36th Parliament, 1st Session
EDITED HANSARD • NUMBER 170
CONTENTS
Thursday, December 10, 1998
1000
![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | TRIBUTES
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![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Shaughnessy Cohen
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1005
![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Right Hon. Jean Chrétien |
1010
![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Mr. Randy White |
![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Mr. Michel Bellehumeur |
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![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Ms. Alexa McDonough |
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![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Mrs. Elsie Wayne |
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![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | The Speaker |
1030
![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Suspension of Sitting
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1045
![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Sitting Resumed
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![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS
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![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | WAYS AND MEANS
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![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Notice of motion
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![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Hon. Jim Peterson |
![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | TECHNOLOGY PARTNERSHIPS CANADA
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![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Mr. Walt Lastewka |
![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | GOVERNMENT RESPONSE TO PETITIONS
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![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Mr. Peter Adams |
![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | INTERPARLIAMENTARY DELEGATIONS
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![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Ms. Sarmite Bulte |
![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Mr. John Maloney |
![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE
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![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | The Deputy Speaker |
![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | COMMITTEES OF THE HOUSE
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![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Foreign Affairs and International Trade
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![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Mr. Bill Graham |
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![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Child Custody and Access
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![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Mr. Roger Gallaway |
![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Mr. Paul Forseth |
![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Fisheries and Oceans
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![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Mr. Carmen Provenzano |
![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Agriculture and Agri-Food
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![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Mr. John Harvard |
![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Finance
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![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Mr. Maurizio Bevilacqua |
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![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Procedure and House Affairs
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![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Mr. Peter Adams |
![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | CANADA TRAVELLING EXHIBITIONS INDEMNIFICATION ACT
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![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Bill C-64. Introduction and first reading
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![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Hon. Sheila Copps |
![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | INCOME TAX ACT
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![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Bill C-466. Introduction and first reading
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![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Mr. Jason Kenney |
![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | INDONESIA
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![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Mr. Rey D. Pagtakhan |
![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Motion
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1100
![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | INSURANCE COMPANIES ACT
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![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Hon. Don Boudria |
![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Motion
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![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | COMMITTEES OF THE HOUSE
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![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Procedure and House Affairs
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![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Motion for concurrence
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![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Mr. Peter Adams |
![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Agriculture and Agri-Food
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![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Mr. Peter Adams |
![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Motion
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![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | HOUSE OF COMMONS
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![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Hon. Don Boudria |
![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Motion
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![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | PETITIONS
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![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Globalization
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![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Mr. Stéphan Tremblay |
1105
![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Human Rights
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![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Ms. Sophia Leung |
![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Multilateral Agreement on Investment
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![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Mr. Bill Blaikie |
![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Globalization
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![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Mr. Pierre Brien |
![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Nuclear Waste
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![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Mr. Ovid L. Jackson |
![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Small Business
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![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Ms. Sarmite Bulte |
![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Globalization
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![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Mr. Gilles-A. Perron |
![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Financial Services Sector
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![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Mr. Lee Morrison |
1110
![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Public Interest Groups
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![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Mr. Lee Morrison |
![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Disability Pensions
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![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Mr. Peter Adams |
![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Impaired Driving
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![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Mr. Peter Adams |
![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Merchant Navy Veterans
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![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Mr. Peter Adams |
![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Criminal Code
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![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Mr. Walt Lastewka |
![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Marriage
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![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Mr. Walt Lastewka |
![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Housing
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![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Mr. Paul Forseth |
![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Human Rights
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![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Mr. Paul Szabo |
![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | QUESTIONS ON THE ORDER PAPER
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![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Mr. Peter Adams |
![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Mr. Peter Adams |
![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Hon. Lucienne Robillard |
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![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | QUESTIONS PASSED AS ORDERS FOR RETURNS
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![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Mr. Peter Adams |
![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | MOTION TO ADJOURN
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![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Motion
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![V](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/b_stone1.gif) | Hon. Don Boudria |
(Official Version)
EDITED HANSARD • NUMBER 170
![](/web/20061116183220im_/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/common/images/crest2.gif)
HOUSE OF COMMONS
Thursday, December 10, 1998
The House met at 10 a.m.
Prayers
1000
[English]
TRIBUTES
SHAUGHNESSY COHEN
The Speaker: My colleagues, we have with us on this sad
day members of Shaughnessy Cohen's family in the gallery, her
staff and her very close friends throughout her life.
Today our procedure will be as follows. We will have tributes
from the spokespersons of each party. Then I will be giving more
information. There is no need to remind us that this day is a
unique day in the history of this parliament.
1005
[Translation]
Right Hon. Jean Chrétien (Prime Minister, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, on
behalf of members of my party and on behalf of all members of
the House, I wish to pay tribute to the member for Windsor—St.
Clair.
[English]
It is a great family that we belong to. The member for
Windsor—St. Clair was the best. She was a very dedicated
person, committed to all the social causes in her home town of
Windsor. She came here with the same preoccupations. She was
chair of the justice committee and she spent all her life
ensuring that those most in need in society could have a little
better life. That was her preoccupation every day, in committees,
in the House of Commons and in caucus.
As everyone knows, she was a very outspoken person. She was
absolutely not shy to tell me as it was, as she saw it. She had
a great sense of humour. She became everyone's friend.
It is amazing the deep sorrow I felt last night when I learned
of her passing and when I saw my colleagues crying. A sister had
left us.
What people do not understand is that we might have our
political differences but we all want to do the best to make sure
we have a better society. Shaughnessy was like that. She was a
dynamo. She got things moving; she pushed. She was very partisan
in many ways. Shaughnessy believed in the party and the values
of our party. She could also be very critical of moves that were
made because at times she was not completely happy. It happens
once in a while.
Shaughnessy was what is best about parliament. She represented
her riding and she felt strongly that the views she gathered
every weekend when she went back to her constituency should be
expressed here in the House of Commons and on Wednesdays in our
caucus. She did this very forcefully.
For me and my colleagues, we have lost a great sister and a
great parliamentarian.
I had the occasion a minute ago to speak with her husband and
her daughter to express my sympathies. It must be a terrible
shock and an unbelievable loss for them.
