Debates of June 20th, 2023

Bill C-18—Time Allocation Motion

[Pablo Rodriguez, Liberal, Honoré-Mercier, QC]

Madam Speaker, that is a bit rich coming from a person who quotes the tech giants all the time. She has been using their speaking points from day one. We are there to support media in all communities. Also, if the member looks at the example of Australia, the system we are basing ourselves on—

[Rachael Thomas, Conservative, Lethbridge, AB]

Why don't not answer the question? Just answer the question.

[The Assistant Deputy Speaker, NDP, Carol Hughes]

Order, please. I want to remind the hon. member for Lethbridge that she had an opportunity to ask a question. Whether she likes the response or not, she should not be heckling or trying to ask other questions.

The hon. minister.

[Pablo Rodriguez, Liberal, Honoré-Mercier, QC]

That was very impolite, Madam Speaker.

[Rachael Thomas, Conservative, Lethbridge, AB]

Just answer my question.

[The Assistant Deputy Speaker, NDP, Carol Hughes]

If the hon. member for Lethbridge does not want to abide by the rules of the House, she can step into the lobby and air her views there.

The hon. minister.

[Pablo Rodriguez, Liberal, Honoré-Mercier, QC]

Madam Speaker, when we look at the example of Australia, which has a bill similar to ours—

[Rachael Thomas, Conservative, Lethbridge, AB]

Which failed.

[The Assistant Deputy Speaker, NDP, Carol Hughes]

Again, the hon. member for Lethbridge is not respecting the rules of the House. If she continues, she will not be recognized for any questions or comments for the rest of the day.

The hon. minister.

[Pablo Rodriguez, Liberal, Honoré-Mercier, QC]

Madam Speaker, as I was saying, in Australia, looking at its results at the end of the day, when all the deals were concluded, proportionally small media got more money than any of the big media. That is a big example—

[Rachael Thomas, Conservative, Lethbridge, AB]

Oh, that is such a lie.

[The Assistant Deputy Speaker, NDP, Carol Hughes]

The hon. member for Lethbridge will not be recognized for the rest of the day.

[Kevin Lamoureux, Liberal, Winnipeg North, MB]

Madam Speaker, I rise on a point of order. Even in a heckle, the member for Lethbridge used a very unparliamentary word. I know you have already indicated that she would not be recognized, but I do believe she owes an apology for using the word “lie”.

[The Assistant Deputy Speaker, NDP, Carol Hughes]

I would ask the hon. member for Lethbridge to rise and apologize, please.

[Rachael Thomas, Conservative, Lethbridge, AB]

Madam Speaker, I said that the minister lied.

[The Assistant Deputy Speaker, NDP, Carol Hughes]

I am asking the hon. member to apologize.

[Rachael Thomas, Conservative, Lethbridge, AB]

Madam Speaker, I will apologize for using that word. He misinformed the House.

[The Assistant Deputy Speaker, NDP, Carol Hughes]

I would remind the hon. member that her apology was not quite what we were looking for. However, I do want to remind all members that there are rules of the House. Those rules include respecting the members who are speaking whether we like the answers or not. To challenge the Chair and not respect the rules of the Chair is not acceptable as well.

I again want to reiterate that the hon. member will not be recognized for the rest of the day for questions and comments.

It is my duty to interrupt the proceedings and put forthwith the question necessary to dispose of the motion now before the House.

The question is on the motion.

Shall I dispense?

[Some hon. members]

No.

[The Assistant Deputy Speaker, NDP, Carol Hughes]

[Chair read text of motion to House]

If a member of a recognized party present in the House wishes that the motion be carried or carried on division or wishes to request a recorded division, I would invite them to rise and indicate it to the Chair.

[Kevin Lamoureux, Liberal, Winnipeg North, MB]

Madam Speaker, I would request a recorded vote, please.

[The Assistant Deputy Speaker, NDP, Carol Hughes]

Call in the members.

(The House divided on the motion, which was agreed to on the following division:)

Vote #390

Online News Act

[The Deputy Speaker, Conservative, Chris d'Entremont]

I declare the motion carried.

The House resumed from June 19 consideration of the motion respecting Senate amendments to Bill C-18, An Act respecting online communications platforms that make news content available to persons in Canada, and of the amendment.