Debates of June 9th, 2005

Mississauga Citizen of the Year

[Navdeep Bains, Liberal, Mississauga—Brampton South, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate an outstanding citizen from Mississauga, Ontario. Mr. Jake Dheer was recently named the winner of the prestigious Gordon S. Shipp Memorial Award as Mississauga's Citizen of the Year.

Mr. Dheer won this award for the dedication that he has shown to his community. He has repeatedly demonstrated his commitment through his varied volunteer work. Mr. Dheer has assisted many organizations such as the Mississauga Central Lions Club, Community Living Mississauga, Carassauga, the United Way, the Mississauga Chinese Business Association, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, and the local hospitals, and the list goes on.

Once again, on behalf of the residents of Mississauga—Brampton South, I would like to congratulate Mr. Dheer for his hard work and dedication. We need more ambassadors like him.

La Jolie Rochelle Campground

[Réal Lapierre, Bloc, Lévis—Bellechasse, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the La Jolie Rochelle campground on winning first prize in the campground accommodation category, at the 20th Quebec tourism awards gala.

This success is the result of the efforts of the owners and employees of La Jolie Rochelle in providing personalized and diversified services in a beautiful setting.

The success of the La Jolie Rochelle campground, which is located on the shore of the Rivière-du-Sud, in Saint-Raphaël, is a reflection of the vibrant and dynamic tourism industry in the Chaudière-Appalaches region.

This recognition is proof that regions can take charge of their destiny and diversify their economy. Recreational tourism knows no borders. Back home, this activity is increasingly popular and it complements an already very impressive picture.

I invite my colleagues to come and experience it. They will find it very pleasurable and invigorating.

The La Jolie Rochelle campground has a great future ahead. Congratulations.

Canadian Council of the Blind

[Lloyd St. Amand, Liberal, Brant, ON]

Mr. Speaker, the Canadian Council of the Blind is a national self-help organization of persons who are blind, deaf-blind or visually impaired. It is recognized as Canada's voice of blind Canadians and its motto is, “A lack of sight is not a lack of vision”.

There are 85 chapters in Canada. On May 25, I had the pleasure of attending a ceremony to celebrate the Brantford Robert Troughton Memorial Chapter's expansion of its facility to 3,300 square feet. Among others involved in the event were Marie Myke, president, Dennis Finucan, executive director, and Mr. Gord Hope.

In November 2004, a Brantford youth chapter was created, named after the late Don Bethune, a very fine citizen of Brantford and former principal of the W. Ross McDonald School.

My sincere congratulations are extended to the Brantford chapter of the Canadian Council of the Blind.

Jean Minguy

[Darrel Stinson, Conservative, North Okanagan—Shuswap, BC]

Mr. Speaker, last Friday the city of Vernon in my riding lost a respected member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in the line of duty in a tragic boating accident on Okanagan Lake.

Constable Jean Minguy was a 23 year veteran of the force, who passed away less than seven months after the Vernon detachment also lost in the line of duty RCMP auxiliary officer Glen Evely, killed when the police cruiser in which he was a passenger was hit by a stolen vehicle.

Tomorrow many dignitaries will take part in a full regimental funeral to help the Vernon detachment carry this terrible load of sadness and loss.

Here in Ottawa, many also join me in honouring both Constable Minguy and all the members of the RCMP. To each of them and their families, we express our thanks and extend our heartfelt sympathy.

Festival international de théâtre de Mont-Laurier

[Johanne Deschamps, Bloc, Laurentides—Labelle, QC]

Mr. Speaker, it was with great pride that I attended the official launch of the second Festival international de théâtre de Mont-Laurier on May 16, in my riding.

This cultural event, unique in North America, will run from September 4 to 10, 2005. A big multi-purpose stage will host 17 troupes from various countries around the world. Over seven days, the people of the Upper Laurentians will have an opportunity to come in contact with vibrant and moving cultures.

A tip of the hat to all those working flat out to make this festival an international success. I offer special thanks to my colleague from Saint-Lambert, who has agreed to be the honorary chair of the event.

I invite one and all not to miss the double rendez-vous my region is offering with nature and culture.

Parish Anniversary

[Raymonde Folco, Liberal, Laval—Les Îles, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Holy Name of Jesus parish as its members celebrate the 40th anniversary of their church within the anglophone Catholic community of Laval.

