Debates of Feb. 14th, 2013

Opposition Motion—Missing Aboriginal Women

[Judy Sgro, Liberal, York West, ON]

Mr. Speaker, if the member does not think so, she has a choice to vote for it or not vote for it. I, frankly, view it as a small step forward. We have to do something. The government has shown no indication to date that it is interested in calling an independent inquiry, which needs to happen. We do not have 600 women and girls murdered and just sweep it under the rug and blame it on this, that and the rest of it, when we know there are a lot of core issues of racism and so on behind all of those issues.

I hope this is a consensus moving forward committee, that it is not stacked by any particular party, one side or the other, and that we bring all of those recommendations forward and decide to take some real action on them.

[Susan Truppe, Conservative, Parliamentary Secretary for Status of Women]

Mr. Speaker, I rise to participate in the debate on the motion before the House today, which addresses an issue that our government takes very seriously: violence against aboriginal women and girls. I will be supporting the motion.

Ending violence against aboriginal women and girls is and will remain a priority for this government. We know that all violence against women and girls takes an enormous toll, and not just on the individual woman or girl who is the victim. It also inflicts tremendous damage on their families, their communities and ultimately on our society and economy. It is up to each of us, those in public life and all Canadians, to remain ever mindful of how often women and girls, including aboriginal women and girls, are tragically denied the peace, safety and comfort of a day without violence or the threat of violence. They are the reason we are here to participate in this debate today.

Let me now share some of the concrete actions our government has taken to address the issue of violence against aboriginal women and girls. The Government of Canada's approach is a comprehensive one. In addition to the work being undertaken by Status of Women Canada, a range of measures are also under way by my colleagues at the Department of Justice, Department of Public Safety, and Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada. These efforts involve initiatives that are intended to address the causes of violence against aboriginal women and girls. We are also focused on empowering aboriginal women and girls to increase the chance that they will be able to live violence-free lives.

I will now take a few moments to discuss the efforts of our Status of Women programs to address violence against women and girls, particularly aboriginal women and girls. Since 2007, the government has approved over $18 million in funding to Canadian organizations for projects that help aboriginal women and girls build economic security, gain leadership skills and address gender-based violence in their communities. We focus our efforts this way because we know that supporting the economic security and leadership skills of women and girls can help them lead a violence-free life. Of these funds, more than $11 million has been committed to projects that specifically address violence against aboriginal women and girls.

Let me describe several examples. The YWCA Agvvik Nunavut is responding to the needs of women who have assessed shelter services in Iqaluit by working with community agencies. The project will facilitate improvements in services for women who have left situations of violence.

Almost one year ago the Government of Canada announced support for new projects to address the issue of violence and economic security affecting women and girls living in rural and remote communities in Canada. We brought these two goals together because we believe that women's safety goes hand in hand with their economic security. Many of these projects involve community organizations that directly support the needs of aboriginal women and girls.

One of these projects is now under way with the La Loche Friendship Centre in Saskatchewan. This project addresses the issue of violence against aboriginal women and girls living in a number of northern Saskatchewan communities. By involving women, men, youth and elders the project will examine the current issues of domestic violence in the La Loche and Clearwater Dene Nation and lead to a community action plan to address violence faced by aboriginal women and girls. It is examining the existing situation and causes of domestic violence in these communities. Focus groups and other consultations with partners will be used to develop and implement a community action plan that addresses violence faced by aboriginal women and girls so that we may one day end such violence.

We have also provided support to the Nova Scotia Native Women's Association in Truro and the Newfoundland Aboriginal Women's Network in Stephenville.

Through Status of Women programs, we are funding projects in communities throughout Canada that focus on ending violence against women and girls, especially those in remote and aboriginal communities, improving the economic security and prosperity of women and girls, and encouraging them in leadership and decision-making roles.

Through these funds we are supporting projects such as Corporation Wapikoni Mobile, which is raising awareness of violence in remote aboriginal communities among young girls in Quebec. This project will help teenage girls in remote regions of Quebec, Côte-Nord, Abitibi and Mauricie. This program will help these girls raise awareness of violence as they grow into adulthood. Each session will target 20 girls and help raise awareness about violence against women and how to address and prevent it. These girls will grow to become a key part of their community's local support network for victims of violence and their families.

Status of Women Canada also recently launched a call for proposals, “Working Together: Engaging communities to end violence against women and girls”. These projects will address violence against women and girls, and more specifically, violence against aboriginal women and girls. These projects help promote equality for women and girls, and reduce violence against women and girls in Canada. Two key areas of this call were high-risk communities as well as engaging men and boys in preventing violence, which is something Status of Women is addressing directly for the very first time.

