Debates of Feb. 4th, 2014

Ontario Speaker's Book Award

[Paul Calandra, Conservative, Oak Ridges—Markham, ON]

Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to rise today to recognize an incredible accomplishment of one of my constituents.

David Tsubouchi, a long-time Markham resident and former Ontario cabinet minister, recently had his memoir, Gambatte, short-listed for the Ontario Speaker's Book Award. The inspiring story begins in 1941, as the Tsubouchi family fights for survival amid the imprisonment of Japanese Canadians and the confiscation of property and possessions by the Mackenzie King Liberal government.

While Gambatte paints a brutal picture of Canada during the World War II era for Japanese Canadians, it tells a remarkable story of perseverance and accomplishment, not only for Mr. Tsubouchi but also for an entire community.

In 1988, the same year that the Mulroney government officially apologized for the treatment of Japanese Canadians, Mr. Tsubouchi was elected as Markham councillor and became the first Japanese Canadian to hold a seat in any government office. Gambatte means “Do your best and never give up”. This spirit is at the heart of David Tsubouchi's life story.

As his member of Parliament, I am proud to recognize his political, literary, and lifetime success here today.

Black History Month

[Brian Masse, NDP, Windsor West, ON]

Mr. Speaker, February marks the beginning of Black History Month in Canada. The city of Windsor has played an important role in facilitating the underground railroad, which served as a gateway to freedom for many escaped slaves seeking refuge from the United States. The underground railroad helped tens of thousands of escapees find freedom in Canada, enriching cities such as Windsor for generations to come.

Every year Windsor's African-Canadian community enhances our region with events celebrating Black History Month. Organizations such as the Essex County Black Historical Research Society and the Northstar Cultural Community Centre are critical pillars that promote the important contributions from individuals of African-Canadian heritage to the cultural fabric of Windsor and Essex County and all across Canada. My community's proud legacy as a freedom destination is perpetuated through these and similar organizations. Canadians of African descent continue to play an integral role in the cultural, political, social, and economic development of our community as a whole.

Not only is February a time to reflect on black history, it is also imperative to recognize it is a foundational element in Canadian history.

Wheat Growers

[Larry Maguire, Conservative, Brandon—Souris, MB]

Mr. Speaker, many farmers are in Ottawa today for the 44th annual western Canadian wheat growers convention.

As a previous president of the organization, I can say without a doubt that the farmers who have joined us today are at the forefront of their industry. Wheat growers bring ideas to the table. They strive for results. Most of all, they are an effective farm organization that advances positive market-oriented policy changes. I commend them for working with the government to open new markets for producers. I know they will continue to break down trade barriers that will bring great benefits to prairie farmers and indeed all Canadian farmers.

I also want to thank them for their tireless efforts in promoting marketing freedom and for their steadfast support of our government's efforts throughout the years.

On behalf of all members of this House, I wish them a successful convention. I look forward to working with them to get real results for Canadian farmers.

Eating Disorders

[Hedy Fry, Liberal, Vancouver Centre, BC]

Mr. Speaker, this is Eating Disorders Week in Canada.

Anorexia nervosa and bulimia are among the most prevalent psychiatric disorders in young adult females and the second most common chronic illness in adolescents. They have the highest mortality rates of any psychiatric disorder in adolescents. Youth with eating disorders are 12 times more likely to die than their peers who do not have eating disorders.

There are 600,000 to one million Canadians who have been diagnosed with eating disorders. Stigma and late diagnosis contribute to chronicity, which in turn makes it difficult to treat. Less than 50% of patients have successful treatment. Without treatment, eating disorders and their related co-morbidities, including substance abuse, can cause severe disability and death, yet many primary care physicians do not regularly screen for eating disorders or have the skills to detect them.

It is time to develop a strategy to improve awareness, prevent and diagnose eating disorders early, and to fight the stigma faced by patients.

Hockeyville

[Blaine Calkins, Conservative, Wetaskiwin, AB]

Mr. Speaker:

I rise again in this House to talk about hockey
In a community that lies between Red Deer and Rocky.
Sylvan Lake's plight is my subject of call.
Their arena collapsed under record snowfall.
The old barn came down without much warning.
A very close call, at one in the morning.
Many young children with no place to skate
No stands to cheer from, so proud and so great.
A rink that is known for its great hockey camp,
Producing great players, some Stanley Cup champs
The Sutters, Morris, to name just a few,
Ranford and Iginla, have skated there too.
And now comes the task, not incredibly small
How to rebuild; the costs will be tall.
Sylvan Lake's spirit will not be defeated.
Fundraising has started; the job CAN be completed.
Mr. Speaker, before my poem's complete
I do need to note, that with no small feat
Other towns and cities have provided support,
Working together to help Sylvan Lake sport.
Thanks to Eckville, Clive, Blackfalds, Leduc,
Red Deer, Rocky Mountain House, and Caroline too.
Maskwacis, Bashaw, Spruce View, lnnisfail,
And Rimbey, a friend, just down the trail.
But today, I stand in support of this town
For I've played there too, and when that building fell down,
What I ask for today, is support from the Hill.
Vote for Sylvan Lake, for Kraft Hockeyville!

World Cancer Day

[Olivia Chow, NDP, Trinity—Spadina, ON]

Mr. Speaker, today we mark World Cancer Day. Like far too many Canadians, my life has been touched by cancer. Like all Canadians, I want this disease beaten once and for all, so join me in saluting the Campaign to Control Cancer. It has pulled together 70 organizations, and controlcancer.ca is a powerful force that is working to cut the rate of cancer deaths in half. It is meeting in Toronto today to engage, excite, and rally Canadians to control cancer. It debunks myths, it promotes prevention by applying what we know and learn, and it celebrates many breakthroughs that bring hope to everyone in the world.

Cancer is not partisan, so orange, blue, red, or green, let us stand united and join in the Campaign to Control Cancer.

Winter Olympic Games

[Andrew Saxton, Conservative, North Vancouver, BC]

Mr. Speaker, with the Sochi Winter Olympics just three days away, I can feel the excitement building nationwide in support for Team Canada. I am proud to highlight 21-year-old Lynn Valley native Liam Firus from my riding of North Vancouver, who will be representing Canada on the world stage in figure skating.

Liam originally got into the sport to improve his hockey skills. Fast forward a few years and Liam had gained national attention when he won the Canadian junior title in figure skating in 2010. He competed as a senior at the national championships until a painful injury forced him to take some time off. However, that did not stop him from reaching his goals and bringing home the bronze medal in the 2014 Canadian national championships.

I am proud to say that he is also going to show off his talents in Sochi, alongside 216 other Canadian athletes who will represent our great country both in athletics and in our values of freedom and human rights.

I invite all members of the House to join me in cheering for our athletes. Go, Canada, go!

[Rick Dykstra, Conservative, St. Catharines, ON]

Mr. Speaker, we will all be watching and cheering on Canadian athletes during the Sochi Olympics. However, the people in my community may be cheering just a little harder for St. Catharines' own Kirsten Moore-Towers. Kirsten is one of our national champion pairs figure skaters, and we are all proud of her accomplishments. The hard work, dedication, and countless hours of training that she has committed cannot go unrecognized.

To our over 200 young men and women who will represent Canada at the Olympics, I want to wish them the best of luck and thank them for representing our country with dignity and class.

St. Catharines will be cheering on Kirsten and her partner, Dylan Moscovitch. We are looking forward to their bringing home that medal to where it belongs, St. Catharines.

Jean Hanson

[Glenn Thibeault, NDP, Sudbury, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart, but I am honoured to pay tribute to a pillar of my community, Jean Hanson, who lost her second battle with cancer yesterday at the Maison Vale Hospice in Sudbury.

A pioneer in her field, Jean was the first female director of education for the Rainbow District School Board. Truly, her work as an advocate for children and her 40 years of public service bear witness to her commitment to a quality education for all. Jean was also a long-time community activist who worked tirelessly to improve the lives of our community's less fortunate and most vulnerable citizens.

I had the honour to work with her at the United Way/Centraide Sudbury and Nipissing districts, where she was a tireless advocate. Through her commitment to mental health issues, through her efforts with the Canadian Mental Health Association, her dedication to activism was evident.

Jean's legacy in our community will not soon be forgotten. On behalf of all Sudburians and all parliamentarians, I offer condolences to Jean's family and colleagues. I thank Jean. Her contributions to my community will be missed.

Eating Disorders

[Brad Butt, Conservative, Mississauga—Streetsville, ON]

Mr. Speaker, this week is Eating Disorder Awareness Week in Canada. I am pleased to welcome the national initiative for eating disorders to Parliament Hill. NIED is here to raise awareness about eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorders, which are serious, life-threatening mental health conditions that affect both girls and boys as well as men and women.

Today we do not know how many Canadians are suffering from eating disorders, what the cost of eating disorders is to the health care system, and how many Canadians are forced to go outside Canada for long-term, life-saving treatment, as there are no such treatment centres in our country. Canada needs a national strategy and registry for eating disorders, including the sharing of best practices across the country and funding for treatment programs.

Let us all fight for those living with an eating disorder and for their families, who are hurting and need our help.

Frédéric Back

[Thomas Mulcair, NDP, Outremont, QC]

Mr. Speaker, one of the icons of animation passed away on December 24. Frédéric Back, an illustrious citizen of the riding of Outremont, made nine animated films and won two Oscars: one for Crac!, the story of a rocking chair, and another for The Man Who Planted Trees.

His last film, The Mighty River, tells the story and the agony of the St. Lawrence River and won more than 40 prizes.

Beyond the international acclaim and the Oscars he won, Frédéric Back's work helped generations of viewers to realize the sacred nature of our planet. A truly great artist has left us. Frédéric Back's creations will endure as a pillar of our culture.

The death of this talented creator of animated films, nature lover and humanist is a terrible loss for all of us.

World Cancer Day

[Eve Adams, Conservative, Mississauga—Brampton South, ON]

Mr. Speaker, today marks World Cancer Day, a day to reaffirm our commitment to the fight against cancer and to raise awareness of those affected by this terrible disease.

According to the Canadian Cancer Society, cancer is the leading cause of death, killing 200 Canadians each and every day. My family and most Canadian families have lost someone because of this awful disease.

That is why I am proud of the actions of our government to fight cancer. Our government leads the way in scientific research, having funded over $1 billion for cancer research and prevention since 2006. This builds on nearly $500 million in funding for the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer, which helps patients directly with prevention, early detection, and treatment.

Our Conservative government will continue working with the provinces and territories to improve treatment and prevention so that more Canadians can survive this terrible disease.

Lajeunesse Community Recreation Centre

[Justin Trudeau, Liberal, Papineau, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I proudly rise in the House as the member for Papineau to mark the 25th anniversary of the Centre de loisirs communautaires Lajeunesse.

By promoting civic engagement and volunteerism and by encouraging the various local organizations to work together, this centre has become an integral part of the community's well-being and has made all the people of Papineau proud.

I would like to thank Marcelle Bastien and her terrific team for their dedication to creating a great and healthy place to live for everyone in Villeray by offering accessible activities focused on personal growth. I wish them every success.

I invite the people of Papineau to come and see the activities that all my friends at the Lajeunesse centre are organizing to celebrate its 25 years of contribution in Villeray. I would also invite them to take part in those activities.

Congratulations.

Public Safety

[Joyce Bateman, Conservative, Winnipeg South Centre, MB]

Mr. Speaker, our Conservative government is committed to keeping our streets and communities safe. We have taken strong action to keep dangerous criminals behind bars, where they belong.

We have passed over 30 bills to do just that and, despite constant objections from the New Democrats and the Liberals, we are seeing great results. The crime rate in Winnipeg is down 13.5% since last year. However, there is still much to do. That is why we will introduce a victims' bill of rights, to return victims to their rightful place at the heart of the justice system.

