House of Commons Hansard #44 of the 39th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was amendments.
Benoît Sauvageau Bloc Repentigny, QC
Mr. Speaker, I just want to be sure that I understood correctly what the parliamentary secretary just said.
Did he say that Motions Nos. 17 and 19 could be withdrawn to give Motion No. 18 precedence over the other two? If such is the case, I humbly suggest to him that he ask the unanimous consent of the House to withdraw Motions Nos. 17 and 19 because we agree with him.
Pierre Poilievre Conservative Nepean—Carleton, ON
Mr. Speaker, the member is not correct. It is not possible for the government to withdraw Motion No. 17 because it is an NDP motion. Theoretically, we can only withdraw our own amendments.
However, we encourage members of the House to oppose Motions Nos. 17 and 19 and then support the government's Motion No. 18. We believe this would lead to the best legislative outcome and the best final product, from a drafting point of view.
Pat Martin NDP Winnipeg Centre, MB
Mr. Speaker, I think we are coming to a consensus on what we are trying to achieve with Motions Nos. 17, 18, and 19. The NDP is willing to cooperate with the idea to simplify things. I understand the motion is in the name of my colleague from Acadie—Bathurst. Therefore, I do not believe I am authorized to withdraw Motion Nos. 17 and 19. Perhaps after question period the House can have our assurance that we will do that to expedite the process.
Pierre Poilievre Conservative Nepean—Carleton, ON
Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for making this promise. I also thank him for the work he does in committee as well as in the House.
Benoît Sauvageau Bloc Repentigny, QC
Mr. Speaker, I have a question to ask of the parliamentary secretary. Since this second group of amendments deals mainly with the reform of the Access to Information Act, why did the Conservatives refuse to undertake a quick and efficient review of that act when they had promised to do so on page 12 of their document entitled “Stand up for Canada”?
Pierre Poilievre Conservative Nepean—Carleton, ON
Mr. Speaker, an improved Access to Information Act is precisely what this government has delivered. We have delivered amendments in the accountability act that extend access to information far beyond where they have ever gone before. This is the greatest expansion in the history of Canada of access to information. We are opening up the drapes, letting in the sunshine and opening up government for all Canadians taxpayers to see.
Yvon Godin NDP Acadie—Bathurst, NB
Mr. Speaker, I agree to withdraw Motions Nos. 17 and 19 and to keep Motion No. 18.
The Acting Speaker Conservative Andrew Scheer
Perhaps the member could seek unanimous consent for that after question period.
Paul Zed Liberal Saint John, NB
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister keeps saying that Canadians voted for change. They got change, but they certainly did not vote for the following:
The Liberal government's commitment for new tactical airlift fleet, at least 16 new aircraft, for the Canadian Forces has been scrapped.
The $3.5 billion promised for labour market partnership agreements with the provinces has been put in fiscal limbo.
Instead of $1.6 billion in funding for affordable housing, which we delivered under the Liberals' Bill C-48, the Conservatives have promised only $1.4 billion.
The Conservatives have cut the $1 billion for housing and infrastructure for aboriginals. They have cut the $1.3 billion for aboriginal health. They have cut the $200 million for aboriginal economic development. They have cut the $170 million for aboriginal accountability infrastructure. They have refused to uphold $400 million in extra funding for water treatment on reserve.
Canada's north has been ignored as the Liberals' northern strategy has not been implemented.
There is no new money for harbour cleanup for Saint John.
Dave MacKenzie Conservative Oxford, ON
Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House today to acknowledge a wonderful initiative in my riding. Operation Sharing, an ecumenical ministry with widespread support started the Food for Friends program last fall.
Four major grocery stores in Woodstock encourage customers to donate 25¢ or more when they check out. The money is then put on food cards for those in the community who need assistance. This allows them to make choices that meet their dietary needs and more important, maintains their dignity.
The program is the brainchild of Chaplain Stephen Giuliano who serves as the program coordinator. Stephen is a wonderful advocate who builds confidence and brings hope to those who need a helping hand.
Oxford's residents have responded with great generosity. The program raised over $30,000 in its first three months.
