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Période des questions — mercredi 16 février 2005 ← Séances

Période des questions

mercredi 16 février 2005 · Parliament 38-1 · Sitting #58
FQPPI
4.7 / 10
Moy. question
5.6
Moy. réponse
4.0
36 échanges (2 arrière-ban gouvernemental)

Résumé de la séance

  • La majeure partie de la période des questions a porté sur l'entrée en vigueur du Protocole de Kyoto, les partis d'opposition pressant le gouvernement sur l'absence d'un plan de mise en œuvre concret, la hausse des émissions, les crédits d'échange de carbone et les répercussions sur l'emploi — le gouvernement a répété à plusieurs reprises que Montréal accueillerait la COP 11.
  • Le rapport de la vérificatrice générale a suscité des échanges sur les lacunes en matière de reddition de comptes dans les fondations, la mauvaise gestion financière de l'ACDI, la révision des loyers aéroportuaires et les nominations aux sociétés d'État, le président du Conseil du Trésor défendant les pratiques gouvernementales tout en promettant le dépôt de rapports supplémentaires.
  • La garde d'enfants a dominé plusieurs échanges, les membres du PCC et du BQ remettant en question le plan libéral pour son manque de choix parental, son exclusion des parents au foyer et la possibilité d'acheminer des fonds par l'entremise de fondations sans reddition de comptes; le ministre du Développement social a contesté les descriptions de l'opposition.
  • La protection des infrastructures essentielles a été soulevée à la suite de révélations de Radio-Canada selon lesquelles des journalistes avaient pu pénétrer sans être interceptés dans deux grands barrages hydroélectriques; la vice-première ministre a renvoyé à la compétence provinciale et à l'enquête de la Sûreté du Québec ordonnée par le premier ministre Charest.
  • L'inscription des Tigres tamouls sur la liste des entités terroristes a provoqué des échanges vifs, les membres du PCC interpellant la ministre de la Sécurité publique et le ministre des Affaires étrangères, qui a déclaré que depuis le cessez-le-feu de février 2002 aucun pays n'a pris de mesures contre les Tigres tamouls et que la politique étrangère canadienne est élaborée au Canada.
  • Des membres du BQ ont soulevé la question des investissements dans le transport en commun en lien avec Kyoto; le ministre des Transports a confirmé qu'un transfert de la taxe sur l'essence aux municipalités figurerait dans le prochain budget, tandis que le ministre de l'Industrie a donné une réponse non engageante sur un volet transport en commun dans le programme Partenariat technologique Canada.
Meilleur échange
Échange #31 Ms. Christiane Gagnon Reg Alcock
7.5

Le président du Conseil du Trésor a déclaré sans équivoque que le gouvernement n'avait pris aucune décision d'acheminer les fonds pour la garde d'enfants par l'entremise d'une fondation, fournissant au public un démenti concret et officiel d'une préoccupation précise en matière de reddition de comptes.

Meilleure question
Échange #33 Mr. Kevin Sorenson
7.8

The question cites specific Senate committee testimony and CSIS advice, and poses two clear answerable questions about the minister's personal position on listing the Tamil Tigers and whether she has advised cabinet.

Pire réponse
Échange #19 David Emerson
1.0

Interrogé précisément sur la question de savoir s'il fournirait un soutien massif à l'industrie du transport en commun — en nommant Bombardier Transport et Nova Bus — pour aider à atteindre les cibles de Kyoto, Emerson a seulement répondu que le gouvernement va de l'avant avec une stratégie aérospatiale, ce qui était totalement sans rapport avec la question posée.

Questions sans réponse

  • Stephen Harper a demandé combien coûterait la réalisation effective des cibles de réduction des émissions du Kyoto, étant donné que près de 4 milliards de dollars avaient déjà été dépensés ou budgétés alors que les émissions augmentaient — aucun chiffre de coût ni aucune trajectoire concrète n'a été fourni (Échange 2).
  • Bob Mills a demandé exactement combien d'emplois seraient sacrifiés pour respecter le Kyoto — le ministre de l'Environnement n'a fourni aucun chiffre sur l'impact sur l'emploi et n'a parlé que de manière générale du leadership en matière d'énergie renouvelable (Échange 4).
  • Kevin Sorenson a demandé si la ministre de la Sécurité publique croit que les Tigres tamouls devraient figurer sur la liste des entités terroristes et si elle a conseillé au Cabinet de les y ajouter — la ministre a dit que la liste n'est pas statique et qu'elle agira selon les circonstances, mais n'a pas donné de réponse directe sur ses conseils au Cabinet (Échange 33).
  • Bill Blaikie a demandé quand le gouvernement produira un plan Kyoto concret pouvant être évalué, évoquant des années de tergiversations — ni le premier ministre ni le ministre de l'Environnement n'ont fourni de date précise ni de livrables définis (Échanges 10–11).
  • Nathan Cullen a demandé au ministre des Ressources naturelles de s'engager à ne pas lever le moratoire sur le forage pétrolier et gazier en mer au large des îles de la Reine-Charlotte — le ministre a refusé de s'engager, déclarant qu'une décision ne serait prise qu'après une diligence raisonnable et un examen scientifique complet (Échanges 25–26).
The Environment
#1
Stephen Harper CPCLeader of the Opposition
7.5

Pourquoi le gouvernement n'a-t-il toujours pas présenté de plan aux Canadiens pour mettre en œuvre Kyoto, compte tenu de l'engagement public du premier ministre à cet égard?

Harper quotes the Prime Minister's own prior public commitment to lay out a plan and asks why, after eight years and on the first day of implementation, no plan exists — a reasonably specific accountability ask grounded in a direct quote.

Texte source
Stephen Harper

Mr. Speaker, for eight years the Prime Minister has been saying that the Kyoto accord is one of his top priorities. In fact, less than two years ago, while criticizing his predecessor, the Prime Minister said the following: “I think if you're going to bring in something like Kyoto, you owe it to Canadians to lay the plan in front of them”. Having committed itself to Kyoto, why, after eight years, on the first day of the accord's international implementation, has the government still produced no plan to lay in front of Canadians?

Right Hon. Paul Martin LibPrime Minister
3.5

Le ministre de l'Environnement présentera un plan, et Montréal accueillera la prochaine grande conférence des Nations Unies sur les changements climatiques.

Martin vaguely says the Minister of the Environment will be laying down a plan but provides no details, then pivots entirely to announcing Montreal will host the next climate conference — deflecting from the specific question about a plan.

Texte source
Right Hon. Paul Martin

Mr. Speaker, the government has made it very clear. The Minister of the Environment will be laying down a plan that is full in terms of the objectives that will be set and the means of arriving at them. I am delighted that the hon. member has raised the issue. I am delighted to announce to this House that the Minister of the Environment and I this morning in Montreal announced that Montreal will be hosting the next major conference on climate change under the auspices of the United Nations.

#2
Stephen Harper CPCLeader of the Opposition
6.5

Étant donné que le gouvernement a dépensé ou budgétisé près de 4 milliards de dollars pour Kyoto et que les émissions ont augmenté, combien cela coûtera-t-il pour obtenir des résultats concrets?

Harper cites a specific figure of almost $4 billion spent on Kyoto promotion while noting emissions have gone up, and poses a pointed if rhetorical question about cost versus results — factually grounded but the ask is more a rhetorical barb than a precise policy question.

Texte source
Stephen Harper

Mr. Speaker, we have not managed to do anything on this one, but we are moving on to the next photo op. The government has spent or budgeted almost $4 billion peddling Kyoto to Canadians, but emissions covered by the accord have actually gone up. My question is simple. Could the Prime Minister tell us, if it costs $4 billion to achieve nothing, how much will it cost to achieve something?

Right Hon. Paul Martin LibPrime Minister
1.5

Martin accuse Harper de cynisme en qualifiant la conférence de Montréal de séance de photos, soulignant que des ministres et délégués de plus de 180 pays y participeront pendant deux semaines.

