House of Commons Hansard #8 of the 42nd Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was infrastructure.

Topics

Resumption of Debate on Address in ReplySpeech From The Throne

1:40 p.m.

Liberal

Patty Hajdu Liberal Thunder Bay—Superior North, ON

Mr. Speaker, it was wonderful to see the member at one of the pre-inquiry consultations and I thank her for attending.

As a member of Parliament for Thunder Bay—Superior North, the member is absolutely correct that it has been a resource extraction-based economy. However, the Liberals believe that we need to diversify our economy and move forward into other avenues of economic excellence for the community. Therefore, I am looking forward to working with the minister responsible for forestry, the Minister of Natural Resources, and the minister responsible for energy so we can move forward and find solutions to this.

Resumption of Debate on Address in ReplySpeech From The Throne

1:40 p.m.

Conservative

The Deputy Speaker Conservative Bruce Stanton

Before we resume debate, I will provide another gentle reminder to all hon. members not to use the given or family names of other hon. members. They should use either riding names or, in the case of parliamentary secretaries or ministers, titles.

Resuming debate, the hon. member for Central Nova.

Resumption of Debate on Address in ReplySpeech From The Throne

1:40 p.m.

Liberal

Sean Fraser Liberal Central Nova, NS

Mr. Speaker, I am humbled beyond words to stand for the first time in this hallowed chamber as a representative for the people of Central Nova. It means the world to me to stand here in this moment and to stand with the support of those at home fills me not only with pride but with a sense of duty to the voters who have given me the opportunity to serve their interests.

I would be remiss if I failed to acknowledge the enormous contribution that my wife Sarah has made to my life and to my betterment as a person. Her unending support is more valuable to me than any material thing in this world. My family's influence on me cannot be overstated. From an early age it has taught me to be someone who can contribute to my community and to use my own judgment when faced with a difficult decision rather than to merely follow the crowd. I would not be here without my friends and supporters. Their tireless efforts in knocking on thousands of doors and working through the night time after time were an inspiration for months on end. They helped me learn a great deal about my community and myself. I thank them from the bottom of my heart.

Central Nova is home to some of the most beautiful places on earth. The Northumberland Strait and the eastern shore include some of Canada's most pristine coasts and picturesque communities. More important, my riding is home to the greatest people I have ever met and I will ever meet. Our east coast charm and hospitality is unrivalled, and our willingness to help one another cannot be matched. In my part of the world we help each other. I am better for it; we are all better for it. If I can repay even a fraction of the debt that I owe to this incredible place by contributing in a positive way to the quality of life of the people who live at home, I will have done something meaningful.

Although Central Nova is my favourite part of the world, as a region we face common challenges, such as a flagging economy and an out migration of youth. We also face environmental obstacles, and the cost of education continues to rise at a greater pace than local wages. The local health care system carries too heavy a burden to adequately serve the needs of our aging population and vulnerable sectors of our region find it increasingly difficult to access much needed social programs.

I am proud to lend my support to the Speech from the Throne because it will put into place a framework that will allow my region to overcome these challenges so we can bring about the kind of change that will help the people of Central Nova.

In an era of globalization, world economies in places like Merigomish and Middle Musquodoboit have suffered, and many of our industrial employers have skipped town over time. Many young people and their families have left, and some of our once thriving communities are a shell of what they once were. Everyone back home knows someone who has had to leave to make ends meet.

With the skilled workforce that lives in the riding now or that desperately wants to come back, there is no reason we cannot build things in Central Nova for customers all over the world. With the incredible educational opportunities and some improved connectivity in our region, there is no reason we cannot have a modern economy in the small towns and rural communities of Nova Scotia and the rest of Canada. There are opportunities at home and the government's proposed economic policies will ensure that more of our family members will be welcomed back.

The investment in infrastructure has the potential to spur economic growth by providing our communities with the things that they need, and hiring local people and businesses to build them. The middle-class tax cut and revision to programs that will help less fortunate Canadians, such as the EI program and Canada child care benefit, will put more money into the pockets of people who need help with the increasing costs of essentials and will lift over 300,000 Canadian children out of poverty.

In Central Nova, the struggle between the environment and the economy is very real. I believe the air we breathe is more important than the size of our wallets. The forests and shores of my homeland have long been essential contributors to the prosperity of our people. Therefore, we must manage them to ensure the prosperity of future generations. I am pleased by the government's environmental priorities because they highlight the possibilities that arise when we view the environment not as a problem that we must deal with, but as an opportunity that we get to take advantage of.

