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CONTENTS
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ORAL QUESTION PERIOD |
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GOVERNMENT GRANTS |
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Mrs. Diane Ablonczy |
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Hon. Jane Stewart |
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Mrs. Diane Ablonczy |
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Hon. Jane Stewart |
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Mrs. Diane Ablonczy |
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Hon. Jane Stewart |
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Mr. Chuck Strahl |
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Hon. Jane Stewart |
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Mr. Chuck Strahl |
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Hon. Jane Stewart |
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AUDIOVISUAL PRODUCTIONS |
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Mrs. Suzanne Tremblay |
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Mr. Mauril Bélanger |
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Mrs. Suzanne Tremblay |
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Mr. Mauril Bélanger |
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AGEISM |
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Mr. Maurice Dumas |
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Hon. Jane Stewart |
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Mr. Maurice Dumas |
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Hon. Jane Stewart |
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Y2K |
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Mr. Bill Blaikie |
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Hon. Arthur C. Eggleton |
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Mr. Bill Blaikie |
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Hon. Arthur C. Eggleton |
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AIRLINE INDUSTRY |
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Mr. Peter MacKay |
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Mr. John Cannis |
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Mr. Peter MacKay |
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Hon. Herb Gray |
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TAXATION |
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Mr. Ken Epp |
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Hon. Herb Gray |
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Mr. Grant McNally |
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Mr. Roy Cullen |
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THE DISABLED |
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Mrs. Madeleine Dalphond-Guiral |
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Hon. Jane Stewart |
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Mrs. Madeleine Dalphond-Guiral |
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Hon. Jane Stewart |
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AGRICULTURE |
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Mr. Inky Mark |
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Hon. Lyle Vanclief |
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ROYAL CANADIAN MOUNTED POLICE |
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Mr. Chuck Cadman |
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Hon. Lawrence MacAulay |
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BUDGET SURPLUS |
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Mr. Yvan Loubier |
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Hon. Herb Gray |
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Mr. Yvan Loubier |
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Mr. Roy Cullen |
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PORT OF VANCOUVER |
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Ms. Val Meredith |
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Mrs. Judi Longfield |
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Mr. Deepak Obhrai |
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Mrs. Judi Longfield |
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FREE TRADE AREA OF THE AMERICAS |
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Mr. Richard Marceau |
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Mr. Bob Speller |
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IMMIGRATION |
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Ms. Sophia Leung |
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Ms. Elinor Caplan |
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ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS |
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Mr. Jim Gouk |
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Hon. Don Boudria |
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Mr. Bill Gilmour |
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Hon. Stéphane Dion |
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HIGHWAYS |
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Ms. Bev Desjarlais |
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Mr. Stan Dromisky |
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Ms. Bev Desjarlais |
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Mr. Stan Dromisky |
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HOUSING |
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Mr. Gilles Bernier |
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Ms. Carolyn Parrish |
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Mr. Gilles Bernier |
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Ms. Carolyn Parrish |
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THE ENVIRONMENT |
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Mr. Mac Harb |
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Mr. Brent St. Denis |
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IMMIGRATION |
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Mr. Leon E. Benoit |
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Ms. Elinor Caplan |
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EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE |
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Mr. Yvon Godin |
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Hon. Jane Stewart |
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FISHERIES |
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Mr. Greg Thompson |
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Hon. Stéphane Dion |
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1906 CENSUS |
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Mr. René Laurin |
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Mr. John Cannis |
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ELECTIONS IN HAITI |
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Mr. John Godfrey |
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Mr. Eugène Bellemare |
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VETERANS AFFAIRS |
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Mr. Peter Goldring |
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Hon. George S. Baker |
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POLLUTION OF DRINKING WATER |
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Mr. Ghislain Fournier |
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Mr. Stan Dromisky |
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IMMIGRATION |
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Ms. Louise Hardy |
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Ms. Elinor Caplan |
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FISHERIES |
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Mr. Greg Thompson |
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Hon. Harbance Singh Dhaliwal |
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THE SENATE |
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Mr. Rob Anders |
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Hon. Herb Gray |
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PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES |
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Mrs. Madeleine Dalphond-Guiral |
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Hon. Jane Stewart |
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PRESENCE IN GALLERY |
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The Speaker |
(Official Version)
EDITED HANSARD • NUMBER 19
[English]
Mrs. Diane Ablonczy (Calgary—Nose Hill, Ref.): Mr. Speaker, a near bankrupt company in the Prime Minister's riding was up for sale. He urged the human resources department to sweeten the deal with a $1 million subsidy.
Quelle surprise, Placeteco's buyer turned out to be a friend of the Prime Minister, the friend who bought land from his golf course, gave his campaign $10,000 and got a CIDA contract for $6 million. When the Prime Minister was pressuring HRD to sweeten the Placeteco deal, did he know that the interested buyer was his friend, Claude Gauthier?
