House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2000, with 52% of the vote.
Health October 10th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his important question.
As I mentioned earlier, the new Pest Control Act was passed in December 2000. I said that it was an important tool for determining how we will deal with pesticides in the future.
Department officials are currently drafting regulations to allow us to implement the legislation. We expect that, as early as next year, with the regulations, we will be able to set up the database my colleague is referring to.
Health October 10th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, the Pesticides Act was passed last December. Since then, we have better tools with which to re-evaluate all the pesticides currently available.
We must however be realistic; things are not going to change overnight. There is a process in place. To date, more than 61 pesticides have been re-evaluated, and this work is ongoing. We have a schedule, we are following it, and we will meet our deadline. My hon. colleague is well aware of that fact; he is simply trying to cloud the issue.
Community Care Worker Week October 10th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to inform the House and all Canadians that October 12-18 is National Community Care Worker Week.
The health care professionals, para-professionals and volunteers who provide care in the community are an integral part of our health care system.
Community care workers represent many groups and disciplines and carry out various functions. These include: nurses, social workers, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, homemakers, home support workers and volunteers. These are the vital front line workers who provide home based care, facility based long term care, meal programs and community support programs.
As the delivery of many health care services shifts from the hospitals to the community, community care workers are increasingly called upon to assist in the transition and ensure a continuity of client centred care.
To honour these front line workers and acknowledge the invaluable contribution they make to the health care of Canadians, the Canadian Association for Community Care has initiated the community care worker award, which is presented to the winner in the community every year during community care worker week.
2003 Canada Winter Games October 6th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to rise today to announce the results of an economic impact study of the 2003 Canada Winter Games that were held in Bathurst-Campbellton, New Brunswick.
The figures, compiled by the Canadian Sport Tourism Alliance, are impressive. Economic activity to the tune of $70.4 million was generated in New Brunswick, including $57.6 million for the Bathurst-Campbellton region alone.
This activity created 1,000 jobs in the province, mostly around Bathurst-Campbellton. Apart from the 3,200 participants in the games, some 5,100 visitors drawn to the event flooded into the region.
The economic impact exceeded all expectations and is a true testament to the benefits of the Canada Games movement.
The Government of Canada is a proud sponsor of the Canada Games, which, in addition to promoting the sport development of our athletes, stimulates economic growth in our communities. I am convinced that the major economic impact of the Canada Games will continue to be felt in the Bathurst-Campbellton region for a long time.
Long live the Canada Games.
Health September 26th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, I thank my hon. colleague for her question, which is certainly an important one for all Canadians.
I am pleased to inform the House and all Canadians that the Minister of Health announced yesterday that the Government of Canada is inviting the public to submit the names of potential candidates for expert and public representatives on the council. People can submit their suggestions via Health Canada's website or in writing.
The creation of the Health Council clearly reflects this government's commitment to enhance, for the public, transparency and accountability in the Canadian health care system.
Health September 26th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, as you are well aware, the Canada Health Act is there to ensure that all Canadians receive the health care they need, at public expense. I am trying to understand what is meant exactly by all this talk of privatized health care, when we know very well that the Canadian health system is there for all Canadians who need care, and this will continue to be the case.
Société des Acadiens et des Acadiennes du Nouveau-Brunswick September 24th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark an important anniversary, that of the Société des Acadiens et des Acadiennes du Nouveau-Brunswick.
The members of the Société des Acadiens et des Acadiennes du Nouveau-Brunswick, gathered in Shippagan last weekend for their annual general assembly, took stock of the society's 30 years of existence, and discussed its future as well.
In the members' opinion, the improvement of health care in French and the new Official Languages Act in New Brunswick are among their most significant achievements.
The members of the Société des Acadiens et des Acadiennes du Nouveau-Brunswick also identified some challenges they will have to face.
We are convinced that they will be able to defend the interests of those they represent in their discussions with the various levels of government.
The commitment of the Government of Canada to the francophone and Acadian communities cannot be denied, and the contribution of groups such as the Société des Acadiens et des Acadiennes du Nouveau-Brunswick is important, and I thank them for it.
Chief Actuary Act September 16th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, from Health Canada's perspective, certainly if genetically modified food presents a health risk, it will simply not be put on the market. This is very important. And if there are problems, particularly in terms of allergies, there will be special labelling to that effect.
