House of Commons Hansard #142 of the 38th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was prices.
The Speaker
As is our practice on Wednesday we will now sing O Canada, and we will be led by the hon. member for Glengarry—Prescott—Russell.
Raymonde Folco Liberal Laval—Les Îles, QC
Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate the Alzheimer Society of Laval, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary.
Since 1995, this organization has continued to expand the services it provides to residents of Laval with Alzheimer's and to their families.
In order to meet the needs of the people of Laval, this organization is working to build a home for people in the early and moderate stages of Alzheimer's.
The organization recently paid tribute to the efforts of its administrators, including Marcel Léonard, its members, including François Perreault, its volunteers and staff, including Ginette Joly, and its partners, including Pfizer Canada, during an gala held in their honour. The three founders, Pierre A. Grothé, René Roy and Jean Rizzuto, were also remembered for their contribution.
No doubt due to the rapid aging of the population and the growing number of individuals suffering from this disease, the Alzheimer Society of Laval will become, more than ever, an essential tool in our community.
Art Hanger Conservative Calgary Northeast, AB
Mr. Speaker, I rise today on an issue of concern to people across the country, the decay of our correctional system.
Last week the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police went public with their concerns about lengthy court delays, soaring costs, and lax prison rules that make a mockery of the justice system. York Regional Police Chief La Barge has even had to go to the effort of setting up a new committee to work with government and community leaders in an effort to hold Correctional Service of Canada accountable, including preventing violent criminals from visiting amusement parks at taxpayers expense and risk.
Several years ago, the Canadian Justice Foundation raised public awareness about the fact that a nun was being allowed to take a violent murderer out on day trips, a practice that showed no regard for public safety. Recently, it was reported that inmates were getting access to prison security plans and confidential personnel files.
It is time to slam the door on this cavalier attitude toward violent criminals and put public safety first. If we fail to show criminals there are consequences for their actions, we fail our citizens who will fall prey to their violent acts.
Gurbax Malhi Liberal Bramalea—Gore—Malton, ON
Mr. Speaker, Canada has eliminated the right of landing fee for all refugees. An increasing number of Canadians are now calling on the government to eliminate it for new immigrants.
The right of landing fee was introduced in 1995, when Canada was facing a deficit situation. Now that we have eliminated the deficit, it is time that we eliminate the landing fee. The $975 fee is charged to people 19 years of age and over, irrespective of their country of origin. It amounts to twice the per capita income for many of the countries where our immigrants are coming from.
Recently, the Prime Minister made clear that Canada needs more immigrants and must keep its doors open to immigrants. Eliminating the landing fee would allow us to keep our doors open to skilled and ordinary immigrants. It would also allow Canada to remain a model country for the world.
Nicole Demers Bloc Laval, QC
Mr. Speaker, October is breast cancer awareness month and a time to raise money for research.
Currently, one in nine Canadian women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. In 2005, an estimated 21,600 women will be diagnosed with this terrible disease and 5,300 will die of it.
Five years ago, I was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer. I know just how much this experience affects our lives and those of our partners, children and loved ones. I am among the survivors, one of the ones in remission.
In recent years, huge advances have been made as a result of research. That is why, since 1993, breast cancer incidence rates have stabilized and mortality rates have dropped.
I invite all my colleagues to support this important cause and to think about the thousands of women with breast cancer.
Wayne Easter Liberal Malpeque, PE
Mr. Speaker, I want to acknowledge a very courageous and generous young man, 15-year-old Mark Arendz of North Wiltshire, P.E.I. In 1997 Mark lost his left arm in a farm accident. Since that time, Mark has demonstrated a phenomenal will to both recover and make a valued contribution to his community.
With the assistance of the War Amps CHAMP organization, Mark has become a junior counsellor, acting as a role model for other young people in similar circumstances.
Mark, though, has taken his message further. With the help of Marilyn Affleck, coordinator with the P.E.I. Federation of Agriculture's farm health and safety program, Mark has been meeting with school students to talk about the program's “be careful” message, which is, when working on the farm, to be careful and aware of farm hazards.
