Debates of Feb. 6th, 2015

Parliamentary Precinct Security

[Peter Julian, NDP, Burnaby—New Westminster, BC]

Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for Hull—Aylmer for a very eloquent speech. What she has brought forward is an amendment that the government actually should have brought forward in the first place, if it were not trying, as many observers who understand the security situation on Parliament Hill have noted, to interfere and wreck that division of powers that have existed in Confederation since 1867. The government should have brought forward a motion that would read: “...call on the Speaker, in coordination with his counterpart in the Senate, to prepare and execute, without delay, plans to fully integrate the work of all partners providing operational security throughout the parliamentary precinct and the grounds of Parliament Hill while respecting the privileges, immunities and powers of the respective Houses, including the ultimate authorities of the speakers of the Senate and House of Commons over access and security of Parliament and ensuring the continued employment of our existing and respected parliamentary security staff.”

That would have been the motion brought forward if the government really intended to work with the opposition, rather than trying to interfere or attempting to lessen the very clear divisions of power that have existed since the beginning.

Canadians will have some time to bring some pressure on Conservative MPs, who are being whipped right now not to vote for the NDP amendment.

Does the member feel that Canadians believe that we need to have this separation of powers and that the brave work of our men and women on the parliamentary security precinct should be applauded, not treated the way the government is treating it today?

[Nycole Turmel, NDP, Hull—Aylmer, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for the question.

Indeed, Canadians believe it is very important for the House and the government, in this place and on Parliament Hill, to be respected as a whole and not treated as completely separate entities, which is what the government is currently trying to do. That is very unfortunate.

I would also like to address a point that was discussed. Once again, this failure to have a real discussion and use a collaborative approach for the good of the House and the good of Canadians everywhere, at home and abroad, shows a lack of respect towards all political parties.

Canadians should feel safe and should feel that the House is working for them and with them, and that it is not being controlled by another entity.

That is what is deplorable about this entire approach.

[Ed Komarnicki, Conservative, Souris—Moose Mountain, SK]

Mr. Speaker, obviously, what happened here on October 22 involved real bullets, live fire, and the safety of many lives in the House.

I was pleased to hear that at least the member would agree that there is a need for an integrated force, that anyone trying to break through is not concerned whether he is in the House, out of the House, or coming up to the House. Therefore, would she agree with me that the action that needs to be taken is urgent and immediate?

We had the Auditor General's report in 2012. Here we are in 2015 and no action has been taken. We had an incident occur some three or so months ago and no action has been taken. Would she agree that the need is urgent and immediate, and would she agree that the RCMP has the capacity and the ability to provide that kind of integrated force?

[Nycole Turmel, NDP, Hull—Aylmer, QC]

Mr. Speaker, yes, we fully agree with integration of the Senate and the House of Commons security, as well as making sure we have the RCMP protecting us outside the building, outside the House. We all agree with that.

We agree as well on the urgency of the situation. There was discussion, and if this motion or a similar motion had been presented at the committee it would have ensured that we were all working together toward this objective. It would have been a lot easier. The trick in all of this is that the motion came to us with a part that had never been discussed. It was never part of the solution. That is what we cannot support.

At the same time, when the member asks if the RCMP has the capacity, the RCMP has a mission and role that is completely different from what we are looking at today. The security people are informed and prepared for that part. We need to keep the independence of the Speaker here in this room.

[The Acting Speaker, Conservative, Barry Devolin]

Before I go to questions, I remind all hon. members to direct their comments to the Chair rather than directly to their colleagues.

The hon. member for Saanich—Gulf Islands.

[Elizabeth May, Green, Saanich—Gulf Islands, BC]

Mr. Speaker, there has certainly been a great deal of good information put forward this morning. I want to make it really clear where the Green Party stands.

We, like the official opposition, agree that we need a unified security force and that security must be beefed up. We have learned a lot of lessons. I agree with the official opposition and applaud members for again pointing out that it was not a terrorist attack, but an attack by tragically mentally ill, drunk, addicted individual. Thank goodness it was not a terrorist attack. It is something that has given us an opportunity to see where the holes in security are and where we can fix them.

However, the constitutional issue here is not a small one. Is my hon. colleague aware of the current position taken by Senator Campbell, a former RCMP officer himself, who has taken the view that this is in fact unconstitutional and would not survive a constitutional challenge?

