Debates of Oct. 19th, 2009

Opposition Motion—Forestry Industry

[John Rafferty, NDP, Thunder Bay—Rainy River, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the passion of my colleague from northern Ontario. We are all very passionate about the forestry industry.

The truth about the softwood lumber agreement is, although the Minister of Revenue would disagree, we can provide loan guarantees for the forest industry in Canada. There are two Canadian legal opinions on that and they both say, provided there is a commercial rate of interest, that it does not contravene the agreement. That is the first point to talk about.

The other point that my colleague brings up is the black liquor subsidy. I have been very clear on that, as has the NDP. What was needed was a direct answer to the Americans on black liquor subsidies and, unfortunately, we did not get it.

[The Deputy Speaker, Conservative, Andrew Scheer]

The hon. member for Chambly—Borduas has three minutes to start his speech before the statements by members.

[Yves Lessard, Bloc, Chambly—Borduas, QC]

Mr. Speaker, first I want to inform you that I will be sharing my time with the member for Abitibi—Baie-James—Nunavik—Eeyou.

I would like to first congratulate my colleague from Rimouski-Neigette—Témiscouata—Les Basques for having brought before the House this important motion being debated today. I would also like to acknowledge the efforts of our colleague, Ms. Gagnon, Bloc candidate for the riding of Montmagny—L'Islet—Kamouraska—Rivière-du-Loup. She is also supporting this motion because forestry is one of the main resources in this region, as it is for almost 200 towns and villages in Quebec.

I would also like to again quote the motion we are debating today. It states:

That, in the opinion of the House, the government should act urgently to provide the forestry industry, which has been hit hard by the economic crisis, with assistance which is similar to that given to the automotive industry concentrated in Ontario, and primarily through tax credits, loans and loan guarantees so that companies have immediate access to cash, and tax measures for private woodlot owners.

We know that urgent assistance is required by the forestry sector, which has been hard hit by this economic crisis, and that the government has given significant assistance to the automotive sector. It has provided $10 billion in support to the automotive sector and only $70 million to the forestry industry.

In terms of the Quebec forestry industry, several thousand jobs have been lost since April 2008. A total of 25,000 jobs have been lost out of the 88,000 Quebec jobs in this sector. This is a major crisis and the reason why assistance for this industry is urgently needed.

I understand that the Speaker wants me to wrap it up but I will continue after question period.

Football

[James Lunney, Conservative, Nanaimo—Alberni, BC]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the defending national champion, Vancouver Island Raiders football team, completed another perfect season: 10 wins, 0 losses.

Hadi Abassi, Raiders' president and 2008 Nanaimo Citizen of the Year, along with head coach, Matt Blokker, a.k.a. “Snoop”, have shaped the Raiders into a three-time B.C. conference and two-time defending national champions.

The Raiders have established a winning program on and off the field, with a five year record of 54 wins and 7 losses. The Raiders was the first junior team in Canada to establish a scholarship foundation, allowing players to choose between academics or skilled trades. It is an example of how the Raiders family train its athletes for future success.

The Raiders are led by all star tailback, Andrew Harris. Andrew set a new record during last year's championship game, racking up an amazing 412 rushing yards to seal a Raiders' victory.

I would like to recognize Hadi Abassi and the entire coaching staff in preparing these young men for success. On November 14, the Raiders will host the Canadian national championships. We wish them every success in pursuing a third national victory. Go, Raiders.

International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

[Keith Martin, Liberal, Esquimalt—Juan de Fuca, BC]

Mr. Speaker, Friday was International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.

Currently, up to 6.2 million Canadians live in poverty and many cannot afford life's essentials. A shocking one in seven children live in low income situations. Sadly, poverty rates have seen a continuous increase in recent years, especially among aboriginal people, those with disabilities, recent immigrants and the one in four Canadians who toil in low-paying, often part-time jobs.

Just last month, the Conference Board of Canada gave Canada a C for its progress in child poverty and a D for its work in addressing the working poor, which is why I introduced Bill C-414, the Canadian low income supplement. This bill would virtually eliminate federal taxes for those who make less than $20,000 a year and puts real money in the hands of those who need it the most.

However, we also need a national affordable housing strategy, a productivity agenda, and we must enable people to access the skills they need to break out of the poverty cycle and achieve their dreams. Inaction is not an option.

Science and Technology

[Robert Vincent, Bloc, Shefford, QC]

Mr. Speaker, October 16 to 25 is Science and Technology Week and it will be celebrated today on Parliament Hill.