In all of these actions by our government, we are maintaining a clear focus on eliminating violence against women and girls, including violence against aboriginal women and girls. We do so not just because it is the right thing to do, but because it is part of our broader commitment to achieving equality between women and men in Canada.

Speaking to women's issues in general, our government has taken significant steps to improve the economic security of women, which is an action that helps improve the lives of women in general. Over the past seven years, our Conservative government has taken significant action to help and empower women throughout Canada. We started by showing support for working women with the introduction of the universal child care benefit, which helps parents balance work and family life through direct financial support for child care. More recently, we have taken action to allow self-employed Canadians to gain access to maternity benefits and to improve access for military families to employment insurance, parental and sick benefits.

I am proud that our government has increased funding for women's programs here in Canada to its highest level ever, more than any other government. These include programs that help aboriginal women and children—

[The Acting Speaker, Conservative, Barry Devolin]

I hate to interrupt the parliamentary secretary, but the time for this portion of government orders has expired. The hon. parliamentary secretary will have 13 minutes remaining when this matter returns before the chamber.

Medal of Bravery

[Gord Brown, Conservative, Leeds—Grenville, ON]

Mr. Speaker, in late July 2010, Drew Bertrend was resting on his couch in Brockville, Ontario, in my riding of Leeds—Grenville, when a neighbour pounded on his door and said there were three boys in trouble on the St. Lawrence River. Their canoe had flipped. Calling on his military rescue training, Drew ran down a nearby dock and swam out to help them. The eldest, an 18-year-old, was able to get himself to shore while Drew physically hauled the others, a 16-year-old and a panicked 13-year-old, to safety. Although he had heard horror stories of people being drowned while trying to rescue others, Drew pushed his own fear aside as he pulled the struggling youngsters to safety.

Last Friday, for his heroic efforts Drew received the Medal of Bravery from the Governor General at a ceremony at Rideau Hall. Last weekend, I had the pleasure to attend an event held in his honour in Brockville. On behalf of all Canadians, I wish to acknowledge and congratulate Drew Bertrend for his selfless act that saved the lives of two others.

The Environment

[Nathan Cullen, NDP, Skeena—Bulkley Valley, BC]

Mr. Speaker, recently I had the opportunity and privilege to both witness and speak at a celebration in Kitsumkalum, B.C., of people gathered together to honour the efforts of all northwesterners to stop a very bad idea.

When Shell first proposed to drill and frack for gas at the headwaters of the Stikine, the Skeena and the Nass Rivers, we had two choices: we could stand idly by or we could stand up. Stand up, we did. Community to community, first nations and non-first nations, environmental groups, hunters, fishermen and average everyday ordinary people stood together to say that we will defend what must be defended.

The Conservative government, from time to time, has taken to bullying and harassing those who happen to disagree with its view of the world, and there is a better answer to this. I offer to the Conservatives that there can be no progress without dialogue. When they include people in the conversation rather than shutting them out, people will unite. There is no greater value, as Canadians, than to stand up as citizens, shoulder to shoulder, and defend what must be defended.

Gang Violence

[Nina Grewal, Conservative, Fleetwood—Port Kells, BC]

Mr. Speaker, my constituents and the people of B.C.'s Lower Mainland are deeply concerned about the growth of gangs and the number of young people who are murdered and become victims of their crimes. It is our collective duty to raise the question of how we can best protect our citizens. While crime continues to decline across the nation, in part because of this government's strong criminal justice program, people still live in fear of gang violence or of their children being lured into the activities of gangs.

We must work to address this issue, and we must work with educators, police and community leaders and families to create a culture that does not take gang crime lying down. We must ensure that gangsters and criminals are brought to justice, not gunned down in execution-style killings by rival gangs. We must ensure that our children never go down that path. As parliamentarians, we have waited too long to act. One youth killed is far too many.

St. Aubyn Rodney

[Judy Sgro, Liberal, York West, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to tell the tragic story of two young lives: one lost and one shattered. Earlier this week, the people of Toronto's Jane and Finch neighbourhood, my neighbourhood, were rocked when St. Aubyn Rodney, a 15-year-old who was known to his friends as “Tubby”, was fatally shot in a community housing building. Following the shooting, police charged a 17-year-old with manslaughter for his role in the terrible accident.

Last night, area residents held a candlelight vigil to remind the family that we stand together as a community. Their loss is the community's loss. We all share in mourning for Tubby and for all young people caught up in the violence on our streets. Today, the community mourns the loss of young potential, two lives destroyed by events that could have been prevented.

