Debates of May 27th, 2014

Protecting Canadians from Unsafe Drugs Act (Vanessa's Law)

[Kevin Lamoureux, Liberal, Winnipeg North, MB]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to conclude with the fact that, as I indicated before, the Liberal Party critic was fairly clear that the bill is a step forward. It is something that would make a difference in the lives of Canadians from coast to coast to coast.

Having said that, we have serious concerns in terms of wanting to present amendments. We are looking to the government to materialize on its commitment to approach it with an open mind and accept amendments. That is something that is very important to the Liberal Party.

Could the member provide her thoughts on how important it is that amendments be accepted at the committee stage?

[Carol Hughes, NDP, Algoma—Manitoulin—Kapuskasing, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I will make it as short as possible. I think I can give three areas where it needs to be improved. Optimal prescribing practices, public disclosure of clinical trial results, and strengthening the common drug review are three areas the government needs to consider when it gets to committee.

County of Peterborough

[Dean Del Mastro, Independent, Peterborough, ON]

Mr. Speaker, this past Friday evening some exceptional Canadians were recognized by the County of Peterborough. The County of Peterborough is a special place, renowned for its agricultural past and present, its natural beauty, and perhaps most important, the character and contributions of its residents.

On Friday evening, individuals and businesses were recognized for making Peterborough county a better place, a more prosperous place, and a better place to call home.

I want to congratulate all of the recipients and warden J. Murray Jones, deputy warden Joe Taylor, and all members of the county council for taking time to recognize the exceptional citizens who call Peterborough county home. I thank each and every one of them for making Peterborough county truly something to be proud of.

Souris Sabres

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the members of the Souris School boys rugby team. It has once again won the varsity boys Westman High School Rugby championship, for the third year in a row.

The team is made up of 19 players who showed grit and determination last weekend on the pitch during the championship game. In fact, the team was down the entire game, but the players did not give up and they did not lose hope. They battled back and scored on the final play of the game to tie it up and then kicked a convert to win 19 to 17.

I might be biased, as my family graduated from Souris School; however, I can say that without a doubt the entire southwest corner of Manitoba will be cheering for the Sabres as they advance to the provincials this coming weekend. The Souris Sabres team is now known far and wide for its rugby program, and I know it will continue to make us proud. Go, Sabres, go.

Support for Crown Corporations

[Pierre-Luc Dusseault, NDP, Sherbrooke, QC]

Mr. Speaker, last December, Canada Post, our crown corporation, announced an almost complete restructuring of its operations: higher stamp prices, the loss of 8,000 jobs and, of course, the gradual elimination of door-to-door delivery. Crown corporations belong to Canadians, and Canadians must have their say. The only consultations held on these very significant changes were bogus. That is why my colleague from Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie and I are organizing a real consultation. A public meeting will actually take place on Saturday, June 14, at noon, outside the Sherbrooke city hall. Everyone is welcome.

This is also high season for Conservative cuts. Just yesterday, they voted against the motion moved by my colleague from Longueuil—Pierre-Boucher, which called for the cancellation of the cuts to the CBC. Despite the Conservatives' refusal, there will be a huge rally in Sherbrooke. Organizations and artists from my region are organizing an event to support the CBC, on Wednesday, June 11, at the Granada Theatre. Artists such as Richard Séguin and Clémence DesRochers will be on stage at this event. I hope that all the members will follow their lead and support the CBC. Together, we must show our support to protect our crown corporation.

Human Rights in Sudan

[David Sweet, Conservative, Ancaster—Dundas—Flamborough—Westdale, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to the outrageous sentence delivered to Meriam Yehya Ibrahim Ishag by a Sudanese court recently. This young Sudanese Christian mother was sentenced to death for apostasy, in other words the renouncing of Islam, as she is a practising Christian. What is more, she was also sentenced to 100 lashes for adultery, which is particularly outrageous because she is in the late stages of pregnancy with her second child. While her husband is of South Sudanese origin, he is non-Muslim and therefore the court does not recognize the marriage. That is how the trumped-up charges regarding adultery were brought forth.