[Translation]
But they know that the time she spent in parliament did not go
unnoticed. She was a person of strong convictions but she also
knew how to make friends. Although her work was very important
to her, she knew there was more to life, like sometimes making
time for fun, creating the odd problem for us and getting me to
smile anyway. There was always that balance that not everyone
has, but she did. She was truly exceptional.
On behalf of the members of my party, and of Canadians
generally, I would like to thank her for everything she did for
her constituents and for all Canadians.
[English]
I have to tell members that in many ways Canada is a better
place because Shaughnessy Cohen has been with us.
1010
Mr. Randy White (Langley—Abbotsford, Ref.): Mr. Speaker,
it is with a heavy heart that I rise to pay tribute to
Shaughnessy Cohen whose tragic death last night has shaken us
all.
In politics partisanship often clouds what is truly important in
life. Shaughnessy's tragic death puts everything we do in
perspective. On behalf of the official opposition I extend my
heartfelt condolences to her very many friends and family,
especially to her husband Jerome and her stepdaughter Dena.
Words are little consolation at a sorrowful time like this and
expressions of friendship from colleagues will just begin to fill
the very large void left in so many hearts. Permit me to share
my feelings today, if only to tell Canada who it lost last night.
I liked Shaughnessy's style. I liked her energy. I admired her
tenacity. I respected her forceful advocacy for the causes she
believed in and the constituents she represented. I also
appreciated her kindness and wonderful sense of humour. That was
the amazing thing about this woman from Windsor. She was a
seemingly impossible combination of vigorous partisanship and of
open minded friendship. Those of us on this side of the House
should know because we have been on the receiving end of both.
There will never be another quite like her. Shaughnessy led a
life of public service. She was a crown prosecutor for years and
brought her love of justice to parliament in 1993. Later she
became chair of the justice committee.
Although we were from different parties, Shaughnessy earned a
lot of respect from this side of the aisle. I remember meeting
with her privately to talk about victims rights, an issue she
helped champion through the justice committee. I knew then this
was a woman who put solving problems ahead of raw partisanship.
I also witnessed firsthand how she put people first. When one
of our MPs was down on his luck and when others would have kept
their distance from him, Shaughnessy sat with him and spent time
with him, quietly demonstrating her kindness and compassion in
his hour of need.
She had a sharp mind. All who had the good fortune to meet her
quickly sensed that. She chaired the justice committee with a
healthy dose of humour and in a manner that always treated
witnesses with respect and dignity. She made them feel
comfortable and she made us feel comfortable too.
She came by her public mindedness naturally. Her parents worked
for their local community, founding a school, volunteering at a
food bank and passing on to Shaughnessy a deep commitment to help
others.
It is my wish that Shaughnessy's spirit, her tenacious
commitment to her constituents and her keen sense of fun will
remain in this place for a long time to come. We will truly miss
Shaughnessy Cohen.
[Translation]
Mr. Michel Bellehumeur (Berthier—Montcalm, BQ): Mr. Speaker,
yesterday, December 9, our colleague Shaughnessy Cohen collapsed
here in the House. Strongly committed to democratic values and
deeply involved in the community, she had devoted herself to
serving her constituents.
The member for Windsor—St. Clair is no longer with us, leaving
behind a family, a profession and, I happen to know, a party
that she loved.
1015
Ms. Cohen was born in London, Ontario, on February 11, 1948.
After graduating from the University of Windsor with a BA in
English studies in 1969, she obtained an MA in sociology from
the same university in 1973, followed by a law degree in 1977.
From 1971 to 1974, she taught at the St. Clair College of
Applied Arts and Technology. From 1979 to 1993, she practised
law, concentrating on criminal and labour law, and served as an
assistant crown prosecutor.
She had represented the riding of Windsor—St. Clair since first
being elected in 1993, and had chaired the Standing Committee on
Justice and Human Rights since 1996.
She was also well known as co-chair of the Liberal Party's caucus
committee on gun control.
Having had the privilege of working closely with Ms. Cohen on
the standing committee on justice, I can easily imagine how
deeply her loss will be felt by the Liberal caucus.
Although we did not always see things the same way, I always
respected Shaughnessy for her sense of professionalism and,
above all, her passion for the law and for justice. There were
many areas in which we shared the same ideals and values. Once
again, although we did not always see eye to eye, we had great
respect for each other.
I wish to offer my deepest condolences personally and on behalf
of the Bloc Quebecois to her husband Jerome and her daughter
Dena.
I believe strongly that it is by keeping someone's memory alive
that we push back the boundaries of death. Those who had the
honour of knowing you, Shaughnessy, will remember you as a woman
of your word, and as a woman of action. Émile Henriot put it
well when he wrote: “It is my firm belief that the dead live on
in the memories of those they leave behind.”
We will not forget you, Shaughnessy. Thank you, Shaughnessy,
for your time with us and your highly regarded devotion to your
work.
[English]
Ms. Alexa McDonough (Halifax, NDP): Mr. Speaker, it is
with very great sadness that I rise in this House today to pay
tribute to our dear friend, our dear departed colleague,
Shaughnessy Cohen, and to express our heartfelt condolences to
her husband Jerry, to her daughter Dena and to her dear, dear
friends who are really part of her extended family, for this very
great loss.
No one ever loved life more than Shaughnessy Cohen. Few people
ever loved politics as much as Shaughnessy Cohen. And no
politician has ever been more universally loved by her peers than
the hon. member for Windsor—St. Clair.
When my caucus colleagues gathered this morning, one of them
described the feeling that I know is widely shared at hearing the
news of Shaughnessy's passing, that of being totally shattered.
I think that expresses how we all feel from all corners of this
House. A sense of great loss fills our hearts today and fills
these halls today.
As the Prime Minister has said, this was a woman who represented
the very best of what politics is about. She had a deep concern
for people. She was a fierce partisan. The Prime Minister said
that sometimes she was very partisan. Shaughnessy was always
partisan in the best sense of the word.
1020
She was someone who was willing to work very, very hard, who
liked to play hard as well, and who had a wicked sense of humour.
Shaughnessy saw the very best in people. As a result of that she
always brought the best out in people.
I did not have the opportunity of knowing Shaughnessy for a very
long time, only in the 18 months that I have been in this House,
but those who worked with her over a longer period of time came
to appreciate the magic of Shaughnessy Cohen's approach to
politics. She was indeed a fierce partisan, but she always
respected her political foes.
