Debates of April 18th, 2013

South Asia Community in Pierrefonds-Dollard

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

Mr. Speaker, today, I want to shed light on the solidarity and vivacity of the South Asian community of Pierrefonds—Dollard. Here are just a few examples of events that occurred in the span of one month:

The India Canada Organization and the Himalaya Seniors had their first International Women's Day event.

Holi, the festival of colours, was celebrated at the Hindu Mandir Temple in DDO, which just celebrated its 16th anniversary.

Murugan Temple in DDO hosted festivities for the Tamil New Year and the Sikh community-organized Vaisakhi celebrations at the DDO gurdwara.

SAWID, Montreal's South Asian business directory, just launched its new edition last week.

Also, the Himalaya Seniors will be celebrating Eid Milad ul-Nabi, the birth of the Muslim prophet, this week.

I am proud to be part of a community that is rich in its diversity, a community where people work to be united and build bridges. Without the South Asian community, the West Island would not be the West Island.

St. John Ambulance

[Ed Holder, Conservative, London West, ON]

Mr. Speaker, next Tuesday, April 23, St. John Ambulance is hosting its first ever Day on the Hill. I would like to thank the member for Ottawa—Vanier and the member for St. John's East for helping make this day a success.

All parliamentarians are invited to attend one of several meetings to be held that day, to learn about the importance of first aid training and the valuable work done by St. John Ambulance. Members are also invited to a reception that evening, hosted by speakers of both the House and the Senate, where we will honour several people who have done the incredible act of saving a life.

Later this spring, St. John Ambulance will provide free CPR and free AED training to all parliamentarians so that we too will know how to save a life.

Since founding Canada's first St. John Ambulance Brigade in London, Ontario, Canada's tenth-largest city, St. John Ambulance has always had a close relationship with the constituents in my riding and I am proud to support it.

As my Cape Breton mother used to say, “community service is the price you pay to live somewhere”. When the price to pay is learning the skills to save a life, we should all be willing to pay that price. I look forward to working with all of my fellow parliamentarians in making a difference in our communities.

Coptic Christian Community

[Jim Karygiannis, Liberal, Scarborough—Agincourt, ON]

Mr. Speaker, Coptic Christians are one of the oldest Christian communities in the Middle East. While they have integrated into the larger Egyptian nation, the Copts have survived as a distinct religious community, forming around 10% of the population.

Coptic Christians have faced increasing marginalization since the 1952 coup d'état led by Mr. Nasser. The Coptic community has been targeted by hate crimes and physical assaults. Their churches, homes, and businesses have been looted and burned. They have faced a growing number of personal attacks, which have left uncounted numbers injured and several hundred dead, and the death toll is rising.

Earlier this month, six Coptic Christians were killed in an attack in Saint Mark's Coptic Orthodox Cathedral, in Cairo. They were attending the funeral of four Coptic Christians who had been gunned down two days earlier.

It has been estimated that in 2011 alone, 100,000 Coptic Christians fled Egypt. There are no figures yet for 2012. However, for most of Egypt's Coptic Christians, some six million to eight million, flight is not an option. They are too poor. The Canadian Coptic community is--

[The Speaker, Conservative, Andrew Scheer]

The hon. member for Elgin—Middlesex—London.

Scouts Canada

[Joe Preston, Conservative, Elgin—Middlesex—London, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take the opportunity to recognize Scouts Canada's Good Turn Week, which is taking place this week, from April 13 to April 21.

Giving back and helping others has always been the core value of Scouts Canada, and Good Turn Week is an initiative that was spearheaded by the Scouts Canada National Youth Network. This fantastic initiative follows the principles of scouting which teach youth to always do unto others as they would do unto us, and it is from this that Good Turn Week was born. This campaign encourages everyone across the country to share Scouts Canada's passion by generating a cycle of kindness from coast to coast to coast. Just witness the unlimited potential that Canadian youth have on building a happier, stronger community.

I ask my colleagues in the House to join me in wishing Scouts Canada a successful Good Turn Week and to join the movement by doing a good turn, as each good turn has the power to help shape and change the world.

Canadian Youth

[Élaine Michaud, NDP, Portneuf—Jacques-Cartier, QC]

Mr. Speaker, today I am pleased to welcome to Ottawa seven youth from youth centres in Pont-Rouge, Portneuf, Saint-Basile and Neuville.

Driven by an interest in public affairs as well as an impressive social conscience, these young people are here to learn more about the work of MPs in Ottawa and our parliamentary system.

