House of Commons Hansard #50 of the 39th Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was producers.

Topics

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

The Speaker Liberal Peter Milliken

It being Wednesday, we will now have the singing of the national anthem led by the hon. member for Timmins—James Bay.

[Members sang the national anthem]

Vision Impaired Curling ChampionshipStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Conservative

Ron Cannan Conservative Kelowna—Lake Country, BC

Mr. Speaker, I am honoured to stand and salute the competitors of the 2008 Canadian Vision Impaired Curling Championship, which took place last week here in Ottawa.

I am proud to announce that Team Canada, represented by the Kelowna rink, remained undefeated, winning its fourth consecutive championship.

Dean Martell, Bob Comba, Frank Costello and Sandy Neddow and dedicated coaches Janet Dyck and Barb Hansen-Comba are great ambassadors for Canada and the sport of vision impaired curling. They will make us proud as they go on to compete at the world championship later this year.

This is another success story for the city of Kelowna, which recently received special recognition from the Canada-wide Winter Lights Celebration, part of the popular Communities in Bloom program. Kelowna has received a five star rating as a four season city that all ages can enjoy at any time of the years.

We thank all the hard-working volunteers who made it happen.

I extend a warm welcome for all Canadians to come and enjoy our hospitality and discover for themselves why Kelowna is considered the jewel of the Okanagan.

East TimorStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Mario Silva Liberal Davenport, ON

Mr. Speaker, on May 20, 2002, East Timor became the first new state of the 21st century, following a United Nations sponsored self-determination process in 1999.

Since 2002, East Timor has had to contend with political and social instability. Several days ago, President Jose Ramos-Horta, who was the recipient of the 1996 Nobel Peace Price, and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao were the victims of an assassination attempt. President Ramos-Horta continues to recover from serious injuries. I am sure I speak for all members of Parliament in wishing him a full and quick recovery.

As a young and struggling democracy, East Timor's people and government need support from the world community. There is much that we can do to help.

I encourage the government, and indeed all Canadians, to provide whatever support it can to assist East Timor's people and its government at this particularly difficult time.

Onil ArcandStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Bloc

Marc Lemay Bloc Abitibi—Témiscamingue, QC

Mr. Speaker, the Société nationale des Québécoises et des Québécois d'Abitibi-Témiscamingue recently awarded its Prix d'honneur du citoyen d'Abitibi-Témiscamingue to Mr. Onil Arcand, a citizen in my riding.

This award is one of the most important given out annually by the Société nationale des Québécoises et des Québécois d'Abitibi-Témiscamingue in recognition of all the activities in which a citizen has engaged out of nationalist fervour and the leadership role he has played in advancing the cause.

For more than 25 years, Mr. Arcand has tirelessly put his talent and skills to work promoting and defending the cultural and linguistic interests of Quebec society.

I want to congratulate Mr. Arcand on his unfailing willingness to volunteer, on all he has achieved, and most especially on this award, which he richly deserves.

Child CareStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

NDP

Peggy Nash NDP Parkdale—High Park, ON

Mr. Speaker, children deserve a good head start in life. Quality child care supports early learning, an essential first step. It promotes and equalizes opportunities for all children, regardless of income or social background.

One in six Canadian children lives in poverty. More than 50% of single female parents are poor. Dependable affordable child care would improve the lives of these families.

The OECD says that the gender wage gap is the lowest in countries that provide public child care, like France and the Scandinavian countries. Most Canadian women with children under five work outside the home, yet less than 20% of Canadian children have access to regulated child care spaces. In fact, the OECD ranks Canada dead last among 14 countries when it comes to child care.

Previous governments failed to deliver, while cutting corporate taxes. The Conservative government's big tax cut for the banks and oil companies last fall could have created 320,000 child care spaces—

Child CareStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

The Speaker Liberal Peter Milliken

The hon. member for Calgary East.

BurmaStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Conservative

Deepak Obhrai Conservative Calgary East, AB

Mr. Speaker, Canada was appalled by last September's violent crackdown by the Burmese regime on protestors exercising their right to peaceful dissent. This is why last November the government imposed the world's toughest sanctions against the Burmese regime.

The Burmese authorities have continued to arrest and detain those who participated in the protests. This January the regime charged 10 pro-democracy activists.

On Saturday, the Burmese regime announced its intention to hold a referendum on a new constitution in May, as well as general elections in 2010. However, Canada believes that an authentic dialogue with members of the democratic movement must occur if there is to be democratic reform in Burma.

We urge the Burmese regime to include all concerned parties in both the constitutional and electoral processes.

St. James Literary SocietyStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

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

Mr. Speaker, this year the St. James Literary Society of Montreal is celebrating its 110th anniversary season. A not for profit, non-sectarian, non-partisan organization providing prominent Canadians a forum to express their views on current issues, the society has played a key role in spreading democratic ideas.

To date, there have been roughly 1,000 different speakers. The likes of Stephen Leacock, Vincent Massey, Wilder Penfield and Antonine Maillet have lived the society's motto of Permitte Lucem, sharing the light of knowledge.

On behalf of the House, I wish continued success to the St. James Literary Society of Montreal.

Tackling Violent Crime ActStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Conservative

Daryl Kramp Conservative Prince Edward—Hastings, ON

Mr. Speaker, from the website of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, in a mother's words, I quote:

It’s over. You leave the hospital…the sun is shining…people are walking and talking like nothing has changed…it’s time to go home…there are things to do…people to call…a funeral to arrange…a son to bury.

In response, last week I had the privilege of thanking over 200 volunteers from Operation Red Nose Quinte. Driving 15 nights, they took well over 2,000 people home safely, earning them the honour of number one in all of Ontario in keeping our streets safe from impaired drivers. I say well done.

Our government has introduced the tackling violent crime act in part to protect the lives of innocent people from those who drive under the influence of drugs and alcohol. The opposition leader should stop the stall tactics and tell his Liberal senator friends that this delay is unacceptable. Instead of walking out on victims of crime, try voting for the safety and security of Canadians.

Quebec Film FestivalStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Bloc

Maria Mourani Bloc Ahuntsic, QC

Mr. Speaker, the successive governments in the House have had difficulty recognizing the existence of a Quebec cinema. When a minister manages to say the words Quebec cinema at all, he speaks as if it were a sub-genre of Canadian francophone cinema in general.

I would like to invite the hon. members, therefore, to the Rendez-vous du cinéma québécois, which will be held February 14 to 28. They will see how right we are to say that through its feature and short films, its documentaries and its animated films, our cinema is the reflection of our culture. They will discover that although Quebec cinema is mainly francophone, it can be anglophone and aboriginal as well. The films shown this year were selected from a record number of 550 and are very representative of the filmmakers in our movie industry, who do not sit around waiting to be recognized by some Canadian government.

For 26 years, the Rendez-vous du cinéma québécois has lent expression to life in Quebec and Quebec culture. Long live Quebec cinema.

The Bloc QuébécoisStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Conservative

Denis Lebel Conservative Roberval—Lac-Saint-Jean, QC

Mr. Speaker, I am very grateful to Denis Gauthier, a constituent of mine from Saint-Félicien, for the clear-eyed description he gave yesterday of the ineffectiveness of the Bloc's political actions. He said:

If the members of the Bloc Québécois truly wanted to do something, they would close up shop and head to a party that can take power. Then they could really talk and work on behalf of Quebeckers, instead of howling at the moon just to prove they exist.

The Bloc can very well try to disguise its powerlessness, but the reality is this: even Pierre Curzi, from the head office, told the magazine L'Actualité in March 2007 that whether they like it or not, they need to be in power in order to solve problems.

The fact is that our constituents know that the Conservatives are responsible for Quebec growing stronger within a united Canada because we say what we do and do what we say. All the Bloc can do is talk.

