House of Commons Hansard #130 of the 41st Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was parks.
Thomas Mulcair NDPLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, while I thank the Prime Minister, we know that the information that is out there about yesterday's tragic events is incomplete and sometimes even contradictory.
Now that the situation is under control, does the Prime Minister intend to hold a public information session so that everyone can find out about everything that happened?
Stephen Harper ConservativePrime Minister
Mr. Speaker, I know that the police are going to give more information about what happened a little later today. Since investigations are obviously under way, I think it is up to the police to inform the public. I expect that information to be forthcoming in the near future.
Thomas Mulcair NDPLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, it would appear that the assailants involved in Monday's and yesterday's attacks had their passports revoked before they committed their crimes. Many other Canadians, like them, have had their passports revoked because the authorities believed that they intended to join radical groups in other countries.
What new measures, if any, have been taken in these particular cases?
Stephen Harper ConservativePrime Minister
Mr. Speaker, the police and the RCMP have indicated that the passport of the first individual in Quebec had been revoked. That has not been confirmed in the second case. I will let the RCMP inform the public about these matters.
Clearly, we are looking at that aspect of the situation. We are very concerned that there are Canadians here who want to train to commit terrorist acts throughout the world.
Thomas Mulcair NDPLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, today we see enhanced security measures on Parliament Hill, as we should. Still today, this remains first and foremost a mainly open area, and that is good for democracy.
As the government adopts new, permanent security measures in the coming days, can the Prime Minister assure Canadians that their Parliament, the pillar of our democracy, will remain open to them?
Stephen Harper ConservativePrime Minister
Mr. Speaker, in every situation in our history, the governments have made sure of two things: that our country and its citizens are safe and secure and that we have a free and open country. Our departments and security agencies will continue to act with this objective in mind.
Thomas Mulcair NDPLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, we stand here today united, united in our determination to keep this land strong and free. We are all committed to that goal.
We also know that, from time to time, we will disagree on how to achieve that goal. Will the Prime Minister join me in committing that, no matter what differences we may have in the days or weeks to come, we will all approach this complex issue with the respect and dignity it deserves, knowing that however we sometimes disagree, every member of this House is committed to the safety and security of all Canadians?
Stephen Harper ConservativePrime Minister
Mr. Speaker, I would be happy to see all members of Parliament in all parties unite around the idea that, whatever our differences, we are committed not only to the safety and security of Canadians but to the free and democratic society we all hold so dear.
I think it is important to remind Canadians at times like this, in spite of the fact that we are considered and are in fact a relatively young country, that from the great pact of 1867 we have one of the longest unbroken forms of governance, particularly democratic governance, anywhere in the world today. It has been unbroken by war, unbroken by civil disorder or national catastrophe for almost 150 years now. It is a tremendous country that we are all fortunate to be part of, and I know we are all committed to making it better.
Justin Trudeau Liberal Papineau, QC
Mr. Speaker, being able to ask questions is essential in a democracy, even in difficult situations—especially in difficult situations.
Two weeks ago, RCMP Commissioner Paulson straight out told Parliament that there were 90 individuals on a national security watch list. How many are there now?
Stephen Harper ConservativePrime Minister
Mr. Speaker, I would not expect that the number has changed radically in the past two weeks. Obviously, that kind of information is really in the purview of security agencies to provide in detail, if they think that is appropriate.
The fact of the matter is that there are serious security threats in this country, and in many cases those serious security threats continue to be at large and not subject to detention or arrest. I know that is something that concerns Canadians at large. It concerns the government, and we are working with our security agencies to examine how we can handle that situation.
Justin Trudeau Liberal Papineau, QC
Mr. Speaker, some media outlets are reporting that the passport of one of the assailants had been revoked, while the passport application of the other assailant had been rejected. It appears that both of these men wanted to leave Canada to join extremist groups, which has been a criminal offence since 2013.
What steps are being taken to ensure that others in similar circumstances will be stopped?
Stephen Harper ConservativePrime Minister
Mr. Speaker, to add another fact about the RCMP, the police have indicated that the first terrorist who struck in Quebec earlier this week was being actively investigated. The reality is that there are some Canadians who want to become foreign fighters. Some already are, and others are seeking to become foreign fighters. This is a major concern for our security agencies. These agencies and the police are working closely to deal with that threat.
Justin Trudeau Liberal Papineau, QC
Mr. Speaker, once again, news reports indicate that one of this week's attackers had his passport revoked, while the other's passport application was denied. Both appear to have attempted to leave Canada to join extremist organizations. Since 2013, that is an indictable crime. What is, therefore, now being done to arrest others in the same situation?
