Debates of April 20th, 2015

Mark Reeds

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

Mr. Speaker, this past week has been a bittersweet time for the Owen Sound Attack alumni. On April 15, former Attack coach Mike Stothers was named AHL coach of the year. Stothers spent five seasons in Owen Sound and is the winningest coach in franchise history.

The day before, on April 14, hockey lost one of its finest. Former Attack coach and Ottawa Senators assistant coach Mark Reeds sadly lost his courageous battle with cancer.

Mark enjoyed an NHL career with the St. Louis Blues and Hartford Whalers. Reeds spent four seasons as the head coach of the Attack and led the team to its first OHL championship. His success in Owen Sound caught the attention of the Senators. Reeds was respected both as a player and as a coach and will be greatly missed by the hockey community.

Both Stothers and Reeds coached a number of players on their way to the big leagues, including Bobby Ryan, Andrew Shaw, Brad Richardson, and Wayne Simmonds. They were two exemplary coaches and Attack alumni.

To Mike Stothers, congratulations. Mark Reeds, thanks for the memories, and rest in peace.

The Environment

[Joyce Murray, Liberal, Vancouver Quadra, BC]

Mr. Speaker, the bunker fuel oil spill in English Bay last week brought to light the devastating effect of the government's millions of dollars in cuts to marine safety and its bad decision to close Vancouver's Kitsilano Coast Guard base.

The Minister of Industry insisted that the spill response to this incident was world class, when in fact it was anything but. In fact, some of his words were later proven to be completely incorrect.

The former Kitsilano Coast Guard base commander Fred Moxey said it would have taken them six minutes to respond, but instead, it took the Richmond Coast Guard more than six hours, and it was 12 hours before the oil was actually contained.

This toxic spill fouled our inner harbour and beaches in calm seas on a calm day. Yet imagine what would have happened for a large-scale spill in a remote part of the coast. The government was totally unprepared to respond properly and failed in its duty to lead the response.

Vancouver residents and marine volunteers and experts were vocally against the closure of the Kitsilano Coast Guard base. The Liberals would reopen it and restore services for marine safety in our area.

Richmond Hill Volunteer Achievement Awards

[Costas Menegakis, Conservative, Richmond Hill, ON]

Mr. Speaker, last Friday I had the privilege of attending the town of Richmond Hill's 53rd annual Volunteer Achievement Awards ceremony. It was a wonderful celebration and occasion to thank those volunteers who went over and above in giving back so much to our community. These individuals' generous contributions of time and skills, along with their compassion and tireless dedication, are improving the lives of many in Richmond Hill and, indeed, all of York Region.

I would like to take this opportunity to add my congratulations to this year's Volunteer Achievement Awards recipients, to individuals Sherry Caldwell, Cathy Danton, Anneli Leivo, Asad Malik, Chuck McClelland, Louise Wilson, Haopeng Yang and Arthur Zhou, and the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, Toronto Centre. I thank them for their outstanding service.

To all volunteers in Richmond Hill and beyond, I thank them for volunteering in their communities and our country. We could not possibly enjoy the quality of life we do without them.

Rachel Thibeault

[Charmaine Borg, NDP, Terrebonne—Blainville, QC]

Mr. Speaker, today I would like to express my sadness at the loss of Rachel Thibeault, a resident of Terrebonne, who was well known for her commitment to the community and her volunteerism.

After a long and courageous battle with cancer, Ms. Thibeault passed away on March 28 at the age of 62. As a participant in and ambassador for the Terrebonne Relay for Life, she mobilized her fellow citizens and raised their awareness of the fight against cancer.

In addition to being very involved in her community, Ms. Thibeault had many achievements to her name. She was the administrator for the Griffon d'or gala and the Terrebonne Caisse Desjardins, and she was also the president and co-owner of Administration Thibeault-Lemire.

A mother and businesswoman, she never lost her positive outlook and her contagious cheerfulness. We will remember her perseverance, courage and dedication.

I would like to extend my most sincere condolences to Ms. Thibeault's family and friends. Our community has lost a great lady, and we will miss her very much.

Science and Technology

[Cathy McLeod, Conservative, Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo, BC]

Mr. Speaker, the success of Canada's economy and the prosperity and well-being of its communities and families depends on advancing cutting-edge science, technology and innovation. I am proud that our government has provided more than $11 billion in new resources to support research, talent development, infrastructure and innovative activities since 2006.

