Issue 113

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1995
(Meeting No. 175)

[Text]

The Standing Committee on Finance met at 9:35 o'clock a.m. this day, in the Island Room, The Prince Edward Hotel, Charlottetown, P.E.I., the Vice-Chair, Barry Campbell, presiding.

Members of the Committee present: Dianne Brushett, Barry Campbell, Yvan Loubier, Gary Pillitteri and Monte Solberg.

Other Member present: Wayne Easter.

In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Marion Wrobel, Research Officer.

Witnesses: From the Canadian Labour Congress - PEI Federation of Labour: Sandy MacKay, President. From the Cooper Institute: Vince Murnaghan, Member. From the Federation of Prince Edward Island Municipalities: Doug Doncaster, President. From the Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce: Cleve Myers, Policy Committee. From the Prince Edward Island Chamber of Commerce: Harvey MacKinnon. From the Prince Edward Island Federation of Agriculture: Barry Cudmore, President. From the Prince Edward Island Teachers' Federation: Joyce McCardle, President. From the Tourism Industry Association of Prince Edward Island: Alfred V. Groom, President; Don Cudmore, Executive Director. From the Prince Edward Island Health Coalition: Mary Boyd.

Pursuant to its mandate under Standing Order 83.1, the Committee resumed its pre-budgetary consultations with a round table discussion (See Minutes of Proceedings, Tuesday, September 19, 1995, Issue No. 111).

The witnesses made opening statements and answered questions.

At 10:37 a.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 10:45 a.m. the sitting resumed.

At 11:50 o'clock a.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1995
(Meeting No. 176)

The Standing Committee on Finance met at 1:12 o'clock p.m. this day, in the Island Room, The Prince Edward Hotel, Charlottetown, P.E.I., the Vice-Chair, Barry Campbell, presiding.

Members of the Committee present: Dianne Brushett, Barry Campbell, Yvan Loubier, Gary Pillitteri and Monte Solberg.

Other Member present: Wayne Easter.

In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Marion Wrobel, Research Officer.

Witnesses: As individual: Gordon Sobey, Past President, Atlantic Farmers' Council. From the Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada for Prince Edward Island: Judy Bayliss, Member, Board of Directors. From the Construction Association of Prince Edward Island: Kevan MacLean, President. From the Greater Summerside Chamber of Commerce: David Groom, President-Elect. As individual: Elinor Reynolds. From Smith Greene Associates: John Eldon Greene. From YMCA Leader Corps: Andrew Warren. From the Action Canada Network: Leo Cheverie. From the Prince Edward Island Association of Professional Engineers: Robert Sear, Past President.

The witnesses made opening statements and answered questions.

At 2:25 p.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 2:35 p.m., the sitting resumed.

At 3:30 o'clock p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

Christine Trauttmansdorff

Roger Préfontaine

Committee Clerks

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1995
(Meeting No. 177)

[Translation]

The Standing Committee on Finance met at 9:00 a.m. this day, in the Pearson Room, Best Western Primrose Hotel, Toronto, Ontario, the Chairman, Jim Peterson, presiding.

Members of the Committee present: Pierre Brien, Nick Discepola, Ron Fewchuk, Herb Grubel, Jim Peterson, Brent St. Denis and David Walker.

Acting Member present: Paul Crête for Louis Plamondon.

Other Members present: Jesse Flis, Maria Minna, Julian Reed, Alex Shepherd and Tony Ianno.

In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Richard Domingue, Research Officer. From the Committees and Parliamentary Associations Directorate: Marc Toupin.

Witnesses: From the Ad Hoc Coalition Against the Head Tax: Avvy Go, Tanya Suvendrini Lena. From the Board of Trade of Metroplitan Toronto: John Bech-Hansen, Deputy Director; Don McIver. From the Canadian Association for Canadian Living: Jim Mahaffy, Board Member; Connie Laurin-Bowie, Coordinator and Government Liaison. From the Canadian Institute of Child Health: Graham Chance, Chairperson. From the Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association: Michael Ferrabee, Vice-President of Government Affairs. From OCASI--Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants: Kay Blair, President; Gordon Norwood, Member of the Board; Sharmin Peries, Executive Director. From Ontario Coalition of Senior Citizen's Organizations: Hank Goldberg, Vice-President. From World Vision Canada: Linda Tripp, Vice-President, International and Government Relations; Rebecca Sutherns, Public Policy Officer. From Low Income Families Together: Josephine Grey. As individuals: Jim Chorostecki, Jim Crawford. From the Canadian Action Committee (Ontario South): Winnie Ng. From the Canadian Religious Conference--Ontario/Ecumenical Coalition for Economic Justice: Lorraine Michael.

Pursuant to Standing Order 83.1, the Committee resumed its pre-budget consultations with a round table discussion (See Minutes of Proceedings, Tuesday, September 19, 1995, Issue No. 111).

