Mac Harb

[Molson Breweries, February 18th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate and commend Molson for its outstanding effort to support the community and help save our great Ottawa Senators hockey team.

Canada's oldest brewing company, Molson, recently announced an initiative to support hockey in Ottawa. A creative idea that requires support from the community, Molson will donate $2 for every case of Molson sold.

Molson has a history of helping communities. For example, in 1786 John Molson helped to build a hospital. Since the late 1980s Molson has championed the cause of HIV/AIDS. Recently the company has shown community spirit by sponsoring a program called “Local Heroes”, which is intended to revitalize recreational facilities in Canadian communities.

Over the years Molson has supported over 1,000 projects, and for that we extend our thanks.

[The Economy, February 17th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, Canadians have confidence in the economy and the future. This good news is directly related to the Liberal government's skilful management of social and economic demands.

There are many indicators that reinforce this positive attitude. For example, housing sales have reached record levels in many communities. According to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, new housing starts rose another 3% over the last year.

The news does not end here. The Canada gross domestic product is expected to grow by 4% in 2000. Also, the help-wanted index has steadily risen over the last three years and this trend continues to grow. Even factory shipments were up 9.3% at the end of 1999.

The numbers say it all. Canadians are confident in their economy and they are confident in their government. I am positive that the Minister of Finance's upcoming budget will result in even greater economic confidence for Canadians.

[Supply, February 17th, 2000]

I am from the nation's capital.

[Supply, February 17th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, it is interesting to see our colleague express his emotions while trying to teach a lesson to my colleagues on this side of the House.

However, he forgets that it is the supreme court ruling which stated that the political players will be the ones to determine what is a clear majority in reply to a clear question, depending on the circumstances of any future referendum. This does not go against the bill put forward by the government.

My colleague will recall that, during the last referendum, when one entered the city of Montreal one could see posters showing the Canadian dollar, the “looney”, with a Yes beside it. There were other posters with a shovel and a Yes, suggesting that if we voted yes, we would have much more money in our pockets, and yet other posters suggesting that there would be many more jobs.

This was hypocrisy on an international scale. It shows that the question was not clear.

Is my colleague opposed to a clear question without any other hypothesis? Does he agree with that yes or no?

[Petitions, February 15th, 2000]

Madam Speaker, I have a petition from many petitioners who want to see federal government budget 2000 introduce a multi-year plan to improve the well-being of Canada's children.

[National Environmental Standards Act, February 11th, 2000]

moved for leave to introduce Bill C-425, an act to provide for the harmonization of environmental standards throughout Canada.

Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to introduce this bill in the House along with my colleague from Winnipeg North.

The purpose of this enactment is to establish a process of consultation with the provinces to achieve uniformity in the environmental standard applied in Canada and in every province. The minister is required to convene a conference of ministers of the environment, propose the formation of an advisory committee on uniformity in environmental standards and report annually to parliament. Also the minister is to report to the House of Commons. As well, his or her report should be considered by the standing committee on environment.

(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)

[Braille Day, February 9th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate Canada's first Braille Day as proclaimed by our Deputy Prime Minister.

Today we honour the memory of Louis Braille. It was Mr. Braille who developed and introduced a system of six raised dots that revolutionized the lives of blind and visually impaired people around the world.

A combination of these six magic dots have made it possible for a person who is blind to read. The ability to read the printed word opens countless doors.

Braille Day is an opportunity to highlight the importance of this invention and the impact it has on literacy.

I ask my colleagues to join in celebrating Canada's first Braille Day. This year's theme is Braille equals equality.

[Petitions, February 8th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to deposit a petition in support of Bill C-225.

[Family Service Canada, December 17th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, I wanted to share with Canadians the great work being performed by the fine group of people at Family Service Canada.

As an advocacy group, they work with service agencies, governments, corporations, unions and parents. Together they are developing a strong and lasting commitment to ensure the well-being of our children. They also work to provide important information on leadership, training and resources to meet the changing demands of our constituents.

Every year one way in which Family Service Canada draws attention to the needs, achievements and diversities of Canadian families is through National Family Week. The United Nations has declared the year 2000 as the International Year for the Culture of Peace. This will be the theme used by Family Service Canada to celebrate the coming National Family Week.

I ask all members to support the wonderful work of Family Service Canada.

[Children, December 13th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, the Speech from the Throne made several commitments to address the needs of children living in Canada.

I ask the Minister of Health what he is doing to address the needs of children. What is he doing to implement the commitments made in the Speech from the Throne?