1922-03-09

OPENING OF THE SESSION

[Stage Direction]
Mr. SPEAKER read a communication from the Governor General's Secretary announcing that His Excellency would proceed to the Senate Chamber at 3 p.m. on this day for the purpose of formally opening the session of the Dominion Parliament.
Governor General's Speech
[Stage Direction]
A message was delivered by Lieut.-Col. Ernest J. Chambers, Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod, as follows:
Mr. Speaker, His Excellency the Governor General desires the immediate attendance of this honourable House in the Chamber of the honourable the Senate.
Accordingly the House went up to the Senate Chamber.
Then the Hon. Rodolphe Lemieux, Speaker-elect, said:
May it please your Excellency,
The House of Commons have elected me as their Speaker, though I am but little able to fulfil the important duties thus assigned to me. If in the performance of those duties I should at any time fall into error, I pray that the fault may be imputed to me, and not to the Commons whose servant I am.
The Honourable the Speaker of the Senate addressing the Honourable the Speaker of the Commons then said:
Mr. Speaker, I am commanded by His Excellency the Governor General to assure you that your words and actions will constantly receive from him the most favourable construction.	!!
Then His Excellency the Governor General was pleased to open Parliament by a Speech from the Throne.
And the House being returned to the Commons Chamber:
Mr. SPEAKER:: I have the honour to state that the House having attended on His Excellency the Governor General in the Senate Chamber, I informed His Excellency that the choice of Speaker had fallen upon me, and, in your names and on your behalf, I made the usual claim for your privileges, which His Excellency was pleased to confirm to you.



BILL INTRODUCED

[Stage Direction]
Bill No. 1, respecting the Administration of Oaths of Office-Hon. W. L. Mackenzie King.

Hewitt Bostock: I have the honour to inform the House that when the House did attend His Excellency the Governor General this day in the Senate Chamber, His Excellency was pleased to make a Speech to both Houses of Parliament. To prevent mistakes I have obtained a copy, which is as follows:
Honourable Members of the Senate:
Members of the House of Commons:
I desire on this occasion to assure you that it is with great satisfaction that I meet the Parliament of the Dominion for the first time since Mr. Speaker.
my arrival in Canada, and avail myself of your assistance and advice in carrying out the important duties that His Majesty the King has entrusted to me as his Representative. It is, indeed, a great privilege to be called upon to administer the affairs of the Dominion and to associate myself with you in the work you are about to begin.
Our Dominion has not escaped the world-wide economic disturbance and industrial depression but has suffered less from it than other countries. Keen observers of the business barometer feel that the worst is about over and that at an early date we may look for a substantial reviva' of activity.
In many parts of the Dominion continued depression of business naturally produced, in a much larger degree than usual, the misfortune of unemployment. Whilst of the opinion that unemployment relief is fundamentally a municipal and provincial responsibility, my Government has felt that as conditions have arisen in a measure out of the late war, they would be justified in continuing for the period of the winter months the expedient of supplementing by grants from the Federal Treasury the relief contributions of Provinces and Municipalities for the purpose of alleviating actual distress.
The decline of prices in farm products in 1921, as compared with the prices of previous years, has seriously affected agriculture in many parts of the Dominion. The ill-effects of this inevitable deflation have been emphasized by restricted markets and the absence of any corresponding reduction in the cost of production. While improved methods of culture, grading and storage of farm crops in some parts, and greater diversification in others, would materially better conditions, it is apparent that adequate markets and marketing facilities and reduced transportation and production costs lie at the root of the problem. Recognizing such to be the case, my advisers have lost no time in seeking to gain more favourable conditions of sale and marketing for the products of the farm. Communications have been opened with the authorities of other countries looking to an extension of trade and a widening of Canadian markets, and conferences have been arranged between the railway authorities with respect to the reduction of rates upon basic commodities.
You will be invited to consider the expediency of making some changes in the Customs Tariff. While there are details of revision, the consideration of which will require time and care that are not at present available, there are features of the tariff which it is felt may properly be dealt with during the present session.
In order that Government ownership and operation of our national railways now extending through every province of the Dominion may be given a fair trial under the most favourable conditions, it is intended at an early date to co-ordinate the Government-owned systems in the manner best calculated to increase efficiency, and to effect economies in administration, maintenance and operation. The whole transportation situation is one which will require your best attention. It weighs heavily upon our national finances. To assist in obtaining the information essential to an exact understanding and an adequate appreciation of the problem in its many bearings, it is proposed to supplement the work of co-ordination by a thorough enquiry.
The stream of immigration to the Dominion was much interrupted and restricted during the war. Now that the blessing of peace is with us, a renewal of efforts to bring in new settlers must be made. My Government are fully alive