Martin does not address the $4 billion figure or the emissions increase at all, instead attacking Harper's characterization of the Montreal conference as a photo op — a near-complete deflection.

Texte source
Right Hon. Paul Martin

Mr. Speaker, there can be no better indication of the depth of cynicism of the Leader of the Opposition and in fact the Alliance Conservatives than to say on this the day that Kyoto comes into effect that the major conference under the auspices of the United Nations which will lead to the next step in terms of dealing with climate change is nothing but a photo op. In fact, the ministers and the delegates from over 180 countries will be coming to Montreal. They are coming here for two weeks to deal with the issues, not for a photo op. They are not coming here for that kind of cynicism.

#3
Stephen Harper CPCLeader of the Opposition
6.0

Le premier ministre peut-il assurer la Chambre que son plan de conformité à Kyoto ne consiste pas à acheter des crédits d'air chaud auprès de grands pollueurs d'autres pays?

Harper identifies a specific reported mechanism — buying hot air credits from major polluters — and asks the Prime Minister to assure the House it is not the compliance scheme, making it a fairly concrete ask grounded in reported policy.

Texte source
Stephen Harper

Mr. Speaker, I have to say for all of the opposition parties that after listening for eight years to unfulfilled promises cynicism is becoming awfully contagious. Reports persist that the environment minister is going to try to reach the Kyoto targets by using a loophole to buy hot air credits from major polluters. This will cost Canadian taxpayers and businesses billions of dollars and do nothing to clean up the environment. Would the Prime Minister please assure the House that his scheme to comply with Kyoto is not to buy hot air from other countries?

Some hon. members

Oh, oh!

Stéphane Dion LibMinister of the Environment
5.0

Dion confirme que l'utilisation du mécanisme d'échange du protocole de Kyoto fait partie du plan, bien que non essentielle, en la présentant comme une exportation de technologie canadienne et une réduction des émissions mondiales.

Dion partially addresses the question by confirming that using the trading mechanism is part of the plan, though not the main part, but does not directly assure the House about the hot air credits characterization or explain the cost to taxpayers.

Texte source
Stéphane Dion

Mr. Speaker, as I said yesterday, it is the slow movers that do not understand how the environment and the economy work together. It is this government that understands--

Stéphane Dion

Mr. Speaker, I still hope that we will have a constructive opposition and that we will work, all Canadians together, in order to reach our Kyoto target and do our share for the planet. It is unfortunate that the opposition does not understand that part of the plan, not the main part but part of the plan, must be to use the trading mechanism of the Kyoto protocol.

#4
Mr. Bob Mills CPCRed Deer
6.0

Étant donné que le ministre des Travaux publics a déclaré que Kyoto entraînerait des pertes d'emplois dans toutes les régions, combien d'emplois seront sacrifiés pour respecter Kyoto?

Mills quotes the current public works minister's own prior statements predicting job losses from Kyoto and asks how many jobs will be sacrificed — a direct accountability question citing a specific prior commitment by a named cabinet colleague.

Texte source
Mr. Bob Mills

Mr. Speaker, today Kyoto comes into effect and this government has no plan. When the current public works minister voted against Kyoto, this is what he said: “The job losses from Kyoto ratification will affect all regions of Canada”. Or how about this: “This is a government that could not organize a two car funeral, let alone implement a Kyoto agreement...”. Will the minister tell Canadians exactly how many jobs will be sacrificed by living up to Kyoto?

Some hon. members

Oh, oh!

Stéphane Dion LibMinister of the Environment
2.5

Dion affirme que le Canada devient un chef de file en énergie renouvelable et en technologie propre, ce qui le rendra plus compétitif, sans aborder la question des pertes d'emplois.

Dion does not address the job loss question or the cited public works minister's statements at all, instead arguing Canada is becoming a leader in renewable energy — a complete deflection from the specific numerical ask.

Texte source
Stéphane Dion

Mr. Speaker, I wonder why the opposition thinks Canada will lose jobs. We are becoming one of the leaders for renewable sources of energy. We are becoming one of the leaders of all the sources that--

Stéphane Dion

Mr. Speaker, it is a mystery why the opposition does not understand that if Canada becomes a leader for renewable energy and a leader in having cleaner technology with better conservation of energy, we will be more competitive around the world.

#5
Mr. Bob Mills CPCRed Deer
5.5

Pourquoi le ministre a-t-il mis si longtemps à admettre que son plan d'air chaud vise simplement à couvrir l'augmentation de l'aide étrangère, alors que les Canadiens font face à des problèmes environnementaux intérieurs?

Mills raises a specific allegation — that Kyoto money is being used for foreign aid while domestic environmental problems persist — and asks the minister to admit this, but the framing is heavily rhetorical and the ask somewhat compound.

Texte source
Mr. Bob Mills

Mr. Speaker, obviously his cabinet colleague thinks he is wrong. The latest revelation in the Liberal embarrassment called Kyoto is news that the environment minister is planning to send billions of dollars overseas for non-environmental purposes. While Canadians choke on smog, live near waste dumps and dump raw sewage into the ocean, the minister is using Kyoto money for foreign aid. Why has the minister taken this long to admit that his hot air plan is simply to cover his boost in foreign aid?

Some hon. members

Oh, oh!

Stéphane Dion LibMinister of the Environment
3.5

Dion dit que la majeure partie du plan se déroulera au Canada et qu'une partie utilisera le mécanisme d'échange pour exporter la technologie canadienne et réduire les émissions mondiales, en soulignant que le réchauffement climatique nécessite une réponse mondiale.

Dion confirms part of the plan will use the trading mechanism and frames it as global in nature, but does not address the foreign aid allegation directly or explain the domestic environmental problems cited.

Texte source
Stéphane Dion

Mr. Speaker, most of the plan will be in Canada. Part of it will be--

Stéphane Dion

Mr. Speaker, the official opposition does not understand a word about climate change. The sole thing they understand is hot air that they are breathing all the time when someone tries to explain to them how it will work. Let me tell the House that part of the plan will be to use the trading mechanism to export Canadian technology, to confirm new markets and to decrease greenhouse gas emissions around the world because in global warming the word we need to understand is global.

#6
Mr. Gilles Duceppe BQLaurier—Sainte-Marie
6.5

Le premier ministre admettra-t-il que son gouvernement n'a rien au crédit du bilan de réduction des émissions de gaz à effet de serre, étant donné que les émissions ont augmenté de 20% depuis 1990?

Duceppe cites a specific statistic — a 20% increase in greenhouse gas emissions since 1990 — and asks the Prime Minister to admit his government has nothing on the credit side of the emission reduction balance sheet, making it a pointed and factually grounded question.

Texte source
Mr. Gilles Duceppe

Mr. Speaker, the Kyoto protocol has come into effect but, regrettably, there is no cause for celebration in Canada. Instead of decreasing, Canada's greenhouse gas emissions have increased by 20% since 1990. The federal voluntary approach has proved to be a failure, and Ottawa still lacks any credible implementation plan to force the hand of the major emitters. On this historic day, will the Prime Minister admit that his government still has nothing on the credit side of the greenhouse gas emission reduction balance sheet?

Right Hon. Paul Martin LibPrime Minister
2.0

Martin dit que le gouvernement a introduit et mis en œuvre des initiatives et qu'il y en aura d'autres, puis redirige vers sa déception que Duceppe ne félicite pas Montréal pour l'accueil de la grande conférence climatique de l'ONU.

Martin vaguely references initiatives without naming any, then pivots entirely to congratulating Montreal for hosting the upcoming conference — completely deflecting from the specific question about emission reductions achieved.

Texte source
Right Hon. Paul Martin

Mr. Speaker, the leader of the Bloc Québécois is well aware that not only has the government introduced and implemented a number of initiatives, but more will be forthcoming. There is, however, one thing I find disappointing: the leader of the Bloc Québécois, who represents a Montreal riding, is not prepared to congratulate the City of Montreal, the Province of Quebec and Canada for hosting the most significant meeting held under the auspices of the United Nations on protecting the environment and managing the impact of climate change. I do not understand. For once at least, he should be congratulating Montreal, Quebec and Canada.

