Debates of May 28th, 2007

Criminal Code

[Paul Crête, Bloc, Montmagny—L'Islet—Kamouraska—Rivière-du-Loup, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I am deeply convinced that prevention is the way of the future. This does not mean that all people can be rehabilitated. But more effort must be put into crime prevention and ensuring that people do not enter into the vicious circle of the criminal system. Additional efforts can be made about this in terms of money.

The Bloc Québécois also proposes to reconsider the nearly automatic nature of parole. Before releasing people in the community, it would be possible to make sure that they stay out of trouble and that they are ready for reintegration. We should be able to say that we have put all the chances on our side in order to achieve the desired results, so that they become fully participating members of our society, citizens that we can be proud of. The present approach of the government to move to minimum sentences is completely incompatible with this practice. Unfortunately, the government did not listen to the arguments presented by several experts in this field. If it had listened, we would have a bill emphasizing prevention instead of minimum sentences, which will not reduce the crime rate.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

[David Tilson, Conservative, Dufferin—Caledon, ON]

Mr. Speaker, last year I introduced a private member's bill that would designate the month of June as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis month. This disease is more commonly referred to as ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease. The bill would ensure that June of every year in Canada would be known as ALS month.

Currently, 3,000 Canadians live with this disease with two to three Canadians lose their lives to ALS every day. ALS is a rapidly progressive and ultimately fatal neuromuscular disease that causes nerve cells to degenerate. With this disease the voluntary muscles weaken and become immobile. This disease has affected me deeply on a personal level as I lost my father to this disease a number of years ago.

The ALS Society greatly benefits people living with the disease by raising public awareness of ALS and through annual fundraising events. I strongly urge Canadians to get involved with the ALS Society or donate funds so a cure for this extremely destructive disease may be found as quickly as possible.

Seniors

[Susan Kadis, Liberal, Thornhill, ON]

Mr. Speaker, June is seniors month in Ontario, an opportunity for us to recognize and pay tribute to the significant contributions made by seniors to the quality of life in our communities.

This year's theme is “Active Living: Share Your Experience”. Older Ontarians have worked hard and continue to contribute to the prosperity we all enjoy today. Celebrating seniors month has become our collective way of honouring and giving something back to them.

Thornhill has many active and vibrant seniors groups. It is always a pleasure to meet with groups such as the Giuseppe Garibaldi Seniors Club which holds many events for the Thornhill Seniors Centre. They are incredible. Recently, the club used funds from the new horizons for seniors program, a Liberal initiative, to purchase new technology for the centre.

On my recent visit to the Glynwood Retirement Community, I was impressed by the desire of residents to share their knowledge and experience on the many issues facing Parliament. Seniors are living healthier and longer lives and we, the next generation, have a responsibility to support their continued well-being and participation.

I encourage everyone to join in the celebrations as we thank our seniors for their invaluable contributions. I continue to be greatly inspired by them.

Benoît Sauvageau

[Louis Plamondon, Bloc, Bas-Richelieu—Nicolet—Bécancour, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take advantage of this day dedicated to former parliamentarians to honour our former colleague, Benoît Sauvageau, who died unexpectedly in August 2006.

Not only was he a well-liked, dedicated, hard-working and respectful member who was very attentive to the needs of his constituents in Repentigny, but he was also a formidable parliamentarian and was involved in many files to defend the interests of Quebec.

Benoît was critic in a number of areas. Each time, he accepted his assignments diligently and competently, and always respected all parliamentarians.

Benoît was also very dedicated to his family, and particularly to his wife, Jacinthe, and his wonderful daughters, Catherine, Laurence, Elizabeth and Alice.

We have lost an exceptional parliamentarian, but we will remember the work he did here, in Ottawa, and we will always be inspired by his determination and know-how.

The entire Bloc Québécois family will remember you, Benoît, as a friend, and as an outstanding spokesperson for Quebec.

Forest Industry

[Catherine Bell, NDP, Vancouver Island North, BC]

Mr. Speaker, last week in Campbell River we had a forum to discuss the impacts of raw log exports on jobs, families and communities. That very week also saw our last remaining sawmill on Vancouver Island North shut down for the second time in two months due to a shortage of logs.

It is ironic that there are no logs when in the first three months of this year 800,000 cubic metres of logs were exported from B.C., the equivalent of 580 full time mill worker jobs. The irony is not lost on the laid off mill workers in Campbell River. They know what thousands of other unemployed mill workers know, that the export of raw logs means the export of their jobs.