Governor GeneraVs Speech
to the importance of this question and will use every reasonable endeavour to attract to our country people of the most desirable class, with particular regard to settlement on our undeveloped lands.
The work in connection with the re-establishment, medical treatment and vocational training of former members of the Canadian Forces is being sympathetically and energetically prosecuted. The care of the disabled still demands the best thought of those who are charged with the duty of administering the benefits provided. It is intended, during the coming session, again to consult Parliament concerning some of the problems still remaining.
The long standing question of granting the control of the natural resources of three Western Provinces to their respective Provincial Governments has engaged the attention of my Ministers. Sympathizing with the desire of the authorities of these Provinces, which have now advanced to maturity, to have the same control and management of their resources as is possessed by the older Provinces, my Government have made a proposal to the Governments of the several Provinces concerned, which it is hoped may lead to a satisfactory settlement of the question at an early date.
With the object of promoting economy and increasing efficiency, a Bill will be submitted to you, providing for a Department of Defence, in which the various branches of the defence forces of Canada will be co-ordinated under one ministerial head.
During the interval since the last Parliament, there has been held in Washington on the invitation of the President of the United States an International Conference to consider an agreed limitation of armaments and in connection therewith to reach an understanding concerning the political relations of the Powers interested in the regions of the Pacific and the Far East. From this Conference treaties of far reaching consequence have resulted. It is the opinion of my advisers that approval of Parliament ought to precede their ratification on behalf of Canada. The treaties with appropriate explanations will accordingly be placed before you during the session.
As the result of recent discussions among the Powers, it has been decided to hold at Genoa a conference with the object of securing, through frank and amicable consultation among the nations who have been at war, a concerted effort to repair the grave dislocations in the economic and financial field that have everywhere followed the war. The Government of Canada has been invited to participate and delegates have been appointed for the purpose.
An invitation has been extended to the Government of Canada by the Government of the United States to take part in a Postal Conference, at which all phases of mail communication from one country to the other may be fully discussed. Reciprocating the spirit that has prompted the invitation, the Canadian Government will, in due course, appoint representatives to meet the representatives of the United States for the purpose mentioned.
Members of the House of Commons:
The Public Accounts for the last fiscal year will be laid before you. At an early date the Estimates for the coming year will be submitted. In their preparation imperative need for economy has rendered necessary the non-inclusion of many undertakings, appropriations for which must await a more favourable financial situation.
Honourable Members of the Senate:
Members of the House of Commons:
In inviting your careful consideration of the important matters which will engage your attention, I pray that Divine Providence may guide and bless your deliberations.
On motion of Hon. W. L. Mackenzie King (Prime Minister) :
That the speech of His Excellency the Governor General to both Houses of Parliament be taken into consideration on Monday next, and that this order have precedence over all other business except the introduction of bills until disposed of.


Right Hon. ARTHUR MEIGHEN (Leader of the Opposition) :: Before the motion
carries, I would say that I had no intimation from the Government,-which I know will surprise hon. gentlemen across the way -as to what the intentions of the Government were in regard to the conduct of proceedings this week. It seems to me too bad if the entire week is to be devoted merely to formalities. Would it not be possible to take the Speech from the Throne into consideration to-morrow?


