Debates of Feb. 8th, 2008

Urban Affairs

[Gurbax Malhi, Liberal, Bramalea—Gore—Malton, ON]

Mr. Speaker, for the past two years, the government has dramatically failed Canada's cities.

Canadians, from St. John's to Vancouver and from Saskatoon to Toronto, are fed up with how the Prime Minister and his cabinet have stuck their collective heads in the sand on key issues such as handguns, poverty and infrastructure funding.

Given that metropolitan areas are home to almost 70% of Canadians and 90% of our country's population growth, the government must start paying heed to the wishes of Canada's mayors and the citizens they represent.

I call on the Prime Minister to stop ignoring the two-thirds of Canadians who live in metropolitan areas and to make the challenges facing Canadian cities a top priority.

Pay Equity

[Nicole Demers, Bloc, Laval, QC]

Mr. Speaker, we recently learned that Human Resources and Social Development Canada, the Treasury Board and the Canada Public Service Agency discriminated against medical adjudicators at the Canada Pension Plan.

The medical adjudicators—nurses, 95% of whom are female—earn from $50,000 to $60,000. Medical advisers—doctors, 80% of whom are male—earn twice as much as medical adjudicators. The Canadian Human Rights Tribunal has stated that both groups do the same job, which is to assess medical fitness to determine eligibility for CPP disability benefits.

It is shameful to see the federal government treat its own employees this way and to claim that there is equality among men and women, when it does not even apply pay equity. The government must set an example and introduce proactive legislation on pay equity, like the legislation in Quebec.

Municipal Infrastructure

[Denise Savoie, NDP, Victoria, BC]

Mr. Speaker, it is time to resolve the real fiscal imbalance in Canada that falls on the shoulders of cities.

If the finance minister thinks that cities have only potholes to worry about, he should come in from the burbs for a day.

He might find it challenging to repair antiquated storm sewers, meet increasing transit demand, create new affordable housing units, tackle addiction and mental health issues, keep libraries and community centres open, and retrofit civic buildings to fight climate change, all on eight cents of every tax dollar collected in Canada.

He might find it unfair that our property taxes are going up while corporate taxes for big banks and big oil are going down.

City residents deserve healthy and sustainable communities and it is time that Ottawa did its share.

Frank Hamilton

[David Anderson, Conservative, Cypress Hills—Grasslands, SK]

Mr. Speaker, it is easy, as time passes, to forget people who have given their time and energy to our communities. Those of us who are younger can easily forget what and who went before us. Last weekend, I was reminded of that when I heard that Frank Hamilton had died.

Frank was a farmer from Mazenod. He was an airman in World War II who served with distinction. Throughout his life, he was a community-minded person.

He was also the Progressive Conservative member of Parliament for our area from 1972 to 1984, serving again with distinction in agriculture, defence, transportation and veterans affairs.

I did not know Frank, but when I asked about him, I found out some things. He was highly respected by those who knew him. He was a good MP who always worked hard for his constituents. He was a salt of the earth, unassuming man who did not need the limelight to know that he had done well. He and his wife, Wanda, made a great team.

We thank Frank for his many years of service to southwest Saskatchewan.

Pond Hockey Tournament

[Charles Hubbard, Liberal, Miramichi, NB]

Mr. Speaker, last weekend the Rotary Club of Newcastle held its fourth annual pond hockey tournament at French Fort Cove Nature Park. Ninety-seven teams, both men and women, participated on 12 rinks.

The Miramichi welcomed five former NHL players and teams from Quebec, Ontario, Nova Scotia, Massachusetts and Illinois.

Base Gagetown was represented by its base commander, Colonel Ken Chadder, and three teams of service personnel.

Everyone enjoyed an exciting and entertaining weekend with thousands of visitors. Rotarians, partnering groups, sponsors and the many volunteers are to be commended.

Plans are now under way for another event next winter. It is a highlight of Miramichi's winter activities and a major fundraiser that supports youth activities and community projects.

People who enjoy hockey and outdoor fun, they should set their sights on February 2009.

Mission Harbour Authority

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

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the accomplishments of the Mission Harbour Authority which operates two small craft harbours at Mission and Whonnock on the Lower Fraser River.

This past year, due to high snow pack levels, there was a very significant flood threat on the Fraser. The Mission Harbour Authority rose to the challenge of not just safeguarding its own harbours but assisting other harbours and the community in general.