Agriculture is the backbone of P.E.I.'s economy. Our farmers, farm workers and farm families are essential to the prosperity of this industry. Through the effort and example of people like Mark Arendz, the message of working safely is reaching future generations.
Rob Nicholson Conservative Niagara Falls, ON
Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of those who are faced with a terrible disease called lupus.
This is Lupus Awareness Month in Ontario and throughout the month there have been a number of activities across the province geared to raising awareness about this chronic disease. Indeed the Lupus Foundation of Ontario is located in my riding in Ridgeway, Ontario.
Lupus can affect people of all races and ethnicities, and people of all ages. The disease turns the immune system against the body and attacks the body's own healthy cells causing tissue damage, organ failure and in some cases, death.
The symptoms and health effects of lupus can go undetected for many years before people obtain a correct diagnosis and medical treatment. Medical research efforts into lupus and the discovery of safer, more effective treatments for lupus patients are underfunded in comparison with diseases of comparable magnitude and severity.
There is an important need to increase awareness about the debilitating impact of lupus, and I call on the government to give more support for lupus research.
Wajid Khan Liberal Mississauga—Streetsville, ON
Mr. Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to thank all Canadians, whether they are private citizens or NGOs, for their generosity in responding to the tragedy in Pakistan.
The government has responded comprehensively and quickly over the past few weeks. CIDA and the Canadian Forces, in particular, need to be singled out for their professionalism and dedication in the provision of relief.
I am gratified by the government's announcement today that an additional $20 million will be provided, including $8 million in response to the UN's flash appeal.
The need for aid, however, does not cease simply because the media spotlight moves unerringly on. I would like to remind members and all Canadians that we cannot forget the ongoing needs of the victims of the South Asian earthquake, nor indeed the victims of other natural disasters wherever they may be.
Réal Lapierre Bloc Lévis—Bellechasse, QC
Mr. Speaker, this week the Bloc Québécois members from the Quebec City area presented a petition signed by 130,000 individuals opposed to the closure of the Canada Post sorting plant in Quebec City.
The concerns of the employees and the general public about the impact on the quality of postal service and the economy are fully justified.
Despite this huge response and the opposition by the socio-economic and political stakeholders on the north and south shores of the greater Quebec City area, the minister responsible for the Canada Post Corporation continues to turn a deaf ear.
At stake are 500 jobs, more than 150 of them casual, as well as the quality of postal services.
The residents of the Quebec City area have spoken. The Bloc Québécois supports their demand and urges the federal government to take heed and to make an announcement this very day that it is giving up its plan to close the Quebec City mail sorting plant.
Raymond Simard Liberal Saint Boniface, MB
Mr. Speaker, every year, the Société franco-manitobaine pays tribute to a number of Manitoba francophones who have made outstanding contributions to the development of the community.
On October 22, the Riel awards were given to sculptor Marcien LeMay, posthumously, for arts and culture; to Louis Bernardin, for community development; and to Yvon Dumont, for his commitment to the francophone Métis community.
The award for communications went to Louis Paquin and Charles Lavack of Les Productions Rivard for their TV production and training activities.
The 2005 Gala des Lauriers de la PME, an award ceremony to recognize small businesses, was held the very same evening in Ottawa. Gérald Labossière of Assessment and Intelligence Systems was chosen from among competitors all across Canada for an award in the knowledge-based economy category for the excellence of his contribution to the Canadian economy as the head of a company in a francophone minority community.
Congratulations to all the winners.
Helena Guergis Conservative Simcoe—Grey, ON
Mr. Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to commend the minister and CIDA for working with the Canadian Coalition on HIV/AIDS and Youth in Africa.
World Vision, Care Canada, Foster Parents Plan and Save the Children are excellent Canadian NGOs tackling this problem. But when it came to HIV-AIDS, we were too late getting into Africa. We do not want to see the same thing happen in Asia.
I want to know if the minister will commit to a similar program in Asia with this group of Canadian NGOs. They have come up with an excellent plan and it deserves the support of the federal government.
A Conservative government would send more of Canada's aid to Canadian NGOs because they have an excellent reputation working around corruption and getting aid into the hands of people who need it the most. Unlike multilaterals, they must be accountable to the more than one million Canadians who support their work.
