REPRINT CANADA VOLUME 135 S NUMBER 125 S 1st SESSION S 36th PARLIAMENT OFFICIAL REPORT (HANSARD) Thursday, September 24, 1998 Speaker: The Honourable Gilbert Parent CONTENTS (Table of Contents appears at back of this issue.) All parliamentary publications are available on the ``Parliamentary Internet Parlementaire'' at the following address: http://www.parl.gc.ca 8333 HOUSE OF COMMONS Thursday, September 24, 1998 The House met at 2 p.m. Not surprisingly, the studies show what we already intrinsically know: a stable and loving family is a child’s best hope. For _______________ example, recent studies confirm that children raised by birth parents in a stable relationship are significantly more likely to Prayers graduate from high school and less likely to have behavioural problems. _______________ Increasingly though, academics, bureaucrats and social do-good- ers present themselves as the champions of the best interests of children. What they seem to forget is that parents have a natural STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS authority. Respecting the authority that both parents have and tangibly D (1400) encouraging the work that they do is one of the best long term investments we can make. [English] * * * CANADIAN EXECUTIVE SERVICES ORGANIZATION NATIONAL DEFENCE Mr. John McKay (Scarborough East, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, Mrs. Judi Longfield (Whitby—Ajax, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, over before I begin my statement may I say that you said it well this the past two days national defence headquarters has been celebrat- morning on behalf of us all. Surely Nelson Mandela will take his ing the 75th anniversary of the department and the 30th anniversary place among the greats of the 20th century. of headquarters. I rise in the House to recognize two of my constituents who have As a member of the Standing Committee on National Defence made their contributions to the 20th century. These two individu- and Veterans Affairs, I am delighted that the public has had this als, Stan Judd and John Mackillop, have made contributions opportunity to learn more about the department and the men and through the Canadian Executive Services Organization. women who serve there. Stan Judd spent a month in Panama to help a company engaged Over the summer I had the distinct pleasure of being a guest in the purchasing, classification and distribution of specialty speaker at the annual meeting of the Ontario Regiment Veterans. I grains. Among other things, Mr. Judd designed a better cleaning was presented with a poem written by Charles Province that I and classifying process, developed a new faster cooking grain and would like to share as a reminder of the supreme sacrifice made by designed effective packaging. Because of Mr. Judd, this company so many: expects to increase production, reduce costs and improve product It is the soldier, not the reporter, who has given us freedom quality. of the press. It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us freedom of Mr. Mackillop went on assignment to Sri Lanka to assist in the speech. production of artificial limbs. He helped prepare study material and It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, who has given us training for a company. freedom to demonstrate. Stan Judd and John Mackillop are to commended for their It is the soldier, not the lawyer, who has given us the right to a efforts. fair trial. It is the soldier who salutes the flag, who serves under the flag, * * * and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protester to burn the flag. THE FAMILY * * * Mr. Eric Lowther (Calgary Centre, Ref.): Mr. Speaker, Cana- [Translation] dians are becoming increasingly aware that one of the keys for a strong society is not more costly government programs but respect CULTURAL DIVERSITY and encouragement for the millions of committed parents who are Mr. Eugène Bellemare (Carleton—Gloucester, Lib.): Mr. raising our next generation. Speaker, at the invitation of the Minister of Canadian Heritage, the 8334 COMMONS DEBATES September 24, 1998 S. O. 31 ministers of culture of 19 countries met in Ottawa on June 29 and Commons and all Canadians from sea to sea to pay tribute to the 30 to take part in a forum on the importance of supporting national President of South Africa, Mr. Nelson Mandela. culture at this time of globalization and of promoting co-operation to this end. Canadians supported Mr. Mandela’s struggle against oppression because Canadians believe in the equality of all people. We believe Among other things the meeting led to the formation of an in justice and accountability and we believe in the fundamental international ministerial network to promote and protect cultural freedoms for all people. diversity and the establishment of a co-ordinating group compris- ing Sweden, Mexico, Greece and Canada. Now Canadians cheer on and support a renewed South Africa, a South Africa that