House of Commons Hansard #9 of the 41st Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was jobs.

Topics

2:05 p.m.

Conservative

The Speaker Conservative Andrew Scheer

It being Wednesday, we will now have the singing of the national anthem led by the hon. member for Sackville—Eastern Shore.

[Members sang the national anthem]

InfrastructureStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Conservative

Eve Adams Conservative Mississauga—Brampton South, ON

Mr. Speaker, our Conservative government has invested over $100 million in infrastructure projects in the cities of Mississauga and Brampton.

As a city councillor for over seven years in Canada's sixth largest city, I led the charge for some of these investments. I can say that this government's help put our neighbours to work and helped cities build infrastructure they could not have built on their own.

Next week, Mississauga is excited to open our vibrant, new downtown square. We are also opening new libraries where children can develop a love of reading with their moms and dads. Soon, our new, modern pools will help keep us fit and the hydrotherapy pool is sure to be a hit with seniors and young moms. I am most proud of the new ambulance station that will provide faster emergency response times.

Canada is coming out stronger than ever from the global economic downturn because of our Conservative government. It invested in communities, gave our neighbours jobs and improved the quality of life with lasting infrastructure projects.

The EnvironmentStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

NDP

Pierre Jacob NDP Brome—Missisquoi, QC

Mr. Speaker, as a new member of the 41st Parliament, I would like to thank the people of Brome—Missisquoi for placing their trust in me. It is time to get to work on the priorities of Brome—Missisquoi.

With respect to Montreal Pipe Line's pump stations, engineers from the National Energy Board have indicated that the company does not have any way of preventing an oil spill outside its facilities.

Inspectors also note that the direction of flow would take the oil straight into watercourses. At least one tributary of the Missisquoi River, which runs through Potton Township, would be affected. We will be following this file closely to ensure that we put the environmental priorities and the health of the people of Brome—Missisquoi ahead of the economic imperatives of major industrial polluters.

York CentreStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Conservative

Mark Adler Conservative York Centre, ON

Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege and an honour to stand before you in the House today.

I will begin by thanking my dedicated campaign volunteers to whom I owe the most profound gratitude and appreciation. I also thank the voters of York Centre for putting their confidence in me. I promise to work my heart out for all of my constituents.

Like the many residents of York Centre, my father was an immigrant. He survived the Holocaust and came to Canada alone. He came with three things: a number on his arm, the shirt on his back, but, most important, hope in his heart. Canada became his home.

This is why I am so especially proud to represent the people of York Centre, many of whom are immigrants. As a first-generation Canadian, I know their bravery, perseverance and hard work first-hand, but, most important, how they play by the rules. In return, they just want to know that their government will stand up for them when they do.

This government has proven that it is here for all hard-working Canadians. I am so proud to serve under the principled leadership of our Prime Minister. This government will deliver on its commitments and will always stand with hard-working Canadian families.

InfrastructureStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Wayne Easter Liberal Malpeque, PE

Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak about the proposed Kensington and area wellness complex, an initiative in my riding of Malpeque aimed at improving the health and well-being of constituents. This complex would offer centralized facilities, such as a gym, museum, auditorium, day care centre, library, meeting rooms and commercial space, among others. The planners developed an excellent model.

I urge the government to support this initiative by re-establishing programs so that the organizers can secure funding for this project. Being told that ACOA has no programs and, therefore, no money is not an option. This project is vital to the Kensington community but, unfortunately, with the cuts the government is making, it will only remain a dream.

I urge the government to support this initiative and others like it in rural communities so that rural Canada can make the advancements it well deserves.

Royal Canadian Legion Branch 459Statements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Conservative

Paul Calandra Conservative Oak Ridges—Markham, ON

Mr. Speaker, last month, my home town of Stouffville celebrated the opening of a brand new Royal Canadian Legion Branch 459.

The original Legion was built in 1947 by veterans from World War II who came together with veterans from World War I in a common goal to build a place of their own; a place to relive memories, embrace the camaraderie built in their history together and to commemorate the friends they lost.

Building on the past, the new Legion's home contains the cornerstone of the original home embedded in the front entrance to continue the legacy built in 1947.

