Carolyn Parrish

[Supply, March 1st, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, I find it quite fascinating that everything done on this side of the House is subject to severe scrutiny and question, but that there is absolutely no concern in the opposition members' minds about, first of all, the contract we cancelled being absolutely the best contract available to the Canadian public. Second, the fact that all the helicopters are still flying and our defence system is still working quite nicely means that it was probably in advance of when it was needed. The fact is that we are being careful, meticulous and doing the best job possible.

I might also point out to the member opposite that the public, to use her word, toasted the government that was going to bring the contract into place precipitously and that party was reduced to a paltry sum of people over there who are spending an entire day wasting the taxpayers' time on a subject that is well underway.

[Supply, March 1st, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, I do not think there is anything wrong with ensuring the best quality available. The machines are going to be used for 20 to 25 years. If the member opposite wants us to rush about madly to put a less than perfect machine in the air and put men at risk, then I do not endorse that.

It is like anything else to the member opposite. It is like the party opposite starting as the Reform Party. It was almost what was wanted, but not quite. It had to take time to mature into the Canadian Alliance. The process we are in right now is maturing at a much faster rate and we are going to end up with a much better product.

[Supply, March 1st, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, my apologies. I am getting so enthusiastic about the topic that I got carried away.

I am especially pleased to see that the government plans to use a number of innovative practices to help ensure a successful, cost effective acquisition of the 28 maritime helicopters and the integrated mission system.

I will focus my remarks today on two measures in particular, the government's unprecedented commitment to industry dialogue and interaction, and the unique prequalification process that is the cornerstone of the procurement strategy for the maritime helicopter project.

As the Minister of Public Works and Government Services has informed the House, the defence contracting industry was made aware of the government's general intentions and requirements in relation to the maritime helicopter project through a letter of interest released last August. The letter of interest was much more than a statement of needs. It was also an invitation for individual companies to comment on the government's plans and to indicate their intention to participate in the competitive bidding process.

As the minister has already noted, the government has received input on its statement of operational requirements and procurement strategy from several companies. These comments will be given careful consideration as defence and procurement officials continue to define this project in the months ahead. The letter of interest has successfully initiated a dialogue with the industry which will not only continue but will broaden in scope and detail right up to the bid closing dates for each of the contracts.

We firmly believe that industry interaction is critical for large projects such as this. It protects the interests of taxpayers while ensuring that potential prime contractors and subcontractors are fully aware of the government's needs and intentions and do not assume an undue financial burden or risk in preparing their bids.

The government intends to make full use of the World Wide Web to facilitate this industry interaction. A dedicated website has already been established for the maritime helicopter project, as has been mentioned already, and information has been posted for the industry and other interested parties, including the Canadian public. Again, this reflects the government's commitment to a fair, open and transparent process.

As the project unfolds, the level of detail posted on the website, and thus the site's value to potential contractors, will grow. Draft specifications and other documents will be available through the website for review and comment by industry, the people who know what they are saying.

This interactive process could lead to changes in the technical requirements or other elements of the project. It will also increase the likelihood of technical compliance of candidate helicopters and integrated mission systems.

The second innovative procurement practice I wish to speak about today, the mandatory prequalification process, is in many ways an extension of the government's commitment to industry interaction. As hon. members have been informed, separate prequalification processes will be conducted for both contracts in advance of the formal submission of bids. This is the first time such a process has been used in Canada for a project of this size.

As the minister has already noted, prequalification should enable us to greatly minimize the problem of disqualification of bids due to technical non-compliance. This saves a lot of companies a lot of money. It stops them from getting into bids that they just cannot complete.

Mitigating the risk of non-compliance is good for the government because it ensures the maximum level of competition for the contracts. It is also good for the industry which, as hon. members can appreciate, invests an enormous amount of time and money in developing bids.

I want to make it clear yet again that prequalification will focus largely on the hardware aspects of each bid. Our goal is to make sure that potential prime contractors can conform with the technical requirements of the maritime helicopter project as set out by the Department of National Defence before—and I underline before—they submit a bid.