This event, which brings together representatives from government, industry and the academic world, showcases activities across Canada to make young people aware of the opportunities available in science and technology.

While a number of companies are here to present their achievements, one has to wonder if this government truly understands the challenges surrounding scientific research and its funding. In fact, this government has some purely ideological criteria, objectives and directions when it comes to funding. Led by a creationist minister who does not believe in evolution and who has been called upon to step down, in particular by ACFAS—the Association canadienne-française pour l'avancement des sciences, this government's policy on science and technology is far from credible.

The Bloc Québécois will see that this partisan interference ends, and will also see to it that Quebec gets its fair share of research funding, with no strings attached.

Persons Case

[Irene Mathyssen, NDP, London—Fanshawe, ON]

Mr. Speaker, October 18 was an important landmark for Canadian women. It is the 80th anniversary of the court case where women were finally recognized as persons under the law.

The famous five showed leadership, daring and courage in their struggle for women's equality. Women could finally begin to take their rightful place in the political life of our nation.

Yesterday, the Women's Events Committee of London, Ontario, honoured five of our sisters who have shown the same daring, leadership and courage. London's famous five are: Sister Patricia McLean, Jane Bigelow, Dr. Mary McKim, Winn Whitfield and Kem Murch. Their determination has been critical to the progress made since 1929, but we have not come far enough.

Tragically, the government does not care and has failed the women of Canada. Women face violence and poverty. There is still no affordable housing policy and no safe universal child care. The lack of equality haunts women right across this country.

The famous five of history and the famous five of London, Ontario, have shown the way. It is time for this Parliament to follow.

Communities in Bloom

[Tim Uppal, Conservative, Edmonton—Sherwood Park, AB]

Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House today to extend my congratulations to the county of Strathcona in my riding of Edmonton—Sherwood Park. Strathcona county won top prize in the international Communities in Bloom challenge for the first time since entering this competition.

Communities in Bloom is a Canadian non-profit organization committed to fostering civic pride, to environmental responsibility and to improving the quality of life through community participation. The program now includes more than 500 communities across the country and an international challenge involving countries from around the world.

In winning this award, the county of Strathcona has been commended for its commitment to promoting ecological preservation, environmental protection, waste free production and social equality.

I join with other community leaders in congratulating the county of Strathcona on its award and a job well done.

Persons Case

[Raymonde Folco, Liberal, Laval—Les Îles, QC]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday we celebrated a historic anniversary of the utmost importance.

Eighty years ago, the decision of the judicial committee of the Privy Council to legally recognize women as persons came into effect.

That decision was a huge step toward equality for all Canadian women.

Today, we all consider that men and women to be equal, but let us not forget that this is because of a decision made 80 years ago. Women had to fight for their right to be recognized. It is now our duty to ensure that these hard-won rights will always be protected and preserved.

Women have been full-fledged persons for 80 years. Let us keep working hard so that equality between men and women continues to move forward.

Kenya

[Chris Warkentin, Conservative, Peace River, AB]

Mr. Speaker, this summer, I travelled to Kenya, Africa with a group from Grande Prairie to witness the devastating effects that a worsening drought was having on the population.

It was clear that the most vulnerable people in these dry conditions were the children, especially those children who have been orphaned as a result of HIV-AIDS. The only hope for many of these children is to find a place of refuge and a place like the Mully's Children's Home.

There is no water anywhere and, as we all know, without water things die, the crops die, animals die, trees die and eventually the people die.

In response to the need for water, a group of 12 volunteers from my community have set out to raise $300,000. The city of Grande Prairie and area have been tremendously supportive. We have over 26 schools, 8 churches and 3 restaurants involved in the “Milk it for Mully” fundraising campaign. We also have countless other people involved in three other fundraising events.

I want to thank all of the volunteers of the schools, the churches, the businesses, the kids, the local media and the donors for their ongoing support. Together we can restore hope for the orphans of Kenya.

CFB Bagotville

[Robert Bouchard, Bloc, Chicoutimi—Le Fjord, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the Minister of National Defence recently announced the reconstruction of Hangar 2 at CFB Bagotville. Having neglected the building for years, the minister has finally decided to take my many requests seriously.

Unfortunately and incomprehensibly, reconstruction is not scheduled to begin for three years. We have received information about the building suggesting that it poses a serious risk to the health and safety of workers and has a major negative impact on daily operations.