In the words of Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

The new home for Legion Branch 459 is no disservice to the joy and pain endured by our veterans. We will not forget history and we will not forget the bonds our veterans built. We will continue to build them into our future.

I congratulate Branch 459, its president, Murray Pattendon, and thank my entire hometown for its efforts in recognizing so many people who have sacrificed so much to help make this country the best place to live and work.

HealthStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

NDP

Djaouida Sellah NDP Saint-Bruno—Saint-Hubert, QC

Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate all hon. members of this 41st Parliament on their election.

I would first like to recognize the contributions made by my mother, my family and my volunteers. I would also like to say a special thank you to my constituents, the people of Saint-Bruno—Saint-Hubert, for placing their trust in me.

People voted for change and I promise to deliver. Quebeckers and Canadians have clearly indicated that health care is a priority.

They want everyone to have access to a family doctor and they want wait times to go down.

It is time for this government to take concrete action on the priorities of Canadians and show some real leadership in health care.

HonoursStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Conservative

Susan Truppe Conservative London North Centre, ON

Mr. Speaker, as this is my first statement in the House, I congratulate you on your new role.

I thank the constituents of London North Centre for giving me the privilege of serving them as their member of Parliament. It is an honour to be here. I also thank my campaign team, the dedicated volunteers who put in countless hours, and my family for standing by me as I hit the pavement on the campaign trail. Without them I would not be here.

Today in my riding, the city of London will be honouring Londoners who are recipients of the Order of Canada and the Order of Ontario. They are: Order of Canada recipient, Hanny Hassan; and Order of Ontario recipients, Dr. Joseph Chin, Gerald Fagan, Elizabeth Hillman Waterston and Professor Gordon McBean.

On behalf of the members of this House, I congratulate the recipients for making me proud and for making London proud.

The EnvironmentStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Conservative

Michael Chong Conservative Wellington—Halton Hills, ON

Mr. Speaker, a Boston hedge fund wants to come up to Canada and destroy 2,500 acres of prime farmland and natural habitat in Dufferin county by creating one of the largest open pit mines in Canada.

This megaquarry would stretch three miles across and plunge 200 feet deep, a drop bigger than Niagara Falls. It would impact the Nottawasaga and Grand River watersheds that provide drinking water for one million Ontario residents. It would pump 600 million litres of water a day. That is almost the same amount of water used by almost 20% of Ontario residents.

The Suzuki Foundation and local conservation authorities have expressed concern.

This is an environmental disaster in the making. We need a federal environmental assessment. We also need a federal panel to review the environmental effects on the transboundary waters of Lake Huron and Lake Erie.

These American hedge funds destroyed Wall Street three years ago. Now they want to come to Canada and destroy a beautiful piece of southwestern Ontario. They must be stopped.

Saint-LambertStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

NDP

Sadia Groguhé NDP Saint-Lambert, QC

Mr. Speaker, it is a great honour for me to speak for the first time in the House on behalf of the people of Saint-Lambert.

To begin, I would like to thank my constituents for the confidence they placed in me. I want to reiterate my promise to them that I will fight tirelessly for their interests. I would also like to thank my husband, my children and all of the volunteers, as well as my mother, who has always been a source of inspiration for me.

I humbly accept the mandate that my constituents have given me. I accept the mandate to stand up for our families and our youth, and to provide our seniors with the opportunity for a decent life.

I would like to thank our leader for the trust he placed in my by appointing me deputy critic for citizenship and immigration. It is an honour and a privilege.

I am determined to work with the members of the House, the Quebec government and stakeholders for a fair, compassionate, transparent and efficient immigration system.

The EconomyStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Conservative

Rodney Weston Conservative Saint John, NB

Mr. Speaker, our Conservative government did what we said we would do with the next phase of Canada's economic action plan.

Our government is focused on what matters to Canadians, jobs and the economy. To complete our recovery, we must implement the next phase of Canada's economic action plan, a low-tax plan for jobs and growth.

Canada's economy has grown now for seven straight quarters, with nearly 560,000 new jobs created since July 2009. While that is positive news, too many Canadians are still looking for work and the global economic recovery remains fragile.

Canadians gave us a mandate to stay focused on the economy and pass measures aimed at strengthening both our economic recovery and our country. We will follow through on these commitments.