The witnesses made statements and answered questions.

At 10:50 a.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1995
(Meeting No. 178)

The Standing Committee on Finance met at 10:55 a.m. this day, in the Pearson Room, Best Western Primrose Hotel, Toronto, Ontario, the Chairman, Jim Peterson, presiding.

Members of the Committee present: Pierre Brien, Nick Discepola, Ron Fewchuk, Herb Grubel, Jim Peterson, Brent St. Denis and David Walker.

Acting Member present: Paul Crête for Louis Plamondon.

Other Members present: Jesse Flis, Maria Minna, Julian Reed, Alex Shepherd and Tony Ianno.

In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Richard Domingue, Research Officer. From the Committees and Parliamentary Associations Directorate: Marc Toupin.

Witnesses: From the Social Planning Council of Metropolitan Toronto: Andrew Ranachan. From the Alliance of Seniors to Protect Canada's Social Programs (Association of Jewish Seniors): James Buller, Program Coordinator; Ray McLeod, Pension Advocate. From the Child Poverty Action Group: Brigitte Kitchen; Christa Freiler, Program Director. From Citizens for Public Justice: Gerald Vandezande, Director, National Public Affairs; Stephanie Baker Collins, National Researcher. From the Committee on Monetary and Economic Reform: William Krehm, Chairman of the Board; Jack Biddell, Board Member, John Hotson, Executive Director. As individual: Roland J. LaMarre. From the Foundation for International Training: Ranjit Kumar, Executive Director; Faith Williamson, Accountant; Jim Berner, Accountant. From Metro Toronto Chinese and Southeast Asian Legal Clinic: Steven Lee, Member; David Yee, Member. From the Mississauga Board of Trade: Charles Coles, President. From The Romero House: Norbert Piché. From the 2% Solution Network, Solvency Analysis Corporation: Andrew Kolodziej, Consultant; Ross Healy, President and CEO. From the Ontario Coalition for Better Childcare: Kerry McCuaig, Chair; Laurel Rothman. From the Roncesvalles Business Improvement Area: Andrew Musial, Vice-President; Jerry Taciuk. As individual: Mike Jensen. From The Senior Link: David Kelly, Policy and Planning. From the Canadian Association of Retired Persons: Lillian Morgenthau, President. From Peter Leigh-Bell & Associates: Peter Leigh-Bell; Eric Helms. From the Metropolitan Toronto Association of Legal Clinics: Suchetna Channan. From the Black Women's Coalition: Vuyiswa Keyi.

Pursuant to Standing Order 83.1, the Committee resumed its pre-budget consultations with a round table discussion (See Minutes of Proceedings, Tuesday, September 19, 1995, Issue No. 111).

The witnesses made statements and answered questions.

At 12:50 o'clock p.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 1:13 o'clock p.m., the sitting resumed.

At 2:29 o'clock p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1995
(Meeting No. 179)

The Standing Committee on Finance met at 2:35 p.m. this day, in the Pearson Room, Best Western Primrose Hotel, Toronto, Ontario, the Chairman, Jim Peterson, presiding.

Members of the Committee present: Pierre Brien, Nick Discepola, Ron Fewchuk, Herb Grubel, Jim Peterson, Brent St. Denis and David Walker.

Acting Member present: Paul Crête for Louis Plamondon.

Other Member present: Jesse Flis.

In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Richard Domingue, Research Officer. From the Committees and Parliamentary Associations Directorate: Marc Toupin.

Witnesses: As individuals: A.J. Parker, Hamid Akbar. From the Association of Canadian Pension Management: Michael Beswick, Chair Elect; Gretchen Van Riesen, Chair. From the Canadian Centre for Philanthropy: Patrick Johnston, CEO. From the Canadian Manufacturers' Association: Brian Collinson, Director of Taxation and Financial Issues; Jayson Myers, Economist; David Burn, Vice-President, Taxation, Northern Telecom Canada. From the Canadian Tax Foundation: David Perry, Senior Research Associate. From Different Products/MORGIJ2 Software: Ron Cirotto, President. From the Financial Executives Institute Canada: Peter Rollason, Phillip Connell. From the Grocery Products Manufacturers Council: George Fleischmann, CEO; Sandra Banks, First Vice-President, Government Affairs; Laurie Curry, Vice-President, Technical. From the Information Technology Association of Canada: Gaylen Duncan, CEO; Donald Woodley, Director; Robert Crow, Vice-President, Policy. From the MEBCO Multi-Employer Benefit Plan Council of Canada: Raymond Koskie, Director and Chair of the Government Industry Relations Committee; William Anderson, President; Darrell Brown, Advisor. From the Hamilton/Halton Home Builders' Association: Larry Szpirglas, Immediate Past President; Don Condon, Executive Director; John Mitchell, Member of the Board. From the Bruce Trail Association: R.E. Barnett, Director. From the Ontario Federation of Agriculture: Tony Morris, President; Bob Down, Chairman, Finance Committee; Ed Ketchabaw, Policy Analyst. From the Ontario Technology Development Council: Greg Warren, President.

