Debates of Oct. 21st, 2014

Medals of Bravery

[Dean Del Mastro, Independent, Peterborough, ON]

Mr. Speaker, today at Rideau Hall, the Governor General recognized a special group of Canadians for acts of bravery. During the ceremony, His Excellency the Right Hon. David Johnston remarked that those recognized had shown extraordinary courage when called upon by circumstance to act and that their actions represented the most extreme examples of philanthropy, which literally translates as “love of mankind”.

On May 2, 2011, Hailey Menard and paramedics Mark Cameron and Gregory Landon rescued Hailey’s younger sister, whose foot had become trapped in a piece of farm machinery near Havelock, Ontario. Hailey jumped into a gutter filled with animal waste to prevent her three-year-old sister from drowning while waiting for help to arrive. After an hour of struggling in a most difficult situation, which put their own health at risk, paramedics Cameron and Landon were able to loosen the conveyer’s mechanism and free the child.

On behalf of all the residents of the Peterborough riding, I salute each of them for their bravery and thank them for inspiring each and every Canadian with their incredible courage.

Oil and Gas Industry

[Bryan Hayes, Conservative, Sault Ste. Marie, ON]

Mr. Speaker, proposed major oil and gas pipeline projects need approval if the Canadian economy and the manufacturing sector in my riding of Sault Ste. Marie are to prosper.

Steel pipes produced by Tenaris Algoma Tubes, which employs 650 people and contributes 14% of Sault Ste. Marie's GDP, are sold to Canadian and U.S. customers for a variety of oil and gas drilling applications, including oil and gas pipelines. However, with the American demand for oil and gas being increasingly satisfied by American production, there is no denying that Canada needs alternate markets such as Asia. Developing pipelines for the oil and gas needed by China, South Korea and Japan creates demand for the manufactured products that deliver the oil and gas, which creates demand for the pipes we develop in Sault Ste. Marie.

The approval of pipeline projects is vital to the economy of my riding. According to Tenaris' David McHattie, “Asia is our opportunity”.

Canada Post

[Mike Sullivan, NDP, York South—Weston, ON]

Mr. Speaker, residents in my riding of York South—Weston and across Canada continue to express their opposition to the government's ill-thought-out plan to end Canada Post's home mail delivery.

Yesterday, 11 communities across Canada from Fort McMurray to Calgary, to Winnipeg, to here in Ottawa, lost their home mail delivery. Other communities are to follow in the months ahead.

For a person with MS, like my brother Chris who lives in nearby Kanata, our winter means that from November to April, he will not be able to access his mail. He will become more dependent on others. Canada Post says that for those who can prove their disability and show that they have no one else to rely on, it may deliver their mail once a week.

This loss of mail service further isolates and discriminates against the disabled. Every day, my office receives letters, cards and petitions opposing the government's plan, as do other MPs. Hundreds of thousands of Canadians have expressed their wish to keep door-to-door mail delivery.

Why will the government not listen to what Canadians are saying, and provide the service they are asking for?

Medals of Bravery

[Cathy McLeod, Conservative, Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo, BC]

Mr. Speaker, earlier today, I had the honour of attending a ceremony at Rideau Hall in which 45 medals of bravery were bestowed upon deserving Canadians by the Governor General of Canada, the Right Hon. David Johnston. Decorations for bravery recognize people who risked their lives to try to save or protect the lives of others. The medal of bravery recognizes acts of bravery in hazardous circumstances.

One of these 45 admirable recipients was Tyler Allan Fowler of Valemount, British Columbia. On April 27, 2012, Tyler Fowler, along with co-recipients Eli Day and Dion Lefebvre, pulled four people from their burning vehicles following a violent head-on collision near Wandering River, Alberta. The rescuers managed to extricate the victims, despite the rapidly spreading fire. Sadly, several occupants of both vehicles did not survive.

Tyler's courage and willingness to risk his own life to save another is both admirable and extraordinary. His actions inspire our nation and command our deepest gratitude.

Joey Leblanc

[Dominic LeBlanc, Liberal, Beauséjour, NB]

Mr. Speaker, earlier today, the Governor General awarded the Medal of Bravery to Joey Leblanc, a young student from MacDougall Settlement, New Brunswick, who attends the Clément-Cormier high school in Bouctouche.

On February 2, 2013, Joey risked his own life to help a woman trapped in a burning car. The car was surrounded by flames and the smoke was thick, but when it came to saving someone else's life, this young man did not hesitate at all. His bravery allows this 37-year-old woman to be alive today.