[Nycole Turmel, NDP, Hull—Aylmer, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I will try to direct my comments to you when I speak. I know that you have reminded me to do so several times.

At this point, I know that the Senate is in agreement with integration, but regarding the RCMP, I am not sure. We will make sure that we are all aware of that part of the issue. It is good news for us and the staff if they are saying exactly what we are saying. It shows that this is led by a person who wants something different from everyone else, who would like to see this discussed and presented in a way that responds to the role and mission of this government as a whole.

[Wayne Marston, NDP, Hamilton East—Stoney Creek, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I want to begin by saying that I am absolutely confident in the capacity of the RCMP but that I also have confidence in the parliamentary police force. I state this for a particular reason. Each of us who comes here swears an oath to the Queen and, in essence, to the Governor General at the same time. Our responsibility is to protect this place and the authorities of this place. That separation from the executive branch of government is what we maintain.

A government member stated a few moments ago that this has been neglected for a long time. I have been here nine years, as has this government, and it is the government that has neglected it. We do agree that there has to be an integrated service. We do agree with much that is here, but we have to keep it in the hands of the Speaker.

That is a responsibility of each and every one of us. I want to remind hon. members that this is not a political question or party question. It is about the legitimacy of this very House.

[Nycole Turmel, NDP, Hull—Aylmer, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I think my colleague summed up the situation quite well.

The message we are tyring to get across is quite clear. It is a question of separating the responsibilities of each party and recognizing the House and Parliament accordingly, as well as the authority they have been given over the years. We must keep it that way through any integration.

As we have said many times, let us respect the role of the RCMP, let us respect the internal security part of its role, and let us respect the authority the House has been given to manage and direct this Parliament.

[Sean Casey, Liberal, Charlottetown, PE]

Mr. Speaker, Canadians look to us as parliamentarians to help ensure their health and security in their daily lives. It is our responsibility to put in place measures that protect Canadians.

Since the Centre Block of Parliament in which I stand today was constructed in 1916, there have been security incidents in and around Parliament. Thankfully, the consequences were always much less severe than they could have been.

Throughout the decades, Parliament has taken responsibility to adapt its security measures for the safety of everyone who has the pleasure of entering these walls. The tragic events of October 22 serve as stark reminder that some people still seek to cause harm for harm's sake.

Luckily for the staff, visitors, and parliamentarians who were in the building that day, our loyal and brave security teams were able to successfully neutralize the threat. We can never be grateful enough for those who put themselves in the line of fire to help protect all of us.

I am proud of the openness of our Parliament. I am proud that more than 1.5 million people choose to visit the seat of Canada's democracy every year. I am proud that each year 300 demonstrations take place just outside these walls. Our ability to disagree with government decisions, to be allowed to publicly express this disagreement, and to be able to do so safely is fundamental to our right of free expression.

Our House of Commons committees had the pleasure of hearing from more than 3,700 witnesses in 2014. Our colleagues from the other place got to hear important testimony from more than 1,700 people in 2013. Add to this the 4,000 staff who work at all levels of our Parliament, and one realizes the magnitude of the responsibility that we all share to ensure their safety. That is why we support this motion. Whether a young Canadian is visiting Parliament for the first time, learning about the history of our country, or a minister of the crown is hosting a meeting, we must ensure that everyone is protected at all times and at all places under our control.

We are all grateful to the parliamentary security team who have protected Parliament. I think it is very important to make it clear to the people who have given years of service to the protection of all Canadians who come to Parliament that we wish nothing more than that they continue their admirable work they have always done. All of us encounter members of our security teams on a daily basis in Parliament. I know that close links and friendships have developed between many of my colleagues and the security staff.

I believe it is important that this motion specifically mentions that we would be “ensuring the continued employment of our existing and respected Parliamentary Security staff.”

It is equally important that this motion asserts the respect of the privileges, immunities, and powers of both Houses of Parliament. I was happy to see the motion recognize both these issues.

If we return to the events of October 22, let us not forget the brave and rapid actions of all our security forces members who were in this very building, like Constable Son, who confronted a dangerous man and was injured while fulfilling his duty to protect others, and like all the security forces members who bravely charged down the Hall of Honour to put an end to the threat we all faced.