These youth from my riding of Portneuf—Jacques-Cartier are a shining example of the drive and extraordinary potential of Canadian youth.

Their presence on the Hill is proof positive that they are already actively involved. They are also a reminder of the importance of ensuring that all young Canadians have a real voice here in the House and that this government provides them with all the support they require.

Whether it is through funding for youth-specific programs, such as youth service co-operatives, or the creation of initiatives that encourage youth to actively participate in our democracy, it is time to take action.

As elected members, we have a responsibility to carve out a place for youth in our debates and in the policies we create. They are far too often forgotten by this government.

Bathurst-Finch Community Hub

[Mark Adler, Conservative, York Centre, ON]

Mr. Speaker, early this month, I attended the grand opening of the Bathurst-Finch Community Hub in my riding of York Centre.

This centre will have a real impact on the day-to-day lives of the people of York Centre, in particular families, new Canadians and job seekers.

At the hub, service providers will offer classes, career counselling and training to clients in an accessible and modern setting.

I am proud that our federal government has invested $11 million in this centre.

This investment follows through on our government's economic action plan commitment to fund infrastructure, help connect Canadians with meaningful and stable employment and work to improve the accessibility of social services.

On behalf of the people of York Centre, I would like to thank the Prime Minister for his dedication to making Canada a better place.

Tribute to Boston Bombing Victims

[John Weston, Conservative, West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country, BC]

Mr. Speaker, I invite all members of the House to join a throng of people who will assemble at the eternal flame at 1 p.m. on Monday. We will march to the U.S. Embassy. We will march in freedom, unity and peace to remember those who were lost last Monday in Boston at the hands of people who would impose hatred where others seek love, people who shed blood among those who had gathered as friends.

People in Ottawa will, on behalf of all peace-loving Canadians, stand with those who were killed, injured or bereaved in Boston.

In 1963 a great Bostonian, the late U.S. president John F. Kennedy, stood in Berlin. He stood in unity with all people who crave freedom and democracy. He stood to say that those who believe in freedom would not be intimidated, not by guns and not by tanks.

Brave Bostonians will not be intimidated by bombs. On Monday and always, we will stand with them for freedom. In Berlin, President Kennedy said, “I am a Berliner”. I ask my colleagues in the House to stand with me now as I say, for today, Monday and always, “I am a Bostonian”.

Francophone Community in Northern Ontario

[Claude Gravelle, NDP, Nickel Belt, ON]

Mr. Speaker, our party leader recently visited Sudbury and the Nickel Belt, where he had the opportunity to meet representatives from our vibrant Franco-Ontarian community.

The Nickel Belt riding proudly boasts the second-largest French-speaking population in Ontario.

We met with the Regroupement des organismes culturels de Sudbury, an association of French-language organizations that includes the Carrefour francophone de Sudbury; the Centre franco-ontarien de folklore; 5-Penny New Music Concerts; Concerts La Nuit sur l'étang; the Prise de parole publishing house; the Galerie du Nouvel-Ontario; the Salon du livre du Grand Sudbury; and the Théâtre du Nouvel-Ontario.

The Nickel Belt area has three French-language newspapers: Le Voyageur, La Tribune in Sturgeon Falls, and La Vision in French River.

We also have a French-language radio station, Le Loup.

West Nipissing is a model of bilingualism in Canada. La Francophonie in northern Ontario is an amazing and dynamic community. Congratulations and keep up the good work.

International Trade

[Chris Warkentin, Conservative, Peace River, AB]

Mr. Speaker, today's NDP motion to advocate against the interests of Canadian investors and against Canadian jobs should come as no surprise from the socialist party. After all, the NDP leader travelled to Washington to attack Canadian jobs and our national interests in secret meetings with American politicians.

The NDP leader stood, front and centre, as he and his party opposed every trade agreement brought forward by our government, including recently voting against a free trade agreement with Panama. The NDP even opposed the Auto Pact.

While the NDP leader's opposition to free trade is well known, their opposition to an agreement to give Canadian investors in China the same protections as Chinese investors enjoy here in Canada is simply ludicrous. This treaty will create jobs and growth by protecting Canadians who want to do business in China.

While the NDP leader and his party are fighting for special deals for Chinese companies and against protections for Canadians investing in China, our Conservative government will continue to open new markets and to build Canadian jobs and economic development here in Canada.

