1969-10-23

[Stage Direction]
21362-li
Queen's Printer for Canada, Ottawa, 1970
[Stage Direction]
Thursday, October 23, 1969
[DOT]	(10.30 a.m.)

[Stage Direction]
The Parliament which had been prorogued on the twenty-second day of October, 1969, met this day at Ottawa for the dispatch of business.

Mr. Speaker read a communication from the Secretary to the Governor General, announcing that His Excellency the Governor General would proceed to the Senate chamber at 10.30 a.m. on this day, for the purpose of formally opening the second session of the twenty-eighth Parliament of Canada.
A message was delivered by Major C. R. Lamoureux, Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod, as follows:
Mr. Speaker, it is the pleasure of His Excellency the Governor General that this honourable chamber attend him immediately in the chamber of the honourable the Senate.
Accordingly, Mr. Speaker with the House went up to the Senate chamber.
[DOT]	(11.30 a.m.)
And the House being returned to the Commons chamber:

Right Hon. P. E. Trudeau (Prime Minister) moved: for leave to introduce Bill No. 1, respecting the administration of oaths of office.
Motion agreed to and bill read the first time.



SPEECH FROM THE THRONE

Mr. Speaker:: 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 have the honour to welcome you to the Second Session of the 28th Parliament of Canada and to present, on behalf of the Government, various matters which it wishes to lay before you.
Before doing so, may I say that, notwithstanding some unresolved problems which affect our collectivity, and notwithstanding the fears of people of little faith, it was encouraging to find, in the course of recent visits which my wife and I have made to Canadians in all ten Provinces and in the Arctic Islands, that their sense of identity, and of the potential which Canada offers to them and to their children, is strong and healthy.
I was also pleased to make a goodwill tour of the four Commonwealth countries of the Caribbean: Jamaica, Guyana, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago. These visits abroad were made on the advice of the Government and with the encouragement of Her Majesty.
May I say, too, that Her Majesty's interest in Canada, and in Canadians and their affairs, will bring the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh to Manitoba and to the Northwest Territories in July of next year to join in the celebration of their centennials.
Canada is a fortunate country, blessed by nature and spared by war, but we are not immune from the effects of conflicts in other parts of the globe. Our world has become so compact, so interdependent, that all humanity is wounded by an outbreak of violence in any corner of the earth. Whether it be in Vietnam, Nigeria, or the Middle East, suffering in any part of the world disturbs the whole international community and affects Canada as a responsible member of that community.
Although we must be aware of the effects of these upheavals on our own country, we are even more concerned about the damage inflicted on the prospects for world peace and the spread of misery and deprivation. The means at our disposal for bringing these conflicts to an end are necessarily limited, but the Government is making full use of its opportunities to help reduce international tension.
We will continue to be an active member of the United Nations. After a quarter of a century of radical changes in its functions and membership, the U.N. needs to be revitalised and strengthened. Canada is presenting its proposals for reform to the present session of the General Assembly.
As weapons become more destructive and weapons' testing more dangerous, the Government is assigning a higher priority to its efforts in the field of arms control. One barrier to a ban on underground nuclear tests has been the difficulty

October 23, 1969
Speech jrom the Throne of verifying that it is being observed. As a practical step towards such a ban, Canada has proposed an international exchange of seismic information.
As long as differences between peoples are permitted to degenerate into hatred and violence, we cannot remain unmoved by appeals for help from the victims of wars. At the International Red Cross Conference last month, the Canadian Government gained acceptance of a principle which it has long supported whereby the Red Cross will be permitted to provide relief during civil wars to civilians on both sides.
In addition to our work in international organizations, we are intensifying our direct contacts with many of the governments and peoples of Latin America, Africa and Asia. At this session you will be asked to consider a bill to create a Canadian International Development Research Centre which will bring together Canadian and foreign experts on the problems of developing economies.
A disturbing element in many countries of the world has been the rising tide of unrest, particularly among young people. It has expressed itself in many ways, in public debate, in peaceful protest and sometimes in violence. Our profound disapproval of the excesses must not blind us to deeply felt and legitimate aspirations. Many citizens in our own country believe that they are entitled to assume greater responsibility for the destiny of our society. Such demands, insofar as they do not conflict with the general welfare, are the expression of a truly democratic ideal. They must be satisfied if our society is to attain its goals of peace and justice.
The Government believes that the time has come to extend the franchise in federal elections and it will therefore recommend to the Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections of the House of Commons that the voting age be lowered to eighteen.
Changes will be proposed in the legislation governing the Northern Territories which will improve the representational character of their Councils.
If the rights and interests of individuals and groups are to be safeguarded, they must be accurately reflected in the political structure of this country and in its basic blueprint, the Constitution.
The Government therefore attaches the greatest importance to the revision of the Constitution and to the progress achieved by the Constitutional Conference. The last meeting of the Conference provided an opportunity for particularly productive discussions, and the Government is determined to spare no effort to ensure the success of this vital task.
History, geography and economics have placed certain of our citizens at a disadvantage. Under legislation enacted during the last session of Parliament, the Government is establishing programs to reduce these inequalities.
The Official Languages Act, which provides for the use of French and English in federal government institutions wherever the composition of the population justifies it, will permit the exercise of essential language rights within a society which recognizes and welcomes a rich diversity of race, religion and cultural traditions.
This resolve to achieve linguistic equality will have its counterpart in social and economic life. During the last session, Parliament enacted legislation which will enable the Government, with the

