Lost her last election, in 1997, with 35% of the vote.
Royal Canadian Mint Act May 29th, 1995
Mr. Speaker, it is my understanding that a bimetallic $2 coin requires new technology. My opinion is it would be a terrific advantage. The Royal Canadian Mint and Canadian suppliers are working together to compete for foreign production contracts for bimetallic coins.
I would be interested to hear from the hon. member about the advantages and the source of revenue this might provide.
Child Support April 25th, 1995
Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Justice.
Last week a Conservative MLA in Alberta criticized the child support system for producing deadbeat dads and vindictive leech moms. Statistics show that single custodial mothers and their children are the most likely group of Canadians to live in poverty.
How will our government ensure parents properly support their children no matter where they live in Canada and no matter who is the custodial parent?
Borrowing Authority Act, 1995-96 March 20th, 1995
Madam Speaker, there are two plans of action we are taking, one on a short rolling, two-year target. They are extremely important so that we do not put off what we need to do. In order to get the deficit down it is important to have short term targets. I will leave it at that.
Borrowing Authority Act, 1995-96 March 20th, 1995
Madam Speaker, that is a very specific question and I am not prepared at this time to answer it. I am not aware of the press release or the program. My apologies to the hon. member.
Borrowing Authority Act, 1995-96 March 20th, 1995
Madam Speaker, I appreciate the question from the Bloc. Federalism is as important to those of us who live in Alberta as it is to those of us who live in Quebec.
I understand the analogies of the family and fighting and feuding, but healthy families work out their differences. There is a kind of evolution, not a revolution, in the way we do business. I truly appreciate that there is getting to be a less centralist feeling to government these days. What we are seeing more of is the ability for the provinces to determine their own needs and to work on their own solutions. That is how I see this unfolding. It is very beneficial for Quebec, it is beneficial for the maritimes, it is beneficial for every part of our country; working together to solve our common problems.
Borrowing Authority Act, 1995-96 March 20th, 1995
Madam Speaker, I would like to share my time tonight with the member for Hamilton West.
I am pleased to speak on Bill C-73. I want to take this opportunity to offer my support to the budget tabled by the Minister of Finance last month. It truly is a budget that reflects the principles and priorities of Canadians.
Our challenge was to balance the needs of our nation with the fiscal realities of today. Canadians asked us clearly to focus on cutting spending, not raising taxes, spending dollars more carefully on the priorities of people and ensuring fairness among individuals and regions. I believe the budget respects and reflects those principles.
Following the budget I wanted to see how the residents of Edmonton East felt about the budget, to hear their ideas, suggestions, their comments and concerns. On the evening of the budget we held an informal budget forum with representatives of the Edmonton East community. There were small business owners, students, teachers, seniors, new Canadians and representatives from community groups and agencies in attendance.
Our group came to the Edmonton East riding office to watch a tape of the budget speech and participate in short group discussions on the budget. Following that round table, I called from the office in Ottawa and we held a conference call on the budget and its impact on our riding. To determine the collective wisdom of Edmonton East on the budget, I asked our diverse group a series of questions to gauge their opinions and reactions.
I asked what their gut feeling was. The one phrase that was consistently repeated as each participant voiced his or her opinion was it was tough and fair. They felt the budget protected our core Canadian values and programs. Specifically they were
relieved that seniors benefits were not drastically cut and they were delighted, actually ecstatic, that the Minister of Finance declared the government's support for the principles of the Canada Health Act and that we maintained funding levels for justice programs.
Several of the participants appreciated the manner in which the program cuts were made. They liked that spending reductions were done carefully by department and not in an across the board manner. It is important the group expressed this particular reaction to budgetary spending because it showed support for the program review approach we undertook in our process.
Albertans, like all Canadians, deserve and expect good government. Good government is simply delivering efficient, cost effective programs Canadians need and want and are willing to pay for in defence, in industry, in human resource development, in transportation, in justice and in heritage. Residents of my riding and across the province are firm believers in the concept of value for money. They want government programs and services that bring them good value for their tax dollars.
