Debates of April 24th, 2007

Opposition Motion--Greenhouse Gas Reduction Target

[Mark Warawa, Conservative, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of the Environment]

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the comments made by my colleague across the way. As we have said, we support the motion.

Where the carbon exchange trading occurs will be decided by the market. There is a possibility of it being in Winnipeg, Toronto, Montreal or others. We agree with him on this. We also agree that it is very important that we have a government taking action on the environment, cleaning up greenhouse gas emissions and reducing them dramatically, but a question remains.

I have asked this before and have not received an answer yet. The member did talk about mistakes made. We are not trying to lay blame, but Canadians would really like to know why, when he was a member of the government for 13 years, the Liberals did not address the issue of climate change and greenhouse emissions. Would he please tell this House why when he was in government they did not take action and why we now find ourselves over 35% above the target?

[The Acting Speaker, Conservative, Royal Galipeau]

The hon. member for Don Valley West. There is less than a minute to respond.

[John Godfrey, Liberal, Don Valley West, ON]

Mr. Speaker, there are two responses to that question.

The first, of course, is that the last environment minister in the last Liberal government brought forward project green. As I have just explained to my colleague from the NDP, there were absolute regulations for heavy industry and thus for half of the emissions produced in this country. We also addressed the auto sector. In fact, there was a plan and we were bringing it in until it was upset by electoral events.

I was fascinated to hear one thing the hon. member said, which was that he supports the motion. The motion is quite precise about the government setting fixed greenhouse gas emission targets and--

[The Acting Speaker, Conservative, Royal Galipeau]

Order, please. It is with regret that I interrupt the hon. member. We will now go to statements by members.

I recognize the hon. member for Cariboo—Prince George.

Special Olympics

[Dick Harris, Conservative, Cariboo—Prince George, BC]

Mr. Speaker, June 15 will mark the 14th year for the Dick Harris Special Olympics Charity Golf Classic. At the conclusion of this great event, we will have raised over $350,000 in support of Special Olympics programs in Prince George and the B.C. Central Interior.

These Special Olympics programs continue to be of huge benefit in helping our athletes improve their motor skills, their physical well-being and of course their self-esteem.

We truly have been blessed with an abundance of citizen and corporate support over the last 14 years.

I am totally shameless when it comes to raising money for Special Olympics, and yes, even to the point of asking politicians of all political stripes to support our tournament.

I want to invite all of my colleagues in the House to bring their money and their golf clubs and take part in this great Special Olympics fundraising event. They can see me for details.

Baha'i Festival

[Bryon Wilfert, Liberal, Richmond Hill, ON]

Mr. Speaker, the Baha'i faith is the youngest of the world's independent religions. Baha'is live in 235 countries and territories throughout the world. They come from over 2,100 ethnic, racial and tribal groups and number some five million around the world.

Founded in Iran in 1844, the Baha'i faith was introduced to Canada in 1898. There are now some 30,000 Canadian Baha'is living in local communities spread throughout every province and territory.

Members of the Baha'i community of Richmond Hill are gathering to celebrate one of the most important holy festivals of the year. The festival of Baha'i takes place from April 20 to May 2. It commemorates a period of 12 days in 1863 when the prophet founder of the Baha'i faith made a public announcement of his divinely inspired mission to his followers.

As we celebrate in Canada, there is persecution in Iran, where the government is systematically removing people of the Baha'i faith from the military and from schools. How wonderful that we are able to celebrate in Canada.

I call on the Government of Canada to lend its voice to condemning the systematic persecution of Baha'is in Iran.

Danielle Allard and Léon Rivard

[Pierre Paquette, Bloc, Joliette, QC]

Mr. Speaker, this year once again, Danielle Allard and Léon Rivard, two talented artists from the riding of Joliette, have been listed in Larousse's prestigious Drouot dictionary of artists. Published throughout the French-speaking world, the Cotations des artistes 2007 is a directory of 14,400 works of contemporary artists.

Danielle Allard, who has been an artist-painter for more than 20 years, shares her knowledge and technique with her numerous students, who benefit from her passion for art and painting. Léon Rivard is an artist-painter, art professor and writer. For 38 years now, he too has been painting and sharing his knowledge with students. These two artists show their works in Quebec and in Europe, and a number of the works have already been acquired by French and Swiss art collectors.

