Debates of March 25th, 2011

International Trade

[Lee Richardson, Conservative, Calgary Centre, AB]

Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the sixth report of the Standing Committee on International Trade, entitled “Mission to Washington, D.C.”, on the state of Canada–United States trade relations.

If I may, I would take a moment to thank members of the committee. We have had an excellent trade committee this session. I want to pay particular gratitude to our critic on the other side, the member for Willowdale and certainly my vice-chair from Saint-Maurice—Champlain. They have been very co-operative and helpful in serving this Parliament. I also thank the member for Burnaby—New Westminster. I thank them and my own colleagues who have served so well on this committee.

Indian Affairs and Northern Development

[Bruce Stanton, Conservative, Simcoe North, ON]

Mr. Speaker, before I table my report, I would like to use this occasion also to thank you for all the work you have done and the help you have provided. It was a great privilege to travel with you in May of last year. That is a trip that I am sure will be in my memories for the rest of my years and I appreciate that.

Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the sixth report of the Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development concerning Bill C-530, An Act to amend the Northwest Territories Act (borrowing limits). The committee has studied the bill and has decided to report the bill back to the House without amendment.

Government Operations and Estimates

[John McKay, Liberal, Scarborough—Guildwood, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the 11th report of the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates in relation to its study on the effectiveness, management and operation of the expenses incurred for the G8 and G20 Summits.

Mr. Speaker, may I thank you as well for your guidance and insight over these many years. We will miss you.

Health

[Joy Smith, Conservative, Kildonan—St. Paul, MB]

Mr. Speaker, you are just awesome. It is wonderful to have known you and continue to know you. I think you will go down in history as one of the best Speakers that this Parliament ever had. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the 16th report on the Standing Committee on Health in relation to the main estimates 2011-12, votes 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50 under health.

Public Accounts

[Joe Volpe, Liberal, Eglinton—Lawrence, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I must first thank, on behalf of all of the committee members, the clerk and analysts who have worked so hard for the committee. I must also thank the members from all four parties for their work in committee, especially during the difficult moments over the past few days.

On their behalf I present, in both official languages, the following report of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts: the 27th report on Chapter 3, "Service Delivery," of the Fall 2010 Report of the Auditor General of Canada. Pursuant to Standing Order 109 of the House of Commons, the committee requests that the government table a comprehensive response to this report.

Mr. Speaker, I, too, would like to reflect for but a very brief moment on your service to the House. You and I came here to the House together many years ago; some would say a lot. We faced the challenges of serving the public together in different capacities. On behalf of all of those people who demonstrated confidence in my ability to represent them, I know that they would want me to thank you for the enormous service that you have provided the Canadian public and this great institution, the House of Commons of Canada. Thank you very much.

Excise Tax Act

[Scott Simms, Liberal, Bonavista—Gander—Grand Falls—Windsor, NL]

moved for leave to introduce Bill C-644, An Act to amend the Excise Tax Act (funeral arrangements).

Mr. Speaker, if my career continues I am sure that no one would say in my riding that there had been such zeal and zest as you have done over these past few years, and I thank you for it. I thank you for the tremendous example you have given me as a parliamentarian.

On my private member's bill, I do not mean to make light of the situation, but death and taxes are always a certainty. Unfortunately, when both are combined it is unjust, in my opinion. When it comes to funeral arrangements, I propose that the government get rid of the federal portion of the taxes required. It is an indignity.

I want to thank my hon. colleague from Random—Burin—St. George's who feels as passionately as I do about this. She is seconding this bill.

I leave this with the House as what is seemingly my final moment here to bring forward some legislation.

(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)

Employment Insurance Act

[Megan Leslie, NDP, Halifax, NS]

moved for leave to introduce Bill C-645, An Act to amend the Employment Insurance Act (gratuities).

Mr. Speaker, it may seem a bit futile to introduce private members' bills on a day like today, but after working so hard with the community to get this done, it is definitely worth putting on the record.

I am very pleased to present a bill that aims to rectify a gap in our employment insurance regime. Currently, EI payments for qualifying restaurant servers are not calculated so that the servers' tips are taken into account, even though they are included when they pay taxes. That means that the EI payments servers receive are not based on their actual income but on their wages, which are very often low, as is a custom in the restaurant industry. This leaves servers at a significant economic disadvantage when they lose their jobs. It is unfair and discriminatory.