Hon. Jane Stewart (Minister of Human Resources Development, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, let me again confirm to the House that the appropriate approval process was undertaken on this project.
The department of human resources analysed the opportunity, the information was provided to the stakeholders, the stakeholders agreed that the investment should be made, and no moneys flowed until that appropriate approval process was completed.
Mrs. Diane Ablonczy (Calgary—Nose Hill, Ref.): Mr. Speaker, I notice that the question was not answered. The government's idea of appropriate certainly would not be that of taxpayers.
Human resources documents confirm the Prime Minister's direct intervention to sweeten the Placeteco deal. There is a clear history of business and political links between the Prime Minister and Placeteco's buyer. An illegal trust fund was used to deliver the cash to the Prime Minister's friend.
Now we find out that still another friend and patronage appointee of the Prime Minister, Gilles Champagne, administered the trust fund for a handsome fee. Do the Prime Minister and the government see nothing wrong with such blatant pork-barrelling?
Hon. Jane Stewart (Minister of Human Resources Development, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, let me say again that the appropriate approval process was undertaken. Indeed an administrative error was made by the department in administering the funds.
In May of this year that was recognized. In June a directive was issued to deal with it and the trust funds have been closed.
Mrs. Diane Ablonczy (Calgary—Nose Hill, Ref.): Mr. Speaker, it is amazing how the stars line up for the Prime Minister's friends: illegal trust funds administered by old buddies and a $1 million grant to boost the value of a company which ends up being bought by another buddy, a business associate.
This is public money we are talking about. Does the minister care enough to get to the bottom of this and clean up this mess by an independent inquiry?
Hon. Jane Stewart (Minister of Human Resources Development, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, indeed we have responded to the issue. The appropriate approval process was undertaken. The administrative error has been identified and has been dealt with. The trust funds have been closed.
What we are very proud of is today's labour numbers which indicate that Canada's unemployment rate is at 7.2%, the lowest in a decade. That is because of the approaches of the country to the issue of employment in Canada.
Mr. Chuck Strahl (Fraser Valley, Ref.): Mr. Speaker, there is a very disturbing pattern here. Illegal trust funds administered by the friend of the Prime Minister, millions of dollars of public money funnelled to people with close business ties to the Prime Minister, government contracts given to a man who bought the Prime Minister's land, a trust fund administered by the friend of the Prime Minister, and an RCMP investigation into an unregistered lobbyist who is a friend of the Prime Minister. All roads lead to the Prime Minister's riding.
Why will not the human resources minister do the right thing and launch an independent inquiry to look into the mess that is happening in the Prime Minister's office?
Hon. Jane Stewart (Minister of Human Resources Development, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, we have done the right thing. The appropriate approval process was undertaken. We identified that there was an administrative error and that has been dealt with.
Most appropriate, we are happy with the reduced unemployment rate in Canada of 7.2%, the lowest in a decade.
Mr. Chuck Strahl (Fraser Valley, Ref.): Is that not nice news, Mr. Speaker? An illegality becomes an administrative error.
The Prime Minister says he is just the little guy from Shawinigan and he is just doing his job as a regular MP, but these sorts of things do not happen in my riding. They do not happen in the Deputy Prime Minister's riding. They happen in one place and one place only, the Prime Minister's riding.
It is not about jobs because 53 jobs disappeared after this deal went through. It is not about helping out businesses; it is about helping out friends.
The minister should be more worried now about her implication in this deal as well. Why has she been called in to justify what is going on in the Prime Minister's office? If she will not do it for taxpayers, why does she not call an inquiry—
The Speaker: The hon. Minister for Human Resources Development.
Hon. Jane Stewart (Minister of Human Resources Development, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, I am here to confirm, not justify, that the appropriate approval process was undertaken. I am here to confirm that, yes, there was administrative error and it has been dealt with.
I am here to confirm that the trust funds have been closed. I am also here to confirm that there are people working in this riding who would not be working without the support of this government.
* * *
[Translation]
Mrs. Suzanne Tremblay (Rimouski—Mitis, BQ): Mr. Speaker, a number of people working in the audiovisual sector have revealed that, in addition to the use of other people's names, the practice of overbilling is very widespread. This information is coming out in dribs and drabs because those who know about these deplorable practices are afraid to speak out.
What does the government intend to do to give witnesses the protection they are asking for?
Mr. Mauril Bélanger (Parliamentary Secretary to Minister of Canadian Heritage, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, the members opposite know very well that the Minister of Canadian Heritage has asked the RCMP to look into this matter.
For the umpteenth time, if they have any information, we urge them to pass it on directly to the RCMP.
Mrs. Suzanne Tremblay (Rimouski—Mitis, BQ): Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, that tape is getting a bit worn.
Honest craftspeople have said that only an independent investigation will shed light on the dubious practices they have witnessed in their industry. They are the ones with the facts. They are the ones who want to testify.