Over the years, the parish has helped to create a strong sense of community. This was evident when over 400 people, including me, attended a mass on May 15, presided over by His Eminence Jean-Claude Cardinal Turcotte, and a gala on May 27. The pride, respect and thanks were obvious among the parishioners.

Forty years later, the history of Laval is intertwined with the history of the anglophone Catholic community of Ile-Jésus. On behalf of all the residents of Laval--Les Îles, I extend congratulations to its members for being a part of our community and making it dynamic and caring. I ask them to keep up the good work.

Yard Sale for the Cure

[Maria Minna, Liberal, Beaches—East York, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a courageous individual in my riding. Rachael Smith was the inspiration and motivation for the first ever Beaches--East York Yard Sale for the Cure on May 28. This innovative event raised money for breast cancer research and treatment through neighbourhood yard sales.

I was proud to support the event and to see the community of Beaches--East York rally in support of Yard Sale for the Cure by donating a portion of all of the proceeds of the individual yard sales to help those afflicted by this terrible disease.

One hundred per cent of the money raised by Yard Sale for the Cure has been donated to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, the Toronto East General Hospital oncology unit, and the Campbell Family Institute for Breast Cancer Research at the Princess Margaret Hospital.

As Yard Sale for the Cure plans to expand nationwide, I ask the House to join me in congratulating Rachael Smith and Yard Sale for the Cure and wish her luck for the future.

Outstanding Service Award

[Joy Smith, Conservative, Kildonan—St. Paul, MB]

Mr. Speaker, on April 20 of this year, I had the honour of attending the medals and awards ceremony at the RCMP D Division headquarters in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

There, the Commissioner's Commendation Unit Ensign for Outstanding Service was presented to the ICE Unit, the Manitoba Integrated Child Exploitation Unit. This joint forces unit was comprised of police officers from the RCMP and the Winnipeg and Brandon police forces. This highest award was given for outstanding work at the national level, stopping child exploitation all across our nation.

Child exploitation and child pornography are heinous crimes that must be stopped. These police officers have sacrificed much to catch and convict these criminals. It was with much gratitude that I shook each individual police officer's hand. They stood proudly while honoured for a difficult job well done. It was a special honour for me as my own son was one of those officers honoured that day.

As a member of Parliament and as a mom, I am proud to stand here today to commend those officers.

Canadian Environment Week

[Larry Bagnell, Liberal, Yukon, YT]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to acknowledge Canadian Environment Week, celebrated every year at the beginning of June. The theme this year is “Taking Action for our Environment”, recognizing the important role all Canadians have to play in ensuring the health of our environment.

A clean, healthy environment is vital to our economy and prosperity and the quality of life of all Canadians. Natural Resources Canada supports the aims of Canadian Environment Week by working to balance economic, social and environmental considerations through our mandate for the sustainable development of Canada's natural resources.

In particular, we are working with our partners to raise awareness about climate change, waste reduction and clean air. The one tonne challenge is a new Government of Canada climate change initiative calling on all Canadians to use less energy and fewer resources in our daily activities so that we each reduce our annual greenhouse gas emissions by one tonne.

Sustainable development, one of the key objectives of the Government of Canada, is within our reach. Canadian Environment Week provides an opportunity for all Canadians to take part.

Income Trusts

[Pat Martin, NDP, Winnipeg Centre, MB]

Mr. Speaker, six years ago Ottawa promised to make it harder to hide money in offshore tax havens. Nothing happened.

In the meantime, a much larger tax avoidance scheme is sweeping the business community like wildfire as whole industry sectors are becoming tax fugitives by restructuring themselves as income trusts. This income trust revolution erodes tax revenue in two ways. Income trusts do not pay corporate taxes, thanks to loopholes in Canada's tax laws, and distributions paid out to unit holders can be viewed as a return on capital instead of income for the purpose of taxation.

We need to be clear with Canadians about the implications of income trusts. When corporations do not pay their taxes, citizens pick up the tab in the form of higher taxes, more service fees and cuts to social programs.

The tax loopholes that allow income trusts to avoid taxes should be eliminated. Canadian tax laws should be structured to provide revenue to government and to encourage growth and reinvestment. Income trusts do neither.

Hepatitis C

[Peter MacKay, Conservative, Central Nova, NS]

Mr. Speaker, for far too long the Liberal government's inaction and indecision on hepatitis C have delayed compensation for those in need and the quality of life they lose is the direct fault of the government. Its arbitrary decision to provide limited compensation for those afflicted is undeniably callous.

