Lynn Myers

[Allotted Day--Anti-Terrorism Legislation, September 18th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, I repeat what I said at the outset of my speech. The motion as proposed raises some very important questions at which the House needs to look and needs to debate. That is precisely what we will do today.

It behooves us to listen to all the speakers before we finally come to a conclusion on where we are going on this matter. It seems to me with the government's resolve it is very clear that we will continue to work with our American counterparts. We will continue to gather the intelligence necessary. We will continue to assist in every way possible to ensure that the perpetrators of this horrific crime are brought to justice but, more important, that it will never ever happen again.

We need to work in a concerted, careful, co-ordinated and collaborative way. That has been the position very clearly of not only the Prime Minister but the Government of Canada. That is our position and will continue to be so.

[Allotted Day--Anti-Terrorism Legislation, September 18th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, I take this opportunity to provide the House with further perspective on the kinds of investments Canada has made and will continue to make with its many partners to combat terrorism.

The motion before us today poses some good questions. I would agree it is fitting that the House take a very careful and close look at the reality of terrorism today. We need a serious and indepth discussion about what more can be done to make sure we are doing all that we can to protect Canadians and Canadian interests from terrorists.

What more can be done to ensure that Canada stands with its friend and neighbour, the United States of America, in this fight? What more can be done to encourage the creation of an international net so tight that no terrorist can escape?

In this new millennium the world community is witnessing great turmoil including the increasing use of violence for political and ideological purposes. As a government and a nation we understand that our domestic safety and well-being are very much tied to global security. Our situation is shared by all western democracies. Our wealth, values, institutions, rights and freedoms make us an attractive venue for terrorist support activities.

Today we are not alone in our resolve to redouble our efforts to take the kind of action that will preserve our way of life: the values, beliefs, hopes and dreams of free and civilized people wherever they live. Our shared commitment remains to strengthen co-operation and action at the domestic and international levels, and to better anticipate, defend against and defeat terrorist threats.

Together through our solidarity we will prevail in the war against terrorism. We will prevail because we have in place the institutions, the expertise and the strong international working relationships we will need to continue to muster in the days, weeks and months to come.

As the Prime Minister said in the House yesterday, we have the patience and resolve to deal effectively with the threat of terrorism through a measured and sustained response. Let us make no mistake. We will prevail.

We know Canadians are up to the task. We have seen this so profoundly in the last week through the acts of compassion of ordinary Canadians across this great country of ours, in the words of unity and support from all Canada's leaders, and in the continuing work of Canadian men and women whose jobs are devoted to upholding public safety and security.

Canada's national security structure has many components involving many departments, agencies and levels of government, each with a critical partnership role to play.

Federal efforts to counter terrorism draw on the resources of the portfolio of the Solicitor General of Canada through the national security directorate, the expertise and advice of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and the broader federal counterterrorist community.

Some of the key partners within this group include the departments of foreign affairs and international trade, justice, citizenship and immigration, national defence, health, transport, and the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency.

It is the Department of the Solicitor General that is responsible for the national counterterrorism plan which is practised through operational exercises conducted as part of the ongoing readiness program managed by that department. Through its emphasis on co-operation and co-operative action to ensure readiness to new and emerging threats, the operational readiness program is an important tool for creating broad based understanding and engagement in our national counterterrorism arrangements, and for ensuring they are as effective as they possibly can be.

In practical terms this means working at the local level with police, firefighters and emergency health services, and at the international level with our allies through exchanging intelligence and tactical information to improve our domestic preparedness and response capability.

The Government of Canada continues to develop and implement a range of tough new measures that will make it more difficult for terrorists to use Canada as a base for terrorist activities.

Among the investments in Canada's ability to combat terrorism is important proposed legislation known as Bill C-16, which contains a broadly based and integral part aimed at the suppression of terrorism. The bill proposes measures to deny charitable status to those groups that might seek to abuse Canada's charities registration system by collecting funds to support terrorist organizations and their activities around the world.

Implementing these measures will allow Canada to fulfill its commitments toward implementing an international convention aimed at cutting off sources of funding in support of terrorist activities.

Earlier this year the federal government established the Office of Critical Infrastructure Protection and Emergency Preparedness. This was done to develop and implement a comprehensive approach to protecting Canada's critical infrastructure in both its physical and cyber dimensions regardless of the source of threats and vulnerabilities. This new entity will play an important ongoing role in Canada's national security network and will be an important partner in international efforts.

