Dave Chatters

[Young Offenders Act, February 20th, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the member where he is getting his statistics from. I have statistics from the Canadian centre for justice statistics showing that since 1962 the rate of young offender offences has risen by over 300 per cent.

Since the introduction of the Young Offenders Act in 1982 the incidence of young offender violations has risen some 117 per cent. There was a small drop between 1992 and 1993 of 3 per cent. At the same time young males between 15 and 25 in our population dropped by 14 per cent.

I do not know where you are coming from. There is an explosion of youth justice, looking over the last 30 years. The Young Offenders Act simply is not working. Where are you getting your figures?

[Questions On The Order Paper, February 16th, 1995]

With respect to government funding of Indian bands, tribal councils and aboriginal/Metis organizations, ( a ) how many are in a deficit situation, ( b ) for each of them, what is the amount (i) received in the last fiscal year, (ii) of their current deficit, (iii) they will receive for the current fiscal year?

[Petitions, February 9th, 1995]

Madam Speaker, in accordance with Standing Order 36 I would like to present this petition from the residents of my constituency of Athabasca.

The petitioners request that Parliament not amend the Canadian Human Rights Act or the charter of rights and freedoms in any way which would tend to indicate societal approval of same sex relationships or of homosexuality, including amending the Canadian Human Rights Act to include in the prohibited grounds of discrimination the undefined phrase "sexual orientation".

[Taxation, February 6th, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, my supplementary question is for the same minister.

Consumption taxes account for 52 per cent of the average consumer price for gasoline in Canada, compared to 37 per cent in the United States, our largest competitor and trading partner.

Could the minister explain how siphoning another $500 million out of the pockets of Canadian taxpayers would enhance Canada's competitiveness, its ability to stimulate the economy and its ability to create jobs?

[Taxation, February 6th, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Finance.

Liberals on the Standing Committee of Finance recommended that the government implement a 2-cent per litre tax increase on gasoline as a way of dealing with the deficit. The Minister of Finance has stated that Canadians are up to their eyeballs in debt, but they are also up to their eyeballs in taxes. The tax on gasoline has risen by 466 per cent in the last 10 years.

Could the Minister of Finance tell the House how increasing the tax burden would not further drown Canadians in a sea of ever increasing taxation?

[Questions On The Order Paper, December 15th, 1994]

With respect to financial audits conducted by or for the government on Indian bands, tribal councils and aboriginal/Metis organizations, ( a ) how many audits were conducted during the last five years, ( b ) how many were considered fully satisfactory and approved by the government, ( c ) how many received a failing grade from the government?

[Questions On The Order Paper, December 15th, 1994]

How many and what are the names of the Indian bands and tribal councils that are being co-managed and having their bank issued cheques co-signed by Indian affairs officials?

[Petitions, December 14th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, in accordance with Standing Order 36, I would like to present a petition signed by the residents of the city of Fort McMurray in my riding of Athabasca.

The petition requests that Parliament not amend the human rights code, the Canadian Human Rights Act or the Charter of Rights and Freedoms in any way which would tend to indicate societal approval of same sex relationships or of homosexuality, including amending the human rights code to include in the prohibited grounds of discrimination the undefined phrase sexual orientation. I present and support the petitioners.

[Questions On The Order Paper, December 13th, 1994]

Madam Speaker, I rise on a point of order. I ask the same question. Having had Questions Nos. 43, 44 and 46 on the Order Paper for 225 days, I would like to know when I might expect replies to the questions.

[Petitions, December 8th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, in accordance with Standing Order 36, I would like to present a petition signed by residents of the community of Westlock in my constituency of Athabasca.

The petitioners request that Parliament amend the Divorce Act to include a provision similar to article 611 of the Quebec Civil Code which states: "In no case may a father or mother without serious cause place obstacles between the child and grandparents. Failing agreement between the parties, the modalities of the relations are settled by the court".

They further ask for an amendment to the Divorce Act that would give a grandparent who is granted access to a child the right to make inquiries and to be given information on the health, education and welfare of the child.

I present this petition and support the petitioners.