REPORTS AND PAPERS
Right Hon. L. S. St. Laurent (Prime
Minister): I table herewith, in English and
in French, the terms of union of Newfoundland with Canada, and answers to the
questions raised by the Newfoundland delegation when it was here discussing these
terms of union.
Also the orders in council passed since
prorogation of the last session of parliament
with respect to the transfer of duties; orders
in council of August 17, 1948, November 5,
1948, two of November 15, 1948, and
December 8, 1948.
Hon. J. J. McCann (Minister of National
Revenue): I desire to lay on the table the
annual report of the Department of National
Revenue for the year ended March 31, 1948,
in English and in French.
I also wish to report that, with reference
to the export of petroleum and pulpwood, no
orders or regulations have been issued under
the export of petroleum and pulpwood regulations established under chapter 63 of the
Revised Statutes of Canada, 1927, since the
last return made to parliament.
With reference to the Canada-United Kingdom income tax agreement, no orders or
regulations have been issued under chapter
38 of the Statutes of 1946, being the Canada-
United Kingdom income tax agreement.
With reference to the Canada—United Kingdom succession duty agreement, no regulations
or orders have been issued under chapter 39 of the statutes of 1946, being the
Canada-United Kingdom succession duty
agreement section.
With reference to the Canada-United States
tax convention, no orders or regulations have
been issued under the convention relating to
succession duties, enacted as chapter 31 of the
statutes of 1934, since these were tabled in
the house on March 20, 1946.
(For complete list of reports and papers
tabled, see Votes and Proceedings, No. 2,
January 27,- 1949.)
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
PRECEDENCE or GOVERNMENT BUSINESS
Right Hon. L. S. St. Laurent (Prime
Minister): Yesterday the discussion with
regard to the procedure for today was concluded as follows, as reported in
Hansard at
page 12:
Mr. St. Laurent: In order to avoid debate I am
quite prepared to withdraw the motion and to trust
that it will be the desire of hon. members tomorrow
that we proceed with the debate on the address.
The leader of the opposition (Mr. Drew)
said:
So that there may be no misunderstanding. I was
dealing with a motion in a certain form. The Prime
Minister has indicated his willingness to withdraw
that motion. We come now to another point. There
can be no objection to proceeding with the debate
in the usual way in so far as the mover and
seconder are concerned. but I am unaware of any
precedent for the leader of the opposition and the
Prime Minister following immediately afterwards
under such circumstances as we have here. I do
not think that should be suggested. The speech
from the throne has only been presented today. The
debate is on that speech, and it is customary to
afford the leader of the opposition an opportunity
to examine it so that his remarks will deal with it.
I want to make that observation now that the Prime
Minister has withdrawn the motion. I make the
observation as to my views of the procedure on the
debate merely for the purpose of avoiding any misunderstanding tomorrow.
On the assumption that the foregoing represented the feeling of the house generally,
I
16
HOUSE OF COMMONS
Business of the House
now move that we proceed forthwith to consider the speech delivered yesterday by His
Excellency to both houses of parliament. I
understand that it is in order to make this
kind of motion to apply to the proceedings of
today only, but I would have no objection to
its applying to the proceedings of the house
until otherwise ordered by the house, if it is
the desire of hon. members that the motion
be in that form. I have it in the two alternative forms:
That the speech of His Excellency the Governor
General to both houses of parliament be taken into
consideration forthwith.
Or:
That the speech of His Excellency the Governor
General to both houses of parliament be taken into
consideration forthwith and that this order have
precedence over all other business except introduction of bills and government notices
of motions
until otherwise ordered by the house.
I am informed that as to the more complete
motion, the technical objection can be raised
that forty-eight hours' notice has not been
given. If that objection is taken, I suggest
the first form, which would provide for the
speech being dealt with today. As to the
observation of the leader of the opposition
that since the speech was delivered only
yesterday it would be unusual to require him
to deal with it today, if he still feels that
way about it, and wishes, after the mover and
the seconder have been heard, to move the
adjournment of the debate, we on this side
of the house would raise no objection.
