Debates of June 8th, 2009

Justice

[Devinder Shory, Conservative, Calgary Northeast, AB]

Mr. Speaker, families in Calgary Northeast want our government to do whatever it takes to pass tough-on-crime legislation.

The Liberals routinely stall Conservative attempts to pass tough-on-crime laws, insulting Canadian victims and their families. Enough is enough. Canadians want action.

Families in Calgary Northeast are fed up with the Liberals and their lack of compassion for victims and their families. I call on the Liberals to wake up and to support Conservative tough-on-crime legislation. This is the very least that families and victims in Calgary Northeast deserve.

I want to thank Police Inspector Kevan Stuart for his past service to Calgary Northeast, and I also want to recognize and welcome his replacement, Inspector David Kotowski. I know that Calgary Northeast will continue to be well served by our brave men and women of the Calgary Police Service.

Conception Bay South Monument of Honour

[Scott Andrews, Liberal, Avalon, NL]

Mr. Speaker, we have volunteer groups in all our ridings who volunteer thousands of hours to recognize the contribution of servicemen and servicewomen to defending our rights and freedoms.

At this time I want to congratulate the members of the Conception Bay South Monument of Honour committee for their commitment to improve and restore the original war memorial in Conception Bay South. It is a tremendous undertaking and these volunteers are making great progress, and in particular, Mr. Wayne Miller, who has been spearheading the efforts to date. I thank Mr. Miller.

The memorial has been moved to a new location in town and the committee is now focusing its efforts on beautifying the grounds and providing an atmosphere that truly reflects honour and glory. The Conception Bay South Monument of Honour committee has committed to raising $750,000 for this wonderful project.

I join the residents of Conception Bay South in saying a big thank you to the Monument of Honour committee. We are proud of their efforts and commend their dedication to this project. I wish them good luck, and I look forward to seeing them at their annual fundraising golf tournament in a couple of weeks' time.

Opération Enfant Soleil Fundraiser

[Richard Nadeau, Bloc, Gatineau, QC]

Mr. Speaker, on June 4 and 5, 17 students in secondary 5 at Polyvalente Nicolas-Gatineau—10 girls and 7 boys—participated in the 30-hour cyclathon to raise money for the Opération Enfant Soleil foundation.

The 30-hour cyclathon is restricted to graduating students. In order to participate they had to train hard and maintain an academic average of more than 75% in their secondary 4 and 5 classes. This is a wonderful example of youth commitment and determination.

On behalf of the Bloc Québécois, I congratulate these 17 young athletes, the organizers and trainers, including Joanie Loiseau who was in charge, on the 19th edition of the event.

Bravo to the students of Nicolas-Gatineau school.

World Oceans Day

[Nathan Cullen, NDP, Skeena—Bulkley Valley, BC]

Mr. Speaker, today is World Oceans Day, a day to recommit to protect our oceans for the very air that sustains us, for the food that we use, and for the resources that drive our economy.

People of northwest British Columbia have lived in harmony with the ocean since time immemorial. Today, the Living Oceans Society is launching the Finding Coral Expedition, a deep-sea adventure of scientists in submarines to the very floor off British Columbia's northwest coast.

Our oceans must be managed sustainably. We should be planning and using science and leadership. We applaud this work and recognize that to understand the oceans is to come to respect and honour our planet for this generation and for generations to come.

Rodeo Builder

[Earl Dreeshen, Conservative, Red Deer, AB]

Mr. Speaker, it is my honour today to pay tribute to Jack Daines, who was honoured May 29 with an induction into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame as a rodeo builder.

When we think of Alberta and rodeo, we think Jack Daines. He won Canadian saddle bronc titles in 1956 and 1957.

In 1961, Jack started the Daines Rodeo with the cowboy in mind. The 49th edition of the Daines pro rodeo goes this weekend. It is one of the biggest in the world. His contribution to the sport of rodeo in Canada is unsurpassed. This man is a legend.

To be inducted alongside titans in football, hockey, boxing, paralympics and athletics was a joy for Jack, but more important was joining his son Duane as a member of the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame.

It has been said Jack is Alberta's Don Cherry. I like to think Don Cherry is Canada's Jack Daines. He loves his family and his country and promotes Canada every chance he gets.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Jack Daines for his induction into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame.

