Debates of March 19th, 2013

International Day of La Francophonie

[Charmaine Borg, NDP, Terrebonne—Blainville, QC]

Mr. Speaker, tomorrow millions of Canadians will celebrate the International Day of La Francophonie together.

A language is more than just its vocabulary. It is a way of expressing our culture, our values, our traditions, our heritage and who we are.

A language is also a catalyst for social change. Some of the well-known battles that have marked the history of this country were fought specifically to defend the French language, which shapes the identity of so many Canadians.

Whether the battles took place in the 18th century or very recently, whether they took place in Quebec, Acadia or Saint Boniface, whether in our parliamentary institutions or on our streets, I believe it is our duty, as MPs, to reiterate the importance of protecting and promoting this founding culture of Canada.

I wish all Quebeckers, Canadians and francophiles a wonderful International Day of La Francophonie. Let us be proud of our French-Canadian culture.

The Environment

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

Mr. Speaker, our government is proud of its environmental record with regard to energy in Canada.

Rather than be distracted by carbon taxes or carbon levies, we moved to directly reduce emissions through an approach that deals with each sector of the industry. We have clearly laid out much tougher emissions standards for vehicles. We have established strict regulations for coal-fired plants. We are now in the midst of bringing forward standards for the oil and gas sector. These all require industry to meet identifiable goals.

Our sector-by-sector approach is not like a carbon levy, which allows industry to avoid responsibility. It is not at all similar to a carbon tax, which would bury regular taxpayers under a load of taxation and government expansion.

What we have done is in the best interests of Canadians. We have protected the environment at the same time as we have encouraged economic growth. We have given clear direction to Canadians and to the energy industry that we are serious about dealing with the important environmental issues but that we will not interfere with responsible and sustainable resource development.

Election of Pope

[Frank Valeriote, Liberal, Guelph, ON]

Mr. Speaker, last week many Canadians, not just Roman Catholics, watched with rapt attention as cardinals took up their places under the watchful eye of Michelangelo's ceiling and waited for the smoke to change from black to white.

After great anticipation, the announcement went out, Habemus Papam, and we learned that Jorge Cardinal Bergoglio, the Jesuit Archbishop of Buenos Aires, was chosen and will serve as Pope Francis, an acknowledgement of the important influence of St. Francis of Assisi and an indication that Pope Francis will serve Roman Catholics around the world as an instrument of God's peace.

Pope Francis, a humble man who has eschewed many of the grander signs of office, has made it clear that his greatest power will be to serve the most vulnerable. His call to servant leadership in assisting the less fortunate and stewardship of our environment will be a call to action in the coming years for all across the globe.

Together with Roman Catholics across the country and members of this place, I congratulate Pope Francis on his new calling and pray for his reign as the vicar of Christ.

Senior Citizen Volunteers

[Kevin Sorenson, Conservative, Crowfoot, AB]

Mr. Speaker, I rise to salute the senior citizens in my riding of Crowfoot. In small towns, villages and rural regions in our large riding, there are senior citizens volunteering their services to their local communities.

As a member of Parliament, I have met with many of these seniors' organizations over the years. They are always appreciative of a helping hand from our federal government's new horizons for seniors program.

In Strathmore, Camrose, Standard, Oyen, Halkirk and many other districts, senior citizen organizations have earned a reputation of service to their fellow seniors and their communities. They organize social events, and in some locations, they operate and maintain local facilities where everyone is welcome. They have fitness programs, mentoring services and workshops to learn about everything from home computers to documenting life stories and history.

In Crowfoot, we are proud of the work of our seniors, and we count on them. I congratulate them and thank them for all the help they provide our local communities.

Jeannette Pilot

[Jonathan Genest-Jourdain, NDP, Manicouagan, QC]

Mr. Speaker, today I would like to bring to your attention the efforts of one of my constituents, Jeannette Pilot, an Innu woman from Uashat-Maliotenam, who has been on a hunger strike for over 75 days and who, just recently, decided to stop drinking fluids to protest the plight of First Nations peoples.

In a letter written last week, Ms. Pilot said:

I oppose the Harper government's Bills C-38 and C-45. This legislation and all others that impact the aboriginal peoples of Quebec were passed without consulting the peoples concerned and are a continuation of colonial measures that have been in place for too long.

Ms. Pilot has lost 43 pounds so far, and she has said that she is prepared to see it through to the end.