Therefore, when we initiate expenditure reduction it is important that we evaluate government departments on a program by program basis. That requires a careful and thoughtful review of all government programs. This is one area where we can see a fundamental difference between the approach of the government and of the Reform Party. It proposes across the board departmental cuts without little regard for any consequences, fiscal or social, with no regard for the impact such cuts would have on other levels of government and with no calculation of value for money.
We took the tougher, more effective approach in program review, eliminating programs that are not working and streamlining others. The government's approach to the reduction of the public service is one of right sizing. Simply, right sizing promotes a careful and strategic approach to removing waste and duplication from organizations. We must work hard and co-operatively to find ways for departments and organizations to operate with a maximum of efficiency and effectiveness while maintaining high standards of service and program delivery.
Slashing and cutting with any organization or business merely for the sake of downsizing without clear direction or strategy is clearly irresponsible.
The small business representatives on our panel agreed with the continued support the government has given to this important sector of our economy. In the budget we recognized there are times and places where government can and should assist the private sector in today's fast changing global environment. For example, the government will continue supporting exports for companies in the sectors facing intense international competition. This is especially important in my province which has seen an incredible growth in the export trade.
The government will also be working with Canada's banks between now and the fall to determine meaningful benchmarks for small business lending. Small business owners in Alberta share the national problem of securing capital for businesses.
Since we came to office we have implemented several initiatives which small business owners indicate will help improve their ability to do business: the reduction of regulations and paperwork; the introduction of single window business service centres; and the reduction of unemployment insurance premiums. These are all commitments to reduce the deficit which will help small business.
Participants in the budget discussions all indicated their approval of the tax fairness measures implemented in the budget. This theme of fairness was also present at my social security forum where participants suggested that the government supplement its social program reforms with taxation reforms.
In the budget there are several measures to promote equity in the tax system. Equity starts by ensuring that taxes owing are taxes paid. The government implemented rules to ensure that the construction industry, where the underground economy thrives, complies with tax laws. There will be no tax deferral advantages for investment income earned by private holding companies. All tax advantages flowing from family trusts have been eliminated. There are several more. We have raised the corporate surtax on profits from 3 per cent to 4 per cent. We have added a temporary tax on the large deposit taking institutions, including the banks.
Participants at my forum expressed support for the fact that the government dealt with deficit reduction primarily through expenditures. We have taken the right path at the right pace. In fact over the next three years spending reductions will total $25.3 billion against $3.7 billion in revenue actions. That is almost $7 in spending cuts for each $1 in new tax revenue.
During our conference call I asked the participants what issues arising from the budget are important to our riding so we can follow them up for future action. The reaction of the group assembled was that the budget presents them with an opportunity to act in co-operation with the provinces and with the federal government in the development of a shared set of principles and objectives that will underlie the new Canada social transfer. This way we can ensure that our core Canadian values and priorities are maintained in our social programs.
Participants were heartened by the loud and clear message in the budget that the principles of the Canada Health Act will continue to be enforced. Albertans, like all Canadians, want their social security programs to be more efficiently delivered. They want to reduce overlap and duplication. However, they are
concerned about the potential impact of increased provincial flexibility on their province, considering the lack of care and concern the current provincial government has shown toward social programs. All participants agreed that we need to maintain key principles in our social system so that we can continue to protect our most vulnerable citizens.
At this forum and others held on social security review there was widespread support for our social programs. While everyone agreed that there was a need for reform-people wanted to see programs such as the UI maintained-there was no support for the dismantling of the system which is implied in the Reform Party's registered personal security plan.
Another concern of people in my riding is that the rising cost of the public pension system is placing their pensions at risk. The government is committed to providing a fair and reliable system of protection for seniors but this requires action to ensure the pension system is sustainable in the long term. Later this year the Minister of Human Resources Development, in collaboration with the finance minister, will release a paper dealing with the changes required in the public pension system to ensure its affordability. The budget states what the basic principles for the reform will be, and that is what we will work co-operatively with. The review is another area in which residents, particularly seniors, can participate.
