While many of us were cautious in our optimism, we took SLORC's release of the Nobel prize laureate to be a sign of good faith. Under SLORC's oppression, Aung San remains powerless to bring about any democratic change. Given the limitations imposed on her, she remains in essence a prisoner.
SLORC continues to thwart democracy by arresting its supporters, erecting road blocks and even disrupting train schedules. It will stop at nothing to prevent citizens from gathering in peaceful assembly or meeting to hear the democratically elected leader.
SLORC's oppressive authoritarian regime has not changed. I urge my colleagues to continue to challenge the ongoing human rights abuses in Burma and to encourage democratic reforms.
However, one example it has not used to demonstrate the suffering is the Canada-Quebec accord. Under the terms of the accord Quebec receives a minimum of $90 million per year for immigrant settlement services. This represents 35 per cent of the $256 million the federal government spends on these services.
When the agreement was signed in 1991 the province of Quebec, with 25 per cent of the population, was accepting 22 per cent of immigrants. Today Quebec accepts only 13 per cent of all immigrants, yet under the terms of this accord it cannot receive less than $90 million.
(1100)
This accord has resulted in the province of Quebec receiving $3,300 for each immigrant while the other Canadian provinces receive on average $863 per immigrant.
If the separatists really want Quebec to be treated in a fair and equitable manner, then I am sure they would agree to this accord being renegotiated.
``Not fair,'' cries the chairman of one of the large banks. ``Caucus isn't friendly to the banks,'' states another representative. The banks are nickel and diming their customers to death. The next thing you know a customer will need to pay an entrance fee to have access to his or her money.
It is odd that the central bank rate goes up one day and the banks raise their rates the next day, but when the rate goes down, the banks might react in a week or never at all.
I am asking the banks on behalf of all Canadians to act as good corporate citizens, to work together with us in partnership for a better Canada today and tomorrow.
Working with the best and the brightest talent in our country, the CBC will be offering more dramatic productions highlighting issues and topics that focus on Canadian stories; children's programming that is educational, non-violent and entertaining; and current affairs programs that will tell Canadians about their country and its remarkable people.
[Translation]
Last December, the CBC formally pledged to canadianize its regular programming. The corporation kept its word and I congratulate it for doing so.
I also want to praise the CBC for its remarkable contribution to Canadian identity. I urge all Canadians to show their support of our
national broadcaster by watching its Canadian programs, which were created by and for Canadians.
The Prime Minister also says it is not a best four of seven as in hockey and he is right. It is much more than that. At stake is the survival of a people. By refusing to accept a simple majority vote, as is normally the case, he is playing with democratic principles. He does so because he feels the rug being pulled from under his feet.
To go against this democratic principle and to ridicule our determination is evidence of a lack of ethics. A country is more than a parliamentary structure, but it is through its members of Parliament that the public can express itself.
This is why Quebecers democratically chose to be represented, in Quebec City and in Ottawa, by two political parties advocating Quebec's self determination. This democratic choice alone clearly illustrates the will of our people.
The unemployment rate has fallen from 11.2 per cent in 1993 to 9.4 per cent. Over 636,000 jobs have been created. We have increased our investment to $315 million to help young Canadians get their first job and have doubled our commitment to summer jobs for young people. We have introduced the Strategis Internet service, Canada's largest source of business and trade information. We have hired young Canadians to hook up over 50,000 small businesses to the Internet. We have amended the Small Business Loans Act to make loans more accessible. Team Canada trade missions to the Far East, Latin America and India have generated over $22 billion in business deals.
We have invested wisely and have modernized our economy. By working with Canadians we are bringing about positive change to Canadians' lives.
[Translation]
(1105)
On May 3, at 4 p.m., again at Rivière-au-Tonnerre, Diane Pagé-Touzel lost foot while working on a crab fishing boat moored at the dock. The icy waters, the eddies and the current were making any rescue attempt almost impossible. Showing once again tremendous courage, Steeve Dignard did not hesitate to risk his life to save that of Diane Pagé-Touzel. The exhausted rescuer and the woman were eventually helped to the shore.
I congratulate this man of exceptional courage, and I support his nomination for the Cross of Valour.
Supporters of the gag law among the Liberals, NDP and PCs have argued it exists to promote a level playing field. Rubbish. Elections law in Canada is riddled with clauses designed to prop up incumbents and traditional parties. The gag law exists to keep ordinary Canadians out of political debate, especially where the traditional parties have colluded on policy as they have on the MP pension scam.
Before the government appeals this decision once again, it should remember that it is precisely such antidemocratic restrictions which are being employed under Quebec's referendum law and aimed primarily at federalist supporters.
An appeal will probably be made in spite of this Liberal hypocrisy. In the meantime we can thank the National Citizens Coalition for what is indeed a great victory for freedom in Canada.
Canada east of Hamilton at 8.5 per cent. This is a 2 per cent improvement in the rate since this government took office.
