Janko Peric

[George Chuvalo, March 17th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to boxing legend George Chuvalo, Canadian heavyweight champion for 21 years and one of our nation's toughest boxers.

Having endured a family tragedy that would have sent most down for the count, George has fought back and declared all out war on substance abuse.

With immense passion and determination he travels from city to city urging Canadians teens, native youth and young offenders to reject the use of drugs and the idea that drugs are cool or glamorous.

George's anti-drug tour has been supported by the United Food and Commercial Workers Union and Expedite Plus.

I know all members will join me in offering George our encouragement for his continued efforts to educate youth about the dangers of drug abuse.

[The Budget, March 2nd, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, before I was elected, I worked in a factory in the automotive industry. I contributed to the unemployment fund. I was lucky that in 25 years I did not draw from that fund for a very long time.

Maybe the member remembers the fiscal situation of this nation in 1993 and can compare it to the situation today. He should recognize there is a confidence among Canadians in this government.

I do not want to point fingers at any government of the past 30 years. We as a society enjoyed life and handouts, but the time has come when we cannot afford to hand out and spend, spend and spend. Today we have to be fiscally responsible and accountable, not just to ourselves but to our children and their children.

[The Budget, March 2nd, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the hon. member for that question.

I remember that way back my community of Cambridge was considered to be the shoe industry capital of Canada. The shoe industry died out and the high technology industry moved in. Only five years ago the unemployment rate was 11.2% and today it is 7.8%, but it is still too high. Fortunately for my community the high technology industry is growing and prospering. I understand the situation is not the same in other parts of the country.

With this fiscal approach to economic growth, I believe that the private sector will continue to create jobs. Hopefully jobs will be created in the hon. member's community as well.

[The Budget, March 2nd, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to address the budget tabled on February 16 by the hon. Minister of Finance.

I begin by congratulating the hon. minister on his sixth budget. This is a budget that once again confirms that the era of deficit financing is over. This is the second year in a row for a balanced budget. The minister should be particularly proud of his accomplishment given that this has not been done since 1951-52. The Minister of Finance also deserves credit for listening to Canadians and for his strong leadership on this issue.

This budget incorporates many suggestions made by constituents from my riding of Cambridge who are members of my community advisory council. In particular, the minister has listened to their suggestions about how to address the health care crisis, the need for greater accountability in health care and the need for tax relief.

When the Liberal government took office in 1993, we inherited a $42 billion deficit and in just four years we had moved to a $3.5 billion surplus. Today with another surplus we are starting to see the results of the deficit battle and we are working to improve the quality of life for all Canadians in three key areas, health care, knowledge and innovation, and tax relief.

The first and the largest investment, I should say reinvestment, is in our health care system. Medicare is one of our most cherished social programs. It guarantees to all Canadians regardless of their financial means equal access to high quality care services based on need, not ability to pay.

As members of my community advisory council have told me, the number one priority of our health care system should be to heal people. In order to do that it is vital that we identify priorities and spend resources responsibly. That is why this budget announced that the provinces and territories will receive $11.5 billion. There will be a $3.5 billion immediate one time supplement with a remaining $8 billion to be provided over the next four years. This is an investment to help provinces, and communities like Cambridge, deal with immediate health care concerns, waiting lists, crowded emergency rooms and diagnostic services.

The commitment to strengthen health care does not end there. The 1999 budget also announced that the government would further invest about $1.4 billion in health information systems, research, first nations and Inuit health services, and health problem prevention.

Of course good health and effective health care are much more than an issue of hospitals and clinics. Canadians want and deserve to know how their health care dollars are being spent and with what results. They want more accountability. This budget will help to deliver that by investing nearly $330 million in health information initiatives such as building a national health surveillance network to electronically link laboratories and public health offices across the country; by establishing a Canada health network, accessible by computer and telephone; and by providing better reports on the health of Canadians and the functioning of the health system.

Further, this budget invests $287 million to improve efforts to prevent health problems from occurring. These initiatives include: the Canada prenatal nutrition program; modernizing and strengthening the federal food safety program; improving the management and control of toxic substances in the environment, in food and in drinking water; continuing to explore innovative approaches in the area of rural and community health; and combating diabetes.

This budget also makes a significant $550 million cash infusion into funding for health research and innovation.

I have already outlined the government's significant investment in health and medical research. The budget also takes additional steps to promote knowledge and innovation with a $1.8 billion investment over this fiscal year and the next three years. Included in this $1.8 billion will be an additional $200 million for the Canada Foundation for Innovation to support world class research infrastructure in the areas of health, the environment, science and engineering; $60 million to establish one smart community demonstration project in each province; $60 million for the GeoConnections initiative; and an additional $90 million for the networks of centres of excellence.

