• Act of Settlement and the Head of State
• Support for Canadian veterans
• Free Trade Agreements
• Conservative Government’s Do Not Call List (Part II)
• Concerns regarding the high levels of sodium contained in prepared foods
• Conservative Government’s Do Not Call List
• Government of Canada’s financial contribution to the 400th Anniversary of the founding of Québec City
• Agent Orange Compensation Package (Part II)
• Possible tax evasion
• Capital requirements for segregated fund products (also known as variable annuities)
• Elimination of funding for the Royal Commonwealth Society
• The new Veterans Charter
• Agent Orange Compensation Package
• Guaranteed Income Supplement
• Public appointments
• Burma
• North American Free Trade Agreement Technical Working Group
• Canada Summer and Winter Games
• Government decentralization

December 10, 2009—With respect to the Head of State:

The British Government is proposing to change the Act of Settlement by removing the restriction that bars members of the Royal Family from marrying Roman Catholics. At present, members of the Royal Family are forbidden from converting to the Roman Catholic religion or marrying someone from the Catholic religion unless they agree to being removed from the order of succession.

The British Government also intends to change the Act of Settlement to remove the rule allowing males to take precedent over their female relatives.

These changes will directly impact the future Head of State of Canada, and it is necessary for the Government of the United Kingdom to secure the consent of all 53 Commonwealth Countries in order to implement these changes.

Could the Government of Canada indicate whether it is in favour of these proposed changes?

December 10, 2009—With respect to support for Canadian veterans:

According to the Veterans Ombudsman, the average cost of a funeral in 2008 was $5,892, but the benefit provided by the Government of Canada for veterans' funerals is set at $3,600.

The Government of Canada currently pays up to $13,000 for funeral and burial expenses for Canadian Forces members.

Could the Government of Canada indicate when it intends to increase the financial support it provides to veterans' families for funerals and burials?

December 1, 2009—With respect to Free Trade Agreements:

Canada and the European Union are undertaking negotiations to complete a Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement . The discussion includes provisions for trade in goods and services, investment, government procurement, regulatory cooperation, intellectual property, temporary entry of business persons, competition policy and other related matters, labour, and the environment.

However, as negotiators begin their work, Canadians are concerned about the Conservative Government's ability to obtain a strong and effective deal for Canada, as other free trade agreements recently negotiated and signed by this Government have included many flaws. For example, despite the clear willingness on the part of Peru to complete trade negotiations with as many countries as possible, Canadian negotiators were unable to obtain a strong and effective trade agreement for Canada. As a result, Canadian beef, pork and potato producers have been left at a competitive disadvantage with other countries, specifically the United States.

The Conservative Government failed to negotiate meaningful provisions to protect the intellectual property rights of Canadians, and further failed to obtain a clause similar to that in the United States-Peru trade agreement that allows United States agricultural exporters to automatically obtain trade benefits included in any future trade negotiations Peru makes with other countries.

The results of the Canada-Peru Free Trade Agreement lead to broader questions about Canada's ability to negotiate effective agreements. Although the prosperity of Canada does not depend on the signing of a free trade agreement with Peru, the results of Canada's negotiations reflect the Conservative Government's inability to obtain strong trade agreements.

A. Could the Government of Canada provide a copy of all documents and analysis comparing the Canada-Peru Free Trade Agreement with trade agreements Peru negotiated with other countries?

B. Could the Government of Canada provide the number of negotiators, if any, that have been retained from outside of the federal government to represent Canada in current trade negotiations?

C. Could the Government of Canada indicate whether it has considered and/or implemented plans to undertake a review of the Canada-Peru Free Trade Agreement in 2014 to evaluate the trade implications for Canada?

October 29, 2009—With Respect to the Do Not Call List :

The Government of Canada's Do Not Call List was created to reduce the number of unwanted telemarketing calls received by Canadians. Instead, many citizens have complained that since registering their telephone numbers on the Do Not Call List , they are now receiving more telephone solicitation calls than ever.