Hon. W. L. MACKENZIE KING:: (Prime Minister) Mr. Speaker, I regret that there has been any oversight in informing my right hon. friend of the customary procedure at the opening of parliament, but I had assumed that his experience in this House would have sufficiently acquainted him with what was customary on the opening day. I think, when we consider that hon. members are gathered together for the first time in this new Parliament, it will probably be consulting the convenience of all parties if we follow the custom of the past and adjourn after to-day's proceedings until Monday.


Arthur Meighen: It is by no means the invariable custom to do so. The late Government managed to get down to business sooner.


William Lyon Mackenzie King: My right hon. friend will have ample time to discuss all matters. I might observe to him that in his impatience to make his announcement to the House yesterday he did not so much as permit His Excellency the right to read the Speech from the Throne before informing the House as to what business he would like to have taken up. We on this side will do everything necessary to facilitate the business of Parliament, and I think we can get on without the suggestion of my right hon. friend.


[Stage Direction]
Motion agreed to.
[Stage Direction]
Prime Ministers' Conference

William Lyon Mackenzie King: That a special committee be appointed to prepare and report with all convenient speed lists of members to compose the Select Standing Committees of this House under Rule 10; said Committee to be composed of: Messrs. Beland, Robb, Low, Kyte, Papineau, Tolmie, Boys, Johnston (Last Mountain), and Forke; and that that portion of Rule 10 limiting the number of members of the said Committee be suspended in relation thereto.


[Stage Direction]
Motion agreed to.

William Lyon Mackenzie King: I beg to move, seconded by Mr. Fielding:
That when the House adjourns this day it do stand adjourned until Monday next, the 13th instant, at three o'clock.


[Stage Direction]
Motion agreed to.

[Stage Direction]
Hon. W. L. MACKENZIE KING (Prime Minister) presented the following message from his Excellency the Governor General:
The Governor General transmits to the House of Commons a certified copy of an approved Minute of Council appointing the Honourable H. S. Beland, Minister of Soldiers' Civil Re-establishment ; the Honourable J. A. Robb, Minister of Trade and Commerce; the Honourable T. A. Low, Minister, and the Honourable John E. Sinclair, Minister without Portfolio, to act with the Speaker of the House of Commons, as Commissioners for the purposes and under the provisions of the. Eleventh Chapter of the Revised Statutes of Canada, 1906, intituled "An Act respecting the House of Commons."

[Stage Direction]
Joint Report of the Librarians of Parliament.-Mr. Speaker.
Report of the proceedings of the Commissioners of Internal Economy of the House of Commons for 1921-1922 pursuant to Rule 9.-Mr. Speaker.
Annual Report of the Department of Marine and Fisheries for the year ended March 31, 1921.-Hon. Mr. Lapointe.
Supplement to the 53rd annual report of the Department of Marine and Fisheries for the year ended March 31, 1920: Steamboat /Inspection (Report.-Hon. Mr. Lapointe.
Annual Report of the Postmaster General for the year ended March 31, 1921.- Hon. Mr. Beland.
Annual Report of the Department of Trade and Commerce for the year ended March 31, 1921.-Hon. Mr. Robb.
Annual Report of Weights and Measures, Electricity and Gas Inspection Services of the Department of Trade and Mr. Mackenzie King.
Commerce for the year ended March 31, 1921.-Hon. Mr. Robb.
Rules and Regulations of the Board of Grain Commissioners in respect to country elevators.-Hon. Mr. Robb.
Report of the Commissioner of Patents for the year ended March 31, 1921.-Hon. Mr. Robb.
Report of the Secretary of State for External Affairs for the year ended March 31, 1921.-Hon. Mr. Mackenzie King.
Orders in Council passed under the provisions of 6-8-9, the Act to Authorize Rearrangements and Transfers of Duties in the Public Service.-Hon. Mr. Mackenzie King.
Annual Report of the Department of Agriculture for the year ended March 31, 1921.-Hon. Mr. Motherwell.

