House of Commons Hansard #111 of the 37th Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was amendment.

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 team of the hon. member for Saint John and the hon. member for Brandon—Souris.

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

2:05 p.m.

The Speaker

I wish to inform the House that there are two omissions in today's Order Paper and Notice Paper.

The first, on page III of the Notice Paper, under the heading “Introduction of Government Bills”, concerns a bill entitled An Act respecting the protection of the Antarctic Environment and the appropriate Royal Recommendation.

The second is the omission in the printed Order Paper after page 26 of the Notices of Motions for the Production of Papers. A reprint of the Order Paper and Notices of Motions has been distributed to all hon. members.

I ask the hon. members to excuse any inconvenience this incident may have caused them.

Lori's Room FundStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Sarmite Bulte Liberal Parkdale—High Park, ON

Mr. Speaker, on May 10, I attended the fourth annual Lori's Room Walkathon in my riding of Parkdale--High Park to benefit St. Joseph's Health Centre Foundation and the Lori's Room Fund.

Established in 1996 by her parents, Doug and Lorna Martin, the Lori's Room Fund honours the memory of Lorna-Lynn Martin, a young woman who struggled against a particularly virulent form of cancer, which eventually caused her passing.

The endowment fund is used to create healing environment rooms that support patients at St. Joseph's. Through the refurbishing and refurnishing of the rooms, St. Joseph's hopes to make Lori's Room more like a residential setting that is more conducive to rest, relaxation and healing.

Cancer has affected us all in one form or another. As a result, over the past few years the support for the Lori's Room Fund has been overwhelming, with the support of many family members, friends, staff and members of our community.

I wish to extend congratulations to all participants in the Lori's Room Fund.

Highway SafetyStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Canadian Alliance

Darrel Stinson Canadian Alliance Okanagan—Shuswap, BC

Mr. Speaker, in the 13 months up to February 1, 33 people died in traffic accidents on the Trans-Canada Highway between Chase, B.C. and the Alberta border.

Some of the victims came from nearby communities like Enderby and Lumby, some from Calgary, Alberta, and Richmond, B.C., and others from as far away as Korea. This outdated, winding road is a disgrace, yet it is Canada's national highway.

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation announced on May 15 that last year the government collected $4.76 billion in fuel taxes, but only spent $119 million on roads and $65 million on infrastructure.

What has the Liberal government done? It has put an average of 97.5% of fuel taxes collected in the last five years into general revenue.

Instead, the government should save lives and fix this killer highway.

Foreign AffairsStatements By Members

June 4th, 2003 / 2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Paul Bonwick Liberal Simcoe—Grey, ON

Mr. Speaker, on April 22, I was privileged to have the opportunity to host a foreign policy round table with constituents in my riding. Twenty individuals from all walks of life, including business representatives, local politicians, representatives from churches and the media, educators, students and artists gathered to discuss Canada's place in the world.

In brief, here are some of the highlights from this energetic dialogue. Participants wanted to encourage multiculturalism without sacrificing their own traditions and beliefs. Participants felt that our nation must continue to focus on fostering friendships with countries through peacekeeping, education and foreign aid. They felt that Canada is well respected globally and said it is vital that we remain distinct in the field of globalization.

In short, irrespective of their views, they had one thing in common: an overwhelming sense of pride in our great land.

I would like to publicly thank everyone who participated in this insightful discussion. It was indeed an excellent opportunity presented by this government to involve all Canadians in addressing long term foreign policy issues.

Human Resources DevelopmentStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Gérard Binet Liberal Frontenac—Mégantic, QC

Mr. Speaker, on June 2, I had the pleasure, on behalf of the Minister of Human Resources Development Canada, to announce a contribution of $113,434 to the Centre d'entraide de la région de Disraëli. This centre helps disadvantaged people in the area and organizes various social and cultural activities.

The money will be used to give 10 young people, aged 16 to 30, an opportunity to plant seeds and maintain a garden using organic methods to control weeds and insect pests. This experience is expected to be very enriching for these young people, and as a consequence, will not only improve the centre's infrastructures, but also beautify the natural environment. It is an excellent initiative that will raise awareness and help young people take responsibility for their own personal growth, right in their community.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and long live Canada.

Federation of Canadian MunicipalitiesStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Bryon Wilfert Liberal Oak Ridges, ON

Mr. Speaker, over the weekend in Winnipeg, I attended the 66th annual conference of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.