For these extraordinary efforts, it was presented with the Special Pacific Achievement Award at the Harbour Authority Association of B.C.'s recent annual conference.

Harbour managers David Barratt and Bick Benedict played a critical role in the Fraser River small craft harbour flood response. They were supported in their efforts by the Harbour Authority Board, made up of Alec Finnson, Shelley Clarkson, Rick LeBlanc, Gerry Chabot, Vic Carrao, Greg Mooney, Rob Chadwick, Bob McKamey and Ernie Catherwood.

I would like to ask all members of the House to join me in thanking these men and women for their outstanding service.

La Face Cachée de la Pomme

[Claude DeBellefeuille, Bloc, Beauharnois—Salaberry, QC]

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of all of my Bloc Québécois colleagues, it is my pleasure to congratulate La Face Cachée de la Pomme, a cidery in Hemmingford in the riding of Beauharnois—Salaberry, which received many gold medals in 2007 for its products, including Neige ice cider.

The cidery has already won more awards in 2008. Spain's Asturian cider foundation recognized La Face Cachée de la Pomme with an award for its contribution to the development of ice cider production and for having led the way in marketing the product in Quebec and around the world.

I would like to congratulate François Pouliot, Stéphanie Beaudouin and their team who have created such good cider from the Quebec terroir for us. Bottled and branded right here at home, their many varieties of cider help promote Quebec culture throughout the world.

I am proud of this pioneering Quebec producer's success, which puts Quebec in the spotlight on the world stage.

Quebec Winter Carnival

[Sylvie Boucher, Conservative, Beauport—Limoilou, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remind the members that Quebec City's Carnaval kicked off last week and that the party continues this weekend.

This weekend, the Calgary Stampede is paying a visit to its sister city in Quebec. Tomorrow morning, in finest Stampede tradition, there will be a pancake breakfast. The Prime Minister of Canada, the Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages, the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities and many of our western colleagues will be there to flip some of their famous flapjacks.

Tomorrow evening, a huge barbecue organized by the folks from the Stampede will be held in Charlesbourg.

The people of Quebec City are in the mood for a party, and the Quebec region Conservative caucus invites one and all to come celebrate Carnaval, the Stampede, the 400th anniversary, and our national superstar, Bonhomme Carnaval.

Adolph Laserich

[Nancy Karetak-Lindell, Liberal, Nunavut, NU]

Mr. Speaker, a giant among pilots in the north, Adolph William Laserich, passed away last November at the age of 75.

Born in Germany in 1932, Willy moved all alone to Canada at the age of 19 in a Norwegian sealing boat.

While getting his pilot licence in Edmonton in 1957, he met Margaret Rose Bruce whom he married the following year.

The day after, the happy couple moved north and the legend of “Willy and the bandits” began. As Mike Bryant said, “Branded an outlaw by the government, adored by the communities he served, there was no pilot quite like Willy Laserich”.

Willy's company, Adlair Aviation, based in Cambridge Bay, is famous for successful medevacs, which is our equivalent of 911.

There are many families whose lives have been enriched by the daring efforts of a man determined to help those around him, including six babies born in the air. Still, in 50 years of flying, Willy maintained a perfect safety record.

Willy is survived by his wife Margaret, two sons, two daughters and four grandchildren.

Nunavut thanks the family for sharing him with us. He was a legend, a hero and a friend, and will be greatly missed.

Tackling Violent Crime Act

[Rick Norlock, Conservative, Northumberland—Quinte West, ON]

Yesterday, Mr. Speaker, the government put a motion on notice which will ask the Senate to pass the tackling violent crime act by March 1, 2008. The bill has been in the Senate for 72 days, which is almost twice as long as it took to pass through the House of Commons. The senators passed their last pay raise in nine days, so we know they can act quickly.

They have once again demonstrated that they are quick to defend their own interests and, I submit, they should be quick to defend the interests of Canada. Canadians want the tackling violent crime act to become law. Canadians want their democratic will respected.

I urge the leader of the official opposition to show leadership in the Senate, where his senators have a majority. While he is over there, I urge him to demand that his senators give up their unaccountable ways and embrace Senate reform.

This government and this Prime Minister have shown strong leadership. We are making Canadians safer and we are fighting for more democracy in the Senate. The official opposition and its senators are not getting the job done.