Again, I want to encourage the minister to work with this group of Canadian NGOs on their $50 million, five year, HIV-AIDS program in six Asian countries.
Françoise Boivin Liberal Gatineau, QC
Mr. Speaker, as the new member for Gatineau, I have had several opportunities to meet with an extraordinary group of individuals, the members of the Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation.
Last week, I expressed in this House my support for the creation of a monument to Canadian firefighters, to be erected on a site in the national capital.
Today's announcement by the Minister of Canadian Heritage and the fact that the NCC says it has reserved a location for the monument at LeBreton Flats, are a result of the tireless efforts of Dr. William Brooks, president of the foundation, Gary Barnes, vice-president of the foundation, and Georges Potvin and Barbara Zents, from Families of the Fallen.
Setting aside the petty politics around Motion No. 153 as amended, let us all commend our heroes.
Bill Siksay NDP Burnaby—Douglas, BC
Mr. Speaker, starting in 1991 flight attendants working for Air Canada and Canadian Airlines filed pay equity complaints with the Human Rights Commission. Years later they are still waiting for justice. These claims are now with the Supreme Court. Imagine having to go to our highest court for what the Minister of Justice and the Minister of Labour continually call a fundamental human right.
Thousands of women, entitled to pay equity, wait for years while employers keep claims in the courts. The situation is so serious that a UN committee has called on the federal government to act and implement equal pay for work of equal value.
The government's own report from the pay equity task force set out a clear plan for pay equity legislation. The Standing Committee on the Status of Women has asked for the legislation. Still the Liberals delay. Our sisters are tired of waiting.
The NDP calls upon the Liberal government to stop forcing women to fight for decades for economic equality and introduce proactive pay equity legislation now. Where is the legislation?
Jason Kenney Conservative Calgary Southeast, AB
Mr. Speaker, this week marks the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar, a pivotal moment in modern history, which gives us an opportunity to remember the price of freedom.
When Lord Nelson signalled to his fleet that “England expects that every man will do his duty”, he made history. The Royal Navy's brilliant triumph against more powerful forces at Trafalgar marked the beginning of the great Pax Britannica which brought freedom of the seas, prosperity for North America, the end of the slave trade, the spread of free trade and the rule of law across the globe, and indeed the conditions that made possible Confederation here in Canada.
The patriot newspaper, Le Canadien , wrote in 1808 that “Great Britain's navy is now the bulwark against tyranny”.
That is why Maritimers and Newfoundlanders, Upper and Lower Canadians, French and English, all rang their church bells to celebrate the victory of freedom over tyranny, why Quebec City was lit up in 1805 to celebrate and why Lord Nelson's Column graces Montreal's Place Cartier today.
Mr. Speaker, lest we forget.
Bernard Cleary Bloc Louis-Saint-Laurent, QC
Mr. Speaker, in Quebec City on October 11 and 12 an extraordinary meeting of the Assembly of First Nations chiefs of Quebec and Labrador was held to address the social crises in our aboriginal communities.
I want to acknowledge the efforts and work of the first nations chiefs who took part in this meeting.
Having first hand experience with the pain suffered by many of the families in Quebec communities, I want to express my full support, with sincere peace and friendship, for this important undertaking. I am certain that together they will find solutions to the problems in their communities.
Rob Merrifield Conservative Yellowhead, AB
Mr. Speaker, members of the international health community were in Ottawa this week to plan for a flu pandemic. The Liberal government excluded Taiwan from the conference. This is not in the best interests of Canada or global health.
Taiwan suffered 84 deaths from SARS in 2003. Its location makes it vulnerable to the avian flu and a human flu pandemic.
On September 28 the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office wrote the health minister requesting an invitation to have Taiwan go to the Ottawa conference. This government refused the request. Twenty-three million people live in Taiwan. It is an international travel hub with direct flights to Canada.
This should not be about politics. Pandemics know no borders. It is in everyone's best interests to have Taiwan in Ottawa sharing its expertise and learning from others.
Sadly, the government just does not get it.
Denis Coderre Liberal Bourassa, QC
Mr. Speaker, today, we have the honour of welcoming a group of citizens of Italian origin from the riding of Papineau, in Montreal. I would like to take this opportunity to stress the exceptional contribution of these people, who are members of Montreal's large Italian community and also constituents of the riding of Bourassa.
