House of Commons Hansard #119 of the 37th Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was corporation.
Criminal CodeGovernment Orders
The Deputy Speaker
The hon. parliamentary secretary will have slightly more than 20 minutes left at his disposal to conclude his remarks after question period. At this moment, I would like to proceed with statements by members.
Members for Lévis-et-Chutes-de-la-Chaudière and TémiscamingueStatements By Members
Liberal
Hélène Scherrer Liberal Louis-Hébert, QC
Mr. Speaker, it is our pleasure to welcome into our ranks two new Liberal members of Parliament who will be making their official entry into the House in a few moments. They represent the ridings of Lévis-et-Chutes-de-la-Chaudière and Témiscamingue, which they won in byelections held on June 16. Each of them defeated the leading opponent by more than 20% and obtained more than half of the votes cast.
These victories in ridings that were bastions of the Bloc Quebecois for 10 years constitute a vote of confidence in the Liberal Party and follow close on the heels of the Quebec Liberals' defeat of the Parti Quebecois in the April provincial election.
I am convinced that the voters of Lévis-et-Chutes-de-la-Chaudière and Témiscamingue will find their new members to be valuable representatives who will watch over the social and economic development of their region within Canada.
Werner Schmidt Canadian Alliance Kelowna, BC
Mr. Speaker, my constituency of Kelowna has been tested severely this summer. The driest weather on record resulted in devastating fires which have scarred our community. The financial and emotional toll has been heavy. But times of such crises expose the best of a community and today I wish to pay tribute to the people of Kelowna.
For their community leadership, I pay tribute to Kelowna Fire Chief Gerry Zimmermann; Ron Mattiussi, Director of Kelowna's Emergency Operations Centre; and Mayor Walter Gray. For their bravery and heroic efforts, I wish to thank the firefighters and the Canadian armed forces. Words cannot express the gratitude we feel toward those who helped save our houses and property.
For their courage and humanity, I pay tribute to the people of Kelowna. In the midst of uncertainty, people went out of their way to help each other. The fires have been destructive, but we have learned that we can count on each other to get through the most challenging crises. In this way we have gained more than we have lost.
Gérard Binet Liberal Frontenac—Mégantic, QC
Mr. Speaker, last week a conference was held to denigrate Canadian chrysotile asbestos; it was chaired by the member for Windsor—St. Clair and the international ban asbestos movement.
Their goal was to accuse our government and pro-chrysotile stakeholders of hypocrisy and profiting from the export of Canadian asbestos.
At a rally organized last Friday by the pro-asbestos movement, 250 miners and regional stakeholders came to Ottawa to protest the holding of this conference.
On Tuesday, results of a study on the low biopersistence of Quebec chrysotile released by the directors of the Asbestos Institute provide sufficient evidence to support the debate over the safe and responsible use of chrysotile.
And I reiterated the position of the Government of Canada—that when chrysotile is used safely it poses no risk to health.
I would like to thank the residents of Frontenac—Mégantic and Asbestos for this rally in Ottawa. We were able to demonstrate to all of Canada that properly used chrysotile is a fibre worth preserving.
Peter Adams Liberal Peterborough, ON
Mr. Speaker, the fine work of Habitat for Humanity is known around the world. This is a group which works to provide affordable houses. It encourages future homeowners to invest sweat as well as financial equity in their new homes.
I am pleased that Habitat for Humanity is now active in Peterborough building homes. The first will be for a low income family of six. I want to thank all those involved in this project, those who initiated it, those organizations and individuals who provided support in kind and in cash, and all those who volunteered their time to build the new house. All of them deserve our thanks and congratulations.
Affordable housing is a serious problem in many of our communities. Habitat is one solution for this.
Charles Caccia Liberal Davenport, ON
Mr. Speaker, the energy blackout in Ontario had many repercussions, including an economic impact across the country, so serious it required the setting up of an international task force appointed by the Prime Minister and the U.S. President.