Government Contracts

[Pat Martin, NDP, Winnipeg Centre, MB]

Mr. Speaker, there are at least two things wrong with the $120,000 untendered contract that the Minister of Finance handed over to his buddy from Queen's Park.

The first and most obvious problem is that it is a gross violation of Treasury Board guidelines to give such a contract away without a fair tendering process.

Second, what kind of finance minister, what kind of guardian of the public purse, would squander $120,000 on a single speech? That is two years' salary for the average family of four. It is an obscene, offensive, cavalier waste of money. It is a wildly irresponsible abuse of the taxpayers' money and an abuse of the public trust.

When a Liberal defence minister gave an untendered contract of one-third the size to a former girlfriend, he was dropped from the cabinet and banished to the Senate.

Those guys over there are now gorging themselves on the public purse and running roughshod over all the rules and regulations that we put in place to protect us from the Liberals. The government loses all credibility. If the Minister of Finance is not hauled up on the carpet and disciplined sternly--

[The Speaker, Liberal, Peter Milliken]

The hon. member for Mississauga—Brampton South.

Government Policies

[Navdeep Bains, Liberal, Mississauga—Brampton South, ON]

Mr. Speaker, there is a cloud looming over this country, one which this government, led by the Prime Minister, has precipitated.

The state of the economy, in the hands of the minister of fiscal mismanagement, is now akin to the Enron ride of broken dreams.

We need only look at the income trust debacle for proof of the Conservative government's inability to understand the consequences of its actions. Or perhaps the well-being of millions of Canadian retirees does not matter to the Conservative government.

Our internationally renowned health care system is now more than ever in danger of wasting away because of the Conservative government's wilful inaction and disregard for the values espoused by Lester B. Pearson.

Ever since the Conservative government came to power, it claimed accountability, integrity and honesty in government, yet when confronted by truth, it fires, forces out and silences anyone who does not toe this dangerously partisan line.

Has the Prime Minister fooled himself into believing the Canadian public cannot see the truth through the Conservative smog?

Montreal Symphony Orchestra

[Luc Malo, Bloc, Verchères—Les Patriotes, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend the flair for innovation that typifies the Montreal Symphony Orchestra. On February 20, 2008, the orchestra is performing a special concert to pay homage to the legends of the Montreal Canadiens.

Pieces by Strauss and Satie will be featured, but more importantly, the MSO has commissioned an original piece, produced by composer François Dompierre in collaboration with writer Georges-Hébert Germain. The participation of certain of our favourite players, past and present, will give an added dimension to this special event, taking spectators back to some great moments in the history of the Habs.

This daring juxtaposition, which transcends an invisible barrier, serves two purposes. First, it serves to renew interest in classical music among the general public and second, it casts a new light on a sport that is very much a part of our collective psyche. On the eve of the Montreal team's 100th anniversary, this MSO initiative is even more meaningful.

Black History Month

[David McGuinty, Liberal, Ottawa South, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I rise here today to commemorate Black History Month, which serves to celebrate and honour the rights of black Canadians.

There is much to celebrate in terms of the achievements and contributions of black Canadians, who have left their mark on the culture and identity of our country.

Black History Month gives us the opportunity to learn more about their experiences and the vital role they have played in Canada's history. It also allows us to recognize their involvement in the political, economic and cultural fabric of our society.

Black History Month provides an opportunity to honour and celebrate the achievements of black Canadians, including artists, athletes, scientists, politicians and local celebrities, past and present.

We should all be proud of Canada's black community and I ask my fellow colleagues in the House to join me in recognizing the important contributions that this community has made and continues to make to Canadian society.

Tackling Violent Crime Act

[Harold Albrecht, Conservative, Kitchener—Conestoga, ON]

Mr. Speaker, Canadians have had enough of the Liberal leader's hear nothing, say nothing and do nothing approach to tackling crime, while the members of his party sit back and watch the Liberal-controlled Senate delay and obstruct the passage of the tackling violent crime act.

I have sat with families of crime victims in my riding of Kitchener—Conestoga, who have shared how their lives have been changed forever by violent criminal acts. I would like to remind the Liberal leader that the Liberal premier of Ontario and several other stakeholder groups are also urging the Senate to act now.

