Debates of May 3rd, 2002

Agriculture

[Lyle Vanclief, Liberal, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food]

Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. member for his support. He certainly showed his support in expressing our concerns to the United States when he joined me in Washington a few weeks ago.

As I said earlier in the House, we are putting in place with the provinces and the Canadian industry an agriculture policy framework. We recognize there needs to be some bridging and transition as we move into that. However we are working on policy that will improve the livelihood and the profitability of Canadian farmers, not policy such as the United States policy which goes in the opposite direction.

Health

[Libby Davies, NDP, Vancouver East, BC]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday Vancouver city council voted unanimously to support harm reducing and lifesaving measures to respond to the public health emergency in Vancouver's downtown east side. This is despite the efforts of the ideas conference to drag us into the dark ages. What we need now is a clear indication that Health Canada and the government are willing to support and implement safe injection sites so more lives are not lost.

How long does this community have to wait for the government to do the right thing and bring in safe injection sites and a comprehensive plan? When will it do that?

[Jane Stewart, Liberal, Minister of Human Resources Development]

Mr. Speaker, without question Health Canada recognizes that injection drug use is a serious health problem for Canadian cities. The department is also working at the federal-provincial-territorial level on the question of injection drug use.

These issues are generally surrounded with the questions that are faced by the group here in the House of Commons that is looking at the issues facing Canadians and the use of drugs. Let me say that any such initiatives that would come to the Government of Canada in this regard would certainly have to have the broad support of the local city councils and of the provinces.

Softwood Lumber

[Gerald Keddy, Progressive Conservative, South Shore, NS]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister's hockey analogy at a recent Liberal fundraiser in Montreal minimizes the softwood lumber crisis. His comment that his failure to get the tariffs lifted on softwood as a result of the Canadians beating the United States in Olympic hockey are not only irrelevant, they are immature. The Prime Minister obviously does not understand the nature and the impact of the crisis.

The Minister for International Trade thinks there are no job losses linked to softwood lumber. When will the Prime Minister take this issue seriously? Does he have a plan and what is the time frame?

[Allan Rock, Liberal, Minister of Industry]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister's involvement in this file has been continuous and effective. He has raised the issue again and again with the American president. He has co-ordinated the cabinet's efforts in organizing a team Canada approach involving provincial governments and the industry.

The Prime Minister is providing the leadership necessary to make sure that our position prevails. Legally and morally we should be there to support the communities, stand behind the industry and achieve free trade for Canada.

[Gerald Keddy, Progressive Conservative, South Shore, NS]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister's involvement has failed on all fronts, failed to have free trade applied to softwood lumber, failed to save jobs. A WTO settlement is years away. Now is the time to fast track assistance to mill towns and forestry workers to help ease the burden of the American countervail and anti-dumping duties.

What immediate assistance will the Prime Minister offer forestry workers across Canada?

[Allan Rock, Liberal, Minister of Industry]

Mr. Speaker, we have made it clear we will do what is required to provide that assistance with existing programming. We have an open mind with respect to whatever else may be required.

Let me remind the members opposite the real issue here is not in this House, in this government or in this country. The real issue is across the border.

If the hon. member and his party have some constructive suggestions as to how we might advance our case internationally, they should make them. They should make a constructive suggestion. That is something we have not heard from the opposition on this subject.

Microbreweries

[Jason Kenney, Canadian Alliance, Calgary Southeast, AB]

Mr. Speaker, Canada's microbreweries are struggling to survive because of confiscatory Liberal taxes. Small brewers have to pay as much in federal excise taxes as they do in production costs. This is why a third of our microbrewers have recently gone bankrupt.

When will the government give small brewers the same tax treatment as their U.S. competitors, by creating a 40% excise rate for these struggling small businesses?

[Bryon Wilfert, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance]

Mr. Speaker, as the hon. member knows, Bill C-47 does not deal with beer. It deals with wine, spirits, tobacco and ships' stores.

The member should know that right now the government is reviewing proposals from the microbreweries and the beer industry generally. We will act prudently and appropriately in dealing with this very important issue for all Canadians.

[Jason Kenney, Canadian Alliance, Calgary Southeast, AB]

Mr. Speaker, inaction while these job creating microbreweries go broke is not prudent. It is bad economic policy.

Dozens of microbreweries are struggling for survival because they are spending as much in excise taxes as they do in production costs. When will the government listen to this industry and stop killing jobs in it by reducing the rate of excise tax on small brewery products immediately?

[Bryon Wilfert, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance]

Mr. Speaker, we are listening. It is the opposition that is not listening. In fact, the beer industry asked us to move forward on Bill C-47. We are taking very clear steps in reviewing the information we received and we will respond accordingly.

The member across the way would have us respond in an inappropriate manner and not do the right thing. We will do the right thing. We will do the right thing for the microbreweries and we will do it soon.

The Environment

[Bernard Bigras, Bloc, Rosemont—Petite-Patrie, QC]

Mr. Speaker, while European Union countries managed, in the year 2000, to reduce by 3.5% their greenhouse gas emissions, compared to their 1990 level, Canada increased its emissions by 20%. This is a dismal failure on the part of the Canadian government. Each day that goes by is used by the government to justify its failure.