Following recommendations by the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food, steps were taken to introduce voluntary labelling. It was determined that there is a lot more to this issue than meets the eye. It is not as simple as some people make it out to be at times.
In terms of the complexity of the issue, following studies done by the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food, it was recommended that it would be best to start with a voluntary approach to labelling.
Also, it must be understood that labelling is not as simple as it might seem at first. We have to ensure that the information on the label is what people need to know. We do not want a whole litany of information on the label, just the pertinent facts. That is what we should focus on in working together to improve our system.
Chief Actuary Act September 16th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, it should be noted that the task force my hon. colleague mentioned in his question of March 25—he well remembers, as do I—worked extremely hard to develop regulations for the voluntary labelling of genetically engineered food. I am pleased to advise him also that the committee members, finally, have reached a general consensus. Their work will now be submitted to the Canadian General Standards Board.
Although the hon. member's concerns relate, in particular, to labelling, I am going to address first the regulation of genetically engineered food, because food safety and demands for mandatory labelling are often connected, as the member well knows.
Health Canada has implemented a rigorous and detailed process to assess the safety of genetically engineered foods. Under the Food and Drugs Act, genetically engineered food must be inspected by Health Canada before being sold in Canada. The goal of this measure is to ensure the safety of such foods.
If concerns related to food safety are identified, these foods are simply not approved for sale.
Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency share responsibility for issuing policies on food labelling under the Food and Drugs Act.
Whenever Health Canada's safety assessments identify health issues that could be addressed by labelling, the department will require special labelling intended to alert consumers. Labelling for safety reasons remains the government's first priority.
The Government of Canada also recognizes that labelling of genetically modified foods has become an important issue for consumers and a means of expressing their opinions in the market place.
By adhering to the government's response to the report of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food, we are continuing to contribute to the work of the Canadian General Standards Board and the Canadian Council of Grocery Distributors.
We anticipate that the standards will provide adequate labelling guidelines to the food and manufacturing industry, in order to provide consumers with access to up to date information that will help them choose their products. It does not matter whether this system is obligatory or optional; standards are needed.
We are committed to continuing to improve the information we provide to the public on the regulation of genetically modified foods.
On the Health Canada web site, we are providing general information on biotechnology, as well as answers in the frequently asked questions section.
We have also added specific summaries on each decision respecting a genetically modified food. We are currently working on enhancing the transparency of the system, in response to recommendations from the Royal Society Expert Panel on the Future of Food Biotechnology and our action plan in response to the recommendations.
The industry has worked with us in connection wtih the publication of supplementary information relating to these proposals.
As well, since last year Health Canada has been holding information sessions for public health officers and other groups from all over Canada in order to increase their awareness and understanding of the regulations and of food safety assessment. These are often the people to whom members of the public go for such information.
In conclusion, Health Canada is determined to continue to honour its commitment to constantly improve the system. We will therefore be working, in Canada and on the international level, with specialists and other regulatory bodies, on food safety assessment, based on scientific knowledge, and will also be working on ensuring that information is made available.
Canada Elections Act June 10th, 2003
That is right, Madam Speaker, Madawaska—Restigouche, in New Brunswick, a beautiful place to visit over the summer.
Madam Speaker, Motion No. 11 proposes that, following the next general election, the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs be called upon to consider the effects of the provisions of this bill concerning political financing.
I think this significantly improves Bill C-24. As we know, the bill will result in major changes to the way political activities are financed and to the reporting of financial transactions for all involved in the political process.
As we have heard in committee, these changes will require serious efforts to adjust, particularly at the level of riding associations. The bill proposes major changes to this institution, to bring greater transparency to the transactions made by the associations and greater rigour to their financial management.
The bill also proposes changes which are likely to make these new rules more palatable to those who work, often without pay, in our associations.
I would like to say a word about transparency. Back in the early 1990s, the Lortie Commission said, and I quote:
Full disclosure of information on financial contributions and expenditures is an integral component of an electoral system that inspires public confidence. Essential to enhancing the integrity of the political system are the principles of transparency and public accountability.
Sharing this vision, the Chief Electoral Officer has been harsh in his criticism of the current system. His reference to a “black hole”, by which he means the activities of riding associations, has often been quoted.