Blackouts could occur again. To prevent them the government should take several steps, including: first, facilitating the establishment of an east-west national electrical transmission system; second, making energy conservation a permanent feature in the behaviour of Canadians at home and at work; third, offering programs to advance renewable energy generating systems; and fourth, improving existing tax measures to encourage the production of green power.
Energy must be used carefully to prevent blackouts and achieve the Kyoto targets. I urge the government to give strong leadership in energy conservation to individuals, retailers, industries and the public at large.
Carol Skelton Canadian Alliance Saskatoon—Rosetown—Biggar, SK
Mr. Speaker, Beth Robertson and Elaine Kowpak put Harris, Saskatchewan on the map. These two ladies were already well known locally as the writers and producers of the Harris Ruby Rush Days famous vignettes. Their latest production has taken them places they have never dreamed.
I first saw their performance of “The Pull of the Land” in the Harris-Tessier School, but it soon garnered national attention with its story of modern farm life in Saskatchewan. The stories are told from the points of view of various family members, set to clever dialogue and music. The actors are drawn from the talent within our local community.
Their productions are a labour of love and have benefited the local church, community hall and health centre. They have found an imaginative and entertaining way to relive, recreate and restore much of the culture of rural Saskatchewan.
Our community and our country is richer as a result. We thank them both.
Joe Peschisolido Liberal Richmond, BC
Mr. Speaker, this has been one of the most challenging summers in history for the people of British Columbia. As we are all acutely aware, we have endured months of ferocious forest fires.
Communities like Kelowna, Cranbrook, Okanagan Mountain Park and others suffered through a summer of uncertainty, multiple evacuations and devastation. Thousands of firefighters, including 2,000 military personnel, continue to fight the fires. Firefighters from the B.C. Fire Service, Ontario and Saskatchewan are doing their best to protect and save communities.
On behalf of all members of the House, I extend our sympathies to those who have been displaced by the fires and our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the thousands of firefighters who have risked their health and lives in doing their duty. They are true heroes and incredible Canadians.
Monique Guay Bloc Laurentides, QC
Mr. Speaker, my colleagues from the Bloc Quebecois and I toured more than 30 ridings in Quebec to meet with union representatives and to raise awareness of the need for federal legislation that is as effective as the anti-scab legislation in Quebec.
All the stakeholders unanimously applauded and supported my bill, which is designed to prohibit the use of scabs. Adopting Bill C-328 will correct the injustice suffered by the workers at Cargill, Vidéotron, SECUR, Société du Vieux-Port and that the workers at Radio Nord Communications in Abitibi have been suffering for more than ten months.
In a few weeks parliamentarians in this House will be asked to participate in an historical vote. In a show of solidarity, I call on parliamentarians and the public to sign the petition that is circulating throughout Quebec and Canada in support of workers.
John Harvard Liberal Charleswood—St. James—Assiniboia, MB
Mr. Speaker, the first Terry Fox Run took place in 1981. It attracted 300,000 participants across Canada and raised $3.5 million.
The Terry Fox Run is held each year to carry on the quest of the young man who began this annual tradition. After losing his own leg to cancer, Terry discovered that funding for cancer research in Canada was minimal. This was the motivation for his Marathon of Hope: to raise funds to help find a cure for cancer.
In the last 22 years over $300 million have been raised for cancer research in Terry's name. Each year thousands of volunteers organize Terry Fox Run events in Canada and around the world. This year was no different as the 22nd Terry Fox Run was held yesterday.
The emphasis of this event is not on how much is raised but rather on participation in Terry's memory to help him finish his Marathon of Hope.
As Terry said in 1980, “If you've given a dollar you're part of the Marathon of Hope”.
Chuck Strahl Canadian Alliance Fraser Valley, BC
Mr. Speaker, 10 years ago this fall 52 reform-minded individuals were elected to the House of Commons, part of a political movement dedicated to ushering in a new era of Canadian politics.
Ten years ago our party stood alone in its clarion call for balanced budgets, lower taxes and paying off the debt. We walked a deserted road when we championed victims rights and a return to the justice system for all, not a legal system for a few.