World Oceans Day

[Keith Martin, Liberal, Esquimalt—Juan de Fuca, BC]

Mr. Speaker, climate change, overfishing and pollution are a perfect storm that is killing our oceans.

To arrest this march toward extinction, we must put a price on carbon and develop an international carbon trading system that will reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. This would put a monetary value on carbon sinks, which would help to arrest the destruction of the two lungs of our planet: Amazonia and the Congo Basin.

We must use the Oceans Act to implement a comprehensive oceans management plan that will include establishing an effective network of marine protected areas to help restore marine populations.

We must improve source control and repair storm drainage systems which will reduce pollution.

We must list endangered fish species on SARA and phase out non-biodegradable plastics that kill more than 100,000 marine mammals every year.

Our oceans are the lifeblood of our plant. Let us now use this the first UN World Oceans Day to build and implement a plan that will protect our oceans and save life on earth.

Food Banks

[Ron Cannan, Conservative, Kelowna—Lake Country, BC]

Mr. Speaker, Christmas may not be coming soon, but for some in Alberta they might be thinking differently with the snow they had this weekend. But seriously, Christmas in July is just around the corner.

The Kelowna Community Food Bank's 18th annual Christmas in July campaign serves to remind our community that the spirit of giving is needed all year round to help our less fortunate friends and neighbours. Already this year alone, the Kelowna Community Food Bank has distributed over $750,000 worth of food and products.

Through the assistance of monetary and food donations, local business partnerships, as well as the many volunteers who make the food banks run, our community food banks carry out the important work of providing families with the necessities that most of us take for granted.

Their work is even more important during these challenging economic times.

I encourage all my colleagues to bring attention to their community food banks now and throughout the year, so that they may help to dramatically improve the lives of hundreds of families within our communities.

We thank the Kelowna and Lake Country food banks, and community banks across the country, for their hard work, caring and compassion. It means so much.

World Oceans Day

[Raynald Blais, Bloc, Gaspésie—Îles-de-la-Madeleine, QC]

Mr. Speaker, June 8, 2009 is World Oceans Day. The theme “one ocean, one climate, one future” focuses on the role of oceans in regulating climate.

Little is known about our oceans. Climate change has resulted in dramatic changes, and will continue to do so, for marine life. The diversity, richness and complexity of these vast expanses of water deserve special attention considering their fragility and role in the earth's ecosystem.

Hopefully, on this day, governments will finally realize the importance of our oceans and dedicate the necessary resources to better understand the impact of global warming and climate change. It is important for this government to show leadership and actively participate in global consultations on ocean issues in order to contribute to the Copenhagen climate change conference.

[Andrew Saxton, Conservative, North Vancouver, BC]

Mr. Speaker, as we just heard, June 8 marks the first United Nations World Oceans Day. The Government of Canada strongly supports sustainable and integrated use of ocean spaces. Today, organizations and individuals around the world celebrate our oceans, our personal connection to the sea, as well as raise awareness about the crucial role the oceans play in our lives.

Coming from North Vancouver, on Canada's Pacific coast, I have spent many happy days on the ocean on board my father's boat, swimming, fishing, catching crab, and enjoying the many splendours the ocean has to offer.

Oceans regulate our climate, transport our goods, and provide us with not only food but also thousands of jobs in diverse fields. That is why it is important that our rich ocean heritage is protected and carefully managed to ensure the continual productivity and health of our ecosystems.

That is why it is important that we take time to think of what we can do to help protect our oceans.

Income Trusts

[Paul Szabo, Liberal, Mississauga South, ON]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister broke his promise never to tax income trusts and imposed a 31.5% punitive tax.

He wiped out over $25 billion of retirement savings of over 2 million Canadians, particularly seniors.

He argued that pension income splitting would offset the loss, but the facts show otherwise.

In 2007, the benefit to seniors was only $163 million. As well, only 30% of seniors have qualifying pensions. If we eliminate those who have no partners or who are at the lowest tax bracket or whose partner is in the same tax bracket, then only 12% of seniors actually benefit.

The Conservatives took money from seniors with no pensions and gave a fraction of that money to high income earning seniors who have a partner with little income.

