Debates of Sept. 25th, 2014

Canada-Korea Economic Growth and Prosperity Act

[Larry Miller, Conservative, Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I will be splitting my time with the hon. member for Don Valley West.

I rise today to talk about the landmark Canada-Korea free trade agreement. I will specifically concentrate on the benefits and opportunities created by this agreement for our agriculture and agri-food producers and exporters.

Canadian farmers and processors produce some of the best quality food in the world. Our products reflect Canada's dedication to excellence, safety and innovation.

In 2013, the agriculture and agri-food sector accounted for 6.7% of Canada's total GDP and contributed to one in eight jobs in Canada, employing 2.2 million people.

It is estimated that approximately half of the primary agriculture production in Canada is exported. The processed foods industry is also highly export dependent. Overall, with export sales topping a record of $46 billion in 2013, Canada is the world's fifth largest exporter of agriculture and agri-food.

Question Period

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

Mr. Speaker, all members of Parliament need to take greater ownership regarding the operation of this, the people's House of Commons.

On Tuesday, an important question regarding the deployment of Canadian military resources deserved an answer but, instead, received non sequitur nonsense. It was a sad display.

Question period is the 45 minutes afforded each day for this House to hold the government to account, to ask ministers of the Crown about matters of policy important to our constituents. It was never intended to be a forum for the scoring of cheap political points, nor for hurling irrelevant-to-the-question barbs about what political staffers do.

Although your ruling was certainly correct that it is not the duty of the chair to assure the quality of answers, surely the executive council has an interest in providing information to Canadians rather than buffoonery.

While the chair was also correct that challenging the impartiality of the chair brings into question the integrity of how this entire place operates, surely in the minds of the public, this place has already been slipping into disrepute, if not irrelevance, for much too long.

I implore members to represent their constituents in this, the people's House of Commons, and not merely partisan interests. How will Canadians take this place seriously if we, as members, do not take ourselves and this place more seriously?

North Vancouver Cultural Activities

[Andrew Saxton, Conservative, North Vancouver, BC]

Mr. Speaker, this weekend my riding of North Vancouver is host to the annual North Shore Culture Days, which run from September 26 to 28.

This fun-filled event is part of a larger national movement in 800 communities from coast to coast to coast that will engage 5.5 million Canadians in arts and culture.

During these culture days, we can join workshops in painting, dancing, singing, and much more. We can also get behind-the-scenes tours of prominent local spots, like the North Vancouver Museum and Archives, which I had the pleasure of recently visiting twice to announce federal funding.

First, I announced our government's support to safeguard more than 20,000 artifacts as they are prepared to be moved to an exciting new location in North Vancouver's historic shipyards. Then I was back to announce funding for the digitization of an invaluable record of our history, the diary of Lynn Valley's own Walter Draycott, which chronicled his experiences in World War 1.

To mark the 100th anniversary of the start of the Great War, the museum is posting these entries online, one century to the day after each one was written.

Culture is who we are, and these events will get us thinking and moving. I encourage all to attend.

Rosh Hashanah

[Andrew Cash, NDP, Davenport, ON]

Mr. Speaker, as Jewish families come together today, I would like to offer my best wishes on behalf of the NDP to all those observing Rosh Hashanah.

Rosh Hashanah is a holiday for celebration and reflection and is an opportunity for families to remember the past and rejoice in the year to come.

I would also like to take the opportunity of the high holidays to acknowledge the profound contribution people in Canada's Jewish community have made and continue to make to enrich Canadian society.

On behalf of the NDP and the official opposition, I wish Jewish families across the country a year of peace and prosperity.

WestJet

[Dick Harris, Conservative, Cariboo—Prince George, BC]

Mr. Speaker, I want to quote from a recently stranded Canadian:

So as Canadians, most of us already know how awesome Westjet is. But when you're in a line up of...15,000 people in 34 degree temperatures with no shelter or food and Westjet pulls you out of that line...you [have got to love them even more].... We arrived at the Cabo San Lucas airport...to a very...grave situation.... [The hurricane] hit on Sept 14 and tourists were stranded for...days...with little water and food at their resorts. The line up of people trying to fly out was miles long.... Suddenly we hear “Westjet?? Canadian? Come with [us]...”.... Westjet took every Canadian, whether [they] booked...with them or not, and got us home. ...snacks and water in every seat. They gave us free food. They paid for our hotel, taxi and food in Calgary. ...Tim Hortons at the lineup...handed out...with smiles. I will never be able to say a big enough thank you [to WestJet]. What an amazing company.