Pursuant to Standing Order 83.1, the Committee resumed its pre-budget consultations with a round table discussion (See Minutes of Proceedings, Tuesday, September 19, 1995, Issue No. 111).

The witnesses made statements and answered questions.

At 5:08 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

Martine Bresson

Clerk of the Committee

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1995
(Meeting No. 180)

[Text]

The Standing Committee on Finance met at 9:05 o'clock a.m. this day, in the Regency Room, Prince George Hotel, Halifax, Nova Scotia, the Vice-Chair, Barry Campbell, presiding.

Members of the Committee present: Dianne Brushett, Barry Campbell, Yvan Loubier, Gary Pillitteri and Monte Solberg.

Other Member present: Roseanne Skoke.

In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Marion Wrobel, Research Officer.

Witnesses: From the Atlantic Provinces Economic Council: David Amirault, Economist. From Canadian Pensioners Concerned Inc.: Myrna Slater, National President. From Chandler & Davis, Chartered Accountants: Harry Davis. From the Forest Group Venture Association of Nova Scotia: John W. Roblee, President. From the Nova Scotia Confederation of University Faculty Associations: John d'Orsay, Executive Director. From the Nova Scotia Family and Child Welfare Association: Yvonne Blanchard, Executive Director. From the Nova Scotia Union of Public Employees: Ronald Stockton, Business Agent. As individual: Bruce Stephen. Health Action Coalition and Coalition for the Support of Canada's Social Safety Net: Joan O'Keefe. From the Nova Scotia Printing Industries Association: Paul Fitzgibbons, President.

The witnesses made opening statements and answered questions.

At 11:04 o'clock a.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1995
(Meeting No. 181)

The Standing Committee on Finance met at 11:15 o'clock a.m. this day, in the Regency Room, Prince George Hotel, Halifax, Nova Scotia, the Vice-Chair, Barry Campbell, presiding.

Members of the Committee present: Dianne Brushett, Barry Campbell, Yvan Loubier, Gary Pillitteri and Monte Solberg.

Other Member present: Roseanne Skoke.

In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Marion Wrobel, Research Officer.

Witnesses: From ABT Building Products Canada Limited: Peter Hatt, Purchasing Superintendent, Canexel Hardboard Division. From Halifax County Regional Development Agency: Peter F. Wilde, Treasurer. From Lunenburg Industrial Foundry & Engineering: Ralston E. MacDonnell, President, Vaughan Engineering Associates Limited. From the Metro Committee for the Employment of Persons with Disabilities: Charlie Macdonald, Member. From Real Expectations of Communities Against Poverty (RECAP): Stella Lord, Committee Member.

The witnesses made opening statements and answered questions.

At 12:45 o'clock p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1995
(Meeting No. 182)

The Standing Committee on Finance met at 2:02 o'clock p.m. this day, in the Regency Room, Prince George Hotel, Halifax, Nova Scotia, the Vice-Chair, Barry Campbell, presiding.

Members of the Committee present: Dianne Brushett, Barry Campbell, Yvan Loubier, Gary Pillitteri and Monte Solberg.

Other Member present: Roseanne Skoke.

In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Marion Wrobel, Research Officer.

Witnesses: From Fairview United Church: Kevin Little, Minister. From the MS Society of Canada - Atlantic Division: Cathy Jourdain, Executive Director. From the Nova Scotia Advisory Council on the Status of Women: Katherine McDonald, President. From the Nova Scotia League for Equal Opportunities: Linda Stiles, Chair. From the YWCA Halifax: Dawn Rae Downton, Executive Director. From the Association of Atlantic Women Business Owners: Linda Beckett. From the East Hants & District Chamber of Commerce: David Hubley, Chair, Policy Committee. From St. Mary's University: Ervin Doak, Economics Department.

The witnesses made opening statements and answered questions.

At 4:12 o'clock p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

Christine Trauttmansdorff

Roger Préfontaine

Committee Clerks

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1995
(Meeting No. 183)

[Translation]

The Standing Committee on Finance met at 9:00 a.m. this day, in the Victoria/Albert Conference Room, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Winnipeg, Manitoba, the Chairman, Jim Peterson, presiding.

Members of the Committee present: Pierre Brien, Nick Discepola, Ron Fewchuk, Herb Grubel, Jim Peterson, Brent St. Denis and David Walker.

Acting Member present: Paul Crête for Louis Plamondon.

Other Member present: Glen McKinnon.

In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Richard Domingue, Research Officer. From the Committees and Parliamentary Associations Directorate: Marc Toupin.