She talked recently about how much she appreciated the
contributions to the justice committee made by various members.
She actually singled out members of each of the parties to say
how much she appreciated their contributions, including the
member for Wild Rose. Not all of us would say that.
Shaughnessy loved the law. She loved the practice of law. For
her what the law was about was the pursuit of justice. That is
why she fought so fiercely for the rights of those who were not
being fully respected. Some will remember that in her fierce
pursuit of justice on behalf of gay and lesbian people she could
even tell an affectionate joke now and then about her colleague
Roseanne Skoke.
Everybody talks about Shaughnessy Cohen's stories. I had an
opportunity this morning to speak with Mary Clancy, who was a
dear, dear friend of Shaughnessy and one who really thinks of
herself as a sister. I said to Mary “If you had an opportunity
today to tell some of Shaughnessy's stories, what would you
say?” Mary said “Most of them are not repeatable, at least not
here in this House, at least not on this day”.
But I think Mary spoke for all of us when she said “Shaughnessy
was the most joyous human being that I have ever known”. That
is why she is going to be greatly missed in this place. It is
hard to imagine the depth of the grief and the shock that is felt
by her family.
The greatest tribute that we could pay to Shaughnessy Cohen is
to learn the lesson that we are in this place to serve our
constituents. We are here because we are driven by a common
purpose of trying to build a better society. She will be greatly
missed, but her lessons will not be missed on us.
On behalf of my colleagues, I want to express my deepest
condolences to her family and to this great family of her friends
and colleagues.
Mrs. Elsie Wayne (Saint John, PC): Mr. Speaker, I rise
today with a tear in my eye, as there are many tears in the eyes
of our colleagues in the House of Commons. We have lost a
wonderful, wonderful Canadian today. I look over and see the
flowers that are in her seat and on her desk.
Shaughnessy had a sense of humour. When I was here in 1993
there were just two in my party at that time. I sat up in the
corner and she used to encourage me to stay. She would joke with
me when I was on the elevator with her. Her friend Mary Clancy
did the same.
1025
I want to say to her husband, to her daughter and to her family,
thank you for sharing her with us. Tremendous sacrifices are
made by families, and people across this country do not realize
that.
She loved justice. She had a friend in my colleague here,
Peter. They would joke back and forth. One day she ran over and
asked “Where do you buy your sweaters, Elsie? I want a sweater
just like yours”. A couple of weeks ago she came in with a
sweater and asked “Is it as nice as yours, Elsie?” I said
“I'm not quite sure, darlin'; it's on a Liberal”.
Yes, I have to say that she was partisan, but she was a
wonderful person. We were fortunate to have her here. She loved
justice. She just loved being the chair of that committee. She
loved all of us here in this House of Commons. It is truly a
great loss for the people of Windsor, but it is also a great loss
for us because she was different. She was different from some of
us who are here today.
On behalf of all of my colleagues, I say to her husband,
daughter and family, thank you very much for sharing her with us.
You are in our prayers and she is in our prayers. You will
continue to be in our prayers from here on out. On behalf of my
colleagues, our condolences to all of you. Thank you for sharing
Shaughnessy with us.
The Speaker: I address my few remarks to
Shaughnessy's family and friends, and to my colleagues in the
House of Commons.
As the Prime Minister said, we are a family. Just as
Shaughnessy was part of your family, she was part of ours in this
House and part of the larger Canadian family.
There was an umpire in Welland where I grew up and played
baseball. His name was Frank Chase. He was hard of hearing. He
had a hearing aid. Every time something went wrong in a game and
everyone started yelling at old Frank, he would turn off his
hearing aid. I think of him sometimes when I am in this House. I
do not want to wear a hearing aid, but if I had one I would have
turned it off quite a few times when I heard what Shaughnessy was
saying down at the other end.
Shaughnessy loved the House. She loved being here. She loved
the give and take of Parliament. She loved the institution. She
was a partisan, with no apologies.
Of course, she always held me in awe and she always feared me.
That is why on Wednesday of last week she waved to me from just
behind the chair over there. When I came out she grabbed me by
the arm. As I said, she always feared me. She said “Listen
here, Gib, you have to do something to make sure that the House
doesn't get out of control”. I said “Shaughnessy, you could
help me a great deal”.
1030
And as a family when she fell here in the House, I yelled out to
get a doctor. Bob Kilger got to his feet and asked did we have a
doctor. Grant Hill was over there within seconds and pretty soon
Peter Adams and André Bachand were there. We could not get at
her. She was on the floor. We moved chairs. Our head page,
Daniel Cardinal, came and he looked at me. I said yes, take them
out, and he ripped out six desks so we could get at her, so we
could get help. I thank you for doing for us, for Shaughnessy,
what we could not do.
We are a family, a very, very special family. We are going to
have to mourn too, like you.
I want to invite you, my colleagues, and the family of course,
to room 216 afterward. There is a book of remembrance that I
invite you to sign. But more than anything, I just want us to be
together for a little while.
We are going to miss Shaughnessy. She belonged to us.
Some hon. members: Hear, hear.
SUSPENSION OF SITTING
The Speaker: I am going to suspend the House for about
five minutes and then we are going to do a little bit of business
before the day is out.
Those who are involved with the business of the House will carry
it on at that time. For those who want to retire from here, or
for those who want to sit here for a while, that is okay too.
(The sitting of the House was suspended at 10.31 a.m.)
1045
SITTING RESUMED
The House resumed at 10.45 a.m.
ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS
[English]
WAYS AND MEANS
NOTICE OF MOTION
Hon. Jim Peterson (Secretary of State (International
Financial Institutions), Lib.): Mr. Speaker, pursuant to
Standing Order 83(1), I wish to table two notices of ways and
means motions. The first amends the Excise Tax Act in accordance
with the proposals set out in the attached publication,
legislative proposals, draft regulations and explanatory notes
relating to the Excise Tax Act.
The second amends the Income Tax Act to implement measures that
are consequential on changes to the Canada-U.S. tax convention,
1980, and amends the Income Tax Conventions Interpretation Act,
the Old Age Security Act, the War Veterans' Allowance Act and
certain acts related to the Income Tax Act.
I ask that an order of the day be designated for consideration
of the motion.