Just last year the federal government allocated $1.5 billion to the RCMP, CSIS, CIC, and other Canadian security and safety partners to ensure that they continue to have the tools required to do their jobs effectively.

Let me now turn to collaborative partnerships with the United States of America. Canada is committed to taking a leadership role in strengthening international co-operation aimed at preventing terrorist acts. This is most clearly reflected in the strong alliance between Canada and the United States in the fight against international terrorism.

RCMP, CSIS, local police, customs, immigration and transport officials work daily, hourly and by the minute with their American counterparts each and every day around the clock. They are dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of all our citizens.

Joint investigations and operations and the sharing of information and intelligence characterize the unique and strongly collaborative relationship between our two great countries. These activities are firmly rooted in continued dialogue and co-ordinated action at the policy and operational levels by national law enforcement, intelligence, security, customs and immigration agencies.

Canada and the United States have and will continue to have a long record of successful collaboration in combating terrorism and transnational crime.

There are a number of practical examples of partnership initiatives that have contributed to the success: for example, the shared border accord which encourages the flow of people and goods across the border while protecting the health and safety of Canadians and Americans alike and, for example, the cross-border crime forum, an achievement unique in the world for its success in furthering co-operation and information sharing between our two countries in the fight against transnational crime and other emerging cross-border security issues.

In his visit to Canada this past summer to take part in this annual event, American Attorney General John Ashcroft underlined his country's gratitude for the continuing collaboration of the Canadian authorities in the fight against terrorism.

The bilateral consultative group on countererrorism also brings together agencies and departments in both governments engaged in the fight against terrorism to enhance collaboration, co-operation and information sharing.

The Government of Canada has pledged its complete co-operation with the United States and other international authorities in finding those responsible for these horrific attacks and strengthening international security co-operation to prevent such a catastrophe from ever happening again.

This is a complex, far reaching investigation that reaches into virtually every corner of the globe. At all levels Canadian officials are following up with their American and international counterparts to repeat the Prime Minister's sincere offer with respect to assistance and a pledge for complete co-operation with authorities investigating these unspeakable crimes.

Canadians can rest assured that in all we do and in all we will do in the days and weeks to come, we will continue to keep in mind our ultimate priority to ensure the safety and security of the Canadian public.

At this point I would like to seek unanimous consent to withdraw the motion as stated and replace it with a motion that the House mandate the Standing Committee of Justice and Human Rights to study the matter of anti-terrorism legislation and report to the House no later than February 12, 2002.

[Main Estimates, 2001-02, June 12th, 2001]

Madam Speaker, I would like to congratulate the member for Regina—Qu'Appelle. He made some very good points. I believe he feels as passionately about the health care system and about making sure it is universal, acceptable and accessible for all Canadians.

However, I would like to ask him a question with respect to Roy Romanow, a pre-eminent Canadian who I believe was a brilliant choice on behalf of the government. The Prime Minister of course made that appointment, which I think stands in good stead for all Canadians.

Was the member optimistic or pessimistic on Mr. Romanow's appointment and what he would do in this very important study? It is my understanding that he will cross Canada and consult with stakeholders, Canadians and other interested parties on this very important area. Before he answers I would like to say I am very optimistic.

[Supply, June 12th, 2001]

What about silence now? Sit down.

[Canadian Security Intelligence Service, June 12th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 32(2) I have the honour to table, in both official languages, copies of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service 2000 public report.

[Computer Hackers, May 31st, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, in March 1998 the federal, provincial and territorial governments agreed to offer compensation to Canadians who were tragically infected with hepatitis C through the Canadian blood system between January 1, 1986 and July 1, 1990.

Governments and lawyers for the class action plaintiffs reached a proposed settlement agreement and filed it with the three class action courts in June 1999. The settlement was approved by the courts in December 1999. It was recognized that the settlement was fair and equitable.

Since the court appointment in March 2000 of Crawford Expertises Canada Inc. and The Garden City Group as the arm's length administrator, Crawford has developed claims protocols and has had these protocols approved by the courts. Crawford has received and reviewed more than 5,000 claims and, since June 25, 2000, more than 2,000 individuals have received compensation.

The joint committee, a group of lawyers appointed by the courts to supervise the administration of the settlement agreement, has assured the Minister of Health recently that they are taking every available step to review claims efficiently and promptly.

The government's plans to assist people living with hepatitis C are not limited to the settlement compensation. Following the compensation announcement in March 1999, the Government of Canada received representation from individuals infected outside the window period. The Minister of Health listened to their concerns and as a result, in September 1998 a $525 million strategy was announced to assist all individuals infected with hepatitis C.