There is over $1 billion sitting in a compensation fund for victims of tainted blood and it is not being delivered. Meanwhile, more than $250,000 a month is being spent on administrative costs. On top of this, the Liberal government is taxing the benefits. This is unbelievable and inexcusable.

I met recently with a victim of this plight in Central Nova. He advised me that his treatment costs over $1,800 a month, which does not calculate the pain and suffering that he and other victims and their families endure on a daily basis.

The magnitude of this colossal tragedy for thousands of Canadians cannot be ignored any longer. I call on the Minister of Health to live up to the unanimous decision of this House to compensate all victims immediately. It is the right thing to do. The government should act.

50th Anniversary of Chapais

[Yvon Lévesque, Bloc, Nunavik—Eeyou, QC]

Mr. Speaker, June 26 will mark the 50th anniversary of the municipality of Chapais in my riding of Abitibi—Baie-James—Nunavik—Eeyou.

With a sense of both pleasure and pride, I take the occasion of this celebration to pay tribute to the courage and tenacity of all the residents of Chapais, who, together, have created a vibrant and welcoming community.

Between 1955 and 2005, Chapais had its share of blows, including the federal government's indifference to its economic development, but it has also embraced exciting initiatives, which have given fresh energy to people looking to the future. Through their determination and spirit of initiative, the people of Chapais together can look to the future enthusiastically.

I am very proud to represent such a warm and valiant group of people. May this celebration bring back wonderful memories and provide an opportunity for some happy reunions.

Long live Chapais.

Seniors

[Dean Allison, Conservative, Niagara West—Glanbrook, ON]

Mr. Speaker, the United Nations has proclaimed the first full week of June as Seniors Week and many Canadian provinces recognize June as Seniors Month.

During this month, as well as throughout the entire year, it is important for all Canadians to remember the tremendous contribution that our seniors have made and continue to make to the social and economic well-being of Canada. This is our opportunity to recognize all Canadian seniors for their past and continued contribution to this society.

Today there are over four million Canadians over the age of 65. This number continues to grow. They are our parents, grandparents, neighbours and friends. They are the wisdom keepers who remind us of from where we have come. They provide encouragement and inspiration for future generations. The role they play in our society is in fact irreplaceable.

As I undertake the role of official opposition critic for seniors issues, I will work diligently on behalf of Canadian seniors. I call on all hon. members to join me in celebrating Seniors Week and recognizing the continued contribution of Canadian seniors.

Health

[Michael John Savage, Liberal, Dartmouth—Cole Harbour, NS]

Mr. Speaker, in the last federal election the Prime Minister vowed to take action to improve and reinforce our public health care system. Promise made, promise kept.

The Prime Minister's leadership resulted in a health accord that will invest $41 billion over 10 years to strengthen health care. This includes significant investments to reduce wait times in priority areas like cancer, heart, diagnostic imaging, joint replacements and sight restoration.

Nothing is more important than achieving results. That is why the government is working closely with the provinces and territories to develop performance indicators and targets to ensure that wait times are indeed reduced.

There is much to be done. That is why we remain dedicated to working with the provinces and territories to guarantee success. We are guided by an unwavering commitment to universal public health care and to the Canada Health Act. Unlike the official opposition, we remain dedicated to strengthening health care in Canada.

Jocelyn Massé

[Raynald Blais, Bloc, Gaspésie—Îles-de-la-Madeleine, QC]

Mr. Speaker, it was with a heavy heart that we learned of the tragic death of a young student from the Magdalen Islands.

Last Saturday, Jocelyn Massé, aged 21, was travelling on a bus in Honduras with his girlfriend, Mélanie Poirier, when two armed robbers boarded the vehicle and opened fire, killing Mr. Massé.

An athlete, music lover and travel and adventure enthusiast, Jocelyn Massé loved life. He adored his family and had a great many friends. He was also very much in love with Mélanie.

Today, the entire community of the Magdalen Islands is in mourning and heartbroken over the loss of this young man who had such big plans for his future. The Bloc Québécois extends its deepest sympathies to his family, friends and Mélanie Poirier, the love of his life, to whom we wish much courage at this time.

Health

[Peter MacKay, Conservative, Central Nova, NS]

Mr. Speaker, today's decision from the Supreme Court opens the door to further deterioration of the publicly funded health care system in Canada. The Canadian Medical Association stated, “medically necessary health care delayed is health care denied”.