* * *
TECHNOLOGY PARTNERSHIPS CANADA
Mr. Walt Lastewka (Parliamentary Secretary to Minister of
Industry, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, in accordance with Standing
Order 32(2), I have the honour to table, in both official
languages, the Technology Partnerships Canada annual report for
1997-98 entitled “Investing in Innovation”.
* * *
GOVERNMENT RESPONSE TO PETITIONS
Mr. Peter Adams (Parliamentary Secretary to Leader of the
Government in the House of Commons, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, I
have two batches of government responses to petitions,
yesterday's and today's. I will table them separately.
[Translation]
Pursuant to Standing Order 36(8), I have the honour to table, in
both official languages, the government's response to 11
petitions.
[English]
Pursuant to Standing Order 36(8), I have the honour to table, in
both official languages, the government's response to 48
petitions.
* * *
INTERPARLIAMENTARY DELEGATIONS
Ms. Sarmite Bulte (Parkdale—High Park, Lib.): Mr.
Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 34, I have the honour to
present to the House two reports from the Canadian branch of the
Commonwealth Parliamentary Association concerning the 44th
conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association which
took place from October 16 to 23, 1998 in New Zealand, and the
21st Canadian regional seminar which took place in Edmonton,
Alberta, November 20 to 22, 1998.
[Translation]
Mr. John Maloney (Erie—Lincoln, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, pursuant to
Standing Order 34, I have the honour to present to the House, in
both official languages, the report from the Asia-Pacific
Parliamentary Forum, on the sixth general assembly of the
Asia-Pacific Parliamentarians Conference on Environment and
Development, which was held at Guilin, China, from October 14 to
18, 1998.
[English]
The conference provided an opportunity for an exchange of ideas
on sustainable development between the 28 participating member
countries. It also provided an opportunity to develop or enhance
parliamentary contacts and to represent the interests of Canada
in a multilateral forum.
We would recommend that Canada participate in future APPCED
conferences, including the 7th general assembly in Chiang Mai,
Thailand, December 11 to 15, 1999, and that the Canadian section
of the Asia-Pacific parliamentary forum consider constituting an
APPCED group within its structure.
* * *
MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE
The Deputy Speaker: I have the honour to inform the
House that a message has been received from the Senate informing
this House that the Senate has passed the following bill to which
the concurrence of this House is desired: Bill S-20, an act to
amend the Act of Incorporation of the Roman Catholic Episcopal
Corporation of Mackenzie.
The bill is deemed to have been read the first time and ordered
for second reading at the next sitting of the House.
* * *
[Translation]
COMMITTEES OF THE HOUSE
FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL TRADE
Mr. Bill Graham (Toronto Centre—Rosedale, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, I
have the honour to present to the House, in both official
languages, the seventh report of the Standing Committee on
Foreign Affairs and International Trade, titled Canada and
Nuclear Challenge: Reducing the Political Value of Nuclear
Weapons for the Twenty-First Century.
1050
[English]
This is an important report by our committee. It reflects the
opinion of Canadians, some 95% of whom believe the government and
parliament should be supporting the reductions of nuclear arms
throughout the world.
Throughout the course of our study, the committee consulted with
Canadians from every walk of life and experts in Canada and
abroad.
The conclusions in the report clearly reflect what the committee
heard from those Canadians and experts. Four parties concur in
the report's conclusions, demonstrating their willingness to
co-operate, to submerge their differences to achieve consensus in
an area of great concern to Canadians and of great importance to
humanity.
Yesterday I would have presented this report with joy, with the
knowledge of its significance. Today I report it with a great
sense of sadness for the absence in this House.
I finish with a quote from Shakespeare which in my view sums up
the life of Shaughnessy Cohen. Shakespeare said of Juliet “And
summer's lease hath all too short a date”.
CHILD CUSTODY AND ACCESS
Mr. Roger Gallaway (Sarnia—Lambton, Lib.): Mr. Speaker,
I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the
final report of the Special Joint Committee on Child Custody and
Access entitled “For the Sake of the Children”.
I wish to thank members of both chambers for participating in
this. It was a great learning experience I believe for all
members who participated. We certainly learned very quickly that
divorce is a very sad topic which touches too many children.
We believe this report will contribute to improving the lot of
children.
Mr. Paul Forseth (New Westminster—Coquitlam—Burnaby,
Ref.): Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 35(2) in
response, Reform members support the main recommendations of the
report entitled “For the Sake of the Children” as far as they
go.
We have profound disappointment, however, that the additional
recommendations for a stronger language was not adopted. We have
outlined our disappointments in a dissenting report on pages 106
and 107 that would enhance the basic integrity of Canada's family
law system.
Parliament must do better for the children of Canada. We ask
that all Canadians take the report recommendations to heart. We
look forward to an understanding governmental response.
FISHERIES AND OCEANS
Mr. Carmen Provenzano (Sault Ste. Marie, Lib.): Mr.
Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official
languages, the 8th report of the Standing Committee on Fisheries
and Oceans.
In accordance with Standing Order 108(2), the committee
undertook a study of fisheries issues in Prince Edward Island.
The committee requests a comprehensive response to this report
pursuant to Standing Order 109.
AGRICULTURE AND AGRI-FOOD
Mr. John Harvard (Charleswood St. James—Assiniboia,
Lib.): Mr. Speaker, on this very sad day and with a heavy
heart, I have the duty to table, in both official languages, the
4th report of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food
on the farm income crisis.
The committee studied the issue of farm income as required by
its order of reference, heard from a number of farm groups across
the country and came up with a number of recommendations
contained in the report. The committee is also requesting a
comprehensive response from the government pursuant to Standing
Order 109.
I take this opportunity to thank committee members from all
sides for their work as well as the committee's staff for a job
well done.
FINANCE
Mr. Maurizio Bevilacqua (Vaughan—King—Aurora, Lib.): Mr.
Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official
languages, the 12th report of the Standing Committee on Finance
pursuant to Standing Order 108(2).
The committee has studied the report of the task force on the
future of the Canadian financial services sector.
I also have the honour to present in both official languages the
13th report of the Standing Committee on Finance pursuant to its
order of reference of Monday, December 7, 1998.
1055
The committee has considered Bill C-59, an act to amend the
Insurance Companies Act, and tables its report without amendment.
I also take this opportunity to thank everyone involved in
writing this report, particularly the members of the finance
committee, for their hard work throughout this session.