As times change, Parliament must adapt to offer the best protection possible to the people who enter its grounds. It is our responsibility to ensure that we do so efficiently, all the while respecting the people who will continue to protect this place for many years to come.

As members know, the Auditor General prepared a report that recommended an integrated security team back in 2012. It is the provisions of this report that are being respected to through the motion before us and through our position on it.

Concerns have been raised with respect to the separation, and these are extremely valid concerns that are specifically addressed in the motion. What has to be paramount here is the safety and security of all people who enter this place. That safety and security is best served by an integrated force, which was recommended by the Office of the Auditor General in its 2012 report, and that is what the motion recommends

It is important to bear in mind that the motion is an invitation for the RCMP to take charge of this integrated force. All of the details will be worked out in the fullness of time, but the basic principles are set out that the assurance of continued employment for the valued members of the House of Commons security team will remain, and that is important. The distinction with privileges and immunities will also be maintained.

It is very important that politics not allow us to get ahead of ourselves in this discussion. This is a starting point, with general principles being set out, and that is the manner in which we should move forward

The Liberals will support the motion, and I am thankful for the opportunity to speak on it.

[The Acting Speaker, Conservative, Barry Devolin]

The Chair must interrupt the member for Charlottetown at this time. The time for government orders has expired, but the member will have 13 minutes remaining when this matter returns following question period.

Canadian International AutoShow

[John Carmichael, Conservative, Don Valley West, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise in the House today to highlight an event taking place this coming week in Toronto, the Canadian International AutoShow. This show is the largest in Canada, with an attendance of some 300,000 people. For 10 days, individuals from across Canada and other countries will come to explore the latest trends and products from over 30 automotive brands.

The show is always the kick-start of the retail sales year, and I am thrilled to report that both 2013 and 2014 were record breaking years in Canada for Canadian auto sales, with over 1.8 million vehicles sold in Canada this year alone.

I wish our automotive manufacturers and their dealers the very best with this year's auto show. I also invite all members and all interested Canadians to come and attend the show at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, from February 13-22, to view the latest in car designs, models and technology.

There is something for everybody at this year's Canadian International AutoShow.

Surrey North Events

[Jasbir Sandhu, NDP, Surrey North, BC]

Mr. Speaker, I rise proudly today to acknowledge some of the amazing activities that are taking place in my community of Surrey North.

On February 21, I will be walking in the Coldest Night of the Year, hosted by the Surrey Urban Mission, to raise money for the hungry and homeless, and to raise awareness about the issue of poverty, low-income housing, homelessness and mental health.

The Surrey Urban Mission, under the leadership of Jonquil Hallgate and with the help of volunteers, works tirelessly to provide for one of the most vulnerable populations in our community. I applaud their commitment to these important issues.

I also want to congratulate Spice Radio 1200AM and Shushma Datt for their Raise Your Hands Against Racism campaign. This initiative coincides with the Holi festival, or the festival of colours, on March 7. City halls around the Lower Mainland will invite everyone to place a colourful handprint and sign their anti-racism tableau.

I will proudly be adding my handprint to the tableau in Surrey, and I hope all residents will join me in doing the same.

Chancellor of the University of the Fraser Valley

[Mark Strahl, Conservative, Chilliwack—Fraser Canyon, BC]

Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House today to honour a constituent of mine, Dr. Gwen Point. On February 4, Dr. Gwen Point was installed as Chancellor of the University of the Fraser Valley at a ceremony in Chilliwack.

Dr. Point's connection to the University of the Fraser Valley stretches back decades to when she and her husband, former lieutenant governor of British Columbia, Steven Point, enrolled in the school. Since that time, Dr. Point has served as a teacher, scholar, administrator and board member. She has held a number of offices in government, including that of Chatelaine of British Columbia.

As a member of the Skowkale first nation, Dr. Point is a respected Stó:lo leader, mentor and cultural adviser. She has contributed her cultural knowledge and experience to numerous books, conferences, workshops and committees.

Her accomplishments in the field of education, child and family services, and first nations organizations are too numerous to mention in the limited time I have.

I want to congratulate Dr. Point on her new role as chancellor, and wish her all the best as she helps lead the University of the Fraser Valley into the future.