co-operation of the Provinces, to set up programs to reduce regional disparities in employment opportunities and average incomes. In fact, despite the general cutback in its expenditures, the Government, recognizing the overriding urgency of these programs, has decided to allocate an increasing proportion of its revenues to them.
The necessity for raising the level of employment of Canadians of Indian descent and other less favoured citizens will also receive special attention.
Changes in the patterns of need in our society call for a more equitable social policy which will offer assistance and security to people unable to work or to provide for themselves and their families. A white paper on social security will be presented together with a proposal concerning the reorganization of the unemployment insurance program.
Satisfactory relations between labour and management are of critical importance to our social and economic progress. The Government is devoting greater attention to the problems and possibilities of industrial relations and will be putting forward for your consideration amendments to the legislation governing collective bargaining in the industries within federal jurisdiction.
There are many obstacles to be overcome if we are to achieve our economic goals, but inflation is undoubtedly the most serious and the most difficult to control. If we fail to control it, the consequences could rapidly prove disastrous, especially-but not only-for those whose incomes are already low.
In recent months the Government has urged both the public and the private sectors to adopt special measures to combat the dangers of inflation. These measures, which the Government has itself adopted, must be applied by all if further restraints are to be avoided.
You will also be called upon to study proposals for tax reform aimed at a fairer distribution of the tax burden combined with favourable conditions for growth in the national economy. The structure of our tax system must be adapted to reflect more accurately the true circumstances of individual Canadians and of business organizations in our modem society.
One of Canada's most valuable assets is undeniably the richness and variety of her material resources. In some cases, production has increased substantially and outstripped demand; grain is one of the commodities of which reserves have piled up, causing financial hardship to a good many farmers.
Increasing production of grain in many countries has contributed to a decline in our international grain trade and in world grain prices. This reduction of markets and prices has been of utmost concern to the Government, which intends to continue its search for new outlets for Canadian grain and its efforts to improve international co-operation and to re-establish orderly marketing. In addition, you will be asked to consider amendments to the Canada Grain Act which are intended to make our products more competitive in world markets.
The competitive position of Canadian fisheries must also be strengthened, not only through new licensing and marketing arrangements, but also by extending Canada's exclusive fishing zones.
Our resources are immense, but they are not inexhaustible. Although we must encourage their
October 23, 1969

development, we must also conserve them and regulate their use. Water is among the most precious of these resources. The evidence of past failure to rehabilitate our water resources is there for all to see-befouled water, despoiled beaches, rotting marine vegetation, and diminished fishing. The Government has made known its views on this serious problem, and has begun urgent discussions with the Provinces. Upon their completion, the Government will introduce legislation which will enable it, in co-operation with the Provinces, to improve and preserve our water resources. Thus may we assure ourselves of their continuing benefit for our own domestic use, industrial expansion, and recreation.
While the Atlantic and the Pacific retain their traditional importance for Canada, the Arctic Ocean and its coastal regions may soon enter a period of rapid economic development. Much of this development will undoubtedly occur on the islands of the Canadian archipelago, or in the adjoining continental shelf whose resources, under international law, we have the exclusive right to explore and exploit. With resource development, and the benefits it entails, may come grave danger to the balance of plant and animal life on land and in the sea, which is particularly precarious in the harsh polar regions. While encouraging such development, we must fulfil our responsibility to preserve these areas, as yet undespoiled and essentially in a state of nature. The Government will introduce legislation setting out the measures necessary to prevent pollution in the Arctic Seas. It is also considering other methods of protecting Canada's ocean coasts.
Through the United Nations and its agencies Canada is seeking to establish a system to combat the pollution of international waters which threatens so many forms of life on this planet.
Our aim is a strong and productive country soundly equipped to face the future; but we are equally concerned with the individual Canadian, his rights and his interests. The Government regards national progress and individual fulfilment as indivisible components of its mandate.
The size, complexity and fallibility of the structures that technology imposes on modern societies are often in conflict with the protection and development of individual values. The workings of both private and public institutions may endanger the individual's free expression of his unique personality. He must therefore be protected from anything that jeopardizes his rights or limits his personal development.
To this end, Criminal Code amendments will be submitted to you that would regulate wire-tapping and other invasions of the individual's privacy, and reform the present law governing detention before trial. Bills will be submitted to make federal tribunals more accessible and responsive, and to ensure fair treatment in expropriation cases. There will also be a bill to create a national law reform commission, whose task will be the improvement and modernization of the law and its administration at the federal level.
[DOT] (11.40 a.m.)
You will also be asked to review the large body of legislation applying to companies and financial institutions. To enhance the position of the consumer in the market place, the Government will ask you to augment our body of consumer protection. There will be proposals dealing with consumer credit, packaging and labelling, identification
Speech from the Throne of the fibre content of textile products and motor vehicle safety.
In the field of housing, despite the difficulties of inflation, the objective is to construct one million new housing units in five years. The Government will play its part in achieving that objective while emphasizing measures to satisfy the needs of low income families. This and related programs will stimulate social progress, employment, economic growth and urban improvement. They are a recognition of the need for every citizen to live in healthy and pleasant surroundings.
I have mentioned some of the important subjects of legislation which you will be asked to consider at this session. You will also be invited to discuss a number of aspects of long range national policy.
In addition to solving her immediate problems, Canada must be prepared to face the coming challenges of the post industrial era. This calls for a systematic appraisal of Canadian society and of the basic principles that are to guide it. During the past twelve months, the Government has begun this lengthy task. During this session a number of reports and white papers will be presented as part of a comprehensive revision of Government policy. You will thus be invited to examine the Government's findings concerning external affairs, defence, tax reform, citizenship, social security, information, and postal service.
In these documents the Government will define its goals and the means by which it proposes to achieve them, but it believes there is also a need for informed public discussion before bills are drafted in their final form, and before any far-reaching measures are taken.
A more intensive consideration of national policies by Parliament is in keeping with the spirit of the recent reforms in the rules of the House of Commons. These new rules will demonstrate that Parliamentary traditions can adapt to the changed circumstances of contemporary life while continuing to respect the fundamental principles of popular representation.
They are evidence of our common desire to modernize our institutions so that they will satisfy the needs and aspirations of our citizens, and thus enable us to work together in harmony and with renewed energy to ensure the progress and greatness of Canada.
Members of the House of Commons:
During this session, you will be asked to grant the necessary funds for the services and expenditures authorized by Parliament.
Honourable Members of the Senate:
Members of the House of Commons:
The Prime Minister will lay before you today a list of bills that will be submitted to you during the session.
May Divine Providence enlighten your deliberations.