In my role as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health, I have been pleased to support the unparalleled research and development that our scientists are undertaking on a daily basis to improve the lives of Canadians for generations to come. Leading research on drugs, disease and mental health are supported through our government's robust funding for post-secondary institutions and industry. One example is TRIUMF, which is one of the world's leading subatomic laboratories in British Columbia. Our government has been working to support organizations like these, ensuring Canada remains a global leader in science, technology and innovation within the health care field and beyond.

Victims of Crime Round Table

[Rick Norlock, Conservative, Northumberland—Quinte West, ON]

Mr. Speaker, on April 14, the Minister of Transport attended my riding of Northumberland-Quinte West to view the progress at the new VIA train station. In addition, she also attended a victims of crime round table in Cobourg. Many stakeholders were present, including community organizations and victims who courageously shared their experiences with our justice system.

I cannot share their stories here, but it was a very emotional experience, and I would like to thank all of those victims who were brave enough to participate, especially Hope Kirksey and Corey Walsh, who shared their harrowing experiences with the community in order to empower more victims to report sexual abuse.

I am proud of the great progress our government has made toward changing the culture of our justice system to make it more victim focused. However, if last Tuesday's round table has taught me one thing, it is that there is still much work that needs to be done.

Beatification of Élisabeth Turgeon

[Guy Caron, NDP, Rimouski-Neigette—Témiscouata—Les Basques, QC]

Mr. Speaker, this Sunday at 2:30 p.m., nearly 5,000 people will gather at the Saint-Robert-Bellarmin church in Rimouski to celebrate the beatification of Élisabeth Turgeon by the Pope's legate, Cardinal Angelo Amato.

These 5,000 people will include a delegation of 150 individuals from Montreal's Lebanese community, including the member for Ahuntsic, and I will also have the privilege of representing the riding.

Élisabeth Turgeon arrived in Rimouski on April 3, 1875, and she played a key role in establishing the education system in the region. An elementary school in Rimouski, the one that I myself attended, bears her name in commemoration of her work.

Élisabeth Turgeon also founded the Sisters of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary in 1879, where the Musée régional de Rimouski is now located.

I would like to extend my congratulations to the vice-postulator of Élisabeth Turgeon's cause, Sister Rita Bérubé; to the Superior General, Sister Marie-Alma Dubé; and to the entire congregation for their historic contribution and recognition of a woman who helped shape the history of our region.

Islamic State

[Bernard Trottier, Conservative, Etobicoke—Lakeshore, ON]

Mr. Speaker, we are proud to stand up for Canadians' rights and freedoms at home and abroad. Unfortunately, the Liberals do not agree. According to the Liberal candidate for Red Deer—Lacombe, ISIL's goal “is not international terrorism”.

In fact, the death-cult ISIL has declared war on Canada. It has made it clear that it targets Canadians by name and it has called for brutal attacks on Canadian civilians.

Our goal is to degrade ISIL to the point that it no longer represents a threat to Canada, and we will not allow it to have a safe haven in Syria. Unlike the Liberals and their NDP comrades, who would prefer that we sit on the sidelines, we are taking action against a threat to Canadian and international security.

Public Service of Canada

[Françoise Boivin, NDP, Gatineau, QC]

Mr. Speaker, since 2006, the Conservative government has been working on dismantling, shrinking, politicizing and censoring a world-class public service.

The Prime Minister openly said:

“You won’t recognize Canada when I’m through with it.”

People in Gatineau and the Outaouais have had a front-row seat to this tragedy, as dedicated government workers have been muzzled and overburdened by a government that is constantly asking them to do more with much less and to ignore legal and scientific advice, all the while praising this “good government” with thinly veiled political ads.

It is impressive to see just how hard the government is going after the people who have dedicated their lives to serving the government and Canadians.

It will be even more impressive to see how these people reciprocate come election time. My New Democrat colleagues and I will stand proudly alongside them before, during and after this battle, since we also believe in a society that is fairer, freer and more generous.

Taxation

[Stella Ambler, Conservative, Mississauga South, ON]

Mr. Speaker, Canadians in Mississauga South know that they can count on this Conservative government to keep taxes low and provide support to hard-working families. They also know that both the NDP and the Liberals, if given the chance, would raise taxes and increase the bureaucracy.

