Pages 1-1015 Volume II: Pages 1017-2053

Pages 2035-3039 Volume IV: Pages 3041-3619

Right Hon. ARTHUR MEIGHEN (Leader of the Opposition) :

Explain.

Mr. McKENZIE:

This bill is intended

largely to assist local authorities in carrying out provincial temperance legislation. They have made the claim that they require some assistance by way of Dominion legislation to carry out the principle voted upon by the provinces and given effect to by provincial legislation. The present bill is with a view to supplementing the action of the provinces in that regard.

Mr. MEIGHEN:

This is the Solicitor

General's (Mr. McKenzie's) first attempt at introducing legislation, but really I do not think he should be allowed to get away with the explanation he has made. He sates that the bill is to supplement provincial legislation, or to enable the provincial authorities to carry out their temperance aspirations and to do it by amendment to the Canada Temperance Act. Well, there has been much legislation along that line, but what is this legislation for? In what way is it to help the provinces? What is to be amended?

Mr. McKENZIE:

It is not usual at this stage to go into detailed explanations, these are generally reserved until the motion for second reading is made. I may say, however, that British Columbia has reserved to itself the right of dealing with the sale of liquor in a certain way, and it claims that its control in dealing with that liquor in the province is particularly interfered with by the promiscuous importation of liquors. The provincial authorities therefore ask this Parliament to say that inasmuch as the general sale of liquor in the province of British Columbia is prohibited by local statute, the importation of liquor into the province shall be confined entirely to the local government or its agents. That is the main purpose of the bill.

Motion agreed to and bill read the first time.

Mr. E. J. McMURRAY (North Winnipeg) :

Mr. Speaker, before the Orders of the Day are called, I would like to ask the Prime Minister a question. It was intimated in the Speech from the Throne that the question of the natural resources of the prairie provinces would receive consideration. It is well known that the Premiers of these provinces are here and in conference with the Government. I would ask the Prime Minister, therefore, what progress has been made in dealing with the question.

Hon. W. L. MACKENZIE KING (Prime Minister):

The Premiers of the provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta have been in conference with members of the Government yesterday and to-day, and progress has been made in the discussions we have had. My hon. friend from North Winnipeg (Mr. McMurray) intimated to me that he intended asking this question, and I therefore prepared and have brought with me a memorandum which will indicate the progress which has been made thus far. I may say that Premier Norris of Manitoba is obliged to return to Winnipeg to-night. The Premiers of Alberta and Saskatchewan are remaining. Our conferences so far as these two provinces are concerned will continue with them. As to Manitoba the following satement will indicate what progress has been made, up to date, between the Dominion government and the government of that province:

Supply-Live Stock

As between the Government of Manitoba and the Dominion Government it has been agreed,-

(1) That it is desirable and just that such adjustments be made between the Dominion of Canada and the Prairie provinces with respect to their natural resources as will give full recognition to the principle that in this respect they are entitled to be placed in a position of equality with the other Provinces of Confederation.

(2) That the Government of Canada will negotiate an agreement with the Prairie provinces with the above object in view, such agreement to be subject to ratification by Parliament and the respective Legislatures.

(3) That failing agreement on any point as between the Dominion and the Province of Manitoba all such items so in 'dispute shall be referred to arbitration.

(4) That any awards made by such arbitrators shall be subject to ratification by Parliament and the Legislature of Manitoba.