Debates of June 5th, 2006

Master Breeder Award

[Wayne Easter, Liberal, Malpeque, PE]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the MacBeath family of Marshfield, P.E.I. Athol, Malcolm, Gordon and Christopher recently were awarded the Master Breeder award at Holstein Canada's national convention.

Less than 1% of Canadian breeders achieve this award, which symbolizes exceptional breeding practices and is considered the ultimate honour in the Holstein industry. In fact, only nine Island breeders have achieved this success since the first in 1931.

Started by Athol in the 1960s, the MacBeath family's hard work and dedication consists of three generations. They prospered with their herd, looking after the breeding and the feeding and the care of their livestock, and they made this achievement possible.

The MacBeath Farms have a lot to be proud of. On behalf of parliamentarians in the House, I congratulate them on the honour of achieving the Master Breeder award.

Richard Roy

[Robert Carrier, Bloc, Alfred-Pellan, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay a special tribute to the executive director of Collège Laval, Brother Richard Roy, who is retiring this year.

He started his career in the early 1970s. He was an instructor in Iberville, then head of educational services at Collège Laval, and finally its executive director for the last 12 years. Brother Roy’s departure marks the final stage in a renewal process through which a religious community has passed the torch to a secular organization. For more than a century the Marist Brothers have been running this college, which year after year earns the highest accolades in education.

Brother Richard Roy devoted his life to educating students. Although he is retiring, he will not be inactive. He is going to take part over the next few years in a mission to the Philippines and Sri Lanka.

The Bloc Québécois pays tribute to the prestigious career of Brother Richard Roy and wishes him all the best in his future endeavours.

Veterans

[Brian Masse, NDP, Windsor West, ON]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, for the 80th time, members of the Windsor Veterans Memorial Services Committee paid tribute and honoured those who served our country and have died in the past year from our area.

Created by Major Joe Brown and Clarence Forster, the WVMS began after World War I to assist families in burial services and support.

Unique to Windsor, our tribute includes a banquet and a ceremony at our cenotaph, where this year we recognized 353 veterans who passed away this year with the observance of the Last Post, a three gun salute and a vintage plane flyover.

We also recognized the 16 men and one woman who died in service in Afghanistan and Senior Constable John Atkinson, who was killed in the line of duty for our police services.

My grandfather, Mr. Fred Attwood, was a decorated World War II veteran. The WVMS provided support when he succumbed to cancer. Words will never fully express my family's gratitude that his Legion comrades helped lay him to rest.

Let me say to chairman Wayne Hillman and Reverend Stan Fraser and for all the past and present volunteers of WVMS that they are proof that heroes are still giving back to our community. I thank them. They do us proud.

Maple Ridge Community

[Randy Kamp, Conservative, Pitt Meadows—Maple Ridge—Mission, BC]

Mr. Speaker, within two days at the end of May, Maple Ridge lost two exemplary citizens. I would like to pay tribute to them today.

On Saturday, May 27, we lost Paul Steine, a dedicated volunteer and community leader who died at the age of 86. He served the community in many ways, but most notably as a member of the fire department for 44 years, 10 of those years as the full time chief. It was the perfect job for Paul because he loved serving people

On Monday, May 29, we lost my friend Frank Fehr, who died unexpectedly at the age of 63. Frank was a successful builder and developer, but more than that, he was a wise and gentle man who knew the real meaning of life and modelled what it means to be a good husband, father and grandfather.

Both these gentlemen understood that real success in life is not about building a dynasty. It is about leaving a legacy. They have done that, but they will be greatly missed.

On behalf of my colleagues here in the House, I offer my condolences to their families and friends.

James Caddell Memorial Scholarship

[David McGuinty, Liberal, Ottawa South, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to offer my congratulations to Andrew Caddell, my constituent and the father of James Caddell. This past week, he conducted a successful marathon, raising money for the James Caddell Memorial Scholarship for Orphans to aid impoverished and orphaned children to seek a better life through education. The scholarship will give many underprivileged children a way to achieve their potential.

James Caddell was an outstanding citizen with an unwavering commitment to aiding the less fortunate. He led a rich life. He served his family and his country as a devoted soldier, humanitarian, husband and son. He was a recipient of the peacekeeping service and UNPROFOR medals. As well, James was an avid marathon runner.

Although James planned on beginning this humanitarian project upon returning to Canada, in a tragic turn of events he fell ill and passed away on October 16, 2005 from pulmonary edema in Tupiza, Bolivia.

