House of Commons Hansard #97 of the 37th Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was airports.

Topics

2 p.m.

The Speaker

As is our practice on Wednesday we will now sing O Canada, and we will be led by the hon. member for St. John's East.

[Editor's Note: Members sang the national anthem]

Multiple Sclerosis Carnation CampaignStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Paddy Torsney Liberal Burlington, ON

Mr. Speaker, an estimated 50,000 Canadians have multiple sclerosis, a disease affecting the central nervous system. The MS Society of Canada is making a difference for individuals and families living with this disease.

I am honoured once again this year to launch the 2003 Multiple Sclerosis Carnation Campaign. As everyone can see from the House, we are off to a great start.

Since 1976 the MS Carnation Campaign has raised over $37 million to help support MS research and to provide services for people with MS and their families. On Mother's Day weekend right across the country volunteers in over 280 communities will be selling carnations to help find a cure for MS.

I encourage all members and all Canadians to join me in supporting this wonderful initiative. I ask everyone to wear a carnation, make a donation and help find a cure. Let us support the people living with this illness.

Crow's Nest PassStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Canadian Alliance

Grant Hill Canadian Alliance Macleod, AB

Mr. Speaker, this year is the 100th anniversary of the Frank slide in Crow's Nest Pass, Alberta.

Coal mining was a huge enterprise in southwest Alberta at the end of the 19th century and still is today. The peace, however, was shattered 100 years ago, April 29, 1903, by an enormous rock slide, destroying homes, lives and transportation in the thriving town of Frank.

Turtle Mountain had a reputation among the native tribes for moving slowly. That day the mountain moved like lightening. The lives lost, the mourning of loved ones and the heroic rescue efforts still are legendary.

On this anniversary of the momentous tragedy, I salute our heroic pioneers and remember their struggles against nature, the unknown and personal fears.

Today the Crow's Nest Pass is a jewel in the Rocky Mountains. I am proud to represent that jewel here in Ottawa.

Elizabeth Fry SocietyStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Karen Redman Liberal Kitchener Centre, ON

Mr. Speaker, I was honoured to represent the Government of Canada at the grand opening of the Elizabeth Fry Society's new transitional housing in Kitchener Centre.

The Elizabeth Fry Society provides the basic needs and supports for women who have been in conflict with the law as they move forward to rebuild their lives. The federal government is proud to support these efforts by contributing $75,000 to this project, which will address the specific needs of women who risk coming into conflict with the law as a result often of homelessness, poverty and inadequate social supports.

I want to commend the Elizabeth Fry Society for its commitment to provide this home for the women in my community and the work that it does right across Canada. I ask the House to join me in thanking them for their hard work.

North American Occupational Safety and Health WeekStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

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

Mr. Speaker, the week of May 4 to 10 marks the annual North American Occupational Safety and Health Week. Every year this special week gives us a unique opportunity to promote awareness of the importance of preventing injury and illness in the workplace.

On average, four workers are killed every working day and someone is injured every nine seconds on the job. This year the theme is “prepare young workers for the future”. The objective is to encourage young workers to become aware of the critical importance of working in a safe and healthy manner.

Many special events are being held this week across the country to draw attention to workplace safety issues. I hope everyone will join me in wishing the participants a very successful week.

Eastern Ontario WardensStatements By Members

May 7th, 2003 / 2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Joe Jordan Liberal Leeds—Grenville, ON

Mr. Speaker, recently the eastern Ontario wardens caucus released a report entitled “Future Directions” in which they created a blueprint regarding how they would like to see government at the provincial level interact with the municipalities in their region.

Today the federal eastern Ontario Liberal caucus held a meeting with the wardens to discuss their report and to open a fresh dialogue with our municipal counterparts on the important issues facing their local governments.

I would like to welcome the wardens to our nation's capital and praise them for the foresight that they have demonstrated in putting this report together and for taking the time to meet with their Liberal caucus colleagues.

All members of our caucus look forward to continuing our work together on this key initiative.

Mental Health WeekStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Canadian Alliance

Rob Merrifield Canadian Alliance Yellowhead, AB

Mr. Speaker, this week is National Mental Health Week. It is time for Canadians to become more aware of the effects of mental illness and to gain a better understanding of those who are affected.

