Sue Barnes

[Medical Research, March 1st, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, I rise to highlight and applaud the research component of the 1999 budget and in particular the $1.4 billion allocated to medical research.

Coming from a riding and a city where health research plays a key role, last month's budget was welcome news for many dedicated researchers.

The creation of the Canadian institutes of health research will support research and innovation in health care, strengthen treatment and prevention methods while providing more opportunities for advanced research in areas such as biotechnology and medical devices.

The CIHR will also keep our best and brightest research minds and clinicians at work here in Canada. Meanwhile the additional funding for the three federal granting councils will enable researchers to continue their important work.

With the 1999 budget Canada is well positioned to be a world leader in medical research. The investment the government is making today will provide benefits well into the future, improving the health and well-being of Canadians. Making knowledge and innovation a key priority for the future is enhanced by this budget.

[The Budget, February 18th, 1999]

Madam Speaker, it is just astounding for me to hear the word discriminatory from the member opposite. This is not a discriminatory budget at all. In fact the budget is absolutely wonderful for every citizen of Canada. It is so obvious that members opposite do not understand what is in the budget. Otherwise they would not be saying these things.

Let us talk about single taxpayers earning $20,000 or less. Their taxes will be reduced by at least 10%. The typical one earner family with two children and an income of $30,000 or less will pay no net federal income tax. Families with incomes of $45,000 or less will have their taxes reduced by a minimum of 10% and in some cases more depending on the specific situation.

It is easy to pull out numbers. I do not know where those numbers come from, but I do know the accuracy of numbers that talk about us being in a situation where we can give tax relief. I do know that the government pays attention to children with some needs and that $300 million extra are going into the child tax benefit. These are very direct federal government contributions where there are specific needs.

Tax relief for low and middle income Canadians is the top priority of the government. Broad based tax relief should focus first on personal income tax. That is what members saw. They did not see a budget filled with corporate or business tax relief. What they saw was down to the individual Canadian who has worked hard to deliver the country to the place where we are today where we can bring in these measures.

In my home town we have a medical community, a research community. The people in my riding of London West are incredibly grateful for the future orientation of the people and the priorities of the government. I think of what that will mean in the health of the nation. The budget will affect the health of the nation and every family, no matter what income level, for years to come.

When we put money in research we are showing forethought. I am getting faxes from people in my riding, researchers, people who have perhaps not corresponded with the political network ever before, saying thanks for the budget. This is important to understand.

I am wondering how much into the future they are looking, or whether members of the Reform Party are only interested in some long ago world which unfortunately in families, and the diversity of families in the country, does not exist in that format. There is choice here. We are talking about current day Canadians and a society that is good. What century does the hon. member plan for?

[Nunavut, February 17th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, on Monday decades of dreams became a reality for the people of Nunavut when they held elections for the first government of Canada's newest territory. In this historic vote, they elected 19 MLAs who will govern this territory being created from the eastern part of Canada's Northwest Territories. This starts on April 1. Throughout Nunavut people gathered to watch the election results as the polls closed in each of the three distinct time zones.

The new legislative assembly is the achievement of Inuit and non-Inuit people working together. It will help Inuit become full partners within Confederation and to take charge of their own destiny. This government, which is representative of the northern population as a whole, will be accountable to the people of Nunavut.

On behalf of Canadians, especially those in London West, my constituency in southern Canada, I extend congratulations to the newly elected MLAs, to those who stood as worthy candidates in the election and to the people of Nunavut. Well done. Welcome.

[Foreign Affairs, February 15th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Today 90% of casualties of war are women and children. This contrasts with the second world war where it was 48% and the first world war where it was only 5%.

In light of Canada's leadership at the security council, what is the minister doing to highlight the issue of the protection of civilians in armed conflict?

[Year 2000, February 11th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, this week is year 2000 preparedness week. The government is working to assist businesses and consumers to prepare for the year 2000 bug.

The charitable and not for profit sector is also a vital segment of the Canadian economy and can potentially be affected by the year 2000 problem. All the information available to businesses is also available to the not for profit sector, as are many of the support programs provided by the government.

In particular the year 2000 first step program provides a complete diagnostic service for up to 10 computers for a very low cost. I urge the not for profit sector to address the year 2000 problem and to seek information and support from the government by either calling the task force year 2000 secretariat toll free number or by visiting Industry Canada's website.

It is time for all of Canada to act, including the not for profit sector.

[John Davidson, February 2nd, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure today to congratulate my constituent John Davidson who, on January 20, completed his cross-country journey to raise funds for genetic research. John began “Jesse's Journey—A Father's Tribute” in St. John's, Newfoundland in April of last year. He ended his inspirational journey in Victoria, B.C. after walking nearly 8,300 kilometres across Canada. He set out to raise $10 million to endow a fund that would generate a million dollars a year for research into genetic disease. So far he has been successful in raising over $2 million. But knowing his tenacity I am convinced that with the help of Canadians he will reach the goal.

I offer my congratulations to the nuclear and extended Davidson family, to volunteers and to contributors who worked so hard to make this journey a success. I also offer my thanks to all Canadians for welcoming John into their communities and into their hearts.

With all members of this House I salute John Davidson for his courageous and unending efforts. He has brought hope to future generations.

[Year 2000, November 23rd, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, with just over 400 days to go, the year 2000 is quickly approaching. If the government has not properly prepared there could be serious problems in the delivery of essential services that Canadians expect from their government.

Will the President of the Treasury Board assure this House today that the federal government will be well prepared for the coming of the new millennium?

[Women's History Month, October 27th, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, October is Women's History Month in Canada.

In 1970 the historic Royal Commission on the Status of Women presented its report to parliament, which included 167 recommendations on how to foster equality between men and women. At the time only one woman sat in the House of Commons. Today I am proud to be part of a House with 62 women members or 21%, the largest number of women MPs in our history.

Despite the gains that women have made in Canada, world wide over the last 23 years there has only been a 2% increase in female representation in respective houses of parliament.

If we are to strive to attain an equitable future, it is my position and the position of my colleagues in the House that we work together, men and women, in partnership to get better activities and representation for the benefit of all our citizens.

[Canadian Economy, October 7th, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Finance.

In recent months, the world economic situation has become more and more precarious.

We have seen the government's efforts at the recent meetings of the Commonwealth, as well as the G-7 and the IMF.

Can the Minister of Finance tell us when he will present Canadians with a complete picture of Canada's economy, where it stands and how we will meet the challenges which face us now?

[Canada Customs And Revenue Agency Act, October 1st, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to answer the question.

At Revenue Canada we have what is called the fairness principle and as the hon. member knows there is a taxpayers' bill of rights in place. Those things would continue, but we need to have the culture of fairness understood by Canadians citizens. I believe our workers already understand the principle. They have the training in the principle and they work every day in this principle. It is a system of due process.

I know I do not have the time to go into the details, but I would like to direct the member to one of the speeches I gave specifically on this point which I think was at least 10 or 15 minutes in length. It was in the last session of parliament. It goes through the different processes available to the Canadian taxpayer. If the member approaches me I can get that to him at a later date.