Debates of Dec. 7th, 2009

National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

[Irwin Cotler, Liberal, Mount Royal, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women is a call to action.

It calls on us to: establish a national action plan on violence against women; establish an inquiry into the over 500 disappeared aboriginal women; maintain the long gun registry as an antidote to domestic violence; replicate the Yukon domestic violence tribunal; enhance protection for victims of trafficking as we combat this global scourge; protect women in armed conflict; ensure affordable, safe housing for women at risk; enact a comprehensive early learning and child care program; protect access to justice through restoration of the court challenges program and secured legal aid; and finally, combat gender inequality, including legislation, with respect to equal pay for work of equal value.

That is a national action plan.

Neurological Diseases

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

Mr. Speaker, in 1934, Dr. Wilder Penfield had the idea of creating a place where medicine and research could be combined in order to improve the quality of care given to people with neurological diseases. This led to the creation of the Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital. This world-class medical centre is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year.

Since the beginning, this university medical centre has adopted a multidisciplinary approach to fundamental research into the nervous system, pursuing Dr. Penfield's early work, in order to better understand the causes of neurological diseases. A wealth of accumulated knowledge is contributing to our understanding of these kinds of diseases and bringing hope to the people who suffer from them, as well as to their loved ones.

On behalf of the Bloc Québécois, I would like to commend the efforts of the researchers and doctors who work hard every day to advance science and improve the lives of our fellow citizens.

Poverty

[Carol Hughes, NDP, Algoma—Manitoulin—Kapuskasing, ON]

Mr. Speaker, poverty is on the rise. For many, their need has never been greater as we head into the holiday season. Thankfully, there are people on the ground willing to do the hard work needed to help ease the sting of poverty and to make their communities a better place to live.

People like Natalie and Dave Timeriski of Elliot Lake, who organized this year's annual fire services food drive, exemplify the true spirit of giving. Mr. Timeriski, who is also a volunteer firefighter, makes the food drive fun for the volunteers by getting them to work in teams or with their families.

But for those in need, there is little that is fun about the extra challenges at this time of year, especially those with children. In Elliot Lake, food bank use for families with children has risen 69.7% over last year's levels.

In Algoma--Manitoulin--Kapuskasing there are countless local campaigns that are raising both awareness and relief in their communities: the Express Père Noël program in Hearst; the Moonbeam Volunteer Firefighters food drive; the Kinsmen Club of Kapuskasing's Santa Claus Fund; or radio station CKAP's food drive. The Elks Lodge of Espanola raised $8,000 in one day with the help of a radiothon with Moose FM.

Chalk River Laboratories

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

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize those individuals as well as other interested stakeholders who answered my call to develop my vision of the future for the Chalk River laboratories. That call resulted in the forming of the Chalk River employees ad hoc task force for a national laboratory, known as CREATE.

I would like to thank doctors Blair Bromley, Rob DeAbreu, Archie Robertson, John Hilborn, Zin Tun, Daniel Banks, Jeremy Whitlock, and CRTT union president Gordon Tapp for all their hard work.

That outward focus includes leading diverse research programs beyond nuclear energy, partnering broadly with universities, industries and government, commercializing knowledge, and spinning off research into business to deliver enduring value to all Canadians.

The centrepiece of this national laboratory will be a new multi-purpose research reactor that the report by the Expert Review Panel on Medical Isotope Production recommended.

Canada will maintain its 60-plus years of leadership that gave it the Nobel prize in physics in 1994.

Graduation Congratulations

[Judy Foote, Liberal, Random—Burin—St. George's, NL]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honour a young man from my riding of Random—Burin—St. George's, who did post-secondary education in the United States and finished at the top of his class.

Brandon Organ is from the small fishing community of Isle aux Morts, which has a population of 813. He completed a bachelor of science and a doctorate of chiropractic at Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa.

Brandon finished at the top of his class of 143, with a perfect 4.0 grade point average. He was chosen as class valedictorian after an impressive stay at the college that saw him on the dean's list every year. As well, Brandon has served as president of the Honour's Society.

Brandon is testament to the fact that even the smallest of school systems can produce impressive scholars. He has made his family, friends and home town proud. Brandon intends to return to Newfoundland to work as a chiropractor.

I ask all members to join me in applauding this young man and wishing him all the best in the future.