On behalf of all my Bloc Québécois colleagues, I extend to them my heartfelt congratulations on their prolific careers and international recognition. Once again, Lanaudière and Quebec can be proud of their world renowned artists.

Ontario Municipal Board

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

Mr. Speaker, the Ontario Municipal Board voted today against the people of Iroquois Falls and contrary to the public interest of northern Ontarians. At stake is the future of the dams on the Abitibi River.

The power from these dams belongs to the people of Ontario. The dams were given to Abitibi-Price to facilitate low cost paper production. It is one thing for Abitibi to walk away on a public covenant, but it is a whole other thing for northern Liberals to sell out the interests of northerners and walk away on their obligation.

Minister David Ramsay abandoned the people of Iroquois Falls. He refused to come and meet with the community and he hid behind a partisan political appointment who was parachuted into the board, a failed Liberal candidate no less, who ignored, overruled and dismissed the preponderance of evidence that was in favour of the community.

Anyone who participated in those hearings knows that the people of Iroquois Falls were sold down the river by a minister who was too lazy to show up, stand up or fight for the north.

We will remember.

Pembroke Lumber Kings

[Cheryl Gallant, Conservative, Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke, ON]

Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to rise today to offer my congratulations to the Pembroke Lumber Kings upon their capture of the Central Junior A Hockey League championship Art Bogart cup.

This team is one of the founding franchises of the CJHL and it has been 18 long years since it was crowned league champion.

Lumber Kings captain Scott Campbell proved to be a most valuable player as he led his team on a tremendous playoff run of 12 wins and just three losses.

The Lumber Kings benefit from the on-ice talents of a number of Ottawa Valley favourite sons, including Adam Brace from Eganville, Mavric Parks and Brandon Jackson from Cobden, Keith Clark from Pembroke, Ben Reinhardt and Zach Wilson from Arnprior, and Renfrew's Sean Crozier.

The Pembroke Lumber Kings are supported by some of the very best and most loyal fans in all of eastern Ontario. When Canada's number one hockey fan, the Prime Minister, visited the upper Ottawa Valley to salute the troops this past December, he was presented with his very own Lumber Kings Hockey Town Canada jersey.

On behalf of the legions of fans from Hockey Town Canada and all across the upper Ottawa Valley, we wish the Kings the best of luck at the Fred Page cup.

St. Lawrence Seaway

[John Maloney, Liberal, Welland, ON]

Mr. Speaker, the St. Lawrence Seaway officially opened on March 20, 2007, establishing a new record for the earliest opening date. The 2007 shipping season marks the 75th anniversary of the fourth Welland Canal, which opened in 1932.

In a more environmentally sensitive climate, more people recognize that marine transportation is the most fuel efficient way of moving cargo while generating the lowest total volume of greenhouse gas emissions.

Sometimes dubbed the H₂0 highway, the seaway recorded a 9% increase in tonnage during the 2006 shipping season, reflecting the growing importance of shortsea shipping in complementing the road and rail infrastructure networks.

Currently there is still the capacity to increase cargo volume by over 60%. This is a tremendous opportunity in light of clogged land based arteries and an increasing desire among corporations to improve their energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

The Welland Canal was an engineering marvel of its time in 1932 and continues to be an integral part of the Niagara economy and our local culture in Port Colborne, Welland, Thorold and St. Catharines.

Israel

[Jacques Gourde, Conservative, Lotbinière—Chutes-de-la-Chaudière, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I have a message to deliver on this the 59th anniversary of the independence of Israel.

I would like to add my voice to that of my colleagues in extending my most sincere wishes to the members of the Jewish community in Quebec and Canada on this occasion.

Since 1948, the State of Israel has been a bulwark of liberty. It is also the only true democracy in the Middle East.

In the face of numerous threats of global terrorism, we know that we can always count on Israel being on the frontline of defence of the free world, as it has been ever since it was established.

In the context of World War II, Winston Churchill said that never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few. These words aptly reflect our gratitude and commitment to that country.

