MP Report

Last fall I had an opportunity to tour one of the South
Okanagan’s largest private sector specialty manufacturing plants. In summary, I
was extremely impressed not just at the size and scope of the operation and the
many important well paying jobs that it provides, but also by the many
international projects that it is currently involved with worldwide. I later
the had opportunity to confirm in a meeting with a local economic development
officer, who shares the goal of ensuring building employment and investment,
that this particular company is indeed the largest employer in the area. To
think that this internationally respected manufacturer can design, engineer,
and build components for important projects around the globe all from a small
rural British Columbia community is a remarkable example of Canadian ingenuity
and capability. This local operation also serves as a reminder of the importance
of infrastructure investments along with global free trade agreements with other
countries and important interprovincial agreements such as TILMA to ensure that
our local industry can compete and grow.

While at this manufacturing plant I was also shown a component
that looked very much like the one’s produced within the operation. Unlike the
same part manufactured in house, with a maple leaf, identifying both the company
and the country where it is made, this particular component was actually in fact
a counterfeit copy with no identifiable manufacturer. Although it is often said
that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, in this case it is a very
serious concern. This particular component requires engineers to design, a
foundry and machine shop to build, sales staff to sell and more plant staff to
ship. In short there are many well paying local jobs that are created in getting
this component to the market. These are important jobs that support families who
in turn support our local economies and as such these counterfeit goods should
not be treated lightly.

Last Friday in the House of Commons our Government introduced
Bill C-56 “Combating Counterfeit Products Act”. This act proposes to create a
number of new enforcement tools to better protect Canadian manufacturers from
the threat of illegally manufactured counterfeit goods entering into, being sold
or otherwise distributed within Canada. Under the Act, border officials would
have new abilities to detain shipments until rights holders can be contacted. In
addition, Canadian businesses will also be able to request assistance with the
Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) to share rights information on suspected
shipments. New criminal offences can also apply to those individuals who are in
the commercial possession, manufacture or trafficking of trademark counterfeit
goods. New civil legal options will also be made available to legitimate rights
holders to pursue legal action against those who profit from counterfeiting
practices.

Aside from the potential damage I observed from counterfeiting
practices firsthand, the value of counterfeit goods seized in Canada has
increased from $7.6 million in 2005 to almost $ 40 million last year. More
important is the potential loss of Canadian jobs and what that would mean for
small rural communities where other much needed well paying employment can be
hard to find. Bills like C-56 may not generate much attention however the
importance to take action against counterfeit goods is yet another way that our
Government is ensuring that we protect jobs and support our important
 manufacturing sector.

Also occurring this week in Ottawa is continued debate on Government Bills C-47
“Northern Jobs and Growth Act” and C-48“Technical Tax Amendments Act” while
Senate Bill S-9 “Nuclear Terrorism Act”will also reach report stage debate. Some
of the Private Members Bills up for debate this week include C-457 “An to Repeal
the Clarity Act” C-452 “An Act to Amend the Criminal Code (exploitation and
trafficking in persons) along with Motions M-382 “Religious Freedom” and M-412
“Hydroelectric Project”. If you have comments, questions or concerns on these or
any Bills before the House of Commons please do not hesitate to contact me by
phone 1(800) 665-8711 or email dan.albas@parl.gc.ca at your
convenience.

Dan Albas is the Member of Parliament for Okanagan-Coquihalla. His blog is DaninOttawa.com and previous MP reports are on line at
www.danalbas.com