It is disgusting that in this country, in 2013, people have to go to extremes to be heard by those in power. She is the voice of despair for a people who, for over 400 years, has experienced a particularly appalling form of apartheid.

I sincerely hope that this government will have enough integrity to consider the grievances of my constituent as soon as possible. Otherwise, it will have to bear the blame for the death of a woman who is determined to save what is left of our identity.

Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal

[Brian Storseth, Conservative, Westlock—St. Paul, AB]

Mr. Speaker, as we commemorate and award the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medals to citizens across Canada, I would like to bring to light a few of the honoured individuals from my riding who share Her Majesty's ideals and devotion to service.

Ms. Dorine Kuzma is a lifelong volunteer and one of the founders of the St. Paul and District Ukrainian Dance Club and the St. Paul 4H Light Horse Club. Mr. Ajaz Quraishi is the ambassador of Cold Lake who considers volunteering a full-time job with organizations such as United Way, the Cold Lake Victim Services Society and the Cold Lake Islamic Society, to name a few. Mr. Jack Dennett is a dedicated member of the Redwater Agricultural Society and a town councillor since 1971. Mrs. Margaret Modin is a passionate advocate of seniors, health care and everything else that goes on in Elk Point. Mr. Robert Wayne Willis is a military veteran who was awarded the Royal Canadian Legion's branch service medal for more than 35 years of volunteerism.

I ask all members of the House to join me in congratulating all of the exceptional citizens who have received this award and have done so much for our communities and our country.

Ukraine

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

Mr. Speaker, politically motivated attacks against Ukraine's opposition have escalated. Human rights, democracy and freedom continue to erode for all Ukrainians. In an unprecedented attack on democracy, a Ukrainian court has stripped parliamentarian Serhiy Vlasenko of his seat for offering legal counsel to imprisoned former prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko and has banned him from travelling outside Ukraine.

This latest show trial is part of a series of politically motivated attacks against Tymoshenko and the opposition. Make no mistake; this biased court ruling was made under pressure from President Yanukovych, who wants to crush the opposition and deprive Tymoshenko of legal defence and due process.

Our friends in Ukraine must realize that the path of prosperity lies in promoting the values of freedom and democracy and respecting the rule of law and human rights, not hindering them.

In Ukraine and around the world, democratic voices know that our government is an unwavering ally in the defence of freedom, democracy and human rights.

Support for Injured Constituent

[Peggy Nash, NDP, Parkdale—High Park, ON]

Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy but hopeful heart that I rise today to share a message of support for Irene Atkinson, friend, neighbour and Toronto District School Board trustee for Parkdale—High Park.

Our community was devastated to learn that Irene had been seriously injured in a fire at her home on Saturday, March 16. The outpouring of support for Irene from all parts of our city and beyond is a testament to her tireless work as a trustee for more than 40 years.

Irene was a leader in transforming a desolate stretch of land into what is now Sorauren Park, used by thousands in our neighbourhood. As a trustee and activist, Irene has fought to keep community pools open, to address overcrowding in our schools and to advocate for clean electric trains, working closely with all levels of government to get results.

I was honoured to recognize Irene's passionate work for our community by awarding her a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal on January 20.

I urge Irene to keep on fighting. Our thoughts are with her and her family.

Korean War

[Blaine Calkins, Conservative, Wetaskiwin, AB]

Mr. Speaker, 2013 is an important year for Canadian veterans. This year, we celebrate and remember the heroic military contributions and triumphs by our Canadian armed forces during the Korean War.

Some 60 years ago, our Canadian armed forces were among the first to respond and the last to leave, and Canadians could not be more proud. To mark this important milestone, I have sponsored Senator Martin's bill, Bill S-213, which would mark July 27 as Korean War veterans day here in Canada.

The sacrifice made by Canadian troops on the hills of Korea will never be forgotten. Some 27,000 Canadians served in the Korean War, and 516 Canadians did not return. They made the ultimate sacrifice to help protect the freedoms of the Korean people. Many lie buried in Korean soil, and it is our duty as Canadians to honour and remember them.

I call on all members in this place to support this bill, pass it quickly through this House and thank Canadian Korean War veterans for their service.