I am therefore asking the minister to begin the work sooner. I am also asking him to act on the proposals in the Bloc Québécois' Bill C-429 and insist that Hangar 2 be rebuilt using wood. That would be a meaningful gesture on the part of the Conservative government to support the forestry industry and to set an example when it comes to using wood in federal buildings.

Justice

[Daniel Petit, Conservative, Charlesbourg—Haute-Saint-Charles, QC]

Mr. Speaker, Canadians want convicted criminals to serve sentences that properly reflect the seriousness of their crimes.

Accordingly, our government introduced Bill C-25 to get rid of the two for one credit for time spent in pretrial custody, which reduces the detention period after sentencing by half.

Bill C-25 is supported by the attorneys general of all the parties in all provinces, as well as by victims groups and police associations.

However, Liberal senators are in the process of gutting Bill C-25, and promise to do the same to other bills meant to get tough on crime.

The hon. member for Ajax—Pickering has even said that protecting the public against dangerous criminals is too expensive. We have always known that the Liberal leader and the Liberal Party were soft on crime—

[The Speaker, Liberal, Peter Milliken]

The hon. member for Westmount—Ville-Marie.

McGill University

[Marc Garneau, Liberal, Westmount—Ville-Marie, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I have the pleasure of having great universities in my riding. Today I rise to salute one of them: McGill University.

McGill University was recently named one of the world's top 25 universities by the prestigious Times Higher Education-QS World University Rankings. McGill ranked 18th in the world for 2009 and was the top public university in North America and the top Canadian university. McGill is also the only Canadian university to have been in the top 25 for six years running.

McGill's life sciences program is ranked 10th in the world. From William Osler to Wilder Penfield to Brenda Milner, McGill's contributions to medical science are legion.

I would like to congratulate the principal and vice-chancellor of McGill, Professor Heather Munroe-Blum, and all the world-class academic staff, outstanding students and alumni for this truly remarkable achievement and prestigious recognition.

Justice

[Brent Rathgeber, Conservative, Edmonton—St. Albert, AB]

Mr. Speaker, our Conservative government is committed to getting tough on criminals and crime. For too long, the justice system has put the rights of criminals before those of law-abiding citizens and victims.

We already know that the Liberal senators are gutting a bill to end the unwarranted practice of the two for one credit for pre-trial custody. Now we understand that they will be doing the same for a bill that pro »poses minimum mandatory sentences on drug traffickers.

Our government is pursuing an aggressive anti-crime agenda. Auto theft, identity theft and white collar criminals are all in the Minister of Justice's sights. However, the Liberals are preoccupied with their continual fixation with prison farms.

We want to crack down on dangerous criminals. The Liberals want to ensure that prisoners have the right to grow fresh carrots and tomatoes. Safe streets or fresh salads, that is the choice.

When it comes to being tough on crime, Canadians know that the Conservatives are the only choice.

Hike for a Hero

[Glenn Thibeault, NDP, Sudbury, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to speak today about how Sudbury is supporting one of Canada's heroes.

On October 4, I, along with close to 1,000 other Sudburians, hiked for a hero. This hero is Corporal Bill Kerr.

Corporal Kerr is part of the Irish Regiment of Canada based in Sudbury. Bill volunteered for two tours in Afghanistan. On October 15, 2008, while on foot patrol, Corporal Kerr was critically wounded by a roadside bomb, losing both legs and part of his left arm.

The hike raised money to build Corporal Kerr and his family an accessible house that they can call home. On behalf of the home for a hero project committee, I am pleased to announce that as a result of the hike for a hero event, over $199,000 has been raised to date.

As the co-chair for the event, Derik McArthur, stated:

Once again Sudburians have shown that we are a caring community that not only supports our troops, but we take care of our own.

I echo his sentiments and congratulate all Sudburians for helping a truly Canadian hero, Corporal Bill Kerr.

Justice

[Shelly Glover, Conservative, Saint Boniface, MB]

Mr. Speaker, Canadians want individuals found guilty of crimes to serve a sentence that reflects the severity of those crimes, which is why our government introduced Bill C-25 to end the ridiculous practice of two for one credit for time served.

Bill C-25 was supported by provincial attorneys general from all political parties, as well as victims groups and police associations and yet the Liberal leader's own senators are now gutting Bill C-25 and they are promising to do the same with other tough-on-crime legislation.

The member for Ajax—Pickering is now saying that protecting the public from dangerous criminals is too expensive. We have always known that the Liberal leader is soft on crime and now he is just proving it once again.