Pierre Elliott Trudeau: That the speech of His Excellency the Governor General, delivered this day from the Throne to both Houses of Parliament, be taken into consideration later this day.


[Stage Direction]
Motion agreed to.
October 23, 1969
[Stage Direction]
Bills in Speech from the Throne [English]
Pierre Elliott Trudeau: Mr. Speaker, I should like to table a list of the titles of the several bills which were referred to in His Excellency's speech. I would ask, Mr. Speaker, that this list be printed in today's Hansard.


Mr. Speaker:: Is this agreed?


Some hon. Members:: Agreed.
[Editor's Note: The list referred to above follows:]
1.	The Canadian National Railway Financing and Guarantee Bill, 1969
2.	Small Businesses Loans Act Amendments
3.	Established Programs (Interim Arrangements) Act Amendments
4.	Canada Student Loans Act Amendments
5.	Quebec Savings Bank Act Amendments
6.	Canada-Sweden Supplementary Income Tax Agreement Bill 1969
7.	Income Tax Act Amendments
8.	Customs Tariff Amendments
9.	Excise Tax Act Amendments
10.	Excise Act Amendments
11.	Canada Corporations Act Amendments
12.	Trust Companies Act Amendments
13.	Loan Companies Act Amendments
14.	Canadian and British Insurance Companies Act Amendments
15. Foreign Insurance Companies Act Amendments
16.	Investment Companies Bill
17.	Canada Cooperative Associations Bill
18.	Railway Act Amendments
19.	Deep Sea Fisheries Act Repeal
20. Coastal Fisheries Protection Act Amendments
21.	Fisheries Act Amendments
22.	Salt Fish Development Corporation Bill
23.	Canada Grain Act Revision
24.	Farm Products Marketing Boards Bill
25.	Expo Winding-up Bill
26.	Judges Act Amendments
27.	Criminal Code Amendments (1)
28.	Supreme Court Act Amendments
29.	Criminal Records Bill
30.	Expropriation Act Revision
31.	Law Reform Commission Bill
32.	Young Offenders Bill
33.	Federal Courts Bill

34.	Criminal Code Amendments (2)
35.	Children of War Dead (Education Assistance) Act Amendments
36.	Migratory Birds Convention Act Amendments
37.	International Development Research Centre Bill
38.	Canada Shipping Act Amendments (1)
39.	Quarantine Act Revision
40.	Canada Labour (Standards) Code Amendments
41.	Industrial Relations and Disputes Investigation Act Revision
42.	Immigration Appeal Board Act Amendments
43.	National Energy Board Act Amendments
44.	Dominion Coal Board Dissolution Bill
45.	Yukon Placer Mining Act Amendments
46.	Yukon Minerals Bill
47.	Oil and Gas Production and Conservation Act Amendments
48.	Motor Vehicle Safety Bill
49.	Radiation Emitting Devices Bill
50.	Nuclear Liability Bill
51.	Bills of Exchange Act Amendments
52.	Uniform Packaging and Labelling Bill
53.	Textile Fibres Identification Bill
54.	Standards Council of Canada Bill
55.	Weights and Measures Act Revision
56.	Combines Investigation Act Revision
57.	Ocean Shipping Conferences Bill
58.	Canada Water Bill
59.	Northern Water Rights Bill
60.	National Parks Act Amendments
61.	Northern Canada Power Commission Act Amendments
62.	Canada Shipping Act Amendments (2)
63.	Pilotage Bill
64.	Air Canada Act Amendments
65.	Canadian Research Institute Bill
66.	Statistics Act Amendments
67.	Canada Elections Act Amendments
68.	Representation Commissioner Act Amendments
69.	Yukon Act and Northwest Territories Act Amendments
70.	Industrial Research and Development Incentives Act Amendments
71.	Territorial Sea and Fishing Zones Act 1964 Amendments
October 23, 1969

The Address-Mr. Cullen



INTERNAL ECONOMY COMMISSION

[Stage Direction]
Right Hon. P. E. Trudeau (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 Order in Council appointing the Honourable George James Mcllraith, Solicitor General, the Honourable Charles Mills Drury, President of the Treasury Board, the Honourable Jean Chretien, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, and the Honourable Donald Stovel Macdonald, President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, to act with the Speaker of the House of Commons as commissioners for the purposes and under the provisions of the one hundred and forty-third chapter of the Revised Statutes of Canada, 1952, intituled: An Act respecting the House of Commons.