We also had the road to ourselves when we demanded the government treat all people and all provinces equally under the law because we believe Canadians deserve an impartial federal government that does not simply reward friends based on who one knows at the PMO or, for that matter, who one sniffs at Earnscliffe.
We proudly stood on our own as we championed changes to the parliamentary and electoral system itself because we know that democracy only thrives when voters, not political parties, become the number one priority of those who would seek elected office.
Ten years later the Canadian Alliance has grown to become Canada's official opposition and we remain committed to those original principles because to champion a principled vision not only gives Canadians a good country today, it promises an even better country for generations to come.
Marlene Jennings Liberal Notre-Dame-de-Grâce—Lachine, QC
Mr. Speaker, last week marked the second anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
On that tragic day two years ago Canadians displayed their generosity of spirit, sense of community and the strong bonds of friendship we share with our American neighbours.
Fighting terrorism means protecting Canadians at home and abroad and confronting the disparities that exist between rich and poor nations. That is why our Canadian Forces are leading the way in the global fight against terrorism.
Canada is a society based on diversity, tolerance and respect where all citizens from all backgrounds live in harmony. Never, in recent history, has that been more apparent than after September 11.
We will always remember the lives of the 24 Canadians who perished on that terrible day.
Scott Brison Progressive Conservative Kings—Hants, NS
Mr. Speaker, there was a time when Canada played a leadership role in shaping the world. Under the Liberals, the government is trying to escape it.
For a decade now, Liberal indifference has eroded Canada's authority in the world. Canada has gone from a position of influence to a position of irrelevance.
Now it seems Canadians are paying the price for Canada's diminished influence abroad. Canadians can no longer assume that a Canadian passport will be respected by other countries. They can no longer assume that they will have meaningful access to and support from Canadian consular officials when in trouble.
Canadians are angry at the inability of the government to protect our own people, including people like William Sampson, Bruce Balfour, Mahar Arar and Zahra Kazemi.
When will the government stand up to protect Canadians travelling abroad?
Yvan Loubier Bloc Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot, QC
Thirty years ago, on September 11, 1973, the socialist government of Chilean President Salvador Allende was overthrown by a military coup orchestrated by the CIA and General Augusto Pinochet.
Knowing the final assault was imminent, President Allende took his own life. This event sounded the death knell for democracy in Chile and marked the start of a bloody dictatorship.
Chileans still have memories of loved ones who were tortured, disappeared or killed by a regime whose leaders continue to live in total impunity.
Thousands of Chileans fled the Pinochet regime and continued for thirty years to battle for the return of democracy. There are twelve thousand Quebeckers of Chilean origin, among them our former colleague and member for Bourassa, Osvaldo Nunez.
In this anniversary year, the Bloc Quebecois is in solidarity with the people of Chile and with all those who have made Quebec their new home. The Bloc Quebecois is in solidarity with all those who wish to see right, justice and democracy triumph, and who revere the memory of a great president motivated by these profound and fundamental values.
Ivan Grose Liberal Oshawa, ON
Mr. Speaker, it was my very great pleasure this morning to attend a ceremony at the former Rideau Veterans Home here in Ottawa to dedicate a memorial park in honour of veterans.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the leadership of Canada Lands Company Limited for its role in ensuring that there would be a permanent tribute to those veterans who resided in the home for so many years. In fact the park serves as a reminder to all of us of the courage and selfless devotion of our veterans to their beloved Canada.
Veterans exemplify the very highest ideals of courage and loyalty and their legacy is upheld by our Canadian Forces who serve in troubled regions the world over.
We thank those men and women who served and continue to serve their country.
Bill Blaikie NDP Winnipeg—Transcona, MB
Mr. Speaker, the failure of the WTO meeting in Cancun should be seen as an opportunity to take stock of the whole WTO agenda and the false hope of trade liberalization and corporate globalization.
The Doha development agenda, or DDA as it is called, was DOA, or dead on arrival, because there was far too much corporate agenda on the agenda of developed countries, and far too little of an agenda that would lead to meaningful development. The developing countries finally ran out of patience with those who want them to give in on services and investment, but offer very little in return on agriculture or life saving medicines.