If a contractor cannot conform to these requirements there is no need to devote additional time and resources to developing or evaluating other elements of the bid, thereby saving us money and time.

To prequalify, potential prime contractors will be asked to provide an appropriate level of detail about their equipment and systems, which will be carefully reviewed by defence and public works and government services officials. Prime contractors will also have the opportunity to explain their proposed equipment and solutions, to seek clarification of technical issues and to address any concerns that might be raised on the government side.

Potential contractors that have not achieved prequalification status at least 30 days in advance of the bid close will be declared non-compliant and their bids will not be considered as part of the formal tendering process, thereby saving both sides a lot of time, money and aggravation.

Once the bids close, the normal process will be followed for selecting a successful contractor for government tenders awarded on the basis of lowest price. In addition to price and technical compliance and industrial and regional benefits, contractual terms and conditions will be part of that evaluation process.

For the basic helicopter, the price evaluation will include the basic helicopter, related ship modifications and in service support. For the integrated mission system, the evaluation will include the integrated mission system and its in service support.

The government clearly believes that Canada is more likely to meet both its technical and cost requirements for the maritime helicopter project by talking with the industry. Such dialogue will result in a better meeting of the minds, so to speak. It will reduce the risk to government and to industry alike.

Like the debate that is taking place in the House today, it will contribute to a successful procurement project that will respect the interests of taxpayers and meet the needs of the Canadian forces for many years to come.

[Supply, March 1st, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, this has been a fascinating day for me. How many angels can dance on the head of a needle? It is quite fascinating. I will be splitting my time with the member for Scarborough East.

I welcome the opportunity to address the House on this important opposition day motion. Let me begin by commending the hon. member and her party for their interest in how the Canadian forces are being equipped to do their job. Certainly this is of concern to many Canadians. As the hon. member knows, the government has been taking progressive steps for some time now to ensure that Canada's military has the state of the art equipment it needs.

I also acknowledge the hon. member's concern for the prudent use of taxpayer dollars. One of my principal goals as an elected official has always been to make sure that the government and the governments with which I served before on a municipal level deliver an appropriate level of service to all Canadians in an efficient and cost effective manner. I think that is the role of all politicians, is it not?

National defence is one of the most important services any government can provide its citizens. Expenditures in this area must undergo very careful scrutiny. I have no doubt that the maritime helicopter project will withstand such scrutiny. I also believe that the procurement strategy developed by the Minister of Public Works and Government Services is in the best interest of Canadians and our defence personnel.

From a strictly economic perspective, two factors set defence and military procurement aside from most other types of purchases. First, defence equipment is generally in service for relatively long periods of time so a strategic long term outlook is necessary.

As hon. members have no doubt been made aware throughout debate on the motion, defence equipment tends to be extremely costly. The maritime helicopter project is a case in point. The replacements for Canada's aging Sea King helicopters are expected to be in service for more than 20 years. They will be used in harsh conditions and extremely dangerous situations. Safety and durability are of utmost importance.

These helicopters and their associated integrated mission systems will be expensive to purchase. In fact, it bears repeating that even though we are saving taxpayers up to $1.5 billion compared to the former government's helicopter purchase project, it is still a huge financial commitment. With a value of close to $2.9 billion, the maritime helicopter project is the single largest procurement currently being managed by the Department of Public Works and Government Services.

That is why it is important to have a fair, open, transparent and competitive tendering process to award these contracts. We believe that separate competitive processes will ensure that the crown obtains both the required helicopters and the integrated mission system, as well as long term in service support that is absolutely necessary at the lowest possible price. I have the utmost confidence in the ability of the minister of public works and his department to manage this procurement.

When listening to debate coming from the opposite side of the House one thinks that as soon as the Liberals win an election we immediately dismiss all the departmental personnel and hire just Liberals to do a terrible job for the Canadian public. In fact, we have a huge department of people who have worked here for years and years, much before that party was even a glimmer in Mr. Manning's eye, and they have a vested interest.

