House of Commons Hansard #203 of the 41st Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was ukraine.

Topics

2 p.m.

Conservative

The Speaker Conservative Andrew Scheer

It being Wednesday, we will now have the singing of the national anthem led by the hon. member for Ottawa—Vanier.

[Members sang the national anthem]

Quebec CheesemakerStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Independent

André Bellavance Independent Richmond—Arthabaska, QC

Mr. Speaker, 10 years ago, the Morin family of Sainte-Élizabeth-de-Warwick transformed the old presbytery across from their farm into a cheese factory called Fromagerie du Presbytère. The fame of their cheeses has been spreading ever since.

The Fromagerie du Presbytère makes a cheese called Laliberté, which was recently selected from among 81 finalists as the grand champion of the ninth edition of the Canadian Cheese Grand Prix.

Here is how the jury chairman described it:

The exquisite, aromatic triple crème and tender bloomy rind combine to create an unctuous cheese with well-balanced flavours and notes of mushroom, grasses and root vegetables.

Does that not whet your appetite? The Fromagerie du Presbytère also won two other prizes for its Bleu d'Élizabeth and its Louis d'Or, which was the Canadian champion in 2011.

Sainte-Élizabeth-de-Warwick has become a not-to-be-missed destination on Fridays in the summer, when the factory serves cheese made fresh that day, as well as during the autumn fine food tour that attracts visitors from all over Quebec.

I am very proud to congratulate the Morin family and their employees because they are genuine ambassadors for our region and for Quebec who make it possible for us to enjoy outstanding cheese.

TaxationStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Conservative

Randy Hoback Conservative Prince Albert, SK

Mr. Speaker, the NDP and the Liberals cannot seem to see a tax without wanting to raise it. Their high-tax agendas would hurt hard-working families.

On this side of the House, we believe in helping families. The enhanced UCCB, for example, would put almost $2,000 back in the pockets of parents with kids under 6, and $720 back in the pockets of parents with kids between the ages of 6 and 17.

With under three days to go before the deadline to get the enhanced child care benefit payment in July, our government is urging the hundreds of thousands of families that have not yet signed up to sign up on www.canada.ca/taxsavings.

In Saskatchewan, there is an estimated 10,200 families that are not yet registered. That is an estimated 18,720 children who may not get the PM's enhanced benefit in July. There are almost 500 families in Prince Albert alone.

While the NDP and Liberals are focused on raising taxes, we are working hard to ensure that every mom and dad keeps more of their hard-earned money in their pockets.

Royal City Musical Theatre CompanyStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

NDP

Peter Julian NDP Burnaby—New Westminster, BC

Mr. Speaker, I proudly rise today to honour a very special group, the Royal City Musical Theatre Company, in the city of New Westminster, which helped celebrate the 65th anniversary of our venerable Massey Theatre with a lavish production of a classic masterpiece My Fair Lady. This company is unique and consists primarily of volunteer talent engaged in enriching our lives with spectacular success.

I saw this production with my family, and My Fair Lady was visually stunning: colourful costumes, opulent sets, talented players and singers, and a 22-piece orchestra that truly brought the fantastic score to life. It was a special experience, combining visual arts with singing, dancing, acting and musicianship.

The quality and professionalism of the productions of the Royal City Musical Theatre Company have earned this group the respect of musical theatre goers from all over British Columbia.

Bravo, a well earned ovation for the Royal City Musical Theatre Company for its artistic excellence, hard work and for its magic.

TaxationStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Conservative

Jim Hillyer Conservative Lethbridge, AB

Mr. Speaker, last week we fulfilled our commitment to balance the budget and to introduce income splitting for families with kids.

I have polled my constituents and the vast majority support income splitting because it is fair and pro family, and it acknowledges the real value stay-at-home parents provide their families and society in general.

Do not be fooled by opponents who say it will only help the rich. They just want to keep taking the money of families.

I grew up in a family of 14 kids. My dad was a school teacher and my mom was a stay-at-home mom. Income splitting would have definitely helped my parents. In fact, it would have helped most families in my small town, and none of us were rich.

It will not solve every problem in the universe, and nobody said it would, but income splitting will help most two-parent homes. Unless people are in the same tax brackets as their spouses, or their family does not pay taxes at all, they will benefit from income splitting. Single parents will benefit from the other measures in our family tax program.

I am proud to keep this election promise as an important measure to bring justice and fairness to all families.

Para-SwimmingStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Judy Foote Liberal Random—Burin—St. George's, NL

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Katarina Roxon, an exceptional athlete from Kippens in Random—Burin—St. George's.