Charlesbourg

[Anne-Marie Day, NDP, Charlesbourg—Haute-Saint-Charles, QC]

Mr. Speaker, in 2015, the borough of Charlesbourg will celebrate its 350th anniversary. On this historic date we will commemorate the founding of the first inland village in New France.

A few weeks ago, our community set up an organizing committee that will oversee the many activities to commemorate this historic event.

Some very talented individuals have been recruited, and well-known organizations from the community will get to work to make these celebrations a success. The Société d'histoire de Charlesbourg, the cross-country ski centre, the Maison des jeunes la Marginale, the Corporation des loisirs Notre-Dame-des-Laurentides and business people will all be involved. I want to offer my support and best wishes.

Charlesbourg is steeped in history, and there is much to see and do. I urge the entire community to participate in our 350th anniversary celebrations, which will shine the spotlight on one of the oldest boroughs in Canada.

Aboriginal Affairs

[Joy Smith, Conservative, Kildonan—St. Paul, MB]

Mr. Speaker, for decades, aboriginal women on reserves have been without the legal protections they need in situations of family violence. Women have been victimized and children and families have been deeply affected.

For 13 years, the Liberals did nothing. Aboriginal women, international organizations and even the Manitoba NDP have called for this change. We have responded with matrimonial property rights legislation to protect aboriginal women and give them the same rights as all other women in Canada. This bill would allow judges to enforce emergency protection orders for the safety of the women and children, yet shockingly, last night, the Liberals and the NDP voted against giving aboriginal women and children these protections.

This is shameful. Whether it is on reserve or anywhere in Canada, I am proud to say that our Conservative government continues to stand up for the protection of women, children and families.

Duke of Edinburgh Award

[Judy Foote, Liberal, Random—Burin—St. George's, NL]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sarah Erikson-Gaudon, a young woman from Lourdes in the riding of Random—Burin—St. George's.

After completing a rigorous program which included community service, skills development, physical fitness, a residential component and a strenuous four-day expedition to the Rocky Mountains, Sarah was awarded the prestigious gold Duke of Edinburgh Award, the highest achievement in the program. Sarah's activities as an army cadet and high school athlete helped her complete much of her program. She volunteered in the community, participated in provincial marksmanship competitions and served as senior drill commander of her corps and as a senior member of the Honour Guard at Camp Argonaut in New Brunswick.

Sarah is a fourth-year psychology student at Grenfell College, Memorial University. She credits the Duke of Edinburgh program with developing her academic and leadership skills and deepening her passion for helping others.

I ask all members of the House to join me in recognizing Sarah-Erikson Gaudon, a remarkable young woman who is a shining example of our exceptional youth.

Boston Marathon Bombings

[Shelly Glover, Conservative, Saint Boniface, MB]

Mr. Speaker, the attacks in Boston that targeted innocent civilians are a tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, Boston and all Americans. The law enforcement officers who are now investigating this heinous attack are working around the clock, and we hope that they will soon be able to bring the person or persons responsible for this attack to justice.

While the Liberal leader wants to talk about the root cause behind why the perpetrator launched this attack, we know that what is really important is getting this person or persons off the street so that they do not kill or injure any more innocent people. Regardless of the motives behind this attack, there is simply no root cause that can justify the killing and maiming of innocent civilians. This behaviour must be condemned unequivocally wherever it occurs. We will always stand with the victims and against this kind of senseless, violent attack.

Prime Minister's Office

[Peter Julian, NDP, Burnaby—New Westminster, BC]

Mr. Speaker, once again there is trouble in the Conservative caucus. This time, the member for Edmonton—St. Albert is blowing the whistle on the PMO.

During an interview with Global News, the member offered Canadians something they rarely see from Conservatives: the truth. When asked if he would be repeating the carbon farce lies of Conservatives in the House of Commons, he responded, "I will absolutely guarantee you that I won't be talking about the carbon tax", because he does not like these untrue statements.

The member went on to give a first-hand account of the tyranny rained down on backbenchers from the "kids that work over in Langevin Block". The member even recalled pressure put on him by PMO staffers to censor his blog on his MP website.

Fortunately, Canadians will have a clear choice in 2015. New Democrats will offer honesty, openness and strong MPs who truly stand for their constituents.

Carbon Tax

[Wladyslaw Lizon, Conservative, Mississauga East—Cooksville, ON]

Mr. Speaker, Canadians know that our Conservative government is focused on their priorities: jobs, growth and long-term prosperity.

