Debates of Nov. 28th, 2013

Prostate Cancer

[Dany Morin, NDP, Chicoutimi—Le Fjord, QC]

Mr. Speaker, as the prostate cancer awareness campaign draws to a close, I would like to talk about this men's health problem.

In Canada, prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer in men, as well as the second leading cause of death. Every year, about 23,600 new cases are diagnosed, while nearly 4,000 Canadians die from the disease. This means that one in seven men will be affected. Therefore, 33 of my male colleagues could develop prostate cancer. This is why research is so important. If the disease is detected early, the remission rate is 95%.

Accordingly I recommend that all Canadian men talk to their doctors to find out whether they are at risk, and especially whether they should be tested, since two-thirds of newly diagnosed patients have no signs or symptoms. We are not Superman, or invincible. This should not be a taboo topic to discuss with our doctors. Those who will not do it for themselves should do it for their wives and children. We have already lost far too many men that we admired and cared for.

Municipal Infrastructure

[Bev Shipley, Conservative, Lambton—Kent—Middlesex, ON]

Mr. Speaker, this past week, I announced the second installment of our government's federal gas tax rebate to municipalities in my riding of Lambton—Kent—Middlesex. More than $14.7 million go to support local infrastructure priorities. Also, area municipalities will receive more than $3.3 million from the Government of Canada's GST rebate program.

The rebate program has been extended, doubled and legislated as a permanent program, and it is now indexed at 2% per year starting in 2014. As well, the eligible project categories have been expanded to provide maximum flexibility for municipalities to focus on their infrastructure priorities.

Important infrastructure projects create jobs, promote growth and build strong, prosperous communities across Canada. I am proud to say the communities in my riding have shovels ready to get the job done.

Citizenship

[Devinder Shory, Conservative, Calgary Northeast, AB]

Mr. Speaker, over the past number of months, constituents in my riding of Calgary Northeast have been asking me one question, which is about the status of my efforts to strip citizenship from convicted terrorists. Despite the fact that over 83% of Canadians, including those who identify themselves as NDP and Liberal, agree with me, the opposition NDP and Liberal parties hate this idea so much that they shamelessly engage in an aggressive war, filibustering over days and nights.

I said this in the last Parliament and I will say it again. I will use all parliamentary tools available to me to ensure that the will of Canadians is made the law of the land. Violent convicted terrorists must be stopped from destroying the immense value Canadian citizenship has.

Government Accountability

[Marjolaine Boutin-Sweet, NDP, Hochelaga, QC]

Mr. Speaker, Canadians are used to broken promises. After years of alternating Liberal and Conservative governments, people unfortunately expect nothing more from this government.

Issues like housing, homelessness and infrastructure are no exception. We keep hearing in this House that no government in history has invested more in everything. However, the reality is quite different.

We still know nothing about the rules regarding the building Canada fund or the homelessness partnering strategy, and the Conservatives make empty announcements regarding social housing. That announcement was made seven months ago. We spend our time asking the other side to be accountable, but all we get is radio silence.

Canadians deserve better. They deserve a government of action that listens to their concerns, and that is what the NDP will give them in 2015.

Veterans Affairs

[James Bezan, Conservative, Selkirk—Interlake, MB]

Mr. Speaker, a lot can be done in 17 days. In the first 17 days of this session, our government announced the Canada-European Union free trade agreement. Yet in 17 days the leader of the Liberal Party has confirmed what we on this side of the House have known all along: the Liberal Party does not trust Canadians and veterans with their hard-earned money.

The Liberal Party's chief spokesman said on Remembrance Day that giving money to injured veterans is “like hanging a case of beer in front of a drunk.... They...go and spend it...on booze or addiction”. How many more days do veterans have to wait for the leader of the Liberal Party to fire his veterans spokesperson? Shame on the Liberal leader, shame on the Liberal Party and shame on the member for Scarborough—Agincourt.

Natural Resources

[David Christopherson, NDP, Hamilton Centre, ON]

Mr. Speaker, citizens in my riding of Hamilton Centre have been following the hearings on Enbridge's Line 9 pipeline reversal and are deeply concerned. My constituents know that the 38-year-old pipeline was not designed to handle diluted bitumen, and they wanted their concerns to be heard. Instead, they have been muzzled as the Conservative government used omnibus bills to gut the environmental assessment process, and the doors on public consultations were slammed shut. This is unacceptable, and we cannot and will not support a process that does not listen to the concerns of citizens and puts rubber-stamping this deal ahead of ensuring the safety of Canadians.

New Democrats will continue to demand that the development of Canada's natural resources is done in the most sustainable way, and that the highest environmental protection and safety standards are met. Canadians also want to see leadership on transitioning to a new green economy, improving energy efficiency and tackling climate change. These are the priorities of the people of Hamilton Centre, and they are the priorities of the NDP.