Instead of being a cheerleader for a dead horse, the Minister for International Trade should make Canada a leader in advocating a new model for the global economy, one in which people and the environment come before profit.
Sarmite Bulte Liberal Parkdale—High Park, ON
Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House today to recognize National Grandparents Day which took place on September 14.
Started in 1978, Grandparents Day is held the first Sunday after Labour Day.
Grandparents Day is an opportunity for Canadians, young and old, to recognize the important role that grandparents and seniors have played in all our lives.
This is a day that all Canadians should be able to appreciate, for even though we may not have grandchildren, we have all had grandparents.
Grandparents Day is a family day for many Canadians but it does not have to be only for families. On Grandparents Day we should also bear in mind the shut-ins and the elderly in nursing homes who are unable to be with their families, or those who do not have any families.
Perhaps most important is that Grandparents Day can signify a loving spirit that lives within us throughout the year, a spirit of love and respect for all our elders.
Gurmant Grewal Canadian Alliance Surrey Central, BC
Mr. Speaker, 10 years ago today the member for LaSalle—Émard stood before the Canadian people making empty promises.
The infamous red book contains a long litany of broken promises: scrap, kill or abolish the GST, but since 1993 Canadians have shelled out nearly $200 billion in GST; to preserve and protect medicare, but he cut over $25 billion in health transfers to the provinces; to restore faith in government, but there were five cabinet resignations last year alone; to have more free votes in the House, but there have been virtually none and certainly less than the previous government; to renegotiate NAFTA, and thankfully not.
Those are only five of the biggest whoppers in the red book. There are 131 more.
With his track record, it is little wonder the former finance minister now wants to keep the public in the dark about his agenda.
Canadians will not be hoodwinked a second time. Of course, that is unless he stands for nothing but being prime minister.
New MemberRoutine Proceedings
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. Gilbert Barrette, for the electoral district of Témiscamingue.
Gilbert Barrette, member for the electoral district of Témiscamingue, introduced by the Right Hon. Jean Chrétien and the Hon. Martin Cauchon.
New MemberRoutine Proceedings
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. Christian Jobin, for the electoral district of Lévis-et-Chutes-de-la-Chaudière.
Christian Jobin, member for the electoral district of (Lévis-et-Chutes-de-la-Chaudière), introduced by the Right Hon. Jean Chrétien and the Hon. Martin Cauchon.
Stephen Harper Canadian AllianceLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, prosecutions have now been initiated into the sponsorship scandals with charges related to Communication Coffin. The Liberal Party of Canada itself is now at the centre of an RCMP investigation.
Will the Prime Minister confirm that the RCMP investigation is related to Liberal Party election communications work being paid for with Public Works contracts?
Jean Chrétien LiberalPrime Minister
Mr. Speaker, the RCMP is doing the job that the government asked it to do. Yes, when there were some problems we asked the Auditor General to look into that. We had an internal audit of the department conducted and the RCMP has done its job.
If someone has done something wrong they will have to face the consequences of their actions.
Stephen Harper Canadian AllianceLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, it is a sad comment when the Prime Minister will not take the first opportunity to deny allegations against his own party.
We have, on numerous occasions, called for a judicial inquiry into the sponsorship scandal.
In order to reassure us that there will be no interference in the investigation into the Prime Minister's own party, is he prepared to agree to a judiciary inquiry, yes or no?
Jean Chrétien LiberalPrime Minister
Mr. Speaker, the hon. member has just said that the RCMP is doing its job well and is doing its duty as far as these matters are concerned. Anyone who has defrauded the government will have to face the consequences before the courts.
Stephen Harper Canadian AllianceLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, I gather from that answer the Prime Minister still refuses to hold an independent judicial inquiry into this ongoing Liberal scandal.
Since the Prime Minister will not be staying around to be accountable for this, has he had the opportunity to discuss this with his successor? Does he know whether a full public airing of this matter would be supported by the member for LaSalle--Émard?