As a past president of the FCM, I have seen a significant evolution in its relationship with the federal government. Prior to 1993, few, if any, federal cabinet ministers addressed the conferences. Gone are the days when federal representatives ignored FCM issues. Today we have a significant recognition by Ottawa that in order to have competitive communities, the theme of this year's conference, there needs to be a healthy and ongoing interaction between governments.

It is this government that has embraced and implemented the national infrastructure programs. It is this government that established the green municipal fund, strengthening and protecting the natural environment of communities. It is this government that dealt with the payments in lieu of taxes issue. It is this government, through CIDA, that has advanced and promoted municipal expertise around the world through FCM international programs. And it is this government that has regular contact with FCM representatives, including contact with the Prime Minister and many cabinet ministers.

This government continues to be a strong partner with municipal governments across the country.

Foreign AffairsStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Canadian Alliance

Keith Martin Canadian Alliance Esquimalt—Juan de Fuca, BC

Mr. Speaker, the Secretary of State for Africa said that the Congo is the most serious political and humanitarian crisis in Africa. He is right. This is a genocide. Three and a half million people have been killed. This weekend, another 350 were hacked to death. Rape is endemic, anarchy rules, and in fact most of the killers are actually children under the age of 16.

Uganda, Rwanda, Zimbabwe and other countries support this conflict, and international corporations are prepared to pillage the resources of this country and turn a blind eye to the atrocities. This cannot continue.

Canada must wake up and call for a large, international peacemaking force with aggressive rules of engagement and massive humanitarian assistance for medication and food, and it must stop all government to government assistance to Rwanda, Uganda and other countries supporting this conflict.

We ignored the genocide in Rwanda. Will we ignore the genocide in the Congo?

National Fight Against Homophobia DayStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Marlene Jennings Liberal Notre-Dame-de-Grâce—Lachine, QC

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to report that the City of Montreal has declared June 4, 2003, National Fight Against Homophobia Day.

I am proud to say that gay rights have made much progress within Quebec and indeed within all of Canada, yet homophobia is still quite present in our society and even at times in this very House. Mark my words, one day homophobia will be considered much like racism and sexism: a hateful expression of one's own prejudices.

Canada has a deserved reputation for its appreciation of diversity and difference. That is why I invite all Canadians to join together in celebrating National Fight Against Homophobia Day.

Finally, I would like to congratulate Fondation Émergence, which has worked hard for recognition of this important day. Your work is important and this House appreciates it.

National Fight Against Homophobia DayStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Bloc

Richard Marceau Bloc Charlesbourg—Jacques-Cartier, QC

Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure, on behalf of my colleagues from the Bloc Quebecois, to draw attention to National Fight Against Homophobia Day.

I would like to acknowledge the extraordinary work done by Foundation Emergence and its president, Laurent McCutcheon, in launching this campaign.

With the theme “From tolerance to acceptance”, this day should make everyone reflect on behaviour—unintentional perhaps—that has homophobic undertones.

Our society prides itself on its openness, tolerance and acceptance. It is time, more than ever, to prove it and accept the fact that thousands of our fellow citizens are homosexuals.

We cannot remain impervious to homophobia. To ensure justice and equality, any excessive behaviour has to be denounced. I am calling on all my colleagues to take advantage of this day to pursue the fight against homophobia.

Clean Air DayStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Liberal

Julian Reed Liberal Halton, ON

Mr. Speaker, as part of Environment Week, today we are celebrating Clean Air Day, a day for Canadians to applaud actions being taken to reduce air pollutants causing smog and climate change.

Since the first Clean Air Day in 1999, we have seen its profile increase significantly. Canadians are responding to the call to action through a wide variety of community events. One of these activities is the commuter challenge, where communities compete with each other to log the most kilometres using sustainable transportation, to reduce air pollution levels and greenhouse gas emissions. There is also the Clean Air Day sustainable transportation awareness campaign, delivered in 65 communities by the Canadian Urban Transit Association.

Clean Air Day is also a time to praise and encourage Canadians to take action all year round to reduce air pollution and the emissions that lead to climate change.

Member for LaSalle--ÉmardStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Canadian Alliance

Monte Solberg Canadian Alliance Medicine Hat, AB

Mr. Speaker, I have to say that the Tories really are just amateurs when it comes to secret deals. If we really want to know about secret deals we need to talk to Liberals. The Liberals have secret meals, where they cook up secret deals, which they stamp with secret seals.