The people of Vancouver Island North will not sit idly by and watch their communities crumble due to the crisis in the forest industry. They are calling on the federal and provincial governments to take action, to invest in the forest industry, to help reinvigorate the lumber processing sector, and to stimulate value added manufacturing.

Speakers told us at the meeting how value added products could be made with our logs without penalty under the softwood lumber agreement. Why is it not happening? Why will the federal government not wake up and help forest dependent communities to flourish rather than to falter?

Former Parliamentarians

[Larry Miller, Conservative, Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound, ON]

Mr. Speaker, today we honour parliamentarians who have passed away in the last year. This commemoration is one of the special days during which our national flag is lowered to half-mast.

This gesture is done out of honour and respect in conjunction with the Canadian Association of Former Parliamentarians. This group provides non-partisan support for the parliamentary system and fosters good relations between the Senate, this House of Commons and former parliamentarians.

By honouring this fine group of people who have served their country, and in doing so with the former parliamentarians, we make a continuing commitment to strengthen the institutions of democracy and public participation in the political process in Canada.

As members of Parliament, we are privileged to represent Canadians in this great House that Sir John A. Macdonald built. There have been 4,015 MPs in the history of Parliament and it is an honour for each of us to serve our country.

Congratulations to the members of the Canadian Association of Former Parliamentarians for keeping alive the memory of those who have gone before us in this House.

Royal Society of Canada

[Marlene Jennings, Liberal, Notre-Dame-de-Grâce—Lachine, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the Royal Society of Canada, the largest scholarly society in the country, was founded in 1882 by the governor general of the day, the Marquess of Lorne. Celebrating its 125th anniversary this year, the society maintains its objectives of fostering the highest levels of learning and recognizing outstanding achievements.

RSC members include various institutions, such as Canada's largest universities. The RSC is also involved in international research partnerships. A major player in the areas of knowledge and culture in Canada, the RSC continues to build on its remarkable traditions. Congratulations to the Royal Society of Canada.

RCMP Heritage Centre

[Tom Lukiwski, Conservative, Regina—Lumsden—Lake Centre, SK]

Mr. Speaker, this past week I had the honour of participating at the opening ceremonies for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Heritage Centre that took place in my riding of Regina--Lumsden--Lake Centre.

The new $40 million building is truly one of a kind, holding nearly twice the amount of exhibit space as its predecessor. It uses interactive displays and multimedia technology to illustrate the RCMP's prominent role in Canadian history.

Regina has always had a special connection with the RCMP. With the RCMP Training Academy stationed in the city and our government's commitment of $10 million to support the Canadian Police Research Centre, I expect the new RCMP Heritage Centre will attract thousands of tourists every year to experience the proud history of our RCMP and the impact they have had in shaping our great country.

Canada's new government is committed to strengthening the RCMP with the most modern and efficient tools available to ensure that their legacy continues. The new RCMP Heritage Centre serves as a tribute to all the men and women who have served in an RCMP uniform.

Olivier Awards Gala

[Christiane Gagnon, Bloc, Québec, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the ninth Olivier awards gala, emceed by Martin Petit, was held last night. The gala, televised for French speaking audiences in Quebec and Canada, highlights Quebec's performing artists and all those working in comedy.

My Bloc colleagues and I wish to congratulate the nominees and the winners. We would like to recognize in particular the Grandes Gueules, Mario Tessier and José Gaudet, who won five Olivier awards, including the Olivier of the year and a special Olivier, a fitting reward for their 15 years of performing comedy. Laurent Paquin won two awards, one for show of the year and another for writer of the year. Many other artists won Oliviers but, unfortunately, we cannot mention them all.

The ability to laugh at oneself is a characteristic of Quebeckers. We would like to congratulate all winners and those who use their talents to make Quebeckers laugh.

Canada Summer Jobs

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

Mr. Speaker, our government has accelerated the second phase of funding for the Canada summer jobs program in order to help students quickly acquire the best work experience possible during the summer months.

Canada summer jobs is focused on encouraging employers of not for profit, public sector, and smaller private sector organizations with 50 or fewer employees to create jobs.

This morning, on behalf of our government, I announced that employers and students in Laurier Station will receive $7,728 in funding for the Regroupement des jeunes de Lotbinière.

This announcement follows announcements for the Centre Kéno-Patro, the Association Les Roul'Entrain and the Association québécoise des enfants dysphasiques de l'Estrie.

The second phase will also allow Véloroute des Bleuets to fill the 12 or 13 positions it needs.

