House of Commons Hansard #5 of the 42nd Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was chair.

Topics

2 p.m.

Liberal

The Speaker Liberal Geoff Regan

It being Wednesday, we will now have the singing of the national anthem led by the hon. member for Edmonton Centre.

[Members sang the national anthem]

Saint-JeanStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Liberal

Jean Rioux Liberal Saint-Jean, QC

Mr. Speaker, this is a deeply emotional moment for me as I rise for the first time as a member of the House of Commons.

I owe this privilege to the people of the riding of Saint-Jean, home of the international balloon festival. Our largest city, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, will be celebrating its 350th anniversary in 2016. I thank my constituents from the bottom of my heart for this opportunity to serve them once again after my time as mayor and MNA. I can assure them that I will spare no effort in my quest to be worthy of their latest vote of confidence.

I will work hard to deliver on my two main commitments to the region: addressing the armed forces' request to create an undergraduate social sciences program at the military college in Saint-Jean and completing—

Saint-JeanStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Liberal

The Speaker Liberal Geoff Regan

The hon. member for Portage—Lisgar.

Portage—LisgarStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Conservative

Candice Bergen Conservative Portage—Lisgar, MB

Mr. Speaker, I am so proud to rise today to thank the people of Portage—Lisgar for electing me to a third term as their member of Parliament.

What an amazing honour to serve in this esteemed chamber and to represent the values of hard work, strong families, faith, and generosity that so many people in southern Manitoba espouse.

This was a long, hard-fought election, and I want to pay special tribute to my children, Lukas, Delaney, and Parker, who have sacrificed so much time with their mom but whom I know are very proud of me. I love them so much.

I also want to thank the volunteers who helped me. A special mention this time goes to my dearest friend, Debbie Angers, another Morden girl who worked alongside of me the entire election.

I will strive to continue to make the people of Portage—Lisgar proud of me. I will work hard each and every day for their interest and for their good. This is my commitment, and it remains my pleasure.

New Brunswick SouthwestStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Karen Ludwig Liberal New Brunswick Southwest, NB

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to stand in the House today for the first time as the representative of New Brunswick Southwest. I want to thank the constituents of New Brunswick Southwest for voting for real change and for placing their confidence in me.

Our riding is vast and diverse. It stretches from the beautiful Fundy coastal islands to the farmlands of Kings county and the growing communities neighbouring Saint John and Fredericton.

The people of this riding are proud, entrepreneurial, and hopeful. New Brunswick Southwest is rich with natural resources. Our five border crossings with the state of Maine, the international port at Bayside, and world renowned scientific research will further grow our fisheries, agricultural, and natural resource exports.

As part of the government, I look forward to bringing my experience as an international trade professional to the table to create an environment where New Brunswick Southwest businesses, communities and families will thrive.

JonquièreStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

NDP

Karine Trudel NDP Jonquière, QC

Mr. Speaker, as the holiday season approaches, for my first member's statement, I would like to take a moment to talk about the values that unite us and define who we are in my riding, Jonquière.

Over the past few weeks, hundreds of people have gone out into the streets to raise money to help our fellow citizens in need.

Our media fundraising drive raised a record amount for Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean: $223,000. I want to congratulate all the volunteers and thank everyone who donated.

This is an excellent example of the essence of the values, such as sharing, generosity, and dignity, that make the people of Jonquière and the north shore such a tight-knit community.

It is clear to me that as a community, our unity makes us stronger.

I am so proud that the good people of my riding have trusted me to represent them, and I would once again like to recognize the enormous contributions made by our volunteers in the community. In that spirit, I want to wish everyone a happy holiday season and a 2016 full of hope, optimism and mutual support.

SheffordStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Pierre Breton Liberal Shefford, QC

Mr. Speaker, it is an honour for me to speak in the House for the first time.

I want to thank the people of Shefford for giving me their trust. I will devotedly represent them here in the House.

The city of Granby is one of 13 municipalities in Quebec that will soon be welcoming Syrian refugees. The organization Solidarité ethnique régionale de la Yamaska does excellent work. Since 1992, it has been working to welcome and integrate immigrants and has been helping them get involved in the community. With the assistance of this organization we are ready to welcome the refugees.

