Paddy Torsney

[Multiple Sclerosis Month, May 6th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, May is Multiple Sclerosis Month. Yesterday it was my pleasure to work with members of the MS Society and members of the Speaker's staff in pinning red carnations on our colleagues here in the House. It was a wonderful sight.

I thank you, Mr. Speaker, your staff and all of my colleagues for their generous support of the MS Society. We raised a lot of money that will be useful in doing research and extending help to those who are afflicted by this disease of the central nervous system.

Sunday is Mother's Day and the end of the annual carnation week campaign. I encourage all Canadians to buy carnations this weekend because so many women are affected by this illness. I will be in the Burlington Mall helping a terrific team. It will be a wonderful opportunity to make additional funds for the MS Society.

[Firearms Law Sunset Act, April 30th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, the government is firmly opposed to Bill C-278 for a number of reasons. The bill proposes that we repeal the new firearms legislation without giving it any reasonable time to work. The Reform Party would propose sunsetting an act 11 months after it becomes fully effective.

The Department of Justice already has in place a carefully considered plan for evaluating the new law's success and achieving its objectives.

Bill C-278 ignores the accomplishments made in the first few months of the new Firearms Act. Canadians can already see the positive impact of Bill C-68. Canadians continue to strongly support the government's position.

I would like to talk about what the Firearms Act has already done. Members will see that it has already been effective. The government is confident that within a reasonable time after the new firearms law has been fully implemented its effectiveness will be even more demonstrable.

For the first time ever, the new law requires instant background checks before any gun sale can proceed. As of the end of February of this year, more than 4,700 checks have been conducted as part of gun sales or transfers. Of these checks, almost 7% were flagged for investigation. In other words, more than 325 potentially dangerous gun sales were referred for further scrutiny. Examples of these cases include people with past or recent histories of violence, break and enters, theft or drug involvement, or people who were trying to acquire guns that they were not licensed to purchase.

One of the cases caught by the new system was that of an individual from Nelson, British Columbia who tried to purchase several firearms over a two week period. The individual had a firearms licence but the background check showed numerous prior convictions and several recent incidents involving spousal abuse, uttering threats and drug activity. The individual's firearms licence was suspended pending further investigation and the sales were refused. On two subsequent occasions, the individual tried again to purchase firearms. This time his licence was revoked altogether.

This is the kind of situation the new system was designed to control. Everybody in the House should share the goal of keeping firearms out of the hands of potentially dangerous individuals. In this early case the system demonstrated its effectiveness every time the individual tried to buy a gun.

More than 85 license applications have been refused for public safety concerns. It is through results like this that the Canadian public knows the new gun control program introduced in Bill C-68 will make the homes in their communities and their communities as a whole much safer.

The choices laid out today are clear. If Bill C-278 were to become law and all Canadian gun laws were sunsetted, Canada would be left with no licensing, no registration, nothing. Why would the Reform Party risk this? Is it because its hidden agenda is to let everyone own powerful guns?

Let us look around at the rest of the world and see that the control of firearms is something the entire world is seeking.

The government, unlike members opposite, is committed to promoting public safety. It is clear that the Firearms Act already has had an impact. The government is confident all assessments will demonstrate that the system enhances public safety once full implementation is completed.

Does the hon. member for Yorkton—Melville really want to allow anyone unrestricted ownership of fully automatic guns? We know that the Reform Party continues to fight firearms control. The National Firearms Association and the National Rifle Association must be proud.

Let us talk about specific parts of the bill. The member opposite would have the auditor general and his office evaluate a major public safety program in just a few months after it came into force. The hon. member for Yorkton—Melville is unrealistic. There is no way that the auditor general and his staff could complete a thorough study in the time set out. It is simply unacceptable.

I do not minimize the need to evaluate laws. We heard months and months of testimony on Bill C-68. We listened to what Canadians told us about gun control. We made sure that the law would be effective. We built in an assessment program. We will make sure that any glitches are ironed out, that any opportunity to make the law even better is exercised.

