Debates of June 19th, 2009

National Aboriginal Day

[Rob Oliphant, Liberal, Don Valley West, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased today to recognize National Aboriginal Day this Sunday, June 21, as we kick off 11 days to celebrate Canada.

Appropriately, we begin this celebration with an acknowledgement of Canada's first nations, Inuit and Métis people, recognizing their primacy in this great land.

The 11-day celebration will continue with Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day on June 24, Canadian Multiculturalism Day on June 27 and Canada Day on July 1.

Sunday is an opportunity to express our great pride in the rich and diverse cultures that thrive among aboriginal peoples, as they gather to celebrate their past, present and future through stories, song, dance, theatre and sacred ceremonies.

National Aboriginal Day also gives all Canadians the chance to pause and to reflect on work still undone, the opportunity to commit again to justice and dignity for first nations, Métis and Inuit people and to their full participation in the economic, social and cultural prosperity of this great country.

Employment Insurance

[Guy André, Bloc, Berthier—Maskinongé, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I am appealing to you in the hope that the federal government will once and for all understand the true needs of workers who are losing their jobs. On behalf of all those who have already been penalized upon losing their jobs, I am asking that the two week waiting period be eliminated.

It is inconceivable that these people, who pay premiums, must wait two weeks before receiving benefits and that they never receive anything for these two weeks.

Rather than creating a Liberal-Conservative alliance to set up a panel that will only report back in the fall, it was vital for Liberal and Conservative members to take immediate action in the true interests of workers.

A petition calling for the elimination of the waiting period is being circulated in Quebec, including in my riding of Berthier—Maskinongé. Thousands of people have already signed it. Citizens want change now.

Iran

[Paul Dewar, NDP, Ottawa Centre, ON]

Mr. Speaker, New Democrats are extremely concerned about the situation in Iran. Protestors are being crushed, the means of communication among Iranians has been restricted and political activists have been jailed. Yet thousands of opposition supporters are standing their ground, defying a ban on protests and requesting a new election. This is a critical moment not only for the people in Iran, but around the world.

In the words of poet Sa'di:

The children of Adam are limbs of each other

Having been created of one essence.

When the calamity of time afflicts one limb

The other limbs cannot remain at rest.

In the spirit of that, New Democrats stand in solidarity with the democratic aspirations of the people of Iran. We call for an end to the hostilities against peaceful protests, an immediate release of political prisoners and a fair and transparent electoral process that respects the genuine will of the Iranian people.

Father's Day

[Kelly Block, Conservative, Saskatoon—Rosetown—Biggar, SK]

Mr. Speaker, this Sunday is Father's Day and I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to and honour fathers across Canada.

Fathers play an integral role in our society. Strong families contribute to the health and success of our communities.

I am thankful for my father, Ernie Anderson, who has been a source of wisdom, encouragement and strength to me. He has often told me, work hard, be honest and be a person of integrity and I will do just fine. Now that I am a member of Parliament, he claims to be my biggest fan.

I am also grateful for the father of my four beautiful children, Milton Block. My love and appreciation for him grows with each year for the strength and leadership he provides to our family.

On Sunday, I hope Canadians across the country will join me in taking the time to show appreciation to their fathers for all they have done.

Anniversary Celebration

[Scott Brison, Liberal, Kings—Hants, NS]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in the House to pay tribute to Canon “Sid” Davies as we celebrate the 70th anniversary of his ordination.

Canon Davies is better known to Nova Scotians simply as “Sid”. And for the last 30 years, Sid has called the Valley his home. He has and continues to serve the community as a leader and as a mentor, inspiring us with his energy, hard work and wise counsel. In its tribute to Sid, St. John's Church said it best:

Canon Davies is a most remarkable man—faithful and diligent in his priestly duties; energetic and wise in his work in the wider community; and a sterling example of what it is to be a “muscular Christian”.

Sid has received many honours, including an award from the VON for being the most outstanding volunteer in Canada, and an honorary Doctorate of Divinity from the Atlantic School of Theology.

The parish of Cornwallis will honour Sid once against next Wednesday. I congratulate Sid on this momentous occasion. He is truly the salt of the earth.

