Debates of Oct. 31st, 2014

Economic Action Plan 2014 Act, No. 2

[Leona Aglukkaq, Conservative, Nunavut, NU]

Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to receive that question from the member and to clarify the record.

During the discussions related to the cuts made by the Liberal government to health care, education, and infrastructure, I do not know if the member is aware that I was the finance minister for Nunavut and dealt with the issues resulting from the cuts Liberals made to health, education, and transfers.

I am very pleased to report that our government took the opposite position and did not cut transfers to the territorial and provincial governments. Since our government has been in place, for my riding alone the transfer payments have increased by over $500 million. Second, the infrastructure investments, guaranteed for ten years, have increased from $50 million to $419 million.

Under the Liberals, we experienced cuts to transfers and education and no increase in infrastructure budgets. I was the finance minister for Nunavut. I was also the health minister for Nunavut who was dealing with the Liberal cuts. We have restored that funding so that the territorial governments and provinces can make the investments according to their own priorities within their respective jurisdictions.

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

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. minister for her speech relating to division 3 of part 4 of an omnibus bill.

I would like to ask her if the act for the creation of the Canadian high Arctic research station is important. I believe it is important. It winds up, and it is confusing in relation to the role of what used to be the Canadian Polar Commission, so there appears to be some transition. There is no reference in it to research on the climate crisis or the loss of ice in our Arctic region.

This bill is sufficiently important to have been a stand-alone piece of legislation, not buried in an omnibus bill along with measures to get rid of paper bills and extra billing and dealing as well with revolving funds, the banning of jammers, money laundering, and extractive sector transparency. In other words, this omnibus bill is a dog's breakfast of over 450 pages.

I ask the hon. minister why she would not have preferred to have this Canadian high Arctic research station bill dealt with separately so that it could be properly studied.

[Leona Aglukkaq, Conservative, Nunavut, NU]

Mr. Speaker, I can say that people in Cambridge Bay are very excited about the creation of the Canadian high Arctic research station. I can also say that the people of the Arctic are very excited about having a stand-alone institution in the Arctic to conduct Arctic research, as opposed to research done down south, far from the people. This new institution will bring researchers to the north to conduct research in the Arctic with people in the Arctic.

In terms of why the two organizations have merged, as defined by the proposed legislation, the purpose of the new organization, CHARS, would be to advance knowledge of the Canadian Arctic in order to improve economic opportunities, environmental stewardship, and the quality of life of northerners and all other Canadians, and promote the development and dissemination of knowledge of the polar regions in the Arctic.

Airline Services in Penticton

[Dan Albas, Conservative, Okanagan—Coquihalla, BC]

Mr. Speaker, this past Sunday for the very first time I flew from Penticton in my riding of Okanagan—Coquihalla to Ottawa with WestJet.

This is not the first time I have flown to Ottawa via WestJet but it was from Penticton. Why? Because on Sunday, for the first time in WestJet's history, a new daily service between Calgary and Penticton began using the made-in-Canada Bombardier Q400 aircraft. This was an extremely exciting day for Penticton and for the Penticton Indian Band who have been working toward this daily service for years.

I mention this because now there is yet another way to come and visit Okanagan—Coquihalla. I would like to invite all members of this place to come by for a visit. This new service is a reminder of the importance of tourism and also increases opportunities for interprovincial trade, labour mobility and investment.

I would like to thank the many community leaders past and present who worked tirelessly to make this WestJet Encore service possible.

1984 Anti-Sikh Attacks

[Wayne Marston, NDP, Hamilton East—Stoney Creek, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in the House to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the tragic massacres of 1984 that targeted Sikh men, women and children in New Delhi and many other parts of India.

The NDP stands in solidarity with Sikh communities across our country in seeking justice. At times when innocent lives are lost with no accountability nor explanation, we have an obligation to ask why and to seek honest answers for our friends and fellow citizens.

The victims and the survivors of 1984, in particular, the many widows, require support and recognition. The actions of the police and allegations regarding the role of congress members must be examined. The truth must be brought to light and most importantly, the guilty must be brought to justice.

Today, as we mark the events of 1984, beyond seeking justice, remembrance is the tie that not only binds us to our past; it also guides us through the challenges of our future.

Taxation

[Costas Menegakis, Conservative, Richmond Hill, ON]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister's announcement of yet even more tax relief and increased benefits for families is great news for parents in my riding of Richmond Hill.

This historic plan will put over $1,100 each year back into the pockets of every hard-working family with children. According to the 2011 census, 35,000 families with children in Richmond Hill will benefit from these new measures to help make life more affordable. That means nearly $40 million will go back to Richmond Hill families alone.