Does the Minister of the Environment agree that his government's inaction and lack of leadership will end up being very costly for Canadians?

[David Anderson, Liberal, Minister of the Environment]

Mr. Speaker, there is a basic contradiction in the member's question. On the one hand, he complains of the remarkable economic achievement of Canada over the last eight years which has resulted in a 30% increase in output, without having commensurate increase in emissions I might add. On the other hand, he suggests that we should erode economic confidence and that somehow we should reduce emissions by not having that kind of growth.

What we are trying to do on our side of the House is to make sure we have an effective, growing economy and at the same time a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

[Bernard Bigras, Bloc, Rosemont—Petite-Patrie, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the measures taken by the federal government are totally inadequate, as shown by the 20% increase in Canadian emissions.

Since the minister refuses to set a deadline, will the government at least pledge to take immediate action, until the Kyoto protocol is ratified, so that Canada can immediately begin intensifying the reduction of its greenhouse gas emissions? Would the minister agree to increase Canadian investments in renewable energies?

[David Anderson, Liberal, Minister of the Environment]

Mr. Speaker, I wonder whether the hon. member is aware of the total contradiction of his statements with respect to consultation with the provinces and just about everything we have heard from his party over the last eight years.

We have said clearly on this issue that we intend to consult with the provinces, territories, the affected industry and Canadians generally from coast to coast. At the same time we want a plan which does not penalize any region of the country in an unfair or unusual way.

We think such consultations with the provinces are necessary. They do not. That is fine. But at least it is clear who believes in the unilateral use of federal power and--

[The Deputy Speaker]

The hon. member for Prince Albert.

Agriculture

[Brian Fitzpatrick, Canadian Alliance, Prince Albert, SK]

Mr. Speaker, during a debate in the U.S. congress this week, Congressman Nick Smith from Michigan said that the attempt to cap farm subsidies had utterly failed. In short, Congressman Smith said that the U.S. farm bill provides unlimited farm support for the next six years.

What is the Liberal government going to do to protect Canadian farmers from these new American subsidies?

[Lyle Vanclief, Liberal, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food]

Mr. Speaker, I am glad the hon. member realizes there are some people in the United States themselves, as I stressed earlier, that realize the ridiculousness of the policy which they have put in place. Also a big chunk of the money that they have put out does not even go to farmers themselves. The farmers with small and medium size farms in the United States get a very small portion of that.

Our programs here in Canada are equally available to all farmers and are on the whole farm. They are not production distorting. They are not trade distorting. They are not putting our Canadian farmers in a non-competitive situation from that perspective. We will continue to bridge and to help--

[The Deputy Speaker]

The hon. member for Prince Albert.

[Brian Fitzpatrick, Canadian Alliance, Prince Albert, SK]

Mr. Speaker, when it comes to rhetoric I would give the minister an A plus. When it comes to results however, I would give the minister a failing grade for nine consecutive years. Talk about Liberal government decay. Talk about it.

When is the minister going to announce an effective program to protect our farmers against these new subsidies?

[Lyle Vanclief, Liberal, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food]

Mr. Speaker, I will state it again. What we need for our Canadian farmers is a number of different approaches. That is a comprehensive and integrated approach to help our industry adapt to the demands of the consumer and the market opportunities.

We also know we need to have some bridging and transition to that in order to do all we possibly can to mitigate the ridiculous policies of the United States as far as support to agriculture.

Africa

[Julian Reed, Liberal, Halton, ON]

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister for International Cooperation.

The new partnership for Africa's development will have to involve civil society. How is the Government of Canada going to accomplish this very worthy but extremely challenging objective?

[Susan Whelan, Liberal, Minister for International Cooperation]

Mr. Speaker, Canada has taken measures to ensure that all levels of society, both in Africa and in Canada, are given the opportunity not only to discuss but to debate the principles of the new partnership for Africa's development.

This weekend in Montreal I will be hosting a conference with African and Canadian partners to discuss the implications of NEPAD. As well, Canada has also established a $500,000 fund for consultations in Africa itself.

Our government is committed to working toward reducing poverty in Africa and also to ensuring that all parties are part of this very important process.

Agriculture

[Maurice Vellacott, Canadian Alliance, Saskatoon—Wanuskewin, SK]

Mr. Speaker, the hardworking families of Saskatchewan need to hear from the government.

Why will the trade minister, the agriculture minister and our own wheat board minister not accept the invitation of the province of Saskatchewan to go there and explain what they are going to do to protect Saskatchewan's farm families?

[Lyle Vanclief, Liberal, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food]

Mr. Speaker, what the minister of agriculture in Saskatchewan should come forward and say is that I was in his presence last week for five hours in the west. He will be joining me and all of my provincial and territorial colleagues on Sunday night, all day Monday, Monday night and most of Tuesday next week in Ottawa.

We have had lots of opportunity and will continue to have that opportunity to have that discussion. I welcome that discussion with him and all of his colleagues.