Brenda Chamberlain

[White Paper On Financial Institutions, February 8th, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday some Liberal colleagues and I talked about the future of the white paper on financial institutions.

I wonder if the secretary of state could give us an idea of when this paper will be released. This was extremely important for many people in my community who have a great interest in this particular issue.

[Immigration Act, February 7th, 1995]

Madam Speaker, I am shocked. It is easy to stand up and refute everything. That is the basis they start from across the way. The reality is looking at what the bill does. The hon. member asked why we do not use the laws we have. We are, but we are also improving them. There is nothing wrong with improvement.

The world goes on and the world changes. As it does the government will look at each individual case, as the Bloc member mentioned. It will also continue to pass legislation that will address current concerns that my constituents have talked about.

I am sure the member from the Reform Party has had constituents asking him about some of these various things. Can the member say to me that his constituents would not be happy to see any refugee that has had two summary convictions not allowed in Canada? Would the member say that if a refugee claimant has committed a serious crime, he should not be denied access to Canada? These are things that I am sure this member's constituents want too.

[Immigration Act, February 7th, 1995]

You are right, it is a liberal system. You are absolutely right and we are proud of it.

The second point is the fact our ministers are prepared to examine individual cases, and will act on those individual cases. We have to have trust and faith in the process if we put the right legislation in place. Bill C-44 will speak to the abuses in the system.

[Immigration Act, February 7th, 1995]

Madam Speaker, the member is bringing up specific cases. It is most difficult to comment on particular cases when I do not know the facts about those cases, but first I would say we have the fairest system in the world.

[Immigration Act, February 7th, 1995]

Madam Speaker, I would certainly like to respond to the comments that Reformers have brought this issue to debate. That is not so at all. Every single Liberal member here has brought the same concerns forward from across this country. We, the Liberals, have brought this bill forward in conjunction with a committee report.

As I stated in my speech, I think every member should be proud to support this bill. It is a very real mistake if people do not support it. As the hon. member has said, I think he will find his constituents will not be happy if he does not support a bill that will address such things as refugee claimants who have committed serious crimes being denied access to Canada.

The member keeps calling out to me to answer the question. The question I think he put to me is how will we enforce it. Let me assure the member we will enforce it. We believe in it, and this government is not about to make legislation it cannot enforce.

[Immigration Act, February 7th, 1995]

Madam Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to participate in this debate on Bill C-44, an act to amend the Immigration Act and the Citizenship Act.

Many of my constituents have expressed concerns regarding immigration and I welcomed the minister this past September in Guelph where he spoke to us about this important issue.

Guelph-Wellington has welcomed immigrants in the past and it wants to welcome immigrants in the future. According to the last census our community is made up of new immigrants from Great Britain, Central and South America, India, various parts of Europe and parts of the Caribbean and Asia. Guelph-Wellington residents speak Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, German, Armenian and a host of other languages in their homes. Italians, Ukrainians, Germans, Austrians and other ethnic groups have associations where children learn about their heritage and people come together with others from their native lands to celebrate what they have in common.

Each one of these individuals no matter what their country of birth or their language has a desire to live here in Canada. Their Canadian citizenship is the tie that unifies and joins them all with us.

There is no doubt that Canada is the best country in the world. It is then obvious that people from every part of the globe would want to share our abundance and come to communities like Guelph-Wellington to begin to live new lives in freedom and with the hope of prosperity.

We have been generous as a people and a government, however my constituents have asked me to review the immigration system in order to ensure that our generosity is not abused. This bill is long overdue. It is necessary if we are going to restore integrity to a system that has been damaged by those who reject our generosity, ignore our laws, and fail not only every Canadian but everyone who wishes to immigrate to Canada.

Our immigration system has been built on the same elements that have made our country great. Determination, respect for each other and for our laws, hard work, and dedication to self and family have been the hallmarks of Canadians born here and elsewhere.

Guelph-Wellington's workforce is well respected because of its people. They have a tradition of excellence learned from their parents and grandparents who brought with them from foreign lands the desire to work hard and build products that are durable and of excellent quality. We have had the lowest unemployment in the country because of these qualities. Our business leaders have names like Samuelson, McCarthy, Briestensky, Sleeman, Youngman and Hasenfratz. By working together, old Canadians and new, natives and immigrants have built Guelph-Wellington into one of the finest communities in Canada.

This bill recognizes that abuses have occurred and places our generosity on notice. This bill attempts to address the concerns of the people of Guelph-Wellington and elsewhere all through the country who have witnessed a desire for fairness being questioned and challenged by individuals who have no respect for our laws. We are doing something about those who fail to recognize that our society does not tolerate criminals and criminal acts.