I am appalled, the Government of Canada is appalled, and the people of Canada are appalled by this flagrant abuse of human rights. This clearly infringes on the right of freedom of religion that is enshrined in Sudan's own 2005 interim constitution. Furthermore, it contravenes African and international treaties ratified by Sudan that prohibit this sort of shocking punishment.

I call on the government of Sudan to intervene in this case and abide by its human rights obligations to its own people and to the international community.

Annapolis Valley PepsiCo Frito-Lay Potato Chip Plant

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

Mr. Speaker, a few weeks ago I had the pleasure of once again touring the PepsiCo Frito-Lay Annapolis Valley chip plant in New Minas, Nova Scotia.

This plant was started in 1954 as Acadian Foods, and it currently produces Lay's chips, Ruffles, Hickory Sticks, and my all-time favourite, the spicy Kurkure Masala Munch. It was actually developed in India, but Kurkure Masala Munch produced in New Minas, Nova Scotia, at the Frito-Lay plant appeals to Canadians craving these spicy snacks in multicultural communities in large Canadian cities, which proves that multiculturalism creates jobs in small-town and rural Canada.

While plant ownership has changed throughout the years, producing a quality product has been a constant. Plant modernization, new export markets, its 150 loyal and dedicated employees, and a strong management team have brought the operation to its 60th anniversary of chip-making this month. I salute the management and workers at the New Minas plant for their achievement. Plant manager Greg Wagner, PepsiCo Foods Canada president Marc Guay, and PepsiCo's New Minas employees should be proud of their success and good jobs in the Annapolis Valley.

70th Anniversary of D-Day

[David Tilson, Conservative, Dufferin—Caledon, ON]

Mr. Speaker, it is with pride and honour that I rise today to commend two students from Centre Dufferin District High School in Shelburne, in my riding of Dufferin—Caledon.

Rebecca Janke and Jeff Allen have been chosen to be Canada's youth ambassadors at the upcoming ceremonies commemorating the 70th anniversary of D-Day. They will recite the commitment to remember in front of tens of thousands, who will gather in France on June 6 to pay tribute to the Canadians and our allies who took part in the Normandy landings.

Centre Dufferin has a long history with the Juno Beach Centre, being for many years the most active school in the country in terms of fundraising and commitment to our history there. It is a great credit to their teacher, Mr. Neil Orford, who is the inspiration behind these students' commitment. Earlier this year, Mr. Orford was awarded the Governor General's History Award for Excellence in Teaching in recognition of his outstanding efforts.

Congratulations to Rebecca and Jeff and all the students at Centre Dufferin. I know they will make Canada proud.

VIA Rail

[Yvon Godin, NDP, Acadie—Bathurst, NB]

Mr. Speaker, in the wake of VIA Rail's announcement that it will invest $10 million to save the line between Bathurst and Miramichi, I would like to thank the people and mayors of Acadie-Bathurst, eastern Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia for their support and involvement in this fight to save our VIA Rail train.

Over the past few months, I have received many messages of support and testimonies. Thousands of people signed my petition. Hundreds of people wrote to the Minister of Transport and also went to train stations to show their support for the NDP members who travelled to Ottawa by train.

The Conservative government heard how upset people were about its stance, and we were successful in getting the government to take action. My slogan, “Working for you, working with you”, shows that together we can accomplish great things and ensure that the Conservative government listens to us.

I am proud of what the people of Acadie—Bathurst and eastern Canada have done. We succeeded by working together.

Tanker Traffic

[John Williamson, Conservative, New Brunswick Southwest, NB]

Mr. Speaker, the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission will soon decide whether or not the massive Downeast LNG project in Washington County, Maine, will proceed.

