[Editor's Note: Whereupon the national anthem was sung.]
Lakehead, the lead university in the project, in partnership with Tribhuvan University in Nepal and the University of Guelph, received $746,000 from CIDA to undertake a conservation and community outreach project in Nepal.
Among other objectives, the project aims to upgrade the qualifications and skills of Nepal's forestry professors, elementary and secondary school teachers and practising foresters and resource managers. Ultimately the goal is to improve current land use practices and management.
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This project is an excellent example of how CIDA and Canada are helping the world to improve its environment and its quality of life.
[Translation]
This modern work entitled ``Totem '85 with Spirals and Triangles'' is the first piece of outdoor art to be set up around the town. The sculpture, which is bronze and valued at $160,000 on the international art market, measures 5 metres high and weighs a little over a tonne.
Mr. Kieff's sculptures may be found in major art collections around the world. Two former American Presidents, Ronald Reagan and Jimmy Carter, are proud owners of his works. The people of Saint-Bruno will have the privilege of admiring a work by one of their own, who is, moreover, world renowned.
I would like to thank him for his generosity and congratulate him on his work.
I am deeply disappointed that the Liberals are so quick to dismiss the equality alternative for aboriginal people. One national newspaper concluded that the recommendations of the royal commission would lead to ``separation, both political and economic''. I agree.
We should replace the Indian Act with the equality for Indians act. We should give grassroots Indian people real choices about their future. Give them the option of the system of local government they want to live in. Give them the option of owning their own land or having it held communally. Give them the option of receiving their treaty benefits directly. Give them the option of negotiating a personal compensation package in exchange for treaty entitlements.
For the past 130 years, individual aboriginal people have been denied the opportunity to see how well true equality works.
In almost every Parliament, government backbenchers grandstand about credit card interest rates but are unwilling to criticize their own government on the issue, even when as is the case presently, the government is actively defending and repeating the banks' position.
New Democrat MPs were glad to sign the letter challenging the banks but we warn Canadians not to be distracted by such all-party strategies from the fact that it is the Liberal Party that runs the country. It is the Liberal Party that is refusing to act. It is the Liberal Party that could act if it wanted to. Liberal backbenchers who evade this painful truth give no credit to the political process.
Motor Coach's recent inauguration of its luxury coach production line christened ``La Renaissance'' has created 114 jobs in my riding, with the possibility of another 150. The new prestigious coach to be manufactured there represents the greatest research and development project yet launched by Motor Coach.
The project received $5.1 million in western economic diversification funds. It will have a profound and sustained economic impact.
I want to applaud the efforts of the Argentia/Long Harbour Partnership for their part in presenting the region's viability and promoting the area as the most suitable site. I would also like to point out that the economic and environmental feasibility of the area were central to INCO's decision.
As the member of Parliament for Argentia, any project which creates work and jobs for my constituents is welcome but a project of this scale is of immeasurable importance. It is a very positive economic sign for the people of St. John's West and I am delighted to share this news with the House.
The school, situated in Rosedale riding in Toronto, was founded in 1937 by Monsignor Ronan to provide a choir for the liturgical services of St. Michael's Cathedral. Since its modest beginning the school has grown to 374 students, some of whom are with us today. It is now recognized as the most famous choir school in Canada.
The enthusiasm and joy of the choir school performers, which we were privileged to share in this House today, bring great pleasure to their audiences and speak clearly of the commitment to excellence that is the St. Michael's Choir School tradition.
Each year the choir goes on two tours which take the boys across North America and Europe. This spring the choir will return to Europe with a two week tour of Italy.
Mr. Speaker, having heard them sing in the House, I am sure you will agree with me that Canada could not ask for better ambassadors than the fine young men of St. Michael's Choir School.
[Translation]
We wish them good luck and bon voyage.
I will remind you that this prize is given every year to a newspaper or television journalist based on the quality of investigation, the originality of the information and the relevancy of the topic.