The Conservative Government is allowing anyone, including foreign telemarketers and scam artists, to purchase the Do Not Call List for $55.00 from the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) website.

The Conservative Government is refusing to take any action to correct this extremely flawed system. Currently over 700 complaints have been filed, but to date only nine fines have been levied, and those companies that have been fined are refusing to pay. In February 2008, the CRTC issued a Request for Proposal to find a contractor to carry out investigations of complaints related to the Do Not Call List , but abandoned the request.

The Conservative Government does not allow the CRTC to lay criminal charges—the legislation and regulations allow the CRTC to only impose administrative monetary penalties. Further, the CRTC conducts hearings in secret without any transparency to Canadians, allowing some to believe that the companies violating the law are being protected.

Why must Canadians continue to wait for the Conservative Government to take action to correct this problem?

1. Could the Government of Canada provide the following information with regard to the Do Not Call List , as of October 29, 2009:

( a ) the total number of complaints filed;

( b ) the number of active investigations; and

( c ) the number of notices of violations issued.

2. Could the Government of Canada explain why it does not share with Canadians the names of companies violating the Do Not Call List ?

3. Could the Government of Canada explain why the CRTC's hearings on Do Not Call List violations are not open to the Canadian public or to the media?

4. Given that the CRTC does not have the authority to lay criminal charges, could the Government of Canada indicate whether the CRTC forwards information on Do Not Call List violations to the RCMP for further investigation?

October 6, 2009—Canadians are becoming increasingly concerned about the high levels of sodium contained in prepared foods, and they are looking for action and leadership from the Government of Canada.

The fact that the amount of sodium in a given food product differs between countries, and that in many cases the levels of sodium are higher in foods prepared and distributed for consumption in Canada, deserves serious consideration. Given the well-known health risks associated with high sodium intake—including the increased risk of high blood pressure which is a major risk factor for stroke, heart disease and kidney disease—this issue demands immediate attention by the federal government.

Canadians deserve action that goes beyond encouraging food companies to make voluntary changes. In Finland, legislation was introduced that set limits for sodium content and established mandatory labelling so that foods high in sodium carry a `high in salt content' warning for consumers. New York City has undertaken a campaign to lower the amount of sodium Americans eat, and has advised food industries that it will consider legislative options if they fail to make significant progress. These ambitious attempts at reducing sodium intake offer fine models for Canada.

(a) Could the Government of Canada explain why Health Canada is only pursuing voluntary measures with the food industry to reduce sodium in prepared foods instead of following Finland's example of introducing legislation that sets limits for sodium content?

(b) Could the Government of Canada indicate whether Health Canada's Working Group on Dietary Sodium Reduction is adhering to its schedule and (i) has completed the preparatory and assessment stages, (ii) developed a strategic framework and (iii) is currently working on implementation of a plan?

(c) Could the Government of Canada indicate when a national strategy for the reduction of sodium will be launched?

May 26, 2009—With respect to the Do Not Call List

Canada’s Do Not Call List was supposed to reduce the number of unwanted telemarketing calls received by Canadians, instead, many citizens have complained that since registering their numbers on the Do Not Call List, they are now receiving more telephone solicitation calls.

The Conservative Government is allowing foreign telemarketers and scam artists to purchase the Do Not Call List for $55.00 from the CRTC website. There are concerns that the government has taken no action to deal with this problem; the allegations are that there have not been any fines levied, investigations launched or any charges laid, therefore offering no protection to Canadians.

Until the problems with the availability of this list are resolved, the Conservative Government should immediately stop selling the telephone numbers and protect the privacy of Canadians who have registered their contact information on the Do Not Call List under the pretense that they were going to be protected from receiving unwanted telemarketing calls.

For the time period of September 30, 2008, to May 15, 2009, would the Government of Canada confirm:

a. Have any investigations been instigated by the CRTC? If yes, how many?

b. Have any criminal charges been laid against offenders? If yes, how many?

c. Have any fines been levied? If yes, how many and what is the total amount of fines collected to date?

d. Has the Conservative Government instructed the CRTC to stop the sale and distribution of the list to any group or individuals other than recognized Canadian telemarketers?

