COVID-19 Pandemic Committee on May 14th, 2020

[Marie-Claude Bibeau, Liberal, Compton—Stanstead, QC]

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

You will not be surprised to learn that I do not agree with my colleague. All the efforts we are making to change direction in the energy sector, by respecting our energy workers and by investing in this transition to good jobs, are important, in my opinion. We need to make the appropriate investments. It is even more important for future generations.

Yes, we are looking at the debt and we are working to make responsible investments, precisely because we care about the future of generations to come. We do not want to leave our children with an environment and an economy that do not meet their expectations. They are the ones asking us to do that. So yes, we will continue to make responsible and respectful investments, and we will support our energy workers, because they are extremely important.

[The Chair, Liberal, Anthony Rota]

I will now turn to Ms. Chabot.

One moment, please.

We have a point of order.

[Robert Gordon Kitchen, Conservative, Souris—Moose Mountain, SK]

Mr. Chair, on my first question, which was to the Deputy Prime Minister, we did not get an answer. I'm asking if I can re-ask that question and get an answer, because she was cut out on her computer.

[The Chair, Liberal, Anthony Rota]

On a technical basis, yes. What we'll do is let Ms. Chabot finish and then allow the Deputy Prime Minister to answer. She'll have about 30 seconds. We'll go to her as soon as Ms. Chabot finishes.

Is that acceptable?

[Robert Gordon Kitchen, Conservative, Souris—Moose Mountain, SK]

Will I get a chance to give my question again so that everyone can put it in context?

[The Chair, Liberal, Anthony Rota]

Unfortunately not. We've only got so much time. What I've found with a lot of the questions that have been asked is that especially the last questions seemed to be going long. One thing we discussed the other day, as I mentioned, is that I might start cutting off the question just so it's fair to the person answering, so that the answer and the question are given the same time.

I'll start doing that, starting right now, maybe. I think that's fair. If you can make it concise and quick, a very concise question, then hopefully we have the same—

[Robert Gordon Kitchen, Conservative, Souris—Moose Mountain, SK]

I can give the question without the preamble and then she has the context.

[The Chair, Liberal, Anthony Rota]

That would be appreciated.

I think she's already got the answer ready.

I'll let Madame Chabot finish. Then we'll come back to your question very briefly and get an answer from the Deputy Prime Minister.

I'll allow 30 seconds each if that's okay.

Thank you.

I apologize, Ms. Chabot. You have the floor.

[Louise Chabot, Bloc, Thérèse-De Blainville, QC]

Mr. Chair, my question will essentially deal with federal health care funding.

Before being elected and named “the hon. member Chabot,” which I am proud of, I was a nurse, and I was very proud of that as well. I represented Quebec nurses at the national level for many years, and I was the leader of a large labour union that represented workers in health care, education and many other sectors. So I can tell you that I am very familiar with the current reality of the health care system and the reality before the crisis.

I have always said that our health care and social services network must be a priority. This is an important issue. The quality of the network depends on adequate funding to ensure that we have human resources able to use their full potential.

Are you prepared to ensure adequate, stable and predictable funding and, to that end, to increase federal funding to 6% permanently?

[Patty Hajdu, Liberal, Thunder Bay—Superior North, ON]

Mr. Chair, all levels of government are working together to protect Canadians from COVID-19. We have increased funding to the provinces and territories by $500 million to help them prepare for COVID-19 outbreaks.

This funding is in addition to the $40 billion we already provide to the provinces and territories each year. We will continue to work with the provinces and territories to fight COVID-19 together.

[Louise Chabot, Bloc, Thérèse-De Blainville, QC]

Mr. Chair, that does not answer my question, so let me repeat it.

We are told that $500 million was given to the provinces on an emergency basis. In Quebec, this is about $100 million, or $0.33 per worker. I am thinking in particular of orderlies.

Meeting health care needs, both in times of pandemic and in normal times, is a priority.

Will the government commit to increasing its annual funding to 6% permanently? The annual funding increase has been reduced to 3%.

Will the government restore funding for health care?

[Patty Hajdu, Liberal, Thunder Bay—Superior North, ON]

Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.

Yes, of course, we have worked very closely with the provinces and territories over the last five years to increase health transfers to provinces and territories to make sure that needs around mental health and home care especially were more adequately funded.

In addition, this year there will be a $40-billion transfer to provinces and territories. As you know, that is our federal commitment to making sure that all Canadians have access to quality public health care no matter where they live in Canada.

[Louise Chabot, Bloc, Thérèse-De Blainville, QC]

Mr. Chair, if the increase in health care transfers is not raised to 6%, Quebec, among others, will continue to lose $13 billion annually and progressively. It is urgent that we address this issue, because we will not be able to adequately fund our health care services and support staff. Funding must be commensurate with the needs and the demographic realities, which I have not even mentioned yet.

