House of Commons Hansard #23 of the 40th Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was budget.

Topics

2 p.m.

Liberal

The Speaker Liberal Peter Milliken

It being Wednesday, we will now have the singing of the national anthem led by the hon. member for Brossard—La Prairie.

[Members sang the national anthem]

InfrastructureStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Conservative

Phil McColeman Conservative Brant, ON

Mr. Speaker, I wish to draw the attention of the House to the recent announcement of the government of over $10 million to build a new twin-pad arena in my riding of Brant and to rebuild the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre.

We are creating jobs by doing this and making Canada stronger by investing in it. We are delivering results in these difficult times by building roads, bridges and water treatment systems across Ontario and by investing in projects like these.

Not only will people in Brant have greater access to physical activity opportunities as a result of this development, but the community will benefit from job creation, improved recreational facilities and the sport tourism dollars this will bring to our area for years to come.

Cape BretonStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Liberal

Mark Eyking Liberal Sydney—Victoria, NS

Mr. Speaker, recently Cape Breton has seen its heroes and stars.

On January 27, the Baddeck Volunteer Fire Department rescued six passengers from a bus that crashed into the ice filled river.

This past weekend we had winners at the ECMA Awards. Tom Fun Orchestra won the rising star recording, Sydney Mines Brenda Stubbert took home the roots/traditional solo, the Burkes from Waterford took home the gospel recording, Ronald Bourgeois from Chéticamp won francophone recording and, last but not least, Gordie Sampson won Vibe Creative Single and SOCAN Songwriter of the Year.

Two basketball teams also made us proud. CBU's Caper's women claimed their third AUS banner and Breton Education Bears won their first Coal Bowl.

On February 23, our entire island celebrated the 100th anniversary of the first flight of the Silver Dart with a re-enactment on Baddeck Bay.

We are proud of each and every one of these outstanding Cape Breton accomplishments.

Saint-Hubert AirportStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Bloc

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

Mr. Speaker, in this, the 100th year since the first Canadian flight, I wish to draw attention to the importance of aeronautics to the riding of Saint-Bruno—Saint-Hubert. This is an economic sector in which Quebec expertise is recognized world wide.

The Saint-Hubert airport is the oldest civil airport in Quebec and in Canada. For many years, it was also the most important.

Life on the Montreal south shore, and in Saint-Hubert in particular, is very much dependent on the airport and the aerospace industry. The multitude of small, medium and large innovative businesses in this field, and their subcontractors, employ thousands of workers. I am thinking of the likes of Héroux DevTech, Pratt & Whitney, Dev-Yhu and the Canadian Space Agency. Saint-Hubert is also the home of the École nationale d'aérotechnique, a campus of Cégep Édouard-Montpetit, which plays a lead role in Quebec in the field of technical training in aeronautics.

But our reputation in aeronautics is also showcased by a dynamic foundation, Fondation Aérovision Québec, headed by Lucien Poirier. It promotes Quebec's exceptional contribution to the conquest of the air as well as being dedicated to the preservation of our aeronautical heritage.

Status of WomenStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

NDP

Irene Mathyssen NDP London—Fanshawe, ON

Mr. Speaker, the last three years of the Conservative government have been a disaster for the advancement of women, economically, socially and politically.

Women's organizations have lost their funding and many have, sadly, disappeared. Those that remain are denied the resources needed to advance women's equality in our country.

One case is that of l'accès des femmes au travail, which had submitted an important proposal to Status of Women Canada to develop a program to improve the representation of women in predominantly male employment sectors and maximize the opportunities for greater economic security for women. After meeting all SWC funding requirements, the organization was abruptly denied funding after publicly criticizing the Conservative attack on pay equity and women's rights.

The Conservative government is turning back the clock on equality and is trying to silence the voices of women who stand in its way.

AgricultureStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Conservative

Blake Richards Conservative Wild Rose, AB

Mr. Speaker, it has been my privilege as a member of the agriculture committee to work for the benefit of farmers in my riding of Wild Rose and all across Canada. However, I doubt Liberal members hold that same conviction.

The Liberals recently tried to undermine the Canadian Cattlemen's Association's support for expanding beef exports by siding instead with organizations that favoured failed protectionist policies.

