Debates of Nov. 27th, 2014

Canada Pension Plan and the Old Age Security Act

[John McCallum, Liberal, Markham—Unionville, ON]

Mr. Speaker, this has been a remarkable show of co-operation, which is relatively rare in the House.

I understand that all parties are in total agreement that this is a good bill, and we wish to pass it. As a consequence, I do not think I have to wax too long on something on which we all agree.

However, I also like the amendment that manslaughter would be included except in cases where the person does not go to jail, which is relatively rare. I think that is a good liberal compromise, shall we say?

Sometimes when something so self-evident is presented, one wonders why we had not done it decades ago, because for decades in this country, we have been rewarding people who kill their wife or husband by giving them old age security. One wonders why some previous Liberal or Conservative government did not fix that many years ago. Even an NDP MP could have presented a private member's bill. It did not happen, but in any event, it is happening now and I think all of us are pleased with that.

I think that is really all that one has to say.

[Dave Van Kesteren, Conservative, Chatham-Kent—Essex, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank both hon. members for their kinds words and for their succinct understanding of how we have all worked collectively. I applaud them for mentioning that.

As the member for Markham—Unionville noted so well, we can all take credit and we can all take some of the blame. However, today we are all here together and we are going to correct this problem.

As was noted, it is a rare occurrence in this House. Oftentimes, we seem to battle each other. However, every one of us recognizes that this is something that must end. I am very pleased to have been able to present this bill, and I am also very pleased to have been able to work with this House in such a cordial manner to come to an agreement.

I hope that this bill will now move quickly through the Senate and quickly become law, so that we can rectify something that was so wrong and turn it into something that is so right.

[The Acting Speaker, Barry Devolin]

The question is on the motion. Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion?

[Some hon. members]

Agreed.

No.

[The Acting Speaker, Barry Devolin]

All those in favour of the motion will please say yea.

[Some hon. members]

Yea.

[The Acting Speaker, Barry Devolin]

All those opposed will please say nay.

[Some hon. members]

Nay.

[The Acting Speaker, Barry Devolin]

In my opinion the yeas have it.

And five or more members having risen:

Pursuant to Standing Order 98 the recorded division stands deferred until Wednesday, December 3, immediately before the time provided for private members' business.

The hon. member for Drummond not being present to raise the matter for which adjournment notice has been given, the notice is deemed withdrawn.

It being 5:41 p.m., the House stands adjourned until tomorrow at 10 a.m. pursuant to Standing Order 24(1).

(The House adjourned at 5:41 p.m.)