I call on the opposition to support these important measures for our communities.

Veterans Affairs

[Irene Mathyssen, NDP, London—Fanshawe, ON]

Mr. Speaker, let us recap the sordid week of the Minister of Veterans Affairs.

First, the minister showed up late for a meeting with veterans. Then, when he did show up, he was disrespectful and insulted them. The following day, the minister was forced to read an apology. Then, a couple of days later, the minister went on the radio and boasted that he wears resignation calls like “a badge of honour”. He then retracted his previously forced apology, saying, “I've done nothing wrong, why should I resign?” To top it off, the minister then went on to insinuate that these veterans were nothing more than “union pawns”.

The fact is, the Conservatives have betrayed our veterans by making it harder for those suffering from post-traumatic stress to get help. The minister has to stop insulting our veterans. It is time for him to finally do the honourable thing, and resign.

Anti-Israel Boycott Campaign

[Peter Kent, Conservative, Thornhill, ON]

Mr. Speaker, Sodastream, an Israeli company that employs some 900 Palestinians, has become one of the targets of a dishonest boycott, divestment, and sanctions campaign that would actually hurt those it claims to support, given that Sodastream pays employees four times the wages earned by the average Palestinian and ensures that all employees are treated equally.

It is disappointing that organizations such as Oxfam support this movement, which targets Israel, while turning a blind eye to the world's most cruel violators of human rights.

As the Prime Minister said in his historic address to the Israeli Knesset last month:

“...Israel represents values which our government takes as articles of faith...to drive our national life.

And therefore, through fire and water, Canada will stand with you.

I encourage members of the House to join me in standing up against this misguided and deceitful movement. Let us counter the boycott with a buy-cott.

Veterans Affairs

[Thomas Mulcair, NDP, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Veterans Affairs has been forced to apologize yet again. This time, it is for repeatedly mishandling the confidential psychiatric medical file of a veteran who tragically went on to take her own life.

Does the Prime Minister now understand why Canadians have lost confidence in his minister, and will he please tell us what it will take for him to finally fire him?

[Stephen Harper, Conservative, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, as I have said repeatedly, this government has recognized like none other before it the serious challenges that do exist from time to time with mental health issues in the Canadian Armed Forces. That is why we provided record investments into these services and why we always encourage men and women who are former or present serving members and who need any assistance not to be afraid to seek that assistance.

[Thomas Mulcair, NDP, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, that is very touching, but next year another $105 million will be cut from the budgets for veterans' services. The government is cutting $105 million from the budgets for services to help the brave men and women who valiantly served their country.

Will the Prime Minister use the upcoming budget to restore that $105 million in funding?

[Stephen Harper, Conservative, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, the NDP leader's statement is absolutely false. The money allocated to veterans' services has increased by $5 billion thanks to this government.

We have only cut bureaucracy in order to ensure that there is funding for services for our veterans. I hope that next time, the NDP will finally vote in favour of that funding for our veterans.

National Defence

[Thomas Mulcair, NDP, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, can the Prime Minister confirm that Communications Security Establishment Canada intercepted and gathered information on Canadians who were travelling through a Canadian airport?

[Stephen Harper, Conservative, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, as everyone knows, oversight of Canada's security and intelligence services is provided by independent organizations. The commissioner has reviewed all of these activities and has clearly said that these services were acting within the law.

[Thomas Mulcair, NDP, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, CSEC claims that no Canadians were targeted or tracked, but it admits to collecting “metadata”. That means that it knew where and when Canadians were using the Internet and who they contacted.

Who in the government authorized that operation by CSEC?

[Stephen Harper, Conservative, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, once again, I do not discuss the activities of our security agencies. In the case of the Communications Security Establishment Canada, there is a commissioner set up with specific responsibilities. He is an independent individual with the responsibility of monitoring all of these activities to make sure that they are within the law, and he has confirmed that this is the case.

[Thomas Mulcair, NDP, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, is the Prime Minister saying that the locations of Canadians and their phone and Internet activity are not protected under Canadian law? Is that his contention?