Debates of March 9th, 2004

Canadian Alliance

Jason Kenney Canadian Alliance Calgary Southeast, AB

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support the legitimate efforts of the state of Israel to protect its citizens from the deadly violence of homicide bombers.

Sadly, the new International Court of Justice at The Hague is hosting a show trial against Israel, defending its construction of a security barrier which anti-Israeli militants ridiculously claim is a crime against humanity.

For 50 years the tiny state of Israel has struggled to survive against a constant existential threat, including four attempted invasions. But these attacks have never deterred Israel from seeking a lasting peace with the Palestinian people, a peace which was ultimately rejected by Yasser Arafat at Camp David.

Since then Israel has faced a new kind of invader: homicidal anti-Semitic maniacs who target innocent citizens for the sole crime of being Jews.

Israel has responded by constructing a security fence designed to keep the murderers out. A similar fence around the Gaza Strip has been a successive defence barrier.

Any responsible state would act in like fashion to protect its citizens from daily violence, and Canada should act like a responsible state by denouncing this abuse of the ICJ which we helped to found.

VolunteerismStatements by Members

Liberal

John McKay Liberal Scarborough East, ON

Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House today to congratulate Mr. André Rousseau, one of the members of my constituency, on his exemplary voluntary service in Lithuania.

Mr. Rousseau was sent to Lithuania on assignment with the Canadian Executive Service Organization, CESO, to assist with the marketing and management of a local hotel. While there, Mr. Rousseau met with department managers, analyzed department operations and made recommendations for improvement. He provided advice on management structure, specialized job training and qualification upgrading. He also prepared and presented reports on a variety of elements of hotel operations.

Mr. Rousseau exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism that is characteristic of Canadians. I applaud him on his willingness to serve others and welcome other hon. members of the House to do the same.

Mimi D'EstéeStatements by Members

Liberal

Gilbert Barrette Liberal Témiscamingue, QC

Mr. Speaker, we were saddened to learn of the death of Reine d'Estée, better known under her stage name of Mimi d'Estée.

Although Mrs. d'Estée was born in France, her family settled in Montreal in 1913.

She became a star in the early days of radio and television. In the 1940s, she was called the “Reine de la radio” or queen of the airwaves, a play on her name.

In addition to appearing on stage and the radio, Mrs. d'Estée had a long television career. In 1954, she appeared in the television series 14, rue des Galais .

A veteran performer, she recently appeared in series such as Les tisserands du pouvoir and L'or et le papier .

I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the contribution of Mrs. d'Estée to Canadian culture.

Pearson Peacekeeping CentreStatements by Members

Liberal

Robert Thibault Liberal West Nova, NS

Mr. Speaker, the Pearson Peacekeeping Centre is an independent organization, established in 1994 by the Government of Canada. Located in southwest Nova Scotia, the centre uses the facilities of former Canadian Forces Base Cornwallis.

The Pearson Peacekeeping Centre supports and enhances the Canadian contribution to international peace and security through the provision of quality research, education and training in all aspects of peace operations.

Since 1995 the centre has hosted over 6,000 persons from Canada and 142 other countries.

The Centre must continue to serve as a centre of excellence to further strengthen Canada's role in supporting international peace and security.

My sincere thanks to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of National Defence for their continued cooperation in ensuring that we maintain this important resource at Cornwallis in Nova Scotia.

AgricultureStatements by Members

Canadian Alliance

Inky Mark Canadian Alliance Dauphin—Swan River, MB

Mr. Speaker, it is now almost 10 months since the discovery of BSE in Canada and the closure of the American border to live beef imports. In all this time, the Liberal government has not come up with a viable solution for those affected.

BSE and the resulting border closure impacts not only the farmers of Dauphin--Swan River but farmers across the country and related industries.

Canadian farm families are facing disaster, having been abandoned by the Liberal government without any hope or help.

Politics created this problem. The only way to resolve it is through politics. This is about leadership. The question is: Will this Prime Minister show real leadership or simply stand by while the agriculture and agri-food industry are decimated?

