Debates of April 17th, 2013

[The Speaker, Conservative, Andrew Scheer]

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

[Members sang the national anthem]

Treble Victor

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

Mr. Speaker, the military theorist Clausewitz once said, “If the...leader is filled with high ambition and if he pursues his aims with audacity and strength of will, he will reach them in spite of all obstacles”.

On April 11, I had the honour of attending a dinner with such leaders. I joined Treble Victor at its Highland Mess Dinner, which was graciously hosted by our friends at the 48th Highlanders of Canada. Treble Victor is a volunteer network of Canadian and allied veterans who have served their country with distinction and transitioned into successful careers in the private sector. The men and women of Treble Victor continue to serve our country and their comrades-in-arms. They have raised funds for military families, wounded veterans and other charities.

Most importantly, Treble Victor members have helped Canadian Forces members transition out of uniform. They have also educated corporate Canada on the tremendous value of hiring veterans.

I salute the men and women of Treble Victor for their continued audacity and strength of will, as they help our Canadian Forces, support our veterans and build a strong Canada.

Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly

[Alexandrine Latendresse, NDP, Louis-Saint-Laurent, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I was shocked to learn that yesterday MHA Gerry Rogers was expelled from the House of Assembly of Newfoundland and Labrador over things she did not do and words she did not say on social media.

The Speaker made this ruling despite the fact that this MHA was added to a social media group by another user and the associated conduct was that of other members of that group.

As a young politician, I find this very troubling. This is exactly the kind of situation that keeps young people away from politics. For my generation, cynicism is simply skyrocketing when it comes to politics.

How can people expect young people to engage when the very tools we are encouraged to use are misunderstood? This is simply unacceptable. This kind of conduct belongs to another time and another place.

That is why I am proud to be a member of the NDP, the only party that stands in solidarity with my generation; the only party that understands the importance of social media in democratic engagement; the only party that gives a voice to young Canadians; and the only party that gives us a real place in Parliament.

Student Unions

[Randy Hoback, Conservative, Prince Albert, SK]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the University of Regina Students' Union for ending its involvement in the anti-Semitic boycott, divestment and sanctions movement against the State of Israel.

The U of R Students' Union is now out of the anti-Semitism business, and most promising, the movement to end anti-Semitism funding in Canadian universities is growing.

One day after the U of R decision, the University of Manitoba Students' Union also voted to prohibit Students Against Israeli Apartheid from receiving funds or using its facilities.

The State of Israel, like any western democracy, is not perfect, but to label it an apartheid state is just wrong.

I therefore congratulate both student unions for recognizing what the State of Israel is, a multi-party liberal democracy.

Frank Borland

[Scott Simms, Liberal, Bonavista—Gander—Grand Falls—Windsor, NL]

Mr. Speaker, on January 18, the community of Bishop's Falls, our province and our country, lost a community leader, devout family man and a war hero.

Frank “Jiggs” Borland was born in Pennsylvania in 1925 and moved early to Toronto. He lied about his age to join the Canadian Army, and at age 16 he went overseas to fight in the war, mainly in France. Jiggs was involved with the liberation of many concentration camps, as well as the liberation of Dieppe.

In 2005, Jiggs received a letter from French President Jacques Chirac stating he had been chosen to receive the Legion of Honour medal, which is one of France's highest awards.

In his early fifties, Jiggs moved to Bishop's Falls, where he settled and operated a farm just outside the town. He was a member of the rural development association, the agriculture board, a long-time member of the Lions Club and deputy governor. He was instrumental in the construction of the Lion Max Simms Memorial Camp.

Recently, I had the honour of presenting Jiggs with the Queen's Diamond Jubilee medal. He passed away shortly after that.

Jiggs Borland: a great hero and a true friend to us all.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada

[Joe Daniel, Conservative, Don Valley East, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to the attention of all members of this House, and all Canadians, the great work being done by Big Brothers and Big Sisters Canada in their centennial year.

This organization's mission statement is that they commit to Canada's young people that they will be leaders in providing them with the highest quality volunteer-based mentoring programs. Currently it is providing mentorship to over 36,000 young Canadians, some of whom live in my riding of Don Valley East.

This organization helps many young people live up to their full potential. It tries to make a difference for youth of Canada as it provides programs in and out of school and helps our young and vulnerable stay in school and get an education. I am happy to say that this year is its centenary.

