Debates of Feb. 17th, 2012

Conception Bay South

[Jack Harris, NDP, St. John's East, NL]

Madam Speaker, there is a great deal of respect in Canada today for our veterans, past and present, and for those who serve in the Canadian Forces. One community stands out.

The town of Conception Bay South in my riding has erected an impressive monument of honour recognizing the commitment and sacrifice of those who served in war and peacekeeping, and also our first responders in the fire and police services. To see the droves of citizens in attendance for services on Remembrance Day in November and on Memorial Day, July 1, is to realize that this extraordinary tribute reflects the feelings of the whole community.

The town of Conception Bay South has gone one step further and formalized its community's commitment to improving the quality of life of veterans and their families by being the first place in Canada to sign a veteran and family community covenant.

On Monday, February 27, the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs is visiting Newfoundland and Labrador. The members of the committee will see the monument of honour and visit with community leaders to discuss their unique way of providing needed assistance and support to veterans and their families.

Penticton Vees

[Dan Albas, Conservative, Okanagan—Coquihalla, BC]

Madam Speaker, in 1955 a small-town hockey club from my riding represented Canada at the World Hockey Championships. In the gold-medal final, the Penticton Vees defeated the Russians five to zero and returned home as champions.

Fifty-seven years later, yet again something as magical is happening within my riding of Okanagan—Coquihalla. If the Penticton Vees win tonight's game against the Vernon Vipers, it will be their 33rd consecutive victory. Already the Vees have broken a 22-year-old BCHL record for the most consecutive wins.

However, what is really exciting is the leadership of this organization. From the governor through to coach Fred Harbinson they have built a culture of courage, character and commitment that is not just winning hockey games but is also a formula for success that builds great players who are model citizens off the ice. Three of these future leaders have been drafted by the NHL and a further 15 committed to the NCAA.

What is more important is that these young men visit local schools and share these values with students, which helps us to build better communities. Go Vees, go.

New Democratic Party of Canada

[John Williamson, Conservative, New Brunswick Southwest, NB]

Madam Speaker, the no development party has sent a leadership contestant to attack jobs and economic growth. The member for Skeena—Bulkley Valley must have been looking to upstage his colleagues from Nickle Belt, Edmonton—Strathcona and Halifax, as well as fellow leadership contestant Brian Topp.

The NDP travels abroad, undermining Canada and emphasizing its anti-trade, anti-development and anti-jobs policies. Here at home, it attacks our energy sector, lobbying to shut down the oil sands and with that, the hundreds of thousands of Canadians who earn a living in them.

NDP members also oppose the nuclear part of the energy sector, a sector that is important to my riding of New Brunswick Southwest. They even say that gas prices for moms and dads who drive their kids to soccer and hockey are artificially low. What industries they do not directly want to shut down, they hope to tax out of existence.

I hope the people of Skeena—Bulkley Valley listen very carefully to their member of Parliament and the NDP's anti-trade, anti-development, anti-jobs and anti-growth message.

Employment Insurance

[Philip Toone, NDP, Gaspésie—Îles-de-la-Madeleine, QC]

Madam Speaker, today, I would like to present a petition to the House on behalf of the people of Sainte-Thérèse-de-Gaspé who gathered signatures from 800 concerned residents. These people are concerned about the plan to abolish the employment insurance transitional measures and pilot projects as of April 2012. Fishers and forestry workers are still having a hard time.

Many people in the Gaspé have difficulty accumulating enough hours of work to even qualify for employment insurance benefits. Those who do qualify have to wait for up to six weeks without any income. We are calling on the government to maintain the transitional measures for at least two more years. The Gaspé cannot afford another exodus of workers with so many promising projects on the horizon.

The petition that I am tabling today shows that the people of the Gaspé are concerned that they will not be able to continue to live with dignity in their community for very long. The Conservative government is making a mistake by cutting employment insurance rather than eliminating subsidies for oil companies—

[The Deputy Speaker, NDP, Denise Savoie]

Order.

