COVID-19 Pandemic Committee on June 1st, 2020

[Steven MacKinnon, Liberal, Gatineau, QC]

Mr. Chair, a few days ago, we all watched with horror and outrage the death of an unarmed black man at the hands of the police in Minneapolis. For many of us, these images may seem shocking, but it's an all too familiar tale to millions of black people not only in the United States but also here in Canada, in my city of Gatineau and around the world, who must at times live with the scourge of anti-black racism.

Mr. Chair, I can't know what it's like to be black in our society.

What I do know, however, is that you and I, and everyone in this House, have the power and the responsibility to make our country more just.

Let us all recommit ourselves to that endeavour. Black Canadians and all those who have to endure racism and discrimination are watching us, and they expect more from us.

[The Chair, Liberal, Anthony Rota]

Mr. Duncan is next.

[Eric Duncan, Conservative, Stormont—Dundas—South Glengarry, ON]

Without a doubt, these past few months have been challenging, to say the least, from both a health and economic perspective, but, Mr. Chair, I have to say how proud I am of my community of Stormont—Dundas—South Glengarry. We continue to successfully flatten the curve in our region and, just as importantly, we are making sure that we are here for each other, whether it is the Cornwall Optimists' GoFeedMe campaign, the Iroquois-Matilda Lions Club delivering groceries to those who are quarantined in their households or the local United Way, the Social Development Council or the Carefor seniors support centre co-leading an effort to deliver 1,500 baskets to seniors in need. There have been many examples of kindness and generosity from our community.

I rise today in the House of Commons to say thank you to my constituents and to all Canadians; to our essential front-line workers, our service clubs and our businesses that have stepped up to help out; and to everybody playing their part to get us through this challenge.

I couldn't be more proud of my community and my residents, and it is an honour to serve as their member of Parliament.

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

[The Chair, Liberal, Anthony Rota]

We'll now go to Ms. Yip.

[Jean Yip, Liberal, Scarborough—Agincourt, ON]

Mr. Chair, although Asian Heritage Month has just passed, we recognize the tremendous effort of all Asian Canadians on the front lines of this pandemic, as health care providers or as essential workers. I want to thank the many Asian organizations for donating to Scarborough—Agincourt's hospital, long-term care homes and food banks.

As a Canadian born and raised in Scarborough, I'm offended by the reports of violence and vandalism targeting Asian-Canadian communities across this country. In budget 2019 we invested $45 million to launch a new anti-racism strategy, which included the establishment of the anti-racism secretariat, because these efforts are unfortunately clearly still needed.

As events continue to unfold in the United States, it is important to recognize that we have work to do here as well. Whether it is anti-black or anti-Asian, racism and discrimination of any kind have no place in Canada—full stop. Now more than ever, we must stand united in diversity.

[The Chair, Liberal, Anthony Rota]

We'll now go on to Mr. Bragdon.

[Richard Bragdon, Conservative, Tobique—Mactaquac, NB]

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Over the last few months, Canadians throughout New Brunswick and across the country have stepped up to support their community. Health care workers, truckers, farmers, business owners, pharmacists, grocery store staff, faith-based and non-profit organizations and so many others have all answered the call to do their part.

Today, Mr. Chair, I would like to specifically highlight the work of those who support and take care of our seniors, who are among some of our most at-risk citizens. It has been said that the character of a nation and its people is revealed most in how they treat their most vulnerable. Our seniors have made immense contributions to our society. Many have put their lives on the line to protect Canada and the democratic freedoms we enjoy as Canadians. They have worked hard and made many sacrifices throughout their lives to make Canada the greatest nation on earth. Taking care of our seniors is the right thing to do.

I want to take this opportunity to thank all those who are supporting and caring for our seniors. Whether they be long-term care staff, personal care workers, health care professionals, family members or volunteers, thank you for all you are doing in support of our seniors. Together we shall overcome.

[The Chair, Liberal, Anthony Rota]

We'll now go to Ms. Shin.