Since taking up para-swimming, Katarina has built an impressive resume and continues to set personal bests as she breaks both Canadian and world records. In early March, she set two world and three national records at the East Coast Swimming Championships in Mount Pearl, which she followed up with two gold medals, two silver and one bronze at the Can-Am International Swimming Championships in Toronto. She has gained a spot on the teams that will be representing Canada at the IPC World Swimming Championships being held in Glasgow, Scotland and the Parapan Am Games in Toronto.

Katarina is a disciplined athlete and has her sights set on excelling at those two prestigious events. Given her determination, it is not surprising that she is a world-class swimmer. Katarina gives back to her sport, coaching the Aqua Aces Swim Club in Stephenville and preparing yet another generation of swimmers to reach their potential.

I ask members to join me in congratulating Katarina Roxon on her remarkable achievements in the sport of para-swimming and wishing her continued success.

Retirement CongratulationsStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Conservative

Bryan Hayes Conservative Sault Ste. Marie, ON

Mr. Speaker, today I would like to recognize the retirement of two significant role models who have served the city of Sault Ste. Marie: Mr. Joe Fratesi, the outgoing CAO and Mr. Bill Freiburger, outgoing commissioner of finance and treasurer.

Joe served as city counsellor for ward 6 for three terms, from 1976 to 1982. He has also worked as the longest serving mayor, from 1985 to 1996, and as the city's longest serving CAO, since 1996. Joe is someone I have worked alongside in my capacity as a city counsellor and in my role as an MP. It has been a privilege.

Under Bill's watch, over 30 years in the finance department, the Sault's city services have been among the highest and taxes among the lowest in northern Ontario. For that, I am grateful.

Cheers to their retirement. I thank them both for their great advice and service throughout the years.

Employment InsuranceStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

NDP

Pierre Dionne Labelle NDP Rivière-du-Nord, QC

Mr. Speaker, by bringing down a budget that favours the wealthy, the Conservative government missed a great opportunity to show some compassion towards critically ill people who have to stop working for treatment, as Ms. Monette had to do.

This resident of Rivière-du-Nord is fighting cancer, while also leading the fight to change the employment insurance rules.

After she paid into the system her whole life, her benefits were cut off after 15 weeks. This single mother, who had the foresight to put some money aside for her retirement, is not eligible for last resort assistance.

The government decided to help the rich, instead of helping the thousands of sick, unemployed workers who are struggling to survive. I wish Ms. Monette and everyone fighting that terrible disease all the best. We stand with them. They can count on me and the NDP to form a government that is more compassionate and sensitive to the suffering of Canadians.

Government ProgramsStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Conservative

Colin Mayes Conservative Okanagan—Shuswap, BC

Mr. Speaker, although I will not be a candidate in the 2015 election, I feel a sense of accomplishment as I prepare to leave this place.

It has been an honour to be a small part of a government that has provided new direction for Canadians, moving from the past Liberal government focus on “I am entitled to my entitlements” to our government's focus on taxpayers and accountability.

Whereas the Liberals focus on minority interest groups, our government has focused on Canadian families and seniors. Our justice system is focused on victims of crime, not only the offenders. Our government has supported provinces and expanded health, education and social transfers, not cutting the transfers as the Liberal government did to balance the budget.

Our government's economic action plan is providing jobs, growth and prosperity for Canadians and a balanced budget, in contrast to the Liberals that have no plan for Canada's economy, just more taxes and more programs. Our budgets have invested in infrastructure by partnering with communities and provinces.

I have the comfort of leaving this place knowing I have had a small part in making a difference for Canadians and the constituents of Okanagan—Shuswap.

Scarborough CentreStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Conservative

Roxanne James Conservative Scarborough Centre, ON

Mr. Speaker, on March 28, I had the opportunity to join the Armenian Family Support Services at the Habitat for Humanity construction site in my riding of Scarborough Centre.

To commemorate the 100 year anniversary of the Armenian genocide, the Family Support Services was holding a faith build to both honour the victims and to give back to the community. It was doing this by challenging 100 youth to don hard hats and pick up hammers at the construction site.

On this day, I also had the great honour to meet Eugenie Yerganian Papazian, a survivor of the Armenian genocide. I had the opportunity to hear her story and to celebrate her 100th birthday.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Holy Trinity Armenian Church, the Armenian Family Support Services and Habitat for Humanity for all of the good work they do in our communities.

350th Anniversary of LouisevilleStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

NDP

Ruth Ellen Brosseau NDP Berthier—Maskinongé, QC

Mr. Speaker, I want to take a minute to talk about a great moment in the history of my riding.

In 1665, the Carignan-Salières regiment landed in New France, which is what led to the founding of the Town of Louiseville, the town at the heart of my riding, Berthier—Maskinongé. This year, the town is marking an important chapter of its history by celebrating its 350th anniversary. It is one of the oldest towns in Quebec.