The final two elements of this budget's investment in knowledge and innovation are especially relevant to many businesses in my riding of Cambridge. This government understands the benefits of investing in knowledge and innovation.

The third most important element of the 1999 budget is tax relief. Our government is committed to substantially reducing taxes as and when we can and in the fairest way possible. This budget proves that. However, we must not forget that for tax relief to be permanent, it must be affordable and not jeopardize the soundness of Canada's finances. As resources become available, the government will provide as much tax relief as possible. This will occur year after year with each budget building on the progress made this year and the years before. This is the responsible way.

Canada is doing well. We are deficit free. Our unemployment rate while still too high at 7.8% is the lowest it has been since 1990. We are outpacing the rate of job creation in any other G-7 country: 368,000 jobs in 1997 and 453,000 in 1998 and there are additional measures in this budget that will continue this trend.

We are staying the course. We are investing in key national priorities such as health care, job creation and tax relief. We are continuing to pay down our national debt. We are providing a balanced approach to government and fiscal management and Canadians are starting to see the results.

[Parkhill Dam Memorial, February 18th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, last August two tragedies at the Parkhill Dam on the Grand River in Cambridge shook our community.

Mark Gage, a vibrant 12 year old, drowned in the river when he was sucked into a hole at the base of the dam.

Waterloo Regional Police diver Constable Dave Nicholson, a husband and father of three children, died while battling the vicious currents in his efforts to pull Mark free.

Area resident Lynda Fritz, supported by Cambridge Mayor Jane Brewer and a special city task force initiated a drive to collect funds for a memorial garden to commemorate Mark and Constable Nicholson.

I call upon the people of Cambridge to show their community spirit and generosity by supporting this important memorial.

[Citizenship Of Canada Act, February 16th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, the hon. member is aware that we have a process to follow. He will have the opportunity to participate in the citizenship and immigration committee. The committee could be as effective as the members are effective. The committee could be as progressive as the members are progressive. The member knows as well as I that we amend many bills clause by clause at the committee level.

[Citizenship Of Canada Act, February 16th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, personally I have no problems with calling them judges or commissioners. The hon. member will have an opportunity to join the committee and to table an amendment on that issue. If the majority of committee members support it, the amendment will be accepted.

[Citizenship Of Canada Act, February 16th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. member for his future support of my private member's bill.

We are talking about citizenship. We are not talking about immigration. I am aware that there is a large number of refugees, people who should be deported. That is exactly what I am recommending in my private member's bill, to streamline the process and deport and save Canadian taxpayers money. I am aware that the hon. member knows that the Canadian Police Association supports this idea and I hope he will support it whenever that bill comes forward.

It would be much easier if there were only two countries on this planet, Canada and the rest of world. Then we would not have the question of whether the child born in Canada has the right to receive Canadian citizenship automatically. As the hon. member knows, we are a member of the United Nations and we have signed that declaration, that we do not recognize stateless people.

On citizenship judges, Judge Somerville is in his second term. He was appointed by a previous government. The hon. Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration and other area MPs including myself recommended Judge Somerville for reappointment. As I said in my speech, we did not ask Judge Somerville what colours he follows. We are aware that he was a member of the Conservative Party, but that does not bother me. He is a good citizenship judge. That is what is important. What are we going to call them? Are we going to call them judges or commissioners? In my opinion that is not too important. For me it is important that he is a good person who is doing an excellent job.

[Citizenship Of Canada Act, February 16th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to speak in support of Bill C-63, an act respecting Canadian citizenship.

I begin by congratulating the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration on this initiative in her ongoing commitment to improving legislation for which she is responsible.

In 1968 I left behind my homeland and my family in a small village in Croatia in search of a better life. I found that life in Canada. I found a job. I met my wife with whom I have four wonderful children. Today I sit in the House of Commons representing the people of Cambridge, Kitchener, Ayr and North Dumfries.

I still remember that day in Waterloo, September 12, 1973, the day I received my Canadian citizenship. It was one of the proudest days of my life. From that moment on I joined the Canadian family. I became eligible to vote. I became eligible to stand for elected office. I became eligible to carry the most respected passport in the world.

Almost 26 years after becoming a Canadian citizen I often find myself at citizenship ceremonies in my capacity as a member of parliament. I can tell the House that welcoming new Canadians into our Canadian family is a part of my job which I enjoy. It is the look of pride and commitment on the faces of my constituents that reminds me of my swearing-in ceremony.

I took and continue to take my responsibilities as a Canadian citizen very seriously. I got involved in my community, I joined a political party, I ran for office and I always obeyed the laws of this country. I know the people I meet at citizenship ceremonies in Cambridge and Kitchener will take their responsibilities as seriously as I have taken mine.