François Pouliot conducted a very thorough investigation that eventually led him to American businessman Paul Morgan, who was involved in the cotton deal for which Tran Trieu Quan was unjustly sentenced to 20 years of forced labour in Vietnam.
I too want to recognize François Pouliot's outstanding job, as well as the tenacity and rigour he has shown in unearthing the important details of this sad story, which has already cost Canadian citizen Tran Trieu Quan two years of freedom.
The written decisions confirm in this case what many west coasters believe to be widespread, that DFO pursues a senior bureaucracy driven agenda under the cloak of consultation and does not care how many people it hurts in the process.
This week there is a gill net mail-in ballot for fishermen holding north coast licences with a deadline to reach Vancouver by this Friday. This mailed ballot still has not reached many outlying area gill netters. These fishermen are concerned about losing their vote as part of another bureaucracy manipulated design.
I call on the minister to do two things today: one, extend the deadline on this vote; and two, ensure that faxed responses are allowed.
In that spirit of co-operation and collaboration, we are pleased to welcome to Ottawa today the mayors and municipal councillors of Brome-Missisquoi. Our discussions will focus on small business, exports and tourism.
[English]
Speaking about co-operation, let me talk about the harmony that exists between the two communities-English 20 per cent and French 80 per cent-in my beautiful riding. Let me say how great are our people from Lake Champlain to Brome Lake to Lake Memphremagog.
[Translation]
I join with all my constituents in wishing everyone political peace and true economic growth in 1997 and in wishing you, Mr. Speaker, a very happy New Year.
The contribution made by the Quebec section of the Federal Office of Regional Development reflects the Canadian government's intention to give priority to community activities. Our government is encouraging people from the Gaspé Peninsula and the islands to take charge, so as to ensure lasting prosperity in the context of a better economy.
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The Canadian government's contribution comes from the regular budget of the program designed to help small and medium size businesses. This is a concrete way for our government to contribute to regional development all across Canada.
Indeed, the Minister of National Revenue just decided that the customs office located in Rivière-du-Loup would remain open and be manned on a full-time basis by a customs inspector. The Rivière-du-Loup office will become the processing centre for claims coming from the whole region.
Raising Revenue Canada's profile in that region is great news for economic stakeholders.
While still complying with the need to cut costs, Revenue Canada has just demonstrated that it is sensitive to people's needs.
A study commissioned by Transport Canada estimates the cost of repairs needed to the Lucy Maud Montgomery at $12 million and points out that there is a danger of major incidents that could lead to loss of life if nothing is done.
In ignoring the conclusions of a study ordered by his own department, the Minister of Transport is showing a lack of responsibility. As for the member for Bonaventure-Îles-de-la-Madeleine who said that there would be consultations on this issue, no more has been heard from him.
Another consequence of the federal government's stalling is that hundreds of jobs at MIL Davie have disappeared, and this is not the only example of its inertia. It is imperative that the Minister of Transport reach an agreement with CTMA representatives in order to find a safe and lasting solution.
A person who believes in democracy would set the rules before the vote, but not this government. The Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food will not announce whether the plebiscite will be binding or what percentage of voters will be required in order to carry the barley plebiscite.
Would we not all like to be able to pick our 649 numbers after the draw?
This reminds us of how important it is to work together and respect each other as equals, with the goal of building an inclusive society where there is zero tolerance for violence against women.
[Translation]
The world has finally lifted the curtain surrounding violence against women, and in this regard Canada has played a leading role nationally and internationally.
[English]
Let us not forget the pain and the incredible loss of this senseless massacre. I call on all Canadians to mobilize together for action against violence.
The member said that Canadians do not want more spending on what she called status of women's extreme agenda. This extreme agenda includes: working hard to stop violence against women; working hard on women's health issues, especially breast cancer; working hard to recognize the value of women's work in the home and outside, in the fields of engineering, space technology, medicine, law, and even politics.
Status of women and this government make a difference. This difference was recognized by the UN conference in Beijing when Canada won the international award for the country that has done the most for the status of women.
I am proud of Status of Women Canada, but I am ashamed of the member for Port Moody-Coquitlam.