Mr. Speaker, we all know that the leader of the Liberal Party is known for his “oops” moments, but did members know that his Liberal Party critics are having them too?

The member for Wascana was forced to apologize for misleading the House by misquoting support from a Laval economics professor. Then the Liberal finance critic misquoted Jack Mintz, who said that the Liberal EI scheme encourages employers to fire an older worker to make room for a new worker.

While the Liberal Party scrambles to cover up for its leader, we are delivering action on Canada's economy.

This week we have even more good news. Last year's deficit was down to roughly $5.2 billion, much better than previously forecast. This demonstrates that we are firmly on track to balance the budget.

Yesterday the IMF projected Canada to be one of the strongest growing economies over the years ahead. The Fraser Institute has just ranked Canada among the most economically free countries in the world.

Agriculture and Agri-FoodStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

NDP

François Lapointe NDP Montmagny—L'Islet—Kamouraska—Rivière-du-Loup, QC

Mr. Speaker, on Friday, October 3, there was an awards ceremony for the 125th Ordre national du mérite agricole competition, which recognizes the excellence and dedication of farmers.

The regional event for the Lower St. Lawrence took place in Rivière-du-Loup. Many agricultural endeavours in Montmagny—L'Islet—Kamouraska—Rivière-du-Loup were honoured. Here are a few examples: Ferme Jeannicole, in Kamouraska, won the prestigious title of commander of the Ordre national du mérite agricole; Ferme Hoelet, in La Pocatière, came in second place nationally; Ferme Jean Labrie, in Kamouraska, came in second place regionally and third place nationally; and Ferme Flamande, in Saint-Hubert-de-Rivière-du-Loup, won the La Coop fédérée agri-environmental award.

Mr. Speaker, food security is necessary for members of society to be truly happy. We must recognize the excellence of our agricultural workers and producers just as we must ensure that each and every decision we make in the House helps our agricultural businesses thrive.

MarriageStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Conservative

Maurice Vellacott Conservative Saskatoon—Wanuskewin, SK

Mr. Speaker, there is a myth out there that the divorce rate is close to 50%.

Shaunti Feldhahn found some startling and encouraging things in the research for her new book, The Good News About Marriage.

The divorce rate for first marriages is actually around 30%. Christians have between a 30% and 50% lower divorce rate than the general population. Although these are American figures, we Canucks can likely shave a few points off of that.

If people were to realize these facts and that most marriages do make it, they would be less skittish about tying the knot. When troubles come, they can say that most people have challenges in a marriage, but most people get over them and get through those problems and they will too.

As the Institute of Marriage and Family Canada pointed out in a recent study, married couples tend to live longer. They tend to be wealthier. They tend to have a much easier time getting out of poverty. Their kids do better in school, are less likely to take drugs and alcohol, and are more likely to delay sexual activity. Of course, they are also happier.

There is good news out there about marriage, and we need to spread the word. The vast majority of marriages happily thrive. Marriage is a still a wonderful thing.

Nancy MacLeanStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Wayne Easter Liberal Malpeque, PE

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Nancy MacLean, who passed away in Vancouver due to unexpected complications following surgery.

Nancy was born on P.E.I., grew up in North Wiltshire, and graduated from UPEI with a BA in English and psychology. She so loved to write. She worked in three fields: as writer and editor for the entertainment and family pages of the Charlottetown Patriot; in the Privy Council Office of Prime Minister Trudeau, leaving for the west coast due to the pull of the sea; and in community work with seniors on the west coast.

Quite young, she was struck down with severely crippling rheumatoid arthritis, forcing her to retire. No stranger to surgery, facing it at least seven times, and certainly no stranger to the pain and depressing impact of arthritis, she never complained. Instead, she showed her kind heart and humour. Everyone who knew her admired her courage. She showed that courage and bravery through her disability.

Nancy loved both P.E.I. and B.C., but her heart belonged to P.E.I. We offer our condolences to her brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews.

Operation Northern SpotlightStatements By Members

October 8th, 2014 / 2:05 p.m.

Conservative

Joy Smith Conservative Kildonan—St. Paul, MB

Mr. Speaker, in March, I raised the impact of Operation Northern Spotlight, a national anti-trafficking initiative carried out by police services across Canada to identify and rescue victims of sex trafficking from prostitution.

Today I am pleased to give the House an update that phase two of Operation Northern Spotlight was carried out last week. Members of 26 police services, including my hometown Winnipeg police force, met with individuals in prostitution. As a result of the coordinated investigations, nine people were charged with 33 offences, including child pornography, assault, human trafficking and living off the avails. Police were also able to ensure the safety of 18 people who had been working in the sex trade as a minor or against their will.