Credit must go to the small businesses that more and more create our wealth and jobs, and those agencies such as the Fredericton and Oromocto chambers of commerce and the Greater Fredericton Economic Development Corporation which have distinguished themselves regionally and nationally in the area of community driven economic development initiatives.
It is fitting that these numbers come out during tourism week, the basis of many jobs in our region. That, together with the high tech sector, has resulted in our region benefiting from the more than 600,000 jobs that have been created since October 1993.
Congratulations to the federal government for meeting its campaign commitment to jobs, and the province and my community for making that prosperity work for Fredericton-York-Sunbury and its citizens.
Throughout her career in politics Sheila has given of herself tirelessly. Sheila Copps has served her constituents for the past 12 years with dignity, perseverance and courage. Sheila Copps' commitment, her leadership, her integrity and her compassion are the elements that make her the best representative for Hamilton East.
Sheila, we wish you well on Monday. We look forward to your return to Parliament and cabinet.
Mention the name Ghislain Dufour in Quebec City and you evoke a powerful symbol. This was a man who gave management in Quebec a consistency and a visibility without precedent in the annals of politics.
A federalist, as well as an ardent defender of Quebec's interests, Ghislain Dufour is an eloquent example of the fact that it is possible to work for the renewal of the Canadian federation while remaining deeply attached to Quebec.
For some, the resignation of Ghislain Dufour will mean the loss of a powerful ally, while for others it will mean the departure of a formidable foe. But for all Quebecers, the image that will remain is that of a man who gave a face and a voice to management in Quebec.
While hardworking Canadians worry about their pensions, is the Liberal member from Winnipeg North Centre concerned about his? No. Did the member for Winnipeg North Centre care one bit about average Canadians when he refused to back away from the Liberal pension trough? No.
(1110 )
Did the Liberal government care one bit about Canadians when it firmly re-established its pension trough position last year? No. Did the Liberals care one bit that Tobin and Copps, the $7 million pension couple, are out campaigning at the taxpayers' expense today? No.
Where is the integrity in this government? Where is the leadership? There is none.
Women are the first victims of the cuts being made by our governments in social programs, as well as in the unemployment insurance fund. These cuts have a profound effect on their financial autonomy. Some of the things the women who will be demonstrating tomorrow before the Parliament Buildings are calling for are a real job creation policy, an improved unemployment insurance system, an increase in the minimum wage, and better funding for day care and women's shelters.
I pay warm tribute to the courage of the women taking part in this march.
[English]
For Highland Valley Copper, Mr. Bennett has built two major computer systems for the mining industry. His ``Concentrate Sales and Inventory Management'' system allows Highland to easily track the production, movement and sale of mine concentrates. His ``Speedy Bid'' system eliminated the need for time consuming data entry by aiding purchasing departments in preparing, distributing, analyzing and awarding contracts for the supply of inventory items.
Kevin Bennett's work is indicative of how the Canadian mining industry is meeting international competition head on by becoming more efficient. It shows how the mining industry is pushing the frontiers of technology and software development.
I applaud Mr. Bennett and Highland Valley Copper for their innovative work preparing the mining industry for the 21st century.
Our government views this as a very important event bringing Canadians together in a heightened awareness of the many issues that concern women. Their priorities are the same as those of the government and we have acted to address those concerns.
I would only point to the legislation we have brought forward to deal with violence: our anti-stalking, anti-harassment and drunkenness defence laws; our gun control legislation; our recent initiatives concerning female genital mutilation and prostitution. Women's economic progress and concerns are also at the forefront. The government has created nearly 700,000 jobs and fully 45 per cent of these, a number equal to the proportion of women in the workforce, have gone to women.
The government is concerned and is listening to women. It will continue to do so.
One excellent candidate is former MP Sheila Copps. Sheila was first elected to the Ontario legislature in 1981. In 1984 she was elected to the House of Commons and was re-elected in 1988 and 1993. She was subsequently appointed as a minister and Deputy Prime Minister.
Sheila is by far the most popular woman ever to have sat in the House of Commons. She has been and will continue to be a great role model for all women in Canada and everywhere.
On a personal note and on behalf of Canadians everywhere, I wish Sheila Copps well. Parliament is not the same without her. Parliament will be enhanced by her return.
His announced licence buy back is a failure because it does not deal with the real issue: major reductions in the number of fish available to all sectors of the fishing community, commercial, sports and native fishermen.
When fish stocks are in danger, what does the minister do? He opens a native only fishery in the Alberni Inlet, a move which drew severe criticism of the minister from a federal court judge last Friday.
(1115 )
The minister has repeatedly favoured the native fishery at the expense of the commercial and sports sectors. It is time for the minister to cancel all native openings and when that is done, to deal severely with all fishermen who defy the law and fish illegally.
This government and this minister must first conserve fish stocks for future generations and then treat all fishermen equally regardless of their race.
>