This bill would make it mandatory for servers to claim their tips as income and that EI calculations be based on that total amount. It would give servers the economic security and equal footing that they deserve.

I would like to extend my thanks to a constituent of mine, Caitlin Rooney, who brought this to my attention and for her help in the development of this bill.

(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)

Immigration and Refugee Protection Act

[Megan Leslie, NDP, Halifax, NS]

moved for leave to introduce Bill C-646, An Act to amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (victims of trafficking in persons).

Madam Speaker, I am pleased to be tabling a bill that takes real steps toward better ensuring the safety and security of victims of human trafficking and their ability to seek help and advocate for themselves and their rights.

The amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act within this bill would provide for victims of trafficking protection permits that authorize a foreign national who is a victim of human trafficking to remain in Canada as a temporary resident. Provision is made for holders of such permits to be eligible to receive the same federal health services as a person who has made a claim for refugee protection in Canada.

We have long touted Canada as a nation that prioritizes human rights and this bill would do just that. It would also help in the efforts to prosecute the persons guilty of human trafficking by easing the fear of coming forward that is held by many victims of trafficking.

I thank my colleagues from Vancouver East and Burnaby—Douglas for their work on developing this bill and their tireless efforts toward ensuring that the legislation passed in this country is based on human rights and social justice principles first and foremost.

(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)

Civil Air Navigation Services Commercialization Act

[Marlene Jennings, Liberal, Notre-Dame-de-Grâce—Lachine, QC]

moved for leave to introduce Bill C-647, An Act to amend the Civil Air Navigation Services Commercialization Act (environmental impacts).

I am proud today to rise to introduce Bill C-647, An Act to amend the Civil Air Navigation Services Commercialization Act (environmental impacts).

I am delighted that my colleague from Newton—North Delta is seconding this bill. He was worked tirelessly with me to see this bill come to fruition.

It is clear that night flights can present a health hazard. The effects of repeated exposure to the deafening noise of the huge aircraft that fly at night have been clearly documented.

On January 20, I organized a non-partisan round table that united some 40 to 50 elected officials from the three levels of government in the metropolitan region of Montreal in order to discuss this issue of airplane noise.

This bill represents one of the recommendations in my final report, which was released on March 7, 2011, to help resolve this problem.

I look forward as well to tabling a second bill entitled “the Canada airports act” in the near future.

The citizens of my riding and citizens from across Canada have been asking for their health to be protected from the risks associated with airport noise. The federal government has a responsibility. I urge the government to act on it.

(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)

Investment Canada Act

[Claude Gravelle, NDP, Nickel Belt, ON]

moved for leave to introduce Bill C-648, An Act to amend the Investment Canada Act (enhanced ministerial oversight).

Madam Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague from Windsor West for allowing me to work on this file.

I am so pleased to table this important legislation that would provide substantive improvements to the Investment Canada Act. This bill is the culmination of consultations with stakeholders, experts, academics and labour organizations.

This bill, entitled “an act to amend the Investment Canada Act (enhanced ministerial oversight)”, would, among other things, require the Minister of Industry to consult with representatives of industry and labour, provincial and local authorities and other interested persons in exercising their powers under the Investment Canada Act; lower the threshold for ministerial review to $100 million; invite submissions from interested parties; require sureties from non-Canadian investors; broaden the minister's consideration when evaluating net benefits; eliminate the prohibition against communication of information related to the investment; and extend the timetable for review from 45 to 90 days.

In other words, this bill would strengthen the Investment Canada Act to protect workers and their communities, something the Conservative government and previous Liberal governments have refused to do.

(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)

[Peter Julian, NDP, Burnaby—New Westminster, BC]

Madam Speaker, there have been extensive discussions among parties and I believe you would find unanimous consent for the following motion. I move that, in the opinion of the House, the government should (a) express its support for internal rebuilding, resettlement and reconciliation within Sri Lanka that would address the needs of all ethnic groups and are necessary to ensure a lasting peace; and (b) call on the Sri Lanka government, the United Nations and the international community to work in concert to establish an independent international accountability mechanism that would first, look at war crimes and human rights offences committed by both sides during and after the war in Sri Lanka in a fair manner; second, allow unrestricted access to human rights organizations, aid agencies, journalists and international human rights groups greater freedom of movement, including in internally displaced persons camps; and third, create and implement comprehensive policies based on the respect for human rights, democracy and the rule of law.

