Debates of Sept. 23rd, 2011

Childhood Cancer

[Irene Mathyssen, NDP, London—Fanshawe, ON]

Mr. Speaker, on September 14, the waters of Niagara Falls turned gold, and on September 16, the CN Tower was bathed in golden light. These two extraordinary events were because of a courageous and remarkable young woman named Stephanie Simmons, a three time brain tumour survivor.

With the support of her incredible family, Childcan and the many organizations that help children and their families deal with cancer, Stephanie was able to organize the lighting of Niagara Falls and the CN Tower, and host a barbecue at Harbourfront. All of this was to honour the hundreds of children and families who have survived, and the bereaved families who came to Harbourfront for this first national day of awareness and action and draw attention to the reality of childhood cancer.

The House may remember Stephanie's campaign for a gold ribbon stamp and coin in honour of the victims and survivors of childhood cancer. Unfortunately, both Canada Post and the Mint have rejected Stephanie's requests, but Stephanie is persistent. Anyone who can turn Niagara and the CN Tower to gold will not be denied.

Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation

[Kellie Leitch, Conservative, Simcoe—Grey, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House today to express my support for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, a cause that is very important to me personally.

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among Canadian women, and many of us have been touched by this devastating disease. Personally, my mother Lynne lost her battle with breast cancer in 1989 and this is one of the reasons I am an ardent supporter of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.

I was recently joined by over 100 volunteers, including Wayne Noble, Terry Geddes and mayors Linda Collins and Ken Ferguson, at a golf tournament to support the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.

I would like to take this time to thank Jen Nichol, an ardent organizer for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.

As a doctor, I am very aware of the fantastic work being done by the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.

It provides support for high-quality research in all areas, including education and prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment.

As October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, I am proud to stand in support of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. I ask my colleagues to participate in the Run for the Cure on October 2.

Onward Willow

[Frank Valeriote, Liberal, Guelph, ON]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday a cornerstone organization of the Guelph community celebrated its 20th anniversary, and we could not be prouder.

Since 1991, Onward Willow Better Beginnings, Better Futures has served the residents of the Willow Road area by supporting families, helping to build a stronger community and a better, more sustainable quality of life for Guelphites.

Families and especially children are the foundation of our cities, and Onward Willow has had an incredible impact on their lives. By finding and implementing new, creative and effective ways to support the healthy development of children and families, Onward Willow established itself as an essential element of the Guelph community for decades to come.

I was proud as a member of the Wellington-Guelph Housing Authority to assist Onward Willow in its infancy. I am prouder as the member of Parliament for Guelph to reflect on the amazing people who have built this organization over 20 years and to be involved heading into the next 20 years.

I congratulate and thank Onward Willow for its first-class service.

International Plowing Match

[Pierre Lemieux, Conservative, Glengarry—Prescott—Russell, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I rise here today to draw attention to the International Plowing Match, which is being held this week in Chute-à-Blondeau, in my riding of Glengarry—Prescott—Russell.

The plowing match brings together farmers from across North America and around the globe, giving them the opportunity to show off their skills and to celebrate agriculture. Over 80,000 people are expected to attend this year's celebration. I would also like to emphasize that, this week, we are celebrating the first bilingual International Plowing Match.

I also salute the 30 lovely Queen of the Furrow contestants from counties all across Ontario. I congratulate Courtney Connors of my own county of Prescott-Russell on having been crowned Queen of the Furrow. We are very proud of Courtney.

I personally congratulate key organizers Mayor Gary Barton, Mayor Robert Kirby and Bruno Lecot, and the more than 1,000 volunteers for their generosity and hard work in making this year's International Plowing Match such a tremendous success.

International Day of the Girl

[Hélène Laverdière, NDP, Laurier—Sainte-Marie, QC]

Mr. Speaker, although I have had many opportunities to speak in this House, this is the first time I am doing so to make a personal statement.

I would like to begin by sincerely thanking the voters of Laurier—Sainte-Marie for the trust they have placed in me. I will do everything I can to remain worthy of that trust. Since yesterday was the International Day of the Girl, I would also like to thank all the women who have inspired me throughout my life, particularly Jacqueline Raymond Bélanger

I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to all women, here and around the globe, who, through their intelligence, self-sacrifice and courage, have built countries. Our country remains a work in progress. Our country should not be built on things like the oil sands, for instance, but rather on the firm foundations of social justice and solidarity. We owe it to future generations. That is what I am committed to working on in the coming years.

