Mr. Colin D. Gibson (Hamilton-Wentworth):

Mr. Speaker, I would like to put a question to the hon. Secretary of State.

Does the government intend to extend the application period under the Opportunities for Youth program?

Hon. Gerard Pelletier (Secretary of State):

Unfortunately not, Mr. Speaker.

Hear, hear!

Mr. Gibson:

Why not?

Mr. Cliff Downey (Battle River):

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Consumer and Corporate Affairs. It arises out of the fact that once again fertilizer manufacturers in Canada are shipping their product to the United States at prices which enable it to be delivered by truck back from the Dakotas and Montana to the prairie region for some $20 a ton cheaper than western farmers can purchase it at the plant. Is the minister aware of this situation and, if so, can he give us some assurance that in future any Canadian distributor willing to purchase off-season fertilizer production will be quoted the same price as are buyers from other countries?

Hon. Robert K. Andras (Minister of Consumer and Corporate Affairs):

I appreciate the hon. member's representation. I will look into the matter and see what can be done.

March 20, 1972

Inquiries of the Ministry AGRICULTURE

Mr. Don Mazankowski (Vegreville):

Mr. Speaker, I should like to ask the Minister of Agriculture whether he or his department has received representations requesting amendments to the current regulations governing the administration of the brucellosis testing of cattle carried out under the auspices of the Department of Agriculture, bearing in mind that abnormal losses of cattle have occurred attributable directly to the administration of these tests in the early spring just prior to calving?

Hon. H. A. Olson (Minister of Agriculture):

No, Mr. Speaker, but I will look into the matter and see whether any representations have been made to my office or to the department.

Mr. Mazankowski:

Would the minister give us some assurance to the effect that these representations will be considered and that provision will be made to reimburse farmers and ranchers for the loss of their cattle in these circumstances?

Mr. Olson:

I can give an assurance that these representations will be considered.

Hon. Robert L. Stanfield (Leader of the Opposition):

Mr. Speaker, I wish to address a question to the Acting Minister of Manpower and Immigration who has expressed the opinion that the economy is at its potential, while adding that we must not be satisfied with the situation-I suppose that was a reference to the amount of unemployment which exists. I should like to ask the minister whether he proposes to announce any new policy to attack unemployment and, if so, when we may expect such an announcement?

Hon. Martin P. O'Connell (Acting Minister of Manpower and Immigration):

The two main direct employment programs which have already been brought forward to cope with this particular dilemma in the Canadian economy are the special employment program in the winter and the opportunities for youth program in the summer. These are examples of what I had in mind. Further programs are being prepared now.

Mr. Barry Mather (Surrey-White Rock):

Mr. Speaker, my question is directed to the Minister of Consumer and

Corporate Affairs. Can the minister tell us whether his department has concluded the inquiry which I understand it has been making into allegations by the Automobile Protective Association to the effect that certain imported cars are being marketed in Canada with their year of manufacture updated or misregistered? If the report has been completed, may I ask when it will be made public?

Hon. Robert K. Andras (Minister of Consumer and Corporate Affairs):

I appreciate the fact that the hon. member sent me notice of this question the other day. The report on our investigations has been completed. It will be released later this week. It recommends that federal and provincial authorities exercise firmer control over the updating practices used by some automobile manufacturers and distributors. Regulations under the federal Motor Vehicle Safety Act, in effect since January 1, 1971, require that the actual month and year of manufacture be marked on a compliance plate affixed to the automobile. One problem, of course, is that provincial governments have authority over the actual registration of automobiles.

My department will investigate any cases of alleged misleading advertising in the area of year-dating of imported automobiles. It will also notify the Minister of Transport of any suspected cases of tampering with the compliance plate that may come to our attention.

Mr. Speaker:

Orders of the day.