It is time for the government to be honest with seniors. It should admit its devastating mistake, apologize for misleading seniors, and repeal the punitive 31.5% tax on income trusts.

Quebec

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

Mr. Speaker, last week, we saw how the Leader of the Opposition embodies the worst centralist tradition of the Liberal Party. He said so himself: he has nothing to give Quebec. Today, the headline in Le Devoir said that the real leader of the Bloc, Pauline Marois, had Ottawa in her sights and would go on the warpath. Ms. Marois said she wanted to hold not one, but two referenda as soon as the Parti Québécois regains power.

The stage is set. The PQ-Bloc and the Liberals are choosing confrontation instead of working to boost the economy. The dreamers and the centralists can keep on squabbling. All they are doing is proving that they are completely out of touch. Quebeckers are not stupid. Fortunately, since 2006, our government has respected Quebec's jurisdictions, because we acknowledge the aspirations of the Quebec nation. We want a strong Quebec within a united Canada.

Hockey

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

Mr. Speaker, Sault Ste. Marie is ecstatic about being chosen to host the Canadian Adult Recreational Hockey Association World Cup in 2012. Sault Ste. Marie, a hockey-mad community in a hockey-rich region of northern Ontario, will be a fabulous site for this world class tournament.

Sault Ste. Marie has had great success in hosting national events, such as the brier and tournament of hearts national curling championships, the memorial cup junior hockey tournament, the Canadian special Olympics and the Ontario winter games.

Enhancing the city and area as host, Sault Ste. Marie is smack dab in the middle of the country and the Great Lakes. It is a border city to Michigan, its American neighbour, with many other sports and entertainment facilities for its visitors.

To deliver an event as large as this, it has a large corps of both professionals and volunteers. Some of the friendliest people anyone is ever going to find will be on hand to greet visitors.

Congratulations to Tourism Sault Ste. Marie, the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation, and the local committee that made the successful bid. I was happy to lend my support.

I encourage everyone to come to Sault Ste. Marie--

[The Speaker, Liberal, Peter Milliken]

The hon. member for Newmarket—Aurora.

Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada

[Lois Brown, Conservative, Newmarket—Aurora, ON]

Mr. Speaker, the Liberal leader has some strong opinions about a country he was away from for 34 years.

He said Canada has become the laughingstock of the world. How dare he.

He has come back to Canada after three and a half decades in the U.K. and the United States after calling our flag a pale imitation of a beer label, and after calling himself an American.

The country that is defending its Arctic sovereignty, rebuilding its military, and asserting itself on the world stage deserves better.

This is one of the most peaceful and prosperous nations the world has ever known. Last year, we welcomed thousands of new Canadians who chose to come here for the opportunity Canada offers.

If he was not just visiting, the Liberal leader would know Canada is no laughingstock.

Canada is strong, proud, independent and free. Maybe he will learn that during his visit to this great country.

Quebec Nation

[Pierre Paquette, Bloc, Joliette, QC]

Mr. Speaker, by voting against the Bloc Québécois bill designed to require federally regulated companies to comply with Bill 101, the Liberals and the Conservatives showed that, in fact, they do not recognize the Quebec nation. It is insulting, but it is clear. In the case of the NDP, it is a bit more complicated.

We learned from the member for Outremont that the NDP never supported the provisions of our bill that were designed to amend the Official Languages Act. We wanted to avoid any ambiguity by stating that French is the only official language in Quebec. The NDP is not willing to recognize that French is the common language of the Quebec nation, which comes down to the same position as the other two federalist parties. It is more complicated and more mean-spirited, but just as insulting.

The Liberals, the Conservatives and the NDP may talk a good game about the Quebec nation, but they do not actually recognize it. Only the Bloc Québécois members stand up in this House to defend the Quebec nation and its language, French.

Aboriginal Affairs

[Todd Russell, Liberal, Labrador, NL]

Mr. Speaker, the hallmark of the Conservative government is its increasingly heavy hand. It prorogues Parliament and runs to courts looking for injunctions.

Last week we even had the Minister of Indian Affairs outline his new carrot and stick approach to relations with aboriginal peoples.