Wedding Anniversary Congratulations

[Geoff Regan, Liberal, Halifax West, NS]

Mr. Speaker, last week was a special one for Bedford's Philip Riteman. Mr. Riteman and his wife, Dorothy, happily celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on Thursday.

Mr. Riteman also marked another milestone last week, the 70th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp. Mr. Riteman spent a year and a half there, but for this Auschwitz survivor, his story is one of man's love and forgiveness triumphing over evil.

He regularly speaks to students about his experience in a death camp, despite finding it very difficult and emotional to do so.

I want to take this opportunity to congratulate Philip and Dorothy, and to thank Mr. Riteman for helping ensure that we never forget.

Public Safety

[Parm Gill, Conservative, Brampton—Springdale, ON]

Mr. Speaker, last week, the Liberal member for York West demonstrated her party's ignorance on terrorism when she said that if ISIL attacked Canada, it was because the Prime Minister put us in that position.

Reports from last weekend state that while speaking at a Liberal training session in Toronto, the member for Trinity—Spadina said, “...we're dropping bombs on people instead of building civil society. That has to change”. He also called Canada a “war maker”.

On this side of the House, we do not believe defending against ISIL terror makes Canada a war maker. We also know we cannot build a society with terrorists. They are not civil.

In closing, the MP for Trinity—Spadina also noted that Canada needed to respond to world events in a mature and precise way. It is too bad the Liberal leader will not take his advice.

The Economy

[Marc-André Morin, NDP, Laurentides—Labelle, QC]

Mr. Speaker, at a time when Canada's economy is going through some turmoil, entrepreneurs and other citizens have a right to know what direction the government plans to take.

Businesses and workers are wondering what taxation and government programs will look like. The minister is not even capable of bringing down a budget. The Conservatives are lacking brain power.

Next fall, when the Leader of the Opposition is Prime Minister, he will have an embarrassment of riches to choose from when forming his cabinet, unlike the current Prime Minister, whose choices are simply embarrassing. As for the Liberals, they have been embarrassed enough by their leader.

Canadian School Counselling Week

[Gerald Keddy, Conservative, South Shore—St. Margaret's, NS]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight a vital part of our education system.

The Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association has recognized Canadian School Counselling Week, a week dedicated to increasing public awareness of the scope of programs and services that characterize the important role played by the school counselling profession all across Canada. In addition to helping students with their mental health and overall well-being, school counsellors also make significant contributions to the personal, social, academic and career development of our young people.

I would also like to recognize the fact that the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2015.

I want to take this opportunity to congratulate the thousands of mental health professionals who make up the association and to thank them for contributing to the well-being of Canadians for half a century.

Violence Against Women

[John Barlow, Conservative, Macleod, AB]

Mr. Speaker, as a father of two daughters, violence against women and girls is a profound concern.

I am proud to say that under the leadership of our Prime Minister, this government is working hard with community stakeholders to address this issue.

Our commitment is clear: funding the global maternal, newborn and child health initiative; a national action plan to address violence against aboriginal women and girls; and enacting laws against cyberbullying. Also, the status of women committee, of which I am a proud member, is in the midst of a comprehensive study on best practices to stop violence against women.

The statistics on this issue are concerning. One in three women across the planet will be beaten or raped in their lifetime; that is one billion women and girls.

On February 14, I will be participating in One Billion Rising with the Rowan House and Pincher Creek emergency shelters in my riding.

I encourage all of my colleagues in the House to lend their voice to this fight, especially the men. We have to change the narrative. This is not just violence against women; this is also about men perpetrating violence against women.

Have a Heart Day

[John Rafferty, NDP, Thunder Bay—Rainy River, ON]

Mr. Speaker, let me draw the attention of all members and all Canadians to an event this Valentine's Day called “Have A Heart Day”, sponsored by the First Nation's Child and Family Caring Society of Canada.

This is our opportunity to stand with the children of first nations for the chance to grow up safely at home, to get a good education, to be healthy and to be proud of their cultures, in short, to know first nations children have the same services and opportunities as all other Canadian children.

Canadians can explore the Have A Heart website for more information and send an e-valentine to the Prime Minister or to their member of Parliament.

Let us remember Jordan's principle and help put an end to government red tape, depriving children of first nations of government services available to all others. Let us support Shannon's dream for safe schools and equitable education for the children of first nations.

