House of Commons Hansard #239 of the 41st Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was speak.

Topics

2:05 p.m.

Conservative

The Speaker Conservative Andrew Scheer

It being Wednesday, we will have the singing of our national anthem, today led by the hon. member for Vancouver Quadra.

[Members sang the national anthem]

World Meningitis DayStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Conservative

Kevin Sorenson Conservative Crowfoot, AB

Mr. Speaker, meningitis is a serious infection caused by inflammation to the lining around the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis kills and maims children, young people and adults. The Meningitis Research Foundation of Canada was established in 1998 to raise awareness and advocate vaccination to prevent death and disability from meningitis and other infections of the central nervous system. Through education, it provides support to patients and their families.

Today is World Meningitis Day. Approximately 10% of individuals who contract the disease will die. One in five patients will suffer permanent disabilities. Meningitis spreads easily through close human contact. World Meningitis Day allows us to raise awareness to support the many Canadians who are affected. Let us all work toward sparing the heartache of losing one more loved one to this devastating disease.

Vietnamese Canadian CommunityStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

NDP

Don Davies NDP Vancouver Kingsway, BC

Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to bring to Parliament's attention three occasions of great importance to the Vietnamese Canadian community.

The ancestor ceremonies are held by Vietnamese the world over. This is a moving custom in which families honour and respect their departed ancestors. It reflects the faith of the Vietnamese people in the eternal soul and memories of loved ones who endure in their hearts.

April 30 marks the day that South Vietnam fell to the Communists. It is a time to remember the courage and heroism of those who fought for democracy, human rights, and freedom, and to dedicate ourselves to restoring those values to Vietnam.

May 12 will be a day of celebration. In Vancouver Kingsway, we will inaugurate the creation of Little Saigon. This is a wonderful initiative that honours the social, economic, and cultural contributions of the Vietnamese community to Vancouver and Canada. By creating Little Saigon, the people of the Vietnamese community will show Canada and the world that their dedication to their country, their principles, and their heritage is strong and unwavering.

Leader of the New Democratic Party of CanadaStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Conservative

Jay Aspin Conservative Nipissing—Timiskaming, ON

Mr. Speaker, as we know, the Leader of the Opposition has been to western Canada condemning westerners of inflicting Dutch disease upon the nation. We know as well the leader has been to Washington trying to scuttle an international deal that would bring jobs, economic growth, and long-term prosperity to Canadians.

Recently, the leader has been to northern Ontario fearmongering about FedNor. As a result of the budget, he indicated FedNor would be a ministry, wrong; then an agency, wrong; then cut by 10%, wrong; then cut by a whopping 26% with layoffs, wrong again. We have maintained the program.

The Leader of the Opposition has been wrong on FedNor in northern Ontario. He worked in Washington against jobs and growth for all Canadians. And he accused our western Canadians of giving our country Dutch disease.

I believe that the only disease is the disease the NDP leader has perpetrated. That is his own foot-in-his-mouth disease. We would ask that the NDP leader get his facts straight.

ArmeniaStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Irwin Cotler Liberal Mount Royal, QC

Mr. Speaker, this is a poignant time, a time to remember, to commemorate and to bear witness. I rise today on the anniversary of the Armenian genocide, which reminds us of the dangers of indifference and inaction in the face of incitement and mass atrocity.

This fact of history has been recognized by the House, documented by scholars and confirmed by the anguished testimony of survivors.

I have just come from meeting with the Armenian community here assembled. The present Turkish government and the people are not to blame for Ottoman injustice. We trust that the process of Turkish Armenian reconciliation will lead to both recognition of truth and healing between peoples.

As we say on occasions such as this, never again.

ArmeniaStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Conservative

Harold Albrecht Conservative Kitchener—Conestoga, ON

Mr. Speaker, George Santayana said, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”

That is why I rise today and ask Canadians to join with me in remembering the first genocide of the 20th century when 1.5 million Armenians died at the hands of the Ottoman Empire. We remember. And in remembrance we recommit ourselves to the promise that never again will we stand idle in the face of such inhumanity.

Today hundreds of thousands of Armenians will gather in Yerevan to commemorate the lives lost between 1915 and 1923. As chair of the Canada–Armenia Parliamentary Friendship Group, I have been honoured to travel to Armenia and witness the prosperous democracy that has emerged. I have also had the privilege to meet Canadians of Armenian descent, who contribute so much to my home community of Waterloo Region and to this great country.

On this, the 98th anniversary of the Armenian genocide, I ask all Canadians to remember.