Thanks go to IGA, Food Basics, Zehrs and Sobey's for facilitating the program, along with Stephen Giuliano and Operation Sharing.
I congratulate the residents of Oxford for demonstrating their generous spirit once again.
Michel Guimond Bloc Montmorency—Charlevoix—Haute-Côte-Nord, QC
Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the cast and crew of the movie Duo, which was filmed almost entirely in the Charlevoix region. This romantic comedy starring actors who are well known in the artistic community received a standing ovation from the audience at the world premiere in Charlevoix.
It is always nice to see Quebec films that put our own actors in the spotlight and showcase magnificent images. The film reveals the beauty of Charlevoix, where the mountains meet the sea. Duo's production team fell in love with the region's imposing scenery during filming of what is sure to be one of the summer's biggest hits.
I invite Quebeckers and Canadians to come discover the beauty of Charlevoix's enchanting scenery, its tourist attractions, its unique landscapes, and the hospitality of the people who live there. Above all, remember to go see Duo, the Quebec film that will certainly be a success.
Bill Siksay NDP Burnaby—Douglas, BC
Mr. Speaker, today is World Refugee Day, a good day to note concerns about Canada's refugee program.
The refugee appeal division still has to be implemented. Justice demands a merit based appeal. The government should obey the law.
Refugees continue to seek sanctuary in churches. The government must solve these particular situations that drive religious communities to this difficult step.
A time limit must be imposed so that failed refugees from countries to which a moratorium has been placed on deportations do not have their lives put on hold indefinitely.
Application fees charged to in-Canada refugees must be eliminated.
Canada must review the safe third country agreement with the U.S. The number of refugee arrivals at our land borders has been cut in half and many question the fairness of the hearing that some receive in the U.S.
The private sponsorship program, the basis for our international reputation on refugee issues, is backlogged and must be revived. Canadians remain ready to do their part and the government must respond.
Refugee issues demand our attention. World Refugee Day would be a good day for the government to announce action on these issues.
Laurie Hawn Conservative Edmonton Centre, AB
Mr. Speaker, Cinderella is alive and living in Edmonton. Unfortunately, on the way to the Stanley Cup championship last night, the Edmonton Oilers' victory chariot turned into a pumpkin as they lost a heartbreaking game seven to the Carolina Hurricanes.
Despite that loss, the Edmonton Oilers defied all odds and can be extremely proud of the hard work, determination and undauntable warrior spirit that took them to the brink of hockey's holy grail.
As inspirational as the Oilers were on the ice, the fans gave us another real and important lesson. Fans in both cities were an appropriate metaphor for respectful international relations as they showed us how two rival teams, cities and countries can still respect each other despite fierce competition.
In both cities the fans sang and cheered the other team's national anthem with gusto. It brought a tear to my eye and a shiver to my spine.
I am sure that everyone in the House and across Canada will join in congratulating the Stanley Cup runner-up Edmonton Oilers, the champion Carolina Hurricanes and the fans from both cities.
Stephen Owen Liberal Vancouver Quadra, BC
Mr. Speaker, to continue with the list of change for the worse, in the riding of Thornhill alone, funding to Kids Come First, a new day care facility with 56 spaces, has been cut.
In Saskatchewan federal support to farmers has been cut by about $200 million this year compared to last year.
Saskatchewan families have lost about $125 million for early learning and child care.
Money to upgrade and expand the RCMP's training facilities at the Depot Division in Regina has been reduced by more than 60%.
Strategic investments in energy, science and research have disappeared.
The promise for icebreakers in deep water ports has been broken.
The construction of two schools on first nations reserves in Alberta has been postponed, despite the $21 million in funding being committed to the two projects.
The national caregiver agenda, a five year $1 billion commitment to improve the lives of unpaid caregivers has been iced.
There is more, unfortunately.
Ed Komarnicki Conservative Souris—Moose Mountain, SK
Mr. Speaker, today I had the privilege of presenting a Saskatchewan Centennial Medal to Captain Patrick Shawn Cosgrave Heebner, who was accompanied by his wife Nicole. It is a commemorative medal that marks Saskatchewan's 100th birthday and recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to society. It recognizes leadership, volunteerism and community involvement and honours outstanding achievement.