Witnesses: From the Brandon Real Estate Board: Bill Madder, Executive Director. From the Council of Canadians with Disabilities: Laurie Beachell, National Coordinator; Allan Simpson, Executive Director, Independent Living Resources Centre. From the Insurance Bureau of Canada: George D. Anderson, President and CEO; Paul Kovacs, Vice-President, Policy Development. From the Manitoba Chamber of Commerce: Robert Brazzell, Chair, Taxation, Labour and Government Regulations Committee. From the Manitoba Fashion Institute: Allan Finkel. From the Manitoba Federation of Union Retirees/Congress of Union Retirees of Canada: Albert Cerilli. From the Manitoba Real Estate Association: Derek Thorvaldson, Treasurer. From the Rice Financial Group Limited: Tom Rice, President and CEO. From the Thomas Sill Foundation (Inc.): Norman Fiske, Chairman.

Pursuant to Standing Order 83.1, the Committee resumed its pre-budget consultations with a round table discussion (See Minutes of Proceedings, Tuesday, September 19, 1995, Issue No. 111).

The witnesses made statements and answered questions.

At 10:55 a.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1995
(Meeting No. 184)

The Standing Committee on Finance met this day at 11:10 a.m., in the Victoria/Albert Room, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Winnipeg, Manitoba, the Chairman, Jim Peterson, presiding.

Members of the Committee present: Pierre Brien, Nick Discepola, Ron Fewchuk, Herb Grubel, Jim Peterson, Brent St. Denis and David Walker.

Acting Member present: Paul Crête for Louis Plamondon.

Other Member present: Glen McKinnon.

In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Marion Wrobel, Research Officer. From the Committees and Parliamentary Associations Directorate: Marc Toupin.

Witnesses: From Citizens Against Government Excess: David Lindsay, Secretary-Treasurer. From Keystone Agricultural Producers: Marg Remple, member of the Executive--Region 4; Mac McCorquodale, Administrative Secretary. From the Manitoba Society of Seniors: Mary Pankiw, Vice-President; Albert Cerilli, member of the Joint Advocacy Committee. From the Jacks Institute: Evelyn Jacks. From the Union of Manitoba Municipalities: Bill Roth, Director; Jerome Maus, Executive Director. From the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce: Andrew Alleyne, Chair of the Federal Finance Committee. From the Municipality of Lac du Bonnet: David Marion, Mayor. From Crossroads Resource Group: Kenneth Emberly, representative.

Pursuant to Standing Order 83.1, the Committee resumed its pre-budget consultations with a round table discussion (See Minutes of Proceedings, Tuesday, September 19, 1995, Issue No. 111).

The witnesses made statements and answered questions.

It was agreed unanimously,--That the Finance Committee request the House of Commons to televise its Fredericton, Montreal, Calgary and Winnipeg sittings.

At 1:00 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1995
(Meeting No. 185)

The Standing Committee on Finance met this day at 2:13 p.m., in the Victoria/Albert Room, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Winnipeg, Manitoba, the Chairman, Jim Peterson, presiding.

Members of the Committee present: Pierre Brien, Nick Discepola, Ron Fewchuk, Herb Grubel, Jim Peterson, Brent St. Denis and David Walker.

Acting Member present: Paul Crête for Louis Plamondon.

Other Member present: Glen McKinnon.

In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Richard Domingue, Research Officer. From the Committees and Parliamentary Associations Directorate: Marc Toupin.

Witnesses: From CHO!CES: George Harris, Co-President. From the International Institute for Sustainable Development: Arthur J. Hansen, President and CEO. As individuals: Martha Owen; Keith Doan; Robert Johannson. From the Canadian Executive Service Organization: Arthur Trapp, volunteer counsellor. From the Canadian Association of the Unemployed: Joan Johannson. From the Manitoba Association of Friendship Centres: Jim Sinclair, Executive Director--Selkirk.

Pursuant to Standing Order 83.1, the Committee resumed its pre-budget consultations with a round table discussion (See Minutes of Proceedings, Tuesday, September 19, 1995, Issue No. 111).

The witnesses made statements and answered questions.

At 5:35 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

Martine Bresson

Clerk of the Committee

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1995
(Meeting No. 186)

[Text]

The Standing Committee on Finance met at 9:37 o'clock a.m. this day, in Salon C & D, Hotel Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, the Vice-Chair, Barry Campbell, presiding.

Members of the Committee present: Dianne Brushett, Barry Campbell, Yvan Loubier, Gary Pillitteri and Monte Solberg.

In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Marion Wrobel, Research Officer.

Witnesses: From the Cabot Institute of Applied Arts, Technology and Continuing Education: Edna Turpin-Downey, President. From National Action Committee on the Status of Women - Nfld. and Labrador: Jane Robinson, Regional Representative. From the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour: Elaine Price, President. From the Provincial Advisory Council on the Status of Women: Wendy Williams. From the St. John's Board of Trade: Roger Flood, President. From the Town of Glovertown: Lewis Rose, Mayor. From the Newfoundland & Labrador Chamber of Commerce: Brendan Fahey, Chairman of the Board. From the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) - St. John's Region: Mike Stokes, Regional Representative.