Consider the not-so-secret secret prime ministership of the member for LaSalle--Émard. Backroom deals are the order of the day. Look at how his government in exile has divided the Liberal caucus on election financing, aboriginal governance and missile defence.

And we have to love the coincidence of three of his supporters all sitting on the transport committee and all pushing to make changes that benefit the shadow PM's shipping empire, all of it sealed with a secret handshake and signed in invisible ink. And what of his alleged blind trust? It is a miracle: the blind can see.

Meanwhile, the former finance minister hunkers in his bunker and laughs maniacally as he sticks pins in a doll that looks remarkably like the Prime Minister. Nothing is as it appears to be.

Philip WeissStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Liberal

Anita Neville Liberal Winnipeg South Centre, MB

Mr. Speaker, this week at the convocation ceremonies at the University of Winnipeg, Mr. Philip Weiss, a Holocaust survivor, was presented with an honorary doctorate of laws.

This honour is richly deserved as Mr. Weiss has worked tirelessly to further the education of young people about the Holocaust. He has spoken to thousands of students across Manitoba at both the high school and university levels.

In speaking of why he has undertaken such a task he said “I always maintained a vision of the world past the Holocaust and that is what kept me going”.

He has also generously supported Holocaust education of young people, not only by sponsoring many educational forums, but by providing financial assistance to students to attend the Holocaust museum in Washington, D.C.

On behalf of all Manitobans I would like to extend our congratulations to Dr. Weiss and also thank him for ensuring that the Holocaust is never forgotten.

National Fight Against Homophobia DayStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Progressive Conservative

André Bachand Progressive Conservative Richmond—Arthabaska, QC

Mr. Speaker, today in Quebec marks the first National Fight Against Homophobia Day. The purpose of this day is to raise awareness about the scourge that is homophobia.

In recent years, there has been progress mainly on human rights issues. Unfortunately, there are still far too many prejudices and reservations in our society about homosexuals, who are no different than anyone else. They fully contribute to the success of our society, just as heterosexuals do.

I fundamentally believe that everyone is equal. Everyone must be treated with respect and understanding. We, as Canadians, must take our responsibilities and strongly condemn any homophobic act or statement.

I applaud Foundation Emergence and any organization that lends a sympathetic ear to gays and lesbians in Quebec for their commitment to fighting homophobia.

As a member of the Progressive Conservative Party, I am asking: when will there be a day against all forms of homophobia in Canada? Soon, I hope.

Member for LaSalle—ÉmardStatements By Members

2:20 p.m.

Bloc

Yvan Loubier Bloc Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot, QC

Mr. Speaker, the member for LaSalle—Émard boasts that he is a great democrat. He says that he will do things differently. He states that he wants the members to have a bigger role, that he wants the members to be more vocal on, among other things, the political party financing bill, but he is unable to indicate his position, whether he is in favour and if he intends to implement this legislation.

On the contrary, the approach of the member for LaSalle—Émard is to direct things from outside, through intermediaries, without getting personally involved. He avoids accepting his responsibilities so as not to displease and to win at all costs.

Again yesterday, during the vote on the missile defence program, while some of his colleagues dared to vote against their own government, in accordance with their own beliefs, the member for LaSalle—Émard, was again conspicuously absent during the vote.

Lassonde Company of RougemontStatements By Members

2:20 p.m.

Liberal

Diane St-Jacques Liberal Shefford, QC

Mr. Speaker, the Lassonde company in Rougemont was named winner of the 2002-03 Canadian Grand Prix New Products Award in the “Snacks, Confectionery and Candy” category for its Oasis Sorbet Premium product line of sorbets.

The tenth annual Canadian Grand Prix New Products Award gala was held on May 25. These awards are the equivalent of the Oscars for the Canadian food service industry. Lassonde has won six Grand Prix awards over the past ten years.

The management of Lassonde credits the expertise and devotion of its employees with the company's success; it is through these efforts that the company can provide consumers with unique products of superior quality.

I salute and congratulate the management and the 785 employees of this company. I am proud that Shefford is home to such a dynamic and extraordinary company.

Premier of ManitobaStatements By Members

2:20 p.m.

NDP

Bill Blaikie NDP Winnipeg—Transcona, MB

Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate Premier Gary Doer of Manitoba on achieving a second majority government, with an increase of three seats to the NDP majority in the Manitoba legislature.

