Debates of May 21st, 2002

Vacancy

[The Speaker]

It is my duty to inform the House that a vacancy has occurred in the representation, namely Michel Bellehumeur, member for the electoral district of Berthier--Montcalm, by resignation effective May 18, 2002.

Pursuant to subsection 25(1)( b ) of the Parliament of Canada Act, I have addressed today my warrant to the Chief Electoral Officer for the issue of a writ for the election of a member to fill this vacancy.

Government Response to Petitions

[Joe Jordan, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 36(8) I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the government's response to 19 petitions.

Petitions

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

Mr. Speaker, I have the honour of presenting a petition signed by 24,804 residents of many communities in Quebec, who are asking the Government of Canada to take the measures required to pay off the national debt, which is the main cause of the tax burden and of the great poverty of peoples.

[Peter Adams, Liberal, Peterborough, ON]

Mr. Speaker, it is a great honour for me to rise to present a petition with many thousands of signatures from all across Canada. It is presented to us by Kim Plewes who is director of the Oakville chapter of Kids Can Free the Children.

The petitioners point out that the problem of child labour is a great concern and it is getting worse. Some 250 million children worldwide are child labourers. Approximately 80,000 children enter into the workforce daily and every one of these children who is forced into child labour is emotionally, verbally, physically, psychologically, intellectually and spiritually affected.

These petitioners call upon parliament to take action to ensure the enforcement of the United Nations convention on the rights of the child, particularly articles 28, 32 and 34, and article 182 of the ILO convention, at home and around the world.

[Peter Adams, Liberal, Peterborough, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I have another petition. The petitioners from the Peterborough area point out that exposure to mould and asbestos is a proven cause of disease. They indicate that the Canada Post facility in Peterborough, Ontario has a continuing problem with mould and asbestos and that Canada Post is failing to undertake the necessary repairs.

These Canada Post employees call upon parliament to encourage Canada Post to take all necessary action to ensure that its employees are not exposed to mould and asbestos.

[Ghislain Lebel, Bloc, Chambly, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I have no doubt that you will be pleased to hear that I will act today as the spokesman of 29 people who are calling for the abolition, pure and simple, of section 13(5) of the Canada Post Corporation Act.

At present, Canada Post is paying its rural route mail couriers truly indecent wages that are reminiscent of the 19th century.

I rise on behalf of these 29 petitioners, who are calling for the abolition of this provision that is so offensive to workers.

[Peter MacKay, Progressive Conservative, Pictou—Antigonish—Guysborough, NS]

Mr. Speaker, I am honoured to rise pursuant to Standing Order 36 and table two petitions on behalf of constituents in Nova Scotia dealing with the denial of a redfish quota to the town of Canso and the subsequent adverse impact that it would have on the community of Canso and surrounding area.

The first petition contains names from individuals in Larry's River, Boylston, Guysborough County as well as Mulgrave, and the second petition is from Port Hawkesbury.

The petitioners call upon the government to act immediately to ensure that the minister of fisheries knows the impact this would have on their communities and that he focus his attention on measures that would restore economic vigour to the community of Canso and surrounding area. We hope that the minister of fisheries would heed the cry of constituents in his home province of Nova Scotia and deal with this issue forthwith.

Questions on the Order Paper

[Joe Jordan, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, the following questions will be answered today: Nos. 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 141 and 142.

Question No. 133

[Joe Clark, Progressive Conservative, Calgary Centre, AB]

Can the government advise if it is conducting overflights in the region of the G-8 meeting in Kananaskis and Calgary, and if so: ( a ) which department or agency is conducting the overflights; ( b ) how many overflights have taken place since August 2001; ( c ) what is the purpose of the overflights; and ( d ) what is the cost of the flights that have already taken place and those proposed in the future?

[Ralph Goodale, Liberal, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons]

I am informed by National Defence as follows:

(a)The Canadian forces have conducted several overflights of the Kananaskis area in preparation for the G-8 meeting. (b)Between August 2001 and 20 April 2002 Canadian forces CH-146 Griffon helicopters conducted 16 such flights, some of which have involved more than one aircraft. (c)These flights were conducted to gain an appreciation of the terrain and its challenges. (d)The cost of these flights is estimated at $36,000. While it is likely that one or more additional overflights will be required before the G-8 meeting, it is not possible at this time to determine their precise number or cost.

I am informed by the Solicitor General as follows: The RCMP has conducted overflights in the region of the G-8 meeting in Kananaskis and Calgary. Since August 2001 the RCMP conducted five overflights for the purpose of taking low level photographs of the Kananaskis area over a three day period. The RCMP has also contracted a local firm to take high level photography on one occasion. The RCMP is unable to determine the total costs of flights at this time. Future photography overflights are planned for security purposes.