Our government has the will and the means to take swift action. We are committed to helping young people acquire the skills, knowledge and experience they need to prepare for their future. We are getting things done.

Matthew McCully

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember Corporal Matthew McCully, “Matty” to his fellow soldiers, who was killed last week in Afghanistan.

Corporal McCully was part of a Canadian team helping to train the Afghan national army to bring stability to Afghanistan.

The fragility of Afghanistan's security situation has once again been tragically driven home.

On behalf of my colleagues and all Canadians, I extend condolences to the McCully family in their time of sorrow and grief.

Like all Canadians, we remain steadfast in our support for our troops as they risk their lives in Afghanistan.

We are proud of Corporal McCully's contribution to Canada and to this mission. We are also grateful for the sacrifices that the brave men and women of the Canadian Forces and their families continue to make for this nation.

Shawn McCaughey

[Dave Batters, Conservative, Palliser, SK]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in the House of Commons to pay tribute to the life of Snowbird 2, Captain Shawn McCaughey. We lost Captain McCaughey far too soon in a training accident on May 18.

Shawn fulfilled a lifelong dream when he became a Snowbird. He and his teammates received a huge ovation in the chamber last June, one day after they had buzzed the Peace Tower.

The Snowbirds exemplify the excellence of our Canadian Forces. The squadron is a vital recruiting tool for our military. The team also inspires our pilots to hone their skills and to be the best they can be.

Shawn, or “Deuce”, was an elite pilot and yet he was very modest. He is remembered as a really great guy, with his trademark smile and keen sense of humour. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

I know all members of the House and all Canadians join me in extending our deepest sympathies to Shawn's fiancée, Claudia, his parents, Ken and Rose, and sister Jennifer. Also, our thoughts and prayers go out to Shawn's family at 15 Wing in Moose Jaw.

Rail Transportation

[Alex Atamanenko, NDP, British Columbia Southern Interior, BC]

Mr. Speaker, last week I had an informative meeting with the general mill manager of Zellstoff Celgar pulp mill in Castlegar, B.C. regarding the CN and CP railways. According to Mr. Hitzroth, the Castlegar plant is paying premium prices for service that has deteriorated considerably over the past few years. This decline in rail service is threatening over 400 jobs at the Zellstoff Celgar mill.

Similar complaints are being expressed by the Canadian Wheat Board and many rural communities, especially those on secondary lines. These days the railways are reaping record profits and do not much care and, unless forced to, they never will.

The most immediate concern is the CP maintenance workers' labour strike. The government must step in and put pressure on CP to get back to the table, negotiate in good faith and hammer out a quick and reasonable settlement with its workers.

There has been enormous taxpayer investment in the Canadian railway system and the government must act. Our resource based and rural communities deserve to have a safe, quality and affordable service that all Canadians have paid for.

Shawn McCaughey

[John Cannis, Liberal, Scarborough Centre, ON]

Mr. Speaker, last week, Canada lost another member of its military family. Captain Shawn McCaughey, a member of Canada's world famous Snowbird squadron, was killed, unfortunately, when his plane went down during a practice session in Montana.

Captain McCaughey was 31 years old and a very beloved member of his squadron and the military community at 15 Wing Moose Jaw.

The Snowbirds carry this country's flag at air shows and other flight demonstrations around the world. They are standard bearers of excellence and professionalism in our military. Captain McCaughey was a proud member of this superb team of flyers.

On behalf of the leader of the Liberal Party, my caucus, all members and all Canadians, I too wish to extend my most sincere condolences to the family and colleagues of Captain McCaughey.

We also offer our gratitude to the Snowbirds, all the pilots and the support staff who work together on behalf of us and Canada.

Member for La-Pointe-de-l'Île

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

Mr. Speaker, on May 21, our colleague, the hon. member for La Pointe-de-l'Île, received the Marie-Victoire-Félix-Dumouchel prize, recognizing the contribution of a woman to Quebec's public life and her patriotic commitment to Quebec. This is a prize that is awarded each year by the Rassemblement pour un pays souverain, a sovereignist coalition. Incidentally, our colleague is the second recipient of this prize.

The hon. member for La Pointe-de-l'Île won this prize because of her great contribution to Quebec politics, both in Quebec City and in Ottawa. Minister responsible for the status of women in the Lévesque government in 1984 and a Bloc Québécois member of Parliament since 1993, she has developed an uncommon expertise in foreign affairs. A teacher and historian by trade, and a tireless worker, she has forged ties in Ottawa as well as abroad. Everywhere she goes, she speaks of sovereignty with conviction, reason and passion.