Yet, there is just one colossal problem with this grand scheme. Maine has hundreds of miles of coastline with direct access to the Atlantic Ocean, yet the LNG tanker transit route to this proposed American facility must navigate through Canada's internal waters in Head Harbour Passage and then straddle the internationally shared waters of Passamaquoddy Bay, providing unique environmental, navigational, and safety risks.

The Americans concede they do not have the authority to establish or enforce the safety and security zones in Canadian waters. The U.S. Coast Guard has concluded that Washington will need to coordinate maritime traffic in our waters with Canadian authorities for LNG tanker traffic to proceed.

Our Prime Minister has said Canada will not co-operate in these discussions. Our government has told the American administration that we will not permit LNG tanker traffic to threaten the livelihood of Canadian fishing communities. Canada will not become a convenient doormat for the Americans.

Armenia

[Harold Albrecht, Conservative, Kitchener—Conestoga, ON]

Mr. Speaker, tomorrow marks the 96th anniversary of the establishment of the first Republic of Armenia.

On May 28, 1918, Armenia re-emerged as an independent state following hundreds of years of Ottoman and Russian occupation. This moment of triumph of the Armenian people immediately followed the deep tragedy of the Armenian genocide, which had occurred just three years before.

The new Republic of Armenia faced many challenges and lasted only two years until it was subjugated by the Soviet Red Army, but the legacy of that drive for independence strongly influenced modern Armenians, who went on to achieve lasting independence in 1991.

This week, we also mark another important event, the 10th anniversary of the passage of Parliamentary motion M-380, recognizing the tragic events of 1915 as genocide and a crime against humanity.

I look forward to joining members of Canada's Armenian community on Parliament Hill this evening to mark both of these anniversaries. My colleagues and I extend our best wishes to Canada's strong and vibrant Armenian community, and we thank its members for their important contributions to our country.

Summer in Hochelaga

[Marjolaine Boutin-Sweet, NDP, Hochelaga, QC]

Mr. Speaker, with summer knocking at our door, I enthusiastically look forward to returning full time to my riding of Hochelaga, and I invite families and visitors to participate in the activities the area has to offer.

A first in North America, the Exalto park opened its doors on the Olympic Park Esplanade on the weekend. The park's high-altitude outdoor circuits will be open all summer long. This is an opportunity to go on an adventure right in the middle of the city.

The Grand Débarras will return in August to St. Catherine Street for the eighth year. This event focuses on cultural creation, responsible consumption and sustainable development, and visitors can take in musical and street performances and enjoy family activities.

The Carnaval Estival, with its circus and free shows, and Zone HoMa, which presents young emerging artists, will attract many visitors to Hochelaga and highlight the warmth and imagination of the people living in the neighbourhood.

I must also mention our urban farmers, who are tackling food deserts by selling fresh, local products in the neighbourhood.

I wish everyone a really good summer.

Royal Canadian Air Force

[Laurie Hawn, Conservative, Edmonton Centre, AB]

Mr. Speaker, I am airborne today to inform the House that today is Air Force Appreciation Day on the Hill. This annual event gives parliamentarians the opportunity to honour members of the Royal Canadian Air Force for their incredible accomplishments. I encourage all members to take this opportunity to meet representatives from the RCAF to hear first-hand accounts of their experiences and to pay tribute to our airmen and airwomen for their service.

Throughout its 90-year history, the RCAF has continually demonstrated its operational excellence. Our air force makes an incalculable contribution to the protection of Canada and its citizens, to the promotion of freedom, democracy, and human rights, and to helping those in need when disaster strikes at home or anywhere around the world.

This is precisely why our government has continually supported our air force with state-of-the-art equipment. This includes new C-17 Globemaster strategic airlifters, C-130J tactical airlifters, Chinook helicopters, and upgraded CP-140 Auroras, to name a few, and new fighters are on the horizon.