William Lyon Mackenzie King: I lay on the table of the House copy of Order in Council requested by my right hon. friend (Mr. Meighen) yesterday, authorizing the Minister of Marine and Fisheries to undertake the administration of the fisheries in the tidal and navigable waters of Quebec that are accessible by way of navigation from the sea.



PRIME MINISTERS' CONFERENCE


William Lyon Mackenzie King: I lay on the table of the House a copy of "Proceedings of the Conference of Prime Ministers and Representatives of the United Kingdom, the Dominions, and India, held in June, July and August, 1921-Summary of Proceedings and Documents." This is a copy of the report of the Conference of Prime Ministers which was laid on the table of the House in Great Britain. I may say that a little over a month ago I communicated with the authorities in England asking for a number of copies of this printed document in order that each member of the House might have a copy for his own perusal. I am informed that these documents were shipped from England about the twenty-fourth of last month, so they may be here at any time. The Under-Secretary of State will see that each member is supplied with a copy as soon as they are received.
My right hon. friend yesterday, referring to the proceedings of this Conference, stated that certain of them were secret and asked me to communicate with the Prime Minister of Great Britain in order

Armaments
to find out what part, if any, of the secret proceedings he would be at liberty to disclose. A good deal has been said by my right hon. friend in regard to the equality of status of the different countries comprising the British Empire. I would say that I see no necessity for our asking Great Britain what we may do in reference to any conference of Prime Ministers. As I look at the proceedings I find that representatives of Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and India were present, and I should think there would be quite as much reason for communicating with Australia and South Africa as with Great Britain in regard to what part of the proceedings should be made public in this Parliament. There is equal reason also to ask the Government of this country what its view is as to the proceedings and what action should be taken with respect to regarding any part of them as private. I may say to my right hon. friend that this is a public document and that he or any other hon. member of this House is at liberty to quote any part of it. In regard to any proceedings that were secret, I have no doubt that my right hon. friend was a party to any arrangement that was made as to the secrecy of the proceedings and he must use his own judgment as to what he will disclose or withhold in regard to that part of the Conference.


Arthur Meighen: Mr. Speaker, it is true that all parties to the Conference had equal status, but my hon. friend must remember that the Conference was called by the British Government and that the Secretariat has issued the report thereon. It is, therefore, the right of the British Government to say to what extent the part taken by those representatives must be regarded as secret. I have asked my hon. friend to find that out; if he declines, he takes the responsibility.


William Lyon Mackenzie King: I wish to make my position perfectly clear. I simply take the ground that the Conference of Prime Ministers was a conference of the representatives of different countries, all of which were met on a basis of equality. For that reason I do not propose to return to the colonial status so far as this country is concerned, by asking permission to quote from the report.



LIMITATION OF ARMAMENTS

William Lyon Mackenzie King: I lay on the table of the House
copies of the treaty concluded at the Conference on the Limitation of Armaments held at Washington from November 12, 1921, to February 6, 1922, signed on hehalf of Canada. A report on this conference will be prepared by Right Hon. Sir Robert Borden, who was Canada's representative at the conference, and will be presented to Parliament in due course.


Mr. CRERAR:: May I ask my hon.
friend if those documents will be printed and made available for the information of members of the House?


William Lyon Mackenzie King: Certainly.
As soon as the report of Sir Robert Borden is received it will be printed. The treaties also will be printed and attached as appendices to the report.



ADJOURNMENT-BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE

[Stage Direction]
On motion of Mr. Mackenzie King for the adjournment of the House:
Arthur Meighen: Mr. Speaker, before the motion carries I find it necessary to make a request similar to the one I made yesterday, because of the impending debate on the Address and because of a reference in the Speech from the Throne. It is this: that there be laid on the table of the House on Monday, if at all possible,-at the earliest possible day, at any rate-a copy of the correspondence that passed between the late Government and the Government of Australia, particularly the Prime Minister of Australia, and between the members of the late Government and myself, with respect to reciprocal trade with Australia. This correspondence commenced about May or June, 1921.


[Stage Direction]
Motion agreed to, and the House adjourned at 4.20 p.m., until Monday, March 13.
Monday, March 13, 1922