Many activities and festivities will be held throughout the year for the people in my riding and all across Quebec in order to honour Louiseville's rich history. For example, from April 30 to May 2, seven local actors will be putting on the play Il était une fois... en 1952. This play is one of many activities commemorating some of the town's defining moments.

I want to congratulate the organizers, including the chair of the organizing committee, Doris Scott, and the countless volunteers and partners, for making this a special time for the Town of Louiseville. They are truly helping to promote our beautiful region throughout Quebec.

Happy anniversary, Louiseville.

Liberation of the Netherlands CeremoniesStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Conservative

Susan Truppe Conservative London North Centre, ON

Mr. Speaker, the liberation of the Netherlands, in which Canada played a crucial role, was an important part of the allied effort to free the people of Europe from tyranny and oppression.

Our government recognizes the importance of commemorating the 70th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands and will be sending an all-party delegation, led by the Minister of Veterans Affairs. Over 60 veterans who helped liberate the Netherlands will be participating.

Unfortunately, one veteran, Mr. Art Boon, who was invited as a guest of the Dutch government, is unable to be accompanied by his son, a teacher. This is because the Avon Maitland District School Board has refused Rick Boon's request for unpaid leave to travel with and provide care for his father. This is absolutely shameful. I once again call upon the school board to do the right thing and reverse this decision.

Status of WomenStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

NDP

Djaouida Sellah NDP Saint-Bruno—Saint-Hubert, QC

Mr. Speaker, a UN Women report was released on Monday. This report shows that governments have responsibilities they must assume in order to achieve true equality.

I would like to quote a passage from the report: “The divisions between economic and social policy are artificial; connecting the two is key to the realization of rights.”

Unfortunately, in recent years we have seen that the Conservatives do not listen to the experts. It is always the same whether the issue is gender equality, the environment or the economy. Since 2006, Canada has not been governed by knowledge, expertise or science. Canada has been abandoned to the inept and dishonest Conservative ideology.

Canadians have had enough. In October they will act accordingly.

TaxationStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Conservative

Jacques Gourde Conservative Lotbinière—Chutes-de-la-Chaudière, QC

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the Leader of the Opposition described our tax cuts as “gifts”. We on this side of the House will not apologize for letting Canadians keep more money in their pockets.

That is why we are helping middle-class families in Canada with our new family tax cut and the enhanced universal child care benefit. These measures will help 100% of families with children and will allow all of those families to keep more money in their pockets.

The NDP and the Liberals have one thing in common: they both think that taxpayers' money belongs to them. The NDP and the Liberals would take that money away from Canadians and put it towards big government.

It is clear that the members of the NDP and the Liberal Party do not really care about standing up for the interests of Canadian and Quebec families. Voters will remember that.

Only a Conservative government lets Canadians keep money in their pockets.

International Dance DayStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Liberal

Stéphane Dion Liberal Saint-Laurent—Cartierville, QC

Mr. Speaker, today marks International Dance Day. Thus, let us express, show and tangibly demonstrate our support for dancers, choreographers and producers, who on the world's stages selflessly and spectacularly remind us that dance is a wonderful activity and an incredible art that we as legislators need to encourage and support. What else than dance better connects human beings with their bodies and souls, emotions and energy, and in some ways with the whole universe?

All of us here will take part in the upcoming election dance. We know that practising politics is like dancing on eggshells and the slightest misstep, the slightest poorly executed pirouette can result in a big mess. Let us commend our dancers and show our support and admiration for these individuals, who are far more graceful than we are.

Let us dance today and for that matter, every day.

Public SafetyStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Conservative

Rick Norlock Conservative Northumberland—Quinte West, ON

Mr. Speaker, our Conservative government has always stood up for the protection of Canadians. We have taken strong action to ensure that law enforcement officers have the tools they need to do their jobs. This includes passing over 30 new tough on crime laws, and making record investments in crime prevention and law enforcement.

Interestingly, new Liberal candidate Bill Blair supported our Conservative government's Safe Streets and Communities Act, saying, “This new legislation responds to today’s needs and will allow police to improve their ability to protect the communities we serve”. This is in stark contrast to the Liberal leader who voted against this bill and in fact went so far as to say he would repeal all minimum prison sentences.

While Bill Blair and the Liberal leader contemplate which dangerous criminals belong in jail and for how long, our Conservative government will continue to take strong action to protect our fellow Canadians.

Government AccountabilityStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

NDP

Malcolm Allen NDP Welland, ON

Mr. Speaker, yesterday the Auditor General delivered another scathing report. First nations are being forced to seek health care in substandard clinics with undertrained staff. There has been mismanagement at the office of the Canadian Forces ombudsman. Conservatives are not even evaluating the impact of tax giveaways to the wealthy. Year after year, these audits reveal the same sort of things.