I am proud to acknowledge the public's goodwill and generosity. Our constituents are offering a helping hand, and it is really quite remarkable. This community spirit confirms the multicultural values in Granby, which is already home to 118 different cultural communities.

The public's enthusiasm has been documented in a touching report that aired on Radio-Canada. I encourage hon. members to watch that report.

Communities For VeteransStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Conservative

Todd Doherty Conservative Cariboo—Prince George, BC

Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to rise today to talk about an amazing organization in my riding. Communities For Veterans has a mission to bring our communities together by connecting our veterans with our communities.

The face of our veterans has changed, and the challenges they face on their return home are complex. We are only now just beginning to understand the real meaning of the term “post-traumatic stress disorder”.

Setting out on horseback last April from Quesnel, British Columbia, Paul and Terry Nichols made it their goal to change the face of Canada's veterans. Joined by over 250 veterans and others across Canada, their mission was focused on those in our communities. However, along the way the journey also transformed Paul and Terry's lives. They have seen first hand how equine therapy is helping our veterans and others suffering from PTSD.

It is constituents like Paul and Terry who make me so proud to serve the riding of Cariboo—Prince George. I thank Paul and Terry for taking these bold steps forward.

Rick Hansen Secondary SchoolStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Omar Alghabra Liberal Mississauga Centre, ON

Mr. Speaker, as I rise for the first time in this noble House, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the voters of Mississauga Centre for putting their trust in me, and to renew my commitment to serving all of them with pride.

Today, I am honoured to rise in the House to recognize Mississauga Centre's Rick Hansen Secondary School for its fundraising initiative, called Hansen's Home for Syria. The students and staff at Rick Hansen are raising funds to sponsor and provide settlement assistance to a Syrian refugee family. In collaboration with Lifeline Syria, they will be offering a family shelter and an opportunity for a better life.

The Rick Hansen community is demonstrating to us the true nature of its generosity and compassion. It is heartwarming, inspiring, and quintessentially Canadian.

I call on my colleagues to join me in congratulating Rick Hansen for setting a wonderful example for all Canadians, and offering our full support for its humanitarian project. Well done, Rick Hansen.

Mission—Matsqui—Fraser CanyonStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Jati Sidhu Liberal Mission—Matsqui—Fraser Canyon, BC

Mr. Speaker, it is my honour and a privilege to rise in the House for the first time to express my gratitude to my constituents in the riding of Mission—Matsqui—Fraser Canyon for putting their trust in me to represent them as their member of Parliament in Ottawa. I have the distinct pleasure of representing several diverse communities, and I look forward to working together to champion the needs of my constituents.

As a member of Canada's new government, I am committed to working with indigenous people to ensure that they will play an important role in shaping the future in my riding. I strongly support the initiative our government has shown to take immediate action on an inquiry into the missing and murdered aboriginal women and girls. This is the first step to bringing in fairness and justice to affected families and communities.

Selkirk—Interlake—EastmanStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Conservative

James Bezan Conservative Selkirk—Interlake—Eastman, MB

Mr. Speaker, as we kick off the 42nd Parliament, I want to thank the great people of Selkirk—Interlake—Eastman for putting their trust in me.

As members know, I was privileged to represent the people of Selkirk—Interlake for the past 11 years. However, in this election, the boundaries changed for our riding. I will now also represent the Eastman region of Manitoba. It is an honour to represent these wonderful constituents, and I am looking forward to serving their beautiful communities along the Winnipeg River system.

I am also thankful for the love and support of my family. My wife and daughters have stood by me for the past 11 years and through 5 elections. I love Kelly, Cortney, Taylor, and Cassidy more than love.

I would also like to thank my incredible campaign team and volunteers who worked so hard. This past weekend, we thanked our supporters with an appreciation Conservative Christmas party. Christmas is a special time of year when we gather as family and friends to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

I offer everyone my best wishes for peace and good will this holiday season. Merry Christmas, happy Hanukkah, and all the best in the new year.

Retirement CongratulationsStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Wayne Easter Liberal Malpeque, PE

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Don Cudmore for his outstanding contribution to the tourism industry of Prince Edward Island.

