These comments are direct quotations from the Hansard
documents.
Embarrassing the Hell Out of Americans
Ms.
Diane Finley (Haldimand—Norfolk, CPC): Mr. Speaker, the Liberals
have once again shown their anti-American bias while the U.S. border
remains closed to our Canadian cattle and livestock. This strategy is like
poking someone in the eye and then asking them for a favour.
If the Prime Minister were truly serious about American border issues he
would be more outraged about this than we are.
Could the Prime Minister explain how his government's policy of
“embarrassing the hell out of the Americans” will help reopen the U.S.
border to our Canadian livestock?
Hon. R. John Efford (Minister of Natural Resources, Lib.): Mr.
Speaker, if hon. members opposite were truly serious about getting the
border open and working with the Minister of Agriculture they would not be
standing in this House day after day criticizing what the government is
doing.
This government is doing everything possible. The opposition would be
better served if it took a proactive approach instead of a negative
approach.
Ms. Diane Finley (Haldimand—Norfolk, CPC): Mr. Speaker, instead
of trying to embarrass the Americans, the Prime Minister should stop
embarrassing himself and our country.
The Prime Minister's hand-picked personal representative for Canada-U.S.
relations has once again shown the government's disrespect for our
southern neighbours. This brazen disregard further jeopardizes the future
of our already beleaguered livestock producers.
When will the Prime Minister repair the damage done, demonstrate that he
is serious about Canada-U.S. relations and fire his parliamentary
secretary?
Hon. Pierre Pettigrew (Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lib.): Mr.
Speaker, I am sure the opposition calls far more the attention of
Washington with that comment than the comment itself generated. The
opposition is really not helping the beef producers in the west.
This government is working hard with the Americans to reopen the border to
softwood lumber and to beef. We are working hard with them in building in
Afghanistan and the reconstruction of Iraq. We are working together in
Haiti. We are also working with the Mexicans in building a stronger North
America, while those people just do not--
The Speaker: The hon. member for Vancouver Island North.
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