Pierre Elliott Trudeau: Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by Mr. Macdonald (Rosedale), that Mr. Albert Bechard, member for the electoral district of Bonaven-ture, be appointed deputy chairman of the committees of the whole.


[Stage Direction]
Motion agreed to.

Pierre Elliott Trudeau: Mr. Speaker, I move:
That, when this House adjourns this day, it shall stand adjourned until 11 o'clock a.m. Friday, October 24, 1969 and that notwithstanding Standing Order 6 (3), the House shall not be adjourned in that sitting until the leaders of all parties have spoken in the Address Debate.


[Stage Direction]
Motion agreed to.

Hon. Donald S. Macdonald (President of the Privy Council):: Mr. Speaker, I would suggest that the sitting be suspended until three o'clock this afternoon.


Mr. Speaker:: Is it agreed?


Some hon. Members:: Agreed.
At 11.46 a.m. the sitting of the House was suspended until 3 p.m.



SITTING RESUMED

[Stage Direction]
The House resumed at 3 p.m.


[Stage Direction]
The House proceeded to the consideration of the speech delivered by His Excellency the Governor General at the opening of the session.
Mr. Jack Cullen (Sarnia):: Mr. Speaker, I count it a signal honour to have been called upon by the Prime Minister (Mr. Trudeau) and his associates in the cabinet to move the Address in Reply to the Speech from the Throne. All the constituents of the Sarnia riding, whatever political persuasion, share this honour. I hope, in a vicarious way, my constituents can feel the sense of privilege which is mine today.
On the 8th day of May, 1967, Mr. Speaker, His Excellency the Governor General, in beginning the Speech from the Throne at that time, stated in part as follows:
As my words are being broadcast throughout Canada, I should like to begin on a personal note. I want to say that I am deeply conscious of the possibilities for good for Canada of my new office and duty-that which brings me here today to open the centennial session of parliament.
He continued:
May I renew my pledge at the ceremony of installation, that my sole purpose and effort will be to merit the confidence which has been reposed in me by Her Majesty our Queen, on the advice of her Canadian ministers and by the countless Canadians from every region who have so freely offered their good wishes.
We have every good reason, Mr. Speaker, to be proud of the manner in which His Excellency, the Governor General has performed his duties in that high office.


Some hon. Members:: Hear, hear.


Jack Sydney George (Bud) Cullen: It is fitting and proper that during the moving of the Address in Reply to the Speech from the Throne we should publicly acknowledge the deep sense of dedication which he has so obviously brought to that position.
In his comments in 1967, the Governor General established a guideline for those of us who serve as members of parliament and I think we should all consider his comment and his dedication to this proposition, namely:
. . . the possibilities for good for Canada of my new office and duty . . .
October 23. 1969

The Address-Mr. Cullen
Some in this House may have to be reminded from time to time that we are here for the good of Canada and that is our prime responsibility. No one is asked to lose sight of the fact that we are politicians and that we have obligations to our respective parties nor that we, as individuals, are accountable to our constituents. But, in the final analysis, Canada and the betterment of Canada must come first.


Some hon. Members:: Hear, hear.


Jack Sydney George (Bud) Cullen: We in this House have an awesome responsibility and it far outweighs the immediate responsibility imposed upon the Prime Minister and his cabinet to deal with present day legislation. We, and I mean all members of this House, have an obligation to make the House of Commons more relevant, to establish to the satisfaction of the citizens of Canada that the government has the single, most important role to play in the development of our country. Our legislation, our conduct, our rules and our dedication all receive the daily scrutiny of the press, radio and television. The legislation of the present Liberal government receives the criticism, constructive and, unfortunately, sometimes otherwise, of the opposition parties. In the various committees of the House this legislation is reviewed, criticized, amended and reported back to the House. This legislation is then subject to amendment and these amendments are debated. There are many safeguards before proposed legislation becomes law and this is as it should be.
It is difficult however to explain to the citizen of Canada who is not familiar with these procedures the necessity for taking time and having safeguards. But that self-same citizen has a good point. I think we must be careful in the House of Commons that we do not take too much time. We must look at the program of legislative proposals, establish the priorities, and then calculate the time which is available to us if we are to ensure that this legislative program will be adopted within the time available.
Rule changes were of course a must and all parties agreed. We could not agree on all of the rule changes and so the government, quite properly, had to accept responsibility for Rules 75A, 75B and 75C, in the hope that they will serve to expedite the business of this House. I am not so naive as to suggest, Mr. Speaker, that the business of this House can be expedited by the initiative of the governing party alone. I recognize we require

