Debates of May 5th, 2014

Multiculturalism

[Mark Adler, Conservative, York Centre, ON]

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister for Multiculturalism.

Tonight at sundown marks the beginning of the celebration of Yom Ha'atzmaut, the 66th anniversary of the birth of the modern state of Israel. Jews will be celebrating this date around the world.

As we all know, Canada and Israel share very strong bonds of freedom, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. I was wondering if the minister could inform the House of the significance of this date to the Jewish community both here in Canada and around the world.

[Jason Kenney, Conservative, Minister of Employment and Social Development and Minister for Multiculturalism]

Mr. Speaker, tomorrow we celebrate the 66th anniversary of the founding of the modern state of Israel, which is a miracle of modern history: a state born out of the ashes of the Holocaust, which managed to survive multiple invasions, including one at the very moment of its birth, which has resisted constant efforts to destroy a Jewish democratic homeland. It has gone on with hope and confidence to create a democracy that is vital, prosperous, and innovative. It is a close ally and friend of Canada's, so we celebrate with all Israelis and all Canadian Jews this happy day.

We wish everyone a Yom Ha'atzmaut Sameach.

Quebec Bridge

[Denis Blanchette, NDP, Louis-Hébert, QC]

Mr. Speaker, today is the opening day of the trial that pits the federal government against Canadian National in the matter of painting the Quebec Bridge. In 2005, before he was even elected, the Prime Minister laughed at the previous Liberal government for not being able to get the bridge painted.

Nine years later, the bridge is rustier than ever and the Conservative government still has not done anything. Why does the government not get the bridge painted now instead of waiting for this interminable legal saga to end?

[Lisa Raitt, Conservative, Minister of Transport]

Mr. Speaker, since 1995, CN has owned this bridge and has been responsible for the operation, the maintenance, and the upkeep. Both the federal government and the provincial government at the time put maintenance money into a pot. Of that portion, the federal government indicated it expected the bridge to be painted. It was not painted to the satisfaction of the government. As such, we commenced action in 2006 and we commenced trial today. We look forward to the outcome of this endeavour.

Air Transportation

[Jean-François Fortin, Bloc, Haute-Gaspésie—La Mitis—Matane—Matapédia, QC]

Mr. Speaker, Quebec airport authorities are worried. Funding for their projects that are eligible for the next year of Transport Canada's airports capital assistance program, or ACAP, seems to be in jeopardy.

The information obtained indicates that there will be no assistance available for 2014 and 2015. Furthermore, their safety and security projects do not qualify for funding under the new building Canada plan.

Can the Minister of Transport reassure airport authorities and confirm right now that ACAP will be available starting this year?

[Lisa Raitt, Conservative, Minister of Transport]

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the question from the hon. member. I will take it up with him outside the House to ensure that I have the right airport that we are talking about. The airport capital assistance program is in place, and indeed it helps many airports locally in our country with respect to safety and security measures.

Taxation

[Brent Rathgeber, Independent, Edmonton—St. Albert, AB]

Mr. Speaker, today is the tax filing deadline for millions of Canadians. However, as the Income Tax Act is 3,206 pages long, most taxpayers will file without any regard to the complexities of the tax code.

The Conservative government has managed to add 631 pages, or over 200,000 words, since taking office in 2006. In fact, the government has amended the Income Tax Act 22 times, mostly to introduce boutique tax credits. If the budget ever balances, we can expect even more boutique tax credits and an even more complicated tax code.

When will the government simplify the tax code by eliminating boutique tax credits for special interests, reduce the number of tax brackets, and cut tax rates for all Canadians?

[Gerald Keddy, Conservative, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Revenue and for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency]

Mr. Speaker, it is the intent of the Government of Canada to make the tax code as simple as possible. We have moved in that direction since forming government in 2006. It is also the intent of the Government of Canada to make sure that the taxpayers are represented fairly and treated fairly by the Government of Canada.

Privacy

[Maria Mourani, Independent, Ahuntsic, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the police may have grounds to make an urgent request to an Internet service provider in order to save a life or an abused child.