Founding of Saguenay—Lac-Saint-Jean

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

Mr. Speaker, on June 11, 1838, 14 settlers from the Société des Vingt-et-un arrived in La Baie to lay the foundations of what would later become Saguenay—Lac-Saint-Jean. Now, 175 years later, the region is celebrating its founding and commemorating all those who played a role in developing this vast area.

It is no small feat to organize activities for an entire region over the course of a full year. A team has been working hard for months to plan a whole year of extraordinary festivities for the people of Saguenay—Lac-Saint-Jean. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect different generations with our history so that we can promote our region's potential and foster its economic and social growth.

I must point out that work on Route 175 will be completed in time for the celebrations. This represents a new stage in the region's development, and it will considerably boost efforts to reverse the demographic trend that poses a serious threat to the future of Saguenay—Lac-Saint-Jean.

The NDP wishes everyone in Saguenay—Lac-Saint-Jean a happy 175th anniversary.

Child Sexual Exploitation

[Michelle Rempel, Conservative, Calgary Centre-North, AB]

Mr. Speaker, few crimes are more appalling than sexual offences against children.

That is why I highlight the strong action our government has taken to crack down on pedophiles. We have raised the age of protection from 14 to 16. We have strengthened the sex offender registry. We have brought forward serious sentences for those who prey on our children for their own sexual gratification.

Today, I thank the Saskatchewan Internet Child Exploitation Unit for the good work it does every day to keep our children safe, and particularly, I congratulate it for its efforts to stop an individual who allegedly attempted to lure an 11-year-old child through Facebook.

All my colleagues here find this type of incident beyond unacceptable. Our government places the highest priority on keeping our communities safe and will continue to take strong action to keep our children safe from these types of predators.

I call on my colleagues in this House to support us in these vital safety measures.

Brain Awareness Month

[Kirsty Duncan, Liberal, Etobicoke North, ON]

Mr. Speaker, March is national Brain Awareness Month, the time to advocate for a national brain strategy.

Neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy and fetal alcohol syndrome disorder affect children for life.

I have worked with children with these challenges my whole life, and their families often struggle to get needed therapy and fight tooth and nail for the help they need. We must ensure every child is able to develop to his or her full potential.

The national population health study of neurological conditions will end in March 2013. My appeal is for a joint meeting of federal, provincial and territorial ministers of health to help support the development of a framework, working with stakeholders across the country toward a pan-Canadian action plan for the brain, to support the needs of individuals impacted by neurological conditions across their lifespan, and their families.

Leader of the New Democratic Party of Canada

[Earl Dreeshen, Conservative, Red Deer, AB]

Mr. Speaker, last week the NDP leader travelled to Washington D.C. and attacked Canadian jobs and Canada's national interests.

Tens of thousands of workers on both sides of the border are counting on the Keystone XL project for jobs and economic growth. Premiers, union leaders and even members of the NDP support this project because of the jobs it would create for Canadians.

That did not stop the NDP leader from pandering to the extremists in his caucus and advocating against this project. The NDP leader embarrassed himself and attacked our country on the world stage.

The antics from the NDP leader this week are more proof that Canadians cannot afford the risky economic theories of the NDP.

[Ève Péclet, NDP, La Pointe-de-l'Île, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives are pretty trigger-happy when it comes to ridiculous attacks.

Our leader went to Washington to talk about our joint priorities with politicians and influential business people.

It took no time at all for the Conservatives to start frothing at the mouth. Then things went from bad to worse. They accused the NDP leader, a great Canadian, of every possible evil.

However, they have a short memory on the other side of the House. Ten years ago, their leader criticized Canada's position on the war in Iraq. That is not very loyal.

The leader of the Canadian Alliance told anyone who would listen that Ottawa absolutely had to invade Iraq.

He was not talking about jobs or the economy in Washington. He was not talking about the environment, security or peace. No, he criticized Canada for not joining the war in Iraq.

When we go abroad, it is to defend our jobs, to talk about the economy and to protect our environment, not to promote conspiracy theories about non-existent weapons of mass destruction.

That is the choice Canadians will have in 2015.

The Economy

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

Mr. Speaker, while our government is working for Canadian families, the Leader of the Opposition is planning to impose a $20 billion job-killing carbon tax on Canadians. Such a tax would increase the price of food, gas, electricity, everything for Canadian families.

Thankfully, Canadians elected our Conservative government, which is focused on jobs and economic growth. In fact, our government has cut taxes over 140 times, putting an average of $3,100 back in the pockets of Canadian families.

