Evidence of meeting #73 for Justice and Human Rights in the 44th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was shall.
A recording is available from Parliament.
5:25 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Randeep Sarai
That ends that part.
Is there any committee business?
I see Mr. Garrison and then Mr. Anandasangaree.
5:25 p.m.
NDP
Randall Garrison NDP Esquimalt—Saanich—Sooke, BC
Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
I'd like to move the following motion. If the motion is adopted, I'll also move that the committee rise and report it back to the House as a report.
The clerk has copies. I think everybody has it in both languages.
That motion is “That, given the rising tide of hate and violence directed toward the 2SLGBTQI+ community at home and around the world, the House call on leaders at all levels of government in Canada to: (a) speak out strongly in favour of Canadian values of equality and inclusion for the 2SLGBTQI+ community; (b) deplore all disruptions of lawful public activities including Pride events and all children’s sport and educational activities; and (c) condemn all attempts to disrupt democratic institutions including school boards when dealing with policies concerning equality and inclusion.”
If I can, Mr. Chair, I will speak briefly to the motion.
5:25 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Randeep Sarai
I would need unanimous consent because it was under 48 hours.
Do we have unanimous consent?
5:25 p.m.
An hon. member
No.
5:25 p.m.
Liberal
Gary Anandasangaree Liberal Scarborough—Rouge Park, ON
I believe we are in committee business. I'm not aware that the 48 hours is required when all members are here and this is being brought forward from the floor, so I would request that you reconsider that.
5:25 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Randeep Sarai
I have consulted with the clerk. Unfortunately, if we don't have 48 hours, we cannot proceed unless we have unanimous consent.
5:25 p.m.
Liberal
5:25 p.m.
Conservative
5:25 p.m.
NDP
Randall Garrison NDP Esquimalt—Saanich—Sooke, BC
The text of this motion was shared with all parties more than 48 hours ago, but I realize that maybe not all members have seen this.
This is the motion that the Conservatives shouted down on the floor of the House of Commons earlier today. It deals with very urgent matters in this country. In one hour, my staff were able to identify 18 incidents in this country, in the last three months, of attacks on children's activities by protesters against equality and inclusion.
It's very timely for us to be able to deal with this. There is no substantive piece here that contradicts any party's public stands. What we're asking is for leadership from Canadians in elected governments of all levels to stand up for inclusion and equality and against hate.
I would ask again for the Conservatives to consider whether they would let the vote on this motion go forward today given the urgency of what's happening in our communities.
We had a story just come out yesterday about transgender folks in Winnipeg who are receiving regular death threats and are working with the police to stop those death threats. This is why this leadership is so important.
We could have a long debate on why this is happening in our country, but it's something deplorable and something new in the level of its intensity. For me, the fact that it targets children is what makes it completely unacceptable.
I would urge the Conservatives to reconsider their denying consent for this to go forward. If not, it will be a notice of motion, and I would ask that it be the first item on our agenda when we come back in the fall.
5:30 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Randeep Sarai
Since there's no change from the membership, I will look into that, I guess, at the subcommittee when we come back, and we will look at that.
I want to thank everyone for a great session. We have been a very proactive committee. We have done a lot of reports. I think a lot of committees have done a record number of reports, so I really want to thank you for working very co-operatively.
I want to thank our analysts, our clerks, our interpreters, our officials who have come and given us a lot of help, and all the staff in the background, the sound staff and the staff back here. Hopefully, you have a great summer.
I think Iryna is going to be leaving for a different committee. We will miss her. Maybe we will sneak her back.
5:30 p.m.
Some hon. members
Hear, hear!
June 21st, 2023 / 5:30 p.m.
Liberal
Gary Anandasangaree Liberal Scarborough—Rouge Park, ON
I want to echo your comments, Mr. Chair. I want to thank everyone, including colleagues, here. We have generally worked very collaboratively over the last session, and we look forward to the same relationship going forward.
I want to thank the clerk, the analysts, all the technical folks and all of our staff for their support.
Of course, we also want to thank you, Mr. Chair. You have handled yourself exceptionally well, and we thank you for your leadership here.
5:30 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Randeep Sarai
Thank you.
Thank you, everyone. Have a safe summer.
We're adjourned.