Congratulations on receiving this highly deserved Marie-Victoire-Félix-Dumouchel prize.

Jordan Manners

[Judy Sgro, Liberal, York West, ON]

Mr. Speaker, a terrible tragedy occurred in my riding of York West last week. Jordan Manners, a 15-year-old student, was shot and killed at C.W. Jeffreys Collegiate Institute.

Jordan will be remembered as a joyful, helpful, artistic young man who loved to play basketball and who dreamed of becoming an actor. Violence clearly has no place in our schools. Our precious children have a right to a safe school environment. We must all work harder in a cooperative manner to reduce violence and the proliferation of guns in our communities.

On behalf of all members of the House of Commons, I would like to extend my deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to Jordan's family and friends, the students and staff of C.W. Jeffreys Collegiate Institute and our entire community. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all.

Stanley Cup

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Nepean—Carleton, ON]

Mr. Speaker, it is time to do some duck hunting.

After years in the wilderness, Lord Stanley's cup is readying to come home to the nation's capital where it was born. The Ottawa Senators play in the first game of the Stanley Cup series tonight. No Canadian team has won the cup in over a decade. However, that is about to change. The Senators have made short work of their opponents, the Penguins, the Devils and the Sabres, all in five games.

Anaheim might have the fancy beaches and surfboards but we have frozen ponds and hockey sticks. It might have Disneyland but we have road shinny. It might have big money but we have the big heart.

Destiny is knocking and history will soon be made in our nation's capital. This is our national sport and we want our cup back.

The Environment

[Stéphane Dion, Liberal, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, the next G-8 meeting will be very important for helping humanity fight the worst environmental threat it is facing, and that is climate change.

The German presidency is insisting that the final declaration include mandatory reduction targets for greenhouse gases, which the Bush administration is opposing.

We want the Prime Minister to tell us which side Canada will be on. Will it put its weight on the accelerator or on the brakes?

[Stephen Harper, Conservative, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the Leader of the Opposition for his question.

At the G-8 meeting, an important meeting indeed, Canada, for the first time, will have a plan for the absolute reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

[Stéphane Dion, Liberal, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister did not answer the question. It is a bad start. It is quite rich for him to say that on the very day that a report shows his pale plan would deliver seven times less in greenhouse gas reductions than the climate change plan that I released in 2005 and that he killed.

The German president insists on supporting the UN-led efforts on climate change and the Kyoto protocol. Will the Prime Minister support the German president on this?

[Stephen Harper, Conservative, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, once again I thank the Leader of the Opposition for his question, his first environment question in almost four months. I appreciate his renewed interest in the matter.

In the meantime, the Leader of the Opposition should know that this will be the first time ever that a prime minister of Canada will be attending a G-8 with an actual plan to have absolute reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in Canada.

[Stéphane Dion, Liberal, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, I think the Prime Minister himself does not believe his own distortions. He knows very well that in June 2005 the prime minister at the time came forward with a plan for greenhouse gas reductions seven times more than what he wants. He knows very well that a full year was wasted when he killed the plan and the billions of dollars in greenhouse gas reductions. There are a lot of programs that he really just took parts of, and in changing the names, he is trying to fool the Canadian people.

Will he show this kind of awful behaviour at the G-8 meeting? Will he try to fool the world after he tried to fool Canadians?

[Stephen Harper, Conservative, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, what I know and what all Canadians know is that the Leader of the Opposition, despite being an advocate for Kyoto, has never produced a plan that would meet the Kyoto target, and when he was in government he never put one in place. That is a fact.

The Leader of the Opposition did ask a valuable question about the G-8 communiqué. The fact of the matter is that in order to have an effective international protocol post 2012, we need to have all major emitters, including the United States and China, as part of that effort. Canada will be working to try to create that consensus.

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

Mr. Speaker, we are entitled to know what working toward a consensus means, because the leading industrial nations are calling for a global action plan on climate change but the United States is standing in the way, and Canada stands by in silence. All of the excuse making does nothing to hide the government's failure of leadership.

The world is at a crossroads. Why does the Prime Minister choose the path of silence and the path of failure?

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

Mr. Speaker, that is from the member who said that the Liberal Party did not get it done.

The facts are that Canada is working in collaboration with all international partners to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and will be bringing to the G-8 a plan that provides a 20% reduction by 2020. That is one of the toughest plans in the world.