Pierre FalardeauStatements by Members

Liberal

Serge Marcil Liberal Beauharnois—Salaberry, QC

Mr. Speaker, I rise to denounce Pierre Falardeau's remarks published in a Quebec newspaper funded by the Bloc Quebecois. These remarks insulted the memory of a great Quebecker, Claude Ryan.

Pierre Falardeau's remarks not only insulted a man and his family, a man who devoted his life to public service, but also all of Quebec's society, which has given a well-deserved tribute to Mr. Ryan.

Even more surprising is the support Pierre Falardeau received from the member for Trois-Rivières. Once again, we see that, for separatist Bloc members, there are two kinds of Quebeckers: the good ones who think like them, and the bad ones who dare to think otherwise.

I had the privilege to sit with Claude Ryan and I can assure the hon. members that he was a great Quebecker whose open-mindedness and tolerance should serve as an example here in this House.

I would hope that the leader of the Bloc Quebecois will ask his member to withdraw his remarks.

Status of WomenStatements by Members

Bloc

Diane Bourgeois Bloc Terrebonne—Blainville, QC

Mr. Speaker, last year a United Nations committee gave the Canadian government 23 recommendations regarding compliance with the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women.

According to the Canadian Feminist Alliance for International Action, the government is not implementing its international commitments on human rights, especially women's rights.

Women's organizations are not included in the political decision-making process. First nations women continue to face discriminatory legal provisions and barriers to their basic rights to education, employment, and physical and psychological well-being. Canada has not earmarked money in federal budgets for anti-poverty strategies for women.

The Bloc Quebecois denounces Canada's sorry performance with respect to improving living conditions for women and its lack of effort in implementing its international commitments.

NunavutStatements by Members

Liberal

Nancy Karetak-Lindell Liberal Nunavut, NU

Mr. Speaker, on February 16, 2004, the second territorial election took place in Nunavut.

In Nunavut there is a consensus style, no-party government, so last Friday, March 5, in secret ballots, the newly elected MLAs chose the representatives they wanted to be ministers, appointed a speaker and elected the premier of Nunavut.

I would like to congratulate Paul Okalik who was re-elected as premier, making him the first territorial premier to serve two consecutive terms. I look forward to working together with Premier Okalik in ensuring that the lives of the Nunavummiut will continue to improve.

Elected as speaker was Jobie Nutarak and selected as ministers were Ed Picco, Olayuk Akesuk, Leona Aglukkaq, Levinia Brown, Peter Kilabuk, David Simailak, and Louis Tapardjuk.

I congratulate the newly elected cabinet ministers who were sworn in on Monday and all the MLAs who sit today in the first sitting of the second government of Nunavut.

Mutna.

HomelessnessStatements by Members

Canadian Alliance

Gurmant Grewal Canadian Alliance Surrey Central, BC

Mr. Speaker, this Liberal government has had over a decade to fix the problems that ail Surrey but it has only made matters worse.

Since the Liberals came to power, Surrey has achieved the dubious distinction of having more homeless people per capita than any other city in Canada.

With this government's deplorable record on crime, we now have the highest rate of car theft in North America. The marijuana trade, break and enters, gang violence and organized crime are all flourishing.

Unemployment is up. With no deal on softwood lumber, there have been shutdowns at the MacKenzie Seizai and Westminster Wood Products mills in Surrey and the Acorn mill in North Delta.

Liberal cuts have severely affected Surrey Memorial Hospital and infrastructure development. Under the Liberals, B.C. has become a have not province. B.C. Coast Guard, Vancouver Port Police and CFB Chilliwack have all closed.

The Liberals have ignored British Columbians and now British Columbians will ignore the Liberals at the polls. It is time for a Conservative government.

Châteauguay RiverStatements by Members

Liberal

Robert Lanctôt Liberal Châteauguay, QC

Mr. Speaker, I would like to stand in solidarity with the people of my riding whose homes were flooded when the Châteauguay River overflowed its banks this past weekend.