The fact remains that when any new law comes into force we need to allow a certain amount of time before we can assess its impact and its effectiveness. Individuals need to adjust to new requirements. Law enforcement agencies need to adjust to new responsibilities. The judiciary needs time to consider the law's meaning and intent as cases are presented. It takes time.

The Firearms Act is no different. To assess its effects on public safety, on the incidence of violent crime and on cost effectiveness, we have to allow time for the act to be fully enforced.

The hon. member should be pleased that a full evaluation process with an appropriate timetable is consistent with Treasury Board guidelines and is already in place.

When the former minister of justice appeared before the Standing Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs during those months and months of testimony, he spoke about the evaluation process. He stated that the Department of Justice would be monitoring experience with registration and licensing to determine what improvements could be made and to make that information available to parliament and to the public.

The evaluation plan calls for assessments of the extent to which the operational elements of the Firearms Act, part 3 of the Criminal Code and their associate programs have been implemented and whether their objectives are being achieved. It also calls for an implementation evaluation. This should begin one year after the program launch and its findings will be submitted one year later. This exercise will be carried out by key federal partners and the results are to be consolidated with overall evaluation of the Canadian firearms program.

Bill C-278 is a simplistic, unrealistic piece of legislation, but I would be remiss if I did not point out one thing. In the member's bill he supports the sentencing guidelines that the government introduced in Bill C-68, so he has found something good to say about our law.

[Firearms Law Sunset Act, April 30th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise to debate the bill after hearing the rhetoric and simplistic interpretation of the member opposite. I think his true goal was to do what he could not do when he tried to develop support against gun control legislation in the country. The member knows that more than 80% of Canadians support gun control. This is a very silly piece of legislation.

[The Environment, April 23rd, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, there were several initiatives in the last budget specifically for the environment. We were one of the only departments that got special funds specifically for toxic substances.

With regard to the tar ponds, we are actively negotiating a cost share agreement with the municipal and provincial partners. We are working with a joint action group to identify the solutions and to implement those solutions so the people who live there will have healthier lives.

[The Environment, April 23rd, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, each day the Minister of the Environment and everyone in the government are working hard to protect the environment for Canadians for today and for the future.

This particular week, together with her cabinet colleagues, the minister announced several important initiatives. Canada signed the ozone annex with the United States. We announced 55 recovery projects for endangered species, the most ever announced in one year, and funding was announced for a grassroots campaign, the ABCs of climate change.

All Canadians are invited to join with the Minister of the Environment in celebrating the first ever Clean Air Day Canada on June 2.

[Canadian Environmental Protection Act, April 20th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to stand in the House to address members who are here on the issue of second reading of Bill C-403, which seeks to eliminate the use of lead sinkers and jigs in fishing.

Bill C-403 proposes that the Canada Environmental Protection Act, known as the CEPA, be amended to prohibit the import, manufacture, sale and use of lead fishing sinkers and jigs weighing 50 grams or less because species have died from lead poisoning through ingestion of these sinkers and jigs.

I support the intent of this initiative and I am pleased that attention is being drawn to the impact which lead sinkers and jigs have on our wildlife. Parliamentarians and the Canadian public have reason to be concerned. All of us need to pay attention to the effect our activities as anglers or hunters, hikers or bird watchers have on our cherished wildlife.

Lead, as many people have mentioned, has long been acknowledged as an environmental and health problem for humans and wildlife and is listed as a toxic substance under the current CEPA. The federal government, along with other levels of government, has been successful in reducing lead from our environment through initiatives like those which remove lead from gasoline and household products such as paint.

Bill C-403 focuses our attention on the fact that the recreational use of lead has become one of the leading sources of lead in the environment.

This bill raises the profile of the problem of lead fishing sinkers and jigs and their impact on wildlife, particularly, as members have mentioned, the loon.

As we have heard from a very detailed discussion by several members, the problem occurs when water birds ingest fishing sinkers and jigs during feeding, either when they mistake them for food or grit or when they consume lost bait fish with lines still attached. The ingestion of a single lead sinker or a lead-headed jig is sufficient to expose a loon or other bird to a lethal dose of lead. Ingestion of lead sinkers and jigs has been found to cause mortality in common loons, swans and other waterfowl.