PROCEDURE AND HOUSE AFFAIRS
Mr. Peter Adams (Parliamentary Secretary to Leader of the
Government in the House of Commons, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, for
the benefit of the table, I am presenting two reports. I mention
that because it might affect the dating and the documentation.
One would normally have been presented yesterday.
I have the honour to present the 50th report of the Standing
Committee on Procedure and House Affairs regarding the associate
membership of the Standing Committee on Human Resources
Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities.
If the House gives its consent, I intend to move concurrence in
the 50th report later this day.
I also have the honour to present the 51st report of the
Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs regarding the
business of supply.
* * *
CANADA TRAVELLING EXHIBITIONS INDEMNIFICATION ACT
Hon. Sheila Copps (Minister of Canadian Heritage, Lib.)
moved for leave to introduce Bill C-64, an act to establish an
indemnification program for travelling exhibitions.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and
printed)
* * *
INCOME TAX ACT
Mr. Jason Kenney (Calgary Southeast, Ref.) moved for
leave to introduce Bill C-466, an act to amend the Income Tax Act
(exemption from taxation of 50% of U.S. social security payments
to Canadian residents).
He said: Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to move first reading of this
bill which would seek to reduce the inclusion rate of taxation
for social security income received by Canadian residents from
the 85% rate adopted by this parliament in Bill C-10, the fourth
protocol on taxation with the United States, to 50% inclusion
rate which existed prior to 1996. This is a measure which would
provide tax relief to many Canadian seniors on fixed incomes.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and
printed)
* * *
INDONESIA
Mr. Rey D. Pagtakhan (Winnipeg North—St. Paul, Lib.): Mr.
Speaker, I think you will find unanimous consent of the House for
the following motion and for this I would like to express my
thanks to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and to all members of
the House:
That this House express its dismay and sorrow concerning the
recent religiously and ethnically motivated acts of violence in
Indonesia; that it take note of the devastating impact this cycle
of brutality has had on the victims, including ethnic Chinese,
Indonesians, Christians and Muslims; that given the multi-faith
and multicultural nature of Indonesian society, it call on all
parties to do their part to bring an end to the violence and to
uphold the spirit of the international convention on the
elimination of all forms of racial discrimination, which the
Indonesian government has promised to ratify; and that it call on
the Indonesian government to condemn these inhumane acts and take
actions to ensure a better future for all Indonesians, regardless
of their faith or ethnicity.
May I add in the spirit of the moment that Shaughnessy Cohen
would have given, I am certain, her consent.
(Motion agreed to)
* * *
1100
INSURANCE COMPANIES ACT
Hon. Don Boudria (Leader of the Government in the House of
Commons, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, I believe you would find
unanimous consent to adopt the following motion without debate. I
move:
That Bill C-59, an act to amend the Insurance Companies Act, be
now concurred in at report stage, and be now read a second time
and a third time and do pass.
The Deputy Speaker: Does the hon. government House leader
have the unanimous consent of the House to propose this motion?
Some hon. members: Agreed.
The Deputy Speaker: The House has heard the terms of the
motion. Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion?
Some hon. members: Agreed.
(Motion agreed to, bill concurred in, read the second time,
read the third time and passed)
* * *
COMMITTEES OF THE HOUSE
PROCEDURE AND HOUSE AFFAIRS
Mr. Peter Adams (Parliamentary Secretary to Leader of the
Government in the House of Commons, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, if
the House gives its consent, I move that the 50th report of the
Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs presented to
the House earlier this day be concurred in.
The Deputy Speaker: Does the hon. parliamentary secretary
to the government House leader have the unanimous consent of the
House to propose this motion?
Some hon. members: Agreed.
The Deputy Speaker: The House has heard the terms of the
motion. Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion?
Some hon. members: Agreed.
(Motion agreed to)
AGRICULTURE AND AGRI-FOOD
Mr. Peter Adams (Parliamentary Secretary to Leader of the
Government in the House of Commons, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, I
think you will find that there is unanimous consent for the
following motion. I move:
That, the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food be
authorized to travel to Washington, D.C. in February 1999, except
for the period 19 to 21 February, in order to conduct some pre
World Trade Organization negotiations on agriculture with their
American counterparts for four days, and that four staff members
do accompany the committee.
The Deputy Speaker: Does the hon. parliamentary secretary
to the government House leader have the unanimous consent of the
House to propose the motion?
Some hon. members: Agreed.
The Deputy Speaker: The House has heard the terms of the
motion. Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion?
Some hon. members: Agreed.
(Motion agreed to)
* * *
HOUSE OF COMMONS
Hon. Don Boudria (Leader of the Government in the House of
Commons, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, I move:
That the House shall not sit on December 11, 1998, provided that
it shall be deemed to have sat and adjourned on that day for the
purposes of Standing Orders 28 and 32(1).
The Deputy Speaker: Does the hon. government House leader
have the unanimous consent of the House to propose this motion?
Some hon. members: Agreed.
The Deputy Speaker: The House has heard the terms of the
motion. Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion?
Some hon. members: Agreed.
(Motion agreed to)
* * *
[Translation]
PETITIONS
GLOBALIZATION
Mr. Stéphan Tremblay (Lac-Saint-Jean, BQ): Mr. Speaker, with
considerable emotion, I table today a petition supporting the
debate I tried to initiate when I left the House with my chair.
This petition is signed by 50,000 people and reads as follows:
“We the undersigned hereby express to the House our great
distress that the gap between rich and poor continues to widen
despite the economic growth in recent years; that this situation
has a significant impact on our quality of live; and that our
House of Commons representatives' ability to act for the public
good seems to be limited by the economic laws dictated by
globalization.
Accordingly, your petitioners ask Parliament to form a
parliamentary committee whose mandate would be to examine
Canadian parliamentarians' ability to reduce the gap between
rich and poor in the new context created by globalization and to
propose specific solutions.”
I would like to thank, in closing, all those who have helped
circulate this petition.
1105
[English]
HUMAN RIGHTS
Ms. Sophia Leung (Vancouver Kingsway, Lib.): Mr. Speaker,
I am presenting a petition to the House on behalf of Canadians
from across the country. Many thousands of individuals have
signed it. They ask parliament to take action to address human
rights violations against the Chinese minority in Indonesia.