[Nelly Shin, Conservative, Port Moody—Coquitlam, BC]

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Although we've come to the end of Asian Heritage Month, I'd like to acknowledge some unsung Chinese Canadian heroes who shed their blood as patriots for our nation. I commemorate the 6,500 Chinese Canadians of the 9,000 railway workers who helped build and unite Canada. I pay respect to the many Chinese Canadians who died while building the CP Railway on the most dangerous terrains in the B.C. segment. I honour the Chinese Canadians who served and died in World War II.

Sadly, Asian communities in Canada face racist incidents today. No one should be afraid of walking in their own neighbourhood. Adult children should not have to call their elderly parents to tell them to stay home because they might be attacked by racists. There's no justification for racial slurs, physical violence or vandalism against any individual or community.

I will continue to work together with other elected officials, the police and the RCMP to mitigate these issues toward justice and restoration.

[The Chair, Liberal, Anthony Rota]

We'll go on to Mr. Angus.

Mr. Angus, please proceed.

[Charlie Angus, NDP, Timmins—James Bay, ON]

Ten years ago today, Cree youth leader Shannen Koostachin was killed in a horrific car accident. She was only 15 years old, yet in her short life she became the voice of a generation of first nation youth who were no longer willing to put up with systemic discrimination.

Shannen had never seen a real school. Children in Attawapiskat were being educated in squalid conditions. Her fight for their dignity and rights launched the largest youth-driven civil rights movement in Canadian history. At 14 she was nominated for the International Children's Peace Prize.

Shannen never lived to see the school that was built in her community, but her work carries on through the Shannen's Dream movement. She is a role model for youth activists across this country. A movie, two books and a statue are dedicated to her. She's been recognized as one of the 150 most influential women in Canadian history.

I had the honour to know Shannen. In fact, I think of her every single day. She truly did come from the angels, and one day she returned.

[The Chair, Liberal, Anthony Rota]

Mr. Barsalou-Duval, you now have the floor.

[Xavier Barsalou-Duval, Bloc, Pierre-Boucher—Les Patriotes—Verchères, QC]

Mr. Chair, for months now, thousands of consumers who need money to pay their bills have been fighting against airlines and the government to have their rights respected: three class action suits, a unanimous motion by the National Assembly and over 30,000 signatures on a petition calling for reimbursement for cancelled flights. It isn't a whim to enforce the law.

Air Canada, which confiscated $2.6 billion from its customers, received more than $800 million from Ottawa without any conditions. Yet, the company has a year's worth of cash in reserve, $6 billion in its coffers, and is in the process of raising more than $1.4 billion in the financial markets. Air Canada has the means to reimburse citizens. It has the money it needs.

We're tired of the Minister of Transport's crocodile tears. I consulted the bankruptcy directory this morning and didn't see any airlines listed. Now is the time to work for the people.

[The Chair, Liberal, Anthony Rota]

Mr. Rayes now has the floor.

[Alain Rayes, Conservative, Richmond—Arthabaska, QC]

Mr. Chair, I want to pay tribute to a great man who represented the public here, in the House, for close to 15 years: Michel Gauthier.

Michel, in life, we meet a lot of people, but some of them leave their mark on us forever. From the first time I spoke with you two years ago, I immediately understood that I was talking with a man with heart, a passionate man, a man who had Quebec imprinted on his heart.

Because of your decision to join the Conservative Party of Canada, I got to know you personally, and I am most grateful. I will remember our discussions on the best ways to communicate our Conservative vision to Quebeckers. I will remember our heated discussions on Quebec-Canada relations. I will remember all the passion and energy you had in the lead-up to a speech to our supporters.

Michel, Canadians, Quebeckers and I will remember you forever, the great man you were, the outstanding speaker, a formidable parliamentarian, with integrity, passion, commitment and love for Quebec.

I offer my sincere condolences to Anne, and to your family and friends.

Rest in peace.

[The Chair, Liberal, Anthony Rota]

Mr. Dubourg, you now have the floor.

[Emmanuel Dubourg, Liberal, Bourassa, QC]

Mr. Chair, the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis resonated strongly within black communities in Canada and also in the heart of Montreal North.

At a time of pandemic uncertainty when members of our community find themselves on the front lines as essential workers, an event like this rekindles feelings of fear, powerlessness and injustice. It has happened once again in the United States, but we are not immune to such behaviour here, in Canada.