Captain Heebner was born in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, raised in Pelican Narrows, and attended school in Kennedy, Saskatchewan. Following a highly successful high school program of academics and provincial level sports, and having graduated from Canada's Royal Military College, Captain Heebner was selected for the leadership team assigned to plan and open the Canadian Forces operation in the combat in Afghanistan. Captain Heebner led the maintenance efforts to adapt Canadian equipment to the rigours of the Afghan environment. His team's effort reduced the risks to Canadians overseas.
Captain Heebner continues to serve in a leadership role in Canadian operations and is to be commended through this citation.
Paule Brunelle Bloc Trois-Rivières, QC
Mr. Speaker, the rising Canadian dollar is a major economic obstacle for exporters. This factor is wreaking havoc in the riding of Trois-Rivières and elsewhere.
The rising Canadian dollar cuts into our factories' profit margins, which results in job losses and a local economic slowdown.
For example, Kruger announced job cuts at its main plant in Trois-Rivières. Over the next two years, restructuring will result in the elimination of 80 jobs.
Job losses are having a direct negative effect on consumption, as well as repercussions on small and medium-sized businesses who must also cut jobs.
This situation is very troubling. The Bloc Québécois urges the federal government to implement energy measures to support the manufacturing sector, which is such an important source of jobs in the regions.
Art Hanger Conservative Calgary Northeast, AB
Mr. Speaker, on Sunday, June 11 I was privileged to attend the unveiling of the Veterans Wall of Remembrance in Calgary.
Arbor Memorial Services and Memorial Gardens have erected 11 such memorial walls across the country. The 1,500 names of deceased and living soldiers that are written on each granite wall represent and honour what these brave men and women of this country have done to ensure our freedom. Not only do these walls pay tribute to our military heroes, they also serve as a physical reminder to future generations of what true freedom costs.
We can never repay our veterans for what they have given to us. Through their courage, bravery and ultimate sacrifice, death, they have won our freedom. These 11 walls across our great nation will be a constant reminder that freedom must be fought for and must be protected.
To the veterans who have fought and died and to the soldiers who are still fighting, we honour them and we will remember.
Diane Marleau Liberal Sudbury, ON
Mr. Speaker, here are some other changes that Canadians did not vote for.
They did not vote for an end to provincial agreements on child care.
They did not vote to end financial support for innovation in Canada.
They did not vote for an agreement on softwood lumber that will cause at least 20% of the industry to fold.
They did not vote to cancel loan guarantees to forestry companies.
They did not vote to cancel the advisory committee on the disabled. This committee was to report on gaps in services.
To have five priorities is all well and good, but to hear and serve all Canadians would be much better.
Joy Smith Conservative Kildonan—St. Paul, MB
Mr. Speaker, even out of government, the Liberal culture of entitlement and arrogance continues to fester like a sore spot on Canada.
While attacking the Conservative choice in child care, the member for York West said, and I quote, “The Liberals invest in opportunities for our children while the Conservatives are busy building jails”.
Earlier this year the Liberal leadership candidate from St. Paul's launched spurious attacks upon parents who choose to raise their own children. Once again yet another Liberal trumpets the Liberal choice for child care instead of listening to everyday Canadian parents. What parents tell us is that they want the democratic right and support to make their own choices about their own children's child care.
On July 1 Canadian parents from all walks of life can look forward to receiving $100 for every child in their family under the age of six years. Clearly, this is a Canada Day celebration, a time to celebrate the right of parents to choose and to have the financial support to do that.
Joe Comartin NDP Windsor—Tecumseh, ON
Mr. Speaker, last week Health Canada officials released preliminary results of an ongoing study on air pollution and children's respiratory health. The initial results from the Windsor children's respiratory health study seem to indicate what to date no other more detailed study has, that there is no link between traffic emissions and our children's health.
Numerous studies, including those conducted by the Commission for Environmental Cooperation and the United States National Center for Environmental Health, have concluded that there are in fact a variety of health related problems for children exposed to ground level air pollution. These studies have examined border areas in the U.S., Mexico and Canada where there are similar problems of truck traffic.