Can the Deputy Prime Minister tell us whether the government intends to respond to these people's concerns and launch an independent investigation into the audiovisual industry throughout the country, yes or no? That's it, that's all.
Mr. Mauril Bélanger (Parliamentary Secretary to Minister of Canadian Heritage, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, the investigation being done by the RCMP is an independent investigation. I hope that the member opposite will agree.
The members opposite, or anyone with information can feel perfectly comfortable passing it along to the RCMP, which will see that this investigation is properly handled.
* * *
Mr. Maurice Dumas (Argenteuil—Papineau—Mirabel, BQ): Mr. Speaker, yesterday, a federal court judge ruled that the Old Age Security Act discriminates against women.
However, the judge refused to eliminate this discrimination, saying that this was up to the lawmakers.
My question is for the Minister of Human Resources Development. What is she waiting for to assume her responsibilities and eliminate this discrimination?
[English]
Hon. Jane Stewart (Minister of Human Resources Development, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, yesterday the judge in this case concluded that the exclusion of separated spouses from the spousal allowance benefit is a reasonable limit on the constitutional equality rights of the charter. He has left further action to parliament.
I am looking forward to reviewing in detail the judgment and we will move from there.
[Translation]
Mr. Maurice Dumas (Argenteuil—Papineau—Mirabel, BQ): Mr. Speaker, the government routinely refuses to assume its responsibilities, preferring to hide behind the courts. This time, the judge himself has thrown the ball back into parliament's court.
How will the minister defend these women, who are victims of discrimination?
[English]
Hon. Jane Stewart (Minister of Human Resources Development, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, again, as I said, I will review the judgment that has come out in this case and we will take steps from there.
* * *
Mr. Bill Blaikie (Winnipeg—Transcona, NDP): Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of National Defence.
I am sure he will know that one of the more overriding concerns of people about the Y2K problem is not the fact that their water or hydro might be shut off, but whether or not we risk the possibility of an accidental nuclear war thanks to a malfunctioning of nuclear systems or computer systems that regulate nuclear weapons systems.
Could the minister tell the House whether he is aware of any attempt through NATO, or any other organization, to achieve a de-alerting of nuclear weapons for the new year that would prevent this problem?
Hon. Arthur C. Eggleton (Minister of National Defence, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, Canada does not have that kind of weaponry so we are not directly involved, but, yes, there have been numerous discussions at NATO over the last year to two years with respect to this matter. I know that extra precautions have been taken in this regard for all systems relevant to the military.
The United States has particularly paid attention to the nuclear systems possessed by the Russians. I know that extra precautions have been taken in that regard. I think we can be fully confident of these efforts. They are not de-alerting, per se, but they are ensuring that—
The Speaker: The hon. member for Winnipeg—Transcona.
Mr. Bill Blaikie (Winnipeg—Transcona, NDP): Mr. Speaker, I wonder whether the Canadian government would be prepared to take the position that de-alerting would be a good thing to do. In fact some groups have called for the removal of nuclear warheads as a further precautionary measure.
Could the minister tell us what precautionary measures have been taken and why de-alerting is unacceptable to the Canadian government?
Hon. Arthur C. Eggleton (Minister of National Defence, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, I think the hon. member is raising another issue of nuclear disarmament. Of course we all want to work ultimately toward nuclear disarmament. I think that is what a lot of people are continuing to be concerned about.
In terms of Y2K I believe from the information that is available to me that certainly the Canadian government has wanted to ensure, through its membership in NATO where these discussions have come up, that all these systems are safe. I believe they are.
* * *
Mr. Peter MacKay (Pictou—Antigonish—Guysborough, PC): Mr. Speaker, it is now clear that since February Kevin Benson has been a registered paid lobbyist for Onex and that he met with the Prime Minister's chief of staff, Jean Pelletier. He also met with the Minister of Transport to discuss the airline takeover.
Could the Minister of Industry now confirm that Kevin Benson, the Onex lobbyist, also met with his own deputy minister, Kevin Lynch, to discuss the suspension of the Competition Act?
Mr. John Cannis (Parliamentary Secretary to Minister of Industry, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, I have been informed that the deputy minister of industry has never met with representatives of Onex or Canadian, neither before nor after the government decision of August 13, to suspend section 47 of the Canada Transportation Act.
Mr. Peter MacKay (Pictou—Antigonish—Guysborough, PC): Mr. Speaker, it is curious because Kevin Benson appears to be the link between Onex and the federal government, and the Prime Minister conveniently cannot remember whether his own chief of staff met with Mr. Benson. Surely the Minister of Industry can tell us whether he did or members of his staff did.
The trail of direct contact between Onex and the Prime Minister goes through Kevin Benson. Why is the government showing such blatant favouritism toward one of the proponents of the Onex merger?