I have personally been fortunate to have been a Big Brother myself, to Gordon Douglas Fraser, and have been delighted to see him grow up into a successful member of our society. His experience has opened my eyes to the need for enhanced support for our young people in Canada, and I can say this has enriched my life.

I urge all members of this House to learn more about Big Brothers and Big Sisters Canada, and to take time out of their busy lives to meet with them.

Employment Insurance

[Marc-André Morin, NDP, Laurentides—Labelle, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the past couple of weeks in my riding have been very busy, as my schedule has been filled with meetings, town halls and marches.

In Laurentides—Labelle, workers and employers have joined forces to challenge the employment insurance reform. The reform affects not only the unemployed. Employers are worried about losing valuable human resources that are essential to their businesses.

For instance, some entrepreneurs have equipment worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. They rely on skilled operators who return year after year to fill positions that require a lot of experience.

The Conservatives keep going on and on about job creation, but their policies are counterproductive and fly in the face of regional development initiatives.

National Volunteer Week

[Gary Schellenberger, Conservative, Perth—Wellington, ON]

Mr. Speaker, next week is National Volunteer Week and I would like to highlight that importance by honouring the 13 million volunteers of this country who have donated the valuable gifts of time and energy to improving their communities.

In my riding of Perth—Wellington, volunteers understand the importance of helping every generation. Volunteers from many non-profit organizations and retirement homes, such as One Care and Royal Palisade, deliver peace of mind and well-being to these families, caregivers and clients. Perth—Wellington volunteers from organizations like Big Brothers and Big Sisters devote hours to assist our youth with the proper mentorship and guidance so they may become the future leaders and contributors of our country.

I wish to extend my thanks and appreciation to all our volunteers for their dedication to improving our communities.

Natural Resources

[Rob Merrifield, Conservative, Yellowhead, AB]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to lay out some facts about Keystone. It is a fact that the Keystone pipeline will create thousands of badly needed jobs for Canada and America, especially while sequestration brings thousands of American vets home.

It is a fact that the U.S. state department has declared the new route of the pipeline to be environmentally sound. It is a fact that the Nebraska governor supports the pipeline. It is a fact that two thirds of all Americans support it as well. It is a fact that the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate have voted to approve Keystone.

There are over 80 pipelines that currently cross the 49th parallel. The only thing that makes Keystone special is that radical environmentalists and Hollywood have chosen to make it their cause of the day. In light of all the facts, we are encouraged and we are hopeful that the President will do the right thing and approve Keystone.

While we are talking about facts, it is a fact that when my colleagues and I go to Washington, we go to create jobs for Canadians. The scariest fact is that when the Leader of the Opposition goes to Washington, he goes to kill Canadian jobs.

Rita MacNeil

[Megan Leslie, NDP, Halifax, NS]

Mr. Speaker, I join today with Cape Bretoners, Nova Scotians and Canadians in honouring and celebrating the life of Rita MacNeil, a treasured artist and performer who passed away last night. Our thoughts are with her loved ones.

Rita will be remembered for her iconic ability to mix storytelling with music, bringing audiences with her on a journey of triumphs, heartbreaks and the struggle for justice. Her decades of music making earned her accolades. Her passion, strength and kindness won her hearts.

Rita's progressive work with women and workers was well-known and appreciated. She aptly demonstrated her quick wit and political sense, remarking in 2008, "What’s radical about equal pay for equal work?" She was a passionate and beautiful voice for us.

Rita spoke often of family and community and of breaking down barriers between people. Her lyrics from Sweet Wisdom remain powerful:

And if we could see inside each other's hearts
Would it make a difference, would we understand
Find no resistance, just love, joy and peace

I thank Rita for her wisdom and her passion. We will miss her.

[Scott Armstrong, Conservative, Cumberland—Colchester—Musquodoboit Valley, NS]

Mr. Speaker,

It's a working man I am
And I've been down under ground.
And I swear to God if I ever see the sun
Or for any length of time
I can hold it in my mind
I never again will go down under ground.

Yesterday, Canada lost of its finest musical voices, country and folk singer-songwriter Rita MacNeil.

After much hardship in her early years, her breakthrough came in 1987's crossover hit, Flying on Your Own. By 1990, she was a bestselling country artist in Canada. Through it all, Cape Breton's first lady of song remained down to earth and served as a patron for many emerging and struggling artists. A proud native of Big Pond, Cape Breton, she paid eloquent tribute to her home's cultural and industrial roots through songs like Working Man.