#7
Mr. Gilles Duceppe BQLaurier—Sainte-Marie
7.0

Étant donné que le livre rouge de 1993 promettait une réduction de 20% des émissions d'ici 2005 mais que les émissions ont augmenté de 20%, quand le gouvernement présentera-t-il un vrai plan?

Duceppe cites a specific 1993 red book promise of a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2005 contrasted with an actual 20% increase, demanding to know when a plan will be presented — well-grounded in a specific prior commitment.

Texte source
Mr. Gilles Duceppe

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister does not understand, but this is not the first time he does not understand, nor will it be the last. He is talking about Kyoto 2 ,when he has not even signed Kyoto 1. We know that this Prime Minister, the author of the 1993 red book, promised a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2005, yet the opposite has occurred. Emissions have increased by 20%. Rather than playing at smoke and mirrors, he ought to be ashamed of turning up at a conference empty handed. I am pleased for Montreal, but it is distressing to see that he has no plan whatsoever. When is he going to present one?

Some hon. members

Oh, oh!

Stéphane Dion LibMinister of the Environment
5.5

Dion affirme que le Canada a un plan depuis 2002 et cite le plan vert pour les municipalités comme exemple, reconnaît que le plan doit être renforcé et dit qu'un plan consolidé sera annoncé prochainement.

Dion acknowledges Canada has had a plan since 2002, gives one example (the green plan for municipalities), admits it needs beefing up, and says a consolidated plan will be announced in the near future — partially responsive but without specifics.

Texte source
Stéphane Dion

Mr. Speaker, first of all, Canada has had a plan since 2002, a plan that will yield results. For example—

Stéphane Dion

For example, Mr. Speaker, the green plan for municipalities is working very well, but it will not lower emissions immediately. It will be a few years before we see the effect. One thing is certain, however: this plan needs beefing up. The Government of Canada will be announcing a consolidated plan in the near future. At that time, I will be only too pleased to discuss it with my colleagues, if they are willing to listen.

#8
Mr. Bernard Bigras BQRosemont—La Petite-Patrie
5.0

Le ministre de l'Environnement peut-il nier que sa stratégie Kyoto pour l'industrie automobile, limitée à un programme volontaire, n'est rien d'autre que de la pensée magique?

Bigras focuses on the automotive industry as a specific example of inaction and asks whether the minister can deny that the Kyoto strategy is nothing less than magical thinking — a somewhat substantive ask mixed with heavy rhetorical framing.

Texte source
Mr. Bernard Bigras

Mr. Speaker, as an example of inaction, we have the automotive industry. Did the government announce a reasonable plan? No. Its plan for the automotive industry is limited to a voluntary program. The government's approach is to not give any direction. This is pure improvisation. It is magical thinking. Can the Minister of the Environment deny that his strategy for Kyoto is nothing less than magical thinking, and nothing else?

R. John Efford LibMinister of Natural Resources
6.0

Efford dit que l'industrie automobile a respecté 14 accords volontaires antérieurs et a déjà réalisé une réduction de 6% des émissions vers une cible de 2010, en avance sur les partenaires américains, et que le nouvel accord volontaire atteindra les objectifs d'ici 2010.

Efford provides specific claims about the automotive industry — 14 previous voluntary agreements honoured, a 6% reduction already achieved toward a 2010 target — and asserts the voluntary agreement will accomplish the targets, offering more factual content than most answers in this session.

Texte source
R. John Efford

Mr. Speaker, it is clear that the Bloc does not understand the policies that the government has in place when it comes to dealing with the auto industry and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It is very clear that the auto industry has already honoured 14 previous voluntary agreements. It has already accomplished a 6% reduction in its emissions for the target of 2010, far ahead of its partners down in the United States. The voluntary agreement that we will be putting in place will accomplish the targets by 2010. Canadians will be very proud of that.

#9
Mr. Bernard Bigras BQRosemont—La Petite-Patrie
2.5

Le ministre de l'Environnement peut-il nier qu'il n'a pas de plan ou de stratégie sur Kyoto et que, malgré le fait qu'il se qualifie d'architecte talentueux, il n'est en réalité qu'un castor affairé?

Bigras's question is largely rhetorical, mocking Dion's self-description as a talented architect and calling him a busy beaver — the question contains no specific factual grounding and the ask is vague.

Texte source
Mr. Bernard Bigras

Mr. Speaker, since this morning, the Minister of the Environment has been trying hard to lull us with his fancy rhetoric and to have us understand that he is doing everything possible. Still, can he deny that he has no plan or strategy and that he is unable to speak his mind on Kyoto? While he calls himself a talented architect, is he not in reality nothing more than a busy beaver?

Stéphane Dion LibMinister of the Environment
3.0

Dion dit que le nouveau plan sera bientôt publié et galvanisera les Canadiens pour atteindre ensemble l'objectif de Kyoto.

Dion says a new plan will soon be released without any details, then deflects by invoking forces of separation — largely non-responsive to the substance of what was asked.

Texte source
Stéphane Dion

Mr. Speaker, coming from a member from a province where many dams were built and greenhouse gas emissions reduced, that is not a bad comparison. More seriously, the new plan will soon be released. I am sure it will galvanize Canadians and that, together, we will be able to achieve our objective by working together, ignoring the forces of separation.

#10
Bill Blaikie NDPElmwood—Transcona
7.0

Après toutes ces années de tergiversations, avec des émissions de 1,543 milliard de tonnes augmentant de 8 tonnes par seconde, quand les Canadiens obtiendront-ils un plan?

Blaikie cites a specific real-time pollution counter showing 1.543 billion tonnes increasing at 8 tonnes per second to illustrate the gap between promise and reality, and asks when a plan will be presented — factually specific framing with a clear ask.

Texte source
Bill Blaikie

Mr. Speaker, if the Prime Minister goes to the NDP website he will see his own pollution counter. It was at 1.543 billion tonnes this morning. It goes up by 8 tonnes a second. Every tonne is the difference between where we are and where the Prime Minister promised we would be by this time. It is no wonder he did not want to get up yesterday to defend his record. I would not want to have to defend it either. The fact remains that we need a plan. We need something that we can judge. After all these years of dithering, when are we going to get a plan?

Right Hon. Paul Martin LibPrime Minister
4.0

Martin dit que le plan pour les municipalités est un succès, que d'autres initiatives seront présentées dans le prochain budget et que le Canada exerce un leadership mondial en accueillant la grande conférence climatique à Montréal.

Martin references the municipalities initiative and the upcoming budget as sources of further initiatives, then pivots to the Montreal conference — partially engaging the topic of a plan but providing no specifics or timeline.

Texte source
Right Hon. Paul Martin

Mr. Speaker, not only has the government set out a very clear set of initiatives, one of which was cited by the minister and is a very successful plan working with the municipalities, but we have also said that in the budget to come a further series of initiatives will be set out. What is important is the leadership that Canada is taking. This is a global problem and the most important global conference on the issue will take place in Montreal next fall under the leadership of Canada and its Minister of the Environment.

#11
Bill Blaikie NDPElmwood—Transcona
4.5

Après toutes ces tergiversations et une conférence ne constituant pas un plan, quand les Canadiens auront-ils un plan décent pour réduire les émissions de gaz à effet de serre?

Blaikie presses the same question about when a decent plan will emerge, adding the rhetorical flourish about a smog day and hot air — the ask is clear but the exchange is now repetitive and increasingly rhetorical.

Texte source
Bill Blaikie

Mr. Speaker, if the future of the planet depends on Canadian leadership, so far it is a doomed planet because nothing of any significance has come from the government. A conference is not a plan. I hope for the Prime Minister's sake that it is not a smog day in Montreal when the conference takes place. We will have hot air on top of smog and still no plan. After all this dithering, when are we going to have a decent plan?