I hope the presentation of this petition today on the eve of the
international day of human rights will draw attention to this
important issue.
MULTILATERAL AGREEMENT ON INVESTMENT
Mr. Bill Blaikie (Winnipeg—Transcona, NDP): Mr. Speaker,
I did not think we would do petitions today, but I have a number
of petitions from Canadians who were concerned about the
multilateral agreement that was being negotiated at the OECD.
I am sure these petitioners welcome the collapse of the talks on
the MAI. They are nevertheless concerned that the government
continues to pursue MAI-like agreements. They therefore call
upon parliament to reject the current framework of MAI
negotiations and instruct the government to seek an entirely
different agreement by which the world might achieve a rules
based global trading regime that protects workers, the
environment and the ability of governments to act in the public
interest.
[Translation]
GLOBALIZATION
Mr. Pierre Brien (Témiscamingue, BQ): Mr. Speaker, I have the
honour to table a petition calling on parliament to form a
parliamentary committee with the main objective of considering
Canadian parliamentarians' ability to narrow the gap between
rich and poor in the new context created by the globalization of
markets, and suggesting specific solutions.
Those who signed the petition come from various regions in
Quebec. I wish to thank the people in my riding who played a
large role in helping meet the 50,000-name objective set by my
colleague, the member for Lac-Saint-Jean, whose idea the petition
was.
[English]
NUCLEAR WASTE
Mr. Ovid L. Jackson (Bruce—Grey, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, I
have the honour to present one petition on behalf of my
constituents from the riding of Bruce—Grey. This petition is
signed primarily by constituents in Owen Sound and relates to the
proposed expansion of the waste disposal area at the Bruce
nuclear development site.
The petitioners request that parliament intervene and that it
ensure that the expansion be refused until a permanent solution
for the disposal site is found.
SMALL BUSINESS
Ms. Sarmite Bulte (Parkdale—High Park, Lib.): Mr.
Speaker, I am pleased to present a petition on behalf of my
constituents in Parkdale—High Park, especially small business
owners in my riding and throughout Canada. They are urging that
the parliament of Canada do everything in its power to ensure the
creation of a new bank to serve small business interests.
[Translation]
GLOBALIZATION
Mr. Gilles-A. Perron (Rivière-des-Mille-Îles, BQ): Mr. Speaker, I
have the honour to table a petition calling on parliament to
form a parliamentary committee with the main objective of
considering Canadian parliamentarians' ability to narrow the gap
between rich and poor in the new context created by the
globalization of markets, and suggesting specific solutions.
I particularly wish to thank my constituents in the riding of
Rivière-des-Mille-Îles, many of whom signed this petition set in
motion by my colleague, the member for Lac-Saint-Jean.
[English]
FINANCIAL SERVICES SECTOR
Mr. Lee Morrison (Cypress Hills—Grasslands, Ref.): Mr.
Speaker, I have four petitions to present today. Three of them
bear a total of 259 signatures and are identical in form and
content.
The petitioners draw our attention to the MacKay Task Force on
the Future of the Canadian Financial Services Sector which
recommends that banks be allowed to retail casualty and property
insurance from their branches. The petitioners state that these
recommendations would have a very negative impact on Canada's
independent insurance brokers and would result in thousands of
lost jobs. Therefore they call upon parliament to totally reject
the recommendations of the MacKay task force report pertaining to
the entry of banks into the casualty and property insurance
markets. They strongly urge parliamentarians to not give in to
the pressure of the banks on this matter.
1110
PUBLIC INTEREST GROUPS
Mr. Lee Morrison (Cypress Hills—Grasslands, Ref.): Mr.
Speaker, the fourth petition bearing 50 signatures of residents
of my riding is with regard to the funding of public interest
groups.
The petitioners state that the funding of public interest groups
is partially responsible for creating the current public debt.
They say it is wrong because through this system many Canadians
have to subsidize causes that they do not agree with. Therefore
they call upon parliament to eliminate all funding of public
interest groups in each and every forthcoming budget of the
Government of Canada.
DISABILITY PENSIONS
Mr. Peter Adams (Peterborough, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, I
present two identical petitions from citizens of the Peterborough
area. They point out that disability pensions are a key part of
the Canada pension plan, and recognize that there have to be
criteria and due process for the awarding of disability pensions.
They say the approval process has become overly bureaucratic.
They pray that the Parliament of Canada consider reforms to the
CPP disability program to make people who become disabled because
of cumulative injuries or illness eligible for pensions.
IMPAIRED DRIVING
Mr. Peter Adams (Peterborough, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, I
present another petition from citizens of the Peterborough area.
They are concerned about the incidence of drinking and driving.
They urge the federal government to do all it can to prevent such
behaviour.
MERCHANT NAVY VETERANS
Mr. Peter Adams (Peterborough, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, I have
a petition from many, many citizens in the Peterborough area who
point out that merchant navy veterans do not receive full post-war
veterans benefits. All of them served under full military
command. Many of them served under the most anxious
circumstances. Their causalities were often worse than in other
theatres of war.
The petitioners call upon parliament to act now to compensate
merchant navy veterans for their service and hardship after
serving on Canadian or allied ships in World War II and in the
Korean war.
CRIMINAL CODE
Mr. Walt Lastewka (St. Catharines, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, I
wish to table two sets of petitions from constituents in St.
Catharines and the Niagara area.
In the first set of petitions the petitioners say they are
alarmed and deeply disturbed by the further victimization of the
families of Kristin French and Leslie Mahaffy by reason of the
use of the Bernardo video tapes. They petition the Parliament of
Canada to amend section 486(1) of the Criminal Code by enacting a
specific exemption to the open court rule by excluding evidence
of child coerced pornography.
MARRIAGE
Mr. Walt Lastewka (St. Catharines, Lib.): Mr. Speaker,
the second group of petitions relates to the definition of
marriage.
The petitioners feel it is the duty of parliament to ensure that
marriage as it has always been known and understood in Canada be
preserved and protected. They call on this House to enact
legislation to define in statute that marriage can only be
entered into between a single male and a single female.
HOUSING
Mr. Paul Forseth (New Westminster—Coquitlam—Burnaby,
Ref.): Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to present a petition
representing the constituents of New
Westminster—Coquitlam—Burnaby and the surrounding area of the
lower mainland of British Columbia. They pray that parliament
will provide disaster relief for what is commonly known as the
leaky condo crisis in British Columbia.