Some might say that the budget did not cut enough, that it could have been tougher. However, a budget is not just about balancing books; it is about balancing the needs of the nation. We have a fiscal responsibility to do that.
Also some could complain we did not set longer deficit reduction targets. However two years of rolling targets keep our feet to the fire, making it impossible to postpone spending reductions and other actions to reduce the deficit. Past governments have made long term plans but always ended up pushing necessary action further and further into the future. The short term targets we have set make sure we act to reduce the deficit, keeping our feet to the fire.
In conclusion, there is general agreement in Edmonton East that the 1995 budget takes far-reaching action to restore the fiscal health that supports a strong and growing economy. The residents of my riding found many things in the budget they like. They also identified the Canada social transfer and the retirement income review as issues for future focus. I look forward to working with them and with the government on these issues as we continue the government's progress on program and service improvements.
Cuba March 17th, 1995
Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Secretary of State for Latin America and Africa.
It was reported today that an American congressman suggested Canada defer to U.S. foreign policy on Cuba. He was supporting a bill before Congress that would punish countries that ignore the U.S. embargo.
How will this bill affect Canadian companies doing business in Cuba?
Supply March 17th, 1995
Mr. Speaker, at my town hall meetings in Edmonton East over the past year-we have had many of them-talking about these kinds of reforms, this idea has never come forward. I guess the reason that it did not is that many in society are unable to save.
I see some real discrepancies. For instance, only 14 per cent of tax filers with incomes between $10,000 and $20,000 can make RRSP contributions. How will these people be able to make the savings that are requested? There are other discrepancies as well: 70 per cent of those with incomes above $80,000 contribute to RRSPs.
How can people who earn lower incomes prepare for potential catastrophic events?
Supply March 16th, 1995
Madam Speaker, yesterday the Canadian Federation of Independent Business had a press release. It said that women in new businesses are refused small business loans 20 per cent more often than men in new businesses. It also said that women in business pay 1 per cent more above prime than men in business do. I would like the member to respond to how we as a society should deal with these kinds of inequities.
Grain Export Protection Act March 2nd, 1995
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to have this opportunity to participate in the debate on second reading of the bill proposed by the hon. member for Lethbridge.
The proposed legislation, Bill C-262, would seek to ban work stoppages involving the movement of grain from producer to export and to provide for arbitrated settlement in those cases where parties involved in the grain handling and transportation industry were unable to resolve contract differences.
On the surface one cannot argue against the general object of the bill, that is, to keep Canadian export grain flowing smoothly to overseas markets and not to be stalled or halted by labour dispute. Unfortunately, while my honourable colleague and I share a particular desire to see Canada's reputation as a reliable exporter of grain maintained, we are obviously in disagreement as to how that end is achieved.
The banning of legal strikes and/or lockouts and the imposition of arbitrated settlements are measures which only serve to exasperate labour management relations. It will do little to bring long term solutions to problems which we are attempting to address.
I would like to share with hon. members a unique initiative currently under way in the western grain storage and handling industry, one which exemplifies the type of positive and forward thinking which labour and management are capable of applying to human resource issues in the industry.
Following three significant work stoppages in the grain handling and transportation sector, in the fall of 1991 a dialogue was initiated with industry representatives to review the need for improvement in labour-management relations and to consider ways of minimizing disruptions to the movement of grain to export markets. Discussions with the parties led to the conclusion that there was little in the way of support for essential service legislation governing dispute resolution in the grain handling industry. Any system of partial designation would be cumbersome to administer and likely to lead to interminable disputes. A complete prohibition on work stoppages would involve third party determination of contract impasses and effectively remove control of the process from both sides of the industry.