Stéphane Dion LibMinister of the Environment
2.0

Dion dit que le NPD n'a pas de plan fiscal pour financer sa politique et positionne le gouvernement libéral comme un juste milieu responsable qui permettra aux Canadiens d'atteindre l'objectif de Kyoto tout en maintenant des finances saines.

Dion attacks the NDP for having no fiscal plan to finance its policy and positions the Liberals as a middle ground between extremes — entirely deflecting from the question about when a plan will be released.

Texte source
Stéphane Dion

Mr. Speaker, that has nothing to do with Kyoto. The New Democratic Party, which wants to get a lot of mileage out of Kyoto, has no fiscal plan to finance its policy. Between these extremes, there is the Liberal Government of Canada, which will enable Canadians to achieve the Kyoto objective while keeping finances sound.

Hydroelectric Dams
#12
Mr. Peter MacKay CPCCentral Nova
5.5

Étant donné que les grands barrages sont exposés aux menaces de groupes comme al-Qaïda et le Hezbollah comme l'a révélé Radio-Canada, quel rôle le SCRS jouera-t-il dans leur protection?

MacKay raises a specific security concern about access to major dams citing Radio-Canada revelations and asks what role CSIS will be given, but the question is partially rhetorical with the attack on the minister being unaware.

Texte source
Mr. Peter MacKay

Mr. Speaker, anyone at all can get into a power plant. From Kitimat to Churchill Falls, hundreds of major dams are exposed to the al-Qaedas and Hezbollahs of the world. Unaware, even yesterday of the Radio-Canada revelations, the minister is getting lost in her explanations. North America' s energy is threatened, and she is asleep at the switch. What role will she give CSIS in this matter, this very day?

Anne McLellan LibDeputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
6.5

McLellan dit que la question d'Hydro-Québec relève principalement d'Hydro-Québec et de la province, que le premier ministre Charest et le ministre Chagnon ont demandé à la Sûreté du Québec d'enquêter, et que le gouvernement élabore un plan de protection des infrastructures essentielles.

McLellan directly addresses the Hydro-Québec situation by noting Premier Charest and Minister Chagnon asked the Sûreté du Québec to investigate, explains the jurisdictional framework for critical infrastructure, and mentions a critical infrastructure protection plan in development — reasonably responsive.

Texte source
Anne McLellan

Mr. Speaker, in reference to the specific commentary around Hydro-Québec, this is a matter first and foremost for Hydro-Québec and then for the province. That is why Premier Charest and Minister Chagnon this morning asked the Sûreté du Québec to investigate the situation as it relates to Hydro-Québec. Most of the critical infrastructure in this country is owned by the private sector. We work with the private sector, local governments and provinces. We are in the process of developing a critical infrastructure protection plan.

#13
Mr. Peter MacKay CPCCentral Nova
7.0

Étant donné que des journalistes de RDI ont pu entrer directement dans deux grands barrages à contrôle centralisé et que quatre ans après le 11 septembre il n'y a toujours pas de plan d'infrastructure essentielle ni de Loi sur la protection civile actualisée, pourquoi le gouvernement n'a-t-il pas agi?

MacKay cites the 2003 blackout, the RDI reporters' access to two centrally controlled major dams, and the four years since 9/11 without a critical infrastructure plan or updated Emergency Preparedness Act — multiple specific factual anchors with a clear accountability ask.

Texte source
Mr. Peter MacKay

Mr. Speaker, over two years ago there was a blackout that left much of Ontario and all of the PMO in the dark. Apparently the Deputy Prime Minister is still in the dark. What I asked her yesterday about the protection of a dam in Quebec, she did not have a clue. Last night Radio-Canada revealed how easy it would be for a terrorist to cripple the energy supply. RDI reporters were able to walk directly into two centrally controlled major dams that are power supports for all of North America. It has been four years since 9/11 and we do not have a critical infrastructure plan nor do we have an updated Emergency Preparedness Act. Why has the government not acted to protect--

Anne McLellan LibDeputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
3.5

McLellan demande pourquoi le PCC voudrait que le gouvernement fédéral outrepasse la compétence provinciale sur les infrastructures essentielles privées, et note que le premier ministre Charest et le ministre Chagnon ont à juste titre fait appel à la Sûreté du Québec.

McLellan invokes provincial jurisdiction to deflect, praises Premier Charest's response, and does not address the absence of a critical infrastructure plan or the outdated Emergency Preparedness Act — largely deflecting from the core accountability ask.

Texte source
Anne McLellan

Mr. Speaker, I find it very strange that a party that is usually in the business of respecting things like provincial jurisdiction would suggest, as it relates to most of the critical infrastructure in the country which is owned by the private sector and regulated by provinces, that somehow we should simply step in, push them aside and tell them that we will protect their critical infrastructure. Premier Charest and Minister Chagnon did the right thing this morning when they called upon the Sûreté in the province of Quebec to work with Hydro-Québec around the issues that were raised yesterday and we will--

Child Care
#14
Ms. Rona Ambrose CPCEdmonton—Spruce Grove
4.0

Le ministre du Développement social expliquera-t-il pourquoi le plan libéral de garde d'enfants n'offre qu'une seule option et ne répond pas aux besoins et désirs des parents en matière de choix de garde?

Ambrose references the previous day's vote and asserts the Liberal plan does not address parental choice, then asks why the Liberal plan only offers one option — a somewhat specific ask but heavily framed by partisan rhetoric.

Texte source
Ms. Rona Ambrose

Mr. Speaker, yesterday the Liberals voted against allowing parents to choose different child care options and voted against--

Some hon. members

Oh, oh!

Ms. Rona Ambrose

--tax measures that support those child care options. Let us be clear. The Liberal plan does not even scratch the surface to address the child care crisis in the country and it does not address the needs and desires of parents for choice in child care. Will the Minister of Social Development explain why the Liberal plan only offers one option?

Some hon. members

Oh, oh!

Some hon. members

Oh, oh!

Ken Dryden LibMinister of Social Development
2.5

Dryden attaque la plateforme de déduction fiscale de 2 000 dollars du PCC lors des dernières élections, affirmant qu'elle ne représente presque rien pour les parents et ne met pas d'argent dans leurs poches pour la garde d'enfants.

Dryden pivots to attacking the CPC's own $2,000 child tax deduction platform from the last election rather than explaining the Liberal plan's approach to choice — a deflection onto the opposition's record.

Texte source
Ken Dryden

Mr. Speaker, the hon. member talks about choice.

Ken Dryden

I suggest, Mr. Speaker, that she look at her own party's platform, the $2,000 child tax deduction in the last election--

Ken Dryden

--for child care, how it means almost nothing for parents and putting money in parents' pockets--

#15
Ms. Rona Ambrose CPCEdmonton—Spruce Grove
2.5

Le ministre du Développement social admettra-t-il que son plan de garde d'enfants n'a jamais envisagé de choix en matière de garde?

Ambrose's question is mostly rhetorical — calling the Liberal plan ludicrous and political — with the ask being essentially whether Dryden will admit his plan never entertained choices, which is a vague accountability ask.

Texte source
Ms. Rona Ambrose

Mr. Speaker, the proposed Liberal child care system is not about children. It is about politics. This is a ludicrous approach to raising and educating children. Young Canadian families deserve more, and Canadians need to know that the Liberals have not and will not entertain choices for how they may want to care for their children. Will the Minister of Social Development admit his plan never once entertained choices for child care?

Ken Dryden LibMinister of Social Development
2.5

Dryden dit que la plateforme de garde d'enfants du PCC lors des dernières élections ne représente presque rien dans les poches des parents, ne rapproche pas les Canadiens d'une garde abordable et va complètement à l'encontre de la construction de la qualité.

Dryden continues to attack the CPC's child care platform as meaning almost nothing and not building quality, without engaging with the specific claim that the Liberal plan never entertained choices — a deflection.

Texte source
Ken Dryden

Mr. Speaker, as I was trying to say before, that party's platform in the last election for child care means almost nothing in the pockets of parents for child care. It brings Canadians no closer to affordable child care. It is completely contrary to building quality. I ask the member and the party opposite to be honest, do the math, think and see where they end up.