When the partition plan of the British mandate in the Middle East was voted on in 1947, Israel was able to count on Canada.

I state proudly that Israel will always be able to count on the support of the members of this House.

Happy Yom Haatsmaout.

Alexandre Morin

[Christiane Gagnon, Bloc, Québec, QC]

Mr. Speaker, in February, Quebec was shocked by the tragic disappearance of a promising young cyclist, Alexandre Morin.

The victim of an accident during his daily training run, Alexandre was found after an intensive search lasting several days. Hundreds of volunteers had mobilized and worked together to find him.

Last Sunday, participants in the Classique Chlorophylle, the opening competition of the cycling season in the Quebec City area, were inspired by that same feeling of solidarity.

This first race was dedicated to Alexandre's memory, and a minute of silence was observed in his honour before the junior racers set off. The cyclists, especially his younger sister Anne-Marie and his good friend William Garneau, all raced in tribute to Alexandre.

In a way, Alexandre continues to inspire all those he touched with his kindness, his determination and his energy.

Nigeria Election

[Deepak Obhrai, Conservative, Calgary East, AB]

Mr. Speaker, a presidential election important to all of the African region took place in Nigeria on April 21. Nigerians turned out to vote, despite long wait times and the potential for violence and intimidation. It is commendable that despite these deterrents, Nigerians remained determined to exercise their right to vote. I applaud their commitment to the democratic process.

The Government of Canada is deeply concerned about reports from international and domestic observers of serious irregularities. Observer groups have said that the election has failed to meet international standards. We agree with that assessment.

We urge Nigeria to quickly address all the shortcomings of the April 21 election through appropriate judicial measures. There must be credible avenues of redress so that Nigerians' confidence in their democratic institutions is not further eroded.

Canada stands ready to support the many Nigerians who want to make democracy succeed in their country.

National Volunteer Week

[Bernard Patry, Liberal, Pierrefonds—Dollard, QC]

Mr. Speaker, National Volunteer Week took place from April 15 to 21.

I want to express my sincere appreciation to all the volunteers in my riding who, through their individual efforts and their many associations and organizations, contribute actively to improving the lives of people throughout our community.

This year's theme was “Volunteers grow community”. I feel that this theme is very appropriate and very much appreciated, because volunteers give a great deal of their time and energy to help people with all sorts of needs. Volunteers transform our community into a great place to live. And thanks to their kindness and generosity of spirit, our volunteers truly grow and better our community.

The contributions of these outstanding citizens and their organizations deserve to be fully recognized. Without them, the very soul of our community life would be diminished. We offer them our heartfelt thanks and appreciation.

Immunization Awareness

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

Mr. Speaker, April 22 to 28, 2007 is National Immunization Awareness Week.

In the last 50 years immunization has saved more lives in Canada than any other health intervention. When effective new vaccines become available, it is in the best interests of Canadian families to receive them as quickly as possible.

In July 2006 the government approved a vaccine against HPV for use by young girls and women that prevents the majority of cancers of the cervix. The government will provide $300 million in funding to support the provinces and territories in launching programs for the HPV vaccine. This funding will allow for timely access to this life-saving measure.

Please join me in wishing the Canadian Coalition for Immunization Awareness and Promotion and the provincial and territorial health authorities success for this year's immunization awareness campaign.

Public Safety Officers

[Libby Davies, NDP, Vancouver East, BC]

Mr. Speaker, the men and women who put their lives on the line to protect their fellow Canadians deserve our highest regard. We stand in solidarity with the firefighters who are on Parliament Hill today.

In the last Parliament by a vote of 161 to 112, Parliament voted to establish a national benefit for the families of fallen and permanently disabled firefighters. The motion was put forward by the member for Burnaby—New Westminster. We want this motion to be fully implemented.

I have also put forward a motion to establish a federally funded Canadian public safety officer compensation fund payable to the survivors of a firefighter, police or public safety officer killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty.

We also know that implementation of budget promises for the hazardous materials training program for all first responders is critical to the safety of local communities and the safety of our first responders.

We call on the government to move swiftly on these key issues for firefighters which for too long have remained without action.

