House of Commons Hansard #126 of the 40th Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was hst.

Topics

Jean-Hugues ChicoineStatements By Members

2 p.m.

NDP

The Acting Speaker NDP Denise Savoie

Order.

The hon. member for Sudbury.

Independent Living Sudbury ManitoulinStatements By Members

2 p.m.

NDP

Glenn Thibeault NDP Sudbury, ON

Madam Speaker, thanks to the volunteers and staff at Independent Living Sudbury Manitoulin, people with disabilities in my riding of Sudbury are able to overcome obstacles and participate fully in all aspects of our community.

Fourteen per cent of the people in my city have some form of disability. The Independent Living Resource Centre in Sudbury's downtown has become the centre point from which people with disabilities can make a difference. According to Nicole Blais, director of ILSM, the programs are not just about ensuring that people have the tools and resources they need for everyday living, but that they have the right to choose for themselves.

To celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Sudbury welcomed Canadian Paralympian Jeff Adams, who described the importance of acceptance and engagement in his life, as a young person with a disability who went on to worldwide success. The event raised over $15,000 to support the centre's important programs.

Canadians with disabilities deserve nothing less. Together with Independent Living Sudbury Manitoulin, we are working to build a truly inclusive community.

JusticeStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Conservative

Ed Fast Conservative Abbotsford, BC

Madam Speaker, Canadians are taking notice of our Conservative government's commitment to fighting crime.

We have eliminated the faint hope clause and tackled murders and drive-by shootings by organized crime. We have introduced laws that get tough on fraudsters and identity theft. We have made it mandatory for Internet service providers to report child pornography. No longer will serious criminals get out of jail after serving only one-sixth of their sentences.

Yet the opposition parties continue to oppose our efforts to fight crime. The NDP resists every effort to introduce mandatory prison sentences for serious criminals, and for six months, Liberal senators have refused to pass laws which impose tougher sentences on drug dealers and serial auto thieves. They even voted against our bill to eliminate the two for one sentencing credit for convicted criminals. It is shocking.

Why does the opposition insist on being tough on law-abiding citizens but soft on criminals? When will they finally listen to the cries of victims?

225th Anniversary of the Soucy Farm in Saint-BasileStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Jean-Claude D'Amours Liberal Madawaska—Restigouche, NB

Madam Speaker, this year the Soucy farm in Saint-Basile will be celebrating its 225th anniversary.

This farm was established in Saint-Basile in 1784 before the parish was officially founded. The Soucy farm is the only ancestral farm in northern New Brunswick. In other words, it is the only farm that has stayed in the same family since it was founded.

Paul-Émile Soucy, the current owner, is the seventh of his line to run the family farm. Before him, the farm was run by his father Conrad and his grandfather Léonide. Today, Paul-Émile Soucy raises sheep and rotates crops between potatoes and grains, in addition to owning wood lots and thus being involved in the forestry and maple syrup industries.

I want to congratulate Paul-Émile Soucy on his fine operation of the farm, which is an integral part of the historic and cultural heritage of Saint-Basile. The Soucy family, and the Madawaska community have reason to be proud.

Congratulations to the Soucy family on its 225 years of dedication and success.

Community ServiceStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Conservative

LaVar Payne Conservative Medicine Hat, AB

Madam Speaker, for the past 34 years Dr. Kenneth Sauer has enriched the city of Medicine Hat through his volunteerism and public service. A former educator and city alderman, Dr. Sauer has held many leadership roles in the community with the Palliser Health Region, the Medicine Hat Public Schools' Education Foundation, and the Kiwanis Club.

One of his lasting contributions has been to promote sports locally, as well as provincially. His leadership was key in securing Medicine Hat as the host for the 2002 Alberta Winter Games and the 2008 Alberta Summer Games.

Dr. Sauer's steadfast community service has boosted civic pride for the people of Medicine Hat and the province. He is most deserving of Alberta's highest honour and Canada's highest honour, the Alberta Order of Excellence and the Order of Canada.

On behalf of my constituents, I offer Ken, his wife Valerie and their family our sincere congratulations on his receipt of these two prestigious awards.

Business Development Bank of CanadaStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Bloc

Nicolas Dufour Bloc Repentigny, QC

Mr. Speaker, I was stunned to learn that the Business Development Bank of Canada sent a unilingual English publication to a number of homes in my riding.