Diplomatic RepresentativesStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Liberal

Glen Pearson Liberal London North Centre, ON

Mr. Speaker, last week I had the privilege of attending the NATO meetings with the defence minister in Lithuania, and I was fortunate enough to attend various venues with our ambassador, Claire Poulin. Her professionalism and personal charm were apparent for all to see.

I also visited the office of our micro-mission in Vilnius, headed by Habib Massoud. Meeting the dedicated staff was indeed an honour. With limited resources, these individuals have done work far and above what is asked of them.

We often get wrapped up in domestic politics in the House, but occasionally it does us good to recall what a key role our diplomatic representatives play around the world and how they do Canada proud in the midst of great challenges. We must simply do a better job of expressing our appreciation for remarkable work well done abroad.

For our people in Vilnius and specifically Ambassador Poulin, our sincerest appreciation for representing our country in the highest possible fashion.

Justin TrudeauStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Conservative

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

Mr. Speaker, in Edmonton on Monday the Liberal Party’s star candidate, Justin Trudeau, once again insulted 22 million unilingual Canadians when he stated at a teachers’ conference that people who do not learn a second language are “lazy”.

Some people learn a second language in their spare time, others spend time at their hobbies, and others do volunteer work or simply work at their jobs. It is incredibly elitist and arrogant for the privileged son of a former prime minister to suggest that people are “lazy” because they have not had the same opportunity he had to learn a second language.

This is not the first time that Justin Trudeau has insulted Canadians on the question of languages. In May 2007, Mr. Trudeau questioned the right of francophones to have their own school system in New Brunswick.

Justin Trudeau’s comments show how divorced from reality the Liberals may have become. It is time for the Liberal leader to rein in his star candidate’s impulses before he insults more Canadians.

HealthStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

NDP

Alex Atamanenko NDP British Columbia Southern Interior, BC

Mr. Speaker, the residents of Princeton are extremely concerned about the health care crisis currently facing their community, with the loss of three positions by the end of April and, in addition, the closure of their hospital's emergency room.

It is estimated that five million Canadians currently do not have a family physician, and 4,000 more doctors are expected to retire within the next two years.

The residents of Princeton and other rural communities deserve to have access to doctors and to emergency services. The mayor and council, together with the Interior Health Authority, are working hard to address the situation.

Something is wrong here. Massive cuts to health care transfers, together with a lack of leadership at the federal level, have shifted the burden onto provinces and communities. In B.C., the provincial government chose to cut and slash the health care system at the same time that it implemented massive tax cuts.

It is time for the federal government to assume its responsibility to ensure that towns like Princeton have enough health care professionals and adequate hospital facilities. Canadians deserve no less.

Louis Riel DayStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Liberal

Raymond Simard Liberal Saint Boniface, MB

Mr. Speaker, these words were spoken by a famous Canadian in 1885:

I am more convinced every day that without a single exception I did right. And I have always believed that, as I have acted honestly, the time will come when the people of Canada will see and acknowledge it.

Louis Riel has been vindicated and has become the most written about personality in Canadian history.

The province of Manitoba has just recently recognized the third Monday in February as Louis Riel Day and has made it a statutory holiday.

Louis Riel is now recognized as the founder of Manitoba, and this Monday Manitobans will officially recognize his contribution by celebrating this day in his honour for the first time.

The body of this famous Canadian lies in a place of honour in the cemetery of the St. Boniface Cathedral. As the member for that wonderful riding, I am proud that his contribution is to be recognized in such a commendable way.

Death PenaltyStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Bloc

Carole Freeman Bloc Châteauguay—Saint-Constant, QC

Mr. Speaker, on February 6 the House reaffirmed its opposition to the death penalty and called on the government to continue to make efforts on behalf of Canadian citizens sentenced to death in a foreign country. This government voted against that wish, with complete contempt for the traditional position in this matter.