Mr. George A. Drew (Leader of the Opposition): The proposal which has just been made
by the Prime Minister is, I think, in accord
with the suggestion I made at the conclusion
of my remarks yesterday. While I am unable,
of course, to indicate unanimous consent
except in so far as I may be able to do so
for the members of the party which I lead,
I am quite prepared to consent to proceeding
with the debate if the second motion which
has been read is introduced; it is in accordance with the established practice. I
do so
on the understanding which has been indicated by the Prime Minister, that at the
conclusion of the speech of the seconder I
move adjournment of the debate in the usual
way.
Mr. Coldwell: I think that is quite satisfactory, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Low: That will be satisfactory to our
group.
Mr. St. Laurent: I move, seconded by the
Minister of Trade and Commerce (Mr.
Howe):
That the speech of His Excellency the Governor
General to both houses of parliament be taken into
consideration forthwith and that this order have
precedence over all other business except introduction of bills and government notices
of motions until
otherwise ordered by the house.
Mr. Drew: Just to clarify the record on
this point, Mr. Speaker, I have noted something which I think should be explained
to
the house before we proceed with the debate.
I received my copy of
Votes and Proceedings
earlier in the day, and I find that the same
copy is still on the desks of most of the members. A few minutes ago a new copy of
Votes and Proceedings for yesterday was
tabled. It includes two additional items
which were not in the first printed copies
distributed to the members this morning.
The second of the additional items is a notice
of motion by the Prime Minister. It reads
as follows:
That on and after Monday, January 31, 1949, and
every sitting day thereafter until and including
Friday, February 11, 1949. government notices of
motions and government orders shall have precedence over all other business except
introduction of
bills.
On inquiry I found that the copy which
contains the motion I have just read is not
yet on the desks of most hon. members. I
think it would clarify the procedure if we
could be told why one copy of Votes and Proceedings was delivered and then a subsequent
copy delivered which contains a new and
very important motion.
Mr. Speaker: I must say to the hon. gentleman that I shall look into the matter.
Mr. St. Laurent: I can give an answer to
the leader of the opposition right away. As.
I announced in the house yesterday afternoon,
I gave notice of this motion, which is the last
item on the
Votes and Proceedings that the
hon. gentleman has just read, and when I got
the first issue of
Votes and Proceedings this.
morning I was surprised to find it was not
there. I communicated with the Clerk of the
House, who verified the fact that he had it,
but through some omission it had not gone
to the printer. He told me that it was not
the first time that there had been an oversight of this kind, and that he would see
that
the printer had the
Votes and Proceedings
completed in time for the sitting this afternoon.
I think I might take this opportunity to say
that I have had representations from hon.
members on both sides of the house, who, in
spite of their realization of the urgency of
proceeding with the Newfoundland terms of
union so that we may have them dealt with
by this parliament and subsequently by the
parliament of the United Kingdom before
March 31, feel they would like to have all
next week devoted to the debate on the
address. When this motion is called tomorrow,
JANUARY 27, 1949 The Address-Mr. Brown 17
if I can have the consent of the house to do
so, I shall substitute for the dates that are
mentioned the corresponding dates one week
later.
Motion agreed to.
SPEECH FROM THE THRONE
ADDRESS IN REPLY, MOVED BY MR. D. F. BROWN
(ESSEX WEST) AND SECONDED BY MR. LEOPOLD
DEMERS (LAVAL-TWO MOUNTAINS)
The house proceeded to the consideration
of the speech delivered by His Excellency the
Governor General at the opening of the
session.