Like all Italian Canadian associations, this group plays a major role in the relations between Canada and Italy. These groups are important cultural, educational, economic and political bridges.
Italy is also our second most important bilateral partner. In 2004, our exports exceeded $1.8 billion. The Canadian government also wants to strengthen bilateral cultural and personal ties, and to work on implementing innovative programs in new areas, such as youth exchange programs and cooperation initiatives in science and technology.
[Member spoke in Italian as follows:]
Grazie per tutto, grazie per vostro appogio et benvenuti a Ottawa.
Bill Blaikie NDP Elmwood—Transcona, MB
Mr. Speaker, in this Year of the Veteran, I rise to pay tribute to fellow Manitoban, Lieutenant-Colonel Lockhart Fulton who died last Friday at the age of 88. Believed to have been Canada's senior surviving combat officer from World War II, Lockie Fulton was legendary for leading the men of the Royal Winnipeg Rifles from the front, in hundreds of battles and skirmishes from D-Day to VE-Day, without ever being wounded.
His bravery was recognized during the war when he received the Distinguished Service Order from Field Marshal Montgomery, and later in life when he was made a member of the Order of Canada and the French Legion of Honour.
A distinguished Canadian regiment, the Royal Winnipeg Rifles, has lost one of its most distinguished members and Canada has lost a true citizen, soldier and hero.
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember him.
Stephen Harper ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister continues to fail to show leadership on issue after issue. The first example is the Kashechewan Reserve in northern Ontario.
Because of the neglect by the government, 1,000 people require immediate medical attention from contaminated water and now the Government of Ontario has had to step in and evacuate people because of the government's incompetence.
Why, when the Prime Minister claims that aboriginal issues are his top priority, does even the Liberal Premier of Ontario say that he is missing in action in this crisis?
Paul Martin LiberalPrime Minister
Mr. Speaker, first, the Minister of Indian Affairs was at the reservation in northern Ontario last week to deal with it.
Second, under an arrangement that was signed almost a decade ago with the Province of Ontario in terms of evacuation that is handled by the province, it is the responsibility of and is being paid for by the federal government. We are assuming our responsibilities, we are dealing with the situation and we will do so.
Stephen Harper ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, it was the Premier of Ontario who said that he was missing in action.
The second example is the dangerous American LNG tanker traffic through Head Harbour, New Brunswick. The Prime Minister has maintained that he will not take a position until the paperwork has been filed. Well, the paperwork has been filed.
Will the Prime Minister do what Canadian prime ministers have done for 30 years and stand against American LNG tanker traffic in our internal waters at Head Harbour, New Brunswick?
Jean Lapierre LiberalMinister of Transport
Mr. Speaker, that never happened in the last 30 years because there was never an application for LNG tankers.
We have a group that is looking at all the elements of that file. Under the Canada Shipping Act, if there are problems with safe navigation, the protection of the marine environment, protecting persons, ships, shore areas, et cetera, we will act but we will study it first. We do not make a decision before studying.
Stephen Harper ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, a decision was made to oppose this by Pierre Trudeau 30 years ago. It is surprising that the government cannot maintain this decision but it is typical of the Prime Minister to show leadership by passing the issue to somebody else.
I have a third example, the Meyerthorpe tragedy. Yesterday the Prime Minister sat with the families, as I did. I am sure the families explained to him that in this case, had there been mandatory minimum prison sentences for this repeat offender this tragedy would never have occurred.
Does this fact cause the Prime Minister to rethink his government's opposition to mandatory prison sentences?
Paul Martin LiberalPrime Minister
Mr. Speaker, the Deputy Prime Minister, the Minister of Justice and I met with the families and listened to their issues.
I have to say that it is impossible to meet with these families and not be totally cognizant of the terrible tragedy they have undergone and to really want to applaud them for their courage in now seeking, despite that tragedy, to basically ensure this kind of tragedy never happens again.
Under those circumstances, not only did the Minister of Justice, the Deputy Prime MInister and I discuss all the issues they raised, but both ministers gave an answer in terms of how they are approaching those issues and--