I know that every member of the House joins with me in offering our deepest condolences to Tubby's family and friends. Today, we stand in solidarity with those who have lost so much in the wake of violence in our country, and I truly hope we can work together to prevent this kind of tragedy from happening again.

Howard Cameron

[Rob Clarke, Conservative, Desnethé—Missinippi—Churchill River, SK]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a very special Canadian, Mr. Howard Cameron. Mr. Cameron sadly passed away at 7:15 a.m. on February 12, but his legacy will continue to live on. I wish to extend my sincerest condolences to Mr. Cameron's family. My thoughts and prayers are with them at this time.

Mr. Cameron was a member of the Beardy’s & Okemasis First Nation in Saskatchewan. He proudly served in the RCMP and sat on two national RCMP advisory boards for two years. He is the father of Robin Cameron, an RCMP officer who was shot on July 7, 2006, in Spiritwood, Saskatchewan. They both honourably served our great nation and we owe them our deepest gratitude.

Guided in part by his profound sense of spirituality, Mr. Cameron devoted his life to enhancing the lives of first nation children and youth in Canada, and was recognized with the Centennial Award of Merit from the Province of Saskatchewan in 2005. First nations and all Canadians are better off because of Mr. Cameron's enduring legacy. He will be sadly missed.

Quebec City Homeless Shelter

[Annick Papillon, NDP, Québec, QC]

Mr. Speaker, 30 years ago today, La Maison de Lauberivière opened its doors and began helping people in need.

Located in Quebec City's lower town, this shelter welcomes men and women who have nowhere else to turn during difficult times, and provides them with some comfort.

The shelter's mission has evolved over the years in order to adapt to the needs of its clients. Today it offers many services including a shelter, a soup kitchen, drop-in centres, social reintegration, education, detox, and help to become financially independent.

I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the religious communities and the archdiocese of Quebec City for supporting this organization from the very beginning.

Thank you to its donors and the many volunteers for their support and their dedication to this cause. I wish to sincerely thank the executive director, Éric Boulay, and his entire team who open their hearts every morning when they open the shelter's doors.

On this Valentine's Day, I thank you for this 30-year-old love story in Quebec City.

Renfrew South District Women's Institute

[Cheryl Gallant, Conservative, Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke, ON]

Mr. Speaker, celebrating their 100th anniversary are the members of Renfrew South District Women's Institute, with branches in Burnstown, Horton, Castleford, Calabogie, Glasgow, Lockwinnoch and White Lake. Members of these seven branches actively work together for family, home, community and country.

The objective of the first Women's Institute branch, formed February 19, 1897, was to improve women's skills in the art of homemaking and child care. Through high-quality education and support programs and services, Federated Women's Institutes of Ontario's original focus expanded to include personal growth opportunities, government lobbying and health and community wellness initiatives.

I am pleased to recognize this year's anniversary executive: Margie MacKenzie, Irene Robillard, Joanne McDonald, Jo-Anne Camelon, Ellen Martin, Jane Flain, Sara MacKenzie, Lynn Clelland, Marlene Schaly, Lillian Collins and Anita Schubrink. Congratulations to the Renfrew South Districts Women's Institute for its century of service.

Tibet

[David Sweet, Conservative, Ancaster—Dundas—Flamborough—Westdale, ON]

Mr. Speaker, the Canadian-Tibetan community celebrated the 100th anniversary of the proclamation of Tibetan independence yesterday. This recognized a key moment in Tibetan history. In 1913, the 13th Dalai Lama re-declared Tibet's sovereignty after the fall of the Manchu empire. He successfully maintained the sovereignty of the nation until the Chinese invasion of 1949-1950.

Notwithstanding this centennial anniversary, Tibetans today live under such oppressive conditions that so threaten their culture, environment, religious freedom and human rights that we have seen, shockingly, over 100 Tibetans lighting themselves on fire in protest. We call on the leaders of China to meet in earnest with the leaders of the Tibetan government in exile to discuss the Dalai Lama's third way for human rights and democratic, regional, cultural and environmental autonomy for Tibetans within China.

Shark Finning

[Murray Rankin, NDP, Victoria, BC]

Mr. Speaker, an estimated 73 million sharks are killed each year for their fins, often by a brutal practice called shark finning. Fins are removed and the bodies dumped into the ocean, causing a rapid decline in shark populations and serious impacts on our marine ecosystems.

My colleague, the NDP deputy fisheries and oceans critic, has provided remarkable leadership on this issue by introducing Bill C-380, a law that would stop the import of shark fins into Canada once and for all.