[The Chair, Liberal, Anthony Rota]

The honourable health minister, in 40 seconds or less, please.

[Patty Hajdu, Liberal, Thunder Bay—Superior North, ON]

As the member knows, health care is a shared responsibility, with provinces and territories actively involved in delivery and financing. Because we have recognized the increased costs to provinces and territories over the past five years, we have increased transfers significantly, in particular to address areas where provinces and territories indicated an increased need. That would be support for people aging at home and support for increased mental health and treatment services.

[The Chair, Liberal, Anthony Rota]

We'll now go back to Mr. Kitchen. You have 30 seconds for a question and the Deputy Prime Minister will have 30 seconds to reply.

[Robert Gordon Kitchen, Conservative, Souris—Moose Mountain, SK]

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Our traditional allies are calling for an international investigation into China's concealment of key COVID-19 data. Conservatives support our allies and an investigation.

Does the Prime Minister?

[The Chair, Liberal, Anthony Rota]

The honourable Deputy Prime Minister.

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

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

As the Prime Minister said yesterday, it is absolutely appropriate for us to be all asking questions about how different countries have behaved in a crisis, including China. Our Minister of International Development has spoken with the head of the WHO about a post-crisis review.

Let me simply say that I am personally convinced, and I think all members of this House are, that democracies will always be more transparent than authoritarian regimes.

[The Chair, Liberal, Anthony Rota]

Thank you.

Mr. McLeod.

[Michael McLeod, Liberal, Northwest Territories, NT]

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I'll be splitting my time with the member for Davenport.

My question is for the Minister of Finance. Our government has rolled out a historic number of supports to help those experiencing significant financial burdens during this pandemic, supports for individuals, businesses, NGOs and governments. Some of these have been amended and adjusted to improve their impacts as time has brought us more knowledge and greater awareness of those who are falling through the gaps. This flexibility continues to be needed in the north.

While I know the Government of Northwest Territories welcomes Canada's strong and targeted economic response to the COVID-19 pandemic, it has asked for an increase to its federally imposed borrowing limit. Whether a temporary increase or a more permanent one, it needs this flexibility to address the dual COVID-19 related own-source revenue and expenditure shocks. This limit increase will help territorial governments with short-term needs, but also ensure a more successful and robust economic recovery over the longer term.

I hope the finance minister has taken this request under advisement and has some good news to announce very soon.

[The Chair, Liberal, Anthony Rota]

The honourable minister.

[Mona Fortier, Liberal, Minister of Middle Class Prosperity and Associate Minister of Finance]

Mr. Chair, through you, I want to take a moment to thank the member for Northwest Territories for his tremendous advocacy on behalf of his constituents. We recognize the fiscal constraints the territories are experiencing during these very difficult times. We will continue to ensure the people of the Northwest Territories have the help they need to get through this crisis.

This issue is on the radar and I'd like to thank the member for his important advocacy. I also want to thank him for his work on the Standing Committee on Finance, supporting our government as we take steps to support Canadians in this unprecedented time. As the member may know, over 7.8 million Canadians have applied for the Canada emergency response benefit, nearly 600,000 businesses have applied and been approved for the Canada emergency business account and, starting tomorrow, applications will open for the Canada emergency student benefit. As well, we have announced a one-time, tax-free increase to the old age security and guaranteed income supplement, ensuring our most vulnerable seniors receive an extra $500 to help them through these difficult times.

In these times, Canadians should not have to worry about paying their bills and rent or putting food on the table. I can assure the member our government is one—

[The Chair, Liberal, Anthony Rota]

The next question goes to Ms. Dzerowicz.

[Julie Dzerowicz, Liberal, Davenport, ON]

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

My riding of Davenport is full of so many talented artists, creators and those working in cultural industries. Most of them have been impacted economically in a significant way by COVID-19. Despite this, many of them have stepped up during this pandemic, sharing free songs, poems and stories online and also putting on impromptu concerts on their porches to put a bit of joy and levity into our days.

Indeed, we saw Canadian artists step up during some of our darker moments during the pandemic, including the virtual vigil tribute to the victims of the Nova Scotia tragedy. We saw them come out to produce hopeful memories and hopeful moments when 86 Canadian artists took part in the Stronger Together virtual show, getting us to sing and dance while helping to raise money for Food Banks Canada amid the pandemic.

Can the Minister of Canadian Heritage please tell this House how our federal government is allocating the $500 million in emergency funds for the arts and culture sector and how fast they'll be flowing? Too many organizations have lost operating income and need this funding as quickly as possible.