Aboriginal AffairsStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

NDP

Niki Ashton NDP Churchill, MB

Mr. Speaker, the Conservative government is showing its paternalistic attitude yet again. This time, it is Bill S-2. The government has made some wild statements, claiming to have heard from aboriginal people. It is not formal consultation. The government has not listened to first nations, to recommendations made by aboriginal organizations or the ministerial representative. In fact, Bill is in breach of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

The Conservative government has also suddenly remembered the issue of violence against aboriginal women, yet Bill S-2 has nothing to do with ending violence against aboriginal women. It provides no effective and timely access to remedy, including legal services and the courts. More importantly, it does not involve an action plan; no national inquiry, no investment in shelters, housing and education, and now members of the government are blaming first nations leaders. Pretty convenient.

Instead of playing politics, the Conservative government should do its job: consult with first nations and take real action on ending violence faced by aboriginal women. It turns out the government does not know best.

George Beverly SheaStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Conservative

Guy Lauzon Conservative Stormont—Dundas—South Glengarry, ON

Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House today to pay tribute to an international gospel icon, George Beverly Shea, who passed away last week at the age of 104. He was a close confidant to evangelical leader Billy Graham, who said of his friend, “He was absolute fun to be with. Bev was one of the most gracious and unassuming men I have known.”

He was born in Winchester, Ontario, the son of a Methodist minister. His father taught him the violin and his mother taught him the piano and organ. He started singing in the choir of his father's church. He recorded more than 70 sacred music albums, won a Grammy in 1965 and the organization honoured him with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011.

George Beverly Shea toured the world singing in front of literally hundreds of millions of people in his journey. What a life, what a story, and what a legacy he has left. After 104 years of wonderful life, may he rest in peace as heaven has a new booming baritone in its choir today.

Grasslands Regional Family and Community Support ServicesStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Conservative

LaVar Payne Conservative Medicine Hat, AB

Mr. Speaker, it is with great enthusiasm that I stand in the House to speak of the coming together of a group of organizations in Brooks and other communities in the wake of the XL Foods recalls last year. The City of Brooks with the County of Newell commissioned a report on how a number of organizations worked in coordinated fashion to deliver relief to those workers who were affected. The detailed report was completed by the Grasslands Regional Family and Community Support Services.

Community groups and people came together to deliver things like basic necessities such as food and clothing to the affected workers. Others offered employment support, either by helping employees find other opportunities or by offering resumé services. I would like to personally thank all those who got involved, either by volunteering their time or by making donations to special funds to support workers. They are to be congratulated for supporting their neighbours.

I wish the employees of JBS Food in Brooks and their families all the best.

ArmeniaStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

NDP

Wayne Marston NDP Hamilton East—Stoney Creek, ON

Mr. Speaker, nearly a century ago, the world remained silent while 1.5 million Armenians were murdered. On April 24, 2004, the Canadian Parliament passed a motion clearly stating this truth and condemning it as a crime against humanity.

Democratic governments from around the world must ensure that this grim and tragic historical event is never forgotten. We must always remember the brutal words of Adolf Hitler during the planning of the Holocaust when he said, “Who today remembers the extermination of Armenians?”

We mark this day. We remember the fate of the Armenians, men, women, and children, who died in the 1915 tragedy. We must recommit ourselves to protecting human rights and dignity for all people wherever they live.

Today, the House joins with 50,000 Canadians of Armenian heritage to remember and work to create a future of peace and reconciliation.

Korean War VeteransStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Conservative

Blaine Calkins Conservative Wetaskiwin, AB

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an event that happened 62 years ago to the day.

Approximately 700 soldiers from 2 PPCLI were dug into a hill north of Seoul. The name of the hill is Kapyong. For two long days and nights, these brave 700 held where all others had previously failed. Wave after wave of attackers broke against the defences of the Canadians. In one battle, D company called artillery on its own position as the attack was so fierce. This is but one story of many acts of heroism and courage that some 26,000 Canadians took part in, during the Korean War, with 516 paying the ultimate sacrifice.

In recognition of Canada's involvement, 2013 has been marked as the Year of the Korean War Veteran by the Minister of Veterans Affairs. This week, the minister was joined by 36 Canadian Korean War veterans as they travelled to Korea to participate in commemorative events marking the 60th anniversary of the Korean War armistice.

One of the veterans, Mr. William Harrison, said that the commemoration in this way “helps us to know that our story will never be forgotten”. He could not be more right. I call on all members of the House and all Canadians to join me in thanking our Korean War veterans.