The current CEPA has the authority to make a regulation that would accomplish the objective which Bill C-403 sets out. Success in achieving the results advocated in Bill C-403 depends first on obtaining the support of those Canadians on whom the proposed legislation would have the greatest impact. As such, consultations are needed to build consensus on the appropriate ways to prevent the death of birds caused by these sinkers.

We need to ensure that Canadians have an appreciation for the scope of the problem and an idea of the possible solutions. It is important that people understand what science is telling us and agree on the appropriate course of action. Let me be clear: this approach has never failed this government. Consulting Canadians, building consensus and taking action, developing the support of anglers who use lead sinkers and jigs, of manufacturers, distributors and retailers who make lead sinkers and jigs available, and of the provinces and territories who manage recreational fishing are essential to the effective implementation of the action. Non-toxic types of fishing sinkers and jigs must become the norm.

Action is needed. To that end, the Minister of the Environment is planning to write to her provincial colleagues and will raise this issue with them at the next Wildlife Ministers' Council of Canada. The meeting is scheduled for this fall. Her objective is to work with our partners to establish a voluntary co-operative program founded on education and building public awareness on the needless destruction caused by these products. By including education and awareness activities in partnership with the provinces and territories, angling organizations, manufacturers and retailers, we truly will have a positive effect over the long term.

Lead shot used in hunting has also been shown to be hazardous to wildlife, particularly waterfowl. That is why the federal government phased in a ban on lead shot used for hunting. Beginning in 1991 Canada banned the use of lead shot in hot spots across the country, places where lead shot poisoning of waterfowl was known to be a problem. These areas were mostly in eastern Canada. In addition, a province-wide ban was introduced in British Columbia.

In the intervening years the Minister of the Environment banned the use of lead shot for hunting in national wildlife areas and for hunting most migratory birds in and around wetlands. A full national ban comes into effect this fall.

This phased-in approach is working well and is a solid model for the reduction of lead fishing sinkers and jigs.

I should emphasize an earlier point. It is the government's position that these phased-in regulatory approaches have been most effective when coupled with education and awareness activities.

In addition, all members will be pleased to know that we have already made some headway in reducing the use of lead fishing sinkers and jigs. In 1997, under the Canada Wildlife Act, the current Minister of the Environment banned possession of lead fishing sinkers and jigs weighing less than 50 grams in national wildlife areas. In the same year, under the National Parks Act, Heritage Canada prohibited the use or possession of lead sinkers and jigs weighing less than 50 grams while fishing in national parks. Together these restrictions are estimated to have reduced lead sinkers and jigs deposited by 4 tonnes to 5 tonnes annually.

Environment Canada has also actively supported independent collection programs for lead sinkers and jigs that have been instituted by several organizations in Ontario, including the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, the Bay of Quinte Remedial Action Plan and the Hamilton Regional Conservation Authority. To date these programs have netted more than 770 kilograms of lead sinkers and jigs from anglers participating in exchanges around the Great Lakes.

These volunteer organizations and individuals have been highly successful and are deserving of our praise and thanks. The success of their programs can be attributed to the dedicated volunteers and the inclusion of anglers themselves in the design and implementation of the plan.

In addition to the efforts of Environment Canada, Parks Canada has initiated education programs and collection sites at many of Canada's national parks. Collection program co-ordinators report that the education exchange approach is an effective model to raising public awareness of the issue and is very well received by the angling community.

The success of this type of initiative has allowed the government to move ahead on reducing lead in the environment. The government intends to continue to be active in addressing the harm done by these lead sinkers and jigs. As always, we are using scientific research as the basis for our actions.

We know that an estimated 388 to 559 tonnes of lead in the form of lead sinkers and jigs may be lost in Canadian waters annually by the approximately 5.5 million anglers who participate in recreational fishing each year. This represents about 12% of all lead releases to the environment.

