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.
NDP
Niki Ashton NDP Churchill—Keewatinook Aski, MB
With all due respect, this is not the answer. This community did not ask for tents, and that's what we need to get to the bottom of.
Liberal
The Acting Chair (Mrs. Alexandra Mendès) Liberal Alexandra Mendes
Please go through the Chair, Ms. Ashton. You do not interrupt like that, I'm sorry.
NDP
Niki Ashton NDP Churchill—Keewatinook Aski, MB
The question is for the Minister of Indigenous Services. This is under his department. I wonder where the minister is. The question is about tents that were not asked for, not a clarification—
Liberal
The Acting Chair (Mrs. Alexandra Mendès) Liberal Alexandra Mendes
Ms. Ashton, the questions are being directed to the ministers who are available to answer.
The honourable minister has the floor, please.
Liberal
Carolyn Bennett Liberal Toronto—St. Paul's, ON
Madam Chair, I hope that the member will be watching the press conference with the Minister of Indigenous Services, who is announcing money for indigenous businesses and tourism. That it is very good news today.
We will certainly look into her concerns, but I do believe that the response to COVID-19 has been extraordinarily good because of the hard work of the communities, and we will look—
NDP
Niki Ashton NDP Churchill—Keewatinook Aski, MB
Madam Chair, my second question is for the Minister of Public Services and Procurement.
Let's look at the Liberals' approach to procurement. The COVID-19 supply council created by the minister to advise her on procurement has people like David McHattie, with the oil industry and a pipeline company, and Jodi Hall, who represents for-profit, private long-term care homes. They and other lobbyists from the COVID-19 supply council have met with representatives from the government at least 218 times.
What are they discussing with the government, its support for big oil or its support for for-profit long-term care homes? But don't worry, says the government, they were asked to fill out a form and volunteer—
Liberal
Anita Anand LiberalMinister of Public Services and Procurement
Madam Chair, as I mentioned to the honourable member at committee earlier this week, the members of the supply council have absolutely no role in procurement.
NDP
Heather McPherson NDP Edmonton Strathcona, AB
Madam Chair, the government made people living with disabilities wait three months for an announcement five weeks after it promised to do it without delay, and when it did announce it, it left over 60% of Canadians living with disabilities behind. It is shameful.
Three weeks ago, the Prime Minister promised changes to help more small businesses. Today the minister said that they have to wait even more days. Without these changes, in my riding of Edmonton Strathcona, Johnny's tattoo shop, Mark's chiropractic office, Jen's dance studio and Brittany's learning centre might all have to shut their doors for good.
When exactly, what date, will this help come, and why have the Liberals made small businesses in my community wait so long?
Liberal
Carla Qualtrough LiberalMinister of Employment
Madam Chair, that completely misrepresents the help we've given to date to millions of people with disabilities. Workers with disabilities have accessed the CERB in record numbers. Many people with disabilities received the GST one-time payment. Families of children with disabilities received the CCB payment. Seniors with disabilities received the seniors' payment. Community organizations focused on serving people with disabilities are accessing the $350-million community fund.
We are committed to people with disabilities. We know there's more to do. We're trying to do more, but despite our best efforts, political interference is really thwarting our attempts to make good on this.
NDP
Heather McPherson NDP Edmonton Strathcona, AB
Madam Chair, that is really frustrating, because that wasn't the actual question I asked.
Small business owners are also struggling with rent, and if their landlords won't apply for the Liberal rent scheme, they might not survive another month.
My constituents Doris and Patrick own one of the best French restaurants in Edmonton, and they can't get rent relief from their landlord. Chantel, who runs a dance studio in Lendrum, cannot get her landlord to apply either.
When will these small business owners be able to get the help they were promised as tenants?
Liberal
Liberal
Mona Fortier Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON
Madam Chair, our government is working closely with provinces and territories to deliver the Canada emergency commercial rent assistance. Although the tenant-landlord relationship is ultimately a responsibility of provinces and territories, our government has stepped up to support businesses. We have also brought tools, through the CMHC, to make sure there is availability and relief for rent.
We're continuing to monitor this program, and we will continue to support businesses throughout this pandemic.
Conservative
Pat Kelly Conservative Calgary Rocky Ridge, AB
How much interest will Canadians have to pay to service this year's estimated $260-billion deficit?
Liberal
Liberal
Mona Fortier Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON
Madam Chair, we are currently monitoring our investments, and we're making sure we're supporting Canadians, supporting businesses and making sure we're protecting jobs. That's what we're doing currently.
Conservative
Pat Kelly Conservative Calgary Rocky Ridge, AB
Madam Chair, I didn't ask whether they were supporting Canadians. I asked how much the debt service will cost.
Again, how much will it cost to service this year's deficit?
Liberal
Mona Fortier Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON
Madam Chair, no Canadian should be having trouble paying their bills right now. That's what we're putting our priorities on. Our different measures are going to support families, are supporting businesses and workers. We're going to continue to put—
Conservative
Pat Kelly Conservative Calgary Rocky Ridge, AB
Madam Chair, in Tuesday's address from the cottage, the Prime Minister refused to give a straight answer to the question about the cost to service Canada's debt.
Again, what will it cost to service the additional debt resulting from the COVID response measures?
Liberal
Mona Fortier Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON
Again, Madam Chair, no Canadians should have to worry about paying their bills at this time. We entered into this crisis with a strong fiscal position, and Canada is ready and able to respond to the challenges posed by COVID-19. We're acting right now and will be unwavering in our family, business and worker support.
Conservative
Pat Kelly Conservative Calgary Rocky Ridge, AB
Thank goodness for the previous government that gave this government the fiscal position that it inherited.
The Parliamentary Budget Officer and private sector economists seem to be able to do their jobs and provide economic updates. Why will this government not do so?