Agriculture

[Pierre Lemieux, Conservative, Glengarry—Prescott—Russell, ON]

Mr. Speaker, we Conservatives are delivering real results for our farmers. Last week the Prime Minister and the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food re-opened China to Canadian pork, and this week Hong Kong is open to Canadian beef.

As we Conservatives work day in and day out to represent our country's hard-working farmers, the Liberal critic for agriculture has decided to go on strike, according to a recent article in The Western Producer. When asked why he had not been asking any agriculture questions during question period, the member for Malpeque answered, “Why bother?” He then went on to say of farm leaders, “I am not prepared to fight their fight for better policy and better treatment by the government if they are not prepared to support me”.

This is a shocking statement. The member for Malpeque thinks it is all about him, “If you don't support me, I won't support you”. I say to him that his job is to support farmers. It is not the job of farmers to support him and the Liberal Party.

As I continue to work diligently for the farmers of Glengarry—Prescott—Russell and across Canada, I would like to extend my best wishes to them for a merry Christmas and a prosperous new year. For the Liberal ag critic, I say get back to work.

Rio Tinto Alcan

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

Mr. Speaker, Rio Tinto Alcan recently announced that it will permanently close its payroll office in Jonquière and transfer operations to Montreal. In the words of union president Alain Gagnon this is nothing less than a slap in the face to the Saguenay—Lac-Saint-Jean region.

Rio Tinto, which has recently acquired Quebec's Alcan aluminum company, is continuing to downsize its workforce, thereby disturbing the balance between what it gets out of the region and what it gives back in employment.

The Conservatives, in particular the minister responsible for the Saguenay—Lac-Saint-Jean region, are partly responsible for this situation. By not putting any conditions on the acquisition of Alcan, such as the obligation to maintain a certain number of jobs, Rio Tinto Alcan can do whatever it wants and move our jobs to other regions while reaping great benefits from our natural resources. The Conservatives in my region should be ashamed of themselves today.

Battle of Hong Kong

[Colin Mayes, Conservative, Okanagan—Shuswap, BC]

Mr. Speaker, this week marks a sombre anniversary for Canadian veterans. It was 68 years ago this week that imperial Japan engaged Canadian troops in Hong Kong. “C Force”, as they were known, provided much of the Commonwealth forces in the Battle of Hong Kong that lasted 17 gruelling days.

This weekend the Prime Minister paid tribute to the sacrifice of young Canadians who never returned from the Battle of Hong Kong by laying a wreath at the Sai Wan War Cemetery. The ceremony was also attended by Patricia Osborn, daughter of company Sergeant-Major John Osborn, a Canadian hero who died in combat in Hong Kong. He received a posthumous Victoria Cross for his actions in protecting his fellow troops, Canada's first in World War II.

Canadians today remain proud defenders of freedom, democracy and justice around the world. I agree with the Prime Minister's remarks, “It is the men and women of the Canadian Forces who defend our way of life and keep Canada, the true north strong and free”.

KAIROS

[Frank Valeriote, Liberal, Guelph, ON]

Mr. Speaker, KAIROS assists the world's poorest countries and is recognized as one of Canada's most respected and important charitable organizations. After nearly 40 years of funding from successive Liberal and Progressive Conservative governments, KAIROS has had its funding cut off because its programs do not “fit” with Reform-Conservative priorities.

As recently noted in media reports, this is money that would have been used to help resettle people who had lost their homes and livelihoods because of rising sea levels, or to help a legal clinic in the Congo that assists rape victims, among other crucial projects. These cuts are unconscionable and are nothing less than a censure against a Canadian multi-faith organization for speaking out against regressive Conservative policies on climate change, overseas mining operations, aboriginal rights, immigration and international trade.

The government must continue to fund KAIROS so it may continue its invaluable work in helping the world's poor.

Consumer Product Safety

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

Mr. Speaker, the Liberals should be ashamed of themselves for delaying bills to protect the health and safety of families.

Earlier this year, our Conservative government introduced the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act. Protecting Canadians and Quebeckers from dangerous products is something we take very seriously.

The bill was passed by the House in June, but has been blocked in the Senate by the Liberals ever since. They are proposing amendments that will considerably weaken the bill and not in any way better protect the health and safety of Quebeckers and Canadians.

The Leader of the Opposition is not even capable of telling his Liberal colleagues in the Senate to stop dragging their feet and pass this bill.

Let us restore this bill to its original form and pass it now. We are talking about the health and protection of Quebeckers and Canadians, especially our children.