Army Cadets

[Colin Carrie, Conservative, Oshawa, ON]

Mr. Speaker, a few weeks ago two of Oshawa's finest cadets from the 1913 Ontario Regiment Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps, Adrian Francisco and Kyle Ryan, earned a tremendous honour by receiving their jump wings from the Canadian Forces parachutists course.

Adrian and Kyle were among the 47 cadets from across the country who were selected for the course which took place at CFB Trenton on Canada Day.

Over a five-week period, Adrian and Kyle learned the basics of parachuting and underwent several gruelling challenges, including hanging from the rafters in flight suits during flight instruction.

Kyle brought home top honours in the course and was named Canada's Most Outstanding Army Cadet and received the 2011 General Walsh Memorial Sword.

The focus, determination and discipline that Kyle and Adrian have demonstrated should serve as an inspiration to all of us. Their accomplishments are something all Canadians should admire.

I am honoured to stand before the House today and congratulate both Kyle and Adrian. They have represented the 1913 Army Cadet Corps with a tremendous amount of pride and honour.

Pat Burns

[Jacques Gourde, Conservative, Lotbinière—Chutes-de-la-Chaudière, QC]

Mr. Speaker, it is with pride and a heavy heart that Stanstead will officially open the Pat Burns Arena this weekend. We lost Pat Burns last November. Throughout his career he was one of the most popular coaches in the National Hockey League.

His fans cheered when he won the Stanley Cup and was named coach of the year. His fans were also there for him during his three bouts of cancer. Pat Burns said about the arena that the next Mario Lemieux or Sidney Crosby might come from Stanstead and play at the arena that bears his name.

I am sure that is true and that one day, he or she will win gold with Team Canada. It was a great privilege to have someone so determined and so passionate living in our community, and thanks to this arena, he will continue to have a positive influence on young people for a long time to come.

Junction Shul

[Peggy Nash, NDP, Parkdale—High Park, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honour the 100th anniversary of the Junction Shul in Parkdale—High Park. It was built in 1911 to house the Congregation Knesseth Israel. It is the oldest original synagogue in Toronto still in use today.

In the early 20th century, the founding families donated funds to purchase a parcel of land on Maria Street and built the synagogue with community donations of money, labour and materials. It quickly became the heart of the Jewish community.

The descendants of these original founders continue to care for the building and congregation, and through their generous donations and hard work, the Shul has been restored to its original condition.

This past weekend, old and new members of the congregation put together a joyful street festival and welcomed in the community to celebrate this local landmark.

On this historic anniversary, we celebrate more than a historic Toronto building: we honour a community at the heart of Canada's rich and diverse history.

Wireless Communications

[Chris Warkentin, Conservative, Peace River, AB]

Mr. Speaker, a significant report released by the Convergence Consulting Group earlier this week held good news for Canadian consumers.

The report noted that more and more households are using cell phone services only. Why? Because wireless prices have come down dramatically due to greater competition, which is a direct result of the AWS spectrum auction conducted by our government in 2008.

In fact, the report indicated that new competition in the market has spurred price drops of almost 58% on voice and data plans. It has also led to a more diversified market, with new entrants forecasted to occupy 12% of the market by 2014, up from 5% today.

Decisions by our government have resulted in a wireless sector that offers more competition, greater choice and, most important of all, lower prices for consumers. These are decisions that we can be proud of.

Circuit des couleurs Cross-country Race

[Élaine Michaud, NDP, Portneuf—Jacques-Cartier, QC]

Mr. Speaker, Portneuf—Jacques-Cartier is a riding marked by the dynamism of its people, who are very involved in their community.

This weekend, the first edition of the Circuit des couleurs, a cross-country event organized by the Cantons-Unis de Stoneham-et-Tewkesbury, will be held.

I would like to mention the excellent work done by the Association des citoyens et citoyennes de Tewkesbury in organizing this event, which aims to highlight the cultural and natural heritage of the region.

This event will be an opportunity to meet the residents of Stoneham and Tewkesbury and also to admire the exceptional scenery in the valley of the Jacques-Cartier and the beautiful fall colours.

I invite everyone to come discover the recreational tourism services of the united townships and the studios of the region's artists who will be there. I look forward to seeing you there.

The Economy

[Robert Goguen, Conservative, Moncton—Riverview—Dieppe, NB]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday we had the privilege of welcoming British Prime Minister David Cameron to the House.

He reminded us all of the importance of Canada's economic leadership.