Despite all their rhetoric and self-promotion, when it comes to actually governing the country, keeping Canadians safe, managing the finances, Conservatives are just incompetent. It is not just their incompetence; what is worse, no minister ever takes responsibility for that incompetence.

Canadians do not expect government to be perfect, but they expect a government that will take responsibility for its mistakes. In a few months, when Canadians turf these Conservatives for a principled New Democratic government, that is what they will get.

TaxationStatements By Members

2:20 p.m.

Conservative

Tilly O'Neill-Gordon Conservative Miramichi, NB

Mr. Speaker, I rise today because I have some good news for hard-working families in the riding of Miramichi.

Our Conservative government is reducing taxes on middle-class families. As we announced in the balanced budget tabled by the Minister of Finance last week, our government has expanded and extended the universal child care benefit to provide more money to 100% of families with children. Regardless of their income or the form of child care they choose, parents will receive almost $2,000 per year for every child under the age of six, and $720 per year for every child six to seventeen years of age,

There are still nearly 200,000 Canadian families who are eligible to receive this benefit from our Conservative government, but who unfortunately have not signed up. I strongly encourage all families in Miramichi to go to Canada.ca/taxsavings to ensure that they receive all the money they deserve.

EthicsOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Outremont Québec

NDP

Thomas Mulcair NDPLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, the Constitution of Canada is clear, straightforward and precise when it comes to Senate appointments. A senator “shall be resident in the Province for which he is appointed”.

What did the Prime Minister do when Mike Duffy told him that he was a resident of Ontario and not Prince Edward Island?

EthicsOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Oak Ridges—Markham Ontario

Conservative

Paul Calandra ConservativeParliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and for Intergovernmental Affairs

Mr. Speaker, it is really a shame that the NDP is trying to make a victim out of Mike Duffy right now. This government will continue to provide every possible assistance to the crown in its case against Mr. Duffy, but it is Mr. Duffy's actions that are in front of the court.

Mr. Speaker, as you know, of course, it would be inappropriate for me to comment on evidence before the court.

EthicsOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Outremont Québec

NDP

Thomas Mulcair NDPLeader of the Opposition

Actually, Mr. Speaker, he just did comment on the evidence before the court, because he just told us that the government is helping in the Mike Duffy trial with evidence before the court, but why is the government not helping to put evidence before the court in the case of Carolyn Stewart-Olsen? Oh, I know, because she was never brought before the court, because she is still very close to the Conservatives. It is only when someone falls out that the person gets into trouble.

Here is the government's response. It actually put out a memo saying that anyone who owned property in a province could say that he or she was a resident of that province, even if he or she did not actually live there. That is the government. Why did it tell senators they could lie about where they live?

EthicsOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Oak Ridges—Markham Ontario

Conservative

Paul Calandra ConservativeParliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and for Intergovernmental Affairs

Mr. Speaker, there is a constitutional practice on this that has been clear for almost 150 years.

Speaking about misrepresenting the truth, how about the NDP which has 68 members of Parliament who, contrary to the rules of the House, paid for partisan political offices in Montreal. In fact, the Leader of the Opposition himself owes the Canadian taxpayer more than $400,000. He refuses to pay that money back. He broke the rules. He and the 67 other members of his party ought to pay that money back to taxpayers.

EthicsOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Outremont Québec

NDP

Thomas Mulcair NDPLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, Dean del Mastro, real court; Conservatives and Liberals, kangaroo court.

The government wastes $100 million of taxpayers' money every single year to pay senators' salaries and expenses; $100 million. Canadians do not know how much of that is being plundered by the likes of Mike Duffy and Mac Harb, and the government is doing everything it can to make sure we never find out.

Conservatives are setting up yet another kangaroo court, this time to protect senators who charge fraudulent expenses. If they have nothing to hide, why are they covering it up?

EthicsOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Oak Ridges—Markham Ontario

Conservative

Paul Calandra ConservativeParliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and for Intergovernmental Affairs

Obviously, Mr. Speaker, I completely reject the premise of that question.

It is actually New Democrats who are in front of the courts. They are in front of the courts because 68 of their members illegally used the resources of the House of Commons, of taxpayers, for illegal offices in Montreal. They owe $2.7 million to the taxpayers of Canada. The Leader of the Opposition owes some $400,000 and 67 other of his members owe the rest of that money.

I would encourage him to do the right thing for taxpayers and pay the money back.

The BudgetOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

Outremont Québec

NDP

Thomas Mulcair NDPLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, we will actually know the seriousness of that the day the member has the courage to go stand out there and repeat out there what he just said here. He will learn the difference between a real court and a kangaroo court.

In their advertising this year, the average income of a Canadian woman has dropped by $40,000, to fit in with what they put in their budget.

Can they explain why it is that in their analysis this year, the average Canadian woman earns $40,000 less than last year?