With this scholarship, James' devotion to helping others will carry on.

Edmonton Oilers

[Rahim Jaffer, Conservative, Edmonton Strathcona, AB]

Mr. Speaker, when the Edmonton Oilers take to the ice in Raleigh, North Carolina tonight for game one of the Stanley Cup finals, all of Canada will be behind them.

It is a well established fact that the Oilers enjoy the support of the best hockey fans in the league. One need only look at the pride, excitement and passion in Rexall Place on game night to see that Edmonton is truly a city behind its hockey team.

Unfortunately, the immature and irresponsible actions of a few, following games last month, have threatened to mar our city's reputation. Vandalism, the destruction of public property and hooliganism are never justified.

As fans take to the bars and restaurants along Whyte Avenue in my riding tonight, following what is sure to be Edmonton's first win of the series, I encourage everyone to celebrate responsibly. Let us show Canadians watching from coast to coast that Edmonton truly is the city of champions.

On behalf of the national Conservative caucus and Canada's new government, go, Oilers, go.

Denise Julien

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

Mr. Speaker, I want to inform the House of the determined work done by a woman for many years in the forestry sector in Laurentides—Labelle and Quebec, Ms. Denise Julien.

For the last 12 years, she has run the Centre de services aux réseaux d'entreprises in Mont-Laurier. She helped found the Coopérative forestière des Hautes-Laurentides and was recently appointed to the committee to implement the Coulomb commission report. She also chairs the Comité socio-économique Forêt et ressources naturelles of the Conférence des élus des Laurentides.

Denise Julien has devoted many years of her life to the development of the forestry sector and was recently named engineer of the year by the Ordre des ingénieurs forestiers du Québec—and all that without ever having studied engineering.

Congratulations Ms. Julien. May our region continue to benefit from your knowledge.

Canadian Forces Day

[Russ Hiebert, Conservative, South Surrey—White Rock—Cloverdale, BC]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday was Canadian Forces Day, a day we celebrate every year on the first Sunday in June to honour the tens of thousands of men and women who serve Canada and Canadians as members of our armed forces.

Our armed forces represent what defines us as Canadians: our willingness to help those in need, our contributions to peace and our eagerness to protect Canadian interests.

This government is fully committed to our men and women in uniform and firmly stands behind them. We have pledged to strengthen the Canadian Forces to allow them to address even more effectively the security challenges of the 21st century.

On behalf of all Canadians, I would like to thank them and their families for their commitment, their willing sacrifices and the great work they do for Canada.

CUPE

[Anita Neville, Liberal, Winnipeg South Centre, MB]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to condemn the recent decision of CUPE Ontario to support the international campaign of boycott, divestment and sanctions against Israel. This irresponsible action trivializes the other work of this union, questions its impartiality and certainly does not speak for all its members.

It is inappropriate. It weighs in on an important foreign policy issue that CUPE appears not equipped to deal with and, judging from the decision, does not understand. Indeed, I am surprised by the deafening silence from the New Democratic Party on this issue and I ask Mr. Layton to clarify its position.

In a time when the Palestinian people elect a terrorist group to govern them while Israelis elect a government committed to disengagement, why is CUPE Ontario overlooking terrorists to go after Israelis voting for peace? CUPE's resolution is insidious and will only serve to foster prejudice and bias.

The Environment

[Jeff Watson, Conservative, Essex, ON]

Mr. Speaker, the Liberals promised to cut greenhouse gases to 6% below 1990 emissions. Their policy according to Liberal Tom Axworthy “wasn't real anyway” and emissions under the liberals rose by 35%. Now he may have gotten it wrong on emissions, but the former Prime Minister understands what it is to cut. He successfully cut the budget for the environment by 40%.

His family shipping empire did its environmental part too by sweeping iron ore pellets from cargo holds to the bottom of the Great Lakes when no one was looking.

The Liberals failed to clean up the Sydney Tar Ponds too, preferring instead study after study on the issue. There has been more than a decade of inaction by Liberals on cleaning up toxic sites in Canada.

Now back in Essex, where smog advisories filled 13 summer calendars under the Liberals, we look forward to the easier breathing days of winter. Not so in the last election where the former PMs top belching jet paid us three lung-clogging visits in his desperate “cling to government tour”.

Canadians were not fooled though. They chose a Conservative government for real, positive environmental change.

Public Safety

[Jack Layton, NDP, Toronto—Danforth, ON]

Mr. Speaker, on Saturday Canadians woke to learn the alarming news that 17 individuals had been arrested on terror-related charges in the greater Toronto area.