Joey's heroism also shows the community spirit that exists in New Brunswick. We are lucky to have among us so many brave people like Joey, whose actions inspire us all to be better neighbours and to help people in need.

On behalf of this House, I want to congratulate Joey LeBlanc. Our country is stronger because of brave young men like him.

Persons Case

[Joan Crockatt, Conservative, Calgary Centre, AB]

Mr. Speaker, I stand here in the House today proudly alongside many female colleagues; women who are fully recognized under Canadian law as being equal to men, having the ability to run for any political office in this country.

It is with great pride, as an Albertan as well, that we commemorate the 85th anniversary of the Persons Case.

Nellie McClung, Louise McKinney, Irene Parlby, Henrietta Edwards and Emily Murphy are all fellow Albertans who changed the course of Canadian history for women.

Most recently, our Prime Minister hosted the Saving Every Woman, Every Child: Within Arm's Reach Summit that commits $3.5 billion to our government's priority of improving maternal and newborn health worldwide.

Our strong Conservative majority has more female members in cabinet than any other in history.

I join with the great Emily Murphy in saying, “We want women leaders today as never before. Leaders who are not afraid to be called names and who are willing to go out and fight. I think women can save civilization. Women are persons”.

Medals of Bravery

[Brian Masse, NDP, Windsor West, ON]

Mr. Speaker, today two Windsor police officers, Constable Sean Rogan and Constable Charles Sasso, were awarded with Medals of Bravery by.

In September 2011, both of these officers approached a rolled over vehicle which had caught fire. The injured and unconscious driver was saved by these two courageous officers who fought the fire and removed him from the vehicle through the sun roof.

The Governor General's Decorations for Bravery were created in 1972. They recognize people who risk their lives and choose to defy their own instinct of survival to try to save a loved one or a perfect stranger whose life is in immediate danger. The Medal of Bravery recognizes acts of bravery in hazardous circumstances.

On behalf of the constituents of Windsor West, I would like to congratulate these two outstanding officers for their dedication, service and bravery. We are honoured to recognize their heroism and their commitment to protecting our community.

We thank Constables Rogan and Sasso for their unrelenting fearlessness, and a very grateful thanks to the entire Windsor Police Service who do an outstanding job serving and protecting our community of Windsor.

Volunteerism

[Laurie Hawn, Conservative, Edmonton Centre, AB]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the winners of the annual Hetman awards in Edmonton and the excellent work done by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress-Alberta Provincial Council, or UCC-APC.

The Hetman awards acknowledge significant volunteer achievements of outstanding Ukrainian Albertans who have chosen to give their time, effort and expertise in order to keep the Ukrainian Canadian community in Alberta strong, vibrant and active.

Three youth, three adult, three senior and one posthumous awards were given out to very deserving people, one of whom is Eileen Yewchuk, who was the first Alberta woman inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

UCC-APC is celebrating 40 years of community service to the Alberta-Ukrainian Community, and today officially represents over 330,000 Albertans of Ukrainian descent. It addresses the needs of the Ukrainian community and co-ordinates its activities; fosters unity and co-operation; preserves Ukrainian heritage, history, culture and language; and encourages participation of youth and newcomers from Ukraine.

I want to thank the UCC-APC as one of the many such organizations that effectively represent the wonderful cultural mosaic that is Canada.

Restaurant Industry

[Daryl Kramp, Conservative, Prince Edward—Hastings, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Restaurants Canada for 70 years of service to Canada's food service industry.

Canada's restaurant industry is a cornerstone of our economy and the numbers speak for themselves. With 4% of our country's GDP and an impressive $68 billion in sales, restaurants stimulate activity in various industries, from tourism to agri-business. Globally, they put our cities on the map as must-see culinary destinations and locally they support our farmers and fishers.

Restaurants also create 1.1 million jobs across the country, and generate 250,000 jobs in diverse industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, wholesale trade, finance and insurance.

As a former restaurant owner and hospitality professional for over 30 years, I believe that a successful and growing restaurant industry is vital for our economic and social well-being.

Whether an owner, franchise, manager, server or support staff, I am thankful for their dedication to this key Canadian industry. We look forward to many more years of working with Restaurants Canada to help this fine industry grow and prosper.

Representation of Citizens

[Mathieu Ravignat, NDP, Pontiac, QC]

Mr. Speaker, when it comes to representing the families and workers abandoned by the Conservatives, no one does it better than the NDP.

We have led the charge against the cuts to Canada Post services. We have stood up for workers and employment insurance.

