House of Commons Hansard #22 of the 40th Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was quebec.
The Speaker Liberal Peter Milliken
When debate resumes, there will be four minutes remaining in the time allotted for questions and comments for the hon. member for Malpeque.
John Duncan Conservative Vancouver Island North, BC
Mr. Speaker, Canada has an important mining sector, which includes diamond and precious metal mining in a dynamic value-added jewellery sector.
In 2005, despite aggressive resistance from the Liberal government, my private member's bill to remove the excise tax on jewellery received royal assent. This tax was discriminatory and very counterproductive for Canadian jobs.
The Liberal government of the day chose to use a technicality to avoid eliminating the unfair tax. Instead, it offered a long-term phase-out. Today is significant because this is the first day that this tax would have been gone under the Liberal plan.
Contrast this with the actions of the Conservative government elected in January 2006. The tax was removed immediately, more than three years ago.
This is another example where, once again, the Conservatives took immediate action to help Canadians, while the Liberals dragged their feet. Shame.
Geoff Regan Liberal Halifax West, NS
Mr. Speaker, Nova Scotians were saddened recently by the loss of a devoted family man, respected law professor, author and arbitrator. Innis Christie was an inspirational teacher who loved moulding young minds almost as much as the time he spent at the Amherst shore with family and friends.
The former Dalhousie law school dean's dedication to the law and to public service is legendary in my home province. His students are now scattered around the world, including several who sit in this place. We all recognize how fortunate we were to witness Innis Christie's wisdom, good humour and sound judgment.
I ask the House to join me in extending condolences to the Christie family and in saluting a great Nova Scotian whose memory will live on.
Nicole Demers Bloc Laval, QC
Mr. Speaker, Jean-Philippe Prévost-Robert, of Laval's Collège Montmorency, was ranked first for the second year in a row in Pontpop ÉTS, Quebec's foremost bridge-building competition. On February 21 and 23, over 300 high school and college students from all over Quebec gathered at the École de technologie supérieure to participate in this, the biggest competition of its kind.
The students had to use popsicle sticks, toothpicks, dental floss and white glue to build bridges that were both aesthetically pleasing and strong enough to hold up to two tonnes. The judges were industry professionals and professors from the ÉTS's construction engineering department. Jean-Philippe was awarded first prize at the college level and went home with a $750 scholarship and a $500 prize.
My Bloc Québécois colleagues and I would like to congratulate Jean-Philippe on his remarkable achievement.
Carol Hughes NDP Algoma—Manitoulin—Kapuskasing, ON
Mr. Speaker, people across northern Ontario have heard the government is prepared to move heaven and earth to get badly needed stimulus cash out the door and into the hands of communities so that they can pursue much needed improvements to their infrastructure. Elected officials in these same communities are now wondering what it is going to take to actually get their hands on that money.
The town of Espanola in my constituency is a prime example of what has gone wrong. Faced with a brown water problem, Espanola has done the necessary legwork to pursue a fix. It has gone through the application process and waited, shovel ready, for the federal government to pony up its share of the project funding through the building Canada fund.
Despite seeming to match all the criteria for a project to be able to draw funds from that program, Espanola has been denied funding again.
The outcome is difficult enough to accept. For a small community, the application process is daunting. Espanola spent $80,000 from its relatively small tax base to pursue assistance for this persistent problem. Not only was it denied funding, but it received no feedback to indicate--
Daryl Kramp Conservative Prince Edward—Hastings, ON
Mr. Speaker, today the presidents and CEOs representing Canada's cement industry, including the Essroc Cement plant in Picton in my riding, are visiting Parliament.
The cement industry wishes to pass along to the House its congratulations to the Government of Canada for the government's swift action to accelerate the delivery of infrastructure investment and getting shovel-ready projects under way.
The cement industry will play a very important role in the infrastructure investments detailed in Canada's economic action plan. Cement is the critical ingredient in concrete and is an essential construction material designed for building sustainable infrastructure across Canada.
As cement is used in concrete to lay a rock-solid foundation to buildings, bridges and highways, so has this Government of Canada laid a solid foundation with its infrastructure investments in the economic action plan. It is a foundation that will protect the prosperity and lives of Canadians from coast to coast to coast.
