Debates of Dec. 5th, 2006

Volunteerism

[Larry Bagnell, Liberal, Yukon, YT]

Today, Canada celebrates International Volunteer Day, a day to thank the 12 million Canadians who contribute their time through volunteerism.

The government has undermined volunteerism through its meanspirited black Monday cuts. It has callously cancelled the $10 million Canada volunteerism initiative and slashed $14 million from the social development partnership program. This occurred with no consultation, no forewarning, no discussion of alternatives and no due process.

Why is the government insulting 12 million Canadians and their heartfelt efforts in helping those in need by saying that they are a waste of money?

[Bev Oda, Conservative, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women]

Mr. Speaker, we know that volunteers are out there every day helping in their communities. We also know that taxpayers honour volunteers, which is why we want to support those volunteers who are really doing the work, not volunteer organizations that hold conferences.

We stand behind the volunteers in their community and we stand behind the work that they are doing for all Canadians.

Liberal Party of Canada

[Daniel Petit, Conservative, Charlesbourg—Haute-Saint-Charles, QC]

Mr. Speaker, can the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities tell us whether the election of a new Leader of the Opposition from Quebec will change the centralizing attitude of the Liberal Party of Canada and help restore the fiscal balance in the Canadian federation?

[The Speaker, Liberal, Peter Milliken]

I have no doubt that all hon. members are extremely interested in the question, but questions must pertain to the government's administrative role. The minister's opinion on the opposition is not part of the government's role, I think. In my opinion, the question is out of order.

Canadian Heritage

[Paul Dewar, NDP, Ottawa Centre, ON]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday we learned there was a plan to move the portrait gallery from Ottawa to the Prime Minister's hometown.

Now we learn that in exchange for this move, the Prime Minister will get the former American embassy as his new office.

Will the Prime Minister let us know when the move-in date is planned for his new office? Is big oil subsidizing this move as well?

[Bev Oda, Conservative, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women]

Mr. Speaker, I want to remind all Canadians that Canada does not have a portrait gallery. However, this government is committed to ensuring there is a portrait gallery and that it will be the best for Canadians.

Yes, we would consider outside of Ottawa, and, in fact, we see some benefits to that consideration, but we also would welcome private sector contributions and partnerships.

As long as we can do the best for Canadians, we want to do it responsibly and accountably.

[Paul Dewar, NDP, Ottawa Centre, ON]

Mr. Speaker, Canadians have a right to know what they are paying for. Why the secrecy around this cultural giveaway to the oil companies and the costs involved in expanding the Prime Minister's Office? Is this the type of win-win the government believes is the way to do business, with a win for its corporate friends and a win for the PMO?

Again, will the Prime Minister tell Canadians what the plans are for the portrait gallery and for his office? Is Gwyn Morgan going to be at the opening of the new office in Calgary, as we understand?

[Stephen Harper, Conservative, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, while I appreciate the suggestion, I have absolutely no plans at the moment for moving my office. In fact, with the support of the people of Canada, I hope to stay there awhile.

RCMP Commissioner

[Mauril Bélanger, Liberal, Ottawa—Vanier, ON]

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Public Safety. I would like to know whether the minister has or does not have confidence in the Commissioner of the RCMP.

If he cannot tell us today, does he pledge to tell us tomorrow, or at the very least this week, whether or not he has confidence in the Commissioner of the RCMP?

[Stockwell Day, Conservative, Minister of Public Safety]

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the enduring questioning on this. It is valid and appropriate.

The information we have received, which is very recent, as everybody has seen, is in front of us now. We are going to take a close look at it. A decision will be made in due process, in due time and in a respectful manner.

HIV-AIDS

[Dean Del Mastro, Conservative, Peterborough, ON]

Mr. Speaker, our government has stated and demonstrated that it is committed to the worldwide fight against AIDS, a dreadful, non-discriminating disease that affects millions of people around the globe.