co-operation from the opposition parties, no matter what the rules state. The thing that does concern me, however, and I can assure Your Honour it also concerns the people of Canada, is whether we in this House have not become too conservative, with a small "c", about the passage of legislation and whether we are not taking too much time rather than too little with our legislation. When we spend too much time and have too many speakers, do the speeches themselves lose their significance?
[DOT] (3.10 p.m.)
I am not looking to make this House of Commons a sausage factory or a rubber stamp office for government legislation, but I would like to see debates on important legislation hold the attention of this House, of the various media of publicity, and of the ci'izens of our country. I would like to see this House of Commons filled with members during the debating period. On one or two occasions in the past year, the hon. member for Winnipeg North Centre (Mr. Knowles) has used the phrase "the cut and thrust of debate". Mr. Speaker, some of the debates in this chamber have been carried on with old, rusty swords- and some of the swords were not even taken out of the scabbards. The hon. member for Saint John-Lancaster (Mr. Bell) gave a first class address on the need of a merchant marine in Canada, but very few even of his own party members were present during that debate, albeit it took place during the private members' hour. The emptying of the press gallery after the question period should surely tell us something.
Consider this. When constituents come to the House of Commons during the afternoon, some members explain apologetically that their colleagues are not present in the house because they are attending committee meetings, or are busy back in their constituencies. Then, when they get into the gallery, these visitors look down to see members who are present reading their newspapers and paying little or no attention to the man who is speaking at the time. How do we convince the press, how do we convince the people of Canada, how do we convince ourselves that this House has any real significance when it cannot hold the attention of the very members who compose it?
The Sarnia Observer in an editorial on July 22 entitled "Weaker by the Week" stated: The real threat to parliament isn't the possible danger of cutting off productive and informative debate on a measure, but the steady erosion of
October 23, 1969

prestige by tiresome speeches, lack of decorum, obstructionism and poor attendance in the House. The House of Commons is its own worst enemy and every time it aids its own weaknesses it chips away a little more of its own fabric.
That situation, Mr. Speaker, has got to change. I hope it will change-if not in this session, then in subsequent sessions. To be a member of this House is a rare privilege and new members are as conscious of this fact as are their colleagues who have served here for many years. We new members are convinced that the parliamentary form of government is best for Canada. But excellent as it is, it is not sacrosanct; it can be improved, albeit slowly. We have to make changes if the House of Commons is to continue to be relevant to the people of Canada.

Mr. Speaker, a few families speak French in my riding. Generally speaking, this is rather rare in southwestern Ontario.
Those voters speak English as well, which makes communication with them easier for me.
However, like many English-speaking Canadians, I wish to learn French, to show in as positive a way as possible that I accept the accomplished fact that we live in a bilingual country.


Some hon. Members:: Hear, hear.


Jack Sydney George (Bud) Cullen: Thanks to the encouragement and the valuable help of the Quebec caucus, of my colleagues, and the members of the Progressive Conservative, New Democratic and Creditiste parties, I hope, as other students do, that we will become increasingly bilingual.
Several persons have asked the members of English-speaking ridings why they wasted their time learning French, two sessions a week in the case of total immersion courses- the weeks of total immersion in Saint Jean, in Hull or in Ottawa-and this even during the holidays.
Mr. Speaker, we believe that Englishspeaking members have the duty to spread this idea of bilingualism in Canada.
We reject those who try to divide us, especially at a time when English-speaking Canadians are becoming aware of their responsibilities in recognizing a bilingual Canada.


Some hon. Members:: Hear, hear.
The Address-Mr. Cullen


Jack Sydney George (Bud) Cullen: That is how we co-operate. It may not be much, but we feel that it will be of benefit to the country as a whole.
I apologize to my teachers for my errors in vocabulary, pronunciation and my halting delivery. However, and that is what counts most, I thank them for giving me the opportunity of taking a step forward.

Mr. Speaker, this is a time of great affluence in our society and, surprisingly enough, times of affluence create as many problems as arise in any other period. The dangerous psychology of our times has been characterized by one writer as "the revolution of rising expectations". So, the man with one car wants, and expects, two; the man with the television set looks to the time when he will possess a colour set; the family which lives in an apartment is looking forward to owning its own home. And the psychology of the period gives these people every encouragement to expect that these ambitions will be realized. Those who are in positions of power within corporations, those who can decide upon prices and dividends to be paid upon shares, as well as those members of unions which have the strength to bargain collectively, share in the affluent society and this feeds their "revolution of rising expectations. But we in this House have a special obligation to look after those who do not belong to unions, those who do not have the power of the corporate structure behind them but who yet must live in today's affluent society.
That is why this government, along with every member of this House, has a genuine concern for the aged, for pensioners living on a fixed and all too inadequate income, for the government's own retired civil servants who deserve better than they are getting.


Some hon. Members:: Hear, hear.


Jack Sydney George (Bud) Cullen: We must look, also, to the position of the veterans who lost many years when they could have been gainfully employed; to the veterans' widows and to those veterans who, though they returned, returned less capable of looking after their own needs than would have been the case had they not volunteered to serve their country.


Some hon. Members:: Hear, hear.