The witnesses made opening statements and answered questions.

At 10:54 a.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 11:01 a.m., the sitting was resumed.

At 12:17 o'clock p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1995
(Meeting No. 187)

The Standing Committee on Finance met at 1:40 o'clock p.m. this day, in Salon C & D, Hotel Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, the Vice-Chair, Barry Campbell, presiding.

Members of the Committee present: Dianne Brushett, Barry Campbell, Yvan Loubier, Gary Pillitteri and Monte Solberg.

In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Marion Wrobel, Research Officer.

Witnesses: From the Bay d'Espoir Chamber of Commerce: Tracey Perry, President. From Bradbury & Company Consultants Ltd.: J. Nelson Bradbury, President. From Fortis Trust: Ron McCabe, Vice-President, Customer Service. From the Canadian Federation for the Humanities: John A. Scott, President. From Newfoundland and Labrador Women's Fishnet: Brenda O'Brien. From the Newfoundland Homebuilders Association: Keith O'Neill, President. From the P.J. Gardiner Institute, Memorial University: Doug May. From the St. John's Status of Women Council/Women's Centre: Lynn Peddle, Coordinator. From the Women's Enterprise Bureau: Susan Adams, Executive Director. From the Newfoundland & Labrador Federation of Students: Zaki Saleemi, Chair. From the Fish, Food and Allied Workers: Earle McCurdy, President.

The witnesses made opening statements and answered questions.

At 4:39 o'clock p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

Christine Trauttmansdorff

Roger Préfontaine

Committee Clerks

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1995
(Meeting No. 188)

[Translation]

The Standing Committee on Finance met this day at 9:00 a.m., in the Battleford Room, Delta Bessborough Hotel, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, the Chairman, Jim Peterson, presiding.

Members of the Committee present: Pierre Brien, Nick Discepola, Ron Fewchuk, Jim Peterson, Brent St. Denis and David Walker.

Acting Member present: Paul Crête for Louis Plamondon.

Other Member present: Georgette Sheridan.

In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Richard Domingue, Research Officer. From the Committees and Parliamentary Associations Directorate: Marc Toupin.

Witnesses: From the Battleford Tribal Council: Gary LaPlante; Milton MacKay, Intergovernmental Relations. From Citizens Concerned About Free Trade: David Orchard, National Chairman. From the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities: Sinclair Harrison, President. From the Saskatchewan Childcare Association: Mary Ann Knowles. From the Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce: Phil Mamchur, President; Greg Sherloski, member of the Board. From the Social Fairness Action Coalition: Bob Fink; Warren Peterson. From Wanuskewin Heritage Park: Jeremy Morgan, Director General.

Pursuant to Standing Order 83.1, the Committee resumed its pre-budget consultations with a round table discussion (See Minutes of Proceedings, Tuesday, September 19, 1995, Issue No. 111).

The witnesses made statements and answered questions.

At 10:35 a.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1995
(Meeting No. 189)

The Standing Committee on Finance met this day at 10:48 a.m., in the Battleford Room, Delta Bessborough Hotel, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, the Chairman, Jim Peterson, presiding.

Members of the Committee present: Pierre Brien, Nick Discepola, Ron Fewchuk, Jim Peterson, Brent St. Denis and David Walker.

Acting Member present: Paul Crête for Louis Plamondon.

Other Member present: Georgette Sheridan.

Witnesses: From Harvest Foods Ltd: Stuart Garvin. From the Saskatoon Council of Women: Ruth Robinson, Chair; Lori Isinger, Chair, Economy. From SASKFILM: Mark Prasuhn, General Manager. From the University of Saskatchewan: Marv Painter, Assistant Professor. From Woloshyn Mattison, Barristers and Solicitors: Donald Woloshyn. From Working for Women: Linda Smee. From the Saskatoon YMCA: Jo-Anne Coleman, Housing Director; Marta Juorio, Childcare Director. From the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour: Barbara Byers, President; Don Anderson, Executive Assistant. From the Saskatchewan Health Coalition: Ed Holgate, President.

Pursuant to Standing Order 83.1, the Committee resumed its pre-budget consultations with a round table discussion (See Minutes of Proceedings, Tuesday, September 19, 1995, Issue No. 111).

The witnesses made statements and answered questions.

At 12:35 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1995
(Meeting No. 190)

The Standing Committee on Finance met this day at 2:00 p.m., in the Battleford Room, Delta Bessborough Hotel, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, the Chairman, Jim Peterson, presiding.

Members of the Committee present: Pierre Brien, Nick Discepola, Ron Fewchuk, Jim Peterson, Brent St. Denis and David Walker.

Acting Member present: Paul Crête for Louis Plamondon.

Other Member present: Georgette Sheridan.

