Mr. Jean-Pierre Hogue (Outremont):

Mr. Speaker, through you I want to wish the Speaker of the House a speedy convalescence.

Today, I have the honour to present the second report of the Standing Committee on Multiculturalism and Citizenship. The report, Study of the implementation of the Canadian Multiculturalism Act in federal institutions, is the result of about two years of work, during which committee members painstakingly examined how federal institutions are adjusting to the ethno-cultural and racial diversity of this country.

The committee noted that most central institutions of the federal government are now aware, not only of the close relationship between multiculturalism and our Canadian democratic principles, but also of the psychological, socio-cultural, economic and political benefits of a harmonious integration of members of ethno-cultural minorities within our great Canadian nation.

While stressing the progress made by federal institutions by implementing the Canadian Multiculturalism Act, the committee has also raised fundamental questions about managing the ethno-cultural diversity of this country and maximizing the benefits of that diversity.

June 16, 1993

The Standing Committee on Multiculturalism and Citizenship requests the government's response to this report, pursuant to Standing Order 109.

Mr. Jean-Pierre Hogue (Outremont):

Madam Speaker, this week the Department of Consumer and Corporate Affairs published its latest quarterly report, this time about credit card costs. In the report, consumers are informed about costs connected with the use of credit cards, to help them choose and use credit cards wisely.

Furthermore, as the summer holiday season approaches, consumers should remember to take additional precautions when using their credit cards. They should always keep them in a safe place. A person's vacation can be ruined if his or her credit cards are stolen. And besides, credit card thefts increase costs for all consumers.

I therefore urge all Canadian consumers to get a copy of this publication from their nearest Consumer and Corporate Affairs office. Don't leave home without it.

Mr. Jean-Pierre Hogue (Outremont):

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of all Canadians and all my colleagues in the House and in my own name, I wish to pay tribute to a great Canadian who died last night at the age of 61.

Mr. Mouton's contribution to the sporting and social life of Quebecers can never be forgotten. Last Saturday night, he was still behind the microphone in the Forum. When I saw him there I remarked to my wife how courageous he was.

It is with great admiration for him and for what he did that in the name of each and every one of us I thank him.

I speak for everyone in the House in offering his wife and children our deepest sympathy.

Mr. Jean-Pierre Hogue (Outremont):

Mr. Speaker, in the past few weeks, there have been a number of shocking incidents aimed at a specific group of Canadian citizens. Recently synagogues were attacked. A few days ago it was a school bus.

We all know how valued some symbols are and what they represent in a society. When symbols are violated it means a violation of what is most profound and most important to that society. In this case the targets were religion, education and small children. Children are defenceless, and most are innocence itself.

The Jewish population in the riding of Outremont and elsewhere is an integral part of Canada and Quebec. They are citizens with full rights and privileges. We cannot let such occurrences go on. It is an attack on the integrity of a society and also a form of blackmail. By protecting them, we protect ourselves.

Mr. Jean-Pierre Hogue (Outremont):

Mr. Speaker, today we celebrate the United Nations International Day of the Disabled. This is a unique opportunity to step up our efforts so that equality for the disabled throughout the world is not an abstract concept but a reality.

Canada defends human rights at home and abroad and is proud that the world has such a day for the disabled. Nevertheless, we must extend our activity beyond our own borders. Following the international conference of ministers responsible for the disabled, a working group will consider how to establish a permanent mechanism for exchanging information and technology among all countries.

The goal is the full integration of the disabled in all communities of the world. Canadians and citizens of all other countries can work together for equality, a basic right that we must never cease to defend.

December 3, 1992