Franco-Ontarian Day

[Mauril Bélanger, Liberal, Ottawa—Vanier, ON]

Mr. Speaker, September 25 is an important date in the history of francophones in Ontario because it was on that day in 1975 that the Franco-Ontarian flag was raised for the first time, in Sudbury.

Some 35 years later, in 2010, the Government of Ontario commemorated the event by passing a law proclaiming September 25 of every year Franco-Ontarian Day. This is an opportunity to recognize the contributions made by the francophone community to the cultural, historical, social, economic and political fabric of Ontario.

This is why I am pleased to rise in the House today to extend greetings and best wishes to the Franco-Ontarian community. With over 600,000 members already, our community continues to grow in number and diversity. We have left our mark on the history of our province many times already, and we continue to work actively and passionately on building and developing the Ontario and Canada of tomorrow.

Happy Franco-Ontarian Day.

Brampton Veteran

[Kyle Seeback, Conservative, Brampton West, ON]

Mr. Speaker, today I am standing to honour a great Bramptonian, a man who fought for our country and is now being further recognized for his contributions.

Bill Burrell is a World War II veteran, a man who, although small in stature, was the perfect Royal Canadian Air Force recruit. He was sent out as an airman in the belly of a Halifax bomber.

Bill flew out of Yorkshire, England, to the western front of the war a total of 32 times in the fall of 1944. At the time he was only 18 years old.

Bill is now being honoured with the Bomber Command Bar, a military insignia that recognizes the incredible role he played during the war. There will be a ceremony for Bill in Brampton soon.

Please join me in thanking Bill Burrell, a proud Bramptonian and a proud Canadian, for everything he did for our country.

Elimination of Nuclear Weapons

[Linda Duncan, NDP, Edmonton Strathcona, AB]

Mr. Speaker, September 26 will be the first observance of the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons. The intent is to raise awareness of the more than 16,000 nuclear weapons still in existence and the urgent need for global action.

In 2008, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon issued a five-point proposal on nuclear disarmament.

In 2010, the Conservative government supported an NDP motion endorsing the UN plan and committing to engage in negotiations for a nuclear weapons convention and to deploy a major worldwide Canadian diplomatic initiative to prevent nuclear proliferation.

A model nuclear weapons convention already exists as a UN document, and three-quarters of the states have voted to commence comprehensive negotiations. Canada should join this majority initiative.

More than 700 recipients of the Order of Canada have voiced support for the initiative.

I urge the Prime Minister to show leadership and act on this commitment.

Harold Shipp

[Stella Ambler, Conservative, Mississauga South, ON]

Mr. Speaker, it is with deep sorrow that I share with the House the news of the passing of Harold Shipp. Harold Shipp was a business icon, philanthropist, and community builder. He passed away on September 7 at the age of 88.

At any time, if called upon, Harold Shipp could be counted on to contribute to both his local community and the nation.

Since 1968, Harold Shipp ran Shipp Corporation and developed a remarkable Mississauga-based family real estate business. The phrase “Shipp-built” is now synonymous with quality and integrity.

Harold Shipp was also a long-time General Motors dealer and leading horse breeder and owner, serving as a trustee of the Ontario Jockey Club.

He was a generous and philanthropic individual who contributed and raised funds for many charities, benefiting so many Mississaugans.

I know I speak for all of us in the House in wishing Harold Shipp's wife, Margaret, and all of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren comfort in this time of mourning. Our thoughts and prayers are with them, as well as our hope that their many loving memories will bring them strength and comfort.

Trinity Western University

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

Mr. Speaker, one of the most important tenets in our charter is freedom of belief. That freedom is the right of all Canadians, regardless of profession.

The law societies of Upper Canada, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick do not appreciate the importance of that charter right when they deny accreditation for the law school at Trinity Western University.

Tomorrow the Law Society of British Columbia will meet to discuss accreditation for the law school. The issue is not the quality of the education or the suitability of graduates to practise law in Canada. The issue is of Trinity Western University's community covenant, which has already been ruled lawful by the Supreme Court of Canada.

Its covenant does not forbid graduates from fulfilling the obligations and oaths of their chosen professions. It is merely an affirmation of the Christian beliefs the institution was founded upon, and law societies across Canada must respect that freedom of belief.

I call on the Law Society of British Columbia to recognize the law school at Trinity Western University and respect Canada's proud tradition of religious freedom.

Jeannelle Bouffard

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

Mr. Speaker, last night we honoured Jeannelle Bouffard, a great community champion, who is retiring after several decades of remarkable dedication.

Her involvement in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve is really a love story. She does not believe that this is an area that needs to change, but rather an area where we must learn to find the treasure hidden inside each and every one of us.