My constituents are thrilled, including those who were in attendance at yesterday's announcement. Parents like Mehrdad Sabouhi and Ellie Moaveni, who commend the government for helping families with the costs of raising children, and Ernie Henderson of the Richmond Hill Soccer Club that will see its 6,000 or so families with children and youth directly benefit.

Richmond Hill and all of Canada is benefiting from our government's continued focus on helping hard-working Canadians make ends meet.

Ronald “Rannie” MacDonald

[Mark Eyking, Liberal, Sydney—Victoria, NS]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Ronald MacDonald, also known as Rannie, who recently passed away on October 13.

Rannie was a World War II veteran with the West Nova Scotia infantry division. Upon his return from Europe he continued onward and volunteered in the battle of Japan. He retired with full honours and achieved the rank of captain. He was also a stationary engineer and was always helping others.

Rannie became a proud member of Legion Branch 126 in Westmount. He also became an active member of the Coxheath Volunteer Fire Department in 1967, dutifully contributing up until his illness in 2012.

Rannie will be humbly remembered by his wife of 67 years, Norma, and their remaining seven children, along with 21 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He lived a full life in Cape Breton surrounded by his loving family and friends and was often regarded as a gentleman's gentleman.

As we approach Remembrance Day, Mr. MacDonald will remain close to our hearts as we commemorate all veterans, including Rannie, for their great service to our country.

Acts of Bravery

[Mark Strahl, Conservative, Chilliwack—Fraser Canyon, BC]

Mr. Speaker, on October 27, 2011, Chilliwack resident Shawn Nagurny, along with five others, saved six people from a burning aircraft that had crash-landed on a highway in Richmond, B.C.

Ignoring the intense heat and dense smoke enveloping the aircraft, the rescuers entered the plane several times to help pull the injured passengers out. For their heroics they were presented with the Medal of Bravery by His Excellency Governor General David Johnston.

I had the honour of witnessing the poignant ceremony at Rideau Hall where the Governor General spoke of these wrong-way guys and wrong-way gals, heroic men and women who in the face of danger ran toward it rather than away from it.

The very next day, Canadians witnessed the same sort of bravery from first responders, including our House of Commons security team and our own Sergeant-at-Arms Kevin Vickers, as they responded to a terrorist attack.

Whether they be brave civilians, or brave men and women in uniform or ceremonial robes, we salute those among us who run toward danger, rather than away from it, to keep us safe.

Moisson Outaouais Regional Food Bank

[Nycole Turmel, NDP, Hull—Aylmer, QC]

Mr. Speaker, as the holiday season approaches, we are going to hear more and more appeals to people's generosity. In the Outaouais, however, much like across the country, the needs are urgent all year round, not only in December. Any time, then, is a good time to provide support to families in need.

With today being Halloween, I invite everyone, young and old, to join me in collecting non-perishable food items, which will be given to Moisson Outaouais, a wonderful organization. Our tour will begin at my constituency office at 5 p.m. We will have a team there all evening to accept food donations. Last year we collected 300 pounds of food.

I am putting this challenge out there to all the witches, goblins and monsters in Hull—Aylmer. This year, let us do even more to help families in our own community.

Expression of Thanks

[Parm Gill, Conservative, Brampton—Springdale, ON]

Mr. Speaker, it is not very often we get an opportunity to thank people who work extremely hard to support us in our roles as members of Parliament and help serve our constituents, under extremely stressful situations at times.

First I want to thank my staff here in Ottawa, Patrick, Graham and Phil, and also in the Brampton office led by Ninder Thind, Jasleen, Jessica, Mandeep, Evan, Sarah and Tanya.

I also want to thank my family, my wife, of course, Amarpal, my daughter Parmeet, my two sons Damanjit and Ramanjit, my brothers Manjeet and Ranjit and sisters-in-law Rasbinder and Dolly, my sister Karamjit and brother-in-law Kamaljit, and all of my nephews and nieces. I have an amazing family.

Most importantly, I want to thank my mother. It is all due to her love and the tremendous sacrifices she has made over the years that has allowed me the opportunity to serve my amazing constituents. It is truly an honour.

Natural Disasters in South Asia

[Deepak Obhrai, Conservative, Calgary East, AB]

Mr. Speaker, On October 17, I visited Jammu and Kashmir in India. On my visit, I announced Canadian support to communities affected by devastating floods through providing clean water sanitation units for approximately 20,000 families for a year through GlobalMedic, a Canadian NGO.