It was widely reported that the Minister of International Cooperation participated in events on World AIDS Day on behalf of Canada's new government. Could the minister outline for this House our government's commitment to addressing the global AIDS issue?

[Josée Verner, Conservative, Minister of International Cooperation and Minister for la Francophonie and Official Languages]

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his excellent question. Last Friday, I presented the approach the Government of Canada has adopted to fight the HIV-AIDS pandemic. Canada will spend $120 million and build on solid partnerships in four main areas: prevention, better health systems, equal rights for men and women, and promotion of children's rights.

This new money is the first in a series of initiatives to fight HIV-AIDS as never before.

Taxation

[Garth Turner, Conservative, Halton, ON]

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Finance. Yesterday bank economists confirmed that Canadian families have never been in as much debt as they are today. Mortgage debt is rising by 11% a year. Household debt now exceeds 120% of household income.

Does the minister agree that the best way to help these folks avoid a debt crisis is to cut the basic personal income tax rate?

[Jim Flaherty, Conservative, Minister of Finance]

Yes, Mr. Speaker, I agree with the member opposite. In fact, we reduced personal income taxes this year in all categories for Canadians, so that on average all Canadians will pay lower personal income taxes in 2007 than they did in 2006.

In addition, with the tax back guarantee and accomplishing elimination of the net debt by 2021, in each year we will have interest savings that we will use each year to reduce personal income tax over the next 15 years in Canada.

Aboriginal Affairs

[Charlie Angus, NDP, Timmins—James Bay, ON]

Mr. Speaker, right across Canada aboriginal languages are disappearing, and when we lose our language, we lose our culture.

The heritage minister knew that the Liberal commitment to aboriginal language programs had been an absolute flop, so she had the opportunity to be a champion of native culture. Instead, she eviscerated the program and sent $160 million as booty to the Treasury Board.

My question is for the minister. Why would she look at the most culturally threatened segment of Canadian society and see it as an excuse for “take the money and run”?

[Bev Oda, Conservative, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women]

Mr. Speaker, as we know, that member is lacking in accuracy. In fact, the money was not there.

What I have done is that I have met with the aboriginal leaders. I am pleased to say that we participated in their rally today.

I met with them yesterday. They have put before us a plan, which we are looking at. We have a commitment from Chief Fontaine and his leadership that they will work with us to develop a plan that is really going to be effective in preserving their important languages.

Canadian Wheat Board--Speaker's Ruling

[The Speaker, Liberal, Peter Milliken]

Earlier today, the hon. member for Malpeque requested an emergency debate in respect of a certain matter relating to the Canadian Wheat Board. I have decided that at this time the request does not meet the exigencies of the Standing Order, but I am prepared to continue to take the matter under advisement as necessary.

The House resumed from November 24 consideration of the motion that Bill C-278, An Act to amend the Employment Insurance Act (benefits for illness, injury or quarantine), be read the second time and referred to a committee.

Employment Insurance Act

[The Speaker, Liberal, Peter Milliken]

It being 3:04 p.m., pursuant to order made on Friday, November 24, the House will now proceed to the taking of the deferred recorded division on the motion at second reading stage of Bill C-278 under private members' business.

Call in the members.

(The House divided on the motion, which was agreed to on the following division:)

Vote #91

[The Speaker, Liberal, Peter Milliken]

I declare the motion carried.

Accordingly, the bill stands referred to the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities.

(Bill read the second time and referred to a committee)

The House resumed from November 27 consideration of the motion, and of the amendment.

Autism Spectrum Disorder

[The Speaker, Liberal, Peter Milliken]

Pursuant to order made on Friday, November 24, 2006 the House will now proceed to the taking of the deferred recorded division on the amendment to Motion No. 172 under private members' business.

(The House divided on the amendment, which was agreed to on the following division:)

Vote #92

[The Speaker, Liberal, Peter Milliken]

I declare the amendment carried.

The next question is on the main motion, as amended.