The hon. member for Prince George—Peace River.

New Democratic Party of Canada

[Bob Zimmer, Conservative, Prince George—Peace River, BC]

Madam Speaker, the statistics show us that the west is the fastest-growing part of Canada. Yet that does not seem to be the case in the riding of the NDP leadership candidate from Skeena—Bulkley Valley. During his years in office, the population there has been on the decline, most notably in Kitimat, terminus of the northern gateway pipeline, the same pipeline that the member is attacking today in the panel hearings.

The no development party is against the hundreds of thousands of Canadians employed throughout our energy sector. Our Conservative government understands the importance of diversifying trade to create jobs and economic growth, both in B.C. and all across Canada. Despite the NDP's best efforts, our government is at work promoting jobs and economic growth, both in my home in northern B.C. and from coast to coast to coast.

While the NDP continues to oppose these important trade initiatives, our government will continue to make the investments necessary to grow our trade and to position Canada and B.C.'s economy to succeed well into the markets of the future.

Homophobia in School

[Guy Caron, NDP, Rimouski-Neigette—Témiscouata—Les Basques, QC]

Madam Speaker, I want my colleagues to know how extremely proud I am of the young people in my riding who are involved in the fight against bullying and prejudice. Students and staff at École Saint-Jean in the Des Phares school board received an honorary mention for their participation in the competition put on by the Simple Plan Foundation in collaboration with GRIS-Québec, which works on demystifying homosexuality and bisexuality in school.

The theme of this third annual competition was “What is your plan to fight homophobia in school?” Students from École Saint-Jean made and signed a banner, promising not to make homophobic comments in their school. A number of them also joined their school counsellor, Cindy Leblanc, in the GRIS-Québec march against homophobia.

Congratulations to all the students—especially to Alexandre Arsenault for launching the project—and to all the staff, who work every day to fight not only homophobia, but also any prejudice against difference. This type of initiative is refreshing news that gives renewed hope to people who, like me, truly believe in making the world a better place. Together, we can do it.

Libya

[Joe Daniel, Conservative, Don Valley East, ON]

Madam Speaker, today marks the first anniversary of the pro-democracy uprising in Libya. One year ago, a rumble of protest began in the streets of Benghazi that would eventually grow into a populist roar in every corner of the country. In just one year, the Libyan people have realized a dramatic transformation in their country and, although there is much work to be done, Libyans have begun laying the foundation to build a more inclusive, open and democratic society.

The courage and sacrifice of the Libyan people is helping them secure for themselves a better and brighter future for all citizens as they turn a page on a brutal, repressive dictator who ruled Libya and tormented the people for more than 40 years. Elections expected in June will provide a historic opportunity to continue that work.

Our government is proud to have played the lead role in the UN-sanctioned NATO mission that helped protect civilians during the liberation of Libya. Libya has a partner in Canada as it continues to make strides to provide great opportunities for its people.

Florence Green

[Sean Casey, Liberal, Charlottetown, PE]

Madam Speaker, today I want to honour the memory of Mrs. Florence Green. Mrs. Green died this past September. She was 110 years old and the last remaining veteran of the First World War. To say that she lived a full life would be an understatement, for she bore witness to much in life, not the least of which was the First World War, in which she served as a member of the Women's Royal Air Force.

As with the end of an era, it causes one to stop and reflect. At times like this in my own life, I have wondered what it must have been like to have served in those great wars. It really is beyond understanding, though.

War is an awful thing. We need not glory in it or lust for it. But today, not unlike other solemn occasions when Canadians commemorate veterans, we honour and thank the millions throughout Canada and the Commonwealth who answered and continue to answer the call in defence of freedom and liberty.

Madam Speaker and members of the House of Commons, all of us here have a duty to ensure that the sacrifice of Canadians and veterans--

New Democratic Party of Canada

[Chris Warkentin, Conservative, Peace River, AB]

Madam Speaker, two days ago the NDP MPs from Thunder Bay stood up to their downtown, big union executive bosses' marching orders and voted against the ineffective long gun registry. One of them even said:

I am counting the days, hours, minutes and seconds until we get a new leader...Hopefully a good one.

