Carol Skelton

[Government Assistance, October 3rd, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, the minister said that the area qualified for the disaster financial assistance program. Clear eligibility requirements have not been stated. People need to know if they are covered and to what extent.

What are the requirements and how many people will not qualify?

[Government Assistance, October 3rd, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, empty promises do not repair boats, buy gear, rebuild homes or farms.

Here is a waiting list for full government assistance: Manitoba flood, eight years; Quebec ice storm, four years; and Saguenay flood, five years.

Can the residents of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island expect the same delays?

[Government Assistance, October 3rd, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, on Monday we asked the government about assistance for the victims of hurricane Juan. The defence minister had no answer.

We have heard the promises of assistance to people in B.C. after the fires, to the prairies after BSE. The government promises assistance but does not deliver.

When will the money begin to flow to those hurt by hurricane Juan?

[Business of the House, October 2nd, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, I guess it is my duty today to ask the House leader what the business is for the rest of the day, the rest of this week and next week?

[Agriculture, October 2nd, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, border restrictions are a major problem, not just for selling their products but also for qualifying for compensation.

The compensation program demands that bison, sheep and cervid butchering happens at an approved facility, the meat is sold and that it is documented. With the glut of meat on the market right now producers cannot do this.

What is the agriculture minister going to do to ensure that these Saskatchewan producers are compensated?

[Agriculture, October 2nd, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, Saskatchewan bison, sheep and cervid farmers desperately need to sell their meat to international markets. The problem is that there is no federally licensed slaughter facility in Saskatchewan.

What is the agriculture minister going to do to help these Saskatchewan farmers market and export their products?

[Natural Disasters, September 29th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, last night, hurricane Juan slammed into Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island causing a trail of destruction.

On behalf of my constituents and the official opposition, I would like to offer my sincere sympathies to those friends and families who lost someone last night.

I attended the Emergency Preparedness College in Arnprior and can attest to its value in such natural disasters. Maritime community leaders with the Arnprior emergency measures training will be extremely valuable assets to their neighbours in the coming hours.

The government must ensure that communities across Canada have the proper training, facilities and equipment to deal with the unexpected. The government has continued to insist on moving and replacing the Arnprior facility.

It is my experience that maritimers always pull together in times of need. It is their strength that will help their communities return to normal as soon as possible.

[Agriculture, September 26th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, the Canadian livestock industry is going to change its name to Bombardier.

Canadian producers know that until our borders open to year round access to American feeder cattle the American border will remain closed to ours. This has been an issue for 10 years. Will the government agree to reverse its position and get all the borders open?

[Agriculture, September 26th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, that is an excellent answer from the member whose government gives millions to millionaires and pennies to seniors.

Other livestock industries are being affected by the BSE scare: sheep, bison and cervids. Borders and markets must be opened and kept open for these Canadian products as well. Where is the government's plan for marketing alternative livestock?

[Agriculture, September 26th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, we have been asking the government for months about a marketing strategy for Canadian beef.

Public trust must be restored. Where is the public ad campaign to promote the beef industry and what is the government's plan?