John Murphy

[Income Tax Act, March 22nd, 1994]

Madam Speaker, I am pleased to have the opportunity to speak today on this important motion. I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate the hon. member for Nepean for bringing forward this issue to the House of Commons.

The motion before us addresses the changing social and economic nature of Canadian society, namely the increasing number of single parent families and the difficulty these parents face in providing for their children. I support the motion because I believe that by addressing the issue of child support payments we are also addressing the broader fundamental problem of child poverty.

Our government has made a commitment to invest in people and to create opportunities for all Canadians. All our economic and social policies have aimed to achieve this objective. I believe the motion before us is consistent with that goal. It gives us the opportunity to ensure that children of lone parent families are provided with the resources necessary to live successful and productive lives.

The level of child poverty in Canada is unacceptably high. Recent statistics show us that 1.2 million children in our country are living in poverty. Canada's poor children live extremely disadvantaged lives. These children often live in poor housing conditions. They have a greater likelihood of experiencing unemployment in their families and have far less access to quality child care.

Further, according to Campaign 2000 of the Child Poverty Organization with which I met this morning, poor children can expect to have a shorter life span, suffer from illness, require an increasing amount of emergency food assistance and are more likely to drop out of school.

The rate of child poverty in single parent families in 1991 was about 61 per cent. In other words, three of every five children living in a single parent family lived in poverty. On average poor single parent families need an extra $9,000 a year just to reach the poverty line. These figures are particularly true for female custodial parents. After divorce, custodial mothers experience a dramatic increase in the economic burdens and income earning limitations linked to child rearing responsibilities.

Close to about 60 per cent of all female lone parents live in poverty. Although this group represents only 3 per cent of all Canadian households they bear 17 per cent of Canada's total poverty burden. This problem must be addressed by all members of the House.

In my riding of Annapolis Valley-Hants there are approximately 2,300 female lone parent households. I have had the opportunity to speak with many of these parents. They have raised many of the same arguments placed before the House today. It has become increasingly difficult over time for single parents to provide adequately for their children. For custodial parents, a single portion of the support payment is lost to taxes. As a result support payments often do not meet the needs of children the payments are intended to assist.

In light of these statistics we must ensure that children of lone parent families do not suffer the consequences of inadequate levels of child support. Unless we address the problem the same children will continue to suffer the consequences of a system that is not providing the effects it was designed to produce.

When the inclusion-exclusion tax policy was developed in 1942 its purpose was to ensure that as much money as possible was going to children of single parent families. By taxing the custodial parent who is generally in a lower tax bracket rather than the child support payer, more money was left over in those times to meet the needs of the children.

However much has changed since 1942. We must ensure that our laws reflect these new social and economic realities. There are more single parent families now than we had in the past. The majority of these single parents are women who after divorce suffer a decline in their standard of living.

Presently there are only three tax brackets as opposed to ten in 1942 as we heard earlier. There is a greater likelihood therefore that both parents earn the same tax bracket. This negates any tax savings that would have been generated in the earlier years.

Upon divorce, family resources are often inadequate to continue to meet the needs of the children or the two households that must be maintained. Therefore by taxing already low child support payments we are in effect taking money away from the families and the children who need it the most.

As the motion indicates child support payments should not be taxed. Instead these payments should be seen simply as a continuation of the obligation of support payers toward their children. By adopting the motion we could help ensure that single parents and their children are not unfairly targeted by a system that is no longer working as it should.

In 1989 an all-party resolution was unanimously adopted calling for the elimination of child poverty by the year 2000. While many faces in the House may have changed since then we must continue to support this commitment. I believe the motion offers all members of the House an opportunity to renew our fight against child poverty.

In closing the motion alone will not bring an end to child poverty, but I believe that by supporting the proposed change we can take concrete steps to ensure more money is being directed to those children who need it the most.

[Canadian Armed Forces, March 22nd, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, recently I had the pleasure and opportunity to visit CFB Greenwood and Camp Aldershot in my riding of Annapolis Valley-Hants.

During my visit to these bases I was most impressed by the dedication, professionalism and commitment of our men and women in the Canadian Armed Forces. These men and women often do their work with little or no public recognition. Yet our military has made a significant contribution to the maintenance of international peace and security.

This strong tradition of pride and service is a model for nations around the world. I am proud of the personnel serving in CFB Greenwood and Camp Aldershot.

As we embark on foreign defence policy reviews in the months ahead, I urge all parliamentarians to reflect on the professionalism of our military and the important role it plays at home and abroad.

[St. Patrick's Day, March 17th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, today millions of people around the world are celebrating St. Patrick's Day. It is a day when our thoughts turn to our faith, shamrocks and the wearing of the green.

For me this is a special day. It is a chance to reflect on and celebrate my heritage and the important role our Irish ancestors have played here in Canada.

Irish people, like my family and those throughout this land, have made a significant contribution to help keep Canada whole.