People across Canada have been working incredibly hard in support of this bill. Groups like Fin Free Victoria, a group that includes students from Glenlyon Northfolk School, and other schools in my riding, have been a real force for change, campaigning online and in the community. Let us listen to their voices. I am urging every member of the House to do the right thing and vote for the bill and stop the barbaric import of shark fins.

Winnipeg Police Chief

[Joyce Bateman, Conservative, Winnipeg South Centre, MB]

Mr. Speaker, Black History Month this year is recognizing past and present achievements of black Canadians in law enforcement. That is why I am proud to commend the work of Winnipeg Police Chief Devon Clunis.

Born in Jamaica, he served with the Winnipeg Police Service for 25 years before being sworn in as Canada's first black police chief in November 2012.

Since his appointment, Chief Clunis has been working closely with community groups in Winnipeg in order to keep our streets safe.

He is a source of inspiration for our young people. His pride in our country and his dedicated service are great examples for all Canadians to follow.

On behalf of our government, I want to thank Chief Clunis and commend him for his exemplary service to Winnipeggers and Canadians. He helps keep our streets and communities safe.

Aboriginal Affairs

[Charlie Angus, NDP, Timmins—James Bay, ON]

Mr. Speaker, today is Valentine's Day, and hundreds of young people marched on Parliament Hill calling on the government to have a heart for first nations children. These young leaders are carrying on the work of civil rights activist Shannen Koostachin. Shannen had a dream that every child in this country was entitled to a safe and comfy school that would give them hope and pride, but these basic rights have been systematically denied children on reserve.

We are coming now to the third anniversary of the tragic death of young Shannen and the one-year anniversary since the House unanimously voted for the Shannen's Dream motion to ensure equality for first nations children. Rather than coming through with this promise, the government is spending millions in the courts to try to stop basic rights for first nations children. Thankfully, the children are carrying on the spirit of Shannen. Through them, we will realize the meaning of the treaties, and we will realize the value of equality for all children in this country.

March to the Top

[Erin O'Toole, Conservative, Durham, ON]

Mr. Speaker, it was my honour last night to attend the world premier of the documentary March to the Top, a film that documents the personal stories of service and sacrifice of 12 injured Canadian veterans as they form an expedition team to climb the gruelling 20,305-foot summit of Island Peak, a mountain south of Mount Everest. Despite serious physical and emotional challenges, these veterans served one more mission for Canada, a mission to inspire other wounded veterans and a mission that reminds all of us that the values of courage, duty and valour are not confined to the battlefield.

I want to salute these outstanding Canadians: Roseanna Mandy, Matthew Nilson, Chris Drewes, David MacDonald, Michelle Hickey, Brian Hyland, Neal Carman, Craig Tourangeau, Corey Hatt, Peter Burcew, François Dupéré, and Carl Keenan. I also want to thank the True Patriot Love Foundation: team leader, Ray Joseph, expedition leader, Ben Webster and also Bruce Cowley for seeing the value of this inspiring Canadian story. All Canadians should watch March to the Top on CBC-TV on Monday, February 18.

Black History Month

[Irwin Cotler, Liberal, Mount Royal, QC]

Mr. Speaker, Black History Month engages us in a celebration of our rich African-Canadian heritage and history, including Mathieu Da Costa, who accompanied Samuel de Champlain in the 16th century; Dr. Anderson Ruffin Abbott, Canada's first black licensed surgeon, who stood vigil at the deathbed of Abraham Lincoln; my own childhood hero, the legendary Jackie Robinson, the first ball player to break the colour line with the Montreal Royals before joining the Brooklyn Dodgers; my fellow Quebecker, pianist Oscar Peterson and the Right Hon. Michaëlle Jean, let alone all those black Canadians whose struggles and successes have helped build community and country.

In Quebec, the theme of this year's festivities is “Now is the Time”.

This call to action urges us to honour our Afro-Canadian history by building vibrant, prosperous communities that stick together, and to develop even stronger ties among the various communities that make Canada such a diverse country, and proud to be so.

Taxation

[Kelly Block, Conservative, Saskatoon—Rosetown—Biggar, SK]

Mr. Speaker, one of the core values in Canadian society is freedom. Freedom of speech, religion and association are examples of pillars that this country rests on, pillars that Canadians are proud to defend and stand up for.

Another of such freedoms is economic freedom, which is the right, as hard-working Canadians, to choose how, when and where their income is spent. This government knows that Canadians know best where their money is spent. How do we maximize this kind of freedom? The answer is simple: low taxes. By keeping taxes low, as this government has and will continue to do, all Canadians, including families and seniors, will have a greater degree of freedom.