By investing in green infrastructure, we can harness energy from renewable resources. By making environmental innovation a priority, we can build a knowledge economy in every region of Canada to complement our well-known natural resources sector. We can protect the environment and grow the economy at the same time, and that is what the government intends to do.

In Nova Scotia, we have some of the finest post-secondary institutions that our country has to offer. We have to ensure that the cost of an education does not prohibit smart young women and men from studying what they wish to study. The world's greatest business solutions and scientific developments could be locked in the mind of a person who cannot afford an education, and that is unacceptable. By reducing the costs of education for low-income families, we can help eliminate the financial barrier to education and potentially to success.

Growing up in a family of six kids, all of whom are proud graduates of StFX University, I am all too familiar with the burdensome cost of an education. We have created a system that encourages young people to get educated at home but to take their talents elsewhere upon graduation. By providing support to students on the back-end of their academic career, we can reduce the out-migration that results from economic duress.

I am very proud of the government's recent efforts to return Canada to a place of respect on the world stage by improving our human rights record internationally and at home. However, I am even more impressed by the community initiatives on the ground in my own riding. The groundswell of support for Syrian refugees from groups like SAFE and Tri-Heart in Antigonish town and county, or Safe Harbour, or CAiRN in Pictou County is remarkable. The Canadian people are eager to live up to the reputation that Canada has earned over a century and a half.

The government will also work with our indigenous communities, such as the Pictou Landing First Nation, on a nation-to-nation basis to build trust between governments. We will help provide our indigenous peoples with the tools they need so they can succeed through self-governance, rather than trying to dictate to them from the outside what is best. I am also very proud to be part of a government that will conduct a long overdue inquiry into Canada's national tragedy of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls.

Health and wellness impacts the lives of all Canadians and comes as a major expense to taxpayers. By investing in initiatives such as home care and bulk purchases of pharmaceuticals, we will be allowing people to stay in their homes longer and get the treatment they need at a reduced cost. In addition, investments in social infrastructure, such as affordable housing, women's transition shelters, and recreational facilities, could help improve the social and economic determinants of health. This would further reduce the need for expensive care. Our government has also made mental health a priority. We need to work with the provinces to ensure that every region in our country has the infrastructure and the expertise to properly care for community members living with mental illness.

We have to take better care of our seniors as well. A greater proportion of Nova Scotia's population is made up of seniors than any other province. I have met countless seniors of modest means who are living in unacceptable living conditions. The problem is compounded by the fact that their rent goes up every time their government benefits increase. By investing in affordable housing we could create jobs and improve this living situation for our seniors. By improving the old age security, the guaranteed income supplement, and the Canada pension plan benefits, we could serve the interests of our senior population and provide a boost to local economies.

As a nation we have forgotten how to properly take care of our veterans. While we have been busy planning monuments, our veterans have been going without proper care. We have a sacred duty to those who have served our country. If we can afford to send our citizens to war, we can afford to take care of them when they come home.

I am proud to represent the people from Antigonish to Dutch Settlement. I am excited to advocate for the interests of every rural community, from Sherbrooke to River John. I have hope for the futures of the towns of Pictou County, as well as Musquodoboit Harbour and the rest of the eastern shore. These communities may have diverse backgrounds, but they share an interest in wanting to make their home a better place to live.

The plan outlined in the Speech from the Throne will help make this vision a reality. For this reason, I am pleased to support our government and will proudly stand in support of the Speech from the Throne.

Resumption of Debate on Address in ReplySpeech From The Throne

1:50 p.m.

Conservative

Garnett Genuis Conservative Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, AB

Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the member about his perspective on the energy east pipeline. There is virtually no mention in the throne speech of the importance of the energy sector. The energy east pipeline would create jobs and opportunity in my region, as well as his, so why was there was no reference to the energy sector in the throne speech and what is his view of the energy east pipeline?

Resumption of Debate on Address in ReplySpeech From The Throne

1:50 p.m.

Liberal

Sean Fraser Liberal Central Nova, NS

Mr. Speaker, our government has been fairly clear that we support projects that can get our product to market if they are environmentally friendly and have the support of the local community. What I would like to point out, though, is that there has been a sea change in the oil and gas sector in Canada. The drop in prices highlights the need to diversify the economy. We cannot put all of our eggs in one basket. We need to be focusing on renewable energy, as well as projects like energy east, and innovation, