House of Commons Hansard #230 of the 41st Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was s-7.
The Acting Speaker Conservative Barry Devolin
I regret having to interrupt the member for the Northwest Territories. He will have five minutes remaining when this matter returns before the House.
Bruce Hyer Green Thunder Bay—Superior North, ON
Mr. Speaker, congratulations to Paul Morralee, Paul Capon, and Canadian Lighthouses of Lake Superior for their successful bid to protect heritage lighthouses in Thunder Bay—Superior North.
Their work will create much-needed economic development opportunities for rural communities and augment our new Lake Superior marine conservation area.
On May 29, the minister announced that 74 lighthouses will be designated under the act, but she did not specify which ones. Many groups are still in the dark about whether their lighthouses have been given heritage protection. Without this status, it is difficult for them to move forward with any needed repairs or apply for any new funding opportunities for lighthouse maintenance.
Once again this government's secrecy is affecting Canadians and Thunder Bay—Superior North's regional economic development opportunities.
Cathy McLeod Conservative Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo, BC
Mr. Speaker, every year on June 12, World Day Against Child Labour is observed to raise awareness of the plight of millions of children who are involved in child labour and vulnerable to abuse and exploitation. This year the focus is on the importance of quality education as a key step in tackling child labour.
Our government is committed to ensuring that the best interests of children are given priority, including access to education. Children should be learning and developing their skills in school, not working in factories.
That is why we recently tabled in this House the International Labour Organization's Convention 138 on minimum age.
One of the convention's key objectives is to ensure that children and young workers do not leave school to join the workforce full time. This important step towards ratifying a core convention demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that all children can pursue an education and enjoy their childhood.
Claude Gravelle NDP Nickel Belt, ON
Mr. Speaker, I rise in tribute to all the volunteers who do so much to keep our communities vibrant. I particularly want to acknowledge the hard work of individuals in the west end of Nickel Belt.
Those are the people responsible for events like the fantastic Canada Day celebrations held at the Northern Ontario Railroad Museum in Capreol, the blueberry pancake breakfast in Skead, Capreol Days in August, the Spudsbury Potato Festival in Blezard Valley, the Cavalcade of Colours in Onaping Falls, and the 40th annual Valley East Days.
These events give visitors to Nickel Belt an opportunity to see how northern hospitality is second to none.
I would like to pay tribute to Gary Michalak and Maurice Berthiaume, the extraordinary volunteers who are organizing the Café-Heritage Festival that will be held on September 18 and 19, in Azilda, as well as the 400th Festival Champlain, which celebrates Franco-Ontarian history, this Saturday in Bell Park.
I am sure all members will join me in saluting all the volunteers who keep our communities thriving.
Lois Brown Conservative Newmarket—Aurora, ON
Mr. Speaker, Canadians and this government are always prepared to stand up and speak out about systematic discrimination. Today I stand to speak about one of the most despicable and disturbing forms of discrimination that has ever been presented in this House.
Witch doctors in eastern Africa in and around Tanzania have been systematically murdering local Africans who suffer from albinism, which is a lack of skin pigment, to sell their body parts, believing that those human body parts bring good luck. More than 80 people with albinism have been murdered in Tanzania since 2000, including a one-year-old boy just a few weeks ago.
According to the International Red Cross, witch doctors are prepared to pay up $75,000 for an individual with albinism, alive or dead. Canadians are a tolerant people, but this practice must stop.
Mauril Bélanger Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON
Mr. Speaker, I will be talking about the same subject as my colleague from Newmarket—Aurora.
Albinism is a rare, hereditary genetic disease found all around the world. In North America and in Europe, roughly one in 20,000 people has this disease. In West Africa, one in 2,000 people has it.
The Canada-Africa Parliamentary Association, which I co-chair, recently adopted a resolution urging parliamentarians to protect the rights of persons with albinism.
The resolution follows up on the association's recent mission in West Africa, where persons with albinism are subject to discrimination that can lead to attacks, kidnapping, dismemberment, infanticide, murder, and gang rapes.
Our association invites all parliamentarians to use their influence in their community to fight against prejudice and misinformation, educate their constituents on the fundamental rights of persons with albinism, pay particular attention to this issue, and respect the rule of law.