The publication, Canadian Small Business Week, recognizing Small Business Week from October 18 to 24, could not have intended—at least I hope not—to inform the citizens of my riding of Repentigny given that they are for the most part francophones.

How could it ignore this incontrovertible identifying characteristic while claiming to respect the people it addresses? A number of constituents were shocked by this incredible lack of respect.

I therefore wish to sincerely thank the Minister of Industry—responsible for the Development Bank of Canada— who has reminded my constituents, with his lack of respect for them, of why it is so important for Quebec to become a nation.

Economic Action PlanStatements By Members

December 8th, 2009 / 2:05 p.m.

Conservative

Bernard Généreux Conservative Montmagny—L'Islet—Kamouraska—Rivière-du-Loup, QC

Mr. Speaker, our economy relies on the success of our businesses.

Canada's economic action plan helps these businesses by providing the necessary tools to consolidate, innovate and increase their prosperity.

That is why our government has invested in the Tandem Expansion Fund. Announced yesterday, this investment will support the growth and expansion of technology companies by helping them conquer new markets, increase production capacity and generate additional working capital.

Canadian firms will be able to obtain funding from the Tandem Expansion Fund, which will help them grow and also create jobs for Quebeckers and Canadians.

Our government is determined to implement its economic action plan and ensure that Canada emerges from this economic slowdown stronger than ever and positioned to become the leader of the future global economy.

Vancouver 2010 Olympic GamesStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Alexandra Mendes Liberal Brossard—La Prairie, QC

Mr. Speaker, I am very happy today to acknowledge the torch bearers from the three municipalities in my riding, Brossard, La Prairie and Candiac.

Having the Olympic flame visit a community is a unique and memorable experience.

It is a privilege to see the glowing flame pass along the streets of our community. It shows us that sports can play an important role in building a better and peaceful world.

We are all very proud to encourage a brother, sister, friend, neighbour or colleague who is participating in the torch relay. In a way, these torch bearers are our champions, and it makes this historic moment even more intense.

I would like to pay tribute to two residents of Brossard, Michel Simard and his daughter Jacinthe, who are working for the Canadian Olympic torch relay organization until the opening of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games.

I am also pleased to highlight the participation of dozens of other torch bearers in my riding, especially Valérie Dewald, who is 14 years old.

Congratulations to everyone and thank you.

Asian CarpStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Conservative

Ben Lobb Conservative Huron—Bruce, ON

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about the danger our Great Lakes face from the threat of invasive Asian carp migrating north up the Mississippi River.

Our Great Lakes are a national treasure and a significant boom to our economy through the multi-million dollar tourism as well as sport and commercial fishing industries.

Therefore, our government has taken proactive steps to halt the northern migration of carp before they arrive at our doorstep.

Our government has been working closely with the Americans to ensure that carp do not gain access to Canadian waters through the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal.

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans contributed extensively to activities in Illinois by providing staff and equipment to successful fish eradication and removal this past week. Therefore, we are cautiously optimistic that we have been able to halt this impending ecological disaster.

This is yet another example of our government acting in unison with our American neighbours for the good of the Canadian environment while protecting vital Canadian industries.

The EnvironmentStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

NDP

Fin Donnelly NDP New Westminster—Coquitlam, BC

Mr. Speaker, this is a historic week in world history. Leaders from across the globe are converging on Copenhagen to discuss the state of our climate.

The decisions we make today will be remembered, the impacts felt by generations to come.

This government must step up and commit to reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 25% below 1990 levels in the next decade and 80% by 2050. These targets are not only achievable but absolutely critical to the health and future of our environment, our communities and our economy.

I stand today to call on the government to go to Copenhagen and come back with a meaningful plan that achieves these targets. The future of our planet depends on it.

Aboriginal AffairsStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Conservative

John Duncan Conservative Vancouver Island North, BC

Mr. Speaker, our government is making progress on multiple fronts to improve the lives of aboriginal people. These include economic development, education, safe drinking water, land claims, and the extension of human rights protection.

Canada's economic action plan invests $1.4 billion in strengthening partnerships with aboriginal Canadians and is yielding tangible results.

With respect to child and family services, we are implementing a prevention-based approach for long-term benefits for first nations children and their families. Five tripartite agreements with provincial governments and first nations have already been signed.