In the mid-1800s thousands of Irish immigrants fleeing famine and poverty came to Canada for a better life. Many settled in Nova Scotia and the Annapolis Valley and helped make it the very special place it is today.

To paraphrase a famous saying, it is on a day like today when we realize there are only two types of people in the world, those who are Irish and those who wish they were Irish.

[University Hockey, March 14th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, this past weekend in Toronto, and for the third consecutive year, Acadia University hockey team participated in the National University Hockey Championship Tournament. For a school of 3,000 students, this is a great accomplishment.

While Acadia, the defending national champions, fell just short against the eventual winners, Lethbridge, I feel the accomplishment of this year's team must be recognized.

Led by the CIAU's player of the year, Duane Dennis, Acadia had an outstanding season; a season marked by dedication, hard work and a commitment to excellence.

I am proud of the young men involved in Acadia's hockey program and their academic achievements. I believe that the members of this team have shown themselves to be responsible, dedicated and hard working on the ice, in the classroom and in the community.

Congratulations to Acadia. It has every reason to be proud of its accomplishments.

[The Budget, March 10th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, I have thought for a long time this was the route we had to follow. There is pain in this route, but I believe when we move from the passive to the active we bring on creativity. As a government we are allowing people to create opportunities and jobs. Therefore as a government we become facilitators. We are not the creators. We are the facilitators helping small and medium sized businesses get started and get the economic recovery back on track.

[The Budget, March 10th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. member for his question. What really arises is that we are attentive to the deficit. We have spent a great deal of time trying to explain that issue to members across the way.

My emphasis is not less on the deficit, because we need deficit reduction and we are working toward that goal. However it must be remembered that we have to create a climate in which there is economic growth so that we can work on that deficit. This is a parallel, two-pronged approach which we need to work on.

I only tried to emphasize job creation, training and the advancement of an economic climate because in my riding I can make some differences working with people. I certainly have had an opportunity to talk with our Minister of Finance and our caucus over time. Yes, we are working on the deficit. I would only encourage members opposite that we work together.

I came to Parliament so that I could work with people to get them back to work and achieve economic recovery. I come from a psychiatric background and know what dependency is all about. I have been at it for 30 years. I want to see people become more independent. That is a goal for Canada, for members across the way and for our party. I look forward to the enhancement of that in my work here in Parliament.

[The Budget, March 10th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, as this is my first formal speech in the House of Commons I would like to begin by offering a message to my constituents of Annapolis Valley-Hants. I thank them for putting their trust in me to represent their views in Parliament. I consider it an honour

and a privilege to have been elected to this position. Julia, Patrick, Kelly and I consider ourselves most fortunate to live in the valley where the warmth and generosity of our people enhance the natural beauty of our area.

When my Liberal colleagues and I were elected to form the government last October, it was as a result of our commitment to jobs and long term economic growth. This budget is a first step in fulfilling the commitment and promise made at that time. It strikes a balance between economic renewal, social policy reform and deficit reduction, a balance that will provide the foundation for jobs and growth.

This budget offers fundamental restructuring of our thrust to this balance so we can move from a passive system to an active one. The changes we are offering will cause some pain but this new active approach will bring on the creativity that is inherent in the people of my riding of Annapolis Valley-Hants and of all Canadians.

I know there is a lot of unemployment in my riding and I feel very badly. It is easy for me to say this because I am fortunate; I have a job. However, I will commit my energies to be a part of the process that will create jobs in my riding.

I recently had an opportunity to travel to CFB Greenwood and meet with the base commander and the defence staff. I have also had a chance to meet with the regular forces and reservists at Camp Aldershot. I am extremely impressed by the dedication, commitment and high levels of professionalism of these military personnel. While these centres have only been minimally affected by the budget, I will work to ensure that the military and civilian jobs at these bases remain secure over the long term.

As the budget indicates, one of the most effective ways to encourage economic growth and jobs is through support of the small business sector. I have talked with many small business owners in my constituency who believe that the federal government can play a very active role in helping small business not only remain viable but grow and create new jobs. I am also working very closely with the local agricultural industry which is the backbone of small business in the community of Annapolis Valley-Hants. By working with this local advisory group we can best determine how the government and the agricultural sector can work together to create jobs.

I have also in the past had the pleasure of working closely with first-rate institutions such as the Acadia University Centre for Small Business. Such centres are not only promoting local community networks but also provide valuable information services to help individuals get their ventures off the ground.

According to a recent survey conducted by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, a freeze or reduction in government payroll taxes was one of the most important conditions necessary for small business owners to hire more employees.

We have listened. By rolling back unemployment insurance premiums for small business, we are providing these firms with incentives necessary to increase both investment and job creation. I applaud the Minister of Finance's announcement that we are moving ahead with programs such as the Canada investment fund, the Canadian technology network, and a commitment to work closely with banks to improve access to capital for small business.