John Weston Conservative West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country, BC
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark the tragic deaths of three people, including two cyclists, in my riding last week. On June 7, Ross Chafe and Kelly Blunden were cycling north of Whistler when they were struck and killed by a driver who was reportedly impaired. They were both fathers and key figures in the community.
Also killed was the passenger in the car, Paul Maurice Pierre Jr., a member of the Lil'wat Nation. The driver had three previous convictions for impaired driving. He was prohibited from being behind the wheel.
Our grief can compel us to action. We need good safety protocols for cycling and we need to incarcerate impaired drivers. My hope is that initiatives such as the Attorney General's new proposed law, the cycling town hall I convened in Ottawa on May 25, and the forum on cycling safety that I have organized for June 20 in Squamish will create positive change.
For the sake of Ross and Kelly and those who loved them, and for all who bike, may we bring about enhanced rules and policies for both drivers and cyclists.
Fellow members of the House, please rise with me in a united spirit of condolence for those who grieve the loss of Ross, Kelly, and Paul.
Jack Harris NDP St. John's East, NL
Mr. Speaker, I rise to mark the 75th anniversary of the deployment of some of Newfoundland and Labrador's finest and bravest in World War II.
Twenty-five hundred men and 500 women served in the Canadian armed forces. Others served in the Royal Navy and we fielded two royal artillery regiments in the British army.
The 57th Newfoundland Heavy Regiment, later becoming the 166th Newfoundland Field Regiment, fought in North Africa and Italy, and the 59th Newfoundland Heavy Regiment fought alongside Allied forces in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany.
The exceptional valour and incredible skill of the Newfoundland artillerymen was widely recognized and celebrated. Sir Anthony Eden, then Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs, said upon their arrival in England:
Newfoundland, whose sons have fought side by side with Englishmen since the days of the Tudors, responded at once to the call that echoed round the world last September. ... You may be sure that the spirit of Newfoundland...is not forgotten.
Royal Galipeau Conservative Ottawa—Orléans, ON
Mr. Speaker, this year we are celebrating 400 years of French presence in Ontario. In this House seven years ago, I talked about this anniversary.
To mark this anniversary, in the company of Ontario's minister responsible for francophone affairs, Madeleine Meilleur, I had the pleasure last night of unveiling a new silver coin engraved with the image of explorer Samuel de Champlain.
Champlain visited the Great Lakes area in 1615. This gave him the opportunity to build lasting relationships with our first nations.
He also created conditions that favoured economic growth for a vibrant francophone community in Ontario, one that is still thriving today. This newest silver coin issued by the Mint sheds a new light on the explorations of Samuel de Champlain in Huronia. It also serves as a reminder that, four centuries later, Champlain’s heritage lives on and is reflected in the richness of the French culture in Ontario.
Deepak Obhrai Conservative Calgary East, AB
Mr. Speaker, we have recently witnessed horrific tragedies of people fleeing from their homes because of persecution, devastating economic conditions, and deteriorating security in their homelands. We have witnessed these desperate people using any means to seek safe refuge.
To make matters worse, human smugglers exploit these situations with no regard for human life. The recent deaths of boat migrants from Africa and the plight of Rohingyas from Myanmar are just a few examples of people being exploited.
It is important for the international community to raise its voice by telling governments like that in Myanmar in no uncertain terms that its treatment of Rohingyas is unacceptable as well as by targeting human smugglers, who must be punished as murderers of innocent people.
Canada is doing its share by offering refugee status to these vulnerable people through the UN. We must act before more lives are lost.
François Choquette NDP Drummond, QC
Mr. Speaker, as you know, local stakeholders in Drummond make a major contribution to the social, economic and cultural vitality of our beautiful region.
Commerce Drummond, the Chambre de commerce et d'industrie de Drummond and the Société de développement économique de Drummondville have made significant contributions to our economic strength. In terms of culture, there is the Regroupement interculturel de Drummondville and the Mondial des cultures, an event not to be missed.
I had the opportunity to meet with these organizations. They told me that, unfortunately, the Conservative government's changes to visa rules for foreign interns jeopardize the socio-economic development of our region. In fact, our organizations and employers in Drummond are suffering the consequences of this bad decision.
There is no doubt that on October 19 an NDP government will be listening to the needs of Drummond's stakeholders.
