Rey D. Pagtakhan

[Treaties, March 22nd, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, with the leave of the House, I take this opportunity under Standing Order 32(2) to table, in both official languages, 49 treaties that were entered into force for Canada in 1999, as well as the acts of the 1989 Washington conference and the 1994 Seoul Congress of the Universal Postal Union, which entered into force for Canada in 1991 and 1997 respectively.

In keeping with recent practice, I am also tabling CD-ROMs that contain the text of these treaties in an electronic format. The CD-ROMs have reduced paper burden, while at the same time providing wide accessibility to the treaties through the Library of Parliament.

[Canadian Landmine Fund, March 22nd, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, I am tabling a document.

[Canadian Landmine Fund, March 22nd, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, with leave of the House, I take this opportunity under Standing Order 32(2) to table, in both official languages, the 1999-2000 report on the Canadian Landmine Fund entitled “Measured Steps”.

This report illustrates that our efforts to eradicate anti-personnel landmines and to assist communities affected by these weapons are making a concrete difference. The use, production and trade of anti-personnel mines are declining, victim rates are falling and over 22 million stockpiled mines have been destroyed in recent years by more than 50 countries in the world.

Canada continues to provide global leadership on the landmine issue. In 1999-2000 we supported mine action programs in more than 20 countries and continue to work with other states and civil society organizations to—

[Foreign Affairs, March 21st, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, I thank my hon. colleague for his question. Canada's re-engagement with India recognizes the fact that a better climate now exists which allows us to pursue an effective dialogue for all aspects of our relationship.

Canada is committed to pursuing the broadest political, cultural and economic relationship with India. We will continue to call upon India to renounce its nuclear weapons program.

Moreover, re-engagement through full ministerial visits and full restoration of CIDA programming, as well as support for cultural exchanges, will enrich our political relationship.

[Trade, February 2nd, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for her question and her interest in team Canada and its partners in Asia-Pacific.

The team Canada formula works. Since the first team Canada trip to China in 1994, Canada's commercial presence in China and Hong Kong has more than doubled. Moreover, the high level exchanges that team Canada offers also allow our two countries to work together to advance human values.

I am pleased to be joining this team Canada trip to China and Hong Kong from February 9 to February 18.

[Health, October 20th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, the Government of Canada in an historic agreement last month pledged to add $21.1 billion to the Canada health and social transfer to ensure the quality of health care for all Canadians.

The government also pledged $2.2 billion to help promote healthy pregnancy and infancy through prenatal nutrition, preschool, child care and family support programs.

The government further pledged that it would help students and decrease taxes for businesses and for all Canadians.

The economic statement and budget update announced two days ago delivers on this collective pledge, adding $1 billion into the hands of students and delivering the largest tax cuts in Canadian history, $100 billion.

In 1993 Canadians entrusted to the government their hopes to save the country and citizenry from national bankruptcy and despairing social conditions.

Together we confronted this national challenge. Now we harvest the faith of our trust and the fruits of our labour. The economic statement and budget update fulfils our collective Canadian dream.

[The Late Right Hon. Pierre Elliott Trudeau, October 5th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, last Tuesday Canadians bid farewell to the Right Hon. Pierre Elliott Trudeau. “Before we go our separate ways,” said Cardinal Turcotte, “let us reflect on what he means to us”. From the lips of Justin, his dad reflects tolerance and respect, kindness and sharing, sanctity of the individual and pride in country. Never have I felt so proud as a Canadian.

As new immigrants, my wife and I were not eligible to vote when Mr. Trudeau first became prime minister in 1968, but our minds and hearts voted for him. He opened Canada's doors to immigrants from all over the world, championed diversity through our multiculturalism policy and enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms the balance of rights between citizenry and state.

He lived the noble purpose of politics: serve the people and challenge them to greater heights. In life he inspired a nation. In death he inspires us to keep on. To him, a true scholar of humanity and social justice, Canada says thank you.

[Early Childhood Development, September 21st, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, the first six years of a child's life shapes that child's health, learning and behaviour across a lifetime. This formative period is anchored on four critical pillars: a healthy start to life, parenting and family support, a child's personal growth and a strong community milieu.

To support these pillars, our first ministers, under the leadership of the Prime Minister, agreed 10 days ago to the early childhood development initiative. To this end, the Government of Canada has committed $2.2 billion over the next five years.

The constituents of Winnipeg North—St. Paul welcome this initiative, our collective legacy and promise to the next generation.

Indeed, Canada's continued vitality and economic prosperity in this new century and beyond depend on the opportunities we provide today to the very youngest of our citizens. Truly, when we secure the future of our children, we secure the future of our nation.

[Main Estimates, 2000-01, June 15th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, the leader of the hon. member who just spoke was asked what we could do to attract and retain the best of our youth. The hon. member did not answer the question, so I thought I would comment.

Just two days ago the Canadian Health Services Foundation and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research announced over a 10 year period $20 million in funding for 12 chairs for research in the nursing and health services fields. This will create a critical mass of researchers and will facilitate the network among academics, students and those who deliver health services. It will facilitate the transfer of knowledge to those who manage our health care system.

Would the hon. member not agree that this initiative on the part of the foundation and the institutes is truly a way to attract and keep the best of our scientists, in this instance in the health care and nursing fields?

[Main Estimates, 2000-01, June 15th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, I enjoyed the member's debate. He spoke about history but he forgot that it was at a Liberal convention in 1919 that the concept of medicare was born in Canada. He forgot that piece of history. I acknowledge that it was introduced by Tommy Douglas in Saskatchewan. The member did not even mention the name of the Liberal prime minister, the Right Hon. Lester B. Pearson, who introduced medicare for the whole nation.

He spoke about the lack of vision or poor vision on the part of the government. He forgot the recent history of the national forum on health chaired by the Prime Minister and the Minister of Health at that time. He also forgot the history that in 1990-91 the Liberal Party introduced a resolution in the House to preserve medicare. I remember vividly that the NDP critic at that time said that my motion was facetious. He sided with the Tories in trying to condemn the Liberal Party for medicare.

Speaking of history, let us remember history correctly. Does the member not remember that in March the ministers of health met to renew medicare, that they will be meeting again tomorrow and that in September there will be a first ministers meeting on medicare? Let us remember recent history.