As part of this proposal, the government is transferring to the provinces and territories up to $300 million to ensure that all those who contracted hepatitis C through the blood system, no matter when, will have reasonable and ongoing access to the medical goods and services needed for appropriate treatment. The government has demonstrated care and compassion toward all victims. This stands as proof in that respect.

Health Canada was proud to be the sponsor of a national conference for hepatitis C which took place May 1 to May 4 in Montreal this past little while. This conference brought together all stakeholders to share their experience and knowledge of recent medical developments and strategies for disease prevention and control along with health promotion in community support.

It is my contention, and I believe people will agree, that the government is doing everything it can for the victims of hepatitis C.

[Computer Hackers, May 31st, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, I will begin by thanking the member for Saskatoon—Humboldt for bringing this motion to the attention of the House. It clearly is an issue of great concern and certainly is an issue of importance, not only nationally but internationally as well.

I also want to express my appreciation of the views related to this issue that have been expressed by a number of members in the House. For example, the member for Hochelaga—Maisonneuve made some very important points about the criminal code, mafia boy and others, some of which I will highlight later in my speech as well.

It is fair to say that issues relating to cybercrime, such as hacking and malicious virus dissemination, have been widely reported over recent months and have caused governments, industry and the public great deal of concern.

I think it is fair to say too that criminal conduct on the Internet has grown as the use of the Internet has grown. As we know, Canadians are in the lead in its use in many instances, therefore it is important that this and related issues receive the proper attention of parliament and the government in general.

That being said, I would like to restate the government's commitment to ensuring that our laws keep pace with technology. We would like to continue to foster the relationships the government has created with law enforcement and industry to ensure that the laws and the tools used to combat cybercrime fulfil the needs of law enforcement without hampering our industries' competitive advantage.

Canada continues to be a world leader in the area of battling cybercrime, crime that in many instances does not respect borders. We have forged many international partnerships and will continue our involvement, for example, in the G-8 and the Council of Europe as well as the United Nations, to name just a few, in order to combat and deal with these kinds of issues.

The member's motion, although well intentioned, is nonetheless redundant. He has characterized it as a provision that will fill a void in Canadian criminal law. I would suggest that in fact that is not the case. It will not do that because sections 342.1 and 431.1 of the criminal code were designed with the dissemination of malicious computer viruses in mind. They were also worded in a manner that could be applicable to some future, still unknown, form of mischief.

It is a good thing that one of Canada's great legal traditions is to draft legislation in a general manner so that it fits not a particular thing but a number of things. In other words, in Canada fraud is fraud, whether committed by a person or committed by a computer. We do not need, then, a separate offence to cover computer fraud.

In that same line of reasoning, a section that was created to deal with any form of mischief to data, for example, including computer virus dissemination, should not be overridden simply because it does not include those words explicitly. Again, Canada's legal tradition kicks in here in a very fair minded and actually a forward thinking way.

During the first hour of debate the hon. member for Fundy—Royal said it best when he stated that the current criminal code is adequate to deal with computer hackers. He also pointed out that these serious offences carry a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment. That is already in place. Where the mischief in question endangers life, the penalty can be life imprisonment.

It is clear from at least the government's point of view, then, that the criminal code already deals with these types of crimes in a very serious manner. These provisions have been on the books for over 15 years and in 1997 were fine tuned and adjusted. Amendments were made at the time to reflect the realities of the day. This is demonstrative of the government's ongoing commitment to update the laws as needed. We continue to do so. I think that is the strength of the government: to ensure that we are ahead of the game in these kinds of things.

Although the Minister of Justice agrees with the motion in principle, she cannot support it because it affects conduct that already has been contemplated by the criminal code. I know that her parliamentary secretary agrees with that position.

Justice officials have been working to establish and foster partnerships with private industry, law enforcement and other governments. It is our understanding from these sources that the criminal code adequately deals with the conduct described in the motion before us. Law enforcement has and will continue to use these provisions successfully.

We are all aware of the recent mafia boy case to which the member for Hochelaga—Maisonneuve referred, where the accused was charged with 64 counts of hacking and mischief. Internationally, Canada is recognized as a world leader. In a recent independent international study on the readiness of national law to deal with cybercrime, McConnell International found that Canada's cybercrime laws are among the world's strongest. That is worth celebrating. It is worth it for all of us as parliamentarians to think about it. Internationally we are well renowned. We are known throughout the world in terms of having some of the strongest laws on the books.