Hanukkah

[Mark Adler, Conservative, York Centre, ON]

Mr. Speaker, at sundown last night, Jewish communities around the world and across Canada began to celebrate Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights. This eight-day celebration commemorates the rededication of the holy temple and the triumph of the Jewish people over tyranny and oppression. In the face of insurmountable odds, the Jewish people reclaimed their historic homeland and won their freedom; so as Jewish families and their friends gather to celebrate Hanukkah, we light a candle each night to remind us of hope and faith.

Here on Parliament Hill, the Minister for Multiculturalism hosted Hanukkah on the Hill last night, along with members of the Jewish community and members of Parliament. In my riding of York Centre, home to a vibrant Jewish community, Hanukkah celebrations began at my synagogue, Beth Emeth Bais Yehuda, and in individual homes across the riding.

May the next seven nights bring the world much hope and peace. On behalf of our government and of all Parliament, I wish all Canadians celebrating Hanukkah a chag sameach.

Ethics

[Rodger Cuzner, Liberal, Cape Breton—Canso, NS]

Mr. Speaker, just when we think the Conservative spin doctors have reached rock bottom, they create new ways to sink to even deeper depths. In a feeble and shameful attempt to cover up their Senate scandal, they tried to draw a parallel yesterday between the residency requirements of former Liberal senator Sister Peggy Butts and disgraced Conservative senator Mike Duffy.

Sister Peggy was a member of the Sisters of Notre Dame order and lived her life committed to a vow of poverty. As such, she owned no property; she lived in Nova Scotian convents. When called to the Senate, the Catholic Diocese of Antigonish gifted her with a small section of land prior to her appointment so as to meet the residency requirements. She donated every nickel of money she earned to charity.

To have Sister Peggy's situation compared to Mike Duffy's in any way is a shameful exhibition of disrespect and just another example of the moral vacuum in which the current government exists.

Employment Insurance

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

Mr. Speaker, after months of confusion surrounding the need to improve the employment insurance system, we now have the figures and facts to confirm that there are indeed positive spinoffs for people who contribute to EI and for employers.

Indeed, more than 99% of EI claimants receive benefits. This proves that the system is working well and that it helps people who are available for employment.

Instead of explaining our reasonable changes to their constituents and providing them with the necessary information, the opposition parties have orchestrated a huge fearmongering campaign in our communities in Quebec and the Maritimes, based on lies.

Employers are pleased to be able to offer positions in their companies to people in their region first. The job alert system is an extremely practical tool for helping claimants find a job and apply their transferable skills, thereby giving workers greater job mobility.

Ethics

[Isabelle Morin, NDP, Notre-Dame-de-Grâce—Lachine, QC]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the Prime Minister demonstrated how he has cast aside his ethical standards.

Long gone are the days when the Reform Party wanted to replace the Liberals' culture of corruption that resulted in the sponsorship scandal. In fact, the Conservatives are perfecting this Liberal culture of no accountability and more than questionable ethics.

We would really like to know what the Prime Minister thinks of his chief fundraiser, Irving Gerstein. However, immersed in his world of half-truths, he refuses to even acknowledge the existence of the person who tried to influence the audit by Deloitte, the disgraced company that refuses to be held accountable.

The Senate, this so-called independent institution, this supposed chamber of sober second thought, cannot even get to the bottom of this. The scoundrels who have won the lottery for life over there are laughing at honest people. To think that there are still people in this place who want the status quo. It is time to put an end to this damned farce. Only the NDP, which still has principles, can get the job done.

HIV-AIDS

[Eve Adams, Conservative, Mississauga—Brampton South, ON]

Mr. Speaker, this Sunday will mark World AIDS Day. Too many Canadians continue to battle this terrible disease. Our government is committed to supporting these individuals. In fact, I am delighted to share with members that earlier this morning our government committed $10 million to support two research teams seeking to find a cure for HIV.

These teams will capitalize on Canada's extensive expertise in biomedical and clinical HIV research. They will ensure Canada is a key player in the global fight to eradicate this disease and make a difference in the lives of people fighting HIV.

Our government will continue to work on behalf of people living with HIV toward minimizing the impact of this disease, both globally and here at home.

Congratulations to all those involved in the projects being supported today. I wish them all well in their world-class research.

Ethics

[Thomas Mulcair, NDP, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, Senator Gerstein contacted Conservative Party auditor Michael Runia from Deloitte to whitewash the investigation into Mr. Duffy.

Why did the Prime Minister's Office order Conservative senators to prevent Deloitte employee Michael Runia from testifying?

[Paul Calandra, Conservative, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and for Intergovernmental Affairs]

Mr. Speaker, what we saw today was that Deloitte appeared before the Senate internal economy committee. They took questions, and they reaffirmed that the forensic audit was conducted with the highest standards and the utmost confidentiality.