Aside from assisting small business, this budget has set the foundation for economic recovery through a number of important initiatives. First, the national infrastructure program is progressing rapidly. In Nova Scotia the federal contribution for this program over two years will be $69 million. Annapolis Valley-Hants is largely a rural riding and, having high quality physical infrastructure, it is imperative for the future economic viability of both the businesses and individuals who call this area their home.

Organizations in my area have submitted several innovative proposals and I hope they will receive positive approval.

Another major commitment we have made in this budget is the extension of the RRSP home buyers program. Prior to the budget I received many letters from the real estate companies and home builder associations in Annapolis Valley-Hants in support of this program. All of these letters indicated the housing industry will play a central role in Canada's economic recovery and that by promoting this program over the long term the government would be greatly assisted in this recovery.

The budget also makes a $50 million a year commitment to the residential rehabilitation assistance program. This will further boost the housing construction industry and help create many jobs.

The most important aspect of our commitment to economic restructuring however is our pledge to help individuals obtain the skills necessary to find meaningful jobs. It is my commitment to the people of Annapolis Valley-Hants that I will work tirelessly in this endeavour.

By investing in programs such as the Canada youth service corps, the youth internship and apprenticeship programs, we will assist young Canadians in gaining the training and skills necessary for jobs for the long haul.

I have received over a dozen phone calls in the last week from groups and individuals interested in putting forward proposals for the national youth service corps. I am committed to working

closely with youth interest groups in the riding to assist them in getting involved and benefiting from these important programs.

With respect to education and training I would like to take the opportunity to mention one program which is currently under way in my riding. It is a technology recycling program sponsored by a non-profit organization, Nova Knowledge, in conjunction with the federal government and a number of private sector organizations.

The purpose of the program is to collect used computers from organizations planning to purchase newer technology. These computers then go into community colleges across the province and students refurbish and repair them for shipment to many Nova Scotia schools.

I am proud to say that the province's first program is located in Annapolis Valley-Hants. Students at Kingstec Campus, Nova Scotia Community College in Kentville have refurbished more than 20 computers at this point in time which have gone to public schools. These are the types of innovative programs this government is committed to.

We are working with all the stakeholders to provide valuable training programs which will serve to benefit the local and national economy now and in the future. An important part of our commitment to education and training is our pledge to ensure that people collecting social assistance have access to skills upgrading programs.

It is quite clear the old system is not working. We need to find and make more jobs available. We need to make our approach more active. When we offer assistance we must also offer the opportunity to develop the necessary skills to find a meaningful job. At the same time we must assist small and medium sized businesses in creating a fertile economic environment.

As both the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Human Resources Development have outlined, by revamping our social assistance program we will be able to reinvest our resources into initiatives geared toward finding innovative ways to get people back to work. In that regard I applaud the announcement of $800 million being made available over the next two years for pilot projects so that we can help with the training of the unemployed.

I am confident this budget will set the course for growth and jobs in Canada. I believe these initiatives will have a positive impact in my riding of Annapolis Valley-Hants. I am proud that as a government we are fulfilling our commitment.

[The Budget, March 9th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, the budget is a key element in a much larger process, one that began last fall when Canadians told us they wanted a government that treated jobs as a priority.

We have listened. We have made sure that the changes are sensitive to those with the greatest need. With the changes to the unemployment insurance, for example, low income Canadians with dependants will receive increased benefits to 60 per cent. Also, small businesses have been telling us that if we reduce UI premiums, if we just give them a chance, they will create work for Canadians.

Now we have delivered. This must be seen in tandem with other actions we have taken to create jobs such as the infrastructure program, targeting of $800 million to innovative federal-provincial employment projects, a youth core, a youth internship project and our $1.9 billion support package for Atlantic Canada.

It is clear that this government is keeping its promise to Canadians.

[Post-Secondary Education, February 22nd, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, recently the Students Union of Nova Scotia forwarded to me a recommendation that federal education transfer payments be made on the basis of the size of provincial student populations.

Presently federal funding for post-secondary education is based on the overall population of each province. This formula has worked against and is a detriment to Nova Scotia.

Due to the large number of out of province students studying at institutions such as Acadia University in my riding of Annapolis Valley-Hants, our provincial population has a much larger ratio of students than most. Current funding, however, does not reflect this reality.

I support the recommendation made by the Students Union of Nova Scotia and I urge the government to give full consideration to this important proposal.

[Acadia Centre For Small Business And Entrepreneurship, February 21st, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my congratulations and support for the Acadia Centre for Small Business and Entrepreneurship.

Today this centre kicks off a week-long conference at Acadia University for people considering a career in self-employment.

The conference, entitled "Exploring Your Future: Learning About Entrepreneurship", will allow participants to determine if self-employment is right for them and if so how they go about starting a business.

Following this conference, 35 participants will be selected for a 14-week employment training program.

Not only does such a conference play an important role in promoting the local community network but it also provides valuable services and information for those wishing to get their new ventures off the ground.

I fully support the efforts of the Acadia Centre for Small Business and Entrepreneurship and ask that the members of this House join me in congratulating the organizers of this important conference.