Although Canada is a world leader in this regard, the government is committed to ensuring that our laws speak to our ever changing technological environment but that at the same time we have due regard for fundamental human rights. Canada continues its role as a world leader and as an active participant in many international forums on the issue of cybercrime. These include, and I will note them for the record, the G-8, the Council of Europe, the United Nations, the Commonwealth Secretariat, OECD and the Organization of American States.

As observers to the Council of Europe, Canadian delegates have been integral in negotiating a draft convention on cybercrime that which will be adopted later this year and will stand as a benchmark for international instruments in this area. Again it is something of which Canadians, wherever they live, can be justifiably proud. At the G-8, Canada continues its leadership role on cybercrime issues and is looking forward to its presidency in the year 2002. That underscores the leadership role that the country takes on matters of such grave and important substance.

Because cybercrime challenges our notions of sovereignty, our participation in these international forums will require that we constantly review our legislation, not only to make sure that it keeps pace with technology but also that it keeps pace with the laws of our international partners. We need to work together on this and Canada will take its lead, as it always has, in this very important area.

In summary, the Minister of Justice is satisfied that the criminal code already covers the malicious dissemination of computer viruses and that no further action is required in this area and with respect to the motion. I would ask all members to consider that and vote accordingly.

[Supply, May 31st, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, the issue that is noted by the member is a very tricky and delicate issue. We on this side of the House are looking at ways to assist in this very problematic area. We understand.

I want to go back to the issue of tax points and tax credits. The member's party opposite would give up the store. If we read its election platform, that party would give it all away to the provinces. It would have Canada reduced to a shell. Those members want provincial jurisdiction in everything, and that is unfortunate. Canadians have and will continue to reject that.

[Supply, May 31st, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, we can get into a great history lesson. We can go back to Sir Robert Borden in 1917 and talk about the temporary income tax. We can talk about Lester Pearson and Jean Lesage until we are blue in the face, but the reality remains, despite the member opposite not seeing it nor would he ever want to, the government does not step in on other jurisdictions.

The government has a solid, sound record of respecting other jurisdictions; Quebec, Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, I can name any and we respect them. We make sure the divisions of power are inherent, unlike the Bloc members opposite who want to rip apart the federation. They want to destroy the jurisdiction. They want to keep chipping away every time and every way they can to bring Canada down yet another notch.

There are those on this side and most Canadians, including Quebecers, who will have no part of that. They want to get with other things such as providing food, shelter and clothing for their children. They want to get with the business of carving out good lives for themselves, whether they live in Baie-Comeau, St. John's, Newfoundland or Victoria.

Canadians wherever they live respect the integrity of the government's ability to put us on a sound fiscal good judgment basis, and as a result provide good government and in the process give the tax points and cash transfers required for the provinces to carry out their jurisdictional responsibilities in areas like the environment, health and education.

With all due respect to everyone involved, the beauty of this great federation is our ability to manage, be flexible and do the kinds of things Canadians want, wherever they live in this great country, a country that others in the world respect and say is second to none. That is what we do on a constant basis. Why do we do it? We do it for our families, our neighbours, our communities and our country. At the end of the day that is precisely what Canadians want.

We can go off on tangents all we want in terms of too much power here or too much power there. The reality is, the federation has proven itself time and time again to work and work effectively. Is it perfect? No one ever said it was. Is it right all the time? No one ever argued it was. The reality is, this is a federation second to none in the world, worth celebrating, worth boasting about and worth defending. This side of the House will do it every time.

[Supply, May 31st, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, I enjoyed the debate that has just taken place, especially when the member for Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot argued that the federal government speaks for itself. In fact the federal government speaks for all Canadians.

That is the point those sovereignists cannot quite get through their heads. The member for Champlain mentioned a race and jurisdictions, but what he neglected to understand and to realize is that we have jurisdiction under the British North America Act and under Confederation for certain areas of responsibilities as do the provinces. We have had a long and glorious history of being able to work that out through co-operation and flexibility and the good, sound judgment that has been used over the course of years.

Be it tax points or outright cash when it comes to provincial moneys and resources, the federal government is part and parcel of how the federation works and underscores the commitment of the Liberal government to make the federation work in a very meaningful and sound way.

The member for Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot talked about the finance minister being hypocritical and how he was stealing from the EI fund. Unparliamentary or not, both those statements are absolutely wrong. On the contrary, we have seen the present finance minister making adjustments by getting rid of the deficit, paying down the debt and giving balanced tax breaks and money back for important reinvestment initiatives.