The effects of mental illness are far reaching. Twenty per cent of Canadians are directly affected and the remaining 80% will be indirectly affected by illnesses of family members, friends or colleagues.

Awareness campaigns are currently taking place across the country to educate Canadians. This evening the Canadian Mental Health Association is hosting an art exhibition featuring works created by Canadians affected by mental illness. On May 4, Rick Cassey, of Victoria, B.C., embarked on a cross country bike trip to increase awareness of the need for community support.

On behalf of the Canadian Alliance, I ask members of the House to join me in acknowledging the courageous Canadians who daily battle mental illness, as well as the important people who work as mental health workers, the volunteers and the families throughout this great country.

Mental Health WeekStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Liza Frulla Liberal Verdun—Saint-Henri—Saint-Paul—Pointe Saint-Charles, QC

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to inform the House that, in addition to May being Multiple Sclerosis Month, this is Mental Health Week. I take this opportunity to acknowledge the exceptional work accomplished by the professionals at the Institute of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Addiction at the Douglas Hospital in Verdun, in my riding, and in particular, the work of its scientific director, Dr. Rémi Quirion.

It is also worth mentioning that one Canadian in five will be personally affected by mental illness, and the costs of such illness are estimated at $14 billion. In order to mark the occasion, the Canadian Mental Health Association, the INMHA and the Canadian Institutes for Health Research have organized an art exhibition here, in Room 200 of the West Block.

This is a wonderful project and I invite all parliamentarians to support this exhibit.

Les invasions barbaresStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Bloc

Christiane Gagnon Bloc Québec, QC

Mr. Speaker, the Ottawa preview of the new film by Denys Arcand, Les invasions barbares , cast a spell of enchantment and generated passionate discussions among the members of the Bloc Quebecois who attended the screening.

The actors, including Rémy Girard, Stéphane Rousseau, Dominique Michel and Dorothée Berryman, give riveting performances. The film is full of emotion and so was the audience, moved to both laughter and tears.

This film questions the meaning of life and takes a deep look into the relationships we create during our lives and their evolution as death approaches.

We are pleased and proud that this film was selected for the official competition at Cannes, the first feature from Quebec to receive this honour since Léolo by Jean-Claude Lauzon in 1992. Les invasions barbares once again confirms Denys Arcand as a great director and Denise Robert as a producer with great insight.

The Bloc Quebecois congratulates the artists and technicians who created this feature film and Denys Arcand for his brilliant production which, once again, demonstrates the impressive development of cinema in Quebec.

AntarcticaStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Peter Adams Liberal Peterborough, ON

Mr. Speaker, the 1961 Antarctic Treaty dedicated Antarctica to science and peace. It prohibits military activity, promotes scientific research and suspends sovereignty claims.

The Antarctic Treaty System includes two conventions and a protocol. Canada acceded to the treaty in 1988 and to the conventions on marine resources and seals in 1988 and 1990.

The protocol on environmental protection entered into force in 1998. Canada signed it, that is, agreed to it in principle, in 1991, but we have never ratified it. It is now time to do so. With all our cold weather expertise, we have a moral obligation to take more responsibility in Antarctica. As a cold weather nation, we stand to benefit more than most from active cooperation in science and technology with the almost 30 nations active there.

Let us ratify the environmental protocol to the Antarctic Treaty. It is the right thing to do.

Perth--MiddlesexStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Canadian Alliance

Monte Solberg Canadian Alliance Medicine Hat, AB

Mr. Speaker,

Monday is the byelectionSo let me give voters some direction.For Conservative voters it's really the pitsFour Tory MPs have now crossed to the Grits.So if you vote for either you'll be sorryCuz Liberal-Tory, same old story.And now the Tories are even more confusingTheir candidate in Perth has been wildly musing.He must be a very interesting man Because he's accused the Alliance of a very strange plan:To send secret messages during debatesTo the Alliance candidate.Tory tinfoil hats must be on too tightAnd now more strange Tory things are coming to light.Tories say they aren't guilty of the firearms messAll those Tory senators were forced, I guess,To vote for Bill C-68.Their votes were vital but now it's too late,Their record on guns is the same as the Libs,They can't hide that fact with Conservative fibs.Vote for either and you'll be sorryCuz Liberal-Tory, same old story.Voters heed this advice and show defianceOn Monday vote Canadian Alliance.

The EnvironmentStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Liberal

Joe Peschisolido Liberal Richmond, BC

Mr. Speaker, On Monday, May 5 in Victoria, B.C., Environment Canada launched “Let's Drive Green”, the 18th season of its voluntary vehicle emissions inspection clinic program.

This is an opportunity for motorists to bring their vehicles into our voluntary vehicle emissions clinics for testing. Results will come minutes later, along with suggestions on how to keep the vehicle operating at peak performance levels in order to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The “Let's Drive Green” program helps individual Canadians do their part to achieve Canada's commitments under the Kyoto protocol. It complements other transportation related initiatives in our climate change plan, such as the 25% vehicle fuel efficiency improvement target and the one tonne challenge.

“Let's Drive Green” will be visiting 35 cities across Canada. I encourage support for these wonderful events.

Mental Health WeekStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

NDP

Svend Robinson NDP Burnaby—Douglas, BC

Mr. Speaker, my New Democrat colleagues and I join in recognizing this week as National Mental Health Week. We pay tribute to those working on the front lines to educate Canadians about the importance of recognizing that mental health is part of everyone's health.

I want to also acknowledge the significant contribution made by Roy Romanow in his landmark report in bringing greater awareness to the importance of mental health issues. He noted that it is time to deal with this issue and bring mental health into the mainstream of public health care. Roy Romanow is being honoured today by the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans with the Canadian public service award, a well deserved award.

During National Mental Health Week we want to point out that mental illness affects everyone, that all Canadians are likely to be affected through a mental illness in a family member, friend or colleague, and that it is essential that we respect, not reject.

Finally, I join in paying tribute to those who are working on the issue of multiple sclerosis and that we certainly do everything we can to find a cure and--

Mental Health WeekStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

The Speaker

The hon. member for Laurentides.

Labour Dispute at CargillStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Bloc

Monique Guay Bloc Laurentides, QC

Mr. Speaker, after three long years of lock-out, the workers of Cargill Grain in Baie-Comeau will be able to return to work this week at last.

I salute the courage and determination of these workers and their family members, who have been the victims of the federal government's laissez-faire attitude as far as labour relations are concerned. The Liberal government ought to be ashamed of encouraging the use of strikebreakers, and ought to be prompted by the Cargill dispute to amend the Canada Labour Code so no similar situations ever occur again.

The best way to prove its good faith will be to vote in favour of the anti-scab legislation I have introduced in the House, the intent of which is to encourage civilized negotiations, industrial peace and an equitable employer-employee relationship.

The bill I introduced does not belong to me, nor to the government, nor to the members of this House. This anti-strikebreaker bill belongs to the workers of Quebec and of Canada.

National Microbiology LaboratoryStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Liberal

John Harvard Liberal Charleswood—St. James—Assiniboia, MB

Mr. Speaker, in the recent SARS outbreak a great deal of attention has been paid to medical professionals, public health officials and scientific researchers.

I think it is also very important that we acknowledge the many unsung heroes at Health Canada's National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg, Manitoba. These people have been working tirelessly. They are the “behind the scenes people”, sample processors, laboratory technicians, database managers, scientists and biosafety personnel, who have been working around the clock to see that thousands of samples are correctly processed, analyzed and reported in an accurate and timely fashion to the decision makers and epidemiologists who are at the front lines of SARS.

They deserve our thanks and support as they continue to work around the clock in support of Health Canada's mandate to preserve and protect the health of Canadians. I ask that all members join me in congratulating these very valued individuals.

McKenzie SeedsStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Progressive Conservative

Rick Borotsik Progressive Conservative Brandon—Souris, MB

Mr. Speaker, April showers bring May flowers and:

Roses are red,Violets are blue.Here's a little ditty About McKenzie Seeds for you.

McKenzie Seeds in Brandon is now the top packaged seed company in Canada, but like the beautiful petunias hanging on front porches everywhere, it needed a little sunlight, a little pruning and a little tender loving care.

Just three years ago, McKenzie Seeds was experiencing some difficulties. There was a lot of weeding that needed to be done. McKenzie Seeds was like a wilted flower: Does one try to bring it back to life or pull it up and start over again?