I would point out that in 2001 the Supreme Court ruled that the death penalty is “cruel and unusual”. And yet the Conservatives have refused to appeal to the United States to ask that the death sentence given to a fellow Canadian citizen be commuted to a sentence of life in prison. In addition, they refused the invitation from the United Nations to sponsor a resolution calling for a moratorium on this cruel form of punishment.

We can only denounce the distressing direction taken by this Conservative government. Last Wednesday they clearly voted to turn the clock back 30 years.

Liberal Party of CanadaStatements By Members

2:20 p.m.

Conservative

Pierre Poilievre Conservative Nepean—Carleton, ON

Mr. Speaker, if Elections Canada should allow the Liberal Party to go ahead with its auction bonanza this evening, it will have effectively repealed all of the legislation designed to control election finances in this country.

For example, endless donations could be accepted from corporate interests or individuals as long as those donations are called an auction. Alfonso Gagliano, Groupaction and other Liberal insiders will be allowed to give as much as they want as long as they are willing to suffer through seeing Bob Rae in tennis shorts, or are willing to have a lazy lunch with Justin Trudeau, as long as that lunch is in both official languages.

We know that nothing has changed in the Liberal Party. It continues to seek out every lobbyist, every insider and every go-getter in the city of Ottawa and across the country. The Liberals are up for sale. The more they change, the more things stay the same.

AfghanistanOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Saint-Laurent—Cartierville Québec

Liberal

Stéphane Dion LiberalLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, I am glad that the Prime Minister is coming to the Liberal position on Afghanistan, but let--

AfghanistanOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Some hon. members

Oh, oh!

AfghanistanOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Liberal

The Speaker Liberal Peter Milliken

Order. The hon. Leader of the Opposition has the floor. We have to be able to hear the question.

AfghanistanOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Liberal

Stéphane Dion Liberal Saint-Laurent—Cartierville, QC

But let me check, Mr. Speaker. Will the Prime Minister confirm today that when the House debates the future of the mission in Afghanistan it will be based on the terms that we presented, including the critical need for much more competence, transparency, accountability and, above all, honesty in the governance of the mission?

AfghanistanOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Calgary Southwest Alberta

Conservative

Stephen Harper ConservativePrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, let me be very clear. When the Liberal Party originated the mission in Afghanistan in 2001-02, the Conservative parties in opposition were pleased to support that effort. We have been strong supporters of the work that our development officers, our diplomats and of course our military personnel have been doing ever since then.

We have been absolutely clear and transparent in our unqualified support for the men and women in uniform who are doing this mission and we will continue to support them.

AfghanistanOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Saint-Laurent—Cartierville Québec

Liberal

Stéphane Dion LiberalLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, what is very clear is they did not have enough time when they were in the opposition to show Canadians how incompetent they are. They sure have been doing it though since coming to power.

I would like to turn now to another point. Yesterday the Prime Minister acknowledged the rotation principle. Finally he has got on the telephone to ask NATO for reinforcements, after spending a year denying that any were needed.

Can he assure the House that his negotiations with NATO are based on the rotation principle so that Canada can concentrate on a new security, training and reconstruction mission?

AfghanistanOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Calgary Southwest Alberta

Conservative

Stephen Harper ConservativePrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, I have explained to the House on several occasions that our positions are based on the bi-partisan report of the Manley panel appointed by the government. It recommended that the government should strengthen its security, development, and humanitarian efforts in Afghanistan.

We need to do all this in order to improve the situation, and the government will seek NATO assistance to that end. We will continue to support the efforts of our troops, our diplomats and our relief workers.

AfghanistanOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Saint-Laurent—Cartierville Québec

Liberal

Stéphane Dion LiberalLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, I must make things very clear for the Prime Minister r: if there is going to be a bipartisan agreement, it will have to happen here in the House.

In order for there to be a bipartisan agreement, will the Prime Minister explain the 2011 deadline? Is it the end of the Canadian mission in Afghanistan or a recipe for a never-ending mission, for getting bogged down?