Debates of June 12th, 2013

Foreign Affairs

[Paul Dewar, NDP, Ottawa Centre, ON]

Mr. Speaker, earlier today we heard the disturbing news that CBC reporters Derek Stoffel and Sasa Petricic were detained in Istanbul. I wonder if the government can update us on their status, what is happening and what the government is doing to help them.

[Diane Ablonczy, Conservative, Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas and Consular Affairs)]

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the member raising this important matter.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs has spoken personally with the Turkish ambassador to express his concern about the arrest of these two journalists and also about the ongoing situation in Turkey. Canadian officials are in touch with the CBC and have met with the two detained journalists. The Turkish ambassador has assured us that the two journalists are safe and well treated. We will continue to liaise at the highest levels until this matter is resolved.

Aboriginal Affairs

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

Mr. Speaker, since 2009, over one million net new jobs have been created under our government's strong economic action plan. Our commitment to jobs and growth does not stop at the door of aboriginal communities. When it comes to finding and keeping a good job, we all agree that first nations youth should have the same opportunities as all Canadians.

Can the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs please tell the House about the government's income assistance reform for first nations communities?

[Greg Rickford, Conservative, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development]

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the hon. member's question, his hard work on the standing committee and his commitment to this issue.

We know that aboriginals, and youth in particular, represent a tremendous opportunity to address some of Canada's labour needs. That is why we are taking action to equip first nations youth with personalized job skills and career coaching for real jobs that are in demand. We are not stopping there. We will provide these youth with on-the-job supports that they need to keep their jobs and stay employed.

Unfortunately, the leader of the NDP continues to oppose these measures. Despite his anti-job socialist agenda, we will continue to create jobs for aboriginal Canadians.

Infrastructure

[Réjean Genest, NDP, Shefford, QC]

Mr. Speaker, floods have recently hit Granby, in my riding. The damage is extensive and the city may not have sufficient funding to repair its infrastructure. The recent budget cuts to municipal infrastructure made by the Conservatives further complicate things.

I have a simple question. Will the Conservative government commit to providing assistance to the city of Granby, yes or no?

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport]

Mr. Speaker, there are currently very good federal programs in place that provide funding for infrastructure in communities across Canada. If the hon. member has a particular project in mind, I would urge him to talk to us and tell us about it. We are always available to help Canadians in need.

Intergovernmental Relations

[Jean-François Fortin, Bloc, Haute-Gaspésie—La Mitis—Matane—Matapédia, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the day before his announcement, the Minister of Canadian Heritage promised that new programs promoting history would not interfere with education in Quebec. However, by offering awards to teachers and students “who show an interest in celebrating Canadian history”, the minister is flouting the Quebec school curriculum, and clearly wants to change the focus of history classes. He wants it to be a celebration, instead of education with critical analysis.

If the minister really wants to encourage people to learn history, why is he not helping Quebec improve its classes by restoring education transfers to 1994 indexed levels?

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

Mr. Speaker, first of all, we have already increased education transfers to the provinces. Second, we fully respect provincial jurisdiction over education. There is no doubt about that.

My colleague ought to know that there are already awards for science teachers and students in Canada. Of course we are going to promote and celebrate Canadian heritage as well as our teachers and youth who want to write and know more about our country's history.

To be honest, I am happy that the Bloc member opposes this, because it proves that it is good for Quebec and Canada.

[The Speaker, Conservative, Andrew Scheer]

That concludes question period for today.

The hon. member for Toronto Centre is rising on a point order.

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

[Bob Rae, Liberal, Toronto Centre, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I think that if you seek it, you would find unanimous consent for the following motion.

I move:

That this House condemns the arrest and detention of two CBC journalists, Sasa Petricic and Derek Stoffel, in Turkey, and calls on the Turkish authorities to release them immediately.

[The Speaker, Conservative, Andrew Scheer]

Does the hon. member have the unanimous consent of the House to propose the motion?

[Some hon. members]

Agreed.

[The Speaker, Conservative, Andrew Scheer]

The House has heard the terms of the motion. Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion?

[Some hon. members]

Agreed.

[The Speaker, Conservative, Andrew Scheer]

(Motion agreed to)

[Elizabeth May, Green, Saanich—Gulf Islands, BC]

Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order.

Following on yesterday's wonderful display of solidarity on behalf of Canadian taxpayers in adopting the motion of the opposition House leader, if you seek it, I believe you would find unanimous consent for the following motion.

I move that the Board of Internal Economy investigate members' possible use of the travel points system for the purpose of participating in by-election campaigns during or immediately preceding the writ period.

[The Speaker, Conservative, Andrew Scheer]

Does the hon. member have the unanimous consent of the House to propose the motion?

[Some hon. members]

No.

The House resumed from June 7 consideration of the motion that Bill C-480, An Act to amend the Old Age Security Act (funeral arrangements), be read the second time and referred to a committee.

Old Age Security Act

[The Speaker, Conservative, Andrew Scheer]

Pursuant to order made on Wednesday, May 22, the House will now proceed to the taking of the deferred recorded division on the motion at second reading stage of Bill C-480 under private members' business.

Call in the members.

(The House divided on the motion, which was negatived on the following division:)

Vote #750

[The Speaker, Conservative, Andrew Scheer]

I declare the motion defeated.

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

Mr. Speaker, I think I was counted as Mr. Sorenson in the first vote. I know I look a lot younger than I really am, but Mr. Sorenson is not here.

[Some hon. members]

Oh, oh!

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

Oh, I cannot say that.