Our low-tax plan for families is opposed by both the NDP and the Liberals. They oppose our family tax cut and enhanced universal child care benefit, which will add $60 per month per child under 18 years of age. Our plan is helping 100% of families with kids and putting almost $2,000 back in the pocket of a family with two children.

I am eagerly anticipating what further support the Minister of Finance has for Canadian families in tomorrow's budget, and so are my constituents in Mississauga South.

Equal Pay Day

[Kirsty Duncan, Liberal, Etobicoke North, ON]

Mr. Speaker, today is Equal Pay Day in Ontario, a time to highlight that women generally earn less than men, that reduced pay hurts families and the economy, that solutions are needed to end the gender wage gap, and that we need Equal Pay Day in Canada.

Canadian women have been fighting for pay equity for 100 years, yet the gap in income between men and women still remains at 19%. According to The Conference Board of Canada, Canada ties with the United States for the 11th spot out of 17 peer countries and earns a C grade. A Royal Bank of Canada report estimates the lost income potential of Canadian women due to the wage gap at $126 billion annually.

It is time that the full value of women's skills and contribution to the labour force is recognized, the injustice of wage discrimination is acknowledged and efforts are made to achieve equal pay.

Ukraine

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

Mr. Speaker, Canada recognizes the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and will never recognize the illegal occupation of Crimea.

Last week, the Prime Minister and the Minister of National Defence announced that Canada will be deploying approximately 200 Canadian Armed Forces personnel to Ukraine to develop and deliver military training and capacity building programs for Ukrainian forces personnel. This Canadian military contribution will help Ukrainian forces personnel to better defend their country against Putin's continued aggression.

As the Prime Minister has said:

Whatever difficulties may lie ahead, whatever actions are taken by those who threaten Ukraine's freedom, Ukraine will never be alone, because Ukraine can count on Canada.

Taxation

[Jinny Sims, NDP, Newton—North Delta, BC]

Mr. Speaker, last week, the Minister of Employment and Social Development tweeted “Hundreds of millions of families at risk of not getting money” because they do not know about the tax credit. The fact is that Canada's population is about 35.5 million.

We know that Conservative ministers struggle with numbers. The previous employment minister thought that Kijiji was a legitimate source for job vacancy data, but this recent blunder surprised even those with the lowest expectations. Perhaps now we can convince Conservatives to bring back the long-form census, even if it is just to save them from themselves?

The real numbers show that after a decade of Conservative mismanagement, middle-class families are working harder but falling further behind. Canadians are ready to replace the Conservative government and repair the damage it has done. That is precisely what New Democrats intend to do.

[Bryan Hayes, Conservative, Sault Ste. Marie, ON]

Mr. Speaker, Canadians are not ready to replace this Conservative government. Canadians know that they can count on this Conservative government to keep taxes low and provide support to hard-working families. They also know that both the NDP and the Liberals, if given the chance, would raise taxes and increase the bureaucracy.

Our plan for families is opposed by both the NDP and the Liberals. They oppose our family tax cut and enhanced universal child care benefit. Our plan is helping 100% of families with children and putting almost $2,000 back in their pocket.

Families and businesses in my riding of Sault Ste. Marie are eagerly anticipating what further support the Minister of Finance has for Canadian families in tomorrow's budget, and I know they will be well pleased.

The Budget

[Megan Leslie, NDP, Halifax, NS]

Mr. Speaker, as the Conservatives prepare to table their budget, families know better than to expect much from this government. The Conservatives would rather reward their well-connected friends than help members of the middle class who are having trouble making ends meet. Still, it is not too late.

Will the Conservatives take this opportunity to get their priorities straight and table a budget that will help families?

[Kevin Sorenson, Conservative, Minister of State (Finance)]

Mr. Speaker, the hon. member will have to wait until tomorrow for the budget and for the specifics of it.

I can assure the House that we will fulfill our promise, the promise we made to Canadians, by balancing the budget, creating jobs, creating economic growth and keeping taxes low. We will build on our tax plan for Canada's economy that has created 1.2 million net new jobs. We are proud of a plan that is working: $6,600 to families this year, to the average family of four.

However, the opposition would raise taxes. The opposition would set working families back. Canadians know they are better off with this Conservative government.