It has been clearly and scientifically demonstrated that children living in areas with high levels of truck traffic are at an increased risk of developing asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory problems.
Before we rush to conclude that truck traffic in the Windsor-Detroit area has no impact on our children's health, we should look carefully at the process of this study and wait for the full findings due out in the spring of 2007.
Massimo Pacetti Liberal Saint-Léonard—Saint-Michel, QC
Mr. Speaker, here are some more changes that we know Canadians did not vote for.
The funding set aside for the Manitoba Literacy Partners, beginning in March 2007, will be cancelled.
Mail delivery was suddenly interrupted for 53,000 homes in rural areas of Canada.
Credits of $1.8 billion set aside for Aboriginal education programs have been abandoned.
Popular programs such as the one tonne challenge and EnerGuide have been cancelled.
Billions of dollars to help fund post-secondary education have been reduced to an $80 tax credit for textbooks.
Funding for the Canadian Unity Council has been cancelled to help the separatists.
Funding for the National Literacy Secretariat has been cancelled.
Annual appropriations for immigration have been cut by $145 million.
And that is not all.
Vivian Barbot Bloc Papineau, QC
Mr. Speaker, on July 31, the term of office of the fifth Official Languages Commissioner, Ms. Dyane Adam, will come to an end.
A psychologist, teacher, exceptional administrator and woman of conviction, Ms. Adam has worked throughout her career to promote recognition of the rights of the francophone linguistic minority, the status of women, health and education.
From 1999 to 2006, Ms. Adam promoted the French language. She was able to update the minority status of French as a language of service and language of work. With integrity, authority and determination she made equality of the French and English languages a reality.
The Bloc Québécois notes with pleasure that Ms. Adam will be living in Île d'Orléans, Quebec.
Good luck, Ms. Adam. We thank her for her good and faithful service.
Maria Minna Liberal Beaches—East York, ON
Mr. Speaker, to continue with the list of changes for the worse, the Kyoto protocol has been rejected. Project green has been dropped. A made in Canada solution that would have resolved 80% of the problem two years ahead of schedule has been eliminated.
A promise to provide the Canada Council with $300 million has been broken.
A promise to speed up the foreign credential recognition process has been broken.
The right of same sex partners to marry is being threatened.
The part time ACOA minister uses blatant political pork-barrelling for his provincial PC friends. This is unaccountable.
Child care spaces destined for Toronto families where mothers are crying out for affordable day care have been cut.
The justice minister will not take unscreened questions at a town hall meeting because he does not like the answers he would have to give. This is unaccountable.
We know that Canadians are not naive as the Prime Minister seems to think. They have noticed all these changes for the worse.
Pierre Lemieux Conservative Glengarry—Prescott—Russell, ON
Mr. Speaker, yesterday the Liberal member for Notre-Dame-de-Grâce—Lachine said that an overwhelming majority of her caucus would support the wasteful billion dollar long gun registry.
Let me remind her what members of her own caucus have said. The Liberal member for Outremont said, “The gun registry is a disaster. It is a living, breathing scandal”.
The Liberal member for Desnethé—Missinippi—Churchill River said, “I have advised my Liberal colleagues that I'll be voting with the Conservatives to dismantle the Firearms Act”.
The Liberal leadership hopeful, the member for Kings—Hants said, “Over one billion dollars has been wasted for this misguided, poorly designed long gun registry program that from the beginning was destined for failure”.
Unlike the Liberals, the government is committed to keeping its promises and delivering real results to Canadians. The government is committed to effective gun control. We need to target criminals, not duck hunters and farmers.
Bill Graham LiberalLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, we are one day shy of the summer solstice. As the poet might say: strange things are done under the midnight sun, but none stranger than the Tories and the NDP as one.
The NDP have put the success of the Conservatives ahead of the values of progressive Canadians. It has cost our country early learning and child care agreements with the provinces, the Kelowna solution to the problems of aboriginal Canadians, and Canada's participation in the fight against global warming, the Kyoto accord.
Why does the Prime Minister continue his alliance with the NDP to compromise the values and priorities of progressive Canadians?