Question No. 134

[Joe Clark, Progressive Conservative, Calgary Centre, AB]

Will the security arrangements at the G-8 meeting in Kananaskis respect the recommendations contained in the report of Justice Ted Hughes, namely that “ultimate responsibility must rest exclusively with the RCMP”, and if so, have clear terms of agreement been developed regarding the provision of and responsibility for the delivery of security services?

[Lawrence MacAulay, Liberal, Solicitor General of Canada]

Through the reinstatement of the position of federal security coordinator, FSC, the RCMP has already addressed the need for clear terms of agreement with the executive arm of the government. The FSC serves as a liaison between government representatives and the RCMP members tasked with the planning, implementation and delivery of security measures at major events such as the G-8.

The RCMP policies applicable to major events such as the G-8 meeting have been amended to reflect the five principles put forward by Mr. Hughes. When planning security for a major event the following principles will apply:

a) When the RCMP are performing law enforcement functions, i.e., investigations, arrest and prosecution, they are entirely independent of the federal government and answerable only to the law.

b) When the RCMP are performing their other functions, they are not entirely independent but are accountable to the federal government through the Solicitor General of Canada or such other branch of government as Parliament may authorize.

c) In all situations, the RCMP are accountable to the law and the courts. Even when performing functions that are subject to government direction, officers are required by the RCMP Act to respect and uphold the law at all times.

d) Primary responsibility for establishing security requirements at major events rests with the RCMP. Their conduct will violate the charter if they give inadequate weight to charter rights.

e) An RCMP member acts inappropriately if he or she submits to government direction that is contrary to law. Not even the Solicitor General may direct the RCMP to unjustifiably infringe charter rights, as such direction would be unlawful.

Question No. 135

[Joe Clark, Progressive Conservative, Calgary Centre, AB]

Can the government advise as of March 18, 2002, what is the estimated overall cost of security for: ( a ) the G-8 site at Kananaskis; and ( b ) G-8 related activities in Calgary?

[Lawrence MacAulay, Liberal, Solicitor General of Canada]

The government is committed to ensuring that the summit is a success and is working very closely with its partners in the Government of Alberta, the city of Calgary and in the municipalities surrounding the Kananaskis area to ensure a safe and secure environment for G-8 leaders, invited guests, social activists and the local population. To this end the RCMP, in partnership with the Calgary police service and other local emergency response agencies, are planning for all potential eventualities in the most cost-effective manner possible.

In light of recent events around the world and assessments carried out by the RCMP and CSIS, the federal government designated the G-8 summit was eligible for financial assistance to cover extraordinary security-related expenses of the host province and some of the municipalities surrounding Kananaskis.

As preparations are ongoing, the overall costs for security provided by the RCMP, the city of Calgary and others will not be known until the completion of the summit.

Question No. 136

[Joe Clark, Progressive Conservative, Calgary Centre, AB]

Can the government advise if the Joint Task Force Two (JTF2) is or will be tasked for security measures at the G-8 meeting, and if so: ( a ) how many officers are expected to be deployed to the G-8 meeting; ( b ) who will be responsible for determining JTF2's role; ( c ) who will JTF2 report to; and ( d ) will there be written reports about JTF2's activities available to the Canadian public?

[Art Eggleton, Liberal, Minister of National Defence]

The Government of Canada will make certain that the G-8 summit in Kananaskis will benefit from all of the security resources necessary to ensure the safety of participants and the success of the meetings.

For security reasons it is not the policy of the Government of Canada to disclose the specific activities and locations of Joint Task Force 2. The release of such information would hinder the ability of the Government of Canada to respond to incidents at any time, including potentially during the G-8 summit.

Question No. 137

[André Bachand, Progressive Conservative, Richmond—Arthabaska, QC]

As of March 18, 2002, are the Canadian Institutes of Health Research funding embryonic stem cell research or do they have applications for grants and if so: ( a ) what is the nature of these grant applications; ( b ) who are the principal investigators; ( c ) what is the amount of the grants; ( d ) what are the institutions within which they work; and ( e ) are there institutional and corporate or other private sector partnerships involved in the grant applications?

[Anne McLellan, Liberal, Minister of Health]

As of March 18, 2002 CIHR had confirmed two research projects that had the stated goal of involving human embryonic stem cells. Additionally, one other project that aims to use human embryonic stem cells has been deemed fundable, but as per CIHR’s new guidelines, no money will flow to this project until reviewed by an oversight committee.

CIHR has committed that no new funding will flow to human embryonic stem cell research until April 1, 2003.

These grants aim to achieve such goals as the development of novel therapies for such diseases as sickle cell anemia and improving the chances of successful transplantations for Type I diabetics.