May 26, 2009—With respect to government of Canada’s financial contribution to the 400th Anniversary of the founding of Québec City

1. Would the Government of Canada please provide the following information regarding its financial contribution to the 400th Anniversary of the founding of Québec City, specifically related to:
   
   a. the total dollar amount spent by the Government of Canada for the 400th Anniversary of Québec City
   
   b. a summary of all non-monetary support provided by the Government of Canada to assist in the celebration of the 400th Anniversary of Québec
   
   c. the Government wide budget for the celebration of the 400th Anniversary of Québec, and the amount actually spent

May 12, 2009—With respect to Agent Orange:

The Government of Canada has confirmed that the Department of Justice spent $2,186,414.00 from July 2005 to December 31, 2008, in legal costs fighting against Canadian veterans who have been trying to obtain fair compensation for their exposure to Agent Orange spraying at CFB Gagetown.

On September 12, 2007, the Harper Government announced a disappointing compensation package for those affected by the spraying of Agent Orange, offering payment only to those who served between 1966 and 1967. While campaigning in the 2006 federal election, Stephen Harper stated:

"Our government will stand up for full compensation for persons exposed to defoliant spraying during the period from 1956 to 1984.''

In order to receive the compensation that was promised to them, and force Prime Minister Stephen Harper to honour his commitment, these deserving Canadian veterans have had to undertake a class action lawsuit against the Government of Canada.

1. Could the Government of Canada provide the total amount of money spent by all federal departments and agencies, excluding the Department of Justice, for the time period of July 1, 2005, to May 1, 2009, in its fight against our Canadian veterans' Agent Orange class action lawsuit?
   
   
2. Could the Government of Canada provide the total amount of money it has spent to hire outside legal counsel for the time period of July 1, 2005, to May 1, 2009, in its fight against our Canadian veterans' Agent Orange class action lawsuit?
   
   
3. Could the Government of Canada provide the total amount of money spent, including all costs associated with the work of Department of Justice officials, for the time period of January 1, 2009, to May 1, 2009, fighting against our Canadian veterans' Agent Orange class action lawsuit?

January 26, 2009—With respect to possible tax evasion:

In 2006, German authorities received information about secret bank accounts in Liechtenstein which were opened by German citizens in order to avoid paying taxes owed to the German state. Since 2006, many Germans have admitted to tax evasion and the government has recovered millions in unpaid taxes.

German authorities also advised the Government of Canada of the names of Canadians with bank accounts in Liechtenstein .

A. Could the Government of Canada provide the following information:

i. How many Canadians have been identified as having undeclared bank accounts in Liechtenstein ?

ii. How many identified Canadians with accounts in Liechtenstein have availed of the voluntary disclosure program with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)?

iii. How many identified Canadians with accounts in Liechtenstein have settled with the CRA?

iv. Based on the information about Liechtenstein bank accounts, how many Canadian account holders have been charged with tax evasion?

v. How much money, including unpaid taxes, fines, etc., has the CRA recovered as a result of investigating these secret bank accounts in Liechtenstein ?

B. Could the Government of Canada summarize what action, if any, has been taken by Canadian officials to recover unpaid taxes associated with Canadians' undeclared bank accounts in Liechtenstein ?

January 26, 2009—With respect to capital requirements for segregated fund products (also known as variable annuities):

Ms. Julie Dickson, the Superintendent of Financial Institutions Canada (OSFI) recently decided to change the amount of funds required for capital models of segregated fund products also known as variable annuities.

It has been reported in the media ( Globe and Mail , December 6, 2008) that the President and Chief Executive Officer of Manulife Financial, Mr. Dominic D'Alessandro:

"...was lobbying Ms. Dickson to revise regulatory guidelines on capital and she was persuaded by his argument. On Oct. 28, OSFI announced that it was changing the rules to give insurers a break on the amount of capital they had to set aside for payments that were more than five years away.''