With regard to Canada's loon population, it has been estimated that between 250,000 and 500,000 common loons are breeding in Canada and that overall the loon population is not in decline. A variety of environmental contaminants including acid rain, mercury and lead have had an impact on the common loon. However, the relative influence of these and other stressors such as disease, predation and severe weather on the health of loon populations is still unclear.

We do know that lead poisoning has an impact on wildlife, particularly water birds like loons. We do know that in locations where recreational angling occurs, lead sinker or jig ingestion causes adult loon mortality and is one of the leading causes of death for loons in these areas. In fact, 59 of the 217 dead birds examined over the past 10 years died from lead poisoning.

Individual Canadians have helped Environment Canada in developing the science in this field. Data currently available depended largely on the volunteer co-operation of cottagers, anglers and boaters who came across a carcass and notified the appropriate provincial and federal wildlife agency. We will continue to rely on their help in gathering evidence that will help us refine our understanding of the various threats to our water birds. Canadians play an important role.

Help from the Canadian public, and anglers and industry specifically, is also needed if we are to eliminate the use of lead sinkers and jigs. Education and awareness building programs backed up by good science will ensure Canadians support our actions in preserving the environment for all.

It is the government's intention to consult with manufacturers and retailers of fishing sinkers and jigs to help ensure that alternative products are available which are comparable in price and performance to those made of lead. We will consult with the anglers on the effectiveness of non-lead sinkers and jigs for fishing. We always have the possibility of regulation when it is appropriate. The government believes this course of action will in the end achieve the objective of Bill C-403 by building support for key stakeholders.

In closing, the member for Simcoe—Grey has brought the attention of all members of the House to the lead fishing sinker and jig problem. His interest and continued action in the environment are most commendable. I am sure his constituents must be very proud of his accomplishments.

[Wildlife, March 25th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, April 4 to 10 marks National Wildlife Week. The 1999 theme is “Home is Where there is Habitat”.

Environment Canada is working in conjunction with its provincial and territorial partners. We are protecting the habitats thanks to a network of programs across Canada. A bill to protect endangered species will soon be introduced.

Together Canadians can work to ensure that future generations inherit a country at least as rich and diverse in wildlife as the one we enjoy today.

[Endangered Species, March 23rd, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, today the Government of Canada along with the provincial and territorial ministers responsible for wildlife further increased the role of scientists to protect species at risk in Canada. Eight scientists have been added as voting members to COSEWIC, the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. As Minister Stewart said, this change to COSEWIC's composition will ensure its continued scientific integrity.

[Year 2000, March 23rd, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, the year 2000 is being anticipated with hope and optimism. In Burlington we are well on our way to celebrating the year 2000 with local community events that provide residents of all ages an opportunity to share in this historic occasion.

Right across the country Canadians will take pride in exchanging coins designed by citizens in response to the Canadian Mint's Create a Centsation contest. Burlington residents were thrilled to acknowledge one of their own stars.

Maria Sarkany's design was chosen for the month of July. Entitled “A Nation of People”, the coin portrays six people representing law and order, learning, teaching, the arts, the love of nature and sports drawn in one continuous line.

I ask my colleagues to join with me in celebrating the talent, courage and innovative ideas of Canadians who together with community and volunteer groups, governments and the private sector will celebrate the year 2000.

[Stu Chapman, March 17th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to rise today and recognize Burlington Citizen of the Year, Mr. Stu Chapman.

Stu Chapman has volunteered countless hours in Burlington and across Canada. He has co-ordinated Grey Cup activities, Studebaker events, assisted Friends of the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry and the Burlington Lions-Optimist Minor Hockey Association. He helped found Crime Stoppers in Burlington. He has even been president of the Federal Progressive Conservative Riding Association.

Today, Mr. Chapman is leading a wonderful group of Burlington army cadets and their volunteer leaders on an educational tour of Ottawa, its historical sites and the home of Canada's political system.

Stu Chapman is a wonderful Canadian. His generosity, his commitment to his community and his country are exemplary. He has touched the lives of many. He has demonstrated the importance of volunteerism and involved himself in making the world a better place, particularly for our youngest citizens.

Colleagues, please join me in congratulating Burlington Citizen of the Year, Mr. Stu Chapman.