One of her great successes is CAP Saint-Barnabé, which has a mission to fight poverty and improve the health of the people who go there.

Under her coordination, CAP has gone from a simple community grocery store to a guiding light in the area providing a number of services, including the share store in which my team and I are pleased to be involved; a shelter for homeless men and women; and even a rooming house for women, which we desperately needed.

We will miss her at CAP Saint-Barnabé, but I know that she will continue to be involved in the area in all kinds of other ways.

I admire you, Jeannelle. Many, many thanks and happy retirement.

Franco-Ontarian Day

[Royal Galipeau, Conservative, Ottawa—Orléans, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight a very important day for the province of Ontario and many of the constituents in my riding. Today, September 25, is Franco-Ontarian Day. September 25th is the anniversary of the first raising of the Franco-Ontarian flag in 1975.

There are close to 600,000 francophones in Ontario, the largest French-speaking community outside the province of Quebec.

The Government of Canada, our government, supports linguistic minorities, as demonstrated by our investment of more than $1.1 billion in the Roadmap for Canada’s Official Languages, 2013-2018.

This government also supported the creation of Unique FM community radio station as a result of my efforts and those of the current Minister of Industry.

My two terms on the board of directors of TVOntario resulted in the French network, TFO.

As an Ontarian of French-speaking heritage, I want to thank the Franco-Ontarian community for their strong contribution to making Canada strong, proud, and free.

Ulrick Chérubin

[Thomas Mulcair, NDP, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, today the community of Amos and all of Abitibi-Témiscamingue are in mourning. Like everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him, I was truly saddened this morning to learn of the death of Ulrick Chérubin, the mayor of Amos and a towering figure in Abitibi-Témiscamingue.

Born in Jacmel in Haiti, Mr. Chérubin attended university in Quebec and was a teacher in Amos for 30 years before being elected mayor in 2002. Mr. Chérubin was an extremely congenial man who was synonymous with the town of Amos and Abitibi-Témiscamingue. He was truly loved by everyone in Amos. It is ironic that Mr. Chérubin left us in the very year that the entire community of Amos is celebrating its centennial.

I join the member for Abitibi—Témiscamingue and the member for Abitibi—Baie-James—Nunavik—Eeyou in extending our deepest condolences to his wife, Immacula, his son, Ulrick Junior, his family and friends and the entire community of Amos.

National Defence

[James Lunney, Conservative, Nanaimo—Alberni, BC]

Mr. Speaker, there has been a lot of rhetoric and political posturing in the House about Canada's contribution to international efforts to combat ISIS.

The latest beheading, in this case of a French tour guide in Algeria, shows how lethal a plague the ISIS bloodlust has unleashed. Canadian Forces are contributing to an international effort to contain the threat.

During the Afghan mission, Canadian Armed Forces took the fight to al Qaeda and the Taliban in rough terrain and dangerous circumstances. As always, our troops fought with courage and professionalism.

That knowledge and expertise, gained at great price, is of immense value to those on the front lines against ISIS today.

Throughout history, Canada has stood with our allies against tyranny and brutality for the cause of freedom. Today's efforts follow that tradition.

Today, I want to pay tribute to our Canadian Forces contributing to our international efforts to contain, deplete, and destroy this threat to world peace.

Rosh Hashanah

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

Mr. Speaker, yesterday evening was the start of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.

Rosh Hashanah marks the start of 10 days of reflection and atonement for Jewish Canadians, culminating on Yom Kippur. It is also at time of celebration, as one gathers with friends and family to reflect on the year gone by and look forward to the promise of the future.

York Region has a thriving Jewish community, and I would like to use this moment to recognize them for their innumerable contributions to Canada.

On behalf of the residents of Markham—Unionville, I would like to wish a happy and healthy new year to all who are celebrating. May 5775 be a year of peace, prosperity, and happiness for all.

Shana Tova.

Westgate Mall Attack

[Deepak Obhrai, Conservative, Calgary East, AB]

Mr. Speaker, this past Sunday marked the one year anniversary of the Westgate Mall attack in Nairobi.

This is a mall I visited on many occasions on my previous visits to Kenya. This attack claimed the lives of 67 individuals, including 2 Canadians, Naguib Damji and Annemarie Desloges.

Annemarie, a distinguished public servant who served at Canada's High Commission in Kenya, lost her life in this senseless act of violence perpetrated by al Shabaab.

Our thoughts continue to be with the victims and families affected by this horrific attack. Terrorism remains a serious threat in East Africa. That is why we have been directly supporting international efforts to combat al Shabaab in Africa, in particular through our support of AMISOM.