It has also been reported in the media ( National Post , January 6, 2009) that Manulife Financial's United States subsidiary John Hancock Financial: "...is draining capital from the parent company because of heavy exposures to volatile financial markets...''

The policy change appears to have been made to benefit insurance companies rather than the Canadian public. Canadians are concerned that as a result of this policy decision, they are now assuming greater financial risk.

A. Could the Government of Canada explain why it decided to change the required amount of capital insurance companies must hold in order to make future payments?

B. Could the Government of Canada explain what additional investment risks are assumed by Canadian investors as a result of this policy change?

C. Could the Government of Canada indicate whether it has requested as quid pro quo that senior management of insurance companies reduce the compensation and bonuses they receive until capital requirements are restored to previous levels?

January 26, 2009—With respect to the elimination of funding for the Royal Commonwealth Society:

Could the Government of Canada provide information on its decision in 2006 to eliminate the annual $20,000 grant to the Royal Commonwealth Society of Canada, including the policy rationale used by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada ?

January 26, 2009—With respect to the new Veterans Charter:

In 2005, as part of the new Veterans Charter, Veterans Affairs Canada began granting a tax-free, lump sum Disability Award and a tax-free, lump-sum Death Benefit.

A. Could the Government of Canada provide the following information for fiscal years 2005-2006 to 2007-2008:

i. How many Disability Award or Death Benefit files have been forwarded to the Deputy Minister or Minister of Veterans Affairs' attention, and what was the nature of the problems associated with each case?

ii. How many recipients of the lump-sum Disability Award or the Death Benefit filed a complaint with the department about either benefit?

iii. After receiving a lump-sum payment, how many recipients or their dependants have requested additional funds?

B. Could the Government of Canada advise whether Veterans Affairs Canada experiences a cost-savings associated with the granting of the lump-sum Disability Award and Death Benefit, as compared to other longer-term assistance measures such as, but not limited to, the disability pension and health care benefits?

C. Could the Government of Canada advise if Veterans Affairs Canada has reviewed or evaluated the lump-sum Disability Award and Death Benefit programs? If so, what findings or conclusions have been made?

January 26, 2009—With respect to the Agent Orange Compensation Package:

On September 12, 2007, the Harper Government announced a disappointing compensation package for people affected by the spraying of Agent Orange at CFB Gagetown, offering payment only to those who served between 1966 and 1967. While campaigning in the 2006 federal election, Stephen Harper stated, "Our government will stand up for full compensation for persons exposed to defoliant spraying during the period from 1956 to 1984.''

In order to receive the compensation that was promised to them and force Prime Minister Stephen Harper to honour his commitment, Canadian veterans have had to undertake a class action lawsuit against the Government of Canada.

Could the Government of Canada please provide the total amount of money, including all costs associated with the work of Department of Justice officials, that has been spent to date fighting against our Canadian veterans' class action lawsuit?

January 26, 2009—With respect to the Guaranteed Income Supplement:

Low-income seniors who need and qualify for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) are not receiving the benefit because of flaws in the delivery of the program.

In 2006, the federal government identified that more than 145,500 Canadians were eligible for the GIS, but were not receiving the benefit. In my home province of Prince Edward Island , as many as 425 seniors were identified as eligible non-recipients.

A. How many Canadians does the Government of Canada estimate were eligible to receive the GIS in 2007 and 2008?

B. How many Canadians received the GIS in 2007 and 2008?

C. How many Canadians were identified as GIS eligible non-recipients for the years 2007 and 2008, by province and territory?

D. How many times has the Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada waived the requirement for a GIS application as permitted under section 11(4) of the Old Age Security Act since May 2007, and has the waiver been used for new GIS recipients or for individuals who previously received the benefit?

E. How is Human Resources and Skills Development Canada applying sections 33.02 and 33.03 of the Old Age Security Act which allow for the sharing of information within HRSDC, and with other federal institutions, to reach GIS eligible non-recipients?