Today, I would like to thank the 167 officers and support staff involved in last week's operation, and the local NGOs which partnered with the police. They worked relentlessly to bring freedom to those trapped in prostitution and sex trafficking.

New Westminster—Coquitlam Community EventsStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

NDP

Fin Donnelly NDP New Westminster—Coquitlam, BC

Mr. Speaker, “Wait for me, Daddy”. These famous words of Warren “Whitey” Bernard were immortalized in a sculpture unveiled this past weekend in the royal city of New Westminster.

The bronze statue depicts the iconic photograph of Whitey reaching out for his father's hand, who was a soldier marching with the B.C. Regiment down Eighth Street headed off to fight in the Second World War.

The photograph captures a tender moment that reminds us of the pain of separation and the sacrifices made by those who serve.

As the community gathered for the unveiling of this special sculpture and commemorative stamp and coin, we also were reminded of the hundreds of Canadian soldiers who will be deployed for combat this month, prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

I would also like to acknowledge Terri Evans of the Coquitlam Farmers Market. This weekend we celebrated her 18 years of service to the society, our community and the local food movement.

Volunteers like Terri contribute to building healthy, sustainable communities, and I thank her for her service.

ProstitutionStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Conservative

Pierre Lemieux Conservative Glengarry—Prescott—Russell, ON

Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased that Bill C-36, the protection of communities and exploited persons act, passed third reading here in the House only two nights ago.

Our Conservative government has provided the necessary leadership to ensure that Canada has the laws and safeguards to fight prostitution and the many evils that come with it: the proliferation of sexually transmitted diseases, the degradation and exploitation of women and girls, the scourge of human trafficking, and the involvement of organized crime to name only a few. It would be naive to think that these serious harms would be eliminated if prostitution were to suddenly become legal.

It should also be stated clearly that prostitution harms marriage and the family, both of which are fundamental to a healthy and strong nation.

As the father of five children, four of whom are daughters, I am glad that the purchase of sex through prostitution will remain illegal, thanks to Bill C-36. I personally thank each parliamentarian who voted in favour of this important legislation.

Riding of Fort McMurray—AthabascaStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Conservative

David Yurdiga Conservative Fort McMurray—Athabasca, AB

Mr. Speaker, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the constituents of Fort McMurray—Athabasca for granting me the privilege to be their voice in the House of Commons.

The Fort McMurray—Athabasca riding is large geographically. I had the distinct privilege of meeting many constituents this past summer while travelling throughout the riding. The one characteristic that unifies our region is our strong sense of community. We are not only blessed with a diverse economy, but also enriched with a healthy and growing multicultural community. As more immigrants become settled, our community has benefited from new cultural exchange and celebrations.

Our Conservative government believes in strong, vibrant communities. That is why our government has implemented the new building Canada plan that focuses on creating jobs, economic growth and long-term prosperity.

Service CanadaStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

NDP

Mike Sullivan NDP York South—Weston, ON

Mr. Speaker, the EI program for parents of critically ill children is a very valuable one, but only if it is working and paying people during their time of need. Sadly, it did not for Amanda Oram.

Cole Oram was born prematurely. He and his mom spent the next six months in the neonatal intensive care unit. She had to go into debt because she could not get EI to pay what she was owed. She spent exhausting hours trying to get through to Service Canada, waiting on hold, getting misdirected, having to resubmit applications and having hospital documentation wrongly rejected.

Service Canada's unreachability and bungling caused Amanda to spend countless hours away from her newborn son.

A Mount Sinai Hospital study shows that the presence of parents of preemies improves weight gain, breastfeeding, and decreases infection.

Sadly, Cole died. Amanda does not want others to suffer the same nightmare. She will never get back those hours she lost with her son.

Service Canada is under-resourced and poorly managed. This government should be ashamed enough to act now to fix this.

ThanksgivingStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Conservative

Ryan Leef Conservative Yukon, YT

Mr. Speaker, as the holiday weekend fast approaches, I would like to highlight that Canadian food banks are encouraging all Canadians to consider those families who are a little less fortunate than theirs by buying a turkey and gifting a turkey.

I would like to give thanks this year that I live in a territory of generous people who are full of the volunteerism spirit and are always willing to step up and support a great community cause.

