JUNE 8, 2007

Source: Hansard

Hon. Albina Guarnieri (Mississauga East-Cooksville, Lib.) :
Mr. Speaker, in December 2005 the Prime Minister gave his word to 150,000 veterans that they would receive immediate and full compensation for potential exposure to defoliants at Gagetown.

The Minister of Veterans Affairs promised to deliver a compensation package by fall 2006. In January he said it was weeks away, then it was the spring and then this week he voted for a budget that did not identify a single dime for Agent Orange compensation. I ask simply why he cannot keep a deadline, why he cannot keep a promise and keep the Prime Minister's word to Canada's veterans?

Hon. Gordon O'Connor (Minister of National Defence, CPC) :
Mr. Speaker, our government is committed to resolving the Agent Orange problem. The issue is in the cabinet process at this time. At an appropriate time an announcement will be made.

Hon. Albina Guarnieri (Mississauga East-Cooksville, Lib.) :
Mr. Speaker, we might as well be Waiting for Godot. We have heard that promise before.

Hon. Peter Van Loan:
Better than when you were in government I believe.

Hon. Albina Guarnieri:
The minister might think that he is the Artful Dodger, but the government is sounding more like Fagan.

The minister was fond of saying when in opposition that studies were just a way for the government to get to the next election without offering compensation. Now that the election is delayed, he says these fact-finding missions are important. I ask the minister directly, does he have no plan at all? Is he stalling until the next election or was his plan rejected by the Prime Minister?

Hon. Gordon O'Connor (Minister of National Defence, CPC) :
Mr. Speaker, as I said before, we are committed to resolving the Agent Orange problem. This issue will be resolved as soon as possible.

For Further information contact:
Robert Cline
(905) 566-0009
guarna@parl.gc.ca