Public Transportation
#16
Ms. Caroline St-Hilaire BQLongueuil—Pierre-Boucher
7.5

Quelles initiatives le ministre des Transports a-t-il prises concernant la déductibilité fiscale des laissez-passer de transport en commun, et a-t-il convaincu le ministre des Finances?

Cites a specific prior public statement by the Minister of Transport and asks two identifiable questions about budget initiatives and inter-ministerial persuasion, grounded in the Kyoto protocol coming into force.

Texte source
Ms. Caroline St-Hilaire

Mr. Speaker, with the coming into force of the Kyoto protocol today, it is now imperative the federal government take concrete measures, and promoting public transit is one of them. In fact, the Minister of Transport said publicly that he is open to the idea of making the cost of public transit passes deductible for income tax purposes. With the next federal budget just days away, what initiatives has the Minister of Transport taken in this respect, and has he finally managed to convince his colleague, the Minister of Finance?

Jean Lapierre LibMinister of Transport
5.0

Le ministre mentionne le transfert de la taxe sur l'essence aux municipalités comme mesure concrète en matière de transport en commun dans le budget.

The minister pivots to the gasoline tax transfer rather than addressing the transit pass tax deduction specifically asked about, and does not answer whether he convinced the Minister of Finance.

Texte source
Jean Lapierre

Mr. Speaker, I think that one of the initiatives of this government that will be included in the budget will, of course, be the transfer of the gasoline tax to help municipalities, and particularly larger cities, set up adequate public transit services. We are talking about hundreds of millions of dollars that will help build and put in place public transit infrastructures. This is the best news that large cities will have heard in a long time.

#17
Ms. Caroline St-Hilaire BQLongueuil—Pierre-Boucher
7.0

Si le ministre des Finances s'oppose à la déduction fiscale pour les laissez-passer, le ministre des Transports déposera-t-il un projet de loi semblable à celui que la députée a présenté?

Poses a specific conditional question — will the minister introduce a bill modelled on the member's own tabled bill if the Minister of Finance opposes the transit pass deduction — with a concrete legislative reference.

Texte source
Ms. Caroline St-Hilaire

Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Transport talks a good line and is a master at diversion. However, as far as concrete measures are concerned, we are still waiting. So, should the Minister of Finance oppose this idea, will the Minister of Transport introduce in the House a bill similar to the one I tabled, providing for a tax deduction for public transit costs incurred, something which, according to the minister himself, would help increase significantly the use of public transit?

Jean Lapierre LibMinister of Transport
3.5

Le ministre réitère que les transferts aux municipalités constituent une action concrète et affirme qu'il y aura des fonds pour le transport en commun dans le budget.

The minister defends the gasoline tax transfer without engaging the conditional question about introducing a bill for transit pass tax deductions, effectively sidestepping the specific ask.

Texte source
Jean Lapierre

Mr. Speaker, there is nothing more concrete than actual transfers to Canadian municipalities and cities. With these transfers, they will be able to modernize their public transit services and put money where it is needed to ensure that environmental objectives are achieved. Public transit is indeed a priority and there will money for it in the budget. Do not give it a thought, kindly rejoice.

#18
Mr. Paul Crête BQMontmagny—L'Islet—Kamouraska—Rivière-du-Loup
6.5

Le ministre de l'Industrie est-il prêt à développer une composante de transport en commun dans le programme Partenariat technologique Canada pour aider l'industrie à atteindre les cibles de Kyoto?

Asks a specific, identifiable question about developing a public transit component within the named Technology Partnerships Canada program, grounded in Kyoto implementation, though somewhat open-ended.

Texte source
Mr. Paul Crête

Mr. Speaker, the coming into force of the Kyoto protocol will be the opportunity to launch a great offensive to improve everyone's lives. Moreover, it will also be an important economic lever, if the government takes appropriate action. Is the Minister of Industry prepared to develop a public transit component within the Technology Partnerships Canada program, which would enable the industry to reach the Kyoto targets as quickly as possible?

David Emerson LibMinister of Industry
1.5

Le ministre dit que c'est quelque chose qui sera examiné dans le cadre du plan général.

The minister offers a vague, non-committal response — 'something that we will be looking at' — with no reference to Technology Partnerships Canada or any specific commitment.

Texte source
David Emerson

Mr. Speaker, it is something that we will be looking at as part of the overall plan going forward.

#19
Mr. Paul Crête BQMontmagny—L'Islet—Kamouraska—Rivière-du-Loup
6.0

Le ministre de l'Industrie interviendra-t-il pour soutenir massivement l'industrie du transport en commun, notamment Bombardier Transport et Nova Bus, afin de renouveler les infrastructures et créer des milliers d'emplois?

Names specific companies (Bombardier Transportation and Nova Bus) and asks whether the minister will provide massive support to the public transit industry to renew infrastructure and create jobs, giving it reasonable specificity.

Texte source
Mr. Paul Crête

Mr. Speaker, will the Minister of Industry intervene to provide massive support to the public transit industry, for example Bombardier Transportation and Nova Bus, thus enabling the renewal of transportation infrastructures and creating thousands of jobs? Will there finally be an optimistic message for people who want a better environment?

David Emerson LibMinister of Industry
1.0

Le ministre affirme que le gouvernement avance rapidement avec une stratégie aérospatiale pour le Canada.

The minister responds about an aerospace strategy, which does not address the question about public transit industry support or the named companies.

Texte source
David Emerson

Mr. Speaker, we are moving ahead very rapidly with an aerospace strategy for Canada. We will continue to push aggressively on that in the months ahead.

Child Care
#20
Mrs. Carol Skelton CPCSaskatoon—Rosetown—Biggar
6.0

Le ministre s'excusera-t-il pour avoir dit que les parents veulent rester à la maison par culpabilité, et admettra-t-il que son programme de garderies n'inclut pas d'options pour les parents à la maison?

References a specific statement attributed to the minister from the previous day and asks a direct two-part question about an apology and whether the plan includes stay-at-home options, though the quote's accuracy is disputed.

Texte source
Mrs. Carol Skelton

Mr. Speaker, yesterday the Minister of Social Development made a shocking statement. He said that parents only said they wanted to stay at home with their children because they felt guilty about having others care for their kids. Will the minister apologize and admit his child care scheme does not include stay-at-home options for parents?

Ken Dryden LibMinister of Social Development
2.0

Le ministre nie la citation, accusant la députée de l'avoir inventée et qualifiant la stratégie de malhonnête.

The minister denies the quote was made and accuses the questioner of fabricating it, but does not address whether the child care scheme includes stay-at-home options.

Texte source
Ken Dryden

Mr. Speaker, it is an interesting approach. They make up quotes. They attribute quotes to whomever they want, and then they attack the quotes and they attack the person. That is quite a strategy. However, it is not honest and it is not a game I will play.

#21
Mrs. Carol Skelton CPCSaskatoon—Rosetown—Biggar
7.5

Étant donné que le plan libéral n'augmenterait les places en garderie subventionnée que de 7 % à 10 %, quand le ministre admettra-t-il que son plan ne répondra pas aux besoins des travailleurs par quarts, des parents à temps partiel et des parents en milieu rural?

Cites a specific statistic (7% to 10% of regulated subsidized child care spaces) and identifies three specific underserved groups — shift workers, part-time parents, and rural parents — making it a well-grounded, targeted question.

Texte source
Mrs. Carol Skelton

Mr. Speaker, the Liberal child care plan would only increase the number of regulated subsidized child care spaces from 7% to 10%. A program that only helps one in ten children, only helps some parents and only some provinces is not a national program. When will this minister admit his plan will not meet the needs of shift workers, part time parents and rural parents?

Ken Dryden LibMinister of Social Development
4.5

Le ministre souligne l'engagement de 5 milliards de dollars sur cinq ans, représentant une augmentation de 40 % des dépenses en apprentissage et garde d'enfants.