As if the hand was not heavy enough, now the public safety minister, rather than engage the Akwesasne Mohawk First Nation, goes for the blunt approach. Rather than engage in dialogue, the minister prefers to sabre rattle. He now threatens to close the Cornwall Island border crossing permanently.

It seems he does not understand the economic and social impact on Akwesasne, the city of Cornwall or eastern Ontario. He has a blunt stick and he is going to use it.

Our trade and transportation relations with the United States do not need the blunt stick and our relations between government and aboriginal peoples certainly do not need the blunt stick.

When will the minister put down his stick, pick up the phone, and start talking to the Mohawks of Akwesasne?

Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada

[Blake Richards, Conservative, Wild Rose, AB]

Mr. Speaker, Canadians have asked for strong leadership on the economy to help them through these tough times. In response, the leader of the Liberal Party has promised to raise taxes. He wants to increase the GST, impose a harmful, job-killing carbon tax, and eliminate the universal child care benefits.

He even said, “We will have to raise taxes”.

He said that Canada had become a laughingstock of the world and now he wants to become the prime minister.

He called himself an American and now he wants to lead Canada. He called our Canadian flag a pale imitation of a beer label and now he pretends to be a patriotic Canadian.

How dare he call Canada a laughingstock. We Conservatives are here because we love Canada.

Medical Isotopes

[Michael Ignatieff, Liberal, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, across the country, thousands of Canadians are unable to get diagnostic tests for cancer. This government has known for 18 months that this would happen. It let a problem at Chalk River become a crisis in our healthcare system.

Instead of blaming 26-year-olds and arguing amongst themselves, who in this government will take responsibility for this national crisis?

[Leona Aglukkaq, Conservative, Minister of Health]

Mr. Speaker, as far as the current medical isotope shortage is concerned, I have engaged the provincial and territorial ministers and the medical experts in this field. In fact, this morning I had another conference call with medical experts to deal with the situation.

Canada is dealing with the situation by identifying alternatives to medical isotopes. We will continue to monitor the situation as we deal with it.

[Michael Ignatieff, Liberal, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, the government keeps pretending that there is an alternative supply of isotopes, but the Dutch reactor will be shut down for maintenance next month and for six months in January. South Africa is already shut down for maintenance this week. The Australians will not come on line for at least six months.

When will the minister stop trying to cover up a national health care crisis? When will she start telling Canadians the truth?

[Lisa Raitt, Conservative, Minister of Natural Resources]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to correct the record on statements made by the Leader of the Opposition.

In fact, Petten in the Netherlands has increased by 50% its production of medical isotopes. It will be going into a maintenance shutdown. However, the Belgian reactor will then come on to production on July 21.

Moreover, it is completely false that the Australian reactor will not be coming on line for six months. As the Australians themselves indicated in the Canberra Times, it is just a matter of weeks.

[Michael Ignatieff, Liberal, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, Petten informs us that there is no guarantee those isotopes will reach Canada.

It is clear we are in a national health care crisis with a minister who is badly distracted. The minister is trying to recover lost binders and trying to explain incriminating tapes, and thousands of Canadians are desperately waiting for medical treatments.

This is a fiasco. When will it stop? When will the minister cease to be distracted and begin doing her job?

[Lisa Raitt, Conservative, Minister of Natural Resources]

Mr. Speaker, again the fact remains that this government has actually acted on the matter.

When it became apparent that the MAPLEs reactors would not produce one single medical isotope after 12 years and hundreds of millions of dollars, a decision was made to shut it down and indeed we accepted that. Furthermore, we took on the extra steps of finding alternative measures working with the medical community.

Of course, I would not expect that five Liberal cabinet ministers in that period of time would have actually done anything on it. I assume that the Leader of the Opposition does not know because he was not in the country at the time.

Minister of Natural Resources

[David McGuinty, Liberal, Ottawa South, ON]

Mr. Speaker, we have learned that the Minister of Natural Resources was caught on tape making derogatory comments about her colleague, the Minister of Health, whom she described as not very competent. The minister now has a chance to explain herself.

Can she tell the House, loud and clear, and unequivocally, whether her comments about the Minister of Health as reported by the media are true?

[Rob Nicholson, Conservative, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada]

Mr. Speaker, the minister is not a party to that proceeding and the Government of Canada is not involved.