And it does not stop there. Canada has the strongest first-quarter economic growth in the G7.

The OECD is projecting Canada to lead the G7 in economic growth over the next 50 years. While the NDP is focused on imposing a job-killing carbon tax that would ruin our economy, our government will continue to work for Canadian families to ensure the long-term prosperity of our country.

Canada Revenue Agency

[Thomas Mulcair, NDP, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Finance has failed to reassure Canadians that the government is doing everything it can to crack down on tax havens. He even refused to allow the Parliamentary Budget Officer, Kevin Page, to study the issue. However, now that the Canada Revenue Agency has revealed that it has identified over 8,000 offshore tax cheats, the Conservatives seem to be singing a different tune.

If the Conservatives have finally listened to the NDP's calls to crack down on offshore tax havens, will this week's budget give the Canada Revenue Agency the resources to actually do the job?

[Stephen Harper, Conservative, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, the government has taken several steps on that particular file, which the NDP has opposed every step of the way.

I am rather surprised to be getting a question like this on the economy from the leader of the opposition after he travelled to Washington to fight against Canadian jobs. The NDP can oppose Canadian jobs, but on this side we are for Canadians.

[Thomas Mulcair, NDP, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, his project includes the export of 40,000 Canadian value-added jobs. We will keep standing up for Canada.

Supposedly the Minister of Finance has finally decided to crack down on tax havens. What a charade.

According to the estimates tabled recently in the House, the Canada Revenue Agency's budget will be cut by close to $100 million.

Can the Prime Minister tell us how the Canada Revenue Agency is supposed to do more work with fewer resources?

[Stephen Harper, Conservative, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, we have shut down tax havens used by companies on a number of occasions. In any case, the NDP is opposed to this initiative.

It is very interesting. If the leader of the NDP were so proud of the position he had taken, I wonder why we had to find out what he really said from leaks out of private meetings.

The fact is, when we go to Washington or around the world, we promote Canadian jobs and we do it upfront and in the open.

The Budget

[Thomas Mulcair, NDP, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, with the Conservatives, it is one step forward and two steps back.

The Minister of Finance relaxed the mortgage rules and then backtracked. He committed to balancing his budget by 2015 but then he backtracked. He made the provinces responsible for job training and then, without any consultation, he backtracked.

How much is this so-called financial genius's bureaucratic indecision going to cost Canadian taxpayers this time?

[Stephen Harper, Conservative, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, rather than speculate, the leader of the NDP should wait for the budget to be tabled. I am sure that it will be an excellent budget, which is the norm for the Minister of Finance.

Once again, this is a serious issue. We have created 950,000 jobs in Canada. What we understand in our country on this side of the House and what the leader of the NDP fails to understand is that trade with the United States is critical to creating jobs on both sides of the border. That is why we are for NAFTA, for trade and for job creation on this side of the House, unlike the NDP.

The Economy

[Thomas Mulcair, NDP, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, adding jobs by creating a sustainable economy is the future of our country. If we do not learn how to add value to our natural resources here instead of shipping our jobs to the U.S., we will not get out of the mess they have created. There are 300,000 more unemployed today than when the crisis hit in 2008. That is a fact.

Yesterday, Peter Penashue resigned. When did the Prime Minister find out—

[The Speaker, Conservative, Andrew Scheer]

The leader of the opposition did run out of time.

The right hon. Prime Minister.

[Stephen Harper, Conservative, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, the manufacturers and exporters of our country say that the tax policies of the NDP alone would kill 200,000 jobs in that sector. The leader of the NDP's view that our resource sectors are a disease upon the economy would kill millions more.

We have 950,000 new jobs created since the end of the recession. It is one of the best records in the world, and Canadians will never sacrifice that to the extremism and ideology of the NDP.

Ethics

[Thomas Mulcair, NDP, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, Peter Penashue has finally resigned after breaking the law. The Prime Minister has to answer a simple question. If Penashue did nothing wrong, why did he resign? If he did something wrong, why is the Prime Minister allowing him to run again?

Elections Canada has not even finished its investigation into Mr. Penashue's last campaign and the Prime Minister's office, using taxpayer money, has already started the next one.

Will the Prime Minister commit right now to allow Elections Canada to conclude its investigation before calling the byelection in Labrador, or is it that he is afraid of what illegal activities might come to light?