The minister cites the $5 billion commitment and a 40% increase in spending but does not address the statistical claim about coverage or the needs of shift workers, part-time parents, and rural parents.

Texte source
Ken Dryden

Mr. Speaker, the government has made a commitment of $5 billion over five years for an early learning and child care system. That represents a 40% increase in the amount of money that will be spent on early learning and child care in the country. That 40% is something that is unprecedented. In fact, if the government had not made that commitment, we would be nowhere in child care for many years to come.

Auditor General's Report
#22
Mr. Monte Solberg CPCMedicine Hat
3.5

Est-il vrai que le premier ministre a mis en place des fondations précisément pour que le public ne sache pas ce qui se passe avec son argent?

References the Auditor General's report on foundations accountability but frames the question rhetorically with a leading assertion and a loaded premise about deliberate unaccountability, weakening its accountability value.

Texte source
Mr. Monte Solberg

Mr. Speaker, and he thought the NHL was rough. Yesterday the Auditor General ripped the government for the lack of accountability around foundations. It was this Prime Minister ironically who set up these foundations to be unaccountable, the same person who never misses a chance to talk about how outraged he is about the lack of accountability around sponsorship. It is not true that the Prime Minister set up these foundations precisely so the public would not have a clue what was happening with their money?

Reg Alcock LibPresident of the Treasury Board and Minister responsible for the Canadian Wheat Board
6.5

Le ministre cite la vérificatrice générale disant qu'elle n'a aucun problème avec les personnes ou les activités des fondations, et note que celles-ci sont tenues de fournir des informations au public et au Parlement.

The minister quotes the Auditor General directly from a radio interview that same morning and cites specific accountability requirements under funding agreements, partially addressing the substance.

Texte source
Reg Alcock

Mr. Speaker, it is certainly not true. If the member would like, I will quote what the Auditor General of Canada said this morning on CBC Radio. She said: We don't have any issues with the people who are there and I wouldn't want any of our comments to be taken as a criticism of those people nor of the activities that are going on in the foundations. On the issue of accountability, as a result of legislation presented in the House by the current Prime Minister when he was finance minister, foundations are required under the funding agreements to provide information to the public. Plans are provided annually to the responsible minister and Parliament.

#23
Mr. Monte Solberg CPCMedicine Hat
7.0

Le gouvernement s'engagera-t-il à permettre au Parlement et à la vérificatrice générale d'examiner les fondations qu'il a mises sur pied?

Asks a specific, clear commitment question — will Parliament and the Auditor General be allowed to scrutinize the foundations — grounded in the Auditor General's inability to audit their books.

Texte source
Mr. Monte Solberg

Mr. Speaker, how could the Auditor General criticize anyone in the foundations when she is not allowed to audit their books? We know that not a day goes by when the Prime Minister is not mad as hell about sponsorship, and he always wants to get to the bottom of it, come hell or high water. Now he has a chance to channel that chronic anger into something positive. For the foundations he set up to be unaccountable, he now has a chance to go in and do something good. Will he commit to allowing Parliament and the Auditor General to go in there and scrutinize those foundations?

Reg Alcock LibPresident of the Treasury Board and Minister responsible for the Canadian Wheat Board
4.5

Le ministre affirme que les fondations ont comparu devant le Parlement et que les accords de financement prévoient déjà des évaluations indépendantes et des vérifications de conformité.

The minister lists existing accountability tools in the funding agreements but does not directly commit to allowing the Auditor General to audit the foundations, and does not address the access limitation directly.

Texte source
Reg Alcock

Mr. Speaker, I do not know where the member has been for the last number of years because the foundations have willingly come before Parliament many times. In the agreement that they were given by the government, their requirements were independent evaluations which must be presented to the responsible minister and made public, provisions that allow the responsible minister to carry out special independent program evaluations and audits of compliance. The tools the Auditor General is looking for are all there. Parliament has them and may want to use them.

The Environment
#24
Mr. Alan Tonks LibYork South—Weston
0.5

Le ministre de l'Environnement peut-il informer la Chambre des occasions qui s'offrent aux Canadiens pour faire avancer le programme sur les changements climatiques à la COP 11 à Montréal?

This is a government-backbench softball setup asking the minister to inform colleagues about opportunities at COP 11, with no accountability dimension.

Texte source
Mr. Alan Tonks

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister in his response has demonstrated his confidence on behalf of all Canadians that Canada can and will play its part in building a better environmental and economic future. To this end, COP 11 will be the next international meeting in Montreal, where the global course on climate change beyond Kyoto will be set. Would the Minister of the Environment please inform his colleagues on all sides of the House what opportunities lie ahead for Canadians in advancing the climate change agenda?

Stéphane Dion LibMinister of the Environment
6.0

Le ministre annonce que des délégations de 189 pays et jusqu'à 10 000 personnes sont attendues à la Conférence de Montréal sur le climat, qui établira l'orientation sur les changements climatiques au-delà de Kyoto.

The minister provides specific details — 189 countries, up to 10,000 attendees, Montreal as the venue — and frames the conference's significance, offering real informational content.

Texte source
Stéphane Dion

Mr. Speaker, delegations from 189 countries will gather in Montreal for the Montreal Conference on Climate, as it will be known. Up to 10,000 people are expected to attend. When humanity emerges from the 21st century, it will need to have gained control of its impact on the planet. The Montreal climate conference will be turning point. It must enable us to create, on a sound footing, an international system that will apply to 2012. The Government of Canada will work with all the countries in the world to make this major conference a resounding success for the planet.

#25
Mr. Nathan Cullen NDPSkeena—Bulkley Valley
6.5

Le ministre des Ressources naturelles s'engagera-t-il à ne pas lever le moratoire sur le forage pétrolier et gazier extracôtier près des îles de la Reine-Charlotte?

Asks a specific yes/no commitment question about whether the minister will confirm he will not lift the moratorium on offshore oil and gas drilling off the Queen Charlotte Islands, with a clear single ask.

Texte source
Mr. Nathan Cullen

Mr. Speaker, earlier the parliamentary secretary commented that this was a day to celebrate, as the Kyoto accord comes into practice. Clearly, this is a humiliation for Canada in our lack of leadership on this issue. We have no plan and we have no leadership whatsoever on climate change. Will the Minister of Natural Resources commit today to offering confirmation that he will not lift the moratorium on offshore oil and gas drilling off the Queen Charlotte Islands?

R. John Efford LibMinister of Natural Resources
5.0

Le ministre dit qu'un processus est en place avec plus de deux ans de consultation, et qu'une décision ne sera prise qu'après des consultations complètes et un examen scientifique.

The minister describes a consultation process and says a decision will only be made when it is complete, but does not commit to maintaining the moratorium as asked.

Texte source
R. John Efford

Mr. Speaker, we have had over two years of consultation with the people in British Columbia. We have clearly put a process in place. More work needs to be done. We will have full consultation with the government, with the industry stakeholders and with the science review for further review on the impact of all offshore drilling. Only then, when everything is complete, will we make a decision.

#26
Mr. Nathan Cullen NDPSkeena—Bulkley Valley
6.0

Étant donné que 75 % des Britanno-Colombiens et 100 % des Premières Nations ont dit non, le ministre acceptera-t-il de maintenir le moratoire sur le forage dans le détroit d'Hécate?

Cites specific polling figures (75% of British Columbians and 100% of first nations opposed) and specifically names the Hecate Strait, asking the minister to commit to keeping the moratorium — a clear, grounded ask.

Texte source
Mr. Nathan Cullen

Clearly, Mr. Speaker, the minister's idea of consultation is continuing to ask the people of British Columbia until he gets the answer that he wants. Seventy-five per cent of British Columbians said no and 100% of the first nations said no to lifting the moratorium. The minister seems so committed to jumping into bed with Gordon Campbell over this pipe dream of a project, he cannot hear the people of British Columbia. I ask him again to agree with the people of British Columbia and with the first nations to keep the moratorium on offshore oil and gas drilling in the Hecate Strait?