Thirty-two homes were flooded out, and 38 people had to be evacuated. Two amphibious backhoes were used to clear away the ice. During my visit, late Saturday afternoon, I saw just how uncontrollable nature can be.

Since then, the situation has stabilized, but it is still a cause for concern. The authorities in Châteauguay remain vigilant.

There are many men and women still working pretty well around the clock as part of the emergency plan that has been put in place. I would like to pay tribute today to all those workers.

It is always reassuring to see that the values of solidarity and helping others are still alive in our society. I certainly hope that the situation will be back to normal very soon. The people of Châteauguay can count on my support during this difficult time.

Jean-François BreauStatements by Members

NDP

Yvon Godin NDP Acadie—Bathurst, NB

Mr. Speaker, this past February 18 in Montreal was the grand premiere of Don Juan . The lead role in this spectacular production, with its Spanish ambiance, is performed by Jean-François Breau, a native New Brunswicker from Tracadie-Sheila.

On behalf of the people of Acadie—Bathurst, I congratulate Jean-François Breau on his success so far. We are all so proud of his career as an artist and a singer, and we wish him the best of luck at the Junos, to be held on April 4 in Edmonton. His album Don Juan has been nominated for best francophone album of the year.

United NationsStatements by Members

Bloc

Francine Lalonde Bloc Mercier, QC

Mr. Speaker, it is a great pleasure for the Bloc Quebecois to welcome to Parliament today the Secretary-General of the United Nations, His Excellency Mr. Kofi Annan. In his well-prepared speech, he reminded us that considerable work will be required to reach the millennium objectives and that that is the minimum we should be striving for.

I also want to say just how much the Bloc Quebecois shares the principles behind the United Nations. We demonstrated as much, during the war on Iraq. We know too that reforms are needed, as the Secretary-General mentioned.

Based on these fundamental principles, the Bloc Quebecois supports the UN intervention in Haiti but insists that, without disarmament, the reconstruction of Haiti will not be possible. However, the UN has extensive experience in this field.

Mr. Annan, we are counting on you.

International Women's WeekStatements by Members

Liberal

Jeannot Castonguay Liberal Madawaska—Restigouche, NB

Mr. Speaker, the theme of International Women's Week 2004 invites all Canadians to celebrate those women whose lives have inspired us. Many of our hon. colleagues in this House are a source of inspiration to other Canadians. For this reason I support the “She's on a Role” writing competition for youth launched by Status of Women Canada.

Young people between the ages of 8 and 24 are invited to submit a video, photograph or essay about a Canadian woman whom they see as a role model. This could be a woman who has made a special contribution to our country or whose work has inspired them in another way.

I cannot think of a better way for young Canadians to learn more about the numerous women who have helped and who continue to help shape this country and our world, and to encourage them in turn to play an active role in history.

Please encourage the young people you know to take part in this worthwhile competition.

Marijuana Grow OperationsStatements by Members

Canadian Alliance

James Moore Canadian Alliance Port Moody—Coquitlam—Port Coquitlam, BC

Mr. Speaker, on March 3, the Westwood Plateau Community Association hosted a town hall meeting to discuss the issue of marijuana grow ops in my community.

I congratulate the organizers of the event for providing a forum for what has become a major concern for my constituents.

From top to bottom, we need to reform our laws to fight marijuana grow ops. We need to reform our search and seizure powers, provide more resources for the Port Moody Police and Coquitlam RCMP, establish effective port security to cut down on marijuana smuggling, enact stiffer penalties for irresponsible landlords, impose tougher sentencing for criminals involved in grow ops, and break our social indifference to the slow invasion of our communities by the organized criminals involved.

The first step of the state is to protect those who obey our laws from those who do not. Before all else, a peaceful and orderly society must always be at the top of our agenda.

I pledge to all my constituents that I will do all I can to stop marijuana grow ops from attacking our quality of life.

Much work needs to be done, but in order to begin we need a government here in Ottawa that both recognizes the problem and is committed to tough new solutions.