Hon. Herb Gray (Deputy Prime Minister, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, the hon. member's assertion is totally wrong. The government is not showing favouritism to Onex or any of the proponents. We are only ready to act and are acting in the interest of all Canadians.
* * *
Mr. Ken Epp (Elk Island, Ref.): Mr. Speaker, by the year 2000 Canada will have the second highest corporate income tax rate in the world. Only Japan's will be higher. Besides high corporate taxes, Canadian businesses face increasing contributions to CPP and the great rip off of excessive EI contributions.
Why does the finance minister not take for once the advice from his own advisers, do what is wise and prudent, and reduce corporate tax rates to keep industry, companies, professionals and workers in Canada?
Hon. Herb Gray (Deputy Prime Minister, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, the government has been reducing taxes and is focused on the needs of individual Canadians.
If the Reform Party wants to serve the interests of big business it can do that, but we will act for all Canadians, including small and medium size business and business generally.
Our focus is on individual Canadians. I am sorry the Reform Party has forgotten that priority and does not care about it any more.
Mr. Grant McNally (Dewdney—Alouette, Ref.): Mr. Speaker, the finance minister's own advisers are telling him to cut taxes for businesses. Canadians are calling out for tax relief as well. Yet the government continues to refuse to listen.
What is it that the government does not understand about reducing taxes for businesses to help the economy? Why does it not just go ahead and do that?
Mr. Roy Cullen (Parliamentary Secretary to Minister of Finance, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, just last week the finance minister prepared the economic and fiscal update projecting surpluses over the next five years. In terms of corporate taxes he has asked the public to comment on what we should be doing with business taxes.
In terms of taxes on small businesses, Canada has the lowest taxes on small businesses in the G-7.
* * *
[Translation]
Mrs. Madeleine Dalphond-Guiral (Laval Centre, BQ): Mr. Speaker, a few months ago, half of the Liberal cabinet paraded before the subcommittee on the status of the disabled to convince us of its good will.
Yet in Quebec close to 300 disabled people will be losing their jobs this week because of a $3 million shortfall in the opportunities fund for the disabled.
In light of the huge government surplus, will the minister commit to immediately taking the necessary steps to enable the disabled to continue their integration into the work force?
[English]
Hon. Jane Stewart (Minister of Human Resources Development, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, let me take this opportunity to recognize and thank the members of the subcommittee of the standing committee for the work that they have done in bringing all government departments together to appreciate the role that they can play in helping to reflect the needs of Canadians with disabilities in our policies and in our services.
I am looking forward to responding to the recommendations of the particular subcommittee in the near future. I hope the hon. member will continue to work with us as we focus on Canadians with disabilities ensuring that we have policies of inclusion and not of exclusion.
[Translation]
Mrs. Madeleine Dalphond-Guiral (Laval Centre, BQ): Mr. Speaker, that is exactly what we are in the process of doing. There is an urgent problem in Quebec at the present time.
CAMO has applied for funding for the opportunity fund on several occasions, but the answer that was due in mid-October has still not been given.
Is the minister aware that, if the government does not come up with the required funding in the very near future, it will be responsible for the demise of a number of organizations devoted to integrating the disabled into the work force because of its carelessness?
[English]
Hon. Jane Stewart (Minister of Human Resources Development, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, I will be glad to look at any particular issues the hon. member wants to bring forward with particular projects. I do want to recognize the support that the Bloc is giving for the opportunities fund. It is a fund that has been established to support Canadians with disabilities. It is nice to hear that the Bloc feels that this is a wise investment for all Canadians including those in Quebec.
* * *
Mr. Inky Mark (Dauphin—Swan River, Ref.): Mr. Speaker, farm families in my riding of Dauphin—Swan River continue to call me to say they are going broke. Banks are foreclosing on farms daily in western Canada.
The new money unveiled is nothing more than an attempt to save face. Fifty-nine per cent of Manitoba farmers who applied for AIDA were rejected. Close to 3,000 claims remain unprocessed.
How can the minister of agriculture assure farmers that the new money will get off the cabinet table and on to the farm kitchen table?
Hon. Lyle Vanclief (Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, I can assure the member that all of the money will go through the process and the farmers will get it. I also remind the hon. member that the 1998 and 1999 AIDA program with the contributions of the federal and provincial governments will bring $580 million to Saskatchewan farmers in addition to the safety net dollars that are there and some $220 million to Manitoba farmers.
* * *
Mr. Chuck Cadman (Surrey North, Ref.): Mr. Speaker, the government is responsible for the RCMP funding crisis. The government ordered the long overdue RCMP pay raise to be taken from an existing limited budget and the RCMP had to cut service in a number of essential areas to compensate. We have now learned that a lack of funding is preventing the annual testing of members in the proper use of their firearms.
The largest RCMP detachment in Canada is in my riding and my constituents are fed up with this.
My question is for the solicitor general. How much longer is the government prepared to jeopardize the safety of police officers and Canadians?