[The Acting Speaker, NDP, Denise Savoie]

Does the hon. member for Burnaby—New Westminster have the unanimous consent of the House to propose the motion?

[Some hon. members]

Agreed.

No.

Marie-Hélène Dubé

[Denis Coderre, Liberal, Bourassa, QC]

Madam Speaker, there are some important moments in the life of a parliamentarian. One of those moments is probably having the opportunity to present such an important petition, but it is important to understand where it comes from.

There is a wonderful woman whom all of the political parties know. She has gathered over 430,000 signatures for all of the parties. It is now our turn to tell her how proud we are of her. I am presenting nearly 30,000 signatures collected by Marie-Hélène Dubé. She believes, and rightfully so, that we must change the employment insurance system to increase the maximum number of weeks of sickness benefits from 15 to 50.

I would like to acknowledge her, thank her and express our affection for her. All of the parties stand firmly with her.

Guaranteed Income Supplement

[Robert Bouchard, Bloc, Chicoutimi—Le Fjord, QC]

Madam Speaker, today I am pleased to present a petition concerning the guaranteed income supplement. This petition has been signed by people from towns and cities in my riding, as well as the ridings of Roberval—Lac-Saint-Jean and Jonquière—Alma.

The signatories are demanding the following: automatic enrolment for the guaranteed income supplement; an increase of $110 per month in the guaranteed income supplement for people who live alone and an increase of $199 per month in the survivor's allowance; full retroactivity of the program; and a six-month extension of the benefits following the death of one of the beneficiaries in the couple.

I support these people. This petition was circulated by FADOQ.

Once again, I am pleased to present this petition on behalf of my constituents.

[The Acting Speaker, NDP, Denise Savoie]

Because of the number of people standing to present petitions, and to give everybody a chance to present them, I will ask all the members to present a very succinct summary of the petitions.

The hon. member for Edmonton—Strathcona.

The Environment

[Linda Duncan, NDP, Edmonton Strathcona, AB]

Madam Speaker, I will be very succinct. I am pleased to table before the House hundreds of signatures from Edmontonians supporting my environmental bill of rights.

International Aid

[Linda Duncan, NDP, Edmonton Strathcona, AB]

Madam Speaker, I am pleased to present a series of petitions in the House calling on the government to stop the hold on contributions to international aid and that we should move to support our 0.7%.

Health

[Linda Duncan, NDP, Edmonton Strathcona, AB]

Madam Speaker, I am also pleased to present petitions from Edmontonians calling for the right to use any kind of mechanism they can to protect their health and to support the enactment of a charter of health freedom.

Animal Welfare

[John Weston, Conservative, West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country, BC]

Madam Speaker, I have three petitions.

The first petition arises from the shameful acts committed against the huskies at Whistler. It is a petition to bring about a modernization of animal cruelty provisions to protect all animals from deliberate acts of cruelty.

Public Safety

[John Weston, Conservative, West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country, BC]

Madam Speaker, the second petition supports Bill C-39 dealing with dangerous offenders who concurrently apply for parole after spending 25 years in prison.

The bill would bring about more fairness for the victims of crime in terms of their participation in the parole process.

Queen's Counsel

[John Weston, Conservative, West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country, BC]

Madam Speaker, thirdly, I am pleased to present a petition initiated by the dynamic Diane Kindree, in the riding I represent, who has laboured tirelessly to bring about justice in the observance of principles relating to the appointment and termination of the Queen's Counsel.

Multiple Sclerosis

[Alan Tonks, Liberal, York South—Weston, ON]

Madam Speaker, I would like to present this petition and thank Noreen Baseggio for getting the over 500 signatures.

The petitioners call on the government to allow for the testing of MS patients for liberation treatment through MRIs, ultrasound and/or whatever other means necessary to determine same and to allow for any related treatment procedure as soon as possible in Canada.

Housing

[Yvon Lévesque, Bloc, Abitibi—Baie-James—Nunavik—Eeyou, QC]

Madam Speaker, several hundred seniors and homeless people in my riding have signed a petition calling on the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation to transfer funds to the Société d'habitation du Québec to renovate and build new affordable housing units.

The Environment

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

Madam Speaker, I have the honour to present two petitions today. One petition is to ban the presence of north coast oil tankers leaving Canada's west coast. This is a petition against the Enbridge project as it is currently proposed.