Michael Fearon and Ken Robinson were not about to let the company wilt. The two Johnny Appleseeds, then executives in the company, rolled up their sleeves and took over McKenzie Seeds, saving 100 jobs in Brandon and 100 more across Canada.

Mr. Fearon and Mr. Robinson recently picked up the business persons of the year award in Brandon. I would like to congratulate them, and I suspect that with their green thumbs McKenzie Seeds will continue to grow beautifully.

Foreign AffairsOral Question Period

2:20 p.m.

Calgary Southwest Alberta

Canadian Alliance

Stephen Harper Canadian AllianceLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, yesterday the Prime Minister seemed surprised to be answering questions from the Alliance on missile defence. I would remind the Prime Minister that we have been asking questions on missile defence for years now, but more importantly, this proposal with missile defence actually began seven years ago under the guidance of President Clinton.

My question is, after seven years and yet another cabinet and caucus meeting today, does the government have plans to even have a discussion with the United States on this issue?

Foreign AffairsOral Question Period

2:20 p.m.

Saint-Maurice Québec

Liberal

Jean Chrétien LiberalPrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, as I said yesterday, we discussed it in cabinet yesterday and there was a discussion in the caucus this morning. We are consulting everybody. It is a problem. As I said, the situation changed when the ABM treaty was abrogated by the Americans. That changed the situation. There is a quasi-agreement with the Russians on that. As it is covering the North American continent, it is in our interest to look into the matter. We are discussing that at this moment. There will be a decision. I am happy that the opposition is discussing this too.

Foreign AffairsOral Question Period

2:20 p.m.

Calgary Southwest Alberta

Canadian Alliance

Stephen Harper Canadian AllianceLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, typically these guys have no policies, just communications strategies. A few months ago it was to be anti-American. Now apparently they want to have a little bit of a different strategy.

What is the government's assessment of Canada's actual national interest? In recent months, both the Deputy Prime Minister and the foreign affairs minister have suggested that missile defence is not really necessary. Does the government now believe that Canada faces a potential threat of missile attack?

Foreign AffairsOral Question Period

2:20 p.m.

Saint-Maurice Québec

Liberal

Jean Chrétien LiberalPrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, at this moment I have no assessment that there is an immediate danger that we would be attacked, but governing is making sure that the situation is understood for years to come. It is why we are having a discussion within the government and the party.

Foreign AffairsOral Question Period

2:20 p.m.

Calgary Southwest Alberta

Canadian Alliance

Stephen Harper Canadian AllianceLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, from that answer, I am not sure whether or not the government thinks there is a potential threat of missile attack.

Let me ask another question about Canada's national interest. We are being left out of the evolution of air defence in North America. It is clear that Canada will become increasingly irrelevant in Norad if this goes ahead and it is clear that the United States will go ahead whether or not Canada participates.

Does the Prime Minister believe it is essential for Canada to be involved in the continental air defence of North America?

Foreign AffairsOral Question Period

2:20 p.m.

Saint-Maurice Québec

Liberal

Jean Chrétien LiberalPrime Minister

Through Norad we are involved, Mr. Speaker. The question is, should we be involved in the next step, which is the missile element of the defence, but we have been involved in Norad for 50 years and Norad is working very well.

National DefenceOral Question Period

2:20 p.m.

Canadian Alliance

Leon Benoit Canadian Alliance Lakeland, AB

Mr. Speaker, yesterday the defence minister said it is no big deal that 25 Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan are not allowed to carry weapons, but I think it is a big deal and I want the government to explain why it has allowed that to happen. Was it a deliberate decision on the part of the government to deny our Canadian soldiers the weapons they need to protect themselves or was it an oversight?

National DefenceOral Question Period

2:20 p.m.

Markham Ontario

Liberal

John McCallum LiberalMinister of National Defence

Mr. Speaker, yesterday I said it was a non-issue and I repeat that. While the government has every concern, of course, for the safety of our troops, a small reconnaissance mission was unarmed, as is often the case and as was also the case with a small unarmed NATO mission. Is the hon. member accusing NATO of incompetence?

This is normal. Indeed, in the general line of questioning of the Alliance members, what are they trying to do, make the families worry? Suggest that the Canadian Forces are incompetent? With friends like the Alliance, the Canadian--