Hon. Lawrence MacAulay (Solicitor General of Canada, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, I do not believe anyone in the House would question the competence of the RCMP. For my hon. colleague's information, 94% of the officers who were involved in the test passed.
* * *
[Translation]
Mr. Yvan Loubier (Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot, BQ): Mr. Speaker, between now and 2003, the federal government will be slashing over $30 billion in transfers to the provinces to fund higher education, health care and income security.
Now that he has surpluses coming out his ears, will the Minister of Finance make a commitment to reinstate the social transfers so the provinces may provide their residents with proper services?
Hon. Herb Gray (Deputy Prime Minister, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, it is interesting to listen to the Bloc Quebecois critic today, in the light of what Mr. Bouchard said.
This summer, at the first ministers meeting, Mr. Bouchard joined with the other premiers in supporting our 50:50 formula. If Mr. Bouchard supports this formula under which we agreed to cut taxes, reduce the debt and invest in the interests of all Canadians, why does the Bloc Quebecois persist in asking such questions?
Mr. Yvan Loubier (Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot, BQ): Mr. Speaker, why is the Bloc Quebecois persisting? Because this government does nothing, and there are problems in the schools, in the hospitals and in the most disadvantaged families.
Will this government understand that this would take less than a fifth of the huge surpluses expected over the next five years to turn the situation around in the hospitals, in education and with those who are most disadvantaged in society? Do they understand that, or are they going to continue to play deaf?
Mr. Roy Cullen (Parliamentary Secretary to Minister of Finance, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, it is incredible that the Bloc Quebecois is talking about news like that, when new jobs were created in Quebec in the month of October.
[English]
There were 33,000 new jobs in October in the province of Quebec.
If we want to talk about transfers, let us talk about the $1.8 billion additionally for Quebec via the CHST, $2.7 billion in the additional CHST transfers, $750 million a year in tax point increases and $2.8 billion in additional equalization payments.
* * *
Ms. Val Meredith (South Surrey—White Rock—Langley, Ref.): Mr. Speaker, the lumber industry in British Columbia has been told by its Asian customers that if shipments are delayed out of the port of Vancouver for more than one week, they will find suppliers elsewhere.
By the time the House sits again, the lumber industry's Asian markets may have disappeared. All the labour minister is prepared to do is to sit on the sidelines and watch to see what happens.
Why is the minister gambling with the future of Canada's lumber industry?
Mrs. Judi Longfield (Parliamentary Secretary to Minister of Labour, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, the government takes this issue very seriously.
I would tell the member opposite that the employer has invited the employees back to the table. This is a very sensitive situation. To deal in speculation at this point is not productive.
Mr. Deepak Obhrai (Calgary East, Ref.): Mr. Speaker, the export of petrochemicals, sulphur, potash, coal and the entire forest industry in B.C. depend on access to our ports.
Clearly the port closure will have a devastating impact on western and national economies. Foreign buyers will be forced to look elsewhere for suppliers. The Canadian consumer will pay the price for additional shipping charges from American ports.
Will the Minister of Labour act to develop a contingency plan, or will Canadian exporters and consumers be left to pay the price?
Mrs. Judi Longfield (Parliamentary Secretary to Minister of Labour, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, there is still time for a negotiated settlement.
I would remind the members opposite that 95% of labour disputes in the last year were settled without work stoppage and without back to work legislation.
This is a sensitive issue. Give the parties time to work it out.
* * *
[Translation]
Mr. Richard Marceau (Charlesbourg, BQ): Mr. Speaker, while Canada, through the Minister for International Trade, wants to champion the participation of civil society in the negotiations on the free trade area of the Americas, we noticed that, at the end of the Toronto meeting, NGOs had only had 90 minutes to express their views, while the business sector had had two days.
Why did Canada, which presided the meeting, not deem appropriate to give more time to NGOs and to civil society?
[English]
Mr. Bob Speller (Parliamentary Secretary to Minister for International Trade, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, the hon. member should know that Canada was the first country in these meetings to push hard for civil society to be involved. In fact, the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade, which held hearings across the country over the past couple of years, met with civil society and made strong representations to the Government of Canada, which listened.
* * *
Ms. Sophia Leung (Vancouver Kingsway, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration.
Last year less than 14,000 business immigrants came to Canada, yet the minister's projection for this year is even higher. How does the minister intend to attract more skilled business immigrants to Canada?
Ms. Elinor Caplan (Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, I am pleased and proud to answer the question.
In the response to the Speech from the Throne, the Prime Minister said that Canada should be the destination, the place to be, in the 21st century.
We are committed to achieving the levels announced, to encouraging the best and brightest from around the world, to streamlining our processing, to using resources and information management. We want to look at innovative programming like temporary workers and foreign student visa programs to encourage them to come to Canada and ultimately decide to emigrate here and help us build a better and more prosperous life for all Canadians.