Jeune Chambre de commerce de QuébecStatements by Members

Liberal

Claude Duplain Liberal Portneuf, QC

Mr. Speaker, last Friday Quebec City's junior chamber of commerce held its Gala des jeunes personnalités d'affaires. The purpose of this event is to highlight the entrepreneurship and drive of accomplished young professionals who are making a name for themselves in the world of business.

One of these talented individuals is Guildo Griffin, president and general manager of Studio Party Time. Mr. Griffin is a native of the Lower St. Lawrence and in 1994, at the age of 18, he started his own business. Today he owns four dance schools, teaches 5,000 students and employs 60 people.

I would like to congratulate all the young people who were honoured at the gala, not to mention all those who persevere to achieve their dreams. Congratulations to the Jeune Chambre de commerce de Québec and its president, Patrick Gosselin, and his team for their remarkable work.

Thousands of young Canadians are ready to follow in the footsteps of Mr. Griffin. Let us support them.

AgricultureStatements by Members

Canadian Alliance

Leon Benoit Canadian Alliance Lakeland, AB

Mr. Speaker, Canadian livestock producers are facing their worst crisis in 30 years but what is the Liberal government doing about it? Very little. And what it is doing is not helping much.

The Conservative Party has stepped in to do the job that the government should be doing, by tabling a plan. The short term plan involves $900 million to be targeted to cattlemen and other affected livestock producers. This will be delivered through existing programs, plus a mature livestock rationalization program and borrowing aid.

The mid-term plan includes solving the North American trade problem, establishing testing regimes for all non-North American markets and establishing integrated North American rules on processing. It also includes educational and promotional programs for Canadian beef.

The long term program involves becoming less dependent on the American market by developing new markets.

This plan will cost a billion dollars but it will save a multibillion dollar annual livestock industry.

Our cattlemen deserve this protection.

Sponsorship ProgramOral Question Period

Macleod Alberta

Canadian Alliance

Grant Hill Canadian AllianceLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, the Deputy Prime Minister stood in the House and repeated over and over that the government had nothing to hide. We now know that is not true. The communications committee meeting of cabinet met with, guess who, Groupaction back in 1998.

Why did the Prime Minister hide this meeting from the Canadian public and from cabinet?

Sponsorship ProgramOral Question Period

LaSalle—Émard Québec

Liberal

Paul Martin LiberalPrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, in fact, the materials that were provided were provided in full compliance with the motion that had been passed.

Now if what the hon. member is saying is that he would like to see further materials, as long as there is a motion from the committee or from the inquiry, and as long as they are in conformity with the Auditor General's report, I am sure the government will do its best.

Sponsorship ProgramOral Question Period

Macleod Alberta

Canadian Alliance

Grant Hill Canadian AllianceLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister very specifically promised in the House that he would release the minutes of the communications committee meeting.

So I ask the question again. Why has the Prime Minister broken his word to the Canadian public and to the House of Commons?

Sponsorship ProgramOral Question Period

March 9th, 2004 / 2:20 p.m.

LaSalle—Émard Québec

Liberal

Paul Martin LiberalPrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, the motion called for all cabinet documents pertaining to the sponsorship program. That is what was done. If the member would like to bring forward another motion then let him do so.

Sponsorship ProgramOral Question Period

Macleod Alberta

Canadian Alliance

Grant Hill Canadian AllianceLeader of the Opposition

What a weasel, Mr. Speaker. Here are the words, “I was asked by the Leader of the Opposition--”

Sponsorship ProgramOral Question Period

Some hon. members

Oh, oh.

Sponsorship ProgramOral Question Period

The Speaker

I do not know what the hon. Leader of the Opposition was referring to a weasel, whether it was the answer or somebody else, or somebody, but I do not think he wants to use language that would be inappropriate and perhaps he could refrain from suggesting, although I do not know exactly what he was suggesting, and I would not want to speculate, but to suggest that weaseling was going on would not be perhaps a polite suggestion.

The hon. Leader of the Opposition might continue without that suggestion.

Sponsorship ProgramOral Question Period