KAIROS

[Tony Martin, NDP, Sault Ste. Marie, ON]

Mr. Speaker, for years, the faith-based Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiative KAIROS has helped Canada work for justice internationally and at home. Now KAIROS, which unites 11 Canadian churches and organizations, representing millions of Christians, is itself threatened by CIDA's decision to end funding.

At risk is human rights and development work, such as: in the Congo, where KAIROS helped fight rape as a weapon of war; in Indonesia, where it aided those who disappeared and victims of violence; and in Colombia, where it nurtures a grassroots organization running 22 women's centres. A woman in Sault Ste. Marie reminds me how KAIROS brought a Sudanese refugee to area schools. She wonders how else any teenager in the Sault would otherwise actually know about the real Sudan refugee story.

KAIROS and other non-profits should not foot the bill for stimulus funding. Why bankrupt such a respected organization? I urge the government to restore CIDA funding to KAIROS.

Trade

[Tilly O'Neill-Gordon, Conservative, Miramichi, NB]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister's recent visits to China and India are delivering results for Canadians. Approved destination status will bring millions of Chinese tourist dollars to Canadian businesses. Canadian pork and canola producers will benefit from bigger and better access to the Chinese market. Our nuclear co-operation agreement with India will provide tremendous opportunities for Canada's civilian nuclear industry.

In 13 years the Liberals signed a paltry three free trade agreements and caused long-term damage to our relationship with India. The Liberals are even helping the NDP hold up our trade agreement with Colombia. In less than four years, our Conservative government has concluded five new free trade agreements with eight countries. We have launched historic negotiations with the European Union and India, two of the world's largest markets.

The facts speak for themselves. When it comes to opposing protectionism and promoting free trade, our government is leading by example.

Aboriginal Affairs

[Marc Lemay, Bloc, Abitibi—Témiscamingue, QC]

Mr. Speaker, first nations chiefs are meeting in Ottawa this week for their first Special Chiefs Assembly under the leadership of their new national chief, Shawn Atleo.

In July, I could feel the excitement during the election and the final vote, the results of which were revealed at 7 a.m. Those hours before the results were revealed were a perfect opportunity for the chiefs to discuss issues affecting first nations. They are urging the government to respect them by adopting the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and to invest heavily in access to education for aboriginal peoples, which is one of the government's responsibilities.

I urge all parliamentarians to attend the reception this evening and to participate in the many discussion sessions and talks that are going on all week.

On behalf of the Bloc Québécois, I welcome the chiefs and their delegation, and I wish them a good week of reflection.

Gerald Yetman

[Mark Eyking, Liberal, Sydney—Victoria, NS]

Mr. Speaker, on Friday, November 27, Cape Breton and Canada lost a leader and dedicated public servant in Gerald Yetman.

A veteran of the merchant marine in World War II, Mr. Yetman moved to North Sydney and became a strong voice for labour in Cape Breton. He served as the president of the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour, a national representative of the Canadian Union of Public Employees and president of the Cape Breton District Labour Council. He was also a councillor and the deputy warden for Victoria County.

Gerald Yetman was honoured with a medal in 1993 for his dedication to public service on the 125th anniversary of Confederation. A great orator and strong defender of the worker, Mr. Yetman was much loved, especially by his family. A man of great passion, he would go out of his way to help people whether he knew them or not.

I therefore ask all members of the House to recognize the contribution of Mr. Yetman to his community, his country and his family.

Consumer Product Safety

[Greg Rickford, Conservative, Kenora, ON]

Mr. Speaker, the government will always put the health and safety of Canadians first. It takes the issue of protecting everyone, especially children, from dangerous products very seriously.

That is why we introduced Bill C-6 to protect Canadians from dangerous products. This House passed Bill C-6 in June and the Liberal leader's senators have held the bill up in the Senate since. Now they are trying to gut it.

The Liberal leader must recognize the need for this important legislation, which would make it easier to recall a product as soon as inspectors determined it was a danger. If the Liberal leader will not make the health and safety of Canadians a priority, it is no wonder there are Liberals whispering in lounges across Ottawa.

The Liberal leader needs to tell his senators that this is an important bill. The new tools would help protect Canadian families. If the Liberal leader will not take action, he is only proving what we said before. He is not in it for Canadians; he is just in it for himself.