We are proud of our investment in education, the key investment in the future of aboriginal communities. We have committed $268 million over five years in new and necessary investments for education.

We know there is still much work to be done. We look forward to building on the successes we have made to date.

Émile “Butch” BouchardStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Bloc

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

Mr. Speaker, on Friday, during the Montreal Canadiens' 100th anniversary celebration, those in attendance paid tribute to two outstanding players, Elmer Lach and Émile “Butch” Bouchard, by retiring their jersey numbers. Émile Bouchard played defence and was captain of his team in the 1940s and 1950s.

Émile Bouchard, now 90, is one of the world's hockey greats. As he explains it, “A good player must play with his head, not waste energy, and take advantage of good opportunities”. That is how he has lived his life. This man, who helped the Canadiens win four Stanley Cups, has always been involved in his community in Longueuil. Among other things, he was a municipal councillor and a member of the Optimist Club.

The members of the Bloc Québécois, the staff at the Henriette-Céré de Saint-Hubert CHSLD, where he has been living for the past few years, and his goddaughter, Anne-Marie Desroches, who is also my political attaché, would all like to express their heartfelt congratulations.

IsraelStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Liberal

Joe Volpe Liberal Eglinton—Lawrence, ON

Mr. Speaker, grotesque methods in Conservative ten percenters and in House debates designed to smear Liberal policies toward Israel prompted a public rebuke from the real head of the Israeli delegation at Durban I.

I quote further from the then also deputy foreign minister, Rabbi Michael Melchior, from a letter published today in the National Post:

...I requested from the Canadian delegation that they lead and coordinate the work at Durban to combat the dangerous anti-Semitic language in the final resolution. The Canadian delegation, with its fine record on issues of human rights and combating anti-Semitism and xenophobia, made a remarkable contribution in rallying an unprecedented majority--in UN terms--to remove the hate language from the final official resolution.

Will the Prime Minister now apologize for the gross distortions committed by him and his party, or will he acknowledge that there is no depth to which he will not sink for political gain?

Tandem Expansion FundStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Conservative

Peter Braid Conservative Kitchener—Waterloo, ON

Mr. Speaker, strong, successful businesses are the backbone of our economy. Canada's economic action plan is helping businesses by providing the tools necessary to become innovative, strong and prosperous.

That is why our government is investing $75 million in the Tandem Expansion Fund. This investment announced today will support the growth and expansion of tech companies by helping them pursue new markets and expand production capacity.

The Tandem Expansion Fund will benefit 20 to 40 Canadian firms providing late-stage venture capital and helping to commercialize new products. With this fund, companies will be able to grow and expand and create jobs for Canadians.

Our government remains committed to implementing our two-year economic action plan, making sure Canada emerges stronger than ever and well-positioned to lead in the global economy.

AfghanistanOral Questions

2:15 p.m.

Etobicoke—Lakeshore Ontario

Liberal

Michael Ignatieff LiberalLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, 23 ambassadors have condemned the smear campaign against Richard Colvin. These former ambassadors say that the Colvin affair could create an atmosphere of intimidation in Canada's public service.

When will this government stop showing contempt for public servants who are trying to do their jobs, and when will it stop intimidating Canadians who are trying to tell the truth about torture?

AfghanistanOral Questions

2:15 p.m.

Ottawa West—Nepean Ontario

Conservative

John Baird ConservativeMinister of Transport

Mr. Speaker, I think the characterization that the member opposite makes is quite an exaggeration, even a fabrication, of the actions of this government.

We have seen our military men and women in uniform do an outstanding job. We have seen our outstanding members of the public service, both here and in Afghanistan, work hard to ensure that we bring peace and stability to a very difficult part of the world.

Our officials and our military have always, when presented with credible and substantiated evidence, taken the appropriate action.

AfghanistanOral Questions

2:15 p.m.

Etobicoke—Lakeshore Ontario

Liberal

Michael Ignatieff LiberalLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, not just the diplomats but Canadian military are not being listened to by the government. Field notes by Canadian soldiers make it clear that a detainee was beaten in Afghan custody after being transferred by Canadian troops, way back in June 2006. Our soldiers saw it first-hand. They took photographs. They did the right thing. They rescued the man. They reported it up the chain of command. However, the government did nothing.