The location of the principal investigators and the grant amounts are:

1. Hospital for Sick Children $80,432

2. Sunnybrook and Women’s Health College $38,500

3. University of Western Ontario $248,998 pending

Funding for these projects does not involve the corporate or private sector.

Question No. 138

[André Bachand, Progressive Conservative, Richmond—Arthabaska, QC]

Can any of the stem cell research involving human embryos be accomplished using stem cells from other sources and if so: ( a ) have these sources been exhausted in each case; and ( b ) which fertility clinics in Canada or abroad will provide the human embryos to be used for human embryonic stem cell research for the grant proposals currently being funded or considered for funding?

[Anne McLellan, Liberal, Minister of Health]

Whether non-embryonic stem cells could be used to achieve the same therapeutic capacity as embryonic stem cells in these research projects is the subject of scientific discussion. As such, it is impossible to suggest that alternative sources have been exhausted in any of the research projects.

The sources of the cells for these projects are the ES International of Australia for the Hospital for Sick Children, and the WiCell--Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation for Sunnybrook and Women’s Health College.

Question No. 139

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

With respect to the recent car accident, involving a diplomat from the Japanese embassy, on March 23, 2002, at 1:30 a.m.: ( a ) were charges laid against the diplomat and if so, what were the charges; ( b ) were other people involved in the accident and if so, were charges laid against anyone else who may have been involved; ( c ) what was the diplomat's full name and position at the Japanese embassy; and ( d ) how did the “zero tolerance policy” implemented last year affect this situation and the treatment of the Japanese diplomat following the accident?

[Aileen Carroll, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs]

(a) Yes. The department was informed by the police that the diplomat was charged with dangerous driving, operating a motor vehicle while impaired, and failure to provide a breath sample, pursuant to sections 249(1), 253 and 254 of the Criminal Code of Canada.

(b) No other people were involved in the accident and the incident did not involve injury or death.

(c) Given privacy considerations, the department does not disclose the names and position of foreign representatives involved in alleged incidents of crime. The department is however aware that in respect to this particular case, numerous reports in the media cited a particular name.

(d) The policy of zero tolerance was vigorously applied in this case, as the department did not interfere with the decision of the police to proceed with the prosecution of the diplomat and the laying of criminal charges. Once the diplomat was criminally charged, the department requested that the mission involved waive immunity in order that the matter be adjudicated in a Canadian court. The mission concerned subsequently denied such waiver. Consistent with the impaired driving policy, the mission agreed to suspend the licence of the individual. Since then, this diplomat has left Canada.

Question No. 141

[Loyola Hearn, Progressive Conservative, St. John's West, NL]

Concerning the overfishing by Estonian vessels and the closure of Canadian ports: ( a ) what diplomatic representations have been made by Canadian officials in Estonia since January 1, 2001; ( b ) how many have been at the ambassadorial level; and ( c ) what are the dates and nature of each intervention?

[Aileen Carroll, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs]

Answers to the three components of the question are as follows. During the time period in question there have also been contacts between Canadian and Estonian fisheries officials. However, as requested, this response sets out diplomatic contacts in Estonia.

On September 26, 2001 the Canadian embassy contacted Estonian fisheries authorities for an exchange of views on multiple agenda items for the September annual meeting of the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization, NAFO. Note that the NAFO meeting was later postponed in the wake of September 11 events.

On January 15, 2002 the Canadian embassy contacted Estonian fisheries authorities to convey Canadian priorities for the NAFO special meeting scheduled for the end of January.

On March 6, 2002 Canada's ambassador to Estonia called on Estonian interlocutors in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, equivalent to a Canadian assistant deputy minister, to present Canadian information indicating serious overfishing by Estonia of 3L shrimp and underline that Canadian port closures were likely if activities were not rectified in short order.

On March 14, 2002 Canada's ambassador to Estonia called on Estonian interlocutors in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, equivalent to assistant deputy minister level, to receive Estonian response to the demarche of March 6. Estonians provided more detailed information on the activities of their fleets.

On April 5, 2002 the Canadian embassy received a phone call from Estonian interlocutors in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, equivalent to Canadian assistant deputy minister level, proposing that an Estonian delegation travel to Canada to discuss Estonian 3L fishing activities.

On April 9, 2002 the Canadian embassy contacted interlocutors in the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to provide courtesy advance notice of pending announcement of Canadian port closures to Estonian fishing vessels.

Question No. 142

[Loyola Hearn, Progressive Conservative, St. John's West, NL]

Concerning the overfishing by Faroe Island vessels and the closure of Canadian ports: ( a ) what diplomatic representations have been made by Canadian officials in Denmark since January 1, 2001; ( b ) how many have been at the ambassadorial level; and ( c ) what are the dates and nature of each intervention?