Jack Sydney George (Bud) Cullen: This has become almost a trite phrase but it bears repetition: government has an obligation to help those least able to
8	COMMONS
The Address-Mr. Marceau help themselves. Government also has an obligation to fight pollution, to help find and construct housing, to protect the unwary consumer and to be constantly alert to the need lor changes in the Criminal Code so as better to reflect the kind of protection required by present day society.
Government also has an obligation to recognize regional disparity in this country- and we acknowledge the need to cope with that problem. Our proposed Indian policy establishes guidelines for debate, negotiation, compromise and decision. We recognize the sores of national disunity and we must find a panacea for this sickness. We are all disturbed to find "la belle province" becoming "the bellicose province". Each ministry has its own obligation to meet the needs of the people of Canada. Some of the measures necessary will be popular and some will be unpopular but ultimate responsibility rests with the ministry to initiate the kind of legislation which in its opinion best copes with the situation facing Canada.
[DOT] (3.20 p.m.)
In English, and in somewhat halting French, I have endeavoured to express some points of view which I feel we in this House should be pondering. We have a new session before us, a throne speech outlining the government's proposals, a program welcoming- yes, demanding-scrutiny and constructive criticism by opposition parties. With the government's lead, with the opposition's criticism and assistance, and with conduct becoming this chamber, we can do that which is good for Canada.
I have the honour to move, seconded by the hon. member for Lapointe (Mr. Marceau): That the following Address be presented to His Excellency the Governor General of Canada:
To His Excellency the Right Hon. Roland Miche-ner, Chancellor and Principal Companion of the Order of Canada, upon whom has been conferred the Canadian Forces' Decoration, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada.
May it please Your Excellency:
We, Her Majesty's most loyal and dutiful subjects, the House of Commons of Canada, in Parliament assembled, beg leave to offer our humble thanks to Your Excellency for the gracious speech which Your Excellency has addressed to both Houses of Parliament.


Mr. Gilles Marceau (Lapointe):: Mr. Speaker, the best time, the richest, the most promising, is the present.

DEBATES	October 23, 1969
These words probably were spoken before, but I can say that for me today, their meaning and scope goes beyond any description.
Does this mean that I misunderstand the meaning of the mandate that was entrusted to me? Not at all!

As a matter of fact, I am quite positive that I will succeed in giving you the impression that I have passed the illusion stage and that the opportunity given to me by the Prime Minister (Mr. Trudeau) to second the motion for an Address in Reply to the Speech from the Throne is not based on my personal merit but instead on the great importance of this part of the country that I represent and in which I am so proud to live.

The history of this part of Canada has been written by Mgr. Victor Tremblay and I hope you will allow me to mention distinctive features, since it is of the utmost importance to know one's country well and to make it well known to those by whom we want it to be loved.
This vast region is made up of four areas: Abitibi, North Shore, Saguenay and Lac St. Jean, which are complementary and form a region of their own, with its distinct character, and an interesting section of Canada as a whole.
The word "Saguenay", meaning "gushing water", is the oldest and most genuine in the Canadian toponymy.

The name Canada, according to history, appears to have been adopted just a few days after the name Saguenay. It is significant and interesting to note that the "Canada" designated at that time was the small area of the country which is today the city of Quebec and its surroundings.

The Saguenay region is part of the massif known as the Canadian Shield which is made up of rocks derived from the most ancient structures of the earth's crust.
Its history spreads over more than four centuries; it starts with that of our Canadian homeland of which it is one of the forgotten pearls.
It was discovered at the same time as Canada and was first a settlers' land, but, in view of its enormous water resources, which today produce nearly 12 million horse-power,
October 23, 1969

and its vast forest, big industry has settled there.
Logging operations are one of the biggest industries in the Saguenay, and this has been so for 130 years. Its main production is pulp and paper, with an annual output of 735,000 tons.
Metallurgical operations began in the area with the building of the Arvida plants in 1926.

I feel the famous Saguenay blueberries are particularly noteworthy. Some say that two of those berries are enough to make a pie. Don't believe it! I know that a single one is more than enough.

We have a population of approximately
360,000	people. The greatest part of it is of French-Canadian origin and of Catholic faith; it numbers more than 5,500 Indians. Needless to say, our people have their qualities and their shortcomings: and among those one can mention their honesty, their frankness, their sense of duty, their generosity and their sense of beauty.
Mr. Speaker, I should like here, if I may, to express my regard and my friendship for all the electors of the constituency of Lapointe whom I represent here, and who possess more than anyone the precious qualities I have just mentioned. Believe me, I feel it is a privilege to live among citizens so prominent and so aware of their responsibilities.
In my constituency, which comprises namely Arvida, the aluminum city, and the county town of Jonquiere-Kenogami, pilot projects and achievements in the educational and cultural fields have always found a fertile environment, for the people are dynamic, alert and creative.
Five years ago, 30 English-speaking and 30 French-speaking Canadians set up a countrywide, nonpolitical and independent organization-a Canada Committee-whose aim is to promote Canadian unity. Its members are very active in my region.
We also have a memorial centre which was built during centennial year and which is in fact a well patronized regional cultural centre. The federal government shared the construction costs and I hope it will participate in the centre's development because, even if our constitution puts education under provincial jurisdiction, culture has a much wider scope and does not know any provincial
The Address-Mr. Marceau boundary. The federal parliament should be involved in this field as it is responsible for protecting and assisting the two main linguistic communities.
The Saguenay has its anthem which was composed in 1938, the words having been set to the music of "Silver Threads Amongst the Gold".
The Saguenay finally has its flag representing its four main resources.
Its vast forest, a source of economic activity, is represented by the colour green, symbol of its age.
The agricultural sector is represented by the colour yellow, symbol of the land which carries and produces life.
Grey stands for industry and trade.
The people, a strong and energetic breed, are represented, no doubt through a coincidence, by the colour red.
The feast-day of the Saguenay falls on June 11.
My majestic and adopted country-that is, my constituency of Lapointe-is not free from serious problems which, even though they exist elsewhere, do not reach such dramatic proportions.
Unemployment now stands at the alarming level of 14 per cent. Since the labour market cannot absorb the ever increasing number of those who want to join it, qualified workers must leave the area if they do not want to graduate as jobless or become dissenters who protest against an affluent society which denies them the right to earn a decent living.
Dairy production makes up an important part of our farming industry. Government policy in that field is therefore likely to have a deep impact and I am far from snapping my fingers at the criticisms voiced recently by several farmers.
[DOT] (3:30 p.m.)
Needless to specify that farmers have the right to live as everybody else and do not have to bear alone the economic problems caused by the marketing of their products.
Although I realize how complex those problems are, I nonetheless stress the necessity of finding prompt and effective solutions.
As practical suggestions, in the name of my constituents, I urgently ask:
1. That the Saguenay region be selected as one of the poles of growth essential to any planning. It is obviously essential and urgent to set up an economic substructure in my region.
10	COMMONS
The Address-Mr. Marceau
I take the liberty at this stage of mentioning all the hopes which were raised by the establishment of the Department of Regional Economic Expansion and of expressing on behalf of the people, the confidence placed in its head, the Hon. Jean Marchand, whose competence has been recognized for some time now.