Joe Volpe Liberal Eglinton—Lawrence, ON
Mr. Speaker, under the umbrella of free speech, some groups are using university campuses, like York, to undermine the fabric of civil discourse with events they have entitled “Israel Apartheid Week”.
Such events will inevitably sow discord, promote negative stereotyping and fuel hatred.
One might well ask what motivates groups like the Canadian Arab Federation, CUPE Ontario and CUPW in their endorsement and organization of “Israel Apartheid Week”.
The safety and security of Jewish students and their instructors will be unnecessarily placed in danger by these demonstrations. The cause of peace in the Middle East will not be advanced by eroding the principles of freedom in Canadian universities.
I invite the House to join me in condemning these “Israel Apartheid Week” activities and in encouraging university administrations to take steps to stop anti-Semitism and the dissemination of hatred.
Shelly Glover Conservative Saint Boniface, MB
Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise in the House today to acknowledge the tragic incident that took place in Mayerthorpe, Alberta on March 3, 2005, when four RCMP constables, Peter Schiemann, Anthony Gordon, Leo Johnston and Brock Myrol were fatally shot in the line of duty.
As a sergeant and a police officer for more than 18 years with the Winnipeg Police Service, I belong to a law enforcement family and we are always saddened and shocked when a colleague, sister or brother, loses their life while protecting our citizens.
The commitment of our law enforcement is one that is taken very seriously. We recognize every day that our police services and RCMP put themselves at risk to protect others. Their sacrifice to make our communities safe and secure is truly appreciated.
I want to express my deepest sympathies and admiration to each of the families of the courageous fallen four. Our hearts remain heavy with the burden of their loss and the burden of our loss. Know that the four constables who sacrificed their lives four years ago today will be remembered in the hearts of all Canadians.
André Bellavance Bloc Richmond—Arthabaska, QC
Mr. Speaker, last week Laurent Pellerin was elected president of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture. He is the first Quebecker to take the presidency of that organization, which represents over 200,000 agricultural producers.
Mr. Pellerin owns a family farm in the Centre-du-Québec region and served as president of the Union des producteurs agricoles for 14 years.
Devoted to the cause of agriculture in Quebec, he was instrumental in the creation of the Financière agricole du Québec and the establishment of agri-environmental advisory clubs. He has also been a great ambassador at every opportunity, particularly with the International Federation of Agricultural Producers, and at Europe-America agriculture conferences. It was also under his watch that UPA Développement international came into being. This agency has staff in a dozen developing countries working to introduce a Quebec-inspired collective model.
In 2005, he was recognized for his remarkable achievements by the Quebec government, which awarded him its highest distinction, the designation of Chevalier de l'Ordre National du Québec.
On behalf of the Bloc Québécois, I would like to congratulate Mr. Pellerin.
Candice Bergen Conservative Portage—Lisgar, MB
Mr. Speaker, this week is International Women's Week.
The Conservative Party has a long tradition of supporting all women. After all, the first female justice minister, minister of defence and prime minister of Canada was from the Conservative Party.
Today, on Parliament Hill, there is a group of girls and boys who are observing the democratic process in action and engaging with parliamentarians.
The girls in this group are here, thanks to Equal Voice, to which the Minister of State for the Status of Women recently announced funding of $1.2 million for “Experiences”, a project that will increase the democratic participation of these girls and other young women by pairing them with mentors. I hope some of them will be hon. members in the House one day.
Today, in Canada, there is very little that a woman cannot do. As we observe International Women's Day and Week, we can truly celebrate the strong women and girls who help make Canada a land of opportunity for all citizens.
Irwin Cotler Liberal Mount Royal, QC
Mr. Speaker, the people of my riding, Mount Royal, and the Filipino community in Quebec and Canada were deeply saddened to learn of the recent death of Filipino humanitarian leader Carmelita Sideco.
Carmelita made an enormous contribution to the Filipino community as the first female president and ongoing leader of FAMAS, the Filipino Nurses Association and of the Federation of Philippine Canadian Association of Quebec, to name a few.