Afghanistan

[Michael Ignatieff, Liberal, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, for months now, the Minister of National Defence has been claiming that there is no evidence that Afghan prisoners transferred by the Canadian Forces were tortured. However, the sworn testimony of Canadian officials is contradicting the minister.

Obviously, the minister has misled Canadians. Will he admit it and finally tell the truth?

[John Baird, Conservative, Minister of Transport]

Mr. Speaker, the story the Leader of the Opposition raises is one that was raised in this House more than two and a half years ago.

The Vice Chief of Defence Staff, now the CDS, issued a statement over two and a half years ago stating that the Afghan in question was not detained, was not captured and was not transferred by the Canadian Forces.

I hope the member opposite will stand in this place and apologize to the men and women in uniform.

[Michael Ignatieff, Liberal, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, the point is that the Canadian Forces did their job; the question is whether the government did its job.

The issue here is that the minister says one thing, but a Canadian field officer's diary and sworn testimony say another. I would prefer to believe the testimony of the officer and not the minister opposite.

Can he give me a reason to believe anything he says?

[John Baird, Conservative, Minister of Transport]

Mr. Speaker, for more than three years, we have seen the Liberal Party and the members opposite smear our brave men and women in uniform.

The Chief of Defence Staff, a man who has bravely worn the Canadian uniform for decades, has been abundantly clear. He issued a statement more than two and a half years ago, stating that the Afghan in question was not detained, was not captured and was not transferred by the Canadian Forces.

The Leader of the Opposition should be up on his feet commending the work of our troops and the contribution they have been making under difficult circumstances, and stop this fearmongering.

[Michael Ignatieff, Liberal, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, this is precisely a case where the Canadian Forces did their job. They saw someone being beaten, his face covered in blood, and they did the right thing. This side of the House did the right thing.

For a year the government had credible evidence this had occurred and it did nothing. What kind of government, what kind of Canadian government, refuses to act on credible accusations of torture, evidence of torture and in this case evidence provided by Canadian Forces?

[John Baird, Conservative, Minister of Transport]

Mr. Speaker, let me be as clear as I can. When Canadian Forces personnel, when Canadian officials, are presented with clear and substantiated evidence, they have always acted.

Let us be very clear on another point. The Afghan in question was not a Canadian detainee, and our men and women in uniform did the right thing. They should be honoured for that contribution, honoured for their sacrifice. The member opposite should apologize to those men and women in uniform.

The Environment

[David McGuinty, Liberal, Ottawa South, ON]

Mr. Speaker, in 2007, the Conservatives said they wanted to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50 megatonnes by 2010. They said it was essential to meeting their 2020 target.

Since then, we have seen no regulations, no price on carbon, no credit trading system and no plan.

By how many megatonnes have large industrial emitters reduced their emissions since the Conservatives were elected in 2006?

[Jim Prentice, Conservative, Minister of the Environment]

Mr. Speaker, our target is clear. Our policy is clear. Canadians support it, and the hon. member knows that.

The important issue right now is that today is the first day of the Copenhagen conference. Canada wants to see an international agreement arrived at in Copenhagen. It is very much in our interest to have an agreement negotiated in Copenhagen.

Our country is prepared to shoulder its fair share of responsibility under that agreement. Moreover, we are prepared at the table, having the finest minds in the world on climate change sitting as Canada's negotiators at the table.

I encourage the hon. member, knowing that he will be at Copenhagen, and hope that he will work with us constructively in the best interests of Canada.

[David McGuinty, Liberal, Ottawa South, ON]

Mr. Speaker, here are the facts.

After declining in absolute terms between 2003 and 2006, Canada's emissions grew by 29 megatonnes in 2007, the single largest increase since 1990, making Canada the worst performer in the G8.

The United States and all of Europe have credible plans. They support international emissions trading. They have tabled or passed regulations for their entire economies. Canada has none of this.

These Reform-Conservatives are lurching from denial to damage control, isolating Canada, risking our environmental and economic future. Why?

[Jim Prentice, Conservative, Minister of the Environment]

Mr. Speaker, to reiterate, our target is clear. Our plan and policy is clear and Canadians support it.

Now I do not want to be completely disparaging of the Liberals in the House, but at Kyoto they were excited: they had a target but they had no plan. Now they are enthused about Copenhagen, but they have a plan and they do not have a target. This could only be said to be progress in the way that Churchill described progress for Liberals, which is lurching from failure to failure with enthusiasm.