Debates of Oct. 5th, 2012

Teacher of the Year Award

[Judy Sgro, Liberal, York West, ON]

Mr. Speaker, today is World Teachers' Day and I would like to pay tribute to the thousands of professionals who help guide and stimulate the leaders of tomorrow. In particular, I would like to offer a special note of thanks to Darlene Jones. Darlene is a grade six teacher at Toronto's Brookview Middle School located in my great riding, near the intersection of Jane and Finch.

Recently Darlene's students nominated her as Toronto's teacher of the year, and she won. The students readily acknowledged that Ms. Jones is tough, that she gives homework and that she is relentless in her demands that the work be done and be done correctly. The students also acknowledged that Darlene is a role model in what can be a very challenging environment. For her part, Darlene credits her success to believing that her students can be whatever they want to be.

It has been said that a good teacher teaches but a great teacher inspires. With this in mind, I would like to congratulate Darlene, a great teacher who has made a tremendous difference in the lives of the leaders of tomorrow.

New Democratic Party of Canada

[David Anderson, Conservative, Cypress Hills—Grasslands, SK]

Mr. Speaker, our government has a low-tax plan to create jobs and to bring long-term prosperity and economic growth to this country. What does the opposition have? It has a tax plan and an election promise, a promise that would raise taxes on everything and a promise that would kill jobs and stop economic growth.

Page 4 of the NDP 2011 election platform lays it out: a carbon tax through a government-imposed cap and trade system with the intent of raising $21 billion from taxpayers and Canadian businesses. The present leader of the NDP promised at the leadership debates that he would go even further than the last leader, that his plan would raise billions more. That money comes directly from the wallets of hard-working Canadians. This plan could not have been laid out any more clearly. Now, for some reason, the NDP just does not want to talk about it.

Canadians cannot afford the no-development party and its hare-brained, high-tax schemes.

Quebec City Junior Chamber of Commerce

[Raymond Côté, NDP, Beauport—Limoilou, QC]

Mr. Speaker, Junior Chamber International Canada held its national convention in Kootenay, British Columbia, from September 19 to 23. The Jeune chambre de commerce de Québec distinguished itself for the second consecutive year by winning the award for best young chamber in Canada.

I congratulate the president of the Jeune chambre de commerce de Québec, Jonathan Gagnon, the general manager, Sophie Gingras, and all the members of their team for making this achievement possible.

It is thanks to the initiative and determination shown by our young men and women in launching businesses that our region has one of the lowest unemployment rates on the continent and enjoys an outstanding level of prosperity. This also reflects the vitality of Quebec City and the courage shown by our young business people when confronted with an increasingly difficult economic environment.

I should also point out that the next national convention of Junior Chamber International Canada will take place in Quebec City, from September 18 to 21, 2013. I am convinced that the Jeune chambre de commerce de Québec will do a good job of welcoming delegates from all across Canada.

Patriotism

[Guy Lauzon, Conservative, Stormont—Dundas—South Glengarry, ON]

Mr. Speaker, the good people of Stormont—Dundas—South Glengarry sent me here today to lay claim to a great distinction.

Today, October 5, 2012, I have the honour to announce to the whole country that I am the member of Parliament for the most patriotic riding in Canada. That is right, after a hotly contested competition among 40 of my colleagues and their ridings, Stormont—Dundas—South Glengarry can proudly claim the title of most patriotic riding in Canada.

Because of the patriotism of the constituents of Stormont—Dundas—South Glengarry, our riding proudly displayed more Canadian flags on Canada's 145th birthday than any other riding in Canada.

That is just one of the many reasons I am so proud to stand here and tell the whole world that I have the honour of being the member of Parliament for the great people of Stormont—Dundas—South Glengarry.

I wish a happy Thanksgiving to all.