I confess that this is the second-best job I will ever have. Much as I love all of my colleagues, the RCAF will always be number one. Per ardua ad astra.

Employment

[Rathika Sitsabaiesan, NDP, Scarborough—Rouge River, ON]

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to voice concerns expressed to me by constituents, by Canadians who have lost their jobs, by temporary foreign workers who are arriving in Canada to terrible accommodations and lower wages than they were promised, and by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business on behalf of hundreds of small businesses across the country, including the Saravanaa Bhavan and Jalandhar Meat Shop & Tandoori in my riding. All are suffering because the Conservative government has so badly mismanaged the temporary foreign worker program.

The government has repeatedly failed to address ongoing problems and abuses within the program and now has left many employers, employees, temporary foreign workers, businesses, youth, and unemployed Canadians feeling vulnerable and worried about the future.

Desperately needed changes to this program are linked directly to much-needed changes to our immigration system overall.

Canada brings in thousands of lower-skilled temporary foreign workers each year with no pathway to permanent residence. As I have said many times before, if an individual is good enough to work here, then that individual is good enough to live here.

I urge the Conservative government to stop paying lip service to change and fix this program once and for all.

Natural Resources

[Bob Zimmer, Conservative, Prince George—Peace River, BC]

Mr. Speaker, our government is building meaningful relationships with first nations communities through sustained engagement in resource development. The natural resources sector currently supports 32,000 first nations jobs across Canada and will result in opportunities for thousands more.

In fact, the natural resources sector is the largest private sector employer of first nations people in Canada. First nations must be partners in everything we do, from ensuring the safety of our pipeline system to protecting our marine environment from incidents. With over $650 billion in major projects anticipated over the next decade, first nations are well positioned to benefit from this enormous opportunity.

Today the Minister of Natural Resources is in British Columbia to announce our government's latest measures to further enhance engagement with first nations in the development of energy infrastructure.

We will continue to take action to ensure that all Canadians benefit from a strong resource economy and the quality jobs that come with it.

Ukraine

[Kevin Lamoureux, Liberal, Winnipeg North, MB]

Mr. Speaker, I had the privilege to witness first-hand last Sunday an historical moment in time for a country with an incredible history.

The people of Ukraine deserve full credit for being able to recognize the need for action, but also, more importantly, the manner in which they responded to that need.

Whether it was standing up to a president who was prepared to marginalize Ukraine's potential future or by participating in the election which they themselves precipitated, the people of Ukraine have sent a message that goes beyond the politicians and oligarchs of Ukraine. The message effectively impacted leaders around the world.

Witnessing a gentleman lift his granddaughter up with his vote in her hand as she placed it into a voting box was a touching moment for me, because it is about the future.

On behalf of my Liberal colleagues, I wish the people of Ukraine and the new president the best as they deal with issues such as EU trade and Russian diplomacy.

Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health

[Joy Smith, Conservative, Kildonan—St. Paul, MB]

Mr. Speaker, on the eve of the Toronto summit Saving Every Woman, Every Child Within Arm's Reach, hosted by our Prime Minister, we take a moment to reflect that all children have the right to dream of the future with hope and optimism.

The preventable death of mothers and children in developing countries is one of the greatest tragedies of the 21st century. No mother should have to choose between herself and the health of her baby. The most recent data show us that more than six million children die in these countries before they are even five years old.

Last week I had the honour to announce that Canada would contribute $7.5 million to UNICEF for water sanitation and hygiene at schools for girls in 12 countries.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation “...congratulate Canada for working to integrate its Muskoka Initiative commitment to maternal and child survival....”

I am proud of our Prime Minister for making maternal, newborn, and child health Canada's number one development priority. Why? Because it is the right thing to do.