Dear constituents of Bourassa, I know our stories, I feel with you the pain as a parent and as a black person. I know this constant fear for our children.

As elected officials, we have the duty to protect your rights and to ensure harmony. We must be vigilant and work to deconstruct prejudice and discrimination.

[The Chair, Liberal, Anthony Rota]

Before continuing, I'd like to give a reminder.

To avoid sound problems, members participating in person shouldn't connect to the video conference.

There seems to be some interference when you watch the video conference in the chamber and it's being transmitted, so let us make things run more smoothly.

We will now proceed to the questioning of ministers.

Please note that we will suspend the proceedings every 45 minutes in order to allow employees who provide support for the sitting to replace each other safely.

The first question goes to the Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Scheer.

[Andrew Scheer, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.

When the government first starting rolling out programs to help Canadians get through this pandemic, we raised points about some flaws and gaps in the program. The government assured Canadians that it would fix these programs as time went on. Well, Canadians are suffering through both the health and the economic consequences of the lockdown related to the coronavirus. Here we are the first day of June and the government still has yet to address the flaws in its programs; it is still letting so many Canadians down.

I have a series of very straightforward and specific questions.

On April 20 we raised with the Minister of Finance the issue of companies that had purchased another company not being able to demonstrate revenue loss, and therefore not being eligible for the wage subsidy, even though both companies separately would have been able to do just that. We have raised it several times now. I would like to ask the government when it will be fixing this unnecessarily rigid aspect of the wage subsidy program.

[Chrystia Freeland, Liberal, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs]

Mr. Chair, I believe that a company with a fantastic Canadian history in the member's riding, Brandt Tractor, which pioneered the manufacturing of augers in Canada, is particularly affected by this. It is very important for us that the wage subsidy be available to as many Canadian companies as possible. It helps to keep employees connected to their businesses. Now, there are always some specific issues that can make it challenging for particular companies. I know that in the case of Brandt Tractor, for example, officials from the Ministry of Finance are directly in touch with the company to work on its issues.

[Andrew Scheer, Conservative, Regina—Qu'Appelle, SK]

Mr. Chair, that's the same answer we got last week. It's the same answer we got two weeks before that, and it's the same answer we have been getting from day one.

This is a very simple question. The government has indicated that it will change this program to allow for amalgamations. The solution is very simple. It is to also allow for those companies that have undergone acquisitions.

This is a very specific question: Will the government fix this program and allow for companies that have acquired another company to still access the wage subsidy program?

[Chrystia Freeland, Liberal, University—Rosedale, ON]

Mr. Chair, let me just point out that the wage subsidy program is working extremely well for many, many Canadian companies and for many, many Canadians who are able to keep their jobs thanks to the program. More than two million Canadian workers are today benefiting from the wage subsidy program. By any measure that is a successful program.

Now, for sure there are always going to be companies which, because of specifics in their history, need specific attention, and that—

[The Chair, Liberal, Anthony Rota]

We'll go back to Mr. Scheer.

[Andrew Scheer, Conservative, Regina—Qu'Appelle, SK]

Mr. Chair, reports indicate that up to half of the money allocated for the wage subsidy is going unspent, precisely because this government has left in unnecessarily rigid barriers for companies to be able to access it.

It's a yes-or-no question, and the minister still can't answer it. Along the same lines, we asked on April 8 to allow businesses applying for the wage subsidy to demonstrate their 30% revenue loss using other metrics, such as loss of earnings, subscriptions and orders, in order to qualify. They still can't do that today, the first day of June.

Why hasn't the government addressed this part of the program?

[Chrystia Freeland, Liberal, University—Rosedale, ON]

Mr. Chair, we are very proud of the wage subsidy program and proud of the role it is playing to keep Canadian businesses going and, crucially, to keep Canadian workers connected to their jobs, but I have a question for the member opposite.

Half of the questions we hear from the Conservatives in question period are concerns that we're spending too much money, that the deficit is too high. The other half of the time they complain about specific companies not getting access to our programs.

We know which side we're on as a government. I'd like the Conservatives to let Canadians know what they believe in.