We all express our sincere condolences to Rita MacNeil's family, her friends and her colleagues.

Child Poverty

[Chris Charlton, NDP, Hamilton Mountain, ON]

Mr. Speaker, at a time when my home town is struggling to make Hamilton the best place to raise a child, our community's efforts are being undermined by the federal government.

A devastating report by UNICEF ranks the well-being of children in Canada at a deplorable 17th out of 29 rich countries, a score that has not budged in almost a decade. Canada scored below average on a number of criteria, including obesity and child poverty.

We know that children are not poor; it is their parents who are poor. The Conservative government is making things worse, instead of better. The Conservatives are attacking collective bargaining rights, abandoning pay equity and kicking workers off of EI unless they take a 30% pay cut. They are also taking jobs away from Canadian workers and legislating lower pay for the foreign workers who replace them.

It was in 1989 that the House unanimously adopted the NDP motion to end child poverty by the year 2000. Clearly, we still have a long way to go. Canada can and must do better.

In honour of this year's Mother's Day, let us finally make the well-being of our children a national priority.

Leader of the New Democratic Party of Canada

[Ted Opitz, Conservative, Etobicoke Centre, ON]

Mr. Speaker, Canadians and veterans were shocked when the leader of the NDP failed to retract insulting and extreme comments made by his party on the accomplishments of Canadian veterans during the First World War, which includes the Battle of Vimy Ridge.

In addition to these insults, the NDP then removed all references in its party platform to celebrating the centennial of World War I and the 75th anniversary of World War II.

The NDP leader said that his senior MP wrote those comments years ago, yet we know the member for Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie said in 2011 that he still agreed with those comments.

Like socialism, this is yet another example of the leader of the NDP trying to hide his party's extreme policies from Canadians.

The NDP leader must retract these outrageous and factually inaccurate comments that also injure the hundreds of millions who suffered under the totalitarian yoke of communism.

Canadians and veterans are watching and listening and waiting for an apology.

Rita MacNeil

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise with sadness and pride today to pay tribute to a gentle soul, a great person and a much-loved Canadian.

Rita MacNeil passed away last night. During her stellar career, Rita recorded 24 albums, selling millions and earning countless ECMAs, CCMAs, Junos, a Gemini and, of course, the Order of Canada.

Rita's personal story is almost as well known as her music. She overcame many challenges to achieve her dreams and many of her songs speak of having the courage to rise above life's difficulties.

I am reminded today of a line from one of Rita's most famous songs, Flying on Your Own, “when you know the wings you ride can keep you in the sky...there isn't anyone holding back you”.

Rita rode the wings of her Cape Breton home on her journey to stardom, and we will continue to hold her up through her music even though she is gone.

On behalf of my colleague for Sydney—Victoria and the entire House, I offer my deepest condolences to Rita's children, Wade and Laura and her entire family.

Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada

[Stella Ambler, Conservative, Mississauga South, ON]

Mr. Speaker, in an interview with Peter Mansbridge, the Liberal leader said that we must seek to understand the root cause behind the bombing attack on innocent civilians in Boston that killed three people and injured over 170 others. He said, “this happened because there is someone who feels completely excluded, completely at war with innocents, at war with a society. And our approach has to be, okay, where do those tensions come from?”

There is no “root cause” and no “tensions” that justifies the killing and maiming of innocent civilians. This behaviour must be condemned, unequivocally, wherever it occurs. There can be no justification.

The Liberal leader must immediately clarify his comments about the brutal attack that took place on innocent civilians in Boston this week.

Seniors

[Lysane Blanchette-Lamothe, NDP, Pierrefonds—Dollard, QC]

Mr. Speaker, while the Canadian economy is becoming increasingly unstable, while over one million Canadians are looking for work and while climate change threatens the communities of millions of people, the Conservatives are wasting their time making attacks and inventing policies that an NDP government would supposedly put in place in 2015.

The sole purpose of those attacks is to divert attention away from their broken promises, like the promise not to raise taxes on everyday items.

The most vulnerable members of society are the ones who will pay for the Conservatives' tax hikes. This will affect seniors, who will see their grocery and pharmacy bills go up, and people who do not have access to the Conservatives' vote-buying tax credits, simply because their income is too low.

Canadians deserve better. They deserve a government that will put forward progressive policies and keep its promises. They deserve a government that will build bridges—an NDP government.