Young CanadiansStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

NDP

Pierre-Luc Dusseault NDP Sherbrooke, QC

Mr. Speaker, it is an honour for me to rise in the House today to make my first statement as the youngest member of Parliament in the history of Canada.

The first thing I want to do, of course, is to thank the people of my riding for their trust in me. It is an honour for me to represent them in the House.

I am here to speak on behalf of all the people in my riding, and also on behalf of all young people across the country. I received congratulatory messages from hundreds of young Canadians who were inspired by my election, and I plan to work tirelessly to show that we young people have a place in public debate and that we can achieve very good results.

May 2 was a great day for all young Canadians. Since the election, they can count on a strong voice made up of several members who truly understand their reality.

It is finally time to show that every Canadian, regardless of origin, gender, occupation or age, has a place in this important political institution.

Economic Action PlanStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Conservative

Jacques Gourde Conservative Lotbinière—Chutes-de-la-Chaudière, QC

Mr. Speaker, our Conservative government says what it is going to do and then follows through, as demonstrated by the next phase of the economic action plan. We are continuing to move forward with the economic recovery and we are keeping our promises. Families will benefit from new tax credits to promote arts and physical activities. We will help the regions attract doctors and we will give volunteer firefighters the credit they deserve. Furthermore, we will accomplish all this without increasing personal income taxes. The economy remains fragile and the recent budget will bolster and complete the economic recovery.

Under this Conservative government, Canada has been a leader in economic recovery and job creation. We invite all parties to help Canada continue to lead the way by voting for our budget.

David ColmanStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Liberal

Marc Garneau Liberal Westmount—Ville-Marie, QC

Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House to express our condolences on the passing of David Colman, the Director of the Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital at McGill University.

Dr. Colman had a distinguished career as a research scientist, professor and clinician. Under his leadership, the world-famous Montreal Neurological Institute was one of the first to be recognized as a national centre of excellence in research and commercialization.

Dr. Colman initiated a campaign to develop new technologies that have changed the way diseases of the brain are treated. It is due to his contribution that the Institute is becoming a world leader in brain imaging, neuro-engineering and palliative care.

Canada attracts top talent in neuroscience research and treatment, thanks to the vision and dedication of David Colman and his team.

I stand in the House today to acknowledge his immense contribution to science and medicine and to pay respects to his family and colleagues.

Trade and TourismStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Conservative

Dan Albas Conservative Okanagan—Coquihalla, BC

Mr. Speaker, our government received a strong mandate from Canadians to focus on completing the economic recovery. That is why we are focused on creating jobs and economic growth through expanding trade and tourism.

Today, we welcome the inaugural China Southern Airlines flight between Vancouver and Guangzhou, China, one of the fastest-growing regions in China and in the world. This new direct service is made possible by the current Canada–China air transport agreement, negotiated and signed by our government. China, as a global and bilateral partner, is important to Canada and we are engaged in a frank, friendly and forward-looking relationship with China.

This new service, combined with Canada's approved destination status, will give more options to Chinese tourists to visit British Columbia and the rest of Canada. It also further strengthens the Canada's Asia Pacific Gateway and will provide Canadians more choices for international travel to China.

Our government will continue to seek out opportunities to expand trade and tourism with countries around the world.

Jordan Fram and Jason ChenierStatements By Members

2:20 p.m.

NDP

Claude Gravelle NDP Nickel Belt, ON

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to two miners who lost their lives last week in an accident at the Stobie Mine in Sudbury. Jordan Fram, age 26, was a 6-year veteran of the mines and 35-year-old Jason Chenier had 11 years of experience when they perished on June 8 while working 3,000 feet underground.

This devastating loss has saddened the entire community and resulted in nine stop-work orders issued against Vale by the Ontario Ministry of Labour, due in part to worrisome levels of water in the mine. This tragedy is a stark reminder that mining remains a dangerous profession and that we must learn from this tragedy to ensure it does not happen again. These men's lives were cut short, leaving behind grieving families, colleagues and communities in a desperate search for answers.

On behalf of all members of the House, I extend my heartfelt sympathies to their loved ones and colleagues. May they rest in peace.

New Democratic Party of CanadaStatements By Members

2:20 p.m.