To quote Prime Minister Cameron:

In the last few years, Canada has got every major decision right....

Your economic leadership has helped the Canadian economy to weather the global storms far better than many of your international competitors.

But there was also an important message: the global economy is fragile and the time has come for countries to face fiscal challenges.

This is also the message that Canada, through our Minister of Finance, gave at the G20 meeting today.

Europe must take decisive action to resolve the debt problem in countries like Greece. Canada's experience and success in implementing the economic action plan serve as an important example for the entire international community.

Joan Farley

[Francis Scarpaleggia, Liberal, Lac-Saint-Louis, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the late Joan Farley, a remarkable woman whose vision and actions transformed Montreal's West Island community in profound and lasting ways for the benefit of thousands of children and adults with special needs and their families.

Joan was a pioneer. She sought respect and recognition for the rights of the intellectually handicapped and those experiencing mental health problems. Among the organizations Joan helped establish are the John F. Kennedy School, the Gary Taylor Centre, the West Island Association for the Intellectually Handicapped, Omega Community Resources, and the Lakeshore Vocational Projects Association, now known as the Centre de réadaptation de l'Ouest de Montréal.

In 1976 she founded West Island Citizen Advocacy, a group that advocates for the rights of people with special needs, creates one-on-one matches between special needs clients and volunteers, and provides supervised housing for people with mental health challenges.

In recognition of her contribution to building a better Canada, in 2004 Joan received the Order of Canada from then Governor General Adrienne Clarkson.

Joan will be greatly missed, but her memory and spirit will live on and inspire future generations of community activists and volunteers.

Volunteer Firefighters Tax Credit

[Scott Armstrong, Conservative, Cumberland—Colchester—Musquodoboit Valley, NS]

Mr. Speaker, our government and in fact all Canadians appreciate the tremendous service provided to us all by our first responders.

This year in budget 2011 we created a new non-refundable tax credit in the amount of $3,000 for certain volunteer firefighters, a well-deserved initiative by this Conservative government.

Fire chief Rob Simonds, the president of the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs, said it best when he lauded this move by the Conservative government. He said:

The Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs (CAFC) commends the federal government for reintroducing a $3,000 tax credit for volunteer firefighters in the 2011 Federal Budget.

We would like to recognize the government for following through on its campaign commitment to pass this important initiative into law.

Our Minister of National Revenue travelled across the country all summer, promoting the awareness of many new and important tax credits which benefit all Canadians. While in Fort McMurray, I believe she said it best:

On behalf of the federal government and all Canadians, I want to thank you very much for your dedication and your selfless service. You are part of what makes Canada the best place in the world to live.

The People of Beauharnois—Salaberry

[Anne Minh-Thu Quach, NDP, Beauharnois—Salaberry, QC]

Mr. Speaker, on July 18, a boat carrying a couple and their two children went down on Lake St. Francis, close to Sainte-Barbe.

Enormous waves overturned their boat. At about two o'clock in the morning, a young resident, Ève Davignon, heard yelling and alerted her father, Pierre Davignon. Pierre, with the help of a neighbour, Sébastien Frappier, managed to save the entire family from drowning.

The fire chief, Camille Pilon, and his colleagues also demonstrated courage and level-headedness. They did not hesitate to do everything necessary to help the two children, who were suffering from hypothermia.

On behalf of all the people of Beauharnois—Salaberry, I would like to commend everyone involved for their bravery. Thank you so much.

Firearms Registry

[Bryan Hayes, Conservative, Sault Ste. Marie, ON]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday marked one year since an important vote here in the House, a vote that took place on ending the ineffective and wasteful long gun registry.

How important was it? Let us ask the member for Ajax—Pickering, the member for Yukon or the member for Nipissing—Timiskaming, because those ridings were let down a year ago, let down by members of Parliament who listened to their Ottawa bosses instead of the people who sent them here, and now they are gone. They have been replaced with great Conservative members.

Canadians have given us a strong, stable majority government to implement our strong mandate, a mandate that includes eliminating the ineffective and wasteful long gun registry. I for one look forward to that vote.

The Economy

[Thomas Mulcair, NDP, Outremont, QC]

Mr. Speaker, it took a visit from another Conservative for the Prime Minister to acknowledge, albeit reluctantly, the looming threat to the economy. We know that at the last minute the Prime Minister added a few lines to adjust his speech last night after David Cameron's warnings, the same warnings the NDP has been issuing for weeks now. Mouvement Desjardins has now added its own voice and its own warnings. If nothing is done, Canada will be hit by another recession, the second one under this Conservative government.