We will continue working with Kenya to fight terrorism, which is a menace with no boundaries.

Use of Time Allocation

[Kennedy Stewart, NDP, Burnaby—Douglas, BC]

Mr. Speaker, the Conservative government is moving to shut down debate for the 76th and 77th times. These Conservatives have shattered by a mile the previous records for shutting down debate. Debate was shut down 45 times by the government of Brian Mulroney, 35 times by the Liberals under Jean Chrétien, and now 77 times by the current Conservatives.

I am deeply gratified that most members, including most Conservatives, supported the member for Wellington—Halton Hills' reform act last night. However, empowering MPs also means allowing every member an equal opportunity to speak. Government members should be embarrassed to turn around today and vote in favour of time allocation, in favour of shutting down debate and in favour of denying members the opportunity to speak. Closure is an attempt by the government and the PMO to undermine the rights of all members in the House.

This is a special place that needs to be defended. Canadians deserve better.

Employment Insurance

[David Anderson, Conservative, Cypress Hills—Grasslands, SK]

Mr. Speaker, our government recognizes the vital role that small business plays in our economy. That is why we are putting money in the hands of job creators with the small business job credit. Our plan lowers EI payroll taxes by 15%. It will save small businesses over $550 million. The Canadian Federation of Independent Business called the move “big news for small business”.

However, our announcement left the Liberal leader scrambling. The next day, he released his back-of-the-envelope EI policy. He should have taken his time. He does not even know the cost of his plan. What is worse, it would encourage businesses to fire employees. It is so far off base that the member for Wascana has been naming economists as supporters of the plan when they actually oppose it.

The Liberal record on EI is clear: raiding the EI fund, supporting a 45-day work year and its 35% premium hike, and proposing massive tax hikes.

We are lowering taxes for 90% of all businesses. That is a record to be proud of.

National Defence

[Thomas Mulcair, NDP, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, in New York, the Prime Minister announced that he was considering sending even more Canadian troops to Iraq.

Why did the Prime Minister wait until he was out of the country to announce that he intends to increase Canada's military involvement in Iraq? Why is he refusing to answer these questions here in Canada?

Why does the Prime Minister make such important announcements in the United States and not here in Canada?

[Rob Nicholson, Conservative, Minister of National Defence]

Mr. Speaker, we have been very clear that we will assess the non-combat mission that we are involved with in Iraq at the end of the 30-day period.

We just recently received this request from the United States, and of course we will review that. I think that is only fair and reasonable in terms of our support for our allies and support for what we are doing in Iraq.

[Thomas Mulcair, NDP, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, what would be reasonable would be to release the letter so that Canadians can know what the request is from the Americans and exactly when it was made, because the word “few” has taken on quite a new meaning with the Conservative government.

Yesterday in New York, the Prime Minister also announced that the United States has asked Canada to send more troops to Iraq.

How many more troops are the United States asking for? How many more troops does the Prime Minister intend to send?

[Rob Nicholson, Conservative, Minister of National Defence]

Mr. Speaker, at this point in time we have committed 69 members of the special operations forces in Iraq. That being said, there is this request from the United States for additional support. This will be part of the review by the government included within the 30-day period, and we will make a decision on that.

[Thomas Mulcair, NDP, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, cabinet is one thing; that is one of the branches of government. Parliament is where elected officials make decisions.

Again from New York, the Prime Minister also informed Canadians that we have the largest number of troops in Iraq after the United States.

Two weeks ago at committee, the Minister of Foreign Affairs said that a status of forces agreement with the government of Iraq had not even been completed.

Has a status of forces agreement been completed and when will Canadians see that text, or is that going to be released in New York as well?

[Rob Nicholson, Conservative, Minister of National Defence]

Mr. Speaker, I am sure that whatever is released to the leader of the NDP he will not be satisfied; he will be unhappy.

We are on the right track fighting the Islamic State in that part of the world. I can tell the individual that the 69 members of the Canadian Armed Forces have the full permission and co-operation of the Iraq government and they are welcome, as they have been requested by the government of Iraq.

Citizenship and Immigration

[Thomas Mulcair, NDP, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, the UN Refugee Agency now says that Turkey needs urgent assistance caring for the approximately 130,000 new refugees who have streamed over the Syrian border in just the last week. That is 130,000 new refugees on top of the over one million already in Turkey.

Did the Prime Minister discuss this refugee crisis with UN officials while he was in New York, and what aid will Canada provide to Turkey to deal with this latest surge in refugees?