Armenia

[Jim Karygiannis, Liberal, Scarborough—Agincourt, ON]

Mr. Speaker, one year ago today the Minister of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed Parliament's voice to recognize the Armenian and Pontian genocides perpetrated on the people of Armenia and Pontus by the Ottoman Empire.

However, questions arise when the Canadian Ambassador to Turkey speaks for the government and he states:

It is not fun to be accused of having committed genocide. It is about influence, it is about making sure that they have enough knowledge to make a decision that makes sense, and it is about talking to them and telling them their [Turkey's] side of the story. In this case I believe that Turkey started much too late to tell its side of the story.

When will the minister recall the ambassador, or is this yet another flip-flop?

The Armenian People

[Nicole Demers, Bloc, Laval, QC]

Mr. Speaker, today, we commemorate the 92nd anniversary of the Armenian genocide.

[Member spoke in Armenian as follows:]

High a'zke hin jogho-vourt men est.

Tze'r tratsi shad me ayl joghovourt-ne'r anhe' -da-tse'r e'n, payts Touk verab-radz ek, bahelo'v Tzer lezoon, tzer kire're, tzer'r avan-tou-tiun-ne're.

[Translation]

As a Bloc Québécois member, I made it a duty to learn your history and its tragedies. Over the years, I have developed a friendship with several members of your community, and this has enabled me to get to know your heroes, your poets and your artists. This is why today I have an even greater admiration for your people.

[Member spoke in Armenian as follows:]

Gue'tse high jogho-vourte.

Israel

[Susan Kadis, Liberal, Thornhill, ON]

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I stand here today to mark the celebration of Israel's independence.

On its 59th birthday, it is imperative to remember that Israel was conceived as a nation out of one of the darkest days in our collective history, the Holocaust. It is from that deep anguish that great hope was born and Israel was established. Today more than ever we must pledge to protect Israel against those who brazenly seek its destruction.

Right now, proud Israelis are filling the streets wearing blue and white, singing and dancing with pride in their country.

Today we celebrate not only another year on the calendar, but rejoice in the freedom, democracy and perseverance that is Israel. The desert land that was once nothing more than a dream and a vision has since become a beautiful, thriving state filled with the richness of history and booming urban centres. It is a remarkable feat that Israel has become a leader in the 21st century of discoveries and innovation despite these challenges.

I look forward to sharing in the great spirit of Israel's Independence Day today and in the years to come.

Rail Safety

[Joe Preston, Conservative, Elgin—Middlesex—London, ON]

Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to acknowledge this week as Operation Lifesaver Safety Week in Canada.

Operation Lifesaver is a national public education program made up of volunteers whose mission it is to promote rail safety and to reduce the needless loss of life, injuries and damage caused by crossing collisions and trespassing incidents.

This week communities across the country will be participating in numerous activities, including everything from mock collisions to crossing blitzes and trespassing enforcement exercises. These activities are sure to hit home and will make Canadians understand that safety is no game.

To mark rail safety week, our government has announced more than $10.4 million for 103 safety improvement projects at railway crossings across Canada. This funding will allow us to continue to work with rail companies and communities to improve safety of rail crossings for motorists and pedestrians throughout Canada.

We believe that by promoting public awareness of rail safety we can help save lives.

Afghanistan

[Michael Ignatieff, Liberal, Etobicoke—Lakeshore, ON]

Mr. Speaker, last month—

[Some hon. members]

Oh, oh!

[The Speaker, Liberal, Peter Milliken]

Order, please. The hon. member for Etobicoke—Lakeshore has the floor. We want to be able to hear his question.

[Michael Ignatieff, Liberal, Etobicoke—Lakeshore, ON]

Mr. Speaker, last month, the Minister of National Defence went to Kandahar to look the head of the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission straight in the eyes.

Yesterday, he told this House that the commission “has the authority to go into the Afghan system”. Today, we learn that their people cannot even set foot there.

Why does this government refuse to immediately stop transferring prisoners until an assessment is done?

[Stephen Harper, Conservative, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, I have been informed that our government and our forces in Afghanistan are in communication with the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission. We are continuing to offer all possible assistance. Until now, we did not have the information that is being reported today in the papers. If there are problems, the government will work with the independent Afghan commission to solve them.