COVID-19 Pandemic Committee on June 11th, 2020

[The Chair, Liberal, Anthony Rota]

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

[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?

[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—

[The Chair, Liberal, Anthony Rota]

Mr. Brunelle-Duceppe, you have the floor.

[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.

[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—

[The Chair, Liberal, Anthony Rota]

We are continuing with Mr. Brunelle-Duceppe.

[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?

[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—

[The Chair, Liberal, Anthony Rota]

We now return to Mr. Brunelle-Duceppe.

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

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

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

Yes.

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

Until when, Mr. Chair?

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

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

[An hon. member]

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

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

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

[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.

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

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

[The Chair, Liberal, Anthony Rota]

Mr. Brunelle-Duceppe has the floor.

[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?

[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—

[The Chair, Liberal, Anthony Rota]

Mr. Brunelle-Duceppe, you have the floor.

[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?

[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—

[The Chair, Liberal, Anthony Rota]

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