Meanwhile, the leader of the NDP has made promises that will cost over $56 billion. He does not want to tell Canadians where he will get the money to pay for these new spending promises, but a bit of research found that he will raise the money by imposing a new $20 billion job-killing carbon tax.

This NDP carbon tax plan is found in the party's last election platform and even in the NDP leader's personal policy documents.

The NDP leader's job-killing carbon tax would raise the price of everything, including gas, groceries and electricity.

Our government will stand up against the NDP leader's job-killing carbon tax and against his party's now hidden socialist spending promises.

Aboriginal Affairs

[Megan Leslie, NDP, Halifax, NS]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, provincial and territorial ministers and representatives of aboriginal affairs called for a public inquiry into missing and murdered aboriginal women.

The families of 600 aboriginal women have been calling for such an inquiry for far too long.

Will the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs finally listen to families, provinces, territories and civil society groups and launch a public inquiry so that justice can be served?

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

Mr. Speaker, this is a very serious issue, and we take our obligation to protect the interests of all Canadians very seriously.

That is why our government, the Prime Minister and the minister himself are doing everything they can to stand up for the rights of all women across Canada and protect them from these types of attacks.

An investigation has already been launched in British Columbia. We are putting in place the investments, policies and approaches necessary to ensure the safety of all Canadians and the aboriginal women affected by these tragedies.

[Megan Leslie, NDP, Halifax, NS]

Mr. Speaker, civil society gets it, the provinces get it and Canadians get it, and the families of the victims need it, so why do the Conservatives not get it? Why do they not understand that they need to call this inquiry now?

We are talking about the tragic deaths and disappearances of more than 600 aboriginal women and girls. Yesterday, the provinces joined their voices together to call for an inquiry.

Will the minister now do the right thing? Will he provide justice and peace for the families of the victims by immediately calling a public inquiry?

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

Mr. Speaker, I agree with the sentiment of the need for justice and peace, and I think what all Canadians are looking for is action.

Our government has indeed taken action. The minister has spoken to that, as has the Prime Minister, and not only has our government taken action on the file of missing and murdered aboriginal women, which is an issue that touched my home province of British Columbia very deeply and indeed the entire country, but this House took action last night in extending equal rights to aboriginal women on matrimonial property rights as well.

Our government is proud of our track record of standing up and defending the interests of all Canadians, of all aboriginal Canadians and, indeed, aboriginal women, to ensure not only that they have protection but that they have equal rights in Canada.

International Trade

[Megan Leslie, NDP, Halifax, NS]

Mr. Speaker, aboriginal women deserve more respect from this government. They deserve justice. They deserve a national public inquiry.

On another matter, it has now been 222 days since the Conservatives signed their investment agreement with China. However, the agreement has still not been ratified.

Why not?

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

Mr. Speaker, my colleague is referring to the Canada-China FIPA, which is designed to protect the interests of Canadians who want to make investments in China.

The purpose of this agreement is to protect Canadians and their interests. That is what we are doing.

The NDP does not seem to understand what these agreements do, which is protect the interests of Canadians who are doing business in China.

New Democrats made the exact same criticisms about FTA and NAFTA, and chapter 11 of NAFTA. They were wrong. That protected the interests of Canadians doing business in the United States.

What the Canada-China FIPA agreement does is protect the interests of Canadians doing business in China. This is about protecting Canada. The hon. member should stand up for it.

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

Mr. Speaker, this agreement has been sitting on the Prime Minister's desk for seven months. There must be a problem.

It may be because the agreement gives Chinese state-owned companies the same rights as Canadian companies, or it may be because it gives the Chinese government the right to buy new oil leases and to take unlimited control of our natural resources without any assessments or debate.

This agreement does not benefit Canada.

Will the Conservatives still go ahead with ratifying it?

[Gerald Keddy, Conservative, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Trade]

Mr. Speaker, it is ironic that the NDP leader and the New Democratic Party are asking for a special break for Chinese exporters, for Chinese exports coming into Canada.

At the same time, they are asking that Canadian companies working in China should not be protected at all.

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

Mr. Speaker, the hon. member picked up the wrong talking point, so let us try again.

It seems Conservatives fail to even understand their own agreement. Thirty-one years ago, Alberta Premier Peter Lougheed negotiated a historic deal to give provinces control over natural resources as part of the repatriation of our constitution, but today, these Conservatives sign a deal with China and throw that legacy away.

FIPA essentially guts provincial control over our natural resources. Is this really what Conservative MPs from western Canada came here to do, sell out Canada's and Alberta's natural resources to the Communist government of China?