[Thomas Mulcair, NDP, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, Conservative senators not only blocked Conservative Party auditor Michael Runia from testifying today, they would not even allow a vote on allowing him to testify. This is the very man Senator Gerstein illegally tried to influence to kill the Mike Duffy audit.

Why does the Prime Minister have his Conservative senators blocking the testimony of Michael Runia if they have nothing to hide?

[Paul Calandra, Conservative, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and for Intergovernmental Affairs]

Mr. Speaker, speaking of phonies, I guess my question to the hon. Leader of the Opposition would be this: When he talked about the bribe he was potentially offered, he said that he did not know that what he was being offered was a bribe, because he did not actually open the envelope. If he did not open the envelope, how did he know that what he was being offered was a bribe? Was it because he knew the mayor of Laval was crooked? If he knew the mayor of Laval was crooked, why would he have been meeting with him? It does not make sense. He is giving Clintonian-type answers to this. Either he opened the envelope, or he did not.

National Defence

[Thomas Mulcair, NDP, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, according to NSA documents, they closely coordinated with Canada to conduct widespread surveillance during the G20 summit in Toronto. Did Communications Security Establishment Canada, or anyone else in the Canadian government, authorize in any way, shape, or form the U.S. National Security Agency to spy on Canadian soil? Yes or no.

[Rob Nicholson, Conservative, Minister of National Defence]

Mr. Speaker, we cannot comment on specific foreign intelligence activities or capabilities. Under law, this organization is prohibited from targeting Canadians. Furthermore, CSEC cannot ask our international partners to act in a way that circumvents Canadian laws.

[Thomas Mulcair, NDP, Leader of the Opposition]

We actually know that it is prohibited. The question was did they do it. That is the question.

Communications Security Establishment Canada does not have the right to spy on anyone on Canadian soil or to allow a foreign partner to do so without the authorization of a judge.

Did CSEC get the authorization of a judge before authorizing and helping the Americans to spy on people in Canada during the G20 summit?

[Rob Nicholson, Conservative, Minister of National Defence]

Mr. Speaker, we do not comment on specific foreign intelligence activities or capabilities. I have already indicated that this organization is prohibited from targeting Canadians. As well, they cannot ask our international partners to act in a way that circumvents Canadian laws. That should satisfy the hon. member.

[Thomas Mulcair, NDP, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, we know it is prohibited. We know they are not allowed to ask. We know they need the authorization of the judge. The question is, did they respect the law? Yes or no. They failed to answer, like usual.

A criminal cover-up in the Prime Minister's Office; using a foreign agency to illegally spy on Canadian soil—what is it about obeying the law that this so-called law and order Conservative government does not seem to understand?

[Rob Nicholson, Conservative, Minister of National Defence]

Mr. Speaker, there is judicial oversight, as well, of this organization. I would point out to the hon. member that CSEC's activities are reviewed by an independent commissioner. That independent commissioner has indicated, for the last 16 years, that CSEC has complied with all Canadian laws.

[Joyce Murray, Liberal, Vancouver Quadra, BC]

Mr. Speaker, I am sure I speak for all members of this House when I say that ill and injured members of the Canadian Armed Forces deserve the very best care we can possibly provide. The tragic events at CFB Shilo two days ago only underscore the depths of despair and suffering caused by injuries received while serving. The family members have our deepest sympathy.

Would the Minister of National Defence please inform this House of what additional steps he is taking to ensure that every Canadian Forces member has the help that they and their families need?

[Rob Nicholson, Conservative, Minister of National Defence]

Mr. Speaker, our thoughts and prayers are with the families, friends, and colleagues of these departed individuals. I wish all those associated with these individuals peace during this difficult time. I can assure them that the Canadian Armed Forces is investigating this matter, and that is entirely appropriate.

Ethics

[Ralph Goodale, Liberal, Wascana, SK]

Mr. Speaker, the Conservative cover-up continues. Today, Senators LeBreton, Tkachuk, and others voted to block any examination of Senator Gerstein and Mike Runia, of Deloitte. Police allege conversations between these two were aimed at stopping Deloitte's audit of Mike Duffy. That is tantamount to tampering with evidence and obstructing justice.

In the language used by the fraud squad in the PMO, Gerstein was sent to get “Deloitte locked in”. Exactly what does that mean, and why is the Prime Minister blocking Gerstein and Runia from defending themselves?

[Paul Calandra, Conservative, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and for Intergovernmental Affairs]

Mr. Speaker, again, as I just said a moment ago, Deloitte confirmed that the audit was done with the utmost standard of confidentiality. I think that is very good news.

At the same time, we know that, of course, the Liberals stand constantly in support of these three disgraced senators and former disgraced Liberal senator Mac Harb. What was inappropriate is that these senators accepted payment they were not entitled to. What is also inappropriate is that the Liberals fought so hard to defend these three senators.