This Valentine's Day, Canadians should show their heart. They should plan their own celebrations or join one of the many nation-wide Have A Heart events.

We should help all children of first nations to be proud and successful, because their dreams matter too.

Taxation

[Ben Lobb, Conservative, Huron—Bruce, ON]

Mr. Speaker, thanks to our government, Canadian families can be assured that their hard-earned money is making its way back to their bank accounts.

Our plan is simple and we stand by it. We trust parents to invest in their children and spend their money as they see fit.

Soon families in my riding of Huron—Bruce will receive just under $2,000 annually per child under the age of 6, and $720 per year for youth aged 6 to 17. The NDP and Liberals on the other hand want to take this money away and spend it on big government bureaucracy instead.

Despite the opposition and third party Liberals who have positioned themselves against middle-class families, I am proud that our government is giving money back to each and every family with children in Canada.

Canadian Flag

[Dan Harris, NDP, Scarborough Southwest, ON]

Mr. Speaker, on February 15, 1965, for the last time, the Canadian Red Ensign bearing the Union Jack and the shield of the Royal Arms of Canada was lowered. Then, on the stroke of noon, our maple leaf was raised for the first time.

Words spoken then still ring true today, “The flag is the symbol of the nation's unity, for it, beyond any doubt, represents all the citizens of Canada without distinction of race, language, belief or opinion”.

It flutters above government buildings, businesses, schools, homes, diplomatic missions and our Parliament. It is worn on the uniforms of our proud armed forces, who defend our Canadian values and our future.

Symbolizing peace and acceptance, our flag is respected the world over. Let it forever be a beacon of hope and a symbol to us, as Canadians, to strive for greatness.

On February 15, we will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Canadian flag. May it continue to fly over our great nation strong and free.

The Environment

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

Mr. Speaker, last Tuesday in Convent Glen I was pleased to join Michael Rosen, President of Tree Canada, at the Ecology Ottawa event called “Everyone Loves Trees!”.

This event coincided with Tu B'Sheavat, the Jewish New Year of Trees. With the counter-culture movement of the 1960s, this holiday has morphed into a Jewish ecology day and promotes ecological awareness.

As members know, I have been a tree champion since my Scouting days. In 2011, this House approved my private member's motion to declare the Wednesday of the last full week of September National Tree Day.

At last Tuesday's event, Ecology Ottawa urged each of us to adopt a tree. The typical Canadian produces enough carbon dioxide during his or her lifespan to feed 15 trees, so once again I urge the people of Orléans to get on with it and plant trees to compensate. Whether they want to adopt one tree or 15 trees or would like more information on caring for trees, I encourage them to go to treeottawa.org and adopt a tree today.

Health Partners International

[Francis Scarpaleggia, Liberal, Lac-Saint-Louis, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Health Partners International of Canada, an NGO headquartered in the West Island of Montreal, on 25 years of delivering essential medicines and medical supplies to vulnerable communities, particularly those in the developing world. Since 1990, it has remarkably delivered over 20 million treatments to such communities.

Health Partners collects medicines and supplies that are donated by medical suppliers, including both research-based and generic pharmaceutical companies, and creates physician travel packs, including mother-child health kits, which are then given to physicians and other volunteers travelling to areas of need abroad.

In Canada and other developed countries, we are fortunate to be able to readily access medicines, including painkillers, which we might need one day.

Thanks to its extraordinary vision and its ability to form partnerships, HPIC helps alleviate the pain of a great many people in our global village.

Taxation

[Ryan Leef, Conservative, Yukon, YT]

Mr. Speaker, despite the opinions of the Liberals and the NDP, a job-killing carbon tax is not what our country needs at this time, especially in the case of northern Canadians, who already have a higher cost of living.

Our government will continue to deliver on our low-tax plan, which will create jobs for all Canadians. We will not weigh them down with unnecessary tax hikes. It is simply a reckless policy, and our Conservative government will make sure that as we lower taxes not only for Canadian families but also for Canadian businesses and reduce the GST from 7% to 5%, we are taking care of Canadian families, their needs, and their businesses to give them the greatest opportunities.

We will reject any opportunity the Liberals try to create to raise taxes on Canadian families. We expect that the NDP and the Liberals who support this plan will be soundly rejected by Canadians, who know that the Conservative government and its low-tax plan are best for Canadian families.