New Democrats condemn acts of violence and terror in Canada and abroad.

All Canadians salute the efforts and cooperation of our law enforcement and intelligence agencies. We are grateful for the work that they do.

Canadians together shall stand firm against those few who seek to divide us. Let us hold true to the values of tolerance and understanding which are the foundations upon which our society is built, and let cool heads prevail in the aftermath of these arrests.

Justice will not be served against a small ill-meaning minority if mosques are vandalized, if businesses are attacked and if entire communities are singled out.

In our constant quest for everyone's safety, let us allow justice to take its course in the courts and allow tolerance to guide our actions in our communities.

The Environment

[Mario Silva, Liberal, Davenport, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise in the House today to mark United Nations World Environment Day, a day when Canadians join people around the world to mark their concern for the environment.

Appropriately, this year's theme is “Deserts and Desertification”, a problem exacerbated by global warming which the government continues to ignore. Sadly, this environment day, Canada is the only country in the world to unilaterally abandon its international obligations under the Kyoto treaty.

It is important to continue to raise awareness and political attention on the environment. I encourage all Canadians to be active agents of sustainability and equitable development.

On this specific day it is important for all of us, as citizens and as parliamentarians, to examine the state of our environment and to carefully consider our actions in order to preserve it.

Spa Eastman

[Christian Ouellet, Bloc, Brome—Missisquoi, QC]

Mr. Speaker, Ms. Jocelyna Dubuc founded the first spa in Quebec in my riding 30 years ago. Over the years, her establishment has become a beacon to tourism and healing in Quebec.

Spa Eastman takes it name from the picturesque village where Orford mountain shows the profile of the man of the east. This spa is on the historic Diligences road, which linked Montreal to Boston.

Ms. Dubuc continues to be the guiding spirit of this marvellous haven of regeneration that attracts people the world over.

On May 26, Ms. Dubuc received the 2006 tourism personality award from the Government of Quebec.

Today she is on Parliament Hill and she will be the only Quebec finalist to be inducted in the Tourism Hall of Fame this afternoon.

The Bloc Québécois commends her and congratulates her on this accomplishment.

Diabetes

[Dominic LeBlanc, Liberal, Beauséjour, NB]

Mr. Speaker, today volunteers living with diabetes in communities across Canada have come to Parliament to raise awareness of the disparities in treatment and effects of living with this difficult illness.

The facts are alarming: of the two million Canadians living with diabetes today, over 80% will die of heart disease or stroke. Diabetes dramatically increases a person's likelihood of kidney failure, blindness, nerve trauma and amputation.

Canadians do not have equal access to prescription medications to treat this chronic disease. Some provinces restrict access to less than six of the 17 possible diabetes medications available in Canada today.

In all our families, near or far, there are people with this disease. In my family it is my father who has been living with diabetes for many years.

The time has come for every level of government in Canada to work together to improve and harmonize the drug plans to help these courageous Canadians who deserve our support.

Liberal Party of Canada

[Merv Tweed, Conservative, Brandon—Souris, MB]

Mr. Speaker, the Liberal Party seems to be a little confused on the fiscal imbalance. Their current leader refuses to say what its position is.

The last Liberal leader said there was no such thing as a fiscal imbalance and what exactly were the provinces complaining about. His finance minister at the time was just as adamant. He said: “That is the allegation of a fiscal imbalance in Canada. With the greatest of respect, I do not agree”.

The member for Etobicoke--Lakeshore said that he would call a royal commission to examine the fiscal imbalance. While the member for Kings—Hants said that once upon a time there was a fiscal imbalance, but the Liberals got rid of it. How, we are not sure. He will not say.

The member for Newmarket—Aurora said, “I think it's sad for the people of Ontario that we have to wait for death-bed repentance before we see some action. That's not good, sound fiscal planning”.

We think it is sad that on such an important issue, the Liberal Party cannot get its stories straight.

Public Safety

[Bill Graham, Liberal, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, Canadians were shocked to learn of this weekend's arrests in Toronto.

All Canadians, I am sure, will join members in congratulating our security and intelligence services, and the extraordinary work they have done in this case involving sensitive investigations going well back into last year.

Obviously, the cooperation between CSIS, the RCMP and local police authorities is instrumental for the successful completion of this type of operation.

Will the Prime Minister please advise the House as to the present status of this matter?