Conservative

David Wilks Conservative Kootenay—Columbia, BC

Mr. Speaker, the NDP of the radical hard left do not know the first thing about governing. Ask a British Columbian or Ontarian who had to put up with its members in power.

While Canadians remain concerned about jobs and the economy, the NDP is having a gut-wrenching debate about whether or not it should remain committed to its reckless, hard left, high tax, socialist principles.

The NDP radical left remains committed to pro-drug policies and anti-trade policies. The NDP opposes Canada's leadership as a clean energy superpower. It even questions its commitment to federalism, with calls to repeal the Clarity Act.

The NDP proposed child care from birth to age 12, a 45-day work year and a 50% hike in the pension plan, policies that would cost billions.

The radical hard left NDPers should stop and think about the real priorities of Canadians: jobs and the economy.

EmploymentOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Toronto—Danforth Ontario

NDP

Jack Layton NDPLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, the economy and job creation depend on four key factors: consumption, exports, investment and the government. Canadian household debt is far too high. Canadians are at a breaking point. Exports are declining. Corporations are no longer reinvesting because the tax cuts they are getting from the Conservatives are nothing but bonuses for senior management. The ball is in the government's court.

When will there be a real strategy for growth and job creation for our workers and our Canadians?

EmploymentOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Calgary Southwest Alberta

Conservative

Stephen Harper ConservativePrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, Canada has the best job creation record in the industrialized world. We are currently seeing a private sector-led recovery. Obviously, the budget passed by this Parliament will help us continue this recovery.

EmploymentOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Toronto—Danforth Ontario

NDP

Jack Layton NDPLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, the facts run counter to what the Prime Minister is saying.

Since the Conservatives came to power, the fact is we have lost hundreds of thousands of good paying manufacturing jobs. The latest data from Statistics Canada today confirms that the bleeding continues. Manufacturing, in particular, and the auto and aerospace industries are losing thousands of jobs.

When are we going to realize that the policies are creating low wage part-time jobs and killing the balanced economy that we have been building in our country since the Second World War?

EmploymentOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Calgary Southwest Alberta

Conservative

Stephen Harper ConservativePrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, the Canadian economy has created over 550,000 jobs since the recession. Those jobs have been focused in the private sector and on high paying jobs. Those are the facts. Obviously we would like to see more and that is why we passed the budget.

The leader of the NDP said earlier that we could not create jobs through consumption, or investment or through exports, that we had to do it through government. On this side, we are aiming to have a private sector-led recovery.

EmploymentOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

Toronto—Danforth Ontario

NDP

Jack Layton NDPLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, the government does not have a plan to create jobs then. That is quite clear. Its only strategy is to prevent working people from the right to bargain. Labour disputes should be dealt with fairly at the bargaining table.

First, the government threatens back to work legislation mere hours after Air Canada workers used their legitimate right to strike. Then it turns around, takes a government corporation and locks out its own workers, preventing Canadians from getting their mail.

Does the Prime Minister consider that this could in any way be interpreted as fair bargaining practice?

EmploymentOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

Calgary Southwest Alberta

Conservative

Stephen Harper ConservativePrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, the two parties in both the Air Canada dispute and the Canada Post dispute have thus far been unable to reach a settlement. Due to their inability to reach a settlement, they are threatening greater damage on other parties in the Canadian economy. That is not acceptable to the government.

This government will act to ensure that the Canadian economy and the wider interests of the Canadian public are protected.

Canada Post CorporationOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

NDP

Yvon Godin NDP Acadie—Bathurst, NB

Mr. Speaker, Canada Post suddenly locked out all postal workers late last night. Is this bargaining in good faith?

The lockout is unnecessary. The union offered to suspend its strikes and work under the old contract during negotiations.

What is the minister doing to ensure Canada Post negotiates fairly? Is she fine with Canada Post manufacturing a crisis so the government can step in with back-to-work legislation?

Canada Post CorporationOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

Halton Ontario

Conservative

Lisa Raitt ConservativeMinister of Labour

Mr. Speaker, as the Prime Minister has just indicated, in this case, Canada Post and the union have been unable to reach a negotiated settlement, which is a great disappointment for us because of the effect it has on Canadians and on the Canadian economy.

As a result, tonight we will be putting on notice legislation to restore mail delivery service for Canadians.