However, the Liberals' stance now is much different from what they told farmers before the election. On October 9, 2008, in response to a CCA questionnaire, the Liberal Party said, “The key to supporting cattle production is to expand export opportunities”.

Since that is exactly what this Conservative government has been successfully doing, I have to wonder what it is in the Liberals' DNA that compels them to reject the very few good ideas they actually come across.

Why do Liberals always say one thing and do another?

HockeyvilleStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Scott Andrews Liberal Avalon, NL

Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the Harbour Grace Hockeyville organizing committee and all the residents of Harbour Grace and the surrounding areas for their support and determination to bring Hockeyville to their community. Harbour Grace has made it to the top five and voting is now underway to determine the title of Hockeyville 2009.

It is wonderful to see the effort, enthusiasm and friendly competitive spirit of Harbour Grace during the qualifying period. That, combined with their individual efforts, is commendable and I congratulate them for their hard work and dedication in this initiative.

“Vote for the Home of the Champions” is their slogan. This explains the underlying momentum in the race for Harbour Grace to be recognized as Hockeyville. “Home of Champions” represents historical connections with the town of Harbour Grace.

Native and local champion Danny Cleary increased local enthusiasm when he made history by bringing the Stanley Cup to Newfoundland and Labrador in 2008. The long-standing rivalry between the Cee Bees and other provincial teams showcases many local champions during the battles for the top prize at Herder Memorial. Hockey moms, hockey dads and all participants in local minor hockey programs are all champions.

Let us vote Harbour Grace and vote often.

Ellard PowersStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Conservative

Cheryl Gallant Conservative Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke, ON

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay respects to Mr. Ellard Powers, a leader in the farming community. Ellard was born the eldest of five children in Ross Township, Renfrew country during the depths of the Great Depression in 1934. That experience tempered his resolve to help the plight of fellow farmers.

I got to know Ellard when he served on my beef task force that was set up to deal with the border crisis over BSE. Ellard was always available to provide advice. In addition to farming dairy and beef, while working for Dominion Magnesium, Ellard during the 1960s was vice-president of the Ontario farmers union three times. Through the OFU, he became a member of the Ontario Milk Marketing Board, moving on to become a commissioner on the Canadian Dairy Commission and to its chairman and CEO three years later.

Ellard would continue to serve the farming community in a variety of other capacities over the year, most recently as vice-president of the Renfrew County chapter of the NFU.

Ellard was committed to rural living and the family farm. His contribution to the public life of our country in agricultural matters will always be appreciated.

Rights and DemocracyStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Bloc

Diane Bourgeois Bloc Terrebonne—Blainville, QC

Mr. Speaker, I would like to draw attention today to the important contribution to society that has been made by Rights and Democracy in its 20 years of existence. Created by an act of Parliament, Rights and Democracy is a non-partisan organization whose mandate is to promote democratic development and defend human rights.

The work carried out by the staff of this public institution, in conjunction with civil societies of a number of countries, is remarkable. On numerous occasions, we have sought their expertise and knowledge, both legal and practical. Whether in connection with events in Burma, the Philippines, Tibet or China or the actions by Canadian mining companies abroad, the huge role this organization fulfills in providing information and speaking out against breaches of human rights is invaluable.

I and all my colleagues in the Bloc Québécois would like to thank this organization for its contribution to the defence and promotion of human rights. We hope that, through its recommendations, it will continue to be a part of our deliberations for many years to come.

International Women's WeekStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Conservative

Ron Cannan Conservative Kelowna—Lake Country, BC

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today during International Women's Week to recognize the amazing contributions of a young lady from my riding of Kelowna—Lake Country. Alaina Podmorow was struck by the plight of women in Afghanistan. Proving that one person really can make a difference, Alaina founded Little Women for Little Women in Afghanistan. Alaina's organization raises money to help pay for teachers and supplies.

Working with Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan, Alaina's group has made a huge impact on the lives of young women and those who teach them. Just last year, the Minister of International Cooperation recognized the hard work and dedication of this young lady and agreed to match the organization's fundraising efforts dollar for dollar.

Alaina Podmorow, who is on Parliament Hill today, is an outstanding example of how average Canadians, determined to make a better life for Afghan women and girls, can make a difference. Canadians can be proud of our development efforts in Afghanistan. They can also take pride in what this young lady from my riding has achieved in such a short period of time.