In terms of the environmental impact of energy projects like the project in Cacouna, the Liberals and Conservatives are certainly not getting the job done. They are prepared to sacrifice the belugas in the name of profit.

In the NDP, we know that by working together, we will replace the Conservative government.

I believe that when we vote in favour of a bill, we should keep our word. I therefore wonder what the word of the member for Repentigny is worth. He supported my bill that would force defectors to resign and run to get re-elected under their new banner.

I invite him to prove that he is a man of principle and to step down right away so that a byelection can be held in Repentigny.

Let the voters decide.

National Security

[Ted Opitz, Conservative, Etobicoke Centre, ON]

Mr. Speaker, the current world security situation presents Canada and its allies with very serious challenges. It is therefore incumbent upon us to provide the best possible training for our military leaders.

The National Security Programme at Canadian Forces College in Toronto provides professional military development of selected Canadian officers identified to progress to senior command positions at the global strategic level.

This year the NSP includes members of foreign and allied militaries and senior public servants addressing future strategic responsibilities in a complex global security environment from a whole of government approach.

The NSP is led by retired generals in a mentor role and instructed by some of Canada's leading defence academics. The National Security Programme is visiting Ottawa this week on their annual field study exercise. They visit key federal departments and meet with experts in a variety of fields.

As a former staff member at CFC and a graduate of the joint command and staff programme, I am delighted to advise all Canadians about the Canadian Forces College and let them know that the calibre of their defence institutions is second to none.

Community Engagement

[Alexandre Boulerice, NDP, Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I wish to use my allotted time today to thank the thousands of people in our ridings who get involved in their communities. They have the audacity to believe that we can change the world. They have the energy and conviction needed to get things done.

I would also like to mention the volunteers who work every day in my office. Sylvie, Francine, Josée, Philippe, Falmata, Hélène and Éric-Abel go out and meet with people to raise awareness of important issues like the environment, affordable living, employment insurance and Canada Post.

They speak passionately about the issues that matter to them. They know that it is possible to live in world that is more equitable and more caring. They firmly believe that we can leave a healthy planet and environment to our children.

Like me, they continue to fight for essential services like home mail delivery. I am very pleased to go door to door with them and to watch our team grow.

My friends, let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic; together, we will change the world.

Saskatchewan Economic Forum

[Kelly Block, Conservative, Saskatoon—Rosetown—Biggar, SK]

Mr. Speaker, this week, through the co-ordinated efforts of our Speaker and our federal and provincial governments, senior diplomats from more than 50 countries are in Saskatchewan to attend the largest economic forum ever hosted in Saskatchewan for ambassadors and heads of missions.

These senior diplomats will learn about the many opportunities our province has to offer as well as foster and build positive trade relations.

Indeed, trade is very important to Saskatchewan as we have a resource rich province. We have cattle, grain, oil seeds and pulse crops. We have potash, uranium, oil, coal and forest products. Finally, we have new and exciting innovations and technologies that countries need to grow and prosper.

In referring to my home province of Saskatchewan, an esteemed parliamentarian recently said, “We are an export province in an exporting nation”. Who said that? Why it was our very own Speaker and he could not be more correct.

Restaurant Industry

[Scott Brison, Liberal, Kings—Hants, NS]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Restaurants Canada, the leading voice of Canada's diverse and dynamic restaurant and food service industry.

Canada's restaurant industry is a key economic driver and job creator. With 89,000 restaurants, bars and caterers across the country, this industry is a leading provider of that all important first job for youth and newcomers to Canada. In fact, 22% of Canadians had their first job in the restaurant business, the highest of any industry.

With 18 million customer visits every day, the restaurant industry is the backbone of communities across the country, feeding Canadians from big cities to remote regions.

In my riding of Kings—Hants, the industry is an important source of jobs and growth. Next month, Wolfville will host the 4th annual Devour! The Food Film Fest, a celebration founded by Chef Michael Howell that will highlight our great restaurants and wineries.

Restaurants Canada has been a powerful advocate for this vital industry. We wish them many more decades of success.

Small Businesses

[Lawrence Toet, Conservative, Elmwood—Transcona, MB]

Mr. Speaker, small business week is a time to recognize the many successes of our local small businesses in communities from coast to coast to coast.

It is no secret that small businesses are the backbone of our economy and are Canada's job creators. Together, small and medium businesses across the country employ 90% of our workforce and are responsible for generating 39% of our GDP.