I challenge all Yukoners to do what I have already done and gift a turkey to the local food bank in Whitehorse so that everybody can enjoy a great Thanksgiving weekend this year.

To those Yukoners who are taking a break this Thanksgiving weekend by travelling on Yukon's airline, Air North, to Victoria to run the marathon, I would like to wish them all the best in their run.

To all Yukoners and all Canadians, from my family to theirs, I wish everybody a very happy Thanksgiving.

International Day of the Girl ChildStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

NDP

Mylène Freeman NDP Argenteuil—Papineau—Mirabel, QC

Mr. Speaker, to mark the third International Day of the Girl Child, my New Democratic colleagues and I are joining this call for action.

Too often, girls and young women are deprived of their right to self-determination.

For girls to achieve self-actualization and live with dignity, they need education, they need food security, they need to live free of violence and they need to have their reproductive choices respected, but in Canada and around the world, we are still fighting for those rights.

We must keep working toward the independence of girls and women.

We need to enshrine reproductive rights in our laws. Every young woman deserves to choose when, how and with whom she becomes a mother.

We need to empower all women to seek economic, housing and food security.

We need to honour indigenous rights and correct the legacy of colonial violence that afflicts the lives of Metis, Inuit and first nations girls in Canada.

We need a coordinated national action plan to address violence against women.

We must work in solidarity with women and girls in every community to bring these rights and freedoms to indigenous girls, to low-income girls, to girls who face violence, to all girls.

International TradeStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Conservative

Larry Maguire Conservative Brandon—Souris, MB

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to inform the House that Canada's Minister of Agriculture is in Chicago today to meet with American and Mexican representatives to highlight the importance of free and open trade. This is a unique opportunity for all three NAFTA countries to promote the integrated nature of our agriculture and food industry.

Since NAFTA came into force, North American agricultural trade has quadrupled to over $1 billion a week. However, U.S. country of origin labelling continues to be a serious roadblock against Canadian cattle and hog exports.

Our government has challenged COOL at the WTO and the WTO has made it clear: COOL is a blatant trade discrimination. That is why the minister is sending a clear message to our friends in the U.S., that it is time to fall into line with its obligations to the global trading community.

We continue to stand with our farmers and ranchers, and we are prepared to seek authorization from the WTO to impose retaliatory tariffs on U.S. imports if COOL is not resolved.

Trade is what drives our economies and we must continue to work together to grow our agriculture industries and operate our markets under science-based rules that reduce barriers to trade.

Erik SpicerStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Liberal

Ralph Goodale Liberal Wascana, SK

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an illustrious parliamentarian who passed away September 27.

Erik John Spicer was never elected to the House of Commons or called to the Senate, but for 34 years he served these two institutions with skill and devotion as the Parliamentary Librarian of Canada.

Erik loved the library, as a building of huge historic importance, as an institution fundamental to our democracy, as a service indispensable to Canadians. He served 8 prime ministers, 22 Speakers, thousands of MPs and millions of citizens.

Erik was a decorated veteran, a patron of the arts, a man active in his local community and devoted to his family.

Canada's longest continually serving parliamentary official, Erik was uniquely recognized on his retirement as Librarian Emeritus and an honorary officer of both Houses.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his loving wife of 61 years, Helen, and the entire Spicer family.

National Hockey LeagueStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Conservative

Mike Wallace Conservative Burlington, ON

Mr. Speaker, with Thanksgiving just around the corner, Canadians from coast to coast have much to be thankful for: a strong Canadian economy; a government committed to lowering taxes; increasing trade with our global partners; and much more. Last but not least, is the fact that the NHL is back.

After a long summer of watching our professional baseball team tease Canadian sports fans with hopes of making the playoffs, the Canadian Football League playoffs are just around the corner.

As Canadian hockey fans, we are ready to eat, sleep and breathe hockey, as we embark on the emotional roller coaster of following our favourite teams through every puck drop, penalty shot, goal scored, overtime and shootouts.

For all those who are supporting our Canadian teams, the Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks, Ottawa Senators, Winnipeg Jets, Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers, here is hoping our teams have a great season.

Go Habs.

IraqStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

NDP

Glenn Thibeault NDP Sudbury, ON

Mr. Speaker, the word flip-flop gets overused sometimes, but in the case of the Liberal Party and Iraq, we have seen so many flip-flops, five of them actually, we have had to coin a new word, the “fifth-flop”.

On September 9, the Liberals' foreign affairs critic announced full support for the special forces mission. Two days later, the Liberal leader said that he would not rule out air strikes. The next week he declared that the Liberals would not support combat. However, later the same day he said that he might support combat if the Prime Minister answered questions.