Some hon. Members:: Hear, hear.


Gilles Marceau: 2. Moreover, Mr. Speaker, subsidies ought to be granted to transportation companies, so as to make it possible for the products of our area to compete on the outside market.
3. Finally, one of the hopes of my people, in order to get over the serious economic difficulties they are facing, is to see our northern natural resources being developed and it is essential that access roads be built at once to James Bay with a view to developing the forest, mining and power resources available to us.
Such a project has been developed under the name of the "Vermilion Crescent" and it deserves the encouragement of the federal government through every means available.
In order to settle our economic problems, a body known as the Regional Economic Council has been set up in our area which is a valuable intermediary. I do think that through consultations with that agency, the government will be able to find quick and efficient solutions.
As I remember an expression which I heard somewhere: "man misses an opportunity rather than lack for one", I would feel remiss in my duty if I did not take now the opportunity to clear up a misinterpretation of the attitude and the behaviour of the people in my area.
Sir Wilfrid Laurier once said:
Freedom would soon be but an idle word, were it to leave without any control those who wield power. Endless vigilance is the price of freedom. A nation eager to preserve its freedom should be Argus-eyed and always on the alert. Should it be caught off guard or weaken, every second of idleness will cost it a bit of its rights".
The people in the Saguenay area remember those famous words which serve them as a constant reminder. They are ready to fight and resort to all reasonable and legal means in order to preserve their freedom and identity.
Indeed as Rev. Lionel Groulx, the famous historian, said a long time ago:
If French-speaking Canadians owe their country some special cultural duty or service, it is clear that it is neither as half-English nor as half-

DEBATES	October 23, 1969
French that they will be of any use, except by admitting but one attitude on their part, that is to be fully themselves.
It is only normal to expect to find, in an area of this country inhabited by forwardlooking French-speaking Canadians, a real and sincere alertness and awareness from those who are ready to co-operate, provided they are considered as first-class citizens.
It is undeniable that our people will no longer be satisfied with promises or even with efforts that will not give actual results.
While recognizing, of course, that there are extremists, I assert with certainty that they are not the majority and I say that many of them do not act in bad faith but are insufficiently informed, and the representatives of the people are very often to blame for that.
Besides, it is not for me to judge individuals since they are entitled to their personal opinions in so far as they do not conflict with the public interest.
In that part of the country where I live, 500 miles from Ottawa, there is a sound nationalist, that is not the kind which seeks to destroy and will not co-operate, but the kind which is much more preferable, the one that is identified with the conscious and constant effort of a consistant group which is irrevocably decided to assert its own identity and to make, as such, a real contribution to the whole of Canada.
In short, the spirit which inhabits my fellow-citizens as well as the great majority of French-speaking Canadians is that of an enthusiastic participation, but as equal partners, to the building of a Canada that could be the living and permanent representation of the two founding peoples.
Mr. Speaker, the people to whom I belong have achieved a degree of maturity that will enable them to make a choice inspired by reason and common sense and to check the emotional feelings that might cloud their judgment and jeopardize their safety and welfare.
It is obvious that the French-speaking Canadians of today are much nearer to reality while fully aware of the sacrifices made necessary by this new understanding. While ready to do their best in order to avoid splitting up and dividing Canada, they are also, more than ever, prepared to insure their survival and their fulfilment, whatever the price may be, were they to fail in securing, once and for all equal status and the acknowledgment of their rights, not only in theory but also in practice.
October 23, 1969	COMMONS
I would feel guilty, at this particular time, if I did not acknowledge the tremendous work done by our very active Prime Minister (Mr. Trudeau) to insure the equality and justice rightly claimed by the French-speaking Canadians, though not at the expense of the English-speaking Canadians who are entitled, not only as a majority group but also as individuals, to our respect, our consideration for the priceless contribution they have made to the building and the preservation of our country.