* * *
Mr. Jim Gouk (Kootenay—Boundary—Okanagan, Ref.): Mr. Speaker, the minister of Indian affairs says that new treaties are a better option than court fights when he talks about the Nisga'a.
The neighbouring Gitanyow and Gitksan bands are now claiming that 80% of the 1,930 square kilometres of B.C. given to the Nisga'a under the treaty is their traditional land. They have started legal action against both the government and the Nisga'a.
How can the government claim success with the Nisga'a treaty when all that it has started is a new round of legal battles?
Hon. Don Boudria (Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, the government stands by the Nisga'a agreement. We have tabled it in the House. The hon. member knows there will be hearings in British Columbia in only a few days and people can make representations on the agreement. The British Columbia legislature has voted on it. We are committed to passing the legislation.
Mr. Bill Gilmour (Nanaimo—Alberni, Ref.): Mr. Speaker, the supreme court ruling regarding Donald Marshall and native fishing rights has led to chaos on the east coast and uncertainty across the nation.
That is because the judicial ruling is unclear regarding the geographical limitations of the treaty, and rich resources will be affected. The Liberals refuse to ask the courts for clarity. The government chooses not to ask for clarification. It prefers to introduce uncertainty. One has to ask why?
Is it the government's agenda to give natives unlimited access to all natural resources in the country? Is that the agenda?
[Translation]
Hon. Stéphane Dion (President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, the treaty was properly negotiated and all its clauses were clarified. There was extensive consultation. It is pointless to raise fears that are totally unfounded.
* * *
[English]
Ms. Bev Desjarlais (Churchill, NDP): Mr. Speaker, the Liberal red book promised to invest in highways but western Canada has hardly seen a cent of federal money. Some 38% of the national highway system is substandard, mostly in the west. Bringing it up to standard would save 247 lives and prevent 16,000 injuries each year.
Every dollar spent fixing the national highway system would save $2 in health care costs. Surely the Liberal government has a moral obligation to invest in highways so Canadians can drive home safely. Will it commit now to a serious investment in the national highway system?
Mr. Stan Dromisky (Parliamentary Secretary to Minister of Transport, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, I have two points. First, I point out to the hon. member that the deputy minister of the transportation department has been meeting with counterparts from all the provinces and is working on a national highway policy. The second and most important point is that in the throne speech we indicated our commitment to the enhancement of the infrastructure in the rural and urban areas of the country.
Ms. Bev Desjarlais (Churchill, NDP): Mr. Speaker, Canadians want more than words from the Liberal government. Even when the government says it will do something, it never follows through. It has not come through with enough emergency aid for farmers. It has not come through for homeless Canadians or children in poverty. It has not come through on cutting the GST.
The Liberal government has neglected the national highway system for so long it will now cost $13 billion to bring it up to standard. Will the Minister of Transport commit today to invest at least that much? Surely the lives of Canadians are worth it.
Mr. Stan Dromisky (Parliamentary Secretary to Minister of Transport, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, I want to point out to the hon. member that negotiations are progressing. Progress is being made. The future looks very, very bright as far as the infrastructure of our communities is concerned.
* * *
Mr. Gilles Bernier (Tobique—Mactaquac, PC): Mr. Speaker, the general manager for CMHC in British Columbia says the corporation knew in 1992 that there was a problem with leaky condos but the corporation still continued to insure leaky condo mortgages which thereby exposed taxpayers to risk. It did not inform consumers who were seeking CMHC backed mortgages.
CMHC has admitted guilt. Is the minister ready to compensate leaky condo owners for this government wrong?
Ms. Carolyn Parrish (Parliamentary Secretary to Minister of Public Works and Government Services, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, the provincial building code sets the standards for proper construction practices that are enforced within provincial jurisdiction. I would like to see which provinces would like all the building codes set by the federal government in Canada. I do not think any province would go along with that.
CMHC provides mortgage insurance to its lenders, not construction advice, nor inspection services.
We have offered $75 million in loans which Mr. Barrett has not taken up. We have offered a series of RRSP loans, which information has been disseminated very carefully. We have also offered RRAP funds for eligible homeowners in those areas. We have done all that we can do.
Mr. Gilles Bernier (Tobique—Mactaquac, PC): Mr. Speaker, the $75 million is at the same rate as a bank loan and they cannot afford that. CMHC knew years ago that consumers in British Columbia were purchasing condominiums that would be worthless in five years but it continued to take money from young families buying their first homes and from seniors who are now faced with retirement, in poverty and have tens of thousands of dollars in repair bills.
When will the government compensate those victims?
Ms. Carolyn Parrish (Parliamentary Secretary to Minister of Public Works and Government Services, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, I would like to put the blame where the blame exists. The B.C. government was warned by its own bureaucrats in 1987.
