CANADA VOLUME 133 S NUMBER 018 S 2nd SESSION S 35th PARLIAMENT OFFICIAL REPORT (HANSARD) Thursday, March 21, 1996 Speaker: The Honourable Gilbert Parent CONTENTS (Table of Contents appears at back of this issue.) The House of Commons Debates are also available on the Parliamentary Internet Parlementaire at the following address: http://www.parl.gc.ca 1009 HOUSE OF COMMONS Thursday, March 21, 1996 The House met at 10 a.m. [Translation] _______________ The way we tolerate one another’s differences is an example to all nations. It shows that we can find a solution that meets everyone’s needs. Prayers [English] _______________ Thirty-six years ago today dozens of innocent men and women [English] protesting apartheid in South Africa were gunned down. The Sharpeville massacre showed the world that racism and hatred are LIBRARY OF PARLIAMENT challenges for the global family. If part of that family is victimized, violated or held back from reaching its full potential then we all The Speaker: I have the honour to lay upon the table the report suffer. of the parliamentary librarian for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1995. Fortunately, much has changed in the decades since that terrible and horrible event. South Africa is now free from apartheid _____________________________________________ because of the enormous efforts made by countries around the world. And Canada played a very significant role in the fight against apartheid. ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS The civil rights movement which has swept the United States has brought about a number of changes for the black population in that [English] country. The iron curtain was lifted and new democratic rights have been GOVERNMENT RESPONSE TO PETITIONS established in a number of eastern European areas. Mr. Rey D. Pagtakhan (Parliamentary Secretary to Prime Increasingly, Canadians try to embrace the reality of our diversi- Minister, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 36(8), I ty to provide protection and opportunities. I can say, for example, have the honour to table, in both official languages, the govern- that one important initiative which was taken by this government ment’s response to two petitions presented during the first session. was the Employment Equity Act which ensured that in the area of employment, racial discrimination could be eliminated and there * * * would no longer be a barrier to people obtaining gainful employ- ment. RACIAL DISCRIMINATION The General Assembly of the United Nations chose this day to Hon. Lloyd Axworthy (Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lib.): Mr. recognize the importance of the ongoing struggle against racism Speaker, I am making this statement today on behalf of the minister and prejudice around the world. of multiculturalism who has the direct responsibility. However she is so active at the moment throughout the country on this very Canada has been at the fore in the global efforts to eradicate important day that she has asked me to present this ministerial racism, prejudice and hatred. We have dedicated ourselves to peace statement on her behalf and I take great pleasure in doing so. and to building bridges between the different peoples of the world. We are engaged in active and positive reconstruction in Haiti, As Canadians we have a great deal to be thankful for on this which had enormous discrimination built into it over the years by International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. authoritarian dictatorships. Now we are helping to rebuild that country. In the 130 years we have grown together as a nation, we have been building a society which respects the diversity of its citizens. We are helping countries around the world to develop new We have gained for ourselves a reputation around the world as a judicial systems and new human rights commissions which will caring and compassionate country, a nation that can show the world give them the institutional basis on which they can build a more how diverse people can live together in peace and respect. open society. 1010 COMMONS DEBATES March 21, 1996 Routine Proceedings [Translation] would like to say that racial discrimination in all forms is com- pletely unacceptable. On this International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimi- nation, I urge all Canadians to reach out to their colleagues. It is important to say this because I know there have been several false allegations levelled against Reformers in the past. I have [English] personally heard individuals who have tried to paint our party as one that tolerates racist beliefs. However this was just political I urge Canadians everywhere to recognize that it is only when mischief on their part. each and every one of us, no matter what our race, our religion, language or ethnicity, is able to participate fully that we will be a mature nation. We must hold ourselves up to the highest standards I want the record to be perfectly clear. If there are any Canadians of respect and understanding if we are to continue to show the who think they can find a home for their racist beliefs in Reform world what we can accomplish together. they are dead wrong. Instead, they will find that they are not welcome and will be rooted out. Canada has been called the prototype of the 21st century. It angers me that I even have to deny this ludicrous image. But D (1010 ) Reformers will not accept the slurs of our political competitors without reply. A perfect example happened last night at our rally in We have shown people how we can live together in peace and Etobicoke North, a very ethnic riding. People from all ethnic respect, how we can find non-violent ways of resolving differences backgrounds were there and I was delighted to see the terrific mix and conflicts and how we can respect individual rights while of people, as everyone will see from the newspapers today. maintaining justice for co-activities. I would like to give some advice to the government if it is We must always strive for that balance which creates a united willing to listen, and I know it is. In the quest to eradicate racial nation while respecting the sum of its many parts. discrimination, it must be vigilant but it must not confuse the issues [Translation] as it has often done in the past. On this day, we must redouble our efforts. We must remain The elimination of racial discrimination means that everyone has vigilant in fighting injustice and racial intolerance, both within our the right to be treated fairly and equally. Everyone has the same borders and around the world. rights, everyone is equal. This means that institutionalizing reverse discrimination through bills like C-64 is wrong. Overlapping one [English] layer of unfairness with another is no solution to problems. This is an important day and I welcome the opportunity on Instead, we have to make sure that Canadians of all ethnic behalf of the Government of Canada and my colleagues to present backgrounds feel comfortable and proud to be who they are. All this statement. I look forward to the expressions of celebration and Canadians have to be given the chance to live up to their potential dedication that I am sure other members of the House would like to and this is done by looking beyond race and colour. It is done by express. judging the character and skills of people without regard to ethnic [Translation] background. This is what Reformers believe and I think most Canadians would share this view. The Deputy Speaker: My colleagues, in principle, it should be the official opposition’s turn, but it seems that their critic is not The time has come to abandon the prejudices of the past and here yet. While we are waiting for the member of the official abandon the reverse discrimination quick fixes that have not opposition, may the Reform Party have the floor? addressed the root of the racial problem. Let us make this day a new beginning. Let us work together to stamp out racism. Some hon. members: Agreed. I would like to quote what the Ambassador to South Africa said [English] this morning at breakfast: ‘‘Racism can, should and will be defeated’’. Mr. Bob Mills (Red Deer, Ref.): Mr. Speaker, before I begin I would like to thank the Secretary of State for Multiculturalism for promoting this day in honour of the elimination of racial discrimi- [Translation] nation. At the meeting this morning we all heard wise words about what is happening around the world. Mrs. Christiane Gagnon (Québec, BQ): Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise on this International Day for the Elimination of It is with pleasure that I join my colleagues from all parties Racial Discrimination. This event is quite timely, since the chief calling for an end to racial discrimination. I agree strongly with the commissioner of the Canadian Human Rights Commission tabled themes being presented today. On behalf of the Reform Party, I his annual report only two days ago. March 21, 1996 COMMONS DEBATES 1011 Routine Proceedings D (1015) (Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed.) The Minister of Foreign Affairs rightly pointed out that Canada * * * plays a leading role in the relentless fight against racism, hatred and prejudice. COMMITTEES OF THE HOUSE Nonetheless, the report tabled by the chief commissioner of the PROCEDURE AND HOUSE AFFAIRS Canadian Human Rights Commission seriously tarnishes Canada’s leadership in the global struggle against racism. Mr. Rey D. Pagtakhan (Parliamentary Secretary to Prime Minister, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, if the House gives its consent, I The commissioner notes that the government has backtracked on move that the 10th report of the Standing Committee on Procedure the amendments to the Canadian Human Rights Act that concern and House Affairs presented to the House earlier this day be gays and lesbians.