Doug Matheson

[Laurie Hawn, Conservative, Edmonton Centre, AB]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the 88-year life of a great Canadian. Doug Matheson was a war hero, lawyer, judge, flying instructor, too many other things to list and general inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Shot down in his Spitfire in 1943, he evaded the Nazis for several months before being captured. He escaped execution as a spy and spent the rest of the war in Stalag Luft III, including spending time as a tunneler for the Great Escape.

After the war, he earned a law degree and was later appointed to the Court of Queen's Bench in Alberta.

His passion for life and the people in it never waned and his love of flying lasted a lifetime. He was a fixture at the Edmonton Flying Club for decades and tutored countless young pilots. At the age 87, Judge Matheson decided it was time to get his helicopter qualification, and he did so. Age was just a number to Doug.

On Monday Doug departed Edmonton for a flight over the Badlands in his Beechcraft Bonanza. He never came back. Somewhere along the way, he slipped the surly bonds of earth for the last time, put out his hand and touched the face of God.

He will be missed. Happy landings, D.R.

Commemoration of the Battle of the Plains of Abraham

[Jean Dorion, Bloc, Longueuil—Pierre-Boucher, QC]

Mr. Speaker, September 13 will mark the 250th anniversary of the battle of the Plains of Abraham and of the defeat that holds sad memories for Quebeckers.

General Wolfe had warned our people. He wrote that if they resisted, their homes would be pillaged, their churches exposed to mobs of angry soldiers, and their crops completely destroyed. Wolfe took action, and burned the entire lower St. Lawrence.

Quebec was bombarded for two months. More than half of its population was lost between 1758 and 1762. Its main teaching institution was shut down to house the occupying troops. Our nation experienced a real social breakdown.

Despite the defeat, Quebeckers defended their language. The members of the Bloc are carrying on that battle here in this very House.

Our compatriots can now boast of expertise in all disciplines, a network of institutions and an advanced democracy in many respects. Today, they are ready to become a free country.

National Aboriginal Day

[Rob Clarke, Conservative, Desnethé—Missinippi—Churchill River, SK]

Mr. Speaker, Sunday, June 21, is National Aboriginal Day, a day for all Canadians to celebrate the unique heritage and contributions of aboriginal peoples to Canada.

For generations, this day of summer solstice has been a time for first nations, Inuit and Métis to express pride in their rich and distinct cultures and in their accomplishments. It is also a chance for all Canadians to recognize these accomplishments, as well as aboriginal peoples' integral role in Canada's history and development as a nation.

The government is committed to addressing the needs and concerns of aboriginal peoples. We have made progress on many fronts, including economic development, housing, new schools, safe drinking water, land claims and development in the north.

I encourage all Canadians to participate in National Aboriginal Day activities and to share in the celebration.

Loran Award

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend congratulations to a young woman from my riding who is excelling in the academic world.

Two years ago Juliette Dupre from St. Lawrence was awarded a scholarship to attend Lester B. Pearson College in Victoria, B.C. As she prepares to leave this prestigious college, Juliette has been selected as one of 30 students to receive the Loran Award. The Loran Award provides funding of up to $75,000 for four years of post-secondary study.

Juliette has decided to enter the field of medicine and hopes to somebody work with Doctors without Borders. I am sure she will bring the same enthusiasm and determination to this latest endeavour as she has brought to other initiatives, whether it was running marathons, volunteering as a firefighter, working with the Boys and Girls Club or teaching dance to a special needs class.

Juliette is the daughter of Guy and Rosalie Dupre and is a prime example of the confidence and energy that can be found in so many of our youth. Her family, her community and her province are rightly proud of this young woman.

I ask my colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating Juliette Dupre.

Don Newman

[Tom Lukiwski, Conservative, Regina—Lumsden—Lake Centre, SK]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a broadcasting institution. Later today, CBC's Politics with Don Newman will come to a close. His famous phrase “Welcome to the broadcast” is a trademark that will live on in Canadian political history for decades to come.