What is the Conservative government's plan for dealing with this potential crisis?

[Shelly Glover, Conservative, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance]

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the hon. member for his question. He mentioned the Prime Minister of England. I would like to quote him.

He said, and I quote:

In the last few years Canada has got every major decision right. Look at the facts. Not a single Canadian bank fell or faltered during the global banking crisis. Canada got to grips with its deficit and was running surpluses and paying down the debt before the recession, fixing the roof while the sun was shining. Your economic leadership has helped the Canadian economy to weather the global storms far better than many of your international competitors.

I repeat, as our Minister of Finance has: we have the next phase of Canada's economic action plan, which will continue us on the path of success.

[Thomas Mulcair, NDP, Outremont, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the government can no longer blame the Greeks and the eurozone for the economic problems here in Canada. That argument does not hold water. It is a diversionary tactic. The Conservatives have to take responsibility for their economic failure, their inability to capitalize on Canada's advantages. We have the fiscal capacity that others do not. We can invest in infrastructure, get an excellent return on our investment, strengthen employment and the economy and give ourselves a sound competitive advantage.

No private investor would pass up such an opportunity. Why is the government passing it up once again?

[Shelly Glover, Conservative, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance]

Mr. Speaker, I want to remind the House that we do have a plan to support jobs and to create some growth here in Canada. It is a plan that, unfortunately, the NDP and the Liberals voted against.

In fact, they voted against things like flowing $1 billion in federal funding to provinces and territories for infrastructure in 2011-12, helping manufacturers by extending the accelerated capital cost allowance for two years, renewing EI pilot projects to help the unemployed, extending work-sharing agreements to help protect jobs, and creating a hiring credit for small business to help create jobs.

They need get on side with us and help--

[The Speaker, Conservative, Andrew Scheer]

The hon. member for Outremont.

[Thomas Mulcair, NDP, Outremont, QC]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday the British Prime Minister called the current global economic crisis a “debt crisis”. His solution is more austerity, but it is a diagnosis that simply does not apply here in Canada. Ours is a crisis of inadequate demand in the economy caused by a lack of private investment, debt-burdened households, a growing trade deficit and government cutbacks. The obvious and immediate solution is long overdue investment in infrastructure and job creation.

Will the Conservatives stop making excuses and start investing in the projects that will restore falling infrastructure while putting Canadians back to work and strengthening our economy?

[Shelly Glover, Conservative, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance]

Mr. Speaker, that is exactly what this country cannot afford to do. Let us see the facts once and for all.

Canada has fared relatively better than most during the global recession. In fact, Canada has the best fiscal position in the G7, the lowest net debt in the G7, among the lowest of deficits in the G7 and, as we all have heard, the IMF and OECD both project that Canada's growth is going to be among the strongest in the G7 if we continue on this low-tax plan that we have put in place.

The last thing that we need is to tax our businesses $10 billion more, which would in fact kill jobs.

Pensions

[Peggy Nash, NDP, Parkdale—High Park, ON]

Mr. Speaker, the last few days have underlined once again what a gamble the government is taking with the retirement security of Canadians. Its so-called pooled pension scheme throws the retirement savings of Canadians into a market roulette wheel. On the other hand, the Bay Street fund managers will have guaranteed returns.

The government's preference for padding the pockets of financial managers while ignoring the needs of Canadians for pension security is what is happening. When will the Conservatives provide guaranteed retirement security for Canadian families?

[Shelly Glover, Conservative, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance]

Mr. Speaker, we have been working very hard to improve Canadians' retirement security. Let us just go over some of the things that have been done.

We cut taxes for seniors and pensioners by over $2 billion annually. That includes pension income splitting. We reformed the framework governing federally regulated pensions to better protect pensioners. We are working with the provinces. We studied proposals and we are going to make further improvements. Now, with them, we are working on the introduction of the new pooled registered pension plan. The PRPPs will provide low-cost pension plans to millions of people who never had a pension before.

[Peggy Nash, NDP, Parkdale—High Park, ON]

Mr. Speaker, the benefits of public sector versus private sector pension plans are clear. The Canada pension plan and the Quebec equivalent are less costly to manage and they are guaranteed. The problem is that the Conservatives are not allowing citizens to use their preferred method of saving. People want to see action on this file. Canadians should be able to invest their savings in public pension plans if they so desire.

Why do the Conservatives prefer that people lose their shirts on the stock market?