Indeed, her leadership and engagement went beyond the Filipino community, involved as she was in a myriad of intercultural, university, artistic and political organizations and projects, all of which benefited from her seemingly endless generosity, courage and energy.
She was one of the great and beloved pillars, not only of the Filipino community but of the larger community of Quebeckers and Canadians. She personified the best of Filipino values of commitment, compassion, community service and selfless giving of herself for the well-being of others.
She will be sorely missed by all who knew her, by my family and myself and all those whose lives she touched for so many years.
Greg Kerr Conservative West Nova, NS
Mr. Speaker, I deeply regret to inform the House that the Hon. Michael Baker, Nova Scotia's minister of finance, passed away last night at his home in Lunenburg, surrounded by his family.
Michael Baker would never allow his cancer to stop him from being a good husband, father and servant of the people of Nova Scotia. As he continued to grow ill, he continued to be the man he always was, hardworking, dedicated and a loving family man.
Michael Baker served in many portfolios in his 10 years in cabinet, making his mark on a number of issues. Most notably, in 2004, after a teenager in a stolen car hit and killed a teacher's aide, Michael led the province's fight to change the youth justice system. As minister of finance, Michael was able to deliver a series of balanced budgets and was currently working on the province's budget for the spring when he died.
Our deepest condolences to his wife, Cynthia, and their sons, Matthew and Daniel. He will be missed.
Olivia Chow NDP Trinity—Spadina, ON
Mr. Speaker, have you ever waited for a street car on the windy, cold, icy winter street corners of Toronto? Well, the wait will soon be a lot shorter.
Toronto is buying 204 new street cars. My constituents who ride the TTC on Queens Quay, Spadina, King, Queen, Dundas, College and Bathurst will all benefit from this purchase. Shorter waits means fewer people will drive.
Not only is riding the red rocket the better way, building new street cars creates 300 jobs over 10 years.
The federal government should send its $450 million to Toronto so the TTC street car contract can be signed by April 27. The Conservatives, however, refuse to adopt a gas tax formula that reflects Toronto's priorities. As a result funds have been mired in red tape for years.
When will Torontonians finally see some of their tax money back in town?
Steven Blaney Conservative Lévis—Bellechasse, QC
Mr. Speaker, the Bloc used its parliamentary budget, taxpayers' money, to fund a newspaper that prints extremist rhetoric and preaches intolerance. The Réseau de résistance du Québécois showed its contempt for democracy during the debate around the commemoration of the battle of the Plains of Abraham, using fear, intimidation and calls for violence.
How does the Bloc plan to compensate the Quebec City area for the losses caused by the cancellation of the historical re-enactment, losses the city's tourism office estimates at more than $3 million? More importantly, why is the Bloc aiding and abetting splinter groups that are trying to deny a defining event in our history? As Quebec's motto states, “Je me souviens”, I remember, and as a Quebecker, I condemn the narrow-mindedness and self-centredness of the Bloc Québécois, which is mortgaging Quebec's future by denying its past.
Louis Plamondon Bloc Bas-Richelieu—Nicolet—Bécancour, QC
Mr. Speaker, an article by Chantal Hébert in the Hill Timesand in the Toronto Star earlier this month was quite insightful as to the lack of judgment on the part of Conservative Quebeckers in the matter of the re-enactment of the battle of the Plains of Abraham.
The article focused on the fact that common sense would dictate that sensitive founding myths be handled with care, and described the Quebec Conservative caucus's failure to do as insensitive.
What is even more interesting is that the same article acknowledged the talent of the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs for throwing oil on the fire she is vainly attempting to extinguish. In addition to citing the recent case of the re-enactment of the battle of the Plains of Abraham, the article also refers to the cuts to culture that were so badly managed by the minister that she was given another portfolio.
Ms. Hébert's conclusion: it is a fiasco she and her Quebec colleagues seem destined to re-enact in the next election.
Michael Savage Liberal Dartmouth—Cole Harbour, NS
Mr. Speaker, today Nova Scotians mourn the passing of Michael Baker, who served in a number of provincial cabinet posts, most notably as minister of finance.