Although Don Newman has received numerous honours, from Gemini Awards to the Order of Canada, the real proof of his outstanding work has been seen daily in his interviews and on his show. Throughout his 40 year career he has conducted himself in a professional journalistic manner, which not only gained him the respect of his colleagues in the media but the respect of politicians on all sides of the House. Don has always treated us fairly, no matter what political party we come from.

Anyone who has ever known Don Newman or met Don Newman knows he is truly a class act. He is an example of journalism at its finest.

[Jack Layton, NDP, Toronto—Danforth, ON]

Mr. Speaker, Canadian broadcasting says farewell to a giant of journalism today, and we are going to be the poorer for it.

Don Newman, the face and voice of political commentary on the CBC, is stepping down from his long-standing broadcast today. From his desk, he held prime ministers and many of us to account with tough questions, direct interchange and discussion of the important issues of the day.

I remember the first time I sat across from his desk was slightly intimidating, but he was very fair and, more than that, he opened up with a self-deprecating humour that Canadians across the country have come to love.

I wish Don the very best, as do all New Democrats, on his last official broadcast. We wish him well for many years to come. I am sure we will hear his distinctive voice from time to time, but I do not think anybody else will be able to say, “The spin stops here” the way Don Newman does.

Thank you, Don.

[The Speaker, Liberal, Peter Milliken]

I believe the Chair can officially recognize the presence in the gallery of Mr. Don Newman.

Iran

[Deepak Obhrai, Conservative, Calgary East, AB]

Mr. Speaker, the situation in Iran remains extremely alarming. Hundreds of thousands of people have been demonstrating on the streets of Tehran and throughout the country questioning the results of the presidential election and demanding justice. Today Ayatollah Khamenei warned that street protests must stop or opposition leaders would be held responsible for the ensuing violence.

Our government continues to express its deep concern over the allegations of fraud, and we continue to call for a full and transparent investigation. The votes of all Iranians must count, and innocent Iranians must be able to freely express their views without fear of intimidation or violence.

Iranian authorities have asked Canada to abstain from commenting on the situation. We will do no such thing. Our government will continue to promote democracy and we will continue to challenge Iran on human rights.

Aleksandra Wozniak

[Diane Bourgeois, Bloc, Terrebonne—Blainville, QC]

Mr. Speaker, today I want to pay tribute to an outstanding athlete from my riding, Aleksandra Wozniak. Even though she is just 21 years old, this tennis player has made us proud with her achievements on the courts. After an impressive career as a junior, during which she rose in the ranks to third in the world, played in nine finals and won six titles, Aleksandra turned professional in 2005.

In 2008, she became the first female player from Quebec to win a WTA tournament, defeating in the process the fifth-ranked player in the world and former number one, Serena Williams. Aleksandra currently ranks 23rd in the world, the highest ranking ever achieved by a woman from Quebec.

Aleksandra is currently in England, where she has reached the semi-finals of the Eastbourne tournament. Next week, she will play in the prestigious Wimbledon tournament. All the Bloc Québécois members join me in congratulating Aleksandra on her stellar achievements, and we wish her the best of luck in London.

Don Newman

[Michael Ignatieff, Liberal, Etobicoke—Lakeshore, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute, along with others, to a journalist and a gentleman, a lion of the press gallery whose rich baritone is the envy of his colleagues.

Tonight, after 48 years in journalism, Don Newman will leave the anchor's chair at CBC's Politics.

A generation of Canadians have grown up with Don as the great explainer. He is tough, fair and balanced.

From health insurance to Watergate to Meech Lake, he has accurately interpreted the events that have marked our history. Thanks to him, Canadians have a better understanding of their government and their political system.

Bravo. Don brought honour to his profession and insight to his fellow citizens. Our very best wishes to Don and Shannon. This whole place is going to miss him.

Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada

[James Bezan, Conservative, Selkirk—Interlake, MB]

Mr. Speaker, over the last few months we have learned a lot about the leader of the Liberal Party. Here are some of his ideas to help the economy and Canadians during these tough times.

On April 14, the Liberal leader announced that he “will have to raise taxes”. At its recent convention, the Liberal Party reaffirmed its commitment to imposing a job-killing carbon tax. The Liberal leader said he would raise the GST and the Liberal Party said it would eliminate the universal child care benefit. Based on his statements, we now believe him when he calls himself a “tax-and-spend Liberal”.