Since 2006, our government has been dedicated to creating an environment where our businesses can grow and succeed in the increasingly competitive global economy. Today, Canada has an 11% tax rate for small businesses. According to KPMG, Canada ranks first among G7 countries for our positive environment in which to start a business.

We also took further action to support Canadian small business owners in early September by introducing the small business tax credit which is expected to save small businesses more than $550 million over the next two years.

We thank all the small business owners across Canada for all their hard work. We wish them a happy small business week.

Events in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu

[Tarik Brahmi, NDP, Saint-Jean, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the tragic events yesterday in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu that cost Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent his life have deeply affected our community, as well as all Quebeckers and Canadians across the country. As the member for Saint-Jean, on behalf of my NDP colleagues and, I am sure, all members of the House, I would like to extend my condolences to the victim's family and friends. My thoughts are also with the other soldier who is still in hospital. I wish him a speedy recovery. I would also like to acknowledge everyone working in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu's military community who has been affected by this tragedy.

The people of our community and indeed all Canadians stand with the Canadian Forces following this tragic event.

The allegations surrounding yesterday's events are serious. While the police are trying to reconstruct the circumstances of this tragedy, we must remain united in the face of adversity. By working together, we will overcome this ordeal.

Pensions

[Jay Aspin, Conservative, Nipissing—Timiskaming, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to report that in the 2014 edition of the Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index released today, Canada's retirement income system maintained its top rating for six years in a row.

Indeed, under our Conservative government, Canada has one of the best retirement income systems in the world.

Our government believes that Canadians deserve a secure and dignified retirement. That is why we cut taxes for seniors and pensioners by more than $2 billion annually, including pension income splitting, introduced the pooled registered pension plan, and introduced the tax-free savings account.

Our government is supporting the Canadians who built this country.

Public Safety

[Thomas Mulcair, NDP, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday Canadians saw a tragedy play out in the community of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu. This morning that tragedy, of course, was only magnified when we learned that Patrice Vincent, one of the Canadian Forces members who was attacked yesterday, has now died. I know that the thoughts of all members of the House and, indeed, of all Canadians are with the family and friends of Patrice Vincent.

Can the Prime Minister please update Canadians on the heartbreaking and shocking events yesterday in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu?

[Stephen Harper, Conservative, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent was a member of the Canadian Armed Forces, with distinguished service over 28 years. He served all across the country. Obviously, our thoughts and prayers are with his family members, his friends, and his colleagues.

This was a despicable act of violence that strikes against not just this soldier and his colleagues but, frankly, against our very values as a civilized democracy. We will continue to stand with the men and women of the armed forces who defend us against these threats.

[Thomas Mulcair, NDP, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the government took everyone by surprise, including the Sûreté du Québec, by revealing unconfirmed information in the House.

A tragic event like the one in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu should be a time for us to move beyond partisan politics.

If this incident is an attack on Canada's national security, when is the government going to provide parliamentarians a full briefing on the situation?

[Stephen Harper, Conservative, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, I informed the House of the news as soon as I was notified.

Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent was a member of the Canadian Armed Forces for 28 years, with a record of distinguished service across the country. We still support our armed forces, which defend us against these kinds of threats. We will continue to fight such threats to our armed forces and to our free and democratic society.

Health

[Thomas Mulcair, NDP, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, according to several reports, documents from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission show that the Conservative government sold the commercial rights to the Canadian Ebola vaccine to NewLink Genetics for $205,000.

Can the Prime Minister confirm that?

[Stephen Harper, Conservative, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, as I have said repeatedly, Canada holds the rights to this vaccine. It was made available to the World Health Organization very early on in the crisis. Clearly, the WHO will determine how it is to be used.

[Thomas Mulcair, NDP, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, actually, he has repeatedly refused to respond.

Since the Ebola outbreak began, the Minister of Health has sold off $1.5 million worth of protective gear for just $30,000. The Conservative government was carelessly getting rid of needed medical supplies for 2¢ on the dollar.

Why was the minister giving this equipment away to private middlemen instead of giving it to the people who need it fighting Ebola in Africa?

[Stephen Harper, Conservative, Prime Minister]

Once again, Mr. Speaker, as I think has been explained to the Leader of the Opposition several times, as soon as the World Health Organization requested supplies, the government made any surplus supplies available. We are making available to it 1.5 million gloves, 2 million face shields, and 1.2 million isolation gowns.

Obviously, we will continue not just with vaccine and equipment but with assistance to the World Health Organization and other international organizations as they fight against what is a very dangerous and troubling pandemic for all of us.