NB]

Mr. Speaker, the environment minister has come out publicly and said that Ottawa can and may well ratify Kyoto without provincial agreement.

This reminds me of when the federal government showed contempt for the provinces in 1997 when it walked away from a provincial consensus on Kyoto. Why has the government waited five whole years to involve the provinces and territories who are critical partners in an effective climate change strategy?

The government must provide Canadians with a detailed impact analysis done sector by sector, province by province with regulations on implementation. Canadians must know what behavioural expectations the national government has for them. This is what the government should have been doing and still must do.

The Progressive Conservative Party has always advocated a no regret strategy: to have massive tax incentives for renewable sources of energy and energy efficiency investments, to promote conservation, and to promote Canadian agriculture by fostering the use of ethanol and other blended fuels.

Whether we are part of Kyoto or not, Canada must engage the U.S. on a continental strategy. Given the fact that Canada has failed to do its homework, it may be more prudent and is more prudent to develop a North American response to climate change than to blindly ratify an accord we are not ready for.

New Member

[The Speaker]

I have the honour to inform the House that the Clerk of the House has received from the Chief Electoral Officer a certificate of the election and return of Mr. R. John Efford, member for the electoral district of Bonavista--Trinity--Conception.

R. John Efford, member for the electoral district of Bonavista--Trinity--Conception, introduced by the Right Hon. Jean Chrétien and the Hon. Ralph Goodale.

[The Speaker]

I have the honour to inform the House that the Clerk of the House has received from the Chief Electoral Officer a certificate of the election and return of Ms. Liza Frulla, member for the electoral district of Verdun—Saint-Henri—Saint-Paul—Pointe Saint-Charles.

Liza Frulla, member for the electoral district of Verdun—Saint-Henri—Saint-Paul—Pointe Saint-Charles, introduced by the Right Hon. Jean Chrétien and the Hon. Martin Cauchon.

[The Speaker]

I have the honour to inform the House that the Clerk of the House has received from the Chief Electoral Officer a certificate of the election and return of Mr. Brian Masse, member for the electoral district of Windsor West.

Brian Masse, member for the electoral district of Windsor West, introduced by Ms. Alexa McDonough and Mr. Joe Comartin.

[The Speaker]

I have the honour to inform the House that the Clerk of the House has received from the Chief Electoral Officer a certificate of the election and return of Mr. Massimo Pacetti, member for the electoral district of Saint-Léonard—Saint-Michel.

Massimo Pacetti, member for the electoral district of Saint-Léonard—Saint-Michel, introduced by the Right Hon. Jean Chrétien and the Hon. Martin Cauchon.

[The Speaker]

I have the honour to inform the House that the Clerk of the House has received from the Chief Electoral Officer a certificate of the election and return of Mr. Raymond Simard, member for the electoral district of St. Boniface.

Raymond Simard, member for the electoral district of St. Boniface, introduced by the Right Hon. Jean Chrétien and the Hon. Ray Pagtakhan.

[The Speaker]

I have the honour to inform the House that the Clerk of the House has received from the Chief Electoral Officer a certificate of the election and return of Mr. Stephen Harper, member for the electoral district of Calgary Southwest.

Stephen Harper, member for the electoral district of Calgary Southwest, introduced by Mr. John Reynolds and Mr. Art Hanger.

New Member Introduced

[Jean Chrétien, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order. On behalf of all the members of parliament I would like to welcome the new Leader of the Opposition.

[Some hon. members]

Hear, hear.