Grey Cup

[Merv Tweed, Conservative, Brandon—Souris, MB]

Mr. Speaker, this week I had the honour of watching an advanced screening of a fantastic Canadian documentary series, Engraved on a Nation, from TSN and Bell Media, which was commissioned to celebrate the 100th Grey Cup.

Directed by some of Canada's most acclaimed and award-winning filmmakers, the series proves that Canadians telling Canadian stories to Canadians is alive and well. This series is special, as it transcends football and brings to life eight powerful stories of history, politics, culture, family, passion and loyalty.

I watched Stone Thrower: The Chuck Ealey Story. Ealey, a gifted Ohio-born quarterback, found refuge in Canada and the CFL. Finding no home in the NFL, he led the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 1972 to a Grey Cup victory in his rookie season. Along with giving him a place to play the game he loved, Canada became the place Ealey chose to raise his family and where he proudly remains rooted today. This story speaks to our nation and our values.

I truly hope all Canadians watch this series and I want to thank Bell Media for investing in such a worthwhile endeavour.

Thérèse Poirier

[Mylène Freeman, NDP, Argenteuil—Papineau—Mirabel, QC]

Mr. Speaker, it is important to take the time to recognize volunteers who are making a difference in their communities. I rise here today to commend the outstanding contribution made by Thérèse Poirier of Lachute, who was awarded the Hommage Aînés Argenteuil by the Table de concertation Parole aux aînés—a committee that gives a voice to seniors—on the occasion of seniors' day.

Ms. Poirier dedicates a great deal of her time, and plenty of energy, to residents of the assisted living facility at the CSSS in Argenteuil. For the past 27 years, she has been visiting them nearly every day. She helps them, listens to them, advocates on their behalf and sometimes even spoils them a little. She is regarded as a guardian angel whose generosity knows no bounds.

When people tell her that the residents are lucky to have her, Ms. Poirier replies that she is the lucky one—lucky to be healthy enough to continue to help them at age 77.

In closing, I would like to thank and congratulate all of the people like Thérèse Poirier in Argenteuil—Papineau—Mirabel.

The Economy

[Mark Adler, Conservative, York Centre, ON]

Mr. Speaker, our government is proud of our economic action plan that focuses on jobs, growth and long-term prosperity.

Today Statistics Canada announced that during the month of September, 50,000 net new jobs were created. Since July 2009, this brings a grand total of over 820,000 net new jobs that have been created in Canada.

Unfortunately, if the NDP leader had his way, these jobs and more would be lost because he would impose a new $21 billion carbon tax on the people of Canada.

Our Conservative government will oppose this new NDP tax and we will continue working hard to support the economy and Canadian families with the positive, pro-growth measures of economic action plan 2012.

Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medals

[Robert Aubin, NDP, Trois-Rivières, QC]

Mr. Speaker, last Sunday, I had the pleasure of awarding 15 Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medals in recognition of the contributions, for the most part, by members of the Canadian Forces. These men and women of all ages have shown a level of commitment that we in our community are all proud of. I would like to thank the officials of the armoury in Trois-Rivières, the Naval Reserve and HMCS Ville de Québec for opening their doors to welcome the recipients with the full honours they deserve.

However, I would like to express my disappointment and sadness at the Minister of National Defence's refusal to grant me access to these locations, which deprived the medal recipients of a reception that they deserved in a location that has such significance to each one of them.

I would hate to think that this was a partisan decision, as that would imply that there are two classes of federal MPs. I would like to apologize to all those who were very pleased to be honoured on HMCS Ville de Québec. I assure them that they have and will always have my sincerest gratitude.

International Day of the Girl

[Susan Truppe, Conservative, London North Centre, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I invite Canadians to celebrate the first ever International Day of the Girl on Thursday, October 11. Canada has been a leader in promoting this day at the United Nations. The day is aimed at making a difference in the lives of girls and young women as citizens and as powerful voices of change within their families, their communities and their nations.

