Debates of May 4th, 2012

Manon Perreault Montcalm, QC

Madam Speaker, I agree that their answers are just a sham.

There are relatively few people with disabilities on the job market, and even fewer of them are physically able to work until they turn 65. Raising the retirement age to 67 for no real economic reason will penalize the most vulnerable members of our society. As the experts tell us, the system is sustainable.

Did the government really give much thought to how later retirement will affect people with disabilities?

Kellie Leitch Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and to the Minister of Labour

Madam Speaker, there will be no reductions to seniors' pensions, and that includes individuals with disabilities.

In order to ensure the sustainability of old age security, we are increasing the eligibility age to 67, and this will begin in 2023. Our government is committed to sustainable social programs and a secure retirement for all Canadians.

In addition, this government is taking decisive action to aid individuals with disabilities, putting in place a special panel to make sure those individuals can be incorporated into the workplace and have meaningful jobs, so they actually are not eligible for OAS because they have meaningful employment, because they have a job.

Jean-François Fortin Haute-Gaspésie—La Mitis—Matane—Matapédia, QC

Madam Speaker, while on the one hand this government blatantly scoffs at our democratic processes—particularly by imposing closure on a bill that is over 400 pages long and will kill the Kyoto protocol, for one thing, and exclude banks from the application of the Quebec consumer protection act, leaving consumers at the mercy of questionable business practices—on the other hand, it is also spending millions of dollars on useless things such as promoting the monarchy and the Queen's jubilee. What an undemocratic regime.

Instead of kissing up to the Queen, why do the Conservatives not show some respect towards Quebec consumers?

Paul Calandra Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage

Madam Speaker, we are very proud to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the ascension of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth to the Throne. This celebration will mark the beginning of five years of celebrations in this county, including commemorating the War of 1812 and the 200th anniversary of the birth of Canada's first prime minister, Sir John A. Macdonald.

It culminates in the 150th celebration of the best country in the world in which to live, this country, and we will do everything in our power to make sure Canadians from all regions of this country can join us in the celebration of not only Her Majesty's 60th anniversary but the 150th celebration of this country.

The Deputy Speaker Denise Savoie

I draw the attention of hon. members to the presence in the gallery of two ministers from Saskatchewan, the Hon. Rob Norris, Minister of Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration, and the Hon. Dustin Duncan, Minister of Environment, or I guess not.

Michelle Rempel Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of the Environment

Madam Speaker, to respond to my colleague's point, perhaps he should be more careful when he questions where the backbenchers are on a Friday.

Elizabeth May Saanich—Gulf Islands, BC

Madam Speaker, of course, it will be for you as Speaker to conclude on the point of order by the member for Cape Breton—Canso and his question in question period. However, any plain understanding of his question at the time was that it was a rhetorical point asking where they are in speaking out for their constituents. It was never at all reasonable for the parliamentary secretary to think he was pointing out whether people were physically present in the House. It was, in fact, an absurd distortion of the member's question.

The Deputy Speaker Denise Savoie

I thank the hon. members for their comments. We will review Hansard and, if need be, we will come back to the House on this matter.

Tom Lukiwski Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons

Madam Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 36(8) I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the government's response to seven petitions.

Ted Opitz Etobicoke Centre, ON

Madam Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 34(1) I have the honour to present to the House, in both official languages, the report of the Canadian delegation to the Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association respecting its participation in the meeting of the Standing Committee of Parliamentarians of the Arctic Region held in Stockholm, Sweden, February 14, 2012.

Peter Van Loan York—Simcoe, ON

moved for leave to introduce Bill S-6, An Act respecting the election and term of office of chiefs and councillors of certain First Nations and the composition of council of those First Nations.

(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)