Executive director of the Tourism Industry Association of Prince Edward Island since 1996, he has provided leadership to an active membership, with roles in lobbying, education, and awareness. Through TIAPEI, he has been instrumental in improving educational opportunities for tourism operators and employees, and nationally raising awareness of the industry with the public.

In 2010, the Tourism Industry Association of Canada recognized Don's dedication in making tourism an important part of his life's work by inducting him into the Tourism Hall of Fame. Last week, he was honoured with the 2015 Canadian Tourism Lifetime Achievement Award.

Residing in Cornwall, P.E.I., with his wife, Diana, he has two grown children, Dana and Jolene.

We wish him all the best in his retirement.

Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Julie Dzerowicz Liberal Davenport, ON

Mr. Speaker, Canadians right across Canada have been mobilizing, organizing, and raising funds to sponsor and welcome Syrian families to our fair land. The youth of our country have, not surprisingly, also stepped up to do their part.

Millennium Kids, a movement of youth across Canada working to do their part to achieve the UN sustainable development goals, have launched a welcome card project.

The welcome card project invites children and youth across Canada to create handmade welcome cards to greet the thousands of expected Syrian newcomer refugees in the coming days, weeks, and months. Twenty-six Canadian schools from Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan, and P.E.I. are participating in this project.

Today, I am pleased to let members know that we have 40 grade-school children from 14 schools across Toronto, many from my riding of Davenport, to present 1,700 cards to the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship.

Many of the youth here are attending schools that are sponsoring refugee families. I would like to welcome them to the House of Commons and to applaud them for their leadership and amazing work.

Ontario Energy PolicyStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Conservative

John Brassard Conservative Barrie—Innisfil, ON

Mr. Speaker, as it is my first time rising in the House, I want to thank the residents of Barrie—Innisfil.

The failed energy policies of Kathleen Wynne and the Ontario Liberals continue to overwhelm consumers and seniors, and devastate business in my home province.

The 2015 Ontario Auditor General's report is a laundry list of mismanagement. The report details how incompetence has unnecessarily cost rate payers billions of dollars, how the cost of failing transmission and distribution systems keep increasing, and how Ontario's residential and small business consumers have had to absorb a whopping 80% increase in their electricity bills.

There has been a lack of an energy plan for the citizens of Ontario. The federal government and the Prime Minister also lack a clear energy plan for Canadians.

The Conservative Party has always ensured that the costs to taxpayers were kept low, and Ontario is a stark reminder of how easily things can get out of hand when a Liberal government drops the ball.

We will continue to hold the Liberals accountable so that what happened--

Ontario Energy PolicyStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Liberal

The Speaker Liberal Geoff Regan

The hon. member for Saint John—Rothesay.

Saint JohnStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Liberal

Wayne Long Liberal Saint John—Rothesay, NB

Mr. Speaker, there are many reasons to be proud of my riding, Saint John—Rothesay. It is a riding of great success, but also a riding of many in need. Chronic generational poverty is a drain on the lifeblood of our city, with 31% of our children living in poverty. That is number one in the country.

I respectfully ask the Prime Minister and the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and all of my colleagues to choose our city as the model for the Canadian poverty reduction strategy.

Why Saint John? It is because we are the most vulnerable population in the country in terms of children living in poverty. Our city size and demographics make Saint John an excellent test case for a national strategy.

We are ready. We have the co-operation of all levels of government and a strong network of community and business organizations, all committed to ending poverty, especially child poverty in Saint John.

For these reasons, I ask members to choose Saint John as the model city for the Canadian poverty reduction strategy.

Work-Life BalanceStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

NDP

Christine Moore NDP Abitibi—Témiscamingue, QC

Mr. Speaker, first of all, I would like to thank the people of Abitibi—Témiscamingue for re-electing me.

Recently, each of the candidates to Speaker of the House pointed out the importance of ensuring better work-life balance. As a new mother of a three-month-old, I certainly commend the desire to do better in that regard.

However, today I would like to propose that we aim higher. Over the next four years, I would like us to show leadership when it comes to work-life balance. I would like us to set an example for all legislatures as well as for Canadian businesses.