Given the NDP's track record, we all understand why this MP feels that a new leader may not change anything at all.

However, the NDP MP for Western Arctic, and even the former leadership candidate from northern Quebec, chose not to show up for the vote on Wednesday, perhaps in order to avoid retaliation. It proves that the NDP punishes the MPs who speak up for their northern and rural constituents.

This is yet another worrying example that the disunited NDP's reckless and irresponsible policies are a danger to rural and northern Canadians.

Gary Carter

[Jamie Nicholls, NDP, Vaudreuil—Soulanges, QC]

Madam Speaker, baseball fans were saddened to hear the news of the death of Gary Carter, one of the greatest baseball players to have played in Canada. He captured the imagination of Montrealers more than any other Expos player. For 12 seasons, the catcher charmed Quebeckers with his enthusiasm, sincerity and exuberance.

The “Kid” was the light of the Expos. He always made time for the fans and his passion for the game was contagious. Gary Carter was the Expos, he was baseball, he was Montreal.

Gary was the heart and soul of our beloved team. When Gary Carter was behind home plate, it was a fun game. When Gary Carter was at bat, it was a fun game. Yesterday, Gary Carter went up to the plate for the last time. Number eight, Gary Carter, is up to bat. He hits it far into left field. It is deep.

It is out of the park. Farewell, Gary.

New Democratic Party of Canada

[Leon Benoit, Conservative, Vegreville—Wainwright, AB]

Madam Speaker, the NDP are at it again. The media is reporting today that the NDP has led a vicious Twitter attack against the public security minister, using taxpayer-funded office resources. It has used taxpayer money for a partisan misinformation attack against the security minister.

I would be surprised by this, but it is just the latest in a series of NDP dirty tricks. The NDP Party attempted to launder party donations last summer. It punished its MPs who wanted to vote with their constituents to end the ineffective and wasteful long gun registry. It bullied and intimidated its MP who abandoned the party recently. It has blocked progress on every bill this government has brought forward.

However, using taxpayer-funded offices for a Twitter attack campaign against our security minister is the low of all lows. Where are the leadership candidates on this issue?

Government Communications

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

Madam Speaker, yesterday we learned that the Treasury Board has imposed a gag order on all departments regarding public service cuts. Who gave this order? The same minister who plans to cut up to $8 billion, which will mean the loss of many services. This is also the same minister who tried to hide a $50 million slush fund. So much for transparency.

Canadians have a right to know: is the government muzzling the departments because it is afraid of how Canadian families will react?

[John Baird, Conservative, Minister of Foreign Affairs]

Madam Speaker, the government is undertaking an exercise to ensure we can find savings to help ensure we can keep Canada on a strong economic path. We are looking at opportunities where we can do things better for taxpayers. Obviously it is very difficult to report on the results of that exercise when it has not been completed.

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

Madam Speaker, that is the minister who hid documents from the Auditor General about the G8 legacy fund. This is now the same minister whose department has issued an unprecedented gag order to hide information from Canadians.

Will the Conservatives list the planned cuts for every government department and agency in the upcoming report on plans and priorities, or will they try to cover up like they did with the G8? Why are they so afraid of telling Canadians what they are up to?

[John Baird, Conservative, Minister of Foreign Affairs]

Madam Speaker, this government will continue to be transparent and it will seek authority from Parliament on a range of budget issues.

What we are doing, though, is reviewing every expenditure within government to ensure we can find savings and ensure we can balance the budget to keep Canada strong.

Obviously, when that exercise is complete, the Minister of Finance will stand in this place and present the financial plan for the following year. It will be subject to the estimates process and to the full financial scrutiny that has always been the case with this government.

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

Madam Speaker, the minister did not answer, but we know on this side of the House what the Conservatives are afraid of.