Most hon. members will agree with me that there is nothing very mysterious going on in our associations. Complete disclosure, once a year, of the contributions received and expenses incurred by riding associations would show this.
We at the federal level are not the first to demand transparency of our riding associations. Seven provinces already do this. Those of us who represent ridings in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta and British Columbia can attest that provincial riding associations already have to provide this kind of information every year.
The bill provides that on or before May 31 of every year, the financial agent of each registered association shall submit the association's financial transactions return for the preceding fiscal year to Elections Canada. In that return, the financial agent will provide a statement of contributions received by the association, by class of donor, as well as a list, with names and addresses, of donors who have made contributions of over $200 to the association during the year. This is the same rule that already applies to parties and candidates in an election.
Special rules will also apply for the initial return, when the association registers with Elections Canada. It will not be necessary, at the time of registration, to disclose the source of contributions received before the last general election, simply the total assets of the association, including bank balances.
The bill also provides that if the association is eliminated by changes in electoral boundaries, it will be possible to transfer funds to other riding associations. In that case, the bill recognizes the extent to which it would be difficult for an association receiving funds from another association to be expected to disclose the source of funds. Thus, if the transfer is made within six months after the riding association is eliminated, it will not be necessary to disclose the source of funds but only the total actually received from the former association.
I would like to mention an important improvement that was made to the bill in committee. This improvement will significantly reduce the impact of a electoral boundary review on riding associations.
Under the new rules, the deregistration of an association following the readjustment of electoral boundaries will not be automatic. In fact, it will be possible for the registered association to continue as the association for a particular electoral district simply by filing a notice with the Chief Electoral Officer, without having to deregister and re-register.
Furthermore, it will be possible for an association to pre-register once a representation order has been given, so that the association can be automatically registered once the order comes into force.
The aim of the bill is not only transparency, but also greater responsibility for the riding associations. It makes registered riding associations responsible for respecting certain basic rules of financial administration, such as appointing a financial agent, an electoral district agent and an auditor.
The bill provides for the auditing of the association's accounts if it has accepted contributions of more than $5,000 or incurred expenses of more than $5,000 in a fiscal year. This obligation to conduct an audit therefore applies only to associations that remain active between elections.
Under the bill, those riding associations that must conduct an audit of their books will receive a refund of up to $1,500 of their audit expenses.
The obligation to conduct an audit for riding associations that remain active between elections is not new. This is already being done in the majority of provinces where riding association reports are required.
There are a number of other provisions in the bill concerning riding associations. Seeing that these take up 15 pages, one cannot avoid asking oneself some questions. Most of the provisions, however, are adaptations of the rules that apply to the parties and there are many to protect riding associations in the event of disputes.
There is a special rule for the associations, however: no more than one riding association can be registered in each riding.
Riding associations of registered parties that accept these rules and register with the Chief Electoral Officer will acquire the following rights: the right to accept contributions, the right to provide services and to transfer funds to a candidate supported by the party and, finally, the right to accept surplus electoral funds from a candidate, leadership contestant or nomination contestant.
What is more, they may issue receipts for income tax purposes themselves when they receive contributions. They will no longer need to forward these contributions to the party between election campaigns in order to have receipts issued, or to pay the charges levied by some parties for issuing these receipts.
All in all, I believe that the provisions of this bill, which are aimed at the riding associations, will enhance transparency. They will also facilitate better management of the financial operations of these associations. Finally, in connection with the authorization to issue tax receipts for contributions made outside of election campaign periods, we must admit that this will relieve the associations of a major irritant.
Some of us have justifiable concerns about adding to the burden of the volunteers who run our riding associations. The bill, with all its clauses, does nothing to allay those concerns. On the other hand, if one reads the bill carefully, it is clear that with the exception of some new reporting requirements, the new rules are entirely consistent with good financial administration. In many cases, I bet we will find, in discussing this with our riding association presidents and treasurers, that the association will have already put these rules, or something similar, in place.
Moreover, the addition proposed by Motion No. 11 provides assurance that an examination of these issues will be carried out after the next general election.
Given the importance of the changes proposed by Bill C-24—and I have only addressed the ones affecting the riding associations—I believe this is a wise measure and one which ought to reassure the members of this House.