Mr. D. F. Brown (Essex West): In rising to
propose a resolution of appreciation to His
Excellency, the Governor General of Canada,
for his gracious speech addressed to both
houses of parliament, the people of the constituency of Essex West, which I have the
pleasure to represent in this house, are
honoured and privileged to join with
Canadians from the Atlantic to the Pacific in
our tribute of loyalty and affection to His
Majesty, George VI, our king, and his gracious
consort, Queen Elizabeth. We do this, not
with a feeling of subservience or subordination, but with the dignity of fidelity
and
allegiance.
We recognize and admire the attitude of
sincerity which Their Majesties attach to
their high office, their kindliness to the problems affecting their millions of subjects,
their
thoughtfulness of those afflicted, and the
standard they have set for the world in their
domestic lives by the grace, gentility and
simplicity of their home living.
Canadians in all walks of life have learned
with rejoicing of His Majesty's recent
recovery from a serious physical disorder, and
have breathed a prayer of thanksgiving for
his restoration to health and strength. We
humbly express to him our sympathy in the
discomfort and suffering which he has
endured, but are consoled by the promise that
"the darkest hour precedes the dawn".
The British commonwealth of nations for
many years has looked, hopefully and expectantly, for word of an heir to the throne.
On
November 14, 1948, this long awaited promise
was fulfilled in the birth of "wee Bonnie
Prince Charlie" to Her Royal Highness Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh.
To the parents of the baby, christened Charles
Philip Arthur George of Edinburgh, we
extend our sincere congratulations. To the
baby, all Canada extends its hope and prayer
for a lifetime of health for himself, happiness
with his family, and success in his relationship with his loyal subjects.
The year just passed has brought many
changes in our national life and personalities.
The Right Hon. William Lyon Mackenzie
King, who had held office longer than any
other prime minister in the British empire,
retired from his post as Prime Minister and
leader of the Liberal party. Mr. King's
dynamic leadership of the House of Commons,
his unbounded energy in upholding that
which he thought best for his country, and
his unfailing courtesy, thoughtfulness and
kindness, will always be an inspiration to the
members of this house.
A man of peace, who abhorred war, he led
Canada Victoriously through the bitter storm
and strife of conflict into the calm harbour
of peace and prosperity, with distinction to
himself and with honour to his country. His
career of self-sacrificing service will be a
beacon light to the youth of Canada for
generations yet unborn. His followers will
remember his uncanny insight and perspicacity ; the opposition will remember him for
his vigour and tenacity; but the little people
of Canada will remember him as their friend
and champion. History will be very kind to
William Lyon Mackenzie King.
During the past year the hon. member for
Neepawa (Mr. Bracken) found it necessary to
retire as leader of the official opposition.
During his term the hon. member endeared
himself to all members of this house, regardless of party affiliations, by his warmth
of
friendliness, his vigour of opposition in the
house, and his courtesy and affability outside
the house. We wish him well.
On the turning of the pages of the history
of this house, we are now proud to have as
our leader one who is truly a Canadian of
distinction—Right Hon. Louis Stephen St.
Laurent. Mr. St. Laurent, having heard the
clear call of duty, has rejected personal placid
interests to accept the highest post of service
to his country—that of Prime Minister. In
this arduous position he will have every
opportunity of displaying to the fullest extent
his widely known powers of conciliation and
sagacity. We on this side of the house are
privileged to serve under his benevolent
direction and admonition. May Canada continue to prosper and expand in stature among
the nations of the world during his term of
office.
It has been said that a government is as
strong as its opposition. We are also welcoming a new leader of the official opposition,
who comes to this chamber with many years
of experience as premier of my own province, the province of Ontario. He has shown
much energy and aggressiveness in his public
career. We trust that his leadership of the
opposition will be vigorous and constructive.
18 The Address—Mr. Brown HOUSE OF COMMONS
On the 11th day of December, 1948, an
agreement was entered into by the Dominion
of Canada having the effect of bringing into
the confederation of the Dominion of Canada
the province of Newfoundland, thus uniting
in legislative matters two branches of the
British commonwealth of nations, living side
by side and having similar hopes and ideals.