However, the NDP members are patently against this kind of economic freedom. They have proposed both a new $20-billion carbon tax and an increase in GST. They think they know better than Canadians where they should spend their money.

[Wayne Marston, NDP, Hamilton East—Stoney Creek, ON]

Mr. Speaker, in just three short years, Senator Pamela Wallin has claimed well over $300,000 for “other travel”. According to one senior Conservative senator, this spending is very unusual.

Let us put the spending of these tax dollars into perspective. This could have paid for one year of old age security for 57 seniors. It took the combined taxes of 28 hard-working Canadian families to pay for this person's “other travel”. Think about it: Every single dime in taxes for 28 Canadian families just to cover this senator's “other travel”.

Instead of hanging their heads in shame, Conservatives have defended it. The good news for Canadians is that the New Democrats are here fighting for them. While Conservatives choose to defend their unelected and unaccountable senators, the NDP is proudly defending Canadian taxpayers.

The New Democratic Party of Canada

[Stella Ambler, Conservative, Mississauga South, ON]

Mr. Speaker, love is in the air. Today thousands of Canadian couples will celebrate their love. They will take the time to tell one another how special the love they share truly is.

Sadly, Canadians must be made aware that the proposed $20-billion job-killing carbon tax the NDP wants to impose on Canadians would increase the price of dining at a restaurant. It would increase the price of cards, flowers and chocolates. It would even increase the price of a flight to Paris, the city of love. The NDP's dangerous and reckless $20-billion carbon tax would tax love.

We understand that the Leader of the Opposition loves the idea of imposing a job-killing carbon tax on Canadians. However, we think that Canadians will end up breaking his heart.

Ethics

[Thomas Mulcair, NDP, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, the instances of abuse by Conservative senators are going from bad to worse.

Yesterday, the Prime Minister defended the exorbitant expenses claimed by Conservative Senator Pamela Wallin.

Today, we learned that Senator Wallin was spending taxpayer money at an even more alarming rate than we ever imagined: more than $350,000 in 27 months—or $13,000 a month—in travel expenses alone.

Will the Prime Minister continue to support these abuses, or will he finally demand accountability from his senators?

[Stephen Harper, Conservative, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, as I said yesterday, the senator's travel expenses are identical to the amounts spent by other parliamentarians.

Just to give an example of that, for instance, over the past three years the average amount spent on travel to and from provinces by western members of the New Democratic Party has been $350,000. These are the costs that parliamentarians incur when they travel back and forth from Ottawa to their provinces. That is what the senator has done. Of course, all senators and members are committed to ensuring that these expenses are appropriate.

[Thomas Mulcair, NDP, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, $13,000 a month in travel expenses even when the Senate is not sitting is certainly not comparable to other senators.

Conservative Senator Pamela Wallin has spent more money on travel outside her supposed home province than any other senator. Even the Conservative committee chairman charged with investigating corruption in the Senate has questioned her travel expenses, calling them very unusual. In fact, maybe Pamela Wallin is just a typical Conservative senator after all: unelected, unaccountable and under investigation.

Will the Prime Minister continue to defend this blatant abuse of public funds or stand up for taxpayers?

[Stephen Harper, Conservative, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, once again, the senator spends almost half of her time in the province she represents in the upper house. Her travel costs on Senate business are, in fact, comparable to others'. The senator and all other senators and members of the House are fully prepared and committed to have an examination of expenses to ensure that they are appropriate. That is the commitment the government has made in both chambers, a commitment we will keep.

Aboriginal Affairs

[Thomas Mulcair, NDP, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, a year ago the Prime Minister voted for an NDP motion to close the funding gap for first nation schools. A year later, first nation schools are still receiving nearly one-third less funding than other Canadian schools, yet another broken promise by the Prime Minister.

The idea that in Canada one group of children would be singled out and denied an equal opportunity in life is a moral outrage. He promised to close the gap, not just narrow it. When is the Prime Minister going to keep his promise?

[Stephen Harper, Conservative, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, I simply do not accept the numbers that the leader of the NDP is throwing around. This government is committed to ensuring that aboriginal children have full access and full opportunities for education as other children do. That is why we have made substantial investments, which, by the way, the NDP has consistently voted against. That is why we have made substantial investments in aboriginal communities and why we are consulting right now on legislation to improve aboriginal education across this country.

I would urge the NDP, if it is serious about these matters, to actually get on board and start working for these investments.