That underscores the commitment of the government to all provinces and territories in this great country of ours. It behoves us to think about these things from time to time to bring us back to clear thinking and balance because that is what the government has been able to do since 1993.

The motion before us is of some interest, but it is of more interest to the sovereignists in Quebec City. It is no secret that Pauline Marois, the finance minister and Premier Landry have made it a habit in recent months to come hammering once again at the door of the federal government. All I see are the sovereignists opposite, the Bloc in this case, being kind of head waiters for them, simply bringing their plea to Ottawa and almost acting, unfortunately, as a branch plant of Quebec City for the separatists and the sovereignists.

That aside, there are some genuinely important issues that we need to clear up in the debate. For example, we should note that this has a long history since 1977 when the first tax point transfer was implemented. There was a new agreement at that time called established programs financing, EPF. It helped with education and health in those days. At that time $13.5 billion of personal income tax points were given over to the provinces as well as $1 billion in corporate tax points. We can see the beginnings of the federal government assisting in this tax point area along with cash as well which people always want and provinces especially.

The thing that I find unacceptable is the fact that the sovereignists, the Bloc and some of the provinces seem to think that tax points are not equal to cash, are somehow not as good as cash, or somehow do not provide the cash required. In reality tax points are equal to, as good as and similar in that sense to cash. In German one would say macht nichts aus . It is the same thing. It is half a dozen of one, six of the other.

We keep giving tax points and cash, but why do we do it? We do it because we are in a fiscally sound federation. We understand there are needs that the provinces and territories require, especially in their areas of jurisdiction. The two that obviously come to mind very quickly are health and education. That is why for example in 1996-97 we established the Canada health and social transfers. That is part of the kind of effort the government is prepared to make to ensure that we do the right thing when it comes to our great federation.

I point out that all tax points are resources that flow to the provinces. No matter which way we want to cut it, dice it or slice it, the fact remains those are resources to the provinces. I want to point out too that under the CHST in recent years, the ceiling was established at $11 billion in 1996. It went up to $12.5 billion in 1998, and in 1999 an additional $11.5 billion over five years was added. The CHST cash portion in the year 2000 was $15.7 billion. By the year 2005-06, that will represent $21 billion, which in straight mathematical terms, is a 35% increase.

That represents a government commitment to ensure that money, when we are in a surplus situation, be it tax points or cash, is transferred in a meaningful way to the provincial and territorial partners. We do that to ensure that the federation works in a way that Canadians, wherever they live in this great country, think is appropriate and right and enjoy the fruits of the surplus situation.

The tax transfers provide provinces with additional revenue which increases as a result of economic growth. Those tax transfers have increased sixfold since 1977-78. That is an enormous increase and represents the growing flexibility and ability of the provinces to make sure the transfers are used in their jurisdictions in a way that makes the most sense for them.

By using a mathematical formula, it is projected to the year 2005-06, that the tax transfers will rise to $18.9 billion, which represents a 19% increase over that period of time.

I reiterate that this is great news for the provinces and territories in terms of what we are doing by way of federal transfers, either points or cash. It underscores the commitment of our government to ensure that things go along in a manner consistent with Canadian values.

To recap, it is very important to note that in the year 2001-02, which we are in now, $34 billion will be transferred under the CHST. That represents $15.7 billion under tax transfers and another $18.3 billion in cash, for a total of $34 billion. No matter which way we look at it, and Canadians understand, this is a lot of money that our federal government is prepared to give to the provinces so they can put in place the kinds of resources that the people in those provincial and territories want, need and demand.

It is our government commitment to ensure that kind of balanced approach. Balance, after all, is the key, not twisting it out of joint in one way or the other. Rather balance it out to have the flexibility inherent in good programming and sound fiscal judgment so the Prime Minister, the Minister of Finance and whole caucus on the Liberal side are able to deliver repeatedly in these all important areas.

I simply have to shake my head when I look at the motion. Of course it is Bloc members trying to play games. They are taking their marching orders as usual from Monsieur Landry and others who are intent on destroying this great country of ours. However, they neglect to remember that the country represents solid good governance and a good economy that has been good for all people no matter where they live. It has provided employment, good salaries and good jobs for people. At the end of the day individuals, families, communities and whole provinces and territories have benefited as a result.

We should rejoice in that because it is the very essence of what our government is able to deliver. That is the very essence of who we are as Canadians, underscoring our values and judgments to make sure that Canadians wherever they live benefit as a result of our good, solid judgment.