HUMAN RIGHTS
Mr. Paul Szabo (Mississauga South, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, in
this year celebrating the 50th anniversary of the United Nations
Universal Declaration of Human Rights, I am pleased to present a
petition signed by a number of Canadians, including from my
riding of Mississauga South.
The petitioners would like to draw to the attention of the House
that human rights violations continue in many countries around
the world, including Indonesia. They also acknowledge that
Canada is internationally respected for its defence of universal
human rights.
The petitioners therefore call upon the government to continue
its efforts to speak out against countries which tolerate
violation of human rights and to do whatever is possible to bring
to justice those responsible for such abuses.
* * *
QUESTIONS ON THE ORDER PAPER
Mr. Peter Adams (Parliamentary Secretary to Leader of the
Government in the House of Commons, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, for
the benefit of the table, because of the dates on the documents,
Question No. 145 which was yesterday's question will be answered
today. Therefore, Questions Nos. 32 and 145 will be answered
today.
.[Text]
Question No. 32—Mr. Svend J. Robinson:
With regards to Canada's involvement in APEC: (a) how much
funding in total has been budgeted by the federal government for
all the official APEC events and related APEC activities taking
place in Canada; (b) which departments are financially responsible for
which APEC events; (c) how much will each individual department
spend on APEC; (d) what is the amount budgeted for direct and
indirect costs incurred during the APEC leaders meeting in
Vancouver; (e) how much is APEC itself contributing toward
APEC related events; (f) how much revenue are these events
expected to generate; and (g) what is the total contribution
made by corporations to the financing of APEC, broken down by
amount and name of corporation?
Mr. Peter Adams (Parliamentary Secretary to Leader of the
Government in the House of Commons, Lib.): I am informed by
several departments as follows:
(a) The total Canadian government expenditures for the APEC
summit and related APEC events including contributions of various
government departments which helped organize the Vancouver APEC
summit, as well as the five separate APEC ministerial and four
senior officials' meetings held in Victoria, Edmonton, Quebec,
Montreal, Banff, Toronto and Ottawa in 1997 were $55 million.
(b) A list of departments and events follows: Department of
Foreign Affairs and International Trade, responsible for APEC
economic leaders meeting, AELM, and trade ministers meeting in
Montreal; Environment Canada, responsible for the APEC
environment ministerial meeting in Toronto and the environmental
affairs program at the AELM in Vancouver; Health Canada,
responsible for medical services at the AELM in Vancouver;
Industry Canada, responsible for the APEC small and medium
enterprise ministerial meeting in Ottawa; National Defence,
responsible for the provision of ground transportation,
communications, ceremonial guard and other support at the AELM in
Vancouver; Natural Resources Canada, responsible for the APEC
energy ministerial meeting in Edmonton; Public Works and
Government Services Canada, responsible for provision of office
space and assisting in obtaining goods and services in respect to
the AELM in Vancouver; Revenue Canada, responsible for the
subcommittee on customs procedures, SCCP, meetings in Victoria,
B.C., Quebec City and Banff, the customs-industry symposium in
Montreal and support for the AELM in Vancouver; Solicitor General
Canada, responsible for security at the AELM in Vancouver; and
Transport Canada, responsible for the APEC transportation
ministerial meeting in Victoria.
(c) Amounts spent by the departments on APEC follow: Foreign
Affairs and International Trade spent $25 million on APEC.
Environment Canada spent $1,165,400.
Health Canada spent $384,000.
Industry Canada spent $1,670,990.
National Defence spent $3,200,000.
Natural Reources Canada spent $1,185,048.
Public Works and Government Services Canada spent $1,575,000.
Revenue Canada spent $1,995,900.
Solicitor General Canada spent $17,300,000 and Transport Canada spent
$1,595,401.
(d) Amounts budgeted for the APEC leaders meeting in Vancouver
are as follows: Foreign Affairs and International trade budgeted
$27.6 million;
Environment Canada, $30,000;
Health Canada, $384,000;
National Defence, $4,300,000;
Public Works and Government Services Canada, $1,575,000;
Revenue Canada, $408,400; and
Solicitor General Canada, $17,300,000.
(e) The APEC Secretariat in Singapore does not contribute to
the cost of APEC events per se. With the exception of APEC
economic leaders and ministers, all APEC delegates and media
covered their own costs.
(f) The Vancouver Tourism Office conducted in the spring of
1997 a study which showed that the APEC Leaders is expected to
generate $23 million in direct revenue.
(g) Private sector sponsorship for the APEC summit in
Vancouver amounted to $7,160,602 in cash and in kind. A total of
$8.95 million was raised from corporate sponsors, with the
agreement that 20% would be devoted to events associated with
Canada's year of Asia Pacific, CYAP(1). The names of corporations
and amounts are:
Presenters, Diamond sponsors, $500,000: BC Telecom Inc.,
official telecommunications provider for APEC '97, $500,000;
Canadian Airlines International Ltd., official airline for APEC
'97 and CYAP, $350,000;
Export Development Corporation, EDC, $520,000;
Federal Express Canada Ltd., official courier of APEC '97 and
CYAP, $500,000;
General Motors of Canada Ltd., official vehicle supplier of APEC '97 and
CYAP, $500,000;
IBM Canada Ltd., official computer suplier of APEC '97 and CYAP,
$500,000;
Nortel, official telecommuications equipment supplier of APEC
'97, $500,000; and
Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, $337,230.
Toronto-Dominion Bank, $500,164.
Benefactors, platinum sponsors, $250,000:
Bell Canada, $200,000;
Corel Corporation, official software provider for APEC '97 and
CYAP, $250,000;
National Glass Ltd., $259,108;
Panasonic, Matsushita of Canada Ltd., official provider of
electronic security equipment for APEC '97 and CYAP, $250,000;
Power Corporation of Canada, $250,000;
Royal Bank of Canada, $270,000;
TransCanada Pipelines, $250,000; and
Westcoast Energy Inc., $250,000.