I hope we can make the world a place where women and new parents do not have to choose between their careers and their families. Having a child is stressful enough, even though it brings many joys. It is important for society to make it easier, not harder, to achieve work-life balance. Together, we can do it.

Together we can change the world.

AgricultureStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Conservative

Arnold Viersen Conservative Peace River—Westlock, AB

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to stand in this place for the first time to represent the hard-working riding of Peace River—Westlock, and I would like to thank my constituents for the honour they have bestowed upon me to represent them in Ottawa.

Peace River—Westlock is built on the foundation of farming. Over the course of the last 150 years, farmers have worked hard in my riding to feed Canadians every day. Yet, neither farming nor agriculture was mentioned even once in the Liberal government's throne speech.

There are over 200,000 farmers across Canada who work to provide us with vegetables, grains, dairy, and meats to consumers locally and around the world. They need a government that will stand up for them, value them, and invest in their future.

I can tell members that my Conservative colleagues and I will stand up for rural Canada and the agriculture industry.

Violence Against WomenStatements By Members

2:20 p.m.

Liberal

Kate Young Liberal London West, ON

Mr. Speaker, this is my first time standing in the House and I would like to thank the people of London West for allowing me to represent them in this noble place.

I would like to congratulate the London Abused Women's Centre for another successful Shine the Light on Women Abuse Campaign for the month of November. The goal of the campaign is to raise awareness of violence against women.

Local businesses, schools and homes were encouraged to decorate with the colour purple in the month of November, purple being a symbol of courage, survival, and honour.

The London Abused Women's Centre is a beacon of hope for many women who are struggling to find their way after being abused, most often by their male partners.

I encourage my fellow parliamentarians to shine the light on women abuse in their own municipalities next November. The London Abused Women's Centre would be happy to provide other communities with information on how to shine the light.

Democratic ReformOral Questions

December 9th, 2015 / 2:20 p.m.

Sturgeon River—Parkland Alberta

Conservative

Rona Ambrose ConservativeLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, during the election, the Liberal Party made a vague promise to change our election system. Changing the way that Canadians vote is a fundamental change to our democracy.

Will the Prime Minister hold a referendum and give all Canadians a say?

Democratic ReformOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Papineau Québec

Liberal

Justin Trudeau LiberalPrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, over the past 10 years we have heard from many Canadians. They are frustrated with how the electoral system disengages, rewards cynicism, rewards distance, which is why we have committed to engage with Canadians in strong consultations, to talk about the kind of electoral system we need in this country to better reflect the concerns and priorities of Canadians. We will engage, as promised, in broad consultation with Canadians.

Democratic ReformOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Sturgeon River—Parkland Alberta

Conservative

Rona Ambrose ConservativeLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, when we change the rules of democracy everyone gets a say.

Sixty per cent of Canadians did not vote for the Liberal Party. These millions and millions of Canadians who, as the Prime Minister said, he left in the dust get to have a say too.

Does the Prime Minister only listen to Canadians who voted for Liberals, or will he govern for all Canadians and hold a referendum?

Democratic ReformOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Papineau Québec

Liberal

Justin Trudeau LiberalPrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, it is wonderful to see that the member opposite has suddenly discovered that consulting Canadians is appropriate, because she certainly did not do that during the so-called Fair Elections Act.

We have committed to engage substantively with Canadians, but we have also been very clear that we will implement what we promised to do during the election campaign. Canadians made themselves heard very clearly. They want to be part of a change in government. That is what we are going to bring forward.

Democratic ReformOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Sturgeon River—Parkland Alberta

Conservative

Rona Ambrose ConservativeLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister should be very careful in assuming that his election victory gives him a mandate and entitles him to make a change in the election system and our democracy. When the Prime Minister actually has a clear proposal for a new voting system, will he take it to the people and hold a referendum?

Democratic ReformOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Papineau Québec

Liberal

Justin Trudeau LiberalPrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, Canadians were very clear that they were tired of the approach over many years of the former government: refusing to listen, refusing to engage, disrespecting democracy, and disrespecting the voice of Canadians. That is exactly what we are going to do, to engage with Canadians.