Conservative Party

[Carole Lavallée, Bloc, Saint-Bruno—Saint-Hubert, QC]

Mr. Speaker, when the Conservatives were in opposition, they condemned the Liberal Party's backroom deals and favouritism. Today, though, there is no difference between the Liberals and the Conservatives. For example, 47 Conservative members, including ministers, have handed out 181 partisan cheques done up in the Conservative Party colours and bearing the member's or the Prime Minister's signature, when in fact this is government money.

When it spent $108,000 on a one-hour press conference on the economic recovery plan, the Conservative government chose to spread propaganda rather than explain the real impact of its measures. This government does not distinguish between money it has promised and money it has spent, and it is constantly changing program names and classifications. It is hard to know where the $12 billion has been spent, if it has been spent.

We also condemn the $1.4 million contract awarded to a firm that employs a Conservative senator who sits on the Senate transport and communications committee.

The Conservatives promised transparency and ethics, yet today we are wondering whether they are worse than the Liberals.

Salmon Fishery

[Joyce Murray, Liberal, Vancouver Quadra, BC]

Mr. Speaker, 9 million Fraser River sockeye vanished. That is a tenfold decline. It is a disaster for people, fish-based jobs and biodiversity.

Respected salmon biologists believe that this disappearance illustrates the impacts of climate change on water temperature and flows affecting salmon. Add in stresses from habitat loss, disease and lice, overfishing, pollution, predators and, alas, we have a crisis. Where is the minister?

This emergency deserves a response. First, fund a scientific inquiry by recognized experts, have them report back by next spring proposing immediate measures and then commit to act on their advice.

Second, create a partnership of government agencies, universities and private groups to track fish migration so that we know where they go, where they die and why.

Last, reverse the decline in resources for DFO research assessment and enforcement.

Climate change is an ongoing ecological challenge for salmon but there are actions that must be taken now.

Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada

[Rodney Weston, Conservative, Saint John, NB]

Mr. Speaker, recently senior Liberals told the media that their leader was going to have “an adult conversation” with Canadians to tell them why he would increase their taxes.

This should surprise no one. The self-described tax and spend Liberal was the first in his party to call for a carbon tax on everything. He said he would raise the GST and he has admitted that he would “have to raise taxes”.

Why he would raise taxes is also very clear. He needs money to pay for all his billion dollar spending promises: a 45-day work year, bullet trains, a national power grid, a permanent secretariat for international meetings, and now the latest, billions in a new environmental scheme.

The Liberal leader's view on the economy is very simple: tax more, spend more. Canadians are realizing it more by the day, a Liberal government is something we just cannot afford.

Infrastructure

[Michael Ignatieff, Liberal, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, a pattern is becoming all too clear. The Conservative government is using stimulus spending to buy votes and reward its friends.

This morning, we learned that one of the Prime Minister's newest senators works for a company that has just won $1.4 million in infrastructure spending.

At a time when the middle class is struggling, would the Prime Minister explain why infrastructure spending that is needed by all Canadians ends up in the hands of a member of his own--

[The Speaker, Liberal, Peter Milliken]

Order, please.

The hon. Minister of Transport.

[John Baird, Conservative, Minister of Transport]

Mr. Speaker, I would find it very interesting if the member opposite, the Leader of the Opposition, would say that outside of this place.

Neither the minister nor his office had any involvement with this contract. It was done at arm's length from the government by the crown corporation in question. Like all crowns, this crown is expected to operate in a clear and open manner when awarding contracts.

The member opposite, the Leader of the Opposition, makes some very serious allegations. I would challenge him to put the evidence of those allegations before this House immediately.

[Michael Ignatieff, Liberal, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, there are some questions that must be answered.

At what point did the Prime Minister's Office learn that Senator Housakos was the vice-president of a firm looking for government money?

Did Senator Housakos lobby the Prime Minister's Office or other departments in order to obtain infrastructure money? Why does this government believe that this conduct is acceptable?

[John Baird, Conservative, Minister of Transport]

Mr. Speaker, there is no reason to jump to the conclusions that the Leader of the Opposition does. If he has any evidence of any wrongdoing, rather than pontificating in this place, he should put his facts on the table and be accountable for those.

We have been completely open, completely transparent with the infrastructure spending that we have made. The grant in question was made by a crown corporation, with no lobbying and no involvement whatsoever by my office or the office of the Minister of Public Works.