Evidence of meeting #21 for COVID-19 Pandemic in the 43rd Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was chair.

A video is available from Parliament.

On the agenda

MPs speaking

Also speaking

12:25 p.m.

Liberal

The Chair Liberal Anthony Rota

Mr. Brunelle-Duceppe, you now have the floor.

12:25 p.m.

Bloc

Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe Bloc Lac-Saint-Jean, QC

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The military's mission in long-term care facilities ends tomorrow. However, before asking my question, I want to make sure I'm addressing the right person.

If I want to know whether the government will extend the military's mission in long-term care facilities, should I address my question to the minister or to his office?

12:25 p.m.

Liberal

Chrystia Freeland Liberal University—Rosedale, ON

I thank the honourable member for his question, which is very important for all Canadians and all Quebeckers.

I can say clearly that Canada, the federal government, will be there for Quebec's seniors. That is absolutely important.

Obviously, we're in the process of—

12:25 p.m.

Liberal

The Chair Liberal Anthony Rota

Mr. Brunelle-Duceppe, you have the floor.

12:25 p.m.

Bloc

Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe Bloc Lac-Saint-Jean, QC

Mr. Chair, if I've understood correctly, everything is still vague.

However, yesterday, the Minister of Public Safety confirmed that the military's mission in long-term care facilities would continue until mid-September—the Deputy Prime Minister has just told me that it isn't very clear—but immediately afterwards, the office of the Minister of Public Safety said the opposite.

I'd like to know who's telling the truth.

12:25 p.m.

Liberal

Chrystia Freeland Liberal University—Rosedale, ON

I thank the honourable member for his question.

I understand how concerned Quebeckers are. I can speak on behalf of the government. I can assure the honourable member and Quebeckers that the federal government and the Canadian Armed Forces will be there.

I should also say that we are in discussions with Quebec as to how to do this. I think everyone agrees—

12:25 p.m.

Liberal

The Chair Liberal Anthony Rota

We are continuing with Mr. Brunelle-Duceppe.

12:25 p.m.

Bloc

Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe Bloc Lac-Saint-Jean, QC

What I understand is that there is no agreement.

The deadline is tomorrow. How can you think that two governments are going to come to an agreement when the people in the party that forms the government can't even agree amongst themselves?

The minister said the military would remain in long-term care facilities. Are they going to?

12:25 p.m.

Liberal

Chrystia Freeland Liberal University—Rosedale, ON

Mr. Chair, I've made it extremely clear: Canada will stay there.

I would add that everyone should thank the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces who have saved and continue to save—

12:25 p.m.

Liberal

The Chair Liberal Anthony Rota

We now return to Mr. Brunelle-Duceppe.

12:25 p.m.

Bloc

Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe Bloc Lac-Saint-Jean, QC

Mr. Chair, will the military be in long-term care facilities after tomorrow, yes or no?

12:25 p.m.

Liberal

Chrystia Freeland Liberal University—Rosedale, ON

Yes.

12:25 p.m.

Bloc

Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe Bloc Lac-Saint-Jean, QC

Until when, Mr. Chair?

12:25 p.m.

Liberal

Chrystia Freeland Liberal University—Rosedale, ON

Is the honourable member asking me until what time they'll be there?

12:25 p.m.

An hon. member

No, he wants to know how long they'll be there.

12:25 p.m.

Liberal

Chrystia Freeland Liberal University—Rosedale, ON

The military are there, and they will be there until their services are no longer needed, obviously.

12:25 p.m.

Bloc

Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe Bloc Lac-Saint-Jean, QC

If I understand correctly, an agreement with the Government of Quebec is on the table, and it has been signed.

12:25 p.m.

Liberal

Chrystia Freeland Liberal University—Rosedale, ON

Quebec has asked the federal government to help Quebec's seniors. We were—

12:30 p.m.

Liberal

The Chair Liberal Anthony Rota

Mr. Brunelle-Duceppe has the floor.

12:30 p.m.

Bloc

Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe Bloc Lac-Saint-Jean, QC

Mr. Chair, I want it clearly stated that the military will remain in long-term care facilities until mid-September.

Have I understood correctly?

12:30 p.m.

Liberal

Chrystia Freeland Liberal University—Rosedale, ON

Mr. Chair, as a former journalist, I try to choose very specific words.

What I said, and I'll repeat it, is that Canada will be there.

Canada—

12:30 p.m.

Liberal

The Chair Liberal Anthony Rota

Mr. Brunelle-Duceppe, you have the floor.

12:30 p.m.

Bloc

Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe Bloc Lac-Saint-Jean, QC

Mr. Chair, we've heard that the army could leave long-term care facilities and train civilians, the people from the Canadian Red Cross, to do the work it's doing right now. That's not what the Government of Quebec is asking for.

Can the minister confirm that the military personnel currently present will remain there until the Government of Quebec decides that it no longer needs them?

12:30 p.m.

Liberal

Chrystia Freeland Liberal University—Rosedale, ON

I have a question for the honourable member. Does he speak on behalf of the Government of Quebec? I thought it was the Government of Quebec that spoke for the province.

What I can say—

12:30 p.m.

Liberal

The Chair Liberal Anthony Rota

Mr. Brunelle-Duceppe, you have about 10 seconds to ask your question.