In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Richard Domingue, Research Officer. From the Committees and Parliamentary Associations Directorate: Marc Toupin.

Witnesses: From the Concorde Group of Companies: Ian Buckwold, Vice-President; Stuart A. Thiesson, Acting Executive Secretary. From the North Saskatoon Business Association: Karen Hunter; Isabel Anderson, President, AAL Info Services. From the Saskatchewan Council for International Cooperation: Pauline Molder, President. From the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool: Barry Senft, Second Vice-President; Terry Hasain, Director, Economic Research and Policy Division. From the Canadian Association of Gift Planners: Lyle Hislop, Development Officer, University of Saskatchewan. From the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations: George E. Lafond, Vice-Chief; Mary Ellen Turpel, Legal Counsel.

Pursuant to Standing Order 83.1, the Committee resumed its pre-budget consultations with a round table discussion (See Minutes of Proceedings, Tuesday, September 19, 1995, Issue No. 111).

The witnesses made statements and answered questions.

At 3:45 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

Martine Bresson

Clerk of the Committee

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1995
(Meeting No. 191)

[Text]

The Standing Committee on Finance met at 9:30 o'clock a.m., this day, in The Ballroom, Lord Beaverbrook Hotel, Fredericton, New Brunswick, the Vice-Chair, Barry Campbell, presiding.

Members of the Committee present: Dianne Brushett, Barry Campbell, Yvan Loubier, Gary Pillitteri and Monte Solberg.

In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Marion Wrobel, Research Officer.

Witnesses: From the New Brunswick Federation of Agriculture: Martin van Oord, Vice-President. From the Atlantic Provinces Chamber of Commerce: Paul Daigle, President and CEO. From the Human Development Council: Cathy Wright, Executive Director; Randall Hatfield, President. From the New Brunswick Forest Products Association: Maxwell Cater, General Manager. From the New Brunswick Federation of Labour: John Murphy, Executive Secretary. From ``Coalition de Moncton pour la justice économique et sociale'': Everett Ferguson, Member.

The witnesses made opening statements and answered questions.

At 11:14 o'clock a.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1995
(Meeting No. 192)

The Standing Committee on Finance met at 11:25 o'clock a.m. this day, in The Ballroom, Lord Beaverbrook Hotel, Fredericton, New Brunswick, the Acting Chair, Dianne Brushett, presiding.

Members of the Committee present: Dianne Brushett, Yvan Loubier, Gary Pillitteri and Monte Solberg.

In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Marion Wrobel, Research Officer.

Witnesses: From Downtown Development Fredericton Inc.: Bruce McCormack, General Manager. From the Saint John Board of Trade: Terry Thorne, Chairman, Provincial/Federal Affairs Committee. From the Mount Allison Alumni Association: Frank Strain, Economics Department. From the Saint John Construction Association: Patrick Darrah. From ``Association acadienne des artistes professionel(le)s du N.-B.'': Jac Gautreau, President. From the New Brunswick Fish Packers' Association: Peter Dysart, Executive Director. From the Premier's Council on the Status of Disabled Persons: Randy Dickinson, Executive Director. From the Fredericton Area Coalition for Social Justice: Brian McIntosh.

The witnesses made opening statements and answered questions.

At 1:09 o'clock p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1995
(Meeting No. 193)

The Standing Committee on Finance met at 2:13 o'clock p.m. this day, in The Ballroom, Lord Beaverbrook Hotel, Fredericton, New Brunswick, the Acting Chair, Dianne Brushett, presiding.

Members of the Committee present: Dianne Brushett, Yvan Loubier, Gary Pillitteri and Monte Solberg.

In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Marion Wrobel, Research Officer.

Witnesses: From the Chaleur Coalition for the Preservation of our Social Programs: John Gagnon, Co-Chair of the Committee. From the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce: Bill MacMackin, President. From ``Comité ``Défendons nos droits'''': Armand Brown, Spokesperson. From the Atlantic Farmers' Council: John Schenkels, Vice-President. From the Lighthouse Family Resource Centre: John Mahar, President. From Aids New Brunswick: Claude Olivier, Support/Health Promotion Coordinator. From the Coalition for Jobs and Against U.I. Cutbacks: Angela Vautour, Spokesperson.

The witnesses made opening statements and answered questions.

At 4:10 o'clock p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

Christine Trauttmansdorff

Roger Préfontaine

Committee Clerks

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1995
(Meeting No. 194)

[Translation]

The Standing Committee on Finance met this day at 9:02 a.m., in the Alberta Room, Palliser Hotel, Calgary, Alberta, the Chairman, Jim Peterson, presiding.

Members of the Committee present: Pierre Brien, Ron Fewchuk, Herb Grubel, Jim Peterson, Brent St. Denis and David Walker.

Acting Member present: Paul Crête for Louis Plamondon.

In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Richard Domingue, Research Officer. From the Committees and Parliamentary Associations Directorate: Marc Toupin.