What kind of Canadian government refuses to act on first-hand accounts by its own troops, credible accounts, of detainee abuse in Afghan jails?

AfghanistanOral Questions

2:15 p.m.

Ottawa West—Nepean Ontario

Conservative

John Baird ConservativeMinister of Transport

Mr. Speaker, let us be very clear. Let us talk about the facts.

The then vice chief of the defence staff, General Walter Natynczyk, a decorated war hero, someone who has served our country in uniform for decades, stated very clearly more than two and a half years ago that the Afghan in question was not detained, was not captured by Canadian Forces, and he repeated that statement yesterday.

I ask the Leader of the Opposition why he cannot trust General Walter Natynczyk.

AfghanistanOral Questions

2:15 p.m.

Etobicoke—Lakeshore Ontario

Liberal

Michael Ignatieff LiberalLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, the issue is much simpler than this. It is an issue about what happens when Canadian soldiers report credible accounts of detainee abuse; those accounts are not in question; they take photographs of the abuse; they report it up the chain of command and, for a year, the government does nothing about it. That is the issue.

Why will the government not account for that year in which it did nothing?

AfghanistanOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Ottawa West—Nepean Ontario

Conservative

John Baird ConservativeMinister of Transport

Mr. Speaker, let us be very clear. When our Canadian men and women in uniform, doing an outstanding job in incredibly difficult circumstances, are presented with credible information in this regard, they act. They have acted in the past. They did an extraordinary job. In the circumstances which the Leader of the Opposition described, it was not even a Canadian detainee, but they still did the right thing. They still acted. That is why we are so proud of our men and women in uniform.

AfghanistanOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Liberal

Ujjal Dosanjh Liberal Vancouver South, BC

Mr. Speaker, at every opportunity, the Conservatives have misled this House on detainees. Every day, new information belies their claims.

Today we find out that as they were denying detainee abuse and torture, they were preparing media lines on how to handle the truth if it is discovered by Canadians.

They hide the truth. Once discovered, they spin themselves into an even deeper hole.

Will the government call a public inquiry so that Canadians can learn the truth?

AfghanistanOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Central Nova Nova Scotia

Conservative

Peter MacKay ConservativeMinister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway

Mr. Speaker, we have been clear. We have been credible. Whenever presented with credible information, we have acted. We have invested in improving the justice system in Afghanistan. We have invested in the prison system. We continue to make improvements in human rights, in Afghanistan. We inherited a flawed transfer arrangement. We improved that.

I have tremendous faith and respect for the men and women in uniform, and for our diplomats and the work that they are doing in Afghanistan. I wish the member shared that confidence.

AfghanistanOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Liberal

Ujjal Dosanjh Liberal Vancouver South, BC

Mr. Speaker, I have confidence in the military, but I have no confidence in that minister right now. The Conservatives refuse to tell the truth on detainees. They censor documents. They intimidate public servants.

The only real source of information on detainees has been some brave public servants and the media. However, they are branded as liars by the Conservatives. A public inquiry is the only way Canadians will discover the truth.

Can the minister stand and say today there has not been a single proven case of detainee torture abuse in Afghanistan?

Why will he not call a public inquiry?

AfghanistanOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Central Nova Nova Scotia

Conservative

Peter MacKay ConservativeMinister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway

Mr. Speaker, again, we have been clear. We have been consistent.

The hon. member is again making up facts. Acting on the evidence, acting on the advice of senior diplomats, and acting on the advice of decorated, trusted senior military, we acted ethically and responsibly.

When we heard from all of these witnesses ironically before the committee, as the member did, they said the same thing.

So the hon. member has to get his facts straight. If we were acting on the evidence of a number of witnesses, from senior diplomats, senior military, and acting on their advice, acting responsibly, he cannot condemn what the government has done.

That is the inconsistency that he cannot deal with.

The EnvironmentOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Bloc

Gilles Duceppe Bloc Laurier—Sainte-Marie, QC

Mr. Speaker, the political lieutenant for Quebec said he did not have any lessons to learn from anyone when it comes to managing the Canadian federation. Let us take a closer look.

While Quebec takes 1990 as the reference year, the federal government uses 2006. While Quebec has decided to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 20%, the federal government sets a 3% reduction target.

Is that how the political lieutenant for Quebec manages the Canadian federation for the federal government, against the interests of Quebec?