Lobster FisheryStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Dominic LeBlanc Liberal Beauséjour, NB

Mr. Speaker, the lobster fishery in the Northumberland Strait is in crisis, and this Conservative government is refusing to act. The factors that led to this economic disaster may be complex, but simple solutions are available.

The fishing effort must be reduced immediately. In other words, fishermen need a federal licence buyout program before the season begins this spring.

A licence buyout is key, but it alone will not be enough to save this critical industry. Other conservation and marketing measures are also required. The government should start listening to fishermen, who have good ideas and want to contribute.

Before the budget, the minister seemed interested in helping these lobster fishermen. Now, she has nothing to say. That is too bad, because the economic and social survival of thousands of people is at stake.

Seal HuntStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Conservative

Kevin Sorenson Conservative Crowfoot, AB

Mr. Speaker, the Liberal Party is continuing its attack on Canadian sealers.

Yesterday on Tom Clark's Power Play, one of the Liberal leader's senators called the seal hunt an “embarrassment to Canadians” and called it “bad trade”. Is this is his idea of standing up for a great tradition in Canadian industry, by buckling to European demands that want to destroy the livelihood of Canadian sealers?

Let us take a closer look at some of the other priorities the Liberal leader has for Canadians.

We must remember that he is the father of the Liberal carbon tax. During his first run at the Liberal leadership, he promised to impose a carbon tax on all Canadians, driving up the cost of everything. He even claimed that it would be good for the economy. The Liberal leader is so out of touch that he actually believes that driving up the cost of everything would be good for our country.

Canadian sealers cannot afford the Liberal Party. In fact, no Canadian can afford the Liberal Party. It is time the Liberals stood up for Canada and stopped their--

Seal HuntStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Liberal

The Speaker Liberal Peter Milliken

The hon. member for Timmins--James Bay.

Broadcasting IndustryStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

NDP

Charlie Angus NDP Timmins—James Bay, ON

Mr. Speaker, as Canada's local television signals fade to black, the Conservative government is asleep on the couch. We have seen an unprecedented loss of local television coverage in communities like Ottawa, Victoria, Hamilton, Windsor, and this is just the tip of the iceberg.

Local broadcasters play a valuable role in our communities. They tell our stories. They build our identities. Their staff volunteer for charitable work.

These losses are not simply about economic restructuring. It is about a radical rewriting of the Canadian broadcast landscape and we are going to lose our local voices.

These losses are compounded by the long-term failure of media policy in this country. The government and the CRTC have allowed the consolidation of the media into fewer hands. They cannot sit back now and allow an economic meltdown to erase the final obligations for regional commitment to broadcasters.

It is time the government stood up for local broadcasters in our country.

Liberal Party of CanadaStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Conservative

Peter Braid Conservative Kitchener—Waterloo, ON

“The day is coming”, Mr. Speaker, “the day is coming”. Those are the words of Liberal Senator George Baker when he said the day is coming for the creation of a Bloc Newfoundland and Labrador that will eventually see that great province leave Confederation.

The Liberal leader's tolerance of these statements from the most senior Liberal parliamentarian is truly unfortunate. However, it is not surprising. The leader of the Liberal Party himself once said, and I quote, “I'm not in bed with the Bloc Québécois; okay, they're at the corner of the bed”.

At the rate the leader of the Liberal Party is going, when it comes to dealing with separatists, there is not going to be much bed left.

Oil SandsStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Bloc

Paule Brunelle Bloc Trois-Rivières, QC

Mr. Speaker, a number of observers, including National Geographic, recognize the environmental impact of oil sands development in Alberta. The leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, though, feels that the debate over the oil sands could divide the country and adds that he is proud of the oil industry.

Knowing that he will have an uphill battle getting support from Alberta in the next election, the leader of the Liberal Party of Canada has decided to ally himself with the oil companies, stating that “The stupidest thing you can do is to run against an industry that is providing employment...not just in Alberta, but right across the country.”

He claims, falsely, that Quebec is reaping benefits from oil revenues in terms of transfers from Ottawa, but Alberta is not the only province that generates wealth in Canada.

What is very clear to us is that the leader of the Liberal Party of Canada has decided to turn his back on Quebec by showing support for the oil companies in Alberta in a bid for votes, just as he did in supporting the budget.