Bill C-44 is another example of a government that listens. Canadians have expressed legitimate concerns about current abuses. Every member in this House has heard them. This legislation is intended to help police forces do their jobs more effectively. I recently met with police in Guelph-Wellington who are frustrated by obstacles that hamper their important work.

We have listened and we are acting now. My constituents have demanded that serious criminals who are a danger to the public not be allowed to claim refugee status as a means of delaying their removal from Canada. This bill ensures that a refugee application is not a tactic for stalling.

My constituents have asked the government to eliminate the opportunity for one person to have several refugee claims processed at the same time. This bill answers those concerns.

My constituents have also asked that persons with summary convictions, whether obtained here or abroad, not be allowed to enter this country. This bill responds to that concern as well.

My constituents agree that refugees should be welcome to Canada under certain circumstances. They have watched the horror and famine in Somalia, the destruction caused by the war in Bosnia, and the plight of children in Romania. They want to share their abundance and protect genuine refugees, but they will no longer tolerate those who use the refugee system to hide behind criminal convictions and avoid deportation.

My community has examples of refugees who have been forced to flee from their countries of birth and have made successful lives in Canada. Sadly this is not always the case. Guelph-Wellington residents are tired of those who abuse our system. They are disappointed that their concern and care have been rejected by those who have no respect for their generosity.

I welcome the amendments that have been brought forward by the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration. These amendments clarify the definition of criminality and improve the enforcement package that was put forward by the minister.

These amendments also clarify timeframes and various technical points. All members of Parliament should be proud that the work of our committees and the work of the immigration committee is finally coming to fruition in this legislation. This is what our constituents have been asking us to do.

Bill C-44 gives the minister and senior immigration officials the tools to deal effectively with the concerns raised by my constituents and millions of other Canadians. This legislation, together with the immigration package recently announced by the minister, increases the credibility of our immigration system.

Canadians and those applying for immigration status at embassies and consulates at every corner of the world want a system that is fair, balanced and credible. Constituents who visit my office daily or write to me with immigration application concerns want fairness. They know there are the few who make it even more difficult for their children, their spouses, their parents and siblings to make application and be accepted into this country. They want fairness too. Those who abuse make it difficult for those who want to come to Canada to be reunited with their families and contribute to our society.

Bill C-44 prevents exploitation of our generosity. It speaks to fairness and attempts to end abuse. Who in this House would not want that? The bill recognizes the hard work and contribution of immigrants, while realizing that Canadians no longer accept criminal acts by bogus individuals or those who attempt to come to or remain in Canada to perpetuate their criminal lives. They will not stand for it.

Liberals have a long history of tolerance and fairness. We helped build Canada with people of every race, from every part of this world. Tough times have made us question our ability to welcome new immigrants.

It is my belief that we can encourage new Canadians to become active participants in our great society, while recognizing the legitimate concerns of our citizens, many of whom are first or second generation Canadians themselves. This legislation informs those who question our generosity that we will no longer allow abuse.

Our country can be shared, but with those who respect our laws and want to contribute to make this nation great. My

constituents have demanded no less. For them this legislation, Bill C-44, deserves every member's support.

[Canadian Children, December 15th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, Christmas is a time for hope and renewal. As we prepare to leave the House of Commons in order to return to our families and friends in our ridings we should be mindful of the children of Canada, symbols of hope for our future.

Children are the ones most impressed with what Christmas is all about and unfortunately they are sometimes the most disappointed and discouraged because of circumstances beyond their control. Poverty, hunger, illiteracy, domestic problems and other challenges often get in the way of what should be a season of joy and happiness.

As we leave here this week, let us rededicate ourselves to our children, always treating them with care and giving encouragement. Our children are our future and we can make a better life for them by remembering every day that they hold in their hearts the special meaning of Christmas.

To my colleagues and to you, Mr. Speaker, Merry Christmas.

[Department Of Public Works And Government Services Act, December 13th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, I am glad to have the opportunity to put forward an amendment to clause 16. With this amendment, the requirement for governor in council approval under clause 16(b) is being proposed. This will allay some of the concerns that the members in our particular task group on government operations had. I hope they are going to support this amendment.

Concerns have been expressed by some members of the private sector also. For example, the Association of Consulting Engineers of Canada, which represents 14 per cent of the consulting engineering community, has expressed reservations about 16(b) opening the door for public works and government services to compete with the private sector.

I want to be very clear on this point. The bill does not permit the department to compete with the private sector. It cannot even respond to requests for proposals. That is very clear in this.