Witnesses: From the Alberta Association of Retirement Planners: Roberta Bedard, Vice-President. From the Alberta Association of Social Workers: Jake Kuiken, President; Gayle James, Secretary; Rod Adachi, Executive Director. From the Avenue of Nations Business Association: Lorne Pendleton, Executive Director. As an individual: S. Robert Blair. From the Calgary Chamber of Commerce: Ray Huddlestone, Chairman; Glenn Tibbles, Executive Director. From the Canadian Taxpayers Federation: Jason T. Kenney, National Director. From the Conference of Defence Associations: Samuel Blakely; Sean Henry. From Mount Royal College, Department of Economics and Political Science: Greg Flanagan. From the National Foundation for Family Research and Education: Mark L. Genuis, Founder and Executive Director. From Seniors Action and Liaison Team: Phylis Matousek, Chair; Walter Derksen. From Syncrude Canada Ltd.: Eric Newell, President/CEO and Chairman of the National Oil Sands Task Force. From the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers: Len Landry, Vice-President, Fiscal Policy and Corporate Services; Pat Greenaway, Director, Fiscal Policy.

Pursuant to Standing Order 83.1, the Committee resumed its pre-budget consultations with a round table discussion (See Minutes of Proceedings, Tuesday, September 19, 1995, Issue No. 111).

The witnesses made statements and answered questions.

At 10:43 a.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 10:50 a.m., the sitting resumed.

At 12:06 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1995
(Meeting No. 195)

The Standing Committee on Finance met this day at 2:10 p.m., in the Alberta Room, Palliser Hotel, Calgary, Alberta, the Chairman, Jim Peterson, presiding.

Members of the Committee present: Pierre Brien, Ron Fewchuk, Herb Grubel, Jim Peterson, Brent St. Denis and David Walker.

Acting Member present: Paul Crête for Louis Plamondon.

In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Richard Domingue, Research Officer. From the Committees and Parliamentary Associations Directorate: Marc Toupin.

Witnesses: From the Alberta Council on Aging: Jerry Pitts, member of the Board of Directors. From the Borrowers' Action Society: Tim Madden, Director; Larry Whaley, President. From the Canada West Foundation: David Elton, President; Casey Vander Ploeg, Research Assistant. From Canadian Pensioners Concerned Inc.: Bill Daly, President--Alberta Division. From the Coal Association of Canada: Ernest F. Lalonde, Director, Corporate Development; Ken Myers, Treasurer and Comptroller. From the Foothills Hospital Foundation: Nancy Palmer, Manager, Planned Giving and Major Gifts. From the Pembina Institute: Tom Marr-Laing, Executive Director. From the University of Alberta Students' Union: Sumreen Ahmad, Vice-President, Finance; Narman Hassam, Vice-President, Internal. From the University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine, and representing the University of Calgary: Joel H. Weiner, Associate Dean (Research). As individuals: Rebecca Aizenmann; David Laughton; Pauline Kay. From Canadian Enhanced Energy Development: Frederick Gallagher.

Pursuant to Standing Order 83.1, the Committee resumed its pre-budget consultations with a round table discussion (See Minutes of Proceedings, Tuesday, September 19, 1995, Issue No. 111).

The witnesses made statements and answered questions.

At 3:50 p.m., Brent St. Denis took the Chair.

At 4:00 p.m., Jim Peterson took the Chair.

At 4:45 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

Martine Bresson

Clerk of the Committee

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1995
(Meeting No. 196)

[Text]

The Standing Committee on Finance met at 9:35 o'clock a.m. this day, in the Regency Room, Hotel Radisson des Gouverneurs, Montreal, Quebec, the Acting Chair, Dianne Brushett, presiding.

Members of the Committee present: Dianne Brushett, Barry Campbell, Yvan Loubier, Gary Pillitteri and Monte Solberg.

In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Marion Wrobel, Research Officer.

Witnesses: From the Certified General Accountants' Association of Canada: Jean Précourt, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer; Joanne Leduc-Dallaire, Member, Canada Taxation Policy Committee. As individual: Claude C. Bismuth, Caron, Bélanger, Ernst & Young. From ``Association de planification fiscale et financière'': Yvon L. Caron, President and CEO; Denis Lacroix, Chairman of the Board. From the Quebec Chamber of Commerce: Michel Audet, President; Raynold Langlois, Chairman of the Board. From ``Conseil du patronat du Québec'': Ghislain Dufour, President; Jacques Garon, Director, Socio-Economic Research. From ``Fédération des travailleurs et travailleuses du Québec'': Émile Vallée. From the Canadian Jewellers' Association: Pierre Akkelian, Vice-President. From the Canadian Advanced Technology Association (CATA): Faraj Nakhleh, Executive Director. From the Canadian Coalition for Nuclear Responsibility: Gordon Edwards, President. From the Canadian Peace Alliance: Judith Berlyn, Co-Chair and Coordinator of Quebec Section. From the Ecumenical Justice Coalition: Geoffrey Johnston, Board Member.