The Conservatives are afraid of the fact that Canadians are increasingly concerned about the government's choices. We see it in the public reaction on the F-35 fiasco, the attacks on seniors' pensions, the unprecedented attempt to intrude on Canadians' personal information.

Now the government is trying to hide its cuts to services Canadian families need. Shame on it.

Will the government issue a new directive that ensures spending reports will be fully transparent? Will it stop the cover-up on spending cuts that hurt Canadian families?

[John Baird, Conservative, Minister of Foreign Affairs]

Madam Speaker, it is a little rich for a New Democratic Party member of Parliament to stand in this place and talk about attacks and about personal information.

Today we have learned that the NDP official opposition has been caught in a nasty, dirty Internet trick. Not only has it stooped to the lowest of the lows, but it has been running this nasty Internet dirty trick campaign with taxpayer money.

Today I call on the NDP to stand, to take responsibility for these dirty tricks, to apologize and to identify which one over there is responsible for these sleazy attacks.

Government Programs

[Chris Charlton, NDP, Hamilton Mountain, ON]

Madam Speaker, I know why the minister does not want to answer questions about cuts, but the reality is Statistics Canada today announced that inflation rose at an annual rate of 2.5%, higher than expected.

Canadians need a break in the next budget, but all they are seeing are cuts to old age security and to the services on which they rely.

Why are the Conservatives cutting help to average Canadians when what they really need is a break?

[Ted Menzies, Conservative, Minister of State (Finance)]

Madam Speaker, what Canadians need is a break from the incessant NDP talking down our Canadian economy, talking down the fact that since the end of the recession, Canada has a net new growth of jobs of over 610,000. That is an incredible record. That is the best job growth in the entire G7.

However, what does the NDP do? It talks it down every time it can. It first votes against anything to help Canadians get back to work and then it talks it down.

Gasoline Prices

[Chris Charlton, NDP, Hamilton Mountain, ON]

Madam Speaker, we voted against the Conservative budget because it did not get the job done.

Let me be clear. Building more prisons is not going to put food on the table or help pay the bills. Here is just one example. Gas prices are 6.8%, driving up inflation and making it even harder for families to make ends meet.

When are the Conservatives going to take action on gas prices? Why will they not pass my Bill C-336 so drivers will not be hosed at the pumps?

[Ted Menzies, Conservative, Minister of State (Finance)]

Madam Speaker, to clarify the point, the government did get the job done for over 610,000 Canadians. For the NDP to say what it voted against did not help Canadians, I find that sort of a statement incredulous, as do the 610,000 Canadians who are working today who were not working in July 2009.

Citizenship and Immigration

[Kevin Lamoureux, Liberal, Winnipeg North, MB]

Madam Speaker, the Canadian Association of Refugee Lawyers has concerns in regard to Bill C-31, as does our party. It said, “The designated 'safe' country list, and the Minister's unilateral power to list countries, dangerously politicizes the refugee system”.

Will the minister agree to an amendment, similar to that contained in the bill from the last Parliament which passed the House unanimously, that would require the minister to make recommendations for countries to be listed from an advisory committee?

[John Baird, Conservative, Minister of Foreign Affairs]

Madam Speaker, Canada has one of the most fair and generous immigration systems in the world. Canadians have absolutely no tolerance for those who would abuse our generosity and would take unfair advantage of our country.

Let us look at the facts. Why did the United States have only 47 claims in 2009-10 from Europe, while Canada had 4,700 claims in the same period?

[Kevin Lamoureux, Liberal, Winnipeg North, MB]

Madam Speaker, let us be fair. At the end of the day, the government is choosing which country is going to be a safe country. The minister is going to make that decision. If people come from one of those safe countries, then that means there is no appeal. In fact, to attempt an appeal, it has to go through a federal court. If it goes through a federal court, they would be deported before it even goes to court or to trial.

How is that fair for refugees coming to Canada who are being told they have to go back to their country of origin before—