Canadian ForcesStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Liberal

Michael Ignatieff Liberal Etobicoke—Lakeshore, ON

Mr. Speaker, I rise in sorrow to salute the bravery and devotion to Canada of the three soldiers who died in Afghanistan yesterday.

Dennis Raymond Brown, Dany Olivier Fortin and Kenneth Chad O'Quinn gave their lives to protect fellow soldiers and Afghan civilians. They had defused one roadside bomb when their lives were claimed by another.

We in the House bear the burden of sending these soldiers to do their duty, so we must share the burden of sorrow now falling upon their families. We honour these families and we grieve with them in their hour of desolation.

Our soldiers in Afghanistan must know that in our respect for their courage and dedication, all divisions in this House are stilled and we rise in common tribute.

Liberal Party of CanadaStatements By Members

2:20 p.m.

Conservative

James Bezan Conservative Selkirk—Interlake, MB

Mr. Speaker, recently on VOCM Radio in Newfoundland and Labrador, Liberal Senator George Baker said, “The day is coming”. He was referring to the day that would see the creation of the Bloc Newfoundland and Labrador party. He even went on to say the party would run in the next election.

With the most senior Liberal parliamentarian advocating for the creation of the Bloc Newfoundland and Labrador party, it is clear that the Liberal leader tolerates these views in the Liberal Party.

The Liberals were willing to make a deal that would see the Bloc Québécois have a seat at the governing table and now their most senior parliamentarian is advocating for the creation of a Bloc Newfoundland and Labrador party modelled after the separatist Bloc Québécois.

It is clear. The Conservative Party is the party of national unity; the Liberal Party is not.

Government expendituresOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Etobicoke—Lakeshore Ontario

Liberal

Michael Ignatieff LiberalLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, in the 2007 budget, Parliament approved infrastructure spending of $4.6 billion for the current fiscal year, ending March 31. But the government spent less than $1 billion, according to its own numbers.

Why did the government not invest the $3 billion already approved in the 2007 budget when the economy needed it?

Government expendituresOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Calgary Southwest Alberta

Conservative

Stephen Harper ConservativePrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, last year the government spent three times more on infrastructure than the Liberal government did in its last year in power.

The Minister of Finance already indicated in the economic and fiscal statement that we intend to double infrastructure spending this year, and this was even before the budget was tabled in January. The money is there. Obviously, we need to approve the estimates in order to continue spending.

Government expendituresOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Etobicoke—Lakeshore Ontario

Liberal

Michael Ignatieff LiberalLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, we have been hearing for months that the economy is flagging. We have been asking the government to act since last fall. I will ask the question again.

Why does the Prime Minister need an additional $3 billion for the coming fiscal year, without accountability I might add, when he has not even invested the $3 billion he already has?

Government expendituresOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Calgary Southwest Alberta

Conservative

Stephen Harper ConservativePrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, that $3 billion is money needed to cover the expenditures approved in this budget for new infrastructure programs. These projects are ready and we do not want to wait until July. It is Parliament's responsibility to approve these expenditures so that we can ensure this economic activity.

Government expendituresOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Etobicoke—Lakeshore Ontario

Liberal

Michael Ignatieff LiberalLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister is asking the House to authorize vote 35, which is a $3 billion blank cheque, but he already has $3 billion ready to go for immediate stimulus. Parliament approved that money in the 2007 budget, but the government has not spent it.

What is the Prime Minister doing to ensure that this funding flows before it lapses at the end of the month, or is he holding back needed stimulus to the economy in order to hide the size of his deficit?

Government expendituresOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Calgary Southwest Alberta

Conservative

Stephen Harper ConservativePrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, the government, in consultation with other levels of government, has estimated that we will need about this much money to make sure that we get some of these new programs that have just been designated in the budget out before July. The country and other levels of government are waiting for this. I encourage the Liberal Party to stop playing games and simply let the money flow into the economy.

Softwood LumberOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Liberal

Alexandra Mendes Liberal Brossard—La Prairie, QC

Mr. Speaker, the fallout from the softwood lumber sell-out deal is ongoing. Sawmills in four provinces are now subject to a 10% export tax.

Because of the Conservatives' bad decisions, several sawmills in Quebec and Ontario will be forced to close because of insurmountable losses.

How can the Conservatives still stand by the softwood lumber sell-out?