Paul Calandra Conservative Oak Ridges—Markham, ON
Mr. Speaker, as another school year comes to a close, I want to take the opportunity to thank the wonderful men and women, the staff and teachers of Harry Bowes Public School in my hometown of Stouffville. I have had the very fortunate opportunity to work closely with great teachers, such as Karen Smiley, Fern Grenon, Gail Sedgewick, Amy Davis, Vivienne Searles, and Kaitlin Eby. They are wonderful teachers who have spent a lot of time with my kids and all the kids in our great school, and who have provided a happy, safe, healthy learning environment. They have been ably led by Principal Dixon, who unfortunately will be leaving us for another school. This is an incredible place, where they take the time to learn and to give our kids all of the support they need.
I also want to highlight the work of Lori Davenport and Deb Battler, who know that when dad is in town, the kids might be a bit late getting to school. They have always been very patient.
On behalf of my family, and all the families in our community, I thank them so much for all the great work they do. They are very much appreciated.
Peter Julian NDP Burnaby—New Westminster, BC
Mr. Speaker, as pride celebrations take place across Canada, I rise today in support of New West Pride, which aims to promote equality and diversity. New West Pride Week will be August 8 to15, in New Westminister.
August 7, 2010 was our first Pride Day in the city, organized by Vance McFadyen.
The Royal City Pride Society's primary mission is to promote inclusiveness, tolerance, and understanding, and support LGBTQ citizens of New Westminster.
New West Pride is recognized throughout B.C. and across Canada as a celebration of all sexual orientations and gender identities. It happens with the active and wonderful participation of local businesses and civil society. It is a highlight of the year.
I wish to congratulate the Royal City Pride Society for bringing different cultures and creeds together to express our common values of peace, love, and respect for human rights and human dignity.
I hope to see thousands of people again celebrating at the Columbia Street party, on Saturday, August 15.
Let us celebrate Pride.
Robert Goguen Conservative Moncton—Riverview—Dieppe, NB
Mr. Speaker, the hard-working middle-class workers of Moncton—Riverview—Dieppe reject the Liberal leader's plan to impose a $1,000 tax hike. By promising to enforce the Ontario Liberals' dramatic hike in payroll tax across Canada, the Liberal leader would impose a tax hike on every single Canadian family. It would force employers to cut jobs, hours, and wages.
Our Conservative government, this year alone, has cut taxes by $6,600 for every typical family. We have expanded the tax-free savings account so Canadians can save more tax-free money.
The Liberal leader, of course, would take these away and would raise taxes.
Now is not the time for risky Liberal tax schemes and an untested leader.
Marc Garneau Liberal Westmount—Ville-Marie, QC
Mr. Speaker, I came to Ottawa in 2008 hoping to promote science in Canada. I believe that to innovate, we must prioritize science.
However, in seven years, I have seen how little respect the government has for science. Our funding of scientific research has dropped below the OECD average, to just 1.6% of GDP.
The current government eliminated the long-form census questionnaire, damaging what was previously the most important social database in the country.
The current government has muzzled our federal scientists, particularly environmental scientists who dare to speak the truth about global warming. The current government has ceased funding the Experimental Lakes Area, a priceless outdoor laboratory. It has diverted funding away from fundamental science, and it has nothing but contempt for the social sciences.
Our health, safety, and prosperity critically depend upon how we choose to prioritize science and how readily we are willing to share it.
On this, I am sad to say, the current government has totally failed Canadians.
Kelly Block Conservative Saskatoon—Rosetown—Biggar, SK
Mr. Speaker, we have learned that the Liberals do not believe that helping every single family is fair.
We also heard that the NDP thinks that only families who use licensed daycares are real families. This is actually what they believe. They believe that only a few select families deserve support in Canada.
On this side of the House, we believe that 100% of Canadians with families should get help. This is why we introduced the universal child care benefit and the family tax cut. We will not dictate to Canadians how to spend their own money.
While we are keeping more money in their pockets, the opposition parties' only plans are to raise taxes on families.
Guy Caron NDP Rimouski-Neigette—Témiscouata—Les Basques, QC
Mr. Speaker, Canadians have a clear choice to make.
On one side, there are the Conservatives, members of a worn-out party that, rather than truly defending the middle class, would prefer to defend its corrupt senators and let them use taxpayers' money to pay for their golf games and vacations.