R. John Efford LibMinister of Natural Resources
3.0

Le ministre affirme qu'une décision ne sera prise que lorsque la diligence raisonnable et un examen scientifique complet seront terminés.

The minister repeats nearly the same answer as in Exchange 25 without addressing the cited statistics or the specific geographic reference to the Hecate Strait.

Texte source
R. John Efford

Mr. Speaker, when I am satisfied that due diligence is done from every possible aspect and that a complete science review is done, only then will a decision be made.

Auditor General's Report
#27
Mr. Ted Menzies CPCMacleod
4.0

La révélation de la vérificatrice générale selon laquelle l'argent de l'aide étrangère est dépensé pour des biens jamais reçus et des services jamais rendus est-elle un cas d'incompétence ou un autre scandale des commandites?

Mentions the Auditor General's report and the $2 billion CIDA budget but frames the question as a rhetorical either/or and does not ask a specific, answerable question about corrective action.

Texte source
Mr. Ted Menzies

Mr. Speaker, the CIDA budget tops $2 billion annually, but the Liberal government continues to treat taxpayers with disrespect and arrogance. The Auditor General shocked Canadians yesterday when she revealed that Canada's foreign aid budget is being squandered on goods never received and services never rendered. Is this a case of simple incompetence or is it another sponsorship scandal in the making?

Aileen Carroll LibMinister of International Cooperation
5.5

La ministre cite la vérificatrice générale affirmant que l'ACDI a fait des progrès satisfaisants, explique le passage aux subventions approuvé par le Conseil du Trésor, et cite le Programme alimentaire mondial et l'OMS comme bénéficiaires.

The minister quotes the Auditor General's overall positive assessment, explains the difference between grants and contributions, and names specific recipient organizations, providing partial substantive context.

Texte source
Aileen Carroll

Mr. Speaker, I will try not to judge the confidence of that question, but I think what is key here is that the Auditor General said, “Overall, CIDA has made satisfactory progress” in responding to her recommendations. It is important to note that it is often confusing because the Auditor General makes reference to grants and contributions. She made reference to the fact we are increasing grants. There was, after 20 years, a change in Treasury Board. It now allows grants. The organizations to which I give grants are the World Food Program and the World Health Organization. I am very comfortable with their auditing processes.

#28
Mr. Ted Menzies CPCMacleod
7.0

Pourquoi l'ACDI a-t-elle connu une augmentation de 25 fois des subventions non vérifiées, et pourquoi paie-t-elle avant que le travail soit fait dans sept des huit cas vérifiés?

Cites specific Auditor General findings — a 25-fold increase in unaudited grants and seven of eight audited cases showing pre-payment without proper authorization — making it a well-grounded accountability question.

Texte source
Mr. Ted Menzies

Mr. Speaker, the Auditor General has taken CIDA to task for financial mismanagement yet again. This time she reprimanded the minister for a 25-fold increase in money funnelled through grants that are not audited or accountable. Even worse, seven out of eight audited cases show that CIDA pays out money before work is done, cutting lump sum cheques without proper authorization. What is the minister hiding, or does she not know what is going on in her department?

Some hon. members

Oh, oh!

Aileen Carroll LibMinister of International Cooperation
3.0

La ministre réitère la distinction entre contributions et subventions et le changement du Conseil du Trésor, sans aborder les statistiques spécifiques soulevées par le député.

The minister returns to the grants-versus-contributions distinction without addressing the specific 25-fold increase figure, the pre-payment finding, or the seven-of-eight cases cited by the member.

Texte source
Aileen Carroll

Mr. Speaker, I know it is a subtle challenge. It is one we call flexible response. When the first question has been answered and the second is a repeat, the member should try to connect with the answer he has received. The Auditor General made it very clear, my dear sir, that there has been a change--

Aileen Carroll

Mr. Speaker, I am trying to explain, although it is a challenge. We have here a difference between contributions and grants. Treasury Board made a change which we found to be very good. The Auditor General is pleased with the change. The change allows us to give grants. I have a problem and I ask that the hon. member--

Airports
#29
Mr. James Moore CPCPort Moody—Westwood—Port Coquitlam
7.5

Pourquoi l'examen des loyers aéroportuaires promis pour l'automne 2002 n'est-il toujours pas prêt, et pourquoi les taxes aéroportuaires devraient-elles passer de 332 millions à près de 1,3 milliard de dollars?

Cites the Auditor General's report, references a specific delayed review (fall 2002), and provides a specific dollar figure ($332 million rising to nearly $1.3 billion) for airport rents, making it a well-grounded question.

Texte source
Mr. James Moore

Mr. Speaker, according to the Auditor General, the Liberal's much promised airport rent review due in the fall of 2002 is still not ready. Meanwhile, her report shows the government's airport taxes are projected to rise from $332 million to nearly $1.3 billion in the coming years. So much for the promised freeze. Taxpayers are being ripped off, once to build the airport, and then again to pay for these rents. When are the Liberals going to stop ripping off Canadian airports and Canadian travellers?

Jean Lapierre LibMinister of Transport
6.0

Le ministre dit que la vérificatrice générale a félicité le ministère pour sa transparence, que l'examen est maintenant terminé et a été partagé avec le ministre des Finances, avec de bonnes nouvelles attendues dans les prochains jours.

The minister directly states the review is now complete and has been shared with the Minister of Finance, with good news expected in days, partially addressing the question though not the rent increase figures.

Texte source
Jean Lapierre

Mr. Speaker, I hope the hon. member also read the report. It is congratulating the Department of Transport for its transparency and the way it is administering the leases. As a matter of fact, the review is now complete. It has been shared with some of my colleagues, especially the Minister of Finance. I hope that in the next few days we will have some good news.

Auditor General's Report
#30
Mr. Guy Lauzon CPCStormont—Dundas—South Glengarry
2.5

Étant donné que la vérificatrice générale a constaté du favoritisme et de l'incompétence dans les nominations aux sociétés d'État, comment le ministre des Finances peut-il réduire les impôts dans ce climat?

References the Auditor General's report and names Jean Pelletier, but frames the question rhetorically with loaded characterizations and ends with an unrelated question about tax reduction, making the ask compound and vague.

Texte source
Mr. Guy Lauzon

Mr. Speaker, we have learned from the Auditor General that, since Jean Pelletier, nothing has changed under the Liberals. All appointments to crown corporations remain the Prime Minister's exclusive domain. For Ms. Fraser, favouritism, incompetence and inexperience are the trademarks of this administration. Governance is the last of our castaways' concerns. Canadian families deserve good governance, but how can the Minister of Finance reduce taxes in this lackadaisical climate?

Reg Alcock LibPresident of the Treasury Board and Minister responsible for the Canadian Wheat Board
6.5

Le ministre affirme que la vérificatrice générale a noté des améliorations dans les nominations et les qualifications, et annonce qu'il déposera un rapport le lendemain matin à 10 h pour que le député puisse l'examiner.

The minister directly contradicts the member's characterization by citing what the Auditor General actually said about improvements in appointments, and announces a specific action — tabling a report the next morning at 10 o'clock.

Texte source
Reg Alcock

Mr. Speaker, if the member would take the time to read the Auditor General's report, he would find that she said exactly the opposite of that. She noted improvements in the appointments and qualifications of people appointed to boards. However, tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock I will be tabling the report, and he can review the actions that we are attempting to take and judge for himself.

Child Care
#31
Ms. Christiane Gagnon BQQuébec
7.5

Gagnon a demandé au ministre du Développement social de s'engager à ce que les fonds pour la garde d'enfants ne transitent pas par des fondations que la vérificatrice générale a condamnées pour manque de transparence.

The question cites the Auditor General's criticism of foundations and asks for a specific commitment that child care funds will not flow through condemned foundations, making it reasonably grounded and pointed.

Texte source
Ms. Christiane Gagnon

Mr. Speaker, the government wants to set up a foundation into which it can transfer funds for the child care program. Is this not a great way to pass the buck? This decision is all the more surprising given that the Auditor General has condemned the lack of transparency associated with the administration of foundations. The Minister of Social Development should be extremely clear and should make a commitment that it is out of the question for child care funds to go to the same kind of foundation as the Auditor General has condemned. Is he able to make this commitment right now?

Reg Alcock LibPresident of the Treasury Board and Minister responsible for the Canadian Wheat Board
6.0

Alcock a déclaré qu'aucune décision de ce type n'avait été prise et a suggéré que la députée anticipait une décision budgétaire non encore annoncée.

Alcock denies any decision has been made and deflects to a future budget, which is a partial but relevant response that does not address the commitment asked for.

Texte source
Reg Alcock

Mr. Speaker, the government has made no such decision. I think the member is maybe presuming upon a budget decision, but she should wait until the budget is brought down.

#32
Ms. Christiane Gagnon BQQuébec
6.5

Gagnon a demandé comment le ministre entendait honorer la promesse du premier ministre de transférer les fonds pour la garde d'enfants au Québec sans conditions, dans le prochain budget.

The question references the Auditor General's criticism and the Prime Minister's specific promise of unconditional transfers to Quebec, with a clear ask about honouring that promise in the next budget, though it blends accountability with some political framing.

Texte source
Ms. Christiane Gagnon

Mr. Speaker, the Auditor General has criticized the foundations that manage public funds without any sort of democratic controls. I remind the Minister of Social Development of the Prime Minister's promise that Quebec would get its share of the child care funding with no strings attached. How does he intend to honour this promise and immediately transfer these funds to Quebec, in the next budget?

Lucienne Robillard LibPresident of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development
1.5

Robillard a accusé le Bloc de se contredire en réclamant des transferts inconditionnels tout en s'opposant à la fondation qui pourrait les permettre.

Robillard completely deflects by accusing the Bloc of contradicting itself, offering no substantive response to how or when the Prime Minister's promise would be honoured.

Texte source
Lucienne Robillard

Mr. Speaker, how can the Bloc, particularly the hon. member for Québec, talk out of both sides of its mouth at once? On the one hand, the hon. member is asking for the unconditional transfer of funds to Quebec and, on the other, she is opposed to the foundation that might allow such an unconditional transfer to Quebec. Such inconsistency. Such confusion. Such typical behaviour from the Bloc.

Terrorism
#33
Mr. Kevin Sorenson CPCCrowfoot
7.8

Sorenson a demandé si McLellan croit que les Tigres tamouls devraient figurer sur la liste des entités terroristes et si elle a conseillé au cabinet de les y inscrire sur avis du SCRS, en citant son témoignage devant le comité sénatorial.

The question cites specific Senate committee testimony and CSIS advice, and poses two clear answerable questions about the minister's personal position on listing the Tamil Tigers and whether she has advised cabinet.

Texte source
Mr. Kevin Sorenson

Mr. Speaker, providing testimony before the Senate security committee, the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness blamed two of her ministerial colleagues for the Liberal government's refusal to put the Tamil Tigers on the list of known terrorist entities. Does the minister believe that the Tamil Tigers should be on the terrorist list, and if she does, has she advised cabinet to put them on the list on the advice of CSIS?

Anne McLellan LibDeputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
5.0

McLellan a nié avoir blâmé ses collègues, a décrit le processus d'inscription comme continu et non statique, et a dit qu'elle agira selon les circonstances, sans préciser sa position personnelle sur l'inscription des Tigres tamouls.

McLellan disputes the characterisation of her Senate testimony and reiterates that the list is not static and is under review, but does not answer whether she personally believes the Tamil Tigers should be listed or whether she has advised cabinet.

Texte source
Anne McLellan

Mr. Speaker, what an absolutely ridiculous preface to this question. I did not blame my colleagues. I was trying to explain the process that the Minister of Foreign Affairs himself had described and talked about in the pages of the paper some days before. In relation to the listing process, as I have made absolutely plain, the list is not static. We continue to review this list. I will continue to review it and as circumstances change and require, I will act.

#34
Mr. Stockwell Day CPCOkanagan—Coquihalla
5.5

Day a demandé au ministre des Affaires étrangères d'identifier qui du Département d'État américain l'avait contacté au sujet des Tigres tamouls et pourquoi le gouvernement suivrait les suggestions américaines mais pas les demandes des Canadiens et du SCRS.

The question asks who specifically contacted the Minister of Foreign Affairs from the U.S. State Department and why the minister deferred to Americans over Canadians, but the framing is coloured by rhetorical language such as 'gang of thugs.'

Texte source
Mr. Stockwell Day

Mr. Speaker, the good people in Canada's Tamil community, our own intelligence services and others have asked the government repeatedly to ban the Tamil Tigers. Apparently the Minister of Foreign Affairs has received a phone call from Condoleezza Rice or one of her officials, who apparently said, “Hey minister, we have banned that gang of thugs down here. Why do you not just let them run around Canada?” Will the minister please clarify who exactly talked to him from the U.S. State Department, and why would he say yes to Americans but no to Canadians?

Pierre Pettigrew LibMinister of Foreign Affairs
5.0

Pettigrew a affirmé que la politique étrangère canadienne est élaborée au Canada, a mentionné des consultations avec la Norvège et les États-Unis, et a cité le cessez-le-feu de février 2002 pour expliquer l'inaction des pays à l'égard des Tigres tamouls.

Pettigrew asserts Canadian foreign policy is made in Canada, references consultations with Norway and the United States, and cites the February 2002 ceasefire context, but does not identify who called him or directly address the 'yes to Americans, no to Canadians' charge.

Texte source
Pierre Pettigrew

Mr. Speaker, our Canadian foreign policy is being made here in Canada and this decision has been made by our government. However, we do consult with our allies. When we talked about Sri Lanka, we consulted with Norway which has been playing an outstanding role in the peace process. We have consulted with the United States who are also interested. Since the February 2002 ceasefire, no country has taken any action against the Tamil Tigers. We believe that at this time, given the situation, it should be in that direction.

Pharmaceutical Industry
#35
Don Boudria LibGlengarry—Prescott—Russell
1.5

Boudria a demandé au ministre de la Santé ce qu'il entend faire à l'égard des pharmacies en ligne qui vendent prétendument de faux médicaments provenant de l'Inde à des clients américains tout en se faisant passer pour des fournisseurs canadiens.

This is a government-backbench softball setup that frames Internet pharmacies selling counterfeit drugs as a reputational threat and invites the minister to announce action, with no real accountability pressure.

Texte source
Don Boudria

Mr. Speaker, I have a question for the Minister of Health about Internet pharmacies. It is now reported that two Internet pharmacies are being sued for selling counterfeit drugs from India to customers in the United States while pretending that they are selling Canadian products. What does the Minister of Health intend to do to address this threat of irresponsible Internet pharmacies, which in addition to their usual faults are now threatening the excellent reputation of Canada's pharmaceutical industry?

Ujjal Dosanjh LibMinister of Health
4.0

Dosanjh a indiqué que les pratiques contraires à l'éthique sont au cœur de la préoccupation et a noté que l'association des pharmacies en ligne présente des preuves devant le Comité permanent de la santé.

Dosanjh references the Internet pharmacy association's appearance before the Standing Committee on Health and frames unethical practices as the core issue, but provides no concrete measures or commitments in response.

Texte source
Ujjal Dosanjh

Mr. Speaker, the question of unethical practices is at the heart of what we are trying to address. We must ensure that there are good ethical practices that produce good medicine. The Internet pharmacy association is providing evidence before the Standing Committee on Health. I am hoping it can shed light on the unethical conduct that it engages in and participates in.

Presence in Gallery
#36
Cérémonie Ce n'est pas un échange question-réponse — non noté.

Cet échange ne consigne que l'acclamation procédurale « Bravo! » des députés soulignant une présence à la tribune — aucune question n'a été posée et aucune réponse de fond n'a été donnée.

Intervenants
  • Some hon. members
Texte source
Some hon. members

Hear, hear!