January 26, 2009—With respect to public appointments:

In the Conservative Party's 2008 Election Platform , Prime Minister Harper stated on Page 25:

"We will work to ensure that appointees to federal agencies, boards, commissions and Crown corporation reflect the diversity of Canada in language, gender, region, age and ethnicity.''

Could the Government of Canada provide statistics on all recipients of public appointments to federal agencies, boards, commissions and Crown corporations since 2006, specifically the age of appointees, and the region of Canada they reside? .

January 26, 2009—With respect to Burma :

Under the military junta, Burma has achieved one of the worst human rights records in the world. Over three decades of military dictatorship has led to widespread suppression of democratic ideals such as freedom of speech, association and assembly.

Could the Government of Canada provide the following information :

i. What measures is the Government of Canada taking to ensure Canadian corporations end all commercial ties with Burma ?

ii. What measures is the Government of Canada taking to ensure that no additional commercial contracts form between Canadian companies and Burma ?

iii. What domestic steps is the Government of Canada pursuing to guarantee those Canadian corporations financially benefiting from economic activity in Burma are restricted from securing any contracts from the Government of Canada?

iv. What steps is the Government of Canada taking to assure the Canadian Pension Plan Investment Board does not maintain any direct or indirect holdings in companies conducting business with Burma ?

v. What bilateral and multilateral efforts is the Government of Canada using to persuade Burma 's military junta to relinquish power?

vi. What diplomatic action is occurring between the Government of Canada and members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, China , and India to pressure Burma 's military junta to end violence against the people of Burma ?

vii. What methods is the Government of Canada employing to pressure Burma 's military junta to release Aung San Suu Kyi, the leader of the National League for Democracy party?

January 26, 2009—With respect to the North American Free Trade Agreement Technical Working Group:

In 1997, the North American Free Trade Agreement Technical Working Group (TWG) on Pesticides was established to serve as a focal point for addressing pesticide related issues. The TWG's primary objective is to facilitate cost effective pesticide regulation and trade among Canada , Mexico , and the United States through harmonization.

Could the Government of Canada provide the following information:

i. How many cases exist where Canadian pesticide standards have been lowered in order to harmonize regulations with the United States ?

ii. How many cases exist where Canadian pesticide standards have been increased in order to harmonize regulations with the United States ?

iii. How many products were affected from lowering Canadian pesticide standards in order to harmonize pesticide regulations with the United States ?

iv. How many products were affected from increasing Canadian pesticide standards in order to harmonize pesticide regulations with the United States ?

v. What are the standards Canadian officials use to determine whether or not to lower pesticide standards?

vi. What percentage of Canadian pesticide residue levels are stricter than American standards?

vii. What percentage of products in Canada are found to exceed legal residue limits?

January 26, 2009—With respect to the Canada Summer and Winter Games:

Over $230 million has been invested in the Canada Summer and Winter Games since inception. From track and field complexes to ski hills, soccer pitches to swimming pools, a legacy of sports facilities have been built up in 19 medium-sized communities across Canada .

A. Could the Government of Canada provide the following regarding the Canada Games Financial Framework:

i. The procedural guidelines for inflationary adjustments; and

ii. A description of acceptable "essential operating'' costs?

B. Could the Government of Canada provide the total amount actually spent on the 2005 Canada Summer Games in Regina ?

C. Could the Government of Canada provide the following regarding its financial commitment to the 2009 Canada Summer Games in Prince Edward Island including:

i. The present financial contribution; and

ii. The total proposed financial contribution?

January 26, 2009—With respect to government decentralization:

A. Could the Government of Canada provide information on proposals prepared since 2006 on the relocation of government departments (or parts thereof), agencies and Crown corporations from the National Capital area to the regions of Canada ?

B. Could the Government of Canada provide information on assessments, completed since 2006, on which government departments (or parts thereof), agencies or Crown corporations could be relocated from the National Capital area to the regions of Canada ?