Due to the cuts imposed by the Prime Minister for over a decade, Canadians' timely access to health care was the victim of political decisions of the Liberal government. As minister of finance, he was the architect of those cuts.

Further court actions could destroy the underpinnings of the Canada Health Act. What will the Prime Minister do to ensure that Canada's universally accessible, publicly funded health care system is preserved?

[Paul Martin, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, I rise as the leader of the party that brought medicare into being.

The focus of the Supreme Court decision was on wait times. That was what we brought forth during the election campaign and that was the principal subject of the federal-provincial conference which we convened.

At that time, we set out a wait times fund. We set out a human resources strategy. We set out national benchmarks and accountability by individual governments to their citizens. All this is because we want to maintain the publicly funded, universally accessible health care system.

[Peter MacKay, Conservative, Central Nova, NS]

Mr. Speaker, the reality is the Prime Minister and that party brought medicare into peril. The Prime Minister himself may benefit from a parallel health system but most Canadians cannot.

Ten years ago the Prime Minister, then finance minister, took $25 billion out of the health care system. Downloading of costs to the provinces and increasing the wait times for patients are the direct result of his actions. The Prime Minister said that he brought in a health care fix for a generation. In reality, Canadians may suffer lengthy wait times for another generation to fix health care.

How could Canadians possibly believe the Prime Minister has solutions when he is the perpetrator of the problem?

[Paul Martin, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, this is a very important debate and really does not require a great deal of historical revisionism.

I happened to have been in the House when that member's party day after day stood up and said that the transfers to the provinces should be cut far greater than they were. Take a look at the scorched earth policy that his party recommended.

What we should now do is understand that we have a very complex decision. That complex decision should be debated, not be subject to the kind of catcalls that we now are hearing, the kinds of inane statements that we are hearing from the opposition.

[Peter MacKay, Conservative, Central Nova, NS]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister is a stranger to the truth. He knows he cut $25 billion from health care.

The Supreme Court's decision today says:

The evidence shows that, in the case of certain surgical procedures, the delays that are the necessary result of waiting lists increase the patient’s risk of mortality or the risk that his or her injuries will become irreparable.

Wait times have doubled under the Liberal government. There is no plan and with the Prime Minister's one-off deals with the provinces he has created the potential for a 10 tier system of private-public health care.

What will the Prime Minister do to address this patchwork system of health care for Canadians and how does he respond to Quebec's demands today?

[Paul Martin, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, what the hon. member has called a one-off province by province was an agreement for $41 billion over 10 years, signed by every province and territory. It is an agreement that sets out a detailed wait time strategy. It also demonstrates the absolute urgency of establishing the benchmarks. We have met with the Wait Times Alliance and the medical profession. There is a meeting going on now of deputy ministers of health to deal with this very urgent problem of wait times.

[Steven Fletcher, Conservative, Charleswood—St. James, MB]

Mr. Speaker, under 12 years of Liberal rule, the health care system has deteriorated. The Prime Minister, who goes to a private Montreal clinic, does not care that wait times have doubled for the average Canadian.

Today's landmark court decision is an indictment of the Liberal neglect and mismanagement. Will the Prime Minister admit that the Liberals have seriously damaged the health care system?

[Ujjal Dosanjh, Liberal, Minister of Health]

Mr. Speaker, the hon. member should remember that there was a meeting of all first ministers in September 2004. An additional $41 billion was provided over the next 10 years. He should also remember Roy Romanow said at that time that the money far exceeded his recommendations.

We have put in place issues around benchmarks, comparable indicators, a national pharmaceutical strategy and expansion of home care. This is an overhaul of our system to make it better.

[Steven Fletcher, Conservative, Charleswood—St. James, MB]

Mr. Speaker, I am surprised the member remembers anything. We have heard health care promises from the Liberals for 12 years. They have had a record of broken promises. They have not fixed wait times and no one believes they ever will.

The court has stepped in because of a decade of Liberal mismanagement. Will the government simply admit that it is the Liberal mismanagement that brought us to this point today?

[Ujjal Dosanjh, Liberal, Minister of Health]

Mr. Speaker, my memory is neither erased, nor doctored, nor spliced. What the hon. member should remember is that we have provided more than enough money and resources across the country to make our health care system--