House of Commons Hansard #83 of the 40th Parliament, 3rd Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was agreements.
Canada-Panama Free Trade ActGovernment Orders
The Acting Speaker Denise Savoie
Order, please. I would like to ask for a little bit of order in the House. This is a period of questions and comments and I would ask members to wait until they are recognized. The hon. member for York South—Weston.
Alan Tonks Liberal York South—Weston, ON
Madam Speaker, I am sure the House has no hesitation in supporting the spirit of what the member has laid out in terms of respect for human rights and in particular, the rights of trade unionists without being victimized. There is no argument with that.
However, when I was sitting on the natural resources committee, we listened to the forestry industry that she had cited and we had all kinds of representations before the committee that talked about the advancements that had been made by the Danes, who had taken a lesser quality fibre, had used innovation and developed new markets, and developed a very vibrant forestry sector.
The objective of these kinds of relationships is to have investment where investment is needed. Was that investment not needed in the forestry industry? I am not saying that this agreement will achieve all of that, but is it not a step in the direction to the transfers of capital and investing in Canadian industries and sectors, and reciprocally in Panamanian sectors that will benefit the have nots.
Carol Hughes NDP Algoma—Manitoulin—Kapuskasing, ON
Madam Speaker, I greatly appreciate the comments my hon. colleague has made, but let us be clear here. If we look at northern Ontario, how many people have actually lost their jobs in the forestry sector? Has this actually been beneficial? We are looking at signing an agreement where Canadian and foreign corporations, who move to Panama, flout Canadian labour laws and pay their workers in Panama an average of $2 an hour. That is about $300 a month. Let us look at that in reality: no pensions, no benefits, no sick days.
Canadian law states that workers enjoy certain minimum workplace safety laws. Corporations in Panama do not have to do that at any cost. We are seeing people die. Let us really respect human rights.
Canada-Panama Free Trade ActGovernment Orders
Canada-Panama Free Trade ActGovernment Orders
Some hon. members
Question.
Brian Jean Conservative Fort McMurray—Athabasca, AB
Madam Speaker, I rise on a point of order. I do have some points to make on this particular bill. Obviously, you saw me stand up several times asking questions--
Canada-Panama Free Trade ActGovernment Orders
The Acting Speaker Denise Savoie
Order, please. I had recognized the member for a number of questions and when I asked to resume debate, no one rose so I began to read the motion. I believe I must continue at this point.
The question is on the amendment. Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the amendment?
Canada-Panama Free Trade ActGovernment Orders
Canada-Panama Free Trade ActGovernment Orders
Canada-Panama Free Trade ActGovernment Orders
The Acting Speaker Denise Savoie
In my opinion the nays have it.
And five or more members having risen:
The vote is deferred until tomorrow after government orders.
The House resumed from October 19 consideration of the motion that Bill C-39, An Act to amend the Corrections and Conditional Release Act and to make consequential amendments to other Acts, be read the second time and referred to a committee.
Ending Early Release for Criminals and Increasing Offender Accountability ActGovernment Orders
The Acting Speaker Denise Savoie
It being 5:30 p.m. the House will now proceed to the taking of the deferred recorded division on the motion at second reading stage of Bill C-39.
Call in the members.
Ending Early Release for Criminals and Increasing Offender Accountability ActGovernment Orders
The Deputy Speaker Andrew Scheer
I declare the motion carried. Accordingly the bill stands referred to the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security.
(Bill read the second time and referred to a committee)
The House resumed consideration of the motion that Bill C-46, An Act to implement the Free Trade Agreement between Canada and the Republic of Panama, the Agreement on the Environment between Canada and the Republic of Panama and the Agreement on Labour Cooperation between Canada and the Republic of Panama, be read the second time and referred to a committee, and of the amendment.
Canada-Panama Free Trade ActGovernment Orders
Gordon O'Connor Conservative Carleton—Mississippi Mills, ON
Mr. Speaker, if you seek I believe you will find unanimous consent to proceed with the vote on the amendment on Bill C-46.
Canada-Panama Free Trade ActGovernment Orders
Canada-Panama Free Trade ActGovernment Orders