[Megan Leslie, NDP, Halifax, NS]

Mr. Speaker, Canadian families are working harder than ever yet falling further behind.

The Conservatives are still more focused on the well-connected than on the well-being of middle-class Canadians. If one is an insider or one of the wealthy few, tomorrow's budget will have billions in loopholes and handouts. However, if people are regular Canadians trying to make ends meet, they will get more cuts to services.

Will the Conservatives change course and commit to real action to create jobs and make life more affordable for Canadians?

[Kevin Sorenson, Conservative, Minister of State (Finance)]

Mr. Speaker, make no mistake that while the global economy remains fragile, and we have seen the drop of oil prices, our government is focused on creating jobs, lowering taxes and providing benefits directly back to those families.

Since the depth of the global recession, 1.2 million net new jobs have been created, 90% full-time and 80% in the private sector. Two-thirds of those jobs are in high-wage industries.

However, the Liberals and the New Democratic Party would reverse those plans. A $20 billion carbon tax that the New Democrats talk about will cost Canadians.

Ethics

[Megan Leslie, NDP, Halifax, NS]

Mr. Speaker, the Crown in the Mike Duffy trial alleges that the senator was never eligible to sit in the Senate. His presence was fraudulent from the beginning. Yet the Prime Minister told the House that all senators meet the residency requirements.

Is the Prime Minister still of the belief that Mike Duffy conformed to Senate constitutional requirements when he appointed Mr. Duffy to the Senate in 2008?

[Paul Calandra, Conservative, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and for Intergovernmental Affairs]

Mr. Speaker, the constitutional practice on this has been clear for over 150 years.

What is also very clear to Canadians is the fact that House of Commons resources cannot be used for partisan political purposes. That is why I encourage the 68 members of the NDP caucus who owe Canadian taxpayers $2.7 million for illegal offices to pay it back. The Leader of the Opposition could show some leadership by repaying the $400,000 that he personally owes taxpayers for illegal offices.

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

Mr. Speaker, the member is confused again. We are not talking about fake allegations from a Conservative kangaroo court. We are talking about a real criminal trial with a real judge.

On February 27, 2013, the Prime Minister said this in the House:

All senators conform to the residency requirements. That is the basis on which they are appointed to the Senate.

Why did the Prime Minister tell the House that when clearly it was not the case?

[Paul Calandra, Conservative, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and for Intergovernmental Affairs]

Mr. Speaker, as I said, the constitutional practice on this has been clear for 150 years.

What is also clear is that House of Commons resources cannot be used for partisan political activities like the NDP did.

The Leader of the Opposition signed off on employees working in Ottawa, suggesting they were working and living in Ottawa, but actually they were working in an illegal, partisan office in Montreal.

The member for Scarborough Southwest thought this was so impressive that as opposed to giving $140,000 in resources to his community, he funnelled it through an illegal office in Montreal.

The Environment

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

Mr. Speaker, what is clear is Conservatives have messed up on the Senate, but they have really messed up on marine safety.

The completely inadequate response to the fuel spill in English Bay has made it clear that the government does not have the capacity to respond to spills properly. The Conservative cuts to marine safety and environmental protection are putting the public, our environment and our economy at risk.

This should be a wake-up call, and the Conservatives should be listening to British Columbians.

I have a very simple question. Will the Conservatives reverse cuts to marine safety and move now to reopen the Kitsilano Coast Guard station?

[Lisa Raitt, Conservative, Minister of Transport]

Mr. Speaker, first, I want to commend the Canadian Coast Guard on its excellent work in cleaning up the spill and for the short period of time in responding to it.

The reason why I say this is because it is important for the House to realize and remember that for the past 20 years it is the ship transiting Canadian waters that is ultimately fully responsible for its own pollution and has a contract with responsible organizations to clean up that spill. When the spill was not identified, it was the Canadian Coast Guard that came in to do what needed to be done in an excellent way.

Finance

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

Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives' balanced budget law is a phoney gimmick. It was the Conservatives who inherited a $13 billion surplus, spent us into deficit even before the 2008 downturn, then gave us seven deficits, adding $160 billion to the national debt.

Now the law only applies outside of recessions. However, we have not been in a recession since May 2009. Therefore, will the Conservative ministers agree to make the law retroactive and return 5% of their salaries over the last six years to Canadian taxpayers?