Jim Curry, then the director of the B.C. Building Standards Branch, wrote to different provincial ministers saying “My concerns stem from what appears to be a blind pursuit of energy conservation to the complete exclusion of all else, jeopardizing both the health of occupants and the structural integrity”. Mr. Curry wrote this in a 1991 letter to then housing minister, Robin Blencoe.
Why is it that when the provinces get into trouble they go to the government with the deepest pockets and the best management of their budget?
* * *
Mr. Mac Harb (Ottawa Centre, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Natural Resources has said that with the advance in scientific research and with the introduction of new technologies that Canadians can take advantage of those advances as we face the issue of climate change.
What is the minister doing in practical terms to help Canadians take advantage of these technologies while we face the climate change situation?
Mr. Brent St. Denis (Parliamentary Secretary to Minister of Natural Resources, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, science-based innovation is a big part of the climate change solution. Canadians are world leaders in making things possible. This is why the federal government has created the technology early action measures or TEAM component of the climate change action fund.
Fifty-six million dollars of seed funding has already leveraged $433 million of investment, an incredible ratio of 9:1. Companies like Iogen Corporation, Stuart Energy Systems Inc., Powerbase Inc, Hydro-Québec, Arenda Aerospace, B.C. Gas International and many others have taken up the challenge.
There are many good news stories—
The Speaker: The hon. member for Lakeland.
* * *
Mr. Leon E. Benoit (Lakeland, Ref.): Mr. Speaker, my question is for the minister of immigration.
“Canada's revolving door refugee system is a charade, puts an undue strain on Canadian taxpayers and constitutes a scandalous abuse of our border”. These are not my words but the words of federal court judge Donna McGillis. This judge is only telling the minister exactly what she has been told before by many Canadians. Why will she not listen?
Ms. Elinor Caplan (Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, while not perfect, the refugee determination system in Canada is not charade. I think most Canadians are proud of the fact that we have due process in Canada and that we protect individual rights.
The issue of multiple refugee claims is one that I hope will be discussed and addressed during the legislative review process that parliament is undertaking right now. If the member opposite has any positive ideas I would be happy to hear them.
* * *
[Translation]
Mr. Yvon Godin (Acadie—Bathurst, NDP): Mr. Speaker, last week, the Minister of Finance announced that employment insurance premiums would be lowered by 15 cents.
I did not see a single Canadian protesting because of employment insurance premiums, but I did see some protesting against Liberal cuts.
My question is for the Minister of Human Resources Development. Will changes be made to the employment insurance program, yes or no?
[English]
Hon. Jane Stewart (Minister of Human Resources Development, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, employment insurance benefits are a very important part of our infrastructure. They are there for Canadians who had been working and who find themselves temporarily without work. We on this side of the House are very anxious to work with Canadians to ensure that they have jobs, that they have employment.
Today we were very pleased to see that Canada's unemployment numbers are continuing to come down. They are the lowest they have been in a decade at 7.2%. I would also note that for adult women unemployment is the lowest it has been since 1975 at 5.8%.
* * *
Mr. Greg Thompson (New Brunswick Southwest, PC): Mr. Speaker, at a meeting this week with the legal advisor of the Union of Nova Scotia Indians, MPs were told the aboriginal people of Atlantic Canada will lay claim to a 50% share of the Atlantic fishery.
Is the minister aware of this position? If he is, does he support the position?
[Translation]
Hon. Stéphane Dion (President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, I can assure you that the Government of Canada is taking a very close look at these issues, and there is no reason for such fearmongering.
* * *
Mr. René Laurin (Joliette, BQ): Mr. Speaker, an archaic law is still preventing the people of Quebec and of Canada from having access to the results of the 1906 census and is depriving the university community of historic data.
Will the minister promise to modify this act, already amended in 1918, and lift the restriction on the 1906 census so that historians can gain a better understanding of this period in our history?
[English]
Mr. John Cannis (Parliamentary Secretary to Minister of Industry, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, it is a well known fact that Statistics Canada, which is an arm's length agency, has a well earned reputation.
In response to the question, we are considering setting up an expert panel of eminent Canadians who would review the implications of releasing historical records right now.
* * *
[Translation]
Mr. John Godfrey (Don Valley West, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, Haiti will be holding democratic elections in March of next year. What will the federal government be doing to support this process?
Mr. Eugène Bellemare (Parliamentary Secretary to Minister for International Cooperation, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, Canada, along with its friends in Haiti, is actively supporting the election process now under way. It is anxious to see a parliament restored to Haiti.
This week, the minister was in Haiti, where she announced $1.5 million in support for the legislative, municipal and territorial elections to be held in that country on March 19 and April 30, 2000.
The minister has also conveyed Canada's encouragement to President René Préval and Prime Minister Jacques-Édouard Alexis during her visit.
* * *
[English]
Mr. Peter Goldring (Edmonton East, Ref.): Mr. Speaker, a $1 billion betrayal of war veterans' trust. In 1990, the government legislated to deny interest on veterans' trust accounts which should have been paid from World War II to 1990. This is gross mismanagement and possibly negligence.