There were two key problems which were identified during discussions with the parties involved in the grain handling industry. First, there was the expectation that government would intervene rapidly to terminate any work stoppages, thus enabling one or both parties to avoid its responsibilities for settlement. Second, there existed a problem of inadequate communications between the parties at appropriate times and levels during the period between bargaining rounds on the longer term issues which, if left unaddressed, might rebound negatively at the bargaining table.
Hon. members will be encouraged to hear that both labour and management expressed agreement on the utility of exploring ways to improve their dialogue and to ensure the future competitiveness of the industry in their own mutual interest, as well as in the interest of the Canadian farmers and the Canadian economy.
At a subsequent labour-management conference for officials of the western grain elevator industry agreement was reached on pursuing the possible establishment of a sectoral council on the industry. A working group with equal representation from labour and management chaired by a neutral government official was established to discuss the possible format in terms of reference for a human resources study which could eventually lead to the establishment of such a sectoral body.
The working group held a series of meetings over the course of the next year which culminated in the submission of an application to the sector studies directorate of the former Employment and Immigration Canada for assistance in carrying out a human resource issue study of the industry. Approval for the study was received and the firm of Deloitte & Touche was chosen by the working group to carry out the industry study.
Following an initial meeting between the consulting firm and a larger steering committee, representing not only management and labour interests but various agencies concerned with grain handling and transportation, the study was initiated. The process consisted of several phases ranging from employee questionnaires and focus groups through to the establishment of surveys and interviews with senior human resource personnel. The study focused on the educational and skill requirements of the industry and the training and reskilling available to meet such needs. It also looked at various methods of dealing with workforce adjustment within the industry and drew on the industry knowledge of the respondents to assist in predicting industry trends of the future.
During the course of the consultants' work there were regular meetings with the steering committee to ensure that the study was following the direction intended and that the methodology agreed to was being followed. The study has been finalized and will now be turned over to the original working group for consideration and action, including the possible establishment of a sectoral council for the grain storage and handling industry.
This initiative, involving both labour and management in the grain handling industry, is but one example of the co-operative approach which is being pursued by industry participants to meet the challenges they are facing. The fact that the two sides have met and constructively reviewed major human resource issues speaks volumes. Hon. members on both sides of the House should welcome this display of co-operation which we naturally hope will translate into improved labour relations within the industry.
Both the Ministers of Human Resources Development and Agriculture and Agri-Food should be commended for ensuring that labour has had an opportunity to play a significant role in respect of department initiatives. The Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food has ensured that the representatives of unions involved in the grain handling and transportation system are active participants in this May 16 group which meets regularly to ensure that Canada's export grain commitments are being met and that the system is functioning well.
The Minister of Human Resources Development, in addition to the support shown for the possibility of a sectoral initiative in the western grain elevator industry, has encouraged ongoing consultation with labour unions and employers in the federal jurisdiction concerning possible amendments to the Canada Labour Code.
Earlier this year when a work stoppage involving longshoremen at the west coast ports threatened this country's reputation as a reliable exporter of grain and other commodities, the Minister of Human Resources Development introduced legislation to bring about an end to the disruption and provide for a final settlement of issues separating the two sides. While not a popular measure, the bill introduced by the minister demonstrated the government's commitment to ensuring the well-being of western Canada's agricultural economy.
In conclusion, I would simply suggest that the measures contained in the bill before us are inappropriate and do not reflect current reality in the grain handling industry. Removing the collective bargaining rights of workers and replacing them with imposed arbitration will do nothing to further the positive thrust of the initiatives mentioned earlier.
This government is a strong supporter of free collective bargaining but recognizes that there are occasions when lengthy work stoppage in the grain handling industry could pose significant economic losses for the agricultural economy, as was the case in the recent longshoring dispute. In such cases the government is prepared to intervene in disputes and ensure the resumption of operations and the settlement of the dispute. This type of commitment should preclude the need for the measures proposed in Bill C-262.
I would therefore urge all hon. members not to support the proposed legislation.