By October 6, the critic was saying that the Liberals were open to a military mission “of a non-combat nature”. Then yesterday he said that the Liberals would support the combat mission after the mission passed the House.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration is making up stories about weapons of mass destruction, the Minister of Foreign Affairs is unable to give details about the mission and the Prime Minister cannot even give a straight answer about how many soldiers are on the ground.

Are members confused? So are Canadians, and Canadians deserve better.

UkraineStatements By Members

2:20 p.m.

Conservative

Ted Opitz Conservative Etobicoke Centre, ON

Mr. Speaker, our government is steadfast in its support for Ukraine, as it works towards a better and freer future.

Today, while in Ukraine, Ambassador Andrew Bennett announced additional support to foster the development of a political culture in Ukraine that would facilitate pluralism and religious freedom. Specifically, we are partnering with the OSCE to promote religious freedom, interfaith dialogue and prevent hate crimes in Ukraine. Moreover, we will be partnering with the Catholic Near East Welfare Association to promote interfaith and intercultural understanding among the different communities in Ukraine.

Pluralism and religious tolerance are essential principles for a thriving democratic society. Canada will always stand with the people of Ukraine, as it strengthens its institutions and reinforces the foundations of democracy, human rights and religious tolerance.

Slava Ukraini.

International DevelopmentOral questions

2:20 p.m.

Outremont Québec

NDP

Thomas Mulcair NDPLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, thousands of people have died from Ebola and many more have been exposed. The threat is increasing exponentially.

Will the Prime Minister hear the plea from U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry for countries to urgently increase their contribution? How will the Conservative government step up Canada's efforts to help those suffering from this Ebola outbreak and to stop its spread?

International DevelopmentOral questions

2:20 p.m.

Calgary Southwest Alberta

Conservative

Stephen Harper ConservativePrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, as members know, the Minister of International Development announced only recently increased assistance in this regard. Canada has two mobile units now present there. We have been moving materiel to help support the battle against Ebola. We have made resources, both financial and otherwise, available to the World Health Organization and other organizations that are operating on the ground.

We will continue to work with the international community on fighting what is a pandemic of some considerable concern.

International DevelopmentOral questions

2:20 p.m.

Outremont Québec

NDP

Thomas Mulcair NDPLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, I thank the Prime Minister for his answer, but the most important thing is that there is an Ebola vaccine developed here in Canada. The Prime Minister has the power and the duty to make this vaccine available to the human beings who need it.

Will the Prime Minister take action, save lives and make sure that this vaccine is delivered to the people who need it?

International DevelopmentOral questions

2:20 p.m.

Calgary Southwest Alberta

Conservative

Stephen Harper ConservativePrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, there is a vaccine, and the government has made it available to the World Health Organization. It is up to that organization to decide how to use it. The vaccine is available.

International DevelopmentOral questions

2:20 p.m.

Outremont Québec

NDP

Thomas Mulcair NDPLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, it is available, but it has not been delivered. The real question is, why has it not been delivered?

In 2010, the Conservative government gave the intellectual property rights for the Ebola vaccine to a private company. That is the only reason this vaccine is being held up. The Prime Minister knows that as well as we do.

What has the Prime Minister done? What has he done to help break this log jam and get this vaccine to the people who desperately need it?

International DevelopmentOral questions

2:20 p.m.

Calgary Southwest Alberta

Conservative

Stephen Harper ConservativePrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, I have asked and confirmed that there is no intellectual property matter involved in the non-delivery of this vaccine. The vaccine is available to the World Health Organization. The World Health Organization at this point, for its own reasons, has decided not to deploy it. However, it is not due to that reason, and it is available to the WHO.

National DefenceOral questions

2:25 p.m.

Outremont Québec

NDP

Thomas Mulcair NDPLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, last year the Prime Minister claimed that the situation in Syria was so serious that it warranted a regime change at all costs.

Now the Prime Minister would gladly bomb Bashar al-Assad's enemies, but only if the dictator asks him to do so.

Why is the Prime Minister willing to compromise our soldiers and Canada's honour to help such a bloodthirsty dictator?

National DefenceOral questions

2:25 p.m.

Calgary Southwest Alberta

Conservative

Stephen Harper ConservativePrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, the government has no intention of engaging in a war against Syria, Iraq or any other country in that region. We are engaging in a military mission against the Islamic State, and we believe it is important that that terrorist organization not have any safe haven in the region.