Margaret Miller, National President of MADD Canada, stated, “Bill C-2 will save lives and reduce impaired driving incidents on our roads”. She continued, saying, “We plead with the Senators in the Committee and in the Chamber, don't delay passing Bill C-2”.

I join these groups in their call to action. The safety of Canadians is a priority for this government. When will the Liberal leader finally stand up and take action?

Government Policies

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

Mr. Speaker, Parliament Hill is a strange place these days because Canadians are being treated to the amazing spectacle of a government trying to defeat itself.

The reason is simple. The government is drifting. Its legislative cupboard is bare. The news keeps getting worse: nuclear safety, detainees, and forestry shutdown.

The government is desperate for an election before it is found out, so why does the government not just come clean and admit that it has given up on itself and is engineering its own defeat?

[Peter Van Loan, Conservative, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister for Democratic Reform]

Mr. Speaker, this government is doing what it said it would do. We are trying to do so in the face of continuous obstruction tactics from the Liberals.

Let us take, for example, the cornerstone of our throne speech, the tackling violent crime act, a confidence bill passed by this House after a delay of a year and a half for those bills, passed previously to that in 41 days by this House. The Liberals get the bill over there with their friends in the Liberal dominated Senate, the Liberal grinding, delay and obstruction machine gets back to work, and they do not pass the bill. They delay and obstruct it.

Why? Very simply, the Liberals do not want to get tough on crime. They do not want to pass the tackling violent crime bill. That is why we are insisting they do it--

[The Speaker, Liberal, Peter Milliken]

The hon. member for Etobicoke--Lakeshore.

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

Mr. Speaker, the government does seem desperate for an election, so let us look at its record: firing public servants who protect Canadians' safety, bungling detainee transfers in Afghanistan, subverting the Elections Act, breaking Treasury Board rules, and washing its hands as the forestry industry suffers.

Some record, some platform: how can the government possibly face an election with a record like that?

[Peter Van Loan, Conservative, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister for Democratic Reform]

Mr. Speaker, we have been providing strong leadership to Canadians, not dithering and indecisiveness. We have been delivering accomplishments.

We have reduced the tax burden on Canadian families, reducing the GST from 7% to 5% ahead of target, while those members voted against it every step of the way except for that time they did not even bother to get up, do their jobs and vote.

We have reduced personal income taxes. We have delivered a bill on restoring the fiscal balance. We have delivered by providing a tackling violent crime act. We have announced a national anti-drug strategy. We have contributed $500 million to the Middle East peace process. I could go on and on. We are doing what we said what we would do and we are going to get results.

Afghanistan

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

Mr. Speaker, the government claims to be taking a non-partisan approach to the future of the mission in Afghanistan. However, this morning, the minister launched a partisan and absurd attack on our party, as usual.

We cannot have an honest debate about our future role in Afghanistan if the government continues to make these ridiculous attacks.

I will ask a clear and simple question: is the government ready to seek a compromise on Afghanistan? Yes or no?

[Peter Van Loan, Conservative, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister for Democratic Reform]

Mr. Speaker, we have searched for a roadmap with respect to our future role in Afghanistan as well as a consensus with the other party.

ThePrime Minister met with the Leader of the Liberal Party to discuss this matter. He is looking for suggestions but the Leader of the Liberal Party has none.

It is not a surprise that the Liberal Party leader complains that he only had a couple of days to lay out his position on Afghanistan. After all, he has been spending more than a year trying to figure out what it is and he still has not decided.

[Mark Holland, Liberal, Ajax—Pickering, ON]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday Federal Court Justice Anne Mactavish outlined a number of serious concerns regarding the transfer of detainees in Afghanistan. There is no political agenda and no partisanship in her ruling, just troubling concerns about this government and torture. This ruling finally proves that the government's transfer agreement, despite its claims, did nothing to prevent torture and abuse.

Will the government assure that under no circumstances will it resume the transfer of prisoners in Afghanistan without informing this House publicly?

[Peter Van Loan, Conservative, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister for Democratic Reform]

First, Mr. Speaker, let us tell Canadians honestly what the court did. The court recognized that all necessary steps have been taken to comply fully with our legal obligation toward Taliban prisoners. Our policy is clear and we continue to practise it.

What we will not do is what the agent for the Taliban intelligence agency wants us to do over there, which is to release to them information on detailed operations in the field. We will let the Canadian army decide when it is comfortable doing that.