Debates of Dec. 12th, 2023

Firearms

[Jenny Kwan, NDP, Vancouver East, BC]

No, he did not.

Madam Speaker, he apologized but I am asking for him to retract those comments.

[The Assistant Deputy Speaker (Mrs. Alexandra Mendès), Liberal, Alexandra Mendes]

We will allow the member to go straight to the petition. If not, we will move to someone else.

The hon. member for Prince George—Peace River—Northern Rockies.

[Bob Zimmer, Conservative, Prince George—Peace River—Northern Rockies, BC]

Madam Speaker, I will get to the petition finally.

We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas the Trudeau government has attempted to ban and seize the—

[An hon. member]

You cannot say the Prime Minister's name.

[The Assistant Deputy Speaker (Mrs. Alexandra Mendès), Liberal, Alexandra Mendes]

The hon. member knows that, even if the petition says it, he cannot mention names of current members of the House.

[Bob Zimmer, Conservative, Prince George—Peace River—Northern Rockies, BC]

Mr. Speaker, one more time. The Prime Minister—

[Some hon. members]

Oh, oh!

[Bob Zimmer, Conservative, Prince George—Peace River—Northern Rockies, BC]

Can I actually get this done? The truth hurts, I guess.

[The Assistant Deputy Speaker (Mrs. Alexandra Mendès), Liberal, Alexandra Mendes]

The hon. member for Prince George—Peace River—Northern Rockies has the floor and I will allow him to present the petition without mention of names.

[Bob Zimmer, Conservative, Prince George—Peace River—Northern Rockies, BC]

Madam Speaker, we, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following petition—

[Kevin Lamoureux, Liberal, Winnipeg North, MB]

Madam Speaker, on a point of order, the member should also know he is not allowed to read the petition. He is supposed to give the essence of the petition.

[Larry Maguire, Conservative, Brandon—Souris, MB]

Madam Speaker, I am sure if everyone would just calm down, my colleague from Prince George would get to the intent of the petition.

[The Assistant Deputy Speaker (Mrs. Alexandra Mendès), Liberal, Alexandra Mendes]

That is exactly what I just said, that the hon. member will get to the essence.

[Corey Tochor, Conservative, Saskatoon—University, SK]

Madam Speaker, on a point of order, the government is challenging your ruling. You have asked the member to read the petition. He is reading the petition—

[The Assistant Deputy Speaker (Mrs. Alexandra Mendès), Liberal, Alexandra Mendes]

I asked for the essence of the petition, as is the rule for everyone.

The hon. member for Prince George, please.

[Bob Zimmer, Conservative, Prince George—Peace River—Northern Rockies, BC]

Madam Speaker, we, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas the Prime Minister's government has attempted to ban—

[The Assistant Deputy Speaker (Mrs. Alexandra Mendès), Liberal, Alexandra Mendes]

Read the essence of the petition, as is the rule. Members cannot read all the articles because they will read the whole petition.

[Bob Zimmer, Conservative, Prince George—Peace River—Northern Rockies, BC]

Madam Speaker, I guess the truth hurt over there. The Liberals do not like us reading a pro law-abiding firearms petition into the record in the House of Commons.

[Some hon. members]

Oh, oh!

[Bob Zimmer, Conservative, Prince George—Peace River—Northern Rockies, BC]

Madam Speaker, the Prime Minister's government has attempted to ban and seize hunting rifles and shotguns of millions of Canadians. The targeting of farmers and hunters does not fight crime.

The Prime Minister's government has failed those who participate in the Canadian traditions of sport shooting. Therefore, the undersigned petitioners call on the Government of Canada to stop any and all current and future bans on hunting and sport shooting firearms.

Military Chaplaincy

[Rosemarie Falk, Conservative, Battlefords—Lloydminster, SK]

Madam Speaker, I have a few petitions to present today.

The first petition is on public prayer in the Canadian Armed Forces. The recent directive that was issued to military chaplains banning religious symbols and prayer at public ceremonies, such as that of Remembrance Day, undermines our religious freedom. Ironically, this is one of the very values that our men and women in uniform have fought to defend.

The petitioners are calling on the House of Commons to affirm the right to public prayer in our Canadian Armed Forces.

Freedom of Political Expression

[Rosemarie Falk, Conservative, Battlefords—Lloydminster, SK]

Madam Speaker, my next petition is with regard to Canadians having the right to be protected against discrimination. Canadians can and do face political discrimination, but it is a fundamental Canadian right to be politically active and vocal.

It is in the best interest of Canadian democracy to protect public debate and the exchange of differing ideas. Bill C-257 seeks to add protection against political discrimination to the Canadian Human Rights Act.

Employment Insurance

[Rosemarie Falk, Conservative, Battlefords—Lloydminster, SK]

Madam Speaker, in my final petition, the undersigned understand that adoptive and intended parents are at a disadvantage when it comes to leave and time with their children. All parents deserve equal access to parental leave benefits, and Bill C-318 would deliver this equitable access.

The Speaker has said this bill needs a royal recommendation, and the undersigned are asking that the government provide that royal recommendation to Bill C-318.

Climate Change

[Rachel Blaney, NDP, North Island—Powell River, BC]

Madam Speaker, I will be presenting two petitions today.

The first petition is from members of my constituency who are very concerned about the climate emergency. They are asking the government to reduce emissions by at least 60% below 2005 levels, to make sure the fossil fuel industry and related infrastructure wind down, to end fossil fuel subsidies, to transition to a decarbonized economy and to focus on protecting and strengthening human rights, workers' rights and indigenous rights, sovereignty and knowledge.

There are many signatures, and I appreciate the petitioners' hard work. They want to make sure this transition happens by increasing the taxes on the wealthiest corporations and people to finance it.

Expanded Polystyrene

[Rachel Blaney, NDP, North Island—Powell River, BC]

Madam Speaker, the second petition is with respect to a big issue in the riding I represent of North Island—Powell River regarding foam in marine infrastructure that continues to pollute Canadian beaches. The petitioners talk about expanded polystyrene, commonly known as styrofoam, in the marine environment and the harm it causes for marine life, seafood resources and ecosystems.

These citizens are calling on the Government of Canada to prohibit the use of expanded polystyrene in the marine environment.