The people of my constituency join with all
Canada in extending a warm and cordial welcome to Newfoundland, the tenth province
of
the Canadian family of provinces.
The agreement for union of Newfoundland
has not come about without having to hurdle
many obstacles; but with two groups of
people, such as Canada and Newfoundland,
with the same customs, principles, and aspirations, the union would seem to be natural.
Upon referendum submitted to the people
of Newfoundland, the desire to enter into
confederation with Canada was expressed.
Subsequently representatives of Canada and
Newfoundland met and determined the
arrangements for the union, which upon
approval of the parliament of Canada will
come into effect on the 3lst day of March
next.
Canada and Newfoundland have much in
common for a union. Both have the same
heritage in freedom of action, speech and
religion. Both have the same political traditions. Both have grown to maturity side
by
side, and each has been able to observe the
progress of the other. Both have realized
that in a fast—moving world they need one
another for their common defence. Both see
that the greatest good, by way of special
reforms and security, can come to the ordinary citizen in both places only if united
we
stand. We believe we can offer to Newfoundland much in the way of trade, but we need
also what Newfoundland has to contribute.
Newfoundland has lumber and pulpwood; it
has fish and sea foods. It has vast deposits of
iron ore and other metals. But, more than
anything else, we welcome the people of
Newfoundland. We realize they are a proud
people, of rugged nature, strong and industrious, anxious to take their full share
of
responsibility, and that they expect their full
share of the gains. We Canadians are proud
to become associated with them.
We will undoubtedly encounter differences
of opinion from time to time; but, having
visited each of the nine existing provinces of
Canada, I have observed that, while governments may often disagree, the common people
of our dominion have the same high goal
always before them—that of peace, industry,
integrity, and security.
It is in this spirit of partnership that we
extend our welcome to the tenth province of
the Dominion of Canada, the province of
Newfoundland.
My constituency, that of Essex West,
borders on the Detroit river for approximately
fifteen miles. Discussions on the St. Lawrence waterway development are therefore
of
vital interest to us, as they should be to all
other parts of Canada.
By our methods of production we in Canada
do not depend upon domestic markets. We
are a trading nation. We export to the four
corners of the world. In fact I believe we
export about one-third of all the goods we
produce. This probably would be much
higher in my own constituency. We are
therefore most anxious to devise ways and
means by which, wherever and whenever
possible, we can reduce the cost of the goods
we produce and at the same time maintain
our high level of living. One of the items
which contribute to the increased price of
our goods in competition with other goods of
a similar nature on the world market is that
of transportation of our goods to the consumer
in the distant land.
Canada has access to 2,400 miles of waterways from Fort William to the Atlantic ocean.
This great waterway, for the most part, is of
deep navigable water with a height of 600
feet of falling energy. This waterway is
similar to a series of saucepans with the spout
of one dropping into the pan below, but with
the spout of the final saucepan corroded with
rocks, timber, and fear—fear of debt and
disaster.
Time passes on. When Jacques Cartier
sailed up the St. Lawrence to claim the
wilderness for France, little did he realize
what he was starting—for this was the first
link in the chain of events which has led to
the struggle to obtain a free outlet to the sea
—a freedom from the bonds of nature.
Champlain, La Salle and all the great explorers have seen the need for this direct
water
route from the sea to that great inland
empire of Canada. And now it is hoped the
final removal of the impediment of the ages
will be realized.
Since the days of the early settlers in
Canada, wheelbarrows have become bulldozers; the old buckboard has become the
sleek sedan; the magic lantern, the television
set. The sailing vessel has become the modern
oil burner. And the steamships have grown
from the impressive length of 250 feet and a
capacity of 2,000 tons to the ships of today
with a length of 600 feet and capacity of
20,000 tons. Ships of this latter class pass
along the border of my constituency unnoticed
every few minutes of the day for eight or
nine months of the year.