The authorities contained in clause 16 are not new. They are contained in section 13 of the current Department of Supply and Services Act. This section enables the department to; first, work with the other levels of government to reduce overlap and duplication; second, to partner with the private sector when requested. The introduction of a requirement for an order in council, as I propose, guarantees a higher level of authority and accountability. It will ensure that the department only partners or engages in reduction of duplication with provinces with the direction from the cabinet. We cannot get a greater safeguard than that. This is pure accountability.

Currently PWGSC has over 120 active bilateral initiatives for areas of discussion with provinces and territories in services ranging from translation, bulk purchasing and co-operative procurement practices, real property management and shared accommodation. These are aimed at reducing overlap and duplication. Hence, savings for taxpayers. This is something that we promised to do. It is something we all promised to do. Every single party in the Chamber promised savings for taxpayers.

If other levels of government approach PWGSC with a view to co-operating in the provision of cost-effective services related to any of its 21 service lines, the department should be and must be in a position to consider such requests in the interest of the taxpayer. This is consistent with the government's election commitment to work closely with provincial governments to reduce duplication and improve service delivery in all areas where governments are involved.

Mr. Speaker, if you think you have heard that quote before, well you have. You will find it in the red book at page 23. We cannot forget that there is only one taxpayer in Canada. We have a responsibility to work co-operatively to ensure the most efficient and cost effective delivery of services possible for Canadian tax dollars.

This is what clause 16 guarantees to all of us as Canadian taxpayers. Clause 16 of Bill C-52 assists in fostering the spirit of co-operation and partnership between the government and the private sector. This is especially important for the small and medium sized businesses that are currently requesting partnerships with the government.

As we stated in the red book, the crucial role of the government is to work with the private sector to identify strategic opportunities for the future and then to redirect its existing

resources toward the fulfilment of these opportunities; again, a quote from the red book, page 44.

We are moving on our campaign goals and our promises. The government is committed to working with the private sector to identify strategic opportunities and to redirect our existing resources toward the fulfilment of all these opportunities when requested.

The opportunities clause 16 offers for partnerships with the PWGSC, businesses, particularly small and medium sized businesses, can lever the federal government, use its experience and expertise to create and expand new markets, particularly foreign markets and to create jobs. Private sector jobs, is this not what we are all about? Is this not why we are here today?

This Liberal government recognizes that when Canadian businesses prosper abroad Canadians prosper at home. The government has heard the concerns of the private sector, including the Association of Consulting Engineers of Canada. It rightly feels that it should not have to compete with government. At the same time it supports public-private partnership as long as it is industry led.

I quote the association's president who appeared before us in committee. He said he is "not against private-public partnerships where the private sector is in the lead role and not the other way around".

PWGSC has received many letters indicating support for industry led government partnership initiatives including letters from members of the Association of Consulting Engineers of Canada. I have many quotes from letters that we have received in support of Bill C-52.

The government recognizes that no legitimate purpose would be served by allowing the department to compete with the private sector. I would not support that. In fact, when there has been actual or perceived competition with the private sector, the Minister of Public Works and Government Services has moved swiftly to rectify the situation.

For example, he took action to address the concerns of the printing industry with the Canada Communication Group. With clause 16, Bill C-52 moves the government down a path of reducing the tax burden for Canadians while assisting business in partnership, on request. The proposed amendment put forward ensures greater accountability in this process. For these reasons I encourage all members of the House to support this amendment.

To do less is not doing what our taxpayers want us to do. They want us to reduce duplication. They want us to see where we can help firms in public practices when requested. When we can with tax dollars help them, they want us to do that. To do any less is irresponsible. I call on all members to support this amendment.

[Department Of Public Works And Government Services Act, December 13th, 1994]

moved:

Motion No. 2

That Bill C-52, in Clause 16, be amended by replacing lines 39 to 45, on page 5, and line 1, on page 6, with the following:

"16. The Minister may do any thing for or on behalf of a ) any department, board or agency of the Government of Canada or Crown corporation, or b ) with the approval of the Governor in Council, any government, body or person in Canada or elsewhere that requests the Minister to do that thing, where the Minister is authorized to do that thing under this''.

[Seniors, December 5th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, Guelph-Wellington is enriched daily by the contributions of our seniors. We can all learn from their experience and are fortunate to have many seniors as important members of our communities.

Unfortunately as time passes, it becomes more and more difficult for some seniors to care for themselves and each other

in their homes. I congratulate organizations like Meals-on-Wheels, the Victoria Order of Nurses and Life Line that are active throughout Guelph-Wellington and that help our seniors stay in their homes for as long as possible.

Growing old should not mean having to leave the family home. Governments at all levels should encourage our seniors to remain in the family home where memories and stability provide comfort and support. We owe them no less than this.