The witnesses made opening statements and answered questions.

At 10:40 o'clock a.m., the Vice-Chair, Barry Campbell, took the Chair.

At 12:00 o'clock noon, the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1995
(Meeting No. 197)

The Standing Committee on Finance met at 1:42 o'clock p.m. this day, in the Regency Room, Hotel Radisson des Gouverneurs, Montreal, Quebec, the Vice-Chair, Barry Campbell, presiding.

Members of the Committee present: Dianne Brushett, Barry Campbell, Yvan Loubier, Gary Pillitteri and Monte Solberg.

Other Member present: Osvaldo Nunez.

In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Marion Wrobel, Research Officer.

Witnesses: From Positron Industries Inc.: Reg Weiser, President. From the Gamma Institute: Yanis Filopoulos, Economist. From the Canadian Council for Refugees: Nancy Worsfold, Executive Director. From the Federation of University Students of Quebec: François Rebello, President. From ``Forum des citoyens âgés de Montréal'': Henri Hudon, Treasurer; Henri Gervais, Vice-President. From ``Association des producteurs de films et de télévision du Québec'': Suzanne D'Amour. From ``Les artistes pour la paix'': Pierre Jasmin, President.

The witnesses made opening statements and answered questions.

At 3:47 o'clock p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

Christine Trauttmansdorff

Roger Préfontaine

Committee Clerks

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1995
(Meeting No. 199)

[Translation]

The Standing Committee on Finance met at 9:10 a.m. this day, in the Conference Room No. 1, Robson Square Conference Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, the Chairman, Jim Peterson, presiding.

Members of the Committee present: Pierre Brien, Ron Fewchuk, Herb Grubel, Jim Peterson, Brent St. Denis and David Walker.

Acting Member present: Paul Crête for Louis Plamondon.

In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Richard Domingue, Research Officer. From the Committees and Parliamentary Associations Directorate: Marc Toupin.

Witnesses: From the British Columbia Teachers' Federation: Peter McCue, Vice-President; Murray Dobbin, Communications Officer. From the Business Council of British Columbia: Jock A. Finlayson, Vice-President, Policy and Analysis. From the Canadian Federation of Students: Michael Gardiner. From the Coalition to Renew Canada's Infrastructure: Jim Facette, President/Secretary; Jeremy Kon, Vice-President. From the College Institute Educators' Association of B.C.: Ed Lavalle, President; Roseanne Moran, Personnel Representative. From the Confederation of University Faculty Associations of British Columbia: Lee Keener, Vice-President; Robert Clift, Executive Director. As individuals: Harold Daykin; Jacob Rempel; Carole Gerson. From the Fraser Institute: Robin M. Richardson, Director, International Centre for the Study of Public Debt. From the Vancouver Board of Trade: John Hansen, Chief Economist and Assistant Managing Director.

Pursuant to Standing Order 83.1, the Committee resumed its pre-budget consultations with a round table discussion (See Minutes of Proceedings, Tuesday, September 19, 1995, Issue No. 111).

The witnesses made statements and answered questions.

At 10:45 a.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 10:50 a.m., the sitting resumed.

At 11:50 a.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1995
(Meeting No. 200)

The Standing Committee on Finance met at 2:05 p.m. this day, in Conference Room No. 1, Robson Square Conference Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, the Chairman, Jim Peterson, presiding.

Members of the Committee present: Pierre Brien, Ron Fewchuk, Herb Grubel, Jim Peterson, Brent St. Denis and David Walker.

Acting Member present: Paul Crête for Louis Plamondon.

In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Richard Domingue, Research Officer. From the Committees and Parliamentary Associations Directorate: Marc Toupin.

Witnesses: As individuals: Charles Campbell; Fred Pawluk. From the Capilano Students Union: James Jason Lee; Julian Albanese. From Community Based Full Employment: Peter Robinson. From the Downtown Granville Tenants Association: Sherrill Gullickson, Executive Director. From the Federation of Canadian Municipalities: Jon Les, President. From the Richmond Chamber of Commerce: Kirk Lawrie. From Savoy Management: Bernie Yung. From the Vancouver Foundation: Richard Mulcaster, President and Chief Executive Officer; Christopher Richardson, Director, Gift Planning; Bruce Buchanan, Chair, Volunteer Board. From the Vancouver International Airport: L. G. (Joe) Sulmona, Director, Strategic Planning. From the University of British Columbia: Bernard H. Bressler, Professor and Head, Department of Anatomy.

Pursuant to Standing Order 83.1, the Committee resumed its pre-budget consultations with a round table discussion (See Minutes of Proceedings, Tuesday, September 19, 1995, Issue No. 111).

The witnesses made statements and answered questions.

At 4:45 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

Martine Bresson

Clerk of the Committee