We have a bill before us today that represents the first major reform with respect to citizenship in more than 20 years. The most significant amendment, in my opinion, is one that changes the oaths of citizenship to better reflect Canadian values and express clearer loyalty to Canada.

The most important element of the new oath is that it puts loyalty and allegiance to Canada above everything else. The oath also contains the promise to respect our country's rights and freedoms, to defend our democratic values, to faithfully observe our laws and fulfill our duties and obligations as Canadian citizens. These words have greater meaning to new Canadians on whom the original oath to the Queen is often lost and is somewhat confused.

Bill C-63 proposes several other significant improvements to existing legislation. It gives citizenship at birth to all persons born in Canada except the children of foreign diplomats and it gives children born abroad to Canadian parents automatic Canadian citizenship. Second generation children born abroad will also receive citizenship at birth but will lose it if by age 28 they have not resided in Canada. Third generation children born abroad will no longer have any claim to Canadian citizenship. Children adopted abroad can no longer be treated as immigrants and will not have to meet medical or permanent residency requirements before being granted citizenship.

There are also changes to the residency requirements for citizenship. Now a prospective citizen will require at least three years of physical presence within Canada in the five years before applying for citizenship. I think that is the right way to go.

Those who obtain citizenship through the use of false identity or who withhold information about criminal activities abroad could lose their citizenship as a result of new ministerial powers contained in this legislation. The minister also refuses to grant Canadian citizenship where granting would offend ordinary Canadians. I firmly support these two amendments.

Everyone who comes to Canada as I did over 30 years ago must realize that citizenship in this country is not something that you automatically get after living here for a few years. Citizenship must be earned. To earn it one must obey the laws of Canada, respect Canada and contribute to Canadian society in a positive way.

If someone comes here and lies about who they are or what they did before they got here and then disrespect our laws, they do not deserve to become citizens. In fact, one has to question whether they should be allowed to remain in Canada at all.

Some members know I introduced a private member's bill several years ago which would speed up the deportation of non-citizens convicted of serious crimes in Canada. I introduced the bill in response to two tragic murders in the Toronto area, Georgina Leimonis, a young woman who was murdered at a Just Desserts cafe, and Metro Toronto police constable Todd Baylis. The accused murderers in both of these cases were non-citizens who had lived in Canada for some time and had lengthy criminal records.

People like them should not be allowed to stay in Canada. They should serve time for their crimes and then put on a plane out of here. We do not want them in Canada, nor should we ever consider giving them the privilege of Canadian citizenship. That is why I applaud this initiative which would allow the minister to refuse citizenship to anyone who is less than deserving.

With reference to my bill on deportation, Bill C-321, it was in committee when parliament was dissolved for the 1997 election and has yet to be drawn this session. I do have faith it will become law. The minister and her staff have been extremely supportive of this initiative and I expect that the necessary changes will be made in the near future.

Unlike many of you, I was not born in Canada. I chose Canada. I chose to become a Canadian citizen. I have lived in other countries and I have travelled to many countries. I can tell the House that the United Nation is right, Canada is the best country in the world in which to live.

Many Canadians who have not seen other parts of the world take for granted how truly lucky we are to live in this country. But those Canadians who are fortunate enough to travel abroad or who have come from another land know that Canadian citizenship and a Canadian passport give us instant respect at a border crossing or customs checkpoint and particularly with average people around the world.

Everyone we meet abroad loves Canadians. They all have friends or relatives who have moved here and all hope to visit some day. They recognize that although we speak the same language as our American neighbours, we are different. Our country is a mosaic and not a melting pot. When one becomes a citizen of Canada, one is not asked to give up one's roots, language, culture or history. One can still keep them and preserve them and share them with the rest of us. One is simply asked to embrace the language and history of the new country and to obey its laws. This is a very small price to pay for the privilege of being able to say “I am a Canadian”.

I chose this country. I am proud of this country. I am proud to serve this country and I would encourage all new Canadians to embrace the best country in the world.

In closing I leave the House with a few words from Judge Robert Somerville, the citizenship judge for Cambridge, Kitchener and Waterloo. By the way, he is not a Liberal and I do not care what party or colours he follows, he is a very good citizenship judge. In speaking to new Canadians he said “We have achieved a way of life and standards of living that are rare in the world. The honour and dignity of Canadian citizenship are yours. Please treasure it and be proud of it”.

[Canada Mortgage And Housing Corporation, February 12th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the minister responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. In the battle to eliminate the deficit and debt all federal departments and programs, including CMHC, had to do their share. What assurances can the minister give that the savings within CMHC will be reinvested to assist low income Canadians and the homeless?