[Eating Disorder Awareness Week, February 9th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to inform the House and all Canadians that February 11 to February 17 is Eating Disorder Awareness Week.

The goal this year is to reduce the prevalence of anorexia, bulimia, extreme dieting and body image problems through a public education program emphasizing the impact of social factors on these disorders.

During the week, information will be provided to Canadians to dispel myths and direct them to appropriate resources. These messages are consistent with Canada's food guide to healthy eating, Canada's physical guide to healthy active living and Health Canada's vitality program, which continue to help Canadians make healthy lifestyle choices.

I congratulate the National Eating Disorder Information Centre for its work on raising awareness of this very serious health concern.

[Organized Crime, September 22nd, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, organized crime is a threat to the safety and security of all Canadians. That is why the Liberal government continues to work to provide the tools necessary to break the back of organized crime. Since 1994 the anti-smuggling initiative led to 17,000 charges and identified $118 million in evaded taxes and duties. Since 1996 the witness protection program has protected those who risked their lives to assist the police.

Since the 1997 Bill C-95 participation in an organized crime has been an indictable offence. Since 1997 the cross-border crime forum has been sharing law enforcement information with our American counterparts.

Since 1999 accelerated parole review has been eliminated for organized crime offenders. This year we brought in new legislation to combat money laundering.

The Liberal government, with its provincial and territorial partners, will keep working to find new ways to eradicate organized crime.

[Canada Gazette, June 9th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to inform the House that the Canada Gazette Parts I and II are now available on the Internet in a alternate format which makes it accessible to persons with disabilities.

The Department of Public Works and Government Services is committed to providing all Canadians with equal access to Government of Canada information.

As the Government of Canada moves toward connecting Canadians on-line, the Canada Gazette on the Internet will play an important role in enabling more Canadians to be part of the democratic process by commenting on the proposed regulations published in the Canada Gazette .

This initiative reflects the federal government's commitment to work with other governments, the private and voluntary sectors and all citizens to build communities in which Canadians with disabilities are fully included.

The Canada Gazette is available on the Government of Canada website at www.canada.gc.ca.

[Supply, June 8th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, I have some very simple questions for the member for Joliette.

I noticed recently in the newspapers there was a glorious announcement in L'Expression that the member opposite accorded $251,270 for HRDC programs for student jobs in his riding. I am wondering if he takes similar offence to the HRDC money that is going into his riding to create jobs for students as he does to the BIC money that is going to assist events that people would like to conduct in his riding.

Another question I would like to ask, and I do not mind in all the areas if the response is there, but when the funds go in for BIC projects, do they display a Liberal logo on the event, or do they display the Canada word mark? I just wondered if that was different in Quebec.

[Supply, June 8th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, I am also offended, as the member for Jonquière is offended at my aspersions on her character. I am offended that her whole party is trying to break up my country. I am offended that they are questioning the integrity of my minister. I am offended that they are questioning the integrity of the information that the CIO puts out. I am also offended that many of them take many of the dollars we allocate to their ridings and they do not even say thank you.

I too am offended, and I am directing my remarks directly at the member.

[Supply, June 8th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, I should like to address the first part of the question which was to do with seasonal workers and the EI changes. EI changes came in well before the last election. It is a three or four year review program. I must point out that the member's concerns, as well as the concerns of the Atlantic province MPs on this side of the House, are being very seriously entertained by the department. If modifications are required, I am sure they will be addressed in due time.

As far as making announcements on transfer payments, when we came into power in 1993 after a disastrous Tory government we cut every department. It was very clear in the second budget we brought in that the cuts were being done across the country in every department, including transfers to the provinces.

We made very clear that the reason we needed CIO was that those transfers were interpreted by the people in the member's party to the people in Quebec to be that they were being punished somehow and the Government of Canada was deserting them.

It is necessary and you just illustrated it. We have an appropriate vehicle to give the appropriate information to make sure that people understand it, rather than having it filtered through your interpretation.