works to achieve the ideals of democracy, The 10 initiatives approved include one requesting the leaders in equality and freedom, a South Africa that is a model for other states broadcasting to promote television’s cultural diversity and co-op- in and beyond Africa. Canadians also support South Africa as it eration with the Organization of American States in order to reinvigorates its domestic democracy, as it reforms its institutions develop a cultural plan. of government and moves into the 21st century. The Canadian Conference on the Arts held a parallel forum on In short, Canada and South Africa have been close in the past culture and co-operation, with over 60 organizations in the arts, and will remain friends in the future. Today it is a great honour to culture and development sector participating. This shows clearly— welcome Nelson Mandela and his wife and celebrate a victory for freedom over oppression. The Speaker: The member for Etobicoke—Lakeshore. * * * * * * D (1405) PRESIDENT NELSON MANDELA [English] Mr. Ovid L. Jackson (Bruce—Grey, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure today to be among those Canadians who welcome PRESIDENT NELSON MANDELA Nelson Mandela here to our parliament. President Mandela’s visit gives us an opportunity to honour a remarkable man for his lifetime Ms. Jean Augustine (Etobicoke—Lakeshore, Lib.): Mr. struggle against racism and apartheid. Speaker, I am honoured and delighted to welcome a great man to our nation’s capital today, the President of South Africa, the Hon. He has fathered a peaceful revolution, guided by his gentleness, Nelson Mandela. wisdom and strength. This remarkable legacy continues through his dedication to helping the children and youth of South Africa. President Mandela is a living symbol of the power of the human spirit and a true modern day hero. Nelson Mandela has fought and The Government of Canada is proud to be a sponsor of the stood by his strong beliefs in fundamental human rights, the right ‘‘Mandela and the Children’’ event at the Skydome tomorrow. to dignity, freedom and equality that we all cherish as Canadians. Nelson Mandela will reach out to our young people and give them an awareness of Canada’s activities in South Africa. His courage to challenge the injustices of the oppressive system of apartheid in South Africa cannot be understated. Like many This event will connect young people of Canada with the South Canadians such as Sherona Hall and other ANC supporters, I spent African youth in a common cause: the elimination of racism and my youthful years in anti-apartheid support activities. the promotion of human rights. Today we are all bursting with pride as under President Mande- The struggle of this great leader encourages us all to reaffirm our la’s leadership South Africa is making a peaceful transition into a commitment to tolerance, equality and social justice. democratic society that respects the rights of all its citizens. * * * Nelson Mandela will go down in history as one of the stalwarts of the 20th century. [Translation] Mr. Mandela, thank you for making South Africa and the world a better place. Canadians are proud that today you walked among us. PRESIDENT OF SOUTH AFRICA Mr. Daniel Turp (Beauharnois—Salaberry, BQ): Mr. Speaker, * * * I would like to join with my colleagues in recognizing the official visit of the President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela. PRESIDENT NELSON MANDELA On the eve of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Mr. Bob Mills (Red Deer, Ref.): Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we are honoured by the Canadian official opposition I ask the members of the House of presence of a true defender of human rights. September 24, 1998 COMMONS DEBATES 8335 S. O. 31 Nelson Mandela’s actions, his very life, have marked not only Now we have learned that unelected NCC chairman Marcel Africa, but indeed the entire world. Through personal sacrifice, Beaudry pressured elected Ottawa city councillor Elisabeth Ar- Mr. Mandela stands out as a true statesman and as a beloved and nold. Mr. Beaudry asked Councillor Arnold to withhold two respected political leader. He will remain forever an example of recommendations from a city draft report. The recommendations a freedom fighter. strongly object to the destruction of the heritage buildings and the shrinkage of downtown development the NCC’s Metcalfe Street As others continue the fight for democracy, Mr. Mandela’s proposal would cause. exemplary tenacity should give cause for reflection to those who think that repression can silence people who, like President Mande- We have advice for the National Capital Commission. Be la himself, embody the courageous battle for fundamental rights. transparent and be accountable. President Mandela, on behalf of the members of the Bloc * * * Quebecois and of all the people of Quebec, I thank you. [Translation] * * * BLOC QUEBECOIS PRESIDENT OF SOUTH AFRICA Mr.