[Stephen Harper, Conservative, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, as the House will know, there were 17 individuals arrested on Saturday during an investigation which has been going on for some time and which, I gather, is still proceeding.

Obviously, I am not at liberty to comment beyond that, other than to echo the sentiments expressed by the Leader of the Opposition.

Over the past several years, efforts have been made by governments on both sides of the House to ensure that our police and security forces are working more cooperatively. We have strengthened our laws. The last budget also strengthened resources toward police and security.

We have a lot of confidence in the job the RCMP, CSIS and our police and security forces are doing in this country.

[Bill Graham, Liberal, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, I echo the Prime Minister's comments about the increased security measures in place since 2002 and the great efforts that Canada has made in terms of border security and international cooperation, supported by all members of the House.

Some American legislators, unfortunately, and inflammatory media commentators have described Canada as a haven for terrorists, with a large al-Qaeda presence. For this, they blame Canada's immigration system, the very system that has helped us build the country that we are proud to serve in today.

What actions, would the Prime Minister tell the House, is the government taking to respond to these inaccurate attacks on Canada's immigration policies?

[Stephen Harper, Conservative, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, first, I had the occasion to speak with some American governors last weeks; the matter did come up briefly.

As the hon. member will know, we have been screening all immigrants to this country. There is a preliminary screening. If that turns up anything for possible further enquiry, there are complete screenings done to all people who immigrate to this country.

I think that is one of the reasons why the RCMP and others were able to tell me that in the course of this investigation, they have received support and assistance from members of communities, cultural and religious communities of all backgrounds, in ensuring that this country is safe.

I know, also, that our ministers have been in touch with our colleagues in the United States. The American administration has been very helpful and cooperative. The American media generally has covered the story accurately, and we will deal with the inaccuracies that are being perpetrated in some circles.

[Bill Graham, Liberal, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister referred to community actions. Unfortunately, this weekend, a Toronto mosque was vandalized.

The members of this House condemn all acts of aggression against a religious group in our country. We must never allow terrorist threats to compromise our values of tolerance, openness and respect for others.

What will the government do to reassure Canada's Muslims, who simply want respect, tolerance and peace?

[Stephen Harper, Conservative, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, obviously this government is against any act of vandalism against any religious group in this country.

I should add that police officers have informed me that they have the support of all cultural and linguistic communities in their investigation of this occurrence.

These terrorists remind me of the 1930s. They may use symbols of a faith and a culture to justify their actions, but in reality, they represent nothing but hatred.

[Omar Alghabra, Liberal, Mississauga—Erindale, ON]

Mr. Speaker, community groups, such as the Canadian Arab Federation and CAIR Canada, have been calling on the government to work collaboratively with them for the benefit of all Canadians. Specifically, they are asking the government to have a serious discussion with them to identify the causes and minimize the effects of radicalization.

In light of this weekend's event, what plan does the government have to work with Muslim community groups to assure them that it takes their offer seriously?

[Stephen Harper, Conservative, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, I know the Minister of Public Safety will be having meetings. As I say, police and security people have also regularly met.

Let me just say this. I will say what I said a minute ago once again. We know, if we look back to the 1930s, that those who have extremist ideologies or practise terrorism love to use the words of culture and of faith to back their actions. The fact of the matter is this is a country that welcomes all cultures and all faiths. The terrorists and the people they represent stand for nothing but hatred. People of goodwill of all cultures and all faiths in this country will oppose those kinds of actions.

[Omar Alghabra, Liberal, Mississauga—Erindale, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I will try another question.

We have seen some unfortunate incidents over the weekend where irrational and hateful actions have been directed at Muslim Canadians and their institutions. Aside from meeting with the cross-cultural round table, what concrete measures is the government taking about promoting calm, protecting minorities and cooperating with community stakeholders?

[Stockwell Day, Conservative, Minister of Public Safety]

Mr. Speaker, I am glad my hon. friend raised the issue of the cross-cultural round table. In fact, I met with that group this morning. Some of them are here with us today. That is one example of Canadians who have banded together, dedicated Canadians from all walks of life, ethnically diverse. They work right across the country with community groups, ethnic groups, religious groups and cultural groups holding symposia and meetings in order to advance and enhance the very notions that the Prime Minister has just reflected on. They also meet and advise our security forces, be it CSIS, the RCMP, or local police forces.

This is just one of many initiatives that go on across the country, especially at moments like this, to assure our Muslim friends that we stand with them and beside them, especially related to these acts of terrorism, which are not Canadian values and we do not support that.