What is the minister going to do to investigate this and correct this wrong?
Hon. George S. Baker (Minister of Veterans Affairs and Secretary of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency), Lib.): Mr. Speaker, the bill in question was passed in 1990. There was a clause in the bill that prohibited payments from being made retroactively prior to 1990.
I will just remind the hon. member that in 1990 the party that the hon. member's party wishes to join under the United Alternative was the party in power.
* * *
[Translation]
Mr. Ghislain Fournier (Manicouagan, BQ): Mr. Speaker, in the summer of 1998, the Minister of Transport acknowledged responsibility for the contamination of the water table supplying the Plages sector, in Sept-Îles. He indicated on several occasions that the situation would be corrected. Eighteen months have passed and we have yet to hear anything more from him.
My question is for the Minister of Transport. When does the minister plan to remedy the situation?
[English]
Mr. Stan Dromisky (Parliamentary Secretary to Minister of Transport, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, we realize the seriousness of the situation there. It was the Department of Transport that identified it and started the whole process. Work has been done. There have been investigations, studies and commitments to clear up that situation.
We will continue with this progress until the entire problem is solved.
* * *
Ms. Louise Hardy (Yukon, NDP): Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Immigration.
It is really important to clarify why the government is actually condoning the smuggling of children into Canada.
During the gulf war, Masomé Aliabadi was separated from her children. It took her two years to find out where her children were. They had been smuggled into Canada and in fact were here on a minister's permit.
It has now been four years that Masomé has been in this country trying to be reunited with her family. She has refugee status in Denmark and her husband is there. She has been obstructed at every turn and she now has leukemia. All she wants is to be with her family and the minister will not allow this.
Since Masomé cannot be returned with her children to Denmark, will the minister at least let the father come to Canada to help her?
Ms. Elinor Caplan (Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, as the member knows, I cannot discuss individual cases as a result of privacy laws. If she would like to give me a written consent that will allow me to answer those questions in the House of Commons then I would be happy to discuss it here.
I would suggest to the her that there are often many details which are unknown to the member. When cases are raised, the whole story is often not told.
I would encourage her to work with the department so that we can explain those issues to her, but I cannot comment on them publicly.
* * *
Mr. Greg Thompson (New Brunswick Southwest, PC): Mr. Speaker, the Liberal front benches look like the old Abbott and Costello routine “Who's on First?”.
When I asked the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans a question he sat on his hands, kept his mouth shut and did not stand up to answer the question.
Does he support the aboriginal claim to a 50% share of the Atlantic fishery? I will remind him that he is meeting at 12.30 with the leadership of the Atlantic fishery. Who is going to represent him there, the Minister of Health or somebody else?
Hon. Harbance Singh Dhaliwal (Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, it is pretty obvious that if the hon. member would put his questions clearly we would know who he was talking about. His question was so murky that nobody understood what he was talking about.
If he is talking about the aboriginal fishery, the hon. member clearly knows that we have set up a federal representative. They are talking to him. The only solution we have heard from members of the Conservative Party is to go back and use the notwithstanding clause. That is the most ridiculous thing I have heard. They should go back and learn that we cannot do that.
* * *
Mr. Rob Anders (Calgary West, Ref.): Mr. Speaker, the Alberta government is preparing a referendum to mandate Senate elections.
Last year the supreme court ruled that the federal government must negotiate with a province that votes in favour of a clear constitutional question. We should keep in mind that the Prime Minister needs no constitutional amendment to appoint an elected senator.
When Alberta holds its referendum, will the Prime Minister respect Albertans and the supreme court by appointing our elected senator?
Hon. Herb Gray (Deputy Prime Minister, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, first, the hon. member has not correctly stated what the supreme court held.
Second, I do not know why Albertans would want the Prime Minister to appoint somebody for life. The big flaw in the Reform position is that if the Prime Minister appointed somebody, that person would be there until age 75. That is not democratic.
We would have had a truly reformed elected Senate if members of the Reform Party had not caused the defeat of the Charlottetown agreement. If we do not have an elected Senate today, it is clearly on their shoulders. They ought to admit it and stop raising these weird questions.
* * *
[Translation]
Mrs. Madeleine Dalphond-Guiral (Laval Centre, BQ): Mr. Speaker, today the employees of CAMO are getting their termination notices. The minister's compassion is not sufficient.
Can the Minister of Human Resources Development make an immediate commitment to put the necessary funding into the opportunities fund in order to keep these people employed until the next budget?
[English]
Hon. Jane Stewart (Minister of Human Resources Development, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, I am aware of this concern and the department is working on it.
* * *
The Speaker: I draw to the attention of hon. members the presence in the gallery of the hon. Clint Dunford, Minister of Human Resources and Employment for the province of Alberta.
Some hon. members: Hear, hear.