I was saddened to witness the crushing devastation caused by the disaster.

I visited a gurdwara in Srinagar and was impressed at how the community had converted their temple into a large and effective relief centre to assist those displaced by the floods.

Recently, another natural disaster struck South Asia. On Wednesday, a devastating landslide in Sri Lanka destroyed over 63 homes, damaging over 140, with 192 people missing and at least 15 confirmed dead.

On behalf of the Government of Canada, I would like to convey my heartfelt condolences to all of those affected by this terrible tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this time.

Remembrance Day

[Alain Giguère, NDP, Marc-Aurèle-Fortin, QC]

Mr. Speaker, last week, Parliament, the most important place in Canadian democracy, was attacked.

This attack left us in mourning. Soon we will be celebrating Remembrance Day. Unfortunately, we will have to add two more soldiers to this commemoration. We will remember not only their valour in uniform, but also their everyday lives. The members of our military are fathers and mothers, sons and daughters, who spend Halloween with their children and watch a hockey game with friends. They are true Canadians who care about us and share our desire to defend our rights and freedoms.

In their memory, I invite everyone in my riding to show their support on November 8 by taking part in the Remembrance Day parade in Sainte-Thérèse, organized by the Canadian Legion.

Last week's events serve as a reminder of what is essential: together, we will continue to protect democracy and we will prevail against those who spread fear.

Taxation

[Gerald Keddy, Conservative, South Shore—St. Margaret's, NS]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday the Prime Minister announced tax relief that puts money back in the pockets of Canadian families.

For example, Paul, a single parent with two children, earns $30,000 a year. Thanks to the Prime Minister's announcement yesterday, Paul will receive $1,218 back in his pocket. That is real money making a real difference for his family.

This is what Canadian families can continue to count on from our Conservative government.

Vandalism of Mosque

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

Mr. Speaker, today I rise not to pay tribute to the good people of Skeena—Bulkley Valley but to salute a group of remarkable Albertans.

After the tragic and violent events of last week, two fatal attacks on Canadian soldiers and an assault here in Parliament itself, there was a callow and racist attack on a mosque in Cold Lake, Alberta.

When the mosque windows were shattered, the proud people of this community came together to repair them. Citizens, military personnel and civic officials brought paint, brushes and ladders to cover up the hateful graffiti that had screamed, “Go home”.

A member of the local mosque, Mahmoud Elkadri said, “When I came this morning...I felt the support of Cold Lake.... I am in my country, in my home”.

In such times we are all laid bare and our true selves are shown. The people of Cold Lake met hate with kindness; ignorance they faced with love. We say thanks to these people in Cold Lake who showed us the very best of this country.

Taxation

[John Barlow, Conservative, Macleod, AB]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday the Prime Minister announced fantastic new measures to help make life more affordable for families with children. Our government unveiled an opportunity that is wonderful for all Canadian families, especially low- and middle-income families who will see significant tax savings in 2015.

For example, Macleod resident, Mary, has a two-income household with her husband Bob. She earns $96,000 a year. Bob makes $24,000 a year. Because of the Prime Minister's announcement, through the family tax credit, they will earn an additional $3,000 in tax relief.

Under this plan, every family in Canada with children would have more money in their pockets. We balanced our budget and now we are helping Canadian families balance theirs.

Alphonse Vautour

[Dominic LeBlanc, Liberal, Beauséjour, NB]

Mr. Speaker, I am rising to pay tribute to Alphonse Vautour, originally from Petit-Cap, who joined the Canadian Armed Forces before turning 19 and fought in France on D-Day.

To honour his courage and contribution to the liberation of France, Mr. Vautour was made a member of the National Order of the Legion of Honour on October 23.

Mr. Vautour is 95 and was accompanied by a large number of his children, grandchildren and even great-grandchildren, who watched as a member of their family was thanked by the Republic of France. As the consul for France said, France will never forget his efforts on its behalf.

Canada will also not forget Mr. Vautour's sacrifices. That is why I am congratulating him and asking the other MPs of this House to congratulate Mr. Vautour for this well-deserved honour.

Poppy Campaign

[Rick Norlock, Conservative, Northumberland—Quinte West, ON]

Mr. Speaker, today marks the beginning of the Royal Canadian Legion poppy campaign.

Indeed Canada's remembrance ceremony began earlier this year and will be anything but routine. That's because Canadians are united today, united in our rejection of aggression here at home and abroad, united in our common support of Canadian values and our appreciation of veterans for protecting those values here at home and around the world.