Employment InsuranceStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

NDP

Marjolaine Boutin-Sweet NDP Hochelaga, QC

Mr. Speaker, every day we see new repercussions of the Conservatives' improvised EI reform.

This time, it is women who are paying the price. Last week, the Fédération des femmes du Québec, the Conseil d'intervention pour l'accès des femmes au travail, Au bas de l'échelle, the Réseau des tables régionales de groupes de femmes du Québec and Action travail joined together to denounce this reform.

In 2010, a mere 55% of unemployed women were entitled to benefits. Today, the minister is making the situation even worse by specifically targeting people who hold unstable jobs, a group in which women are overrepresented.

The minister did not see all the impacts of the reform coming. The reform must be put on hold and impact studies must be conducted.

We say no to butchering employment insurance. On April 27 at noon, I will be at Place du Canada in Montreal to denounce it.

Langley Has TalentStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Conservative

Mark Warawa Conservative Langley, BC

Mr. Speaker, I am honoured to be able to tell this House about an incredible event happening in beautiful Langley, British Columbia. It is called “Langley Has Talent”.

Last Saturday night, 24 semi-finalists performed and demonstrated their incredible talents. This is the third annual Langley Has Talent competition, which is organized by the Rotary Clubs of Langley and sponsored by 12 local businesses and organizations, all to raise money for a new Langley arts centre.

This is a must-see event. Last week the judges selected the 12 performers for the May 4 finals. A 13th contestant will be chosen by us, the public, through online voting. Go to langleyhastalent.ca and vote for a favourite performer to select the 13th finalist.

Please join me in congratulating the contestants, the volunteers and the organizers who have come together to celebrate Langley Has Talent.

Child PovertyStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Liberal

Marc Garneau Liberal Westmount—Ville-Marie, QC

Mr. Speaker, I am sad to report that UNICEF's report card released on April 10 places Canada 17th out of 29 for overall well-being, but drops Canada to 24th when it comes to children.

On material well-being, 14% of Canadian children live below the poverty line, ranking us 21st. Most disturbing is Canada's 27th rank on health and safety, due mostly to the overall immunization rate, at 28th; and infant mortality rate, at 22nd.

Our childhood obesity rates have increased, putting Canada in 27th place.

We are in 21st place on childhood bullying and 29th place on cannabis use.

Canadian children excel on tests in the areas of reading, mathematics and scientific knowledge, but we rank 24th on participation in secondary education.

These results are completely unacceptable. The government can and absolutely must do better for our children.

Leader of the Liberal PartyStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Conservative

Rick Norlock Conservative Northumberland—Quinte West, ON

Mr. Speaker, the new leader of the Liberal Party is clearly in way over his head.

Last week in the wake of horrific crimes that took place in the Boston Marathon, he wondered about the root causes and whether or not individuals seeking to kill and destroy innocent people were somehow excluded.

Now senior advisor and former Liberal member of Parliament, Omar Alghabra, has said the Liberal leader wants to have more engagement with Iran.

Iran is a state sponsor of terrorism. Iran's revolutionary guard was recently listed by our government as a terrorist organization, and in fact the individuals arrested earlier this week were taking direction from al Qaeda operatives operating in the border regions of Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Talking about engaging Iran shows that the Liberal leader simply lacks the judgment to be Prime Minister.

PrivacyStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

NDP

Pierre Nantel NDP Longueuil—Pierre-Boucher, QC

Mr. Speaker, my constituents are outraged. Yesterday the NDP revealed the magnitude of the Conservative debacle when it comes to privacy.

Indeed, the office of my hon. colleague from Timmins—James Bay has learned that the personal information of over 725,000 Canadians has been leaked in 3,134 separate incidents.

It gets worse. The holes in the Conservative sieve are so enormous that these data breaches are no longer even considered worth mentioning. Less than one in six leaks was reported to the Privacy Commissioner.

This all happened on the Conservatives' watch, and they never lifted a finger to put an end to this colossal boondoggle.

In fact, the only kind of information the Conservatives will do anything to protect are ministerial documents on their fiscal management and their cuts—documents that are supposed to be made public. However, in order to avoid disclosing them, they are willing to move mountains and even fight the Parliamentary Budget Officer in court.

Here is the Conservative track record: personal information gets scattered all over the place, while ministerial information is kept secret at all costs.

Canadians deserve so much better than that. They deserve an NDP government in 2015.

TaxationStatements By Members

2:20 p.m.

Conservative

David Wilks Conservative Kootenay—Columbia, BC

Mr. Speaker, Canadians can count on our Conservative government to keep their taxes low. Since 2006, we have cut taxes over 150 times, saving Canadian families over $3,200 a year.