Girls throughout the world face higher rates of violence, poverty and discrimination. Becoming aware of the barriers that girls face is the first step to removing those barriers. The International Day of the Girl will ensure that girls get the investment and recognition that they deserve. Equal opportunity for girls is good for all of us.

I have many activities planned in my riding of London North Centre, which will celebrate this great day. Canada can continue to lead by example, as we know that the achievements and successes of girls and young women are a key part of what makes a strong Canada.

Al Toulin

[Wayne Easter, Liberal, Malpeque, PE]

Mr. Speaker, Canadian journalists in the Parliament Hill family lost one of the great ones when Al Toulin passed away suddenly last Monday. Al worked for the Ottawa Citizen, the Hamilton Spectator, the Toronto Star and the Financial Post, to name a few, in a career that spanned 40 years.

Al was known for always being able to ferret out that elusive scoop with great contacts and respect across government. In 2004, he served as director of communications to the Liberal government House leader, Tony Valeri, and later shared his impeccable communications talents in election campaigns. He was an avid reader. Nobody read more than Al and nobody seemed to have a deeper well of knowledge about politics, the economy and so much more.

Al was quiet, never overbearing, but he was also courageous and unstoppable when there was a job to be done, a gentle giant and a cool head in a crisis. Most of all, we will miss the big warm heart that beat in his towering frame.

On behalf of all of us on the Hill, I send our condolences to his wife Mary Beth and his entire family. We thank Al, the “Big Guy”, for everything.

Food Safety

[Candice Bergen, Conservative, Portage—Lisgar, MB]

Mr. Speaker, our government takes the safety of Canadians seriously and we are fully committed to ensuring that Canada's food safety system remains one of the best in the world. Yes, it is true, Canada's beef is among the safest in the world. Our government has brought in the safe food for Canadians act, which would further strengthen the beef sector.

Bill S-11 would introduce mandatory traceability for all farm animals, including cattle, and traceability for all food when it is processed. These provisions would give the Canadian Food Inspection Agency the tools it needs to respond even faster and more effectively to ensure beef is safe.

However, what do the New Democrats do? They have opposed the safe food for Canadians act every step of the way until their eleventh-hour conversion earlier this week under intense pressure from Canadians. Why did it take the NDP so long to support this legislation and to support our beef sector?

Statements by Members

[Jamie Nicholls, NDP, Vaudreuil—Soulanges, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the people of Vaudreuil—Soulanges sent me here to represent them, protect their interests, voice their concerns and share their accomplishments.

I am pretty sure that from Moose Jaw to Charlottetown, voters expect the same from their MP: a worthy representative of their interests and not a worthless representative who simply reads phony attacks written by some junior Machiavelli.

The period for statements by members becomes more absurd every day. The hon. members opposite are not stupid. They know that when they get up and parade the latest NDP bogeyman to be created in the Prime Minister's lab, what hides behind their words is utter contempt for our democratic institutions.

My friends, there is nothing to say that we have to keep up this charade. The ball is your court.

New Democratic Party of Canada

[Ryan Leef, Conservative, Yukon, YT]

Mr. Speaker, as the holiday weekend approaches, families from coast to coast to coast gather to give thanks. I would like to wish the people in my riding and all Canadians a happy Thanksgiving.

One thing we are very thankful for this year is that the opposition leader is not able to impose a carbon tax that would raise the cost on everything. The NDP believes that when two wrongs do not make a right, it should try a third. It is easy to tell when New Democrats are not telling Canadians the truth: their lips move.

It is clear that the NDP has a plan to put a price on carbon. It is written in black and white in its platform. When will it come clean and tell Canadians the truth, that it wants to raise the price on everything?

Food Safety

[Libby Davies, NDP, Vancouver East, BC]

Mr. Speaker, on September 13 the Canadian Food Inspection Agency yanked XL's exporter licence at the request of U.S. officials. The Minister of Agriculture and his department determined that this meat was not safe enough to be sold to American consumers, yet he did not pull XL's Canadian licence for another 14 days. Therefore, for 14 days the Minister of Agriculture allowed the same tainted meat that was not safe enough for Americans to be sold to Canadian families. Why?