Dare I say that this year's campaign will mean something more. I encourage all Canadians to wear a poppy in the name of our veterans who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

I call on all Canadians to attend a remembrance ceremony in their community. Join your neighbours, friends and family as we as a country stand together, united in remembrance. Lest we forget.

Alain Gervais

[Matthew Dubé, NDP, Chambly—Borduas, QC]

Mr. Speaker, when Alain Gervais used his body to block the door to our caucus room during the gunfire last week, he showed incredible courage and composure.

When we met with him this week to thank him, our caucus chair, the hon. member for Sudbury, aptly described how we all felt.

He said that we just need to constantly make sure that person never has to pay for a beer at any pub in the country for the rest of his life.

This wish did not fall on deaf ears. People began talking and laughing about it on Twitter, and Mr. Gervais's wife, Kerry, tweeted that her husband really likes Rickard's White. That is all it took for Molson Coors to decide to send dozens of cases of beer to Mr. Gervais's home.

Although the NDP's wish was to ensure that Mr. Gervais would never again have to pay for a beer, there is no real way to express our gratitude to this hero and all the heros that dark day on the Hill.

Thank you once again, Alain, and thank you to the entire House of Commons security team. I raise my glass to all of you.

Taxation

[Jeff Watson, Conservative, Essex, ON]

Mr. Speaker, our government is focused on helping hard-working Canadian families make ends meet by making important priorities like child care and after-school sports more affordable.

Ben and Sally are a young, two-income family with two kids, Joy and Alex. Sally earns $48,000 a year managing a small local business. Ben earns a second family income of $12,000 working a part-time job while devoting most of his energy to raising their young, active children, who also benefit from the children's fitness tax credit. Through the government's new tax relief measures, which were announced yesterday in Vaughan, Ontario, Ben and Sally's family will receive a benefit of just under $1,200. This represents 36% of their federal tax bill and a huge, deserved tax break for a young, hard-working family.

All families with children will benefit from the new measures introduced by our government.

[Libby Davies, NDP, Vancouver East, BC]

Mr. Speaker, contrary to what we just heard, the Conservatives have presented a plan that will do nothing for the vast majority of Canadians. They were warned by their own finance minister that it was bad policy that would increase inequality, but yesterday they announced that they plan to do it anyway.

Why are the Conservatives deciding to spend billions on a plan that will do nothing for 80% of Canadians?

[Andrew Saxton, Conservative, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance]

Mr. Speaker, under the strong and dependable leadership of our Prime Minister, our government is focused on helping hard-working Canadian families make ends meet by making important priorities, like child care and after-school sports, more affordable. Under this plan, every family with children will have more money in their pockets to spend on their priorities as a family.

Our government is fulfilling its promise to balance the federal budget. We are now in a position to fulfill our promise to help Canadian families balance theirs.

[Libby Davies, NDP, Vancouver East, BC]

Mr. Speaker, the parliamentary secretary has to be kidding. This multibillion-dollar scheme will leave the majority of Canadians falling further behind. Who will not get any benefit at all? It will be single mothers, couples with no kids, parents who are divorced, couples making less than $44,000, and the list goes on. Who will benefit? Well, it will be many of the finance minister's former colleagues on Bay Street.

Will the Conservatives back down from their wasteful and ineffective scheme?

[Andrew Saxton, Conservative, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance]

Mr. Speaker, under our plan, every Canadian family with children will have more money in their pockets to help make ends meet. Over four million Canadian families will see an average benefit of $1,140 due to these measures. Two-thirds of the benefits will go to low- and middle-income families. Our plan will help families pay for priorities like groceries, after-school activities for their kids, and saving for post-secondary education.

Only our Conservative government knows that Canadian families know how to best spend their hard-earned money.

[Libby Davies, NDP, Vancouver East, BC]

Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives' plan will not just increase income inequality, it will also push us backwards on gender equality. Countless economists have shown that this type of policy will push women out of the workforce, erasing the gains in workplace participation that women have fought hard to achieve over many generations.

Why are the Conservatives so intent on pushing forward with such a backward plan?

[Andrew Saxton, Conservative, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance]

Mr. Speaker, we understand the rising cost of raising a family today. That is why we are putting money in the pockets of parents to make it easier for them and to allow them to spend on their priorities as a family. All families with children will benefit from the new measures introduced by our government. The average tax relief and benefits for these families will be $1,140 in 2015. Two-thirds of the benefits will go to low- and middle-income families.

The Liberals and the NDP will reverse these measures. Only our Conservative government is standing up for Canadian families.