We have all been touched by cancer, we have all lost family or friends, but Michael Baker showed us that it does not have to take away our courage, our will or our ability to contribute to a better world.
We watched him continue his work and we marvelled at his strength as he refused to let cancer sideline him. In fact, by keeping his busy schedule and through his boundless energy, it can truly be said that he beat cancer even though it did in the end take his life.
Recently a new justice centre in his honour was opened in Bridgewater. The impact of his life goes far beyond bricks and mortar. His legacy will be his love of the law, his dedication to his community, his commitment to family and his courage through difficult times. He was a remarkable man.
We offer condolences to his family and we hope it finds comfort in the affection and respect that Michael Baker earned from Nova Scotians from across the province and from across the political spectrum. He has earned a special place in our history and in our hearts.
Chris Warkentin Conservative Peace River, AB
Mr. Speaker, the Liberal leader is out of touch with real Canadians. More specifically, he is out of touch with rural Canadians, most recently demonstrating this by his opposition to the Canadian seal hunt, all the while supporting a punitive carbon tax.
He claimed during the 2006 Liberal leadership race and during last year's election that a carbon tax was a good thing for Canada and a good thing for our economy. He said that we needed to burden other Canadians who were able to bear the energy costs, never asking rural Canadians if they could burden the extra costs.
To exacerbate his attack on rural Canadians, he is now trying to cut off the livelihoods of traditional sealers because his European friends think that it is a good idea. His party will introduce legislation today, supported by the controversial IFAW, to ban the Canadian seal hunt.
The Liberal leader does not support Canadian sealers. The Liberal leader does not support rural Canadians. When will the Liberal leader quit his assault on rural Canadians?
The Speaker Liberal Peter Milliken
I wish to advise the House of the death last night of my predecessor, former Speaker of the House of Commons, the Hon. Gilbert Parent.
Michael Ignatieff LiberalLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, Canadians deserve a clear message from their Prime Minister about this economic crisis. Sometimes he says we are in a recession, sometimes it is a depression. In September it was not going to happen at all.
This weekend on CNN the Prime Minister called it “--a cyclical downturn, but nothing that requires major government intervention”. We supported $40 billion worth of stimulus because we believe this is a serious economic crisis.
Does the Prime Minister now feel a little differently?
Stephen Harper ConservativePrime Minister
Mr. Speaker, first of all, I would like to offer our sincere condolences to the family of former Speaker of the House, Gilbert Parent.
If the hon. member were to look closely at the transcript of that interview, he would see that I was speaking specifically of the mortgage sector. In the United States tens of billions of dollars are being spent to deal with the problems in the mortgage sector. We do have a cyclical downturn in our mortgage sector but nothing that requires a massive government bailout package for that particular sector.
Notwithstanding the economic difficulties, that is one of the many strengths this country has over the United States.
Michael Ignatieff LiberalLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, we are still awaiting a clear statement and definition of what this crisis amounts to and how the Prime Minister defines it will help Canadians to get through it.
Let me ask again, does he regard this as a cyclical downturn, a recession, or a depression? A clear answer will give Canadians guidance.
Stephen Harper ConservativePrime Minister
Mr. Speaker, the economic plan of the Minister of Finance has spoken very clearly about the government's views on this and our action plan to deal with it. We have no plan whatsoever, or no proposals whatsoever, from the leader opposite.
This gentleman talks about contradictions. Last week the Liberals wanted to delay passage of the estimates, now they say they should be passed as quickly as possible. At least they have it right the second time.
Michael Ignatieff LiberalLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, the government is asking for our support in voting for an additional $3 billion to stimulate the economy. There is one problem: it is not giving Canadians any idea how it will spend that money. We cannot sign a blank cheque.
Will the Prime Minister tell us before the vote what specific programs are being targeted by this additional $3 billion?
Stephen Harper ConservativePrime Minister
Mr. Speaker, these funds are obviously for the implementation of budget 2009, including infrastructure funding for the summer construction period. This House must act quickly. I urge the Leader of the Opposition to stop changing positions and to support these measures and funds, which are so important to the Canadian economy.