[Gerry Ritz, Conservative, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board]

Mr. Speaker, I welcome the question from the member opposite. It gives me another chance to say that food safety is a priority for this government.

The CFIA began acting on September 4 and has continued to act based on science and information as it becomes available.

[Libby Davies, NDP, Vancouver East, BC]

Mr. Speaker, the minister's response is again very short on the facts, so let us review those.

The minister said he was aware from day one of all of the activities, which means he knew about the broken safety equipment. That means he knew on September 6 that XL Foods was withholding critical data from government officials. It means he knew on September 13 that meat from XL was not safe enough for American consumers. Why then did he withhold vital public health information from Canadians?

[Gerry Ritz, Conservative, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board]

Mr. Speaker, as I said, the CFIA, based on science and timely access to information, began operating on September 4 in the best interests of Canadian consumers. It continued to do that. There is a timeline that has been well published on the CFIA website that answers a lot of those questions, which the member opposite chooses to ignore.

[Libby Davies, NDP, Vancouver East, BC]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday was a watershed day for taking responsibility. First, the CFIA took responsibility for its part in this recall. Then XL took responsibility for the faulty operations at the plant. The only person with the infallibility complex who refuses to take responsibility is the Minister of Agriculture himself. When will he apologize for his failure to keep Canadians informed, and when will he tender his resignation?

[Gerry Ritz, Conservative, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board]

Mr. Speaker, of course all of these decisions and actions are undertaken by the officials at the CFIA. They continue to work on science-based reasoning and timelines as information becomes available. My job as minister is to ensure that they have the capacity, from a budgetary process, and human resources to get that important job done.

[Philip Toone, NDP, Gaspésie—Îles-de-la-Madeleine, QC]

Mr. Speaker, people simply no longer have confidence in this government that refuses to take responsibility.

The tainted meat crisis stretches from coast to coast. The number of people infected keeps growing. Public health officials in Alberta, Saskatchewan and other provinces are currently investigating numerous cases of E. coli.

Could the minister tell us how many cases are currently under investigation and how many have been reported since September 13?

[Gerry Ritz, Conservative, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board]

Mr. Speaker, those numbers are available on the public Health Canada website. I am certain the member will check that number out.

The CFIA began acting on September 4. It continues to work on a science-based system that it has in place and will continue to do that job on recalls as they become necessary.

[Philip Toone, NDP, Gaspésie—Îles-de-la-Madeleine, QC]

Mr. Speaker, frankly, this crisis is a complete fiasco.

There are many problems. Broken sprinklers, improper cleaning and an inadequate monitoring system allowed thousands of pounds of beef to become contaminated. This went on for weeks, and the proper authorities, the minister included, did nothing.

As a result, tainted meat ended up on the tables in thousands of Canadian households.

The minister does not want to take responsibility. Why not replace him with someone who will?

[Gerry Ritz, Conservative, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board]

Mr. Speaker, the CFIA continues to act on science-based reasoning. One illness is too much. Everybody agrees with that.

We continue to build a robust food safety system. We also have Bill S-11, the safe food for Canadians act, coming to us from the Senate. I invite the members opposite to help us expedite that, to give the CFIA more powers of recall.

[Bob Rae, Liberal, Toronto Centre, ON]

Mr. Speaker, the decision was made by the CFIA to delist XL products from companies that are permitted to export to the United States. Can the minister tell the House whether that decision was one that was requested by the American authorities or made independently by the food agency, and was the minister aware of that decision at the time it was made?

[Gerry Ritz, Conservative, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board]

Mr. Speaker, we have a robust food safety system, recognized by the Americans as well. We work in concert, due to the integrated nature of our beef industry in North America.

Having said that, the CFIA works with its counterparts on the American side to put forward the best interests of Canadian and American consumers, and it will continue to do that.