May I also mention the co-operation of the ministers and of my colleagues in the Liberal party. Their attitude since the 1968 election has made a special contribution to the improvement of the relations between French speaking and English speaking Canadians. We must note that in Ottawa today French speaking Canadians are not strangers but citizens capable of playing a leading role in the conduct of the affairs of our vast country.

Moreover, I would not be true to my belief if I did not admit that several members of the opposition have given me a pleasant surprise because they seem so well-disposed towards the French-speaking Canadians to whom, so far, they were too often satisfied to ask simply: "What do the French Canadians want?"
To recognize the existence of others is already a promising start and augurs well for the future but this is not enough to insure the stability and unity of our country. We must reach, as fast as possible, the following stage which is that of genuine co-operation as equal partners.
Indeed, even if it is pleasant to admit that the general atmosphere which has prevailed in Ottawa for a year permits us to entertain serious hopes of maintaining our country in its present limits, all the people of good will must maintain their dialogue not only at the government level but also at the individual level.
This is certainly a challenge which can be taken up only by those who are courageous, dynamic and who really love their Canadian fatherland. Even if it is conceited and even impolite to quote oneself as an example, I do not hesitate to say that my constituents of Lapointe have done it successfully.
I shall certainly astonish quite a few people by disclosing that about 20 per cent of my constituents are not French-speaking; nonetheless, in no other place in Canada perhaps,
DEBATES	11
The Address-Mr. Marceau are the relations better and the mood nicer and more serene, for while each group has preserved its own personality, we have all recognized the relevance of dialogue, cooperation, and respect for individual rights.
I would now like to point out the valuable contribution in that field of such companies as Price Brothers and Aluminum of Canada, who have succeeded in integrating and adapting themselves to our regional environment, where they play a prominent role.
Inspired by what seems to be the great majority of my constituents of Lapointe, and strongly urging people who are still hesitating, I unequivocally declare myself at one with those who are trying to bring about national unity, whatever the linguistic group to which they belong; I would be ashamed, indeed, to be among those who through cowardice, indifference or laziness, have accepted an office with the ulterior motive of working against the interests they are supposed to serve.
The goal of prime importance which is to preserve national unity while safeguarding the diversity of our country, should not be the exclusive concern of parliamentarians. We shall not be able to achieve it without the vigorous and considered participation of all Canadians, regardless of their origin.
I am particularly happy at this time to find that the throne speech mentions the government's intention to give the franchise to the young people of 18 years of age.
At a time when all good wills and all energies are needed, when young people are required to take their responsibilities and play a positive role in the future of our country, to live and behave like citizens, they should not be deprived any longer of the right to express concretely their approval or their rejection of their rulers, simply because a number of them are not completely reliable.
Since I had the honour to be co-chairman with my colleague for Hamilton-Wentworth (Mr. Gibson) of a committee on the constitution, I shall take the liberty, before ending this statement, of setting forth briefly a few general principles on the problems raised at present by the Canadian constitution as I see them.
In principle, I am in favour of amending the constitution, provided that such amendments bring about a renewal and an adjustment of our federalism which is now less effective after being a hundred years in operation.
October 23, 1969

The Address-Mr. Marceau Canada needs strong federal and provincial governments which must all co-operate constantly.
The range of action of governments nowadays is so wide and problems are so numerous that there is no contradiction is using those words.
I think that the main reason justifying this balance is that personal freedom will likely be best preserved if neither level of government is able to arrogate itself any preponderant power over the citizen.
There must be a fair balance between those powers given to the federal government and those given to the provincial governments, keeping in mind that Confederation was made by the provinces and that anything that might weaken them or unduly increase the powers of the federal government would only worsen the situation and make impractical a new constitution containing any one of these trends.
Having been tested on this continent and increasingly accepted throughout the world at large, federalism, when jurisdictions are adequately distributed, seems to be the system which might ensure the greatest stability, a better co-ordination and a higher standard of living for a group of citizens who want to build up a country as huge as ours, while safeguarding their linguistic and cultural diversity.
[DOT] (3:40 p.m.)

We may well find ourselves writing a new page of Canadian history during this session.

I hope that we shall work together during this session, that it will be remembered as a decisive step towards the unity and prosperity of all Canadians through open and sincere co-operation by every representative of the people.
In order to refresh the memory of my colleagues, I would like to repeat the words spoken in 1905 by a famous conservative, the Honourable Thomas Chapais:
If need be, let us not fear to widen the scope of our political horizon. Let us always put our country before our party, our traditions before our alliances, our principles before our ambitions.
I just remembered the precious advice given one day by an English humourist to the Speaker:

Stand up to be seen, speak up to be heard, but sit down to be appreciated.
I conclude by saying, rather than singing, in order not to awaken those who might be dozing, the moving words taken from the refrain of a song that is too little known:

Canada has a heart bigger than its vast expanse.
Canada has a heart beyond its twenty million faces.
Canada is the heart of its town and country people.
The heart of Canada will win the world.
Mr. Speaker, it is therefore with great pleasure that I second the motion of my hon. friend, the hon. member for Sarnia (Mr. Cullen).


Some hon. Members:: Hear, hear.

On motion of Mr. Stanfield, the debate was adjourned.
On motion of Mr. Macdonald (Rosedale), the House adjourned at 3:50 p.m.

Friday, October 24, 19G9