On the other side, there is the NDP, which has a clear economic plan to create jobs in our regions, a plan that includes lowering the tax rate for small businesses. The NDP also has practical solutions to help families make ends meet, such as an affordable day care system for all Canadians.
In summary, the choice between a party that wants to maintain the status quo to protect its senator friends and a party that wants to clean up the Senate is a clear one. In October, Canadian families can finally have a government that they can trust and that will stand up for their interests in good times and in bad, and that is an NDP government.
Rick Dykstra Conservative St. Catharines, ON
Mr. Speaker, the Liberal record on free trade speaks for itself. It is the party that campaigned to rip up the North American Free Trade Agreement. When they were in government, the Liberals completely neglected trade. In fact, they only completed three free trade agreements.
The Liberals took Canada virtually out of the game of trade, putting Canadian workers and businesses at severe risk of falling behind in the era of global markets. Even to this day, they are opposing the biggest export contract win in Canadian history. It is a contract that will create and sustain thousands of jobs right here in Ontario, especially in London, and the advanced manufacturing industry across our country.
Thankfully, our government is fixing the mistakes of the Liberals. We have concluded agreements with 38 countries, and there are more to come. As Conservatives, we know that the best job creators are liberalized markets through free and open trade in the world.
David Christopherson NDP Hamilton Centre, ON
Mr. Speaker, in February 2013, the Prime Minister rose in this House and declared “...all senators conform to the residency requirements”.
That is not what the Auditor General found in his devastating report on Senate corruption. He found that five of the nine senators whose cases are now referred to the RCMP were not actually residents of the provinces they were appointed to represent.
Did the Prime Minister at least ask any of these senators whether they were eligible to sit in the Senate, before he appointed them?
Paul Calandra ConservativeParliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and for Intergovernmental Affairs
Mr. Speaker, as I have said on a number of occasions, the rules with respect to appointing senators have been clear for almost 150 years.
At the same time, it is worth highlighting that in 2013 when we were starting to eliminate direct voter subsidies, taxpayer subsidies for political parties, the New Democrats were in the middle of a scam to still get voter subsidies. Unfortunately, they did that by breaking the rules of this House. They cheated in order to help their political party. That is against the rules. That is not why taxpayers send us money. The New Democrats owe $2.7 million, and they might as well do the right thing and just pay it back.
David Christopherson NDP Hamilton Centre, ON
Mr. Speaker, that is more nonsense from that member.
Clearly, the Prime Minister never even tried to confirm that his appointees were actually eligible. No wonder the senators think they can get away with anything, and the secrecy continues. When asked about its new appeals process, the Senate replied “...we do not disclose information about legal contracts”. The entire process will be shrouded in secrecy. This is accountability, Conservative style.
Do the Conservatives agree that a secretive internal board is the right place to dispute the evidence-based findings of our Auditor General?
Paul Calandra ConservativeParliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and for Intergovernmental Affairs
Mr. Speaker, as members know, it was the Senate that invited the Auditor General in to review its expenses, and it is the Senate that should respond to that report. We expect that the senators will abide by the recommendations.
At the same time, we know it is very public that the New Democrats owe the Canadian taxpayers $2.7 million for illegal offices. That is three times as much as has been identified by the Auditor General with respect to the senators' expenses. However, unlike some of the senators, the New Democrats are refusing to pay back the $2.7 million they owe. The member for Hochelaga owes—
Megan Leslie NDP Halifax, NS
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister has to tell us what he thinks about the Senate scandal, because rather than apologizing, senators are continuing to defend the indefensible. Senators are going to decide for themselves, in secret, whether their personal expenses for fishing trips or golf games are legitimate.
Does the Prime Minister agree with this secretive process in the Senate?
Paul Calandra ConservativeParliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and for Intergovernmental Affairs
Mr. Speaker, that is absolutely not correct, and the member knows that is not correct.
The Senate has invited in former justice Ian Binnie, and we support that process. Again, it was the Senate that invited in the Auditor General to review its expenses in the first place.
At the same time, Canadians do not differentiate. When parliamentarians owe them money, they want it back. That is why it is important that the 68 members of the NDP caucus who have been identified as owing $2.7 million to the Canadian people ought to pay it back. It is very clear that they need to pay back the money they owe.