While our Conservative government is cutting taxes, the NDP leader is out pushing his $20 billion carbon tax that will increase the cost of gas, groceries, electricity and everything else. The NDP leader's carbon tax would be an assault on the pockets of Canadian families.

While the NDP leader thinks Canadians have an endless ability to pay, we know otherwise. On this side of the House, we are going to spend each and every day fighting the NDP leader's carbon tax. We are going to spend each and every day fighting for those families who sent us here to keep their taxes low.

JusticeOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Outremont Québec

NDP

Thomas Mulcair NDPLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, today I had the honour of meeting with the parents of Rehtaeh Parsons. I understand that the Prime Minister has met with them as well.

Canadians have heard about the tragic circumstances of how Rehtaeh recently took her own life. Her name is added to that of Amanda Todd and too many others.

Our Criminal Code dates from another era. There are realities in today's society that it simply does not address. We are committed to working with the government to make changes to the Criminal Code to deal with cases like Rehtaeh's before the House rises for the summer.

What action will the Prime Minister take, and what timeline will he commit to?

JusticeOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Calgary Southwest Alberta

Conservative

Stephen Harper ConservativePrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, as I think the House knows well, I also met with the parents yesterday. I obviously want to express my great admiration for both their strength and their public mindedness in the face of what is just a horrible and unspeakable tragedy that has befallen their family.

I would agree with the assertion by the leader of the New Democratic Party. One of the difficulties is that investigative tools for our police officers have not kept pace with the Internet age. That must change. The government has indicated it will be bringing forward various measures in this regard.

We absolutely must speak out against the notion that some people have that anything goes on the Internet. Something that is a crime is a crime, if it happens on the Internet as well.

Parliamentary Budgetary OfficerOral Questions

April 24th, 2013 / 2:20 p.m.

Outremont Québec

NDP

Thomas Mulcair NDPLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, I thank the Prime Minister for his answer, but we do not want this issue to be lost amongst the various issues that he referred to. We need action on this now.

For over a year, the Conservatives have refused to tell Canadians the truth about their devastating austerity measures. According to the law, the new Parliamentary Budget Officer must have access to all the financial information she needs to inform parliamentarians and Canadians. The courts clearly said that they will intervene if the Conservatives do not comply.

My question is simple. Will the Prime Minister finally show some transparency by requiring his ministers to provide all the required information?

Parliamentary Budgetary OfficerOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Calgary Southwest Alberta

Conservative

Stephen Harper ConservativePrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to see the court decision against the partisan action of the former Parliamentary Budget Officer and the leader of the NDP. This government created the position. We provide information on a regular basis and we will continue to do so.

PrivacyOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Outremont Québec

NDP

Thomas Mulcair NDPLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, I invite the Prime Minister to read paragraphs 5 and 28 of the decision. He will learn that the Parliamentary Budget Officer won the right to require his ministers to produce the evidence.

The new Parliamentary Budget Officer who is there temporarily, on an interim basis, has already signalled that she will use that decision because it does empower her to give the information to the opposition on behalf of all Canadians.

What hypocrisy. They hide information when it is to their advantage, but they refuse to protect Canadians' privacy.

Why are they doing nothing to protect privacy?

PrivacyOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

Calgary Southwest Alberta

Conservative

Stephen Harper ConservativePrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, the leader of the NDP is talking about specific incidents, some of which occurred a decade ago. Every time privacy is breached, this government reacts. It establishes action plans for the different departments in order to protect privacy and takes immediate action when there are breaches.

PrivacyOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

NDP

Charmaine Borg NDP Terrebonne—Blainville, QC

Mr. Speaker, more than a million Canadians have been affected by data and privacy breaches, and that is the government's response? Canadians deserve better. The information about these data breaches was made public because the NDP pushed for it. There have been more than 3,000 privacy breaches, yet only 13% of those cases were reported to the privacy commissioner.

Why did the Conservatives not feel it was necessary to report these breaches to the commissioner?

PrivacyOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

Parry Sound—Muskoka Ontario

Conservative

Tony Clement ConservativePresident of the Treasury Board and Minister for the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario

Mr. Speaker, the majority of these breaches happened years ago, and they resulted in measures to ensure that the privacy of Canadians is protected.

We have acted on a number of fronts, for instance, the veterans privacy action plan to protect the information of Canada's veterans. We have made it mandatory to report any transgressions in the department. We take these issues seriously, a lot more seriously than the previous government.