Comments in Media

[Chris Charlton, NDP, Hamilton Mountain, ON]

Mr. Speaker, we have all had a bit of fun with the comments from the member for Scarborough—Guildwood, who was taped talking about the Liberal leader's “bozo eruptions”. I know the Conservatives are having a lot of fun with the Liberal leader's gaffes and blunders, but let us keep in mind that bozo eruptions are not exclusively a Liberal thing. In fact, the Conservatives invented bozo eruptions.

Who can forget the Minister of Foreign Affairs dropping the F-bomb talking about Toronto, or the Minister of Industry's quote, “Is it my job to feed my neighbour's child? I don't think so.” Who could forget the Prime Minister saying, “Canada appears content to become a second-tier socialistic country, boasting ever more loudly about its economy and social services to mask its second-rate status”, or the Minister of the Environment, who denied climate change exists, or the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration calling a reporter a “Trotskyite”?

When it comes to bozo eruptions, both the red and blue teams have been showing their true colours.

New Democratic Party

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

Mr. Speaker, first he set up partisan satellite offices with House of Commons resources; then he championed letting people vote without any form of identification. Clearly the Leader of the Opposition knows that the NDP can only win an election when rules are lax and never enforced.

Montreal's La Presse newspaper has uncovered the latest NDP scheme. The Quebec NDP is a registered provincial Quebec party that does not field candidates. Its leader says his priority is actually the 2015 federal elections, not provincial politics, but the provincial Quebec NDP raises money in Quebec and under Quebec election finance rules, registered provincial parties can claim up to $20,000 in subsidies from Quebec taxpayers.

The Leader of the Opposition should not use his phantom Quebec wing to quietly raise money provincially, get matching funds from Quebec taxpayers, and then cross-subsidize the federal NDP's political operations.

Will the Leader of the Opposition commit to following the rules for a change?

Justice

[Thomas Mulcair, NDP, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, on March 25, before it was exposed that the Chief Justice had tried to warn the Prime Minister against appointing a Federal Court judge, the Prime Minister claimed that the very notion of challenging such an appointment was totally hypothetical.

Now he says he knew all along that it would be “likely to come before the Supreme Court”. In fact, on May 2, he said he knew it would “definitely be coming before the courts”.

Why did the Prime Minister change his version?

[Stephen Harper, Conservative, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, the only changed story is from the NDP and the opposition, which had no objection to the appointment of Federal Court justices, and in fact no objection to Justice Nadon. This issue was drawn to my attention. I referred it to a range of legal experts, all of whom agreed that as had been long-standing practice, Federal Court judges were eligible for appointment to the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court has now subsequently ruled, to our great surprise, that such is not the case in the case of Quebec. It is still the case elsewhere, and obviously we will follow that ruling.

[Thomas Mulcair, NDP, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, as my colleague has already had occasion to say, no one will ever be able to claim that she agreed with the appointment of Justice Nadon.

Let us suppose that we accept the Prime Minister's latest version, which is that he knew that this appointment would be challenged before the Supreme Court. Let us assume that this is true. If he was so sure of that, why did the Prime Minister not simply seek the opinion of the Supreme Court before appointing Justice Nadon?

[Stephen Harper, Conservative, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, once again, the NDP critic spoke very highly of Justice Nadon, who was a well-respected jurist.

We decided to proceed with an appointment to the Supreme Court according to long-standing criteria. Our independent experts also recommended those criteria. That is why we proceeded in that way.

[Thomas Mulcair, NDP, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, after the Prime Minister's appointment was challenged in court, the Prime Minister tried to retroactively change the Supreme Court Act to make Judge Nadon's illegal appointment legal.

If the Prime Minister knew that this appointment would be challenged, why did he not try to change the appointment rules before appointing Judge Nadon?

[Stephen Harper, Conservative, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, once again, to correct the record, what the critic of the NDP said on Justice Nadon is that he was a great judge and a brilliant legal mind.

The appropriate course of action, as I said before, was to consult outside of the court with independent legal experts. They all agreed that the long-standing view that Federal Court judges were eligible should not be challenged. The government proceeded on this basis.