Stephen Harper ConservativePrime Minister
Mr. Speaker, to repeat my answer, I am not in a position to confirm all of the statements just made by the leader of the Liberal Party. I know the police will comment on those in the days to come, but the police have said, in the case of the first terrorist, that the individual was subject to an active investigation and that his passport had been seized, in fact revoked. The reality is that our police and national security agencies are aware of such individuals seeking to become foreign fighters. There are already such Canadians elsewhere in the country. These agencies are doing everything within the law to resist and to deal with that kind of threat. It is our judgement that they may need additional tools, and we are examining that matter.
Nycole Turmel NDP Hull—Aylmer, QC
Mr. Speaker, Canada can count on the competent and committed employees of the public service. That has been proven once again in the past few hours.
Today, as usual, despite the terrible events of yesterday, they are at their desks across the country. They are courageous and they are committed to ensuring that the government keeps working smoothly. That is how they are responding to intimidation and violence.
Can the President of the Treasury Board explain what is being done to ensure their safety?
Tony Clement ConservativePresident of the Treasury Board
Mr. Speaker, yesterday was a very trying day for many public servants, who, in the face of a situation that none of us had ever contemplated, still worked on the public's behalf and on parliamentarians' behalf.
We have been in constant communication with the public service to keep them up to date on the situation as it arose yesterday and as it will arise in the future. We will continue to do that.
I believe that every public servant should expect that he or she has the ability and the right to work in an environment that is secure and free and free of potential violence.
Rosane Doré Lefebvre NDP Alfred-Pellan, QC
Mr. Speaker, Canadian families are concerned about yesterday's tragic events and the attack in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu earlier this week.
As Canadians return to their daily routines, can the Minister of Public Safety tell us what is being done to ensure the safety of our constituents?
Steven Blaney ConservativeMinister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for the question.
Our government introduced anti-terrorism legislation that is built on four pillars: prevent, detect, deny and respond to terrorist threats.
That is why the Royal Canadian Mounted Police has implemented a robust program to counter extremism. We will continue to work on ensuring that security agencies can protect Canadians.
Rosane Doré Lefebvre NDP Alfred-Pellan, QC
Mr. Speaker, we all agree that ensuring public safety is the primary responsibility of this House.
We also have a responsibility to protect fundamental freedoms. Achieving a balance between safety and freedom will be our main challenge in the coming months.
How does the government plan to achieve this balance?
Steven Blaney ConservativeMinister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
Mr. Speaker, we live under the rule of law. It is therefore important for the measures we put in place to be consistent with Canadian law.
That is why the national security agencies and the law enforcement agencies work within the legal framework. It is important for us, as parliamentarians, to clarify the parameters.
That is why we intend to clarify what tools are available to help the RCMP and the police forces allow us to do our jobs and Canadians to go about their daily lives.
Randall Garrison NDP Esquimalt—Juan de Fuca, BC
Mr. Speaker, as we begin trying to comprehend the events of this week, it has become clear that members of the Canadian Forces may have been specifically targeted for attack.
Like many MPs, I have a base in my riding, which is obviously at the heart of our community. Can the government assure the House that steps are being taken at bases across the country to ensure security for Canadian Forces members and civilian staff?
Rob Nicholson ConservativeMinister of National Defence
Mr. Speaker, we will continue to take the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of our men and women in uniform and the bases.
The Chief of Defence Staff is actively looking into this and taking steps, but make no mistake, we will remain vigilant against those at home and abroad who wish to harm us.
Randall Garrison NDP Esquimalt—Juan de Fuca, BC
Mr. Speaker, we all recognize the need to ensure public safety, and we all understand that public safety is a primary responsibility of this House, but we are also responsible in this House for protecting our fundamental freedoms. These will both present continuing challenges in the coming weeks and months.
How does the government plan to ensure that both public safety and our fundamental freedoms are protected moving forward from the events of the past few days?
Steven Blaney ConservativeMinister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
Mr. Speaker, we are a state of law. We make sure that all our enforcement agencies and national security agencies work within the scope of the law.
That is why we, as politicians and parliamentarians, have the duty to provide clarity so that they can work in these departments to keep Canadians safe. That is why this government intends to table legislation to clarify those powers so that we can sleep safely at night.
Sadia Groguhé NDP Saint-Lambert, QC
Mr. Speaker, the latest reports on the ravages of the Ebola epidemic are alarming.
According to the WHO, the Ebola virus has killed 5,000 and infected 9,000 since the epidemic broke out in March.
The WHO estimates that there could be up to 10,000 new cases a week by December.
This is a major tragedy affecting Africa and the entire international community.
Can the government tell the House about what our country is doing to address this epidemic?