However, it is legitimate to ask who made 1.2 million requests for information and processed the 800,000 transfers in 2011 and how much taxpayers paid for this information.

Does the government realize that its lack of transparency undermines the public's confidence in our institutions and jeopardizes public safety?

[Steven Blaney, Conservative, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness]

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for her question. As we know, this information is provided voluntarily and is disclosed to agencies under the responsibility of Public Safety Canada.

I would be pleased to provide a more detailed response to my colleague, which is something I have done in the past.

[The Deputy Speaker, NDP, Joe Comartin]

That brings to an end the period for questions.

Does the hon. member have a point of order?

[Marc Garneau, Liberal, Westmount—Ville-Marie, QC]

Mr. Speaker, no, but I did have a clarification question for the finance minister, if I could ask it.

[The Deputy Speaker, NDP, Joe Comartin]

The period for questions is over.

International Trade

[Rob Merrifield, Conservative, Yellowhead, AB]

Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the first report of the Standing Committee on International Trade related to Bill C-20, An Act to implement the Free Trade Agreement between Canada and the Republic of Honduras, the Agreement on Environmental Cooperation between Canada and the Republic of Honduras and the Agreement on Labour Cooperation between Canada and the Republic of Honduras.

The committee has studied the bill and has decided to report the bill back to the House without amendment.

Agriculture and Agri-Food

[Bev Shipley, Conservative, Lambton—Kent—Middlesex, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the third report of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food in relation to the order of reference recommitting Bill C-30, An Act to amend the Canada Grain Act and the Canada Transportation Act and to provide for other measures.

The committee has studied this bill and has decided to report the bill back to the House with amendments.

Procedure and House Affairs

[Joe Preston, Conservative, Elgin—Middlesex—London, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the 11th report of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs in relation to Bill C-23, An Act to amend the Canada Elections Act and other Acts and to make consequential amendments to certain Acts.

The committee has studied the bill and has decided to report the bill back to the House with amendments. I might add that there was a great deal of work and we owe a great deal of thanks to our professional clerks and analysts for all the help the committee had. The committee members worked together on a tough issue with over 70 witnesses and many briefs. I thank them all.

Foreign Affairs and International Development

[Dean Allison, Conservative, Niagara West—Glanbrook, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the fourth report of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development, entitled “A Weapon of War: Rape and Sexual Violence Against Women in the Democratic Republic of the Congo—Canada’s Role in Taking Action and Ending Impunity”.

Pursuant to Standing Order 109, the committee requests that the government table a comprehensive response to this report.

(Bill C-30. On the Order: Government Orders)

May 1, 2014—Report stage of Bill C-30, An Act to amend the Canada Grain Act and the Canada Transportation Act and to provide for other measures.

Fair Rail for Grain Farmers Act

[Peter Van Loan, Conservative, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons]

Mr. Speaker, there have been consultations, and if you seek it, I believe you will find unanimous consent for the following motion regarding Bill C-30, which was just reported back.

I move:

That, notwithstanding any standing order or usual practices of this House, Bill C-30, An Act to amend the Canada Grain Act and the Canada Transportation Act and to provide for other measures, be deemed concurred in at the report stage and deemed read a third time and passed.

[The Deputy Speaker, NDP, Joe Comartin]

Does the hon. minister have the unanimous consent of the House to move the motion?

[Some hon. members]

Agreed.

[The Deputy Speaker, NDP, Joe Comartin]

The House has heard the terms of the motion. Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion?

[Some hon. members]

Agreed.

[The Deputy Speaker, NDP, Joe Comartin]

(Motion agreed to, bill read the third time and passed)

Criminal Code

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

Mr. Speaker, I have with me 6,621 petitions with names on them from all across this country, from constituents in ridings all across this country, who are requesting that Parliament amend the Criminal Code to decriminalize the selling of sexual services and criminalize the purchasing of sexual services and to provide support to those who desire to be in prostitution.

In addition to this petition, I have 55,000 postcards on the same topic from all across this country that I cannot present to the House.