Premier Doer and his NDP colleagues have provided Manitoba with a competent, social democratic government. They have defended the health care system from privatization, celebrated public ownership of Manitoba Hydro and the public interest it can and does serve, kept tuition fees low and showed national leadership on the Kyoto accord, to mention just a few of their many accomplishments.

On behalf of NDP leader, Jack Layton, and all the federal caucus of the NDP, we wish the premier and his colleagues, old and new, a successful second term in office. A Canada with the political sense of Manitoba would be a great country indeed.

AgricultureOral Question Period

2:20 p.m.

Calgary Southwest Alberta

Canadian Alliance

Stephen Harper Canadian AllianceLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, the government's delays in dealing with the mad cow crisis are leading to a catastrophe in the beef industry. The acting Prime Minister admits that some of these delays are due to the Liberal leadership transition. This obviously has not been helped by the Prime Minister's gaffs in dealing with President Bush.

On the latest delay, only now the government has begun testing a second line of cattle for mad cow, even though it knew about this line from the beginning.

Why did the government wait weeks before testing the second line?

AgricultureOral Question Period

2:20 p.m.

Don Valley East Ontario

Liberal

David Collenette LiberalMinister of Transport

Mr. Speaker, contrary to what the Leader of the Opposition states, the government is seized with this particular issue. It cares about this issue. It cares about all those people whose lives have been disrupted, so much so that the Minister of Agriculture, this day, is in Alberta dealing with beef producers.

I can assure the House that the government will be very sensitive to any solution that brings fairness and equity to all those affected.

AgricultureOral Question Period

2:20 p.m.

Calgary Southwest Alberta

Canadian Alliance

Stephen Harper Canadian AllianceLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister did not care enough to even remember whether he had a conversation with President Bush, and to deal with that relationship with prudence. He has been utterly irresponsible.

The industry is now facing an emergency. The industry is losing millions of dollars daily. Families are in danger of losing their livelihoods. Cattle feeders, specifically, have said that they want to know what federal plan there will be and that they need to know by Friday.

When can producers expect the details of the federal government's compensation package?

AgricultureOral Question Period

2:20 p.m.

Vancouver South—Burnaby B.C.

Liberal

Herb Dhaliwal LiberalMinister of Natural Resources

Mr. Speaker, first, the Minister of Agriculture has done a tremendous job on this file. He has been front and centre. In fact, even today he is meeting with the beef industry. He has been talking to his provincial counterparts. He has been talking to the secretary of agriculture in the United States. He has been on the front lines making sure we do everything we can to resolve this.

What we are doing to make sure we have the science, we are having a full investigation. We hope by early next week we will have all that information so we can open the borders and continue to export our products across the world.

AgricultureOral Question Period

2:25 p.m.

Calgary Southwest Alberta

Canadian Alliance

Stephen Harper Canadian AllianceLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, at least we can give the minister credit for not praising the performance of the Prime Minister on this file. That does not, of course, answer the question, but I will move on.

Even once the ban is lifted, the beef ban by the United States, there will be a permanent loss of market share. What will the government do about that? Will the compensation package include plans for the promotion and marketing of Canadian beef abroad?

AgricultureOral Question Period

2:25 p.m.

Vancouver South—Burnaby B.C.

Liberal

Herb Dhaliwal LiberalMinister of Natural Resources

Mr. Speaker, of course we are concerned with the effect on the industry. We are monitoring the situation. We are evaluating it.

However, unlike the hon. member and his party, we do not believe we should be building firewalls across the country. We believe we should be building bridges and strong national solutions to problems such as this. That is why we are working on it and will continue to work on it.

Member for LaSalle—ÉmardOral Question Period

2:25 p.m.

Canadian Alliance

Grant Hill Canadian Alliance Macleod, AB

Mr. Speaker, no wonder there is western alienation, with comments like that.

The former finance minister has ships plying the St. Lawrence Seaway. Those ships are guided by expert pilots. His company, aided by four Liberal supporters, are trying to get rid of those expert pilots for dangerous or hazardous areas.

Is this not just another example of a special deal for the man who wants to be the Prime Minister of Canada?

Member for LaSalle—ÉmardOral Question Period

2:25 p.m.

Don Valley East Ontario

Liberal

David Collenette LiberalMinister of Transport

Mr. Speaker, I intentionally resent the innuendo contained in the hon. member's question. It is disgusting.

The members of the transport committee, on all sides, including the one who is yelling at me, are hon. members and they have the right to voice their opinions on matters of national policy. This has nothing to do with other interests. This has everything to do with what is good for transportation in this country.