Another worrying revelation the Liberal leader has made is that he believes Ukrainians are just little Russians, and that, “Ukrainian independence conjures up images of embroidered peasant shirts, the nasal whine of ethnic instruments, phoney cossacks in cloaks and boots, nasty anti-Semites”.

It is okay to be a proud Russian, but the Liberal leader does not need to belittle Canadians of Ukrainian descent to be proud of his heritage.

Medical Isotopes

[Michael Ignatieff, Liberal, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, in May 2008, following the last isotope crisis, this government's own panel of experts said that the government must provide Canadians with a credible, transparent plan the next time isotope production stopped. Production stopped again in Chalk River five long weeks ago, and for the second time under this government's watch.

Where is the public, transparent and credible plan for Canadians?

[Lisa Raitt, Conservative, Minister of Natural Resources]

Mr. Speaker, the lack of a reliable supply of medical isotopes is a serious situation that the government takes very seriously and is addressing in a global manner. In the long term, it is important for Canadians to have a secure and reliable supply of medical isotopes.

That is why I am very pleased to announce today that Peter Goodhand, president and CEO of the Canadian Cancer Society; Dr. Tom Mason, director of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in the United States; Richard Drouin, former chair of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation; and Dr. Eric Turcotte, head of the Molecular Imaging Centre of Sherbrooke have agreed to serve on our expert review panel.

[Michael Ignatieff, Liberal, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, I should be asking the minister what its mandate is, what the purpose of this panel is, and will there be a plan? However, I must ask another question.

What is the future of isotope production in Canada? The Prime Minister said Canada was going to stop producing isotopes and the government's own adviser in this file said that abandoning the rest of the world like that would be, and I quote, “criminal”.

Why does the Prime Minister and this government insist on maintaining this irresponsible course of action—

[The Speaker, Liberal, Peter Milliken]

The hon. Minister of Natural Resources.

[Lisa Raitt, Conservative, Minister of Natural Resources]

Mr. Speaker, it is obviously clear that the Leader of the Opposition does see benefit and value to having an expert panel advise on matters because that is what was announced this week on other matters. In this case, our expert panel will examine proposals from across the country on alternative methods of producing medical isotopes over the medium term and long term.

We are very thankful and grateful for the diverse experience and international expertise that these people are bringing to the table. Their advice to the government in moving forward will benefit all Canadians.

[Michael Ignatieff, Liberal, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, this side of the House will welcome anything that will assure an adequate supply of isotopes to Canadian patients. We welcome this development, but we have to continue to ask why we got into this situation in the first place with no backup plan.

Will this committee of experts come out with a credible plan that shows us where the shortfall will be made up?

[Lisa Raitt, Conservative, Minister of Natural Resources]

Mr. Speaker, on the question that the Leader of the Opposition started off with, I would suggest that he turn to the member sitting at his right hand and ask him that question. The member for Wascana was the Minister of Natural Resources in 2001 when the CNSC admitted it would have to bring out the cement machines to fill in the MAPLEs because it was clear it was an inherently flawed design.

Infrastructure

[Michael Ignatieff, Liberal, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, let me raise another issue on the government's conduct. Today the mayor of Toronto and the premier of Ontario are in Thunder Bay to announce funding for new streetcars. The federal minister responsible has so far contributed nothing more than a profanity.

Why is the government not supporting a project that will create thousands of jobs in Ontario, Quebec and Manitoba? Why is it not supporting a world-class company, Bombardier, and why is it not supporting energy-efficient transit for Canada's largest city?

[John Baird, Conservative, Minister of Transport]

Mr. Speaker, what we are doing is we are supporting Canada's economic action plan. The Leader of the Opposition voted for that economic action plan.

One of the requirements of that stimulus fund is that we get projects moving quickly and that they conclude within the next two years. That was the plan this House supported. That was the plan the Leader of the Opposition supported. We are moving aggressively to create jobs in Toronto now, not in the next 5 or 10 years.