Partners, gold sponsors, $100,000:
Atco Ltd. and Canadian Utilities Limited, $100,000;
Aviscar Inc., official rental car supplier of APEC '97 and CYAP,
$100,000;
Alcan Inc., $100,000;
BC Hydro and Power Authority, $100,000;
Bank of Montreal, $150,000;
Bombardier Inc., $150,000;
Canadian Glacier Waters Inc., official water supplier of APEC
'97 and CYAP, $80,000;
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, $150,000;
Canadian National, $100,000;
Canadian Pacific, $150,000;
Hongkong Bank of Canada, $150,000;
Inco Ltd., $100,000;
Laidlaw Incorporated, official shuttle service of APEC '97,
$100,000;
Moore Corporation Limited, official printer of APEC '97,
$100,000;
Nova Corporation, $120,000;
Rogers Cable TV, British Columbia, official cable television
supplier of APEC '97, $100,000;
Scotiabank, $125,000;
Vancouver Stock Exchange, $100,000.
Patrons, silver sponsors, $50,000: Atomic Energy of Canada
Limited, $50,000;
BC Gas, $50,000;
Boeing, $50,000;
CGA Canada, $45,000;
Gordon Capital Corporation, $80,000;
IPL-Consumer Gas, $50,000;
Newbridge Networks Corp., $50,000;
Placer Dome Inc., $50,000; and
Motorola Cellular Canada Limited, $50,000.
Contributors, bronze sponsors, $20,000: AGRA International
Limited, $15,000;
Canadian Pulp and Paper Association, $10,000;
Delta Hotels and Resorts, $30,000;
Honeywell Incorporated, $15,000;
InfoWest Services Inc., $15,000;
Kinko's Corporate, $15,000;
MDS Inc., $15,000;
MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates Ltd., $15,000;
PICS SmartCard Inc., $25,000;
Pacific Western Brewing Company, $25,000;
Panther Management Limited, $12,500;
Sasktel, $15,000;
Saakatchewan Wheat Pool, $15,000;
TELUS Corporation, $25,000;
Roots, $8,750;
Sandman Hotels, $3,000; and
Syncrude Canada Ltd., $5,000.
Note (1): With Canada being the host of Asia Pacific Economic
Co-operation, APEC, Canada's year of Asia Pacific, CYAP, was
created to increase Canadian's awareness of Canada's relationship
with Asia Pacific. The mandate of the cultural component of CYAP
was to create a national cultural program that would enhance
Canada's relationship with Asia Pacific economies by presenting
the best traditional and contemporary arts of the region, while
also promoting awareness and understanding of the culture of over
two million Canadians of Asia Pacific origin. Funds were used
for publicity, travel grants for performers from the Asia Pacific
region to Canada, and other outreach programs.
Question No. 145—Mr. Ted White:
With regard to persons who have illegally entered Canada: (a)
what is the detected total number, as well as the estimate
undetected total number, of persons who have illegally
entered Canada in the period from January 1, 1996, to September
30, 1998, using passports containing IMM 1000 forms previously
issued to landed immigrants to Canada; (b) what portion of
those totals is associated with ports of entry in British
Columbia; (c) what are the five countries for which such
altered passports are most commonly detected along with the numbers
involved; (d) which are the three municipalities in British
Columbia where it is estimated that the greatest numbers of
foreign passports containing IMM 1000 forms are being sold,
altered or forged?
Hon. Lucienne Robillard (Minister of Citizenship and
Immigration, Lib.): (a) For the period of January 1, 1996, until
September 30, 1998, a total of 512 persons have been detected at
Canadian ports of entry—airports and land borders—using
passports containing an IMM 1000 previously issued to landed
immigrants to Canada.
The department is unable to make an estimate of the total number
of undetected persons.
(b) For the same period, 109 persons were detected at ports of entry
in British Columbia. The department is unable to provide an
estimate of the number of undetected persons.
(c) The top five countries for which such altered passports were most
commonly detected are:
Pakistan, 91; Sri Linka, 65; India, 61; China, 52; and Lebanon,
38.
(d) While the department is not in a position to comment on
where in B.C. the foreign passports containing IMM 1000 forms are
being sold, altered or forged, CIC officials work closely with
local enforcement agencies and the RCMP in any instance where
there are reasons to believe that an individual has altered or
counterfeited documents.
* * *
1115
[English]
QUESTIONS PASSED AS ORDERS FOR RETURNS
Mr. Peter Adams (Parliamentary Secretary to Leader of the
Government in the House of Commons, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, if
Question No. 151 could be made an order for return, this return
would be tabled immediately.
The Deputy Speaker: Is it agreed that
Question No. 151 be made an order for return?
Some hon. members: Agreed.
.[Text]
Question No. 151—Mr. Mark Muise:
With regards to Atlantic Canada
Opportunities Agency (ACOA) funding, will the Minister
responsible for ACOA provide the following information: (a) a
complete breakdown of all companies who have reveived government
funding to expand existing businesses over the last 3 years; (b)
a complete breakdown of all new companies who have received
government funding over the last 3 years; (c) provide details of
their projections for job creation; and (d) provide updates of
the results of these initiatives?
Return tabled.
[English]
Mr. Peter Adams: Mr. Speaker, I ask that the remaining
questions be allowed to stand.
The Deputy Speaker: Is that agreed?
Some hon. members: Agreed.
* * *
MOTION TO ADJOURN
Hon. Don Boudria (Leader of the Government in the House of
Commons, Lib.) Mr. Speaker, out of respect for our late
colleague, Shaughnessy Cohen, I move, seconded by the hon.
member for Langley—Abbotsford:
(Motion agreed to)
Hon. Don Boudria: Mr. Speaker, may I take this
opportunity to wish you, all members and staff of the House of
Commons my compliments of the season.
The Deputy Speaker: On behalf of all hon. members, I wish
to add my words of condolence. The motion to adjourn was moved
out of respect for our late colleague, the hon. member for
Windsor—St. Clair. In the midst of life we are in death. I
appreciate the co-operation of all hon. members this morning.
May I also extend, on behalf of all occupants of the chair, best
wishes to all hon. members and our compliments of the season. We
hope that 1999 brings us back full of hope and opportunity for
all. À bientôt.
Out of respect for the late Shaughnessy Cohen, member of
parliament for the riding of Windsor—St. Clair, this House
stands adjourned until Monday, February 1, 1999, at 11.00 a.m.,
pursuant to Standing Orders 24(1) and 28(2).
(The House adjourned at 11.15 a.m.)