Together, we can make this happen.

New Democratic Party of Canada

[Jacques Gourde, Conservative, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Works and Government Services]

Mr. Speaker, the leader of NDP and his party are not fooling anyone when they try to deny the fact that they are a socialist party, or better yet when they try to muzzle their socialist MPs in the House of Commons.

The NDP philosophy of raising taxes on everything is a blatant sign that socialism is alive and thriving in their party ideology.

I would like to remind the NDP of the list of tax hikes that they would like to impose on the backs of hard-working Canadians: increased tax on job creators, financial transactions tax, and municipal sales tax. However, the icing on the cake is their $20 billion carbon tax that would raise the price of nearly everything.

On this side of the House we will continue to stand tall for Canadians and oppose these reckless taxes from the party across the floor.

Employment

[Thomas Mulcair, NDP, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, a new Statistics Canada report shows that there has been another drop in the number of jobs available in Canada. Last month, only 200,000 jobs were available across the country. Meanwhile, 1.4 million Canadians are looking for work.

How is it possible that the Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism is still allowing Canadian workers to be fired and replaced by temporary foreign workers when there are so few jobs available here in Canada?

[James Moore, Conservative, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages]

Mr. Speaker, of course we want to create jobs here in Canada. That is why, on May 2, 2011, Canadians elected a Conservative government whose priorities are jobs, job creation and the economy. Budget 2013 focuses on creating jobs for Canadians.

That is why Canada has the best job creation record among all G7 countries, and we are going to continue down that path.

[Thomas Mulcair, NDP, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, 55,000 jobs were lost last month alone, and they are bragging about it and clapping.

In March, for every job available in Canada, there were seven Canadians looking for work. Meanwhile, the Minister of Immigration is allowing Canadian workers to be laid off and replaced, and the Minister of Human Resources is allowing the temporary foreign workers who replaced them to be paid 15% less. That is an incentive to fire Canadians.

Would either of these two ministers give Canadians some good news, like perhaps there will be a couple of jobs available in the Conservative cabinet in the next little while?

[James Moore, Conservative, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages]

Mr. Speaker, here is some good news in response to our budget. John Chambers, the CEO of Cisco Systems, Inc. said:

The easiest place in the world to do business is Canada. Their prime minister gets it.

We are creating jobs in this country. However, it is interesting. The NDP, on the one hand, condemns the temporary foreign worker program, but on the other hand, we have letters from eight NDP members of Parliament begging the government to bring more temporary foreign workers into their ridings and to bend the rules to make it happen. Either they are in favour of the temporary foreign worker program or they are against it, but they are talking out of both sides of their mouths.

Would the leader of the NDP finally bring some certainty to that position?

[Thomas Mulcair, NDP, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday the IMF downgraded Canada's economic outlook for 2013, and today the Bank of Canada has done the same. Nevertheless, the Conservatives have decided to cut $6 billion from investments in infrastructure, killing tens of thousands of good jobs.

Canadians are concerned because the economic instability that the Conservatives are causing seems to be getting worse, and the only plan the Conservatives have to create jobs in Canada is to hire temporary foreign workers.

Why are the Conservatives doing everything possible to kill jobs in Canada?

[James Moore, Conservative, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages]

Mr. Speaker, quite the opposite is true. We are creating jobs for Canadians. That is why we are investing more money than ever before in infrastructure. We are making the biggest investment in infrastructure that this country has ever seen.

Again, on this question of temporary foreign workers, the leader of the NDP criticizes the temporary foreign worker program, while his members of Parliament ask the government to bring in more temporary foreign workers for businesses in their ridings.

Would the leader of the NDP, for once, make it clear what his position is? He says he is against the program, but his members of Parliament are begging for the program to be expanded. Will you please stop the hypocrisy and--

[The Speaker, Conservative, Andrew Scheer]

Order, please.

The minister knows that he needs to address comments through the Chair, not at colleagues directly.

The hon. member for Vancouver East.

Health

[Libby Davies, NDP, Vancouver East, BC]

Mr. Speaker, it seems that cutting $36 billion in health care funding just is not enough for the Conservatives. Now they are dismantling the Health Council of Canada, the organization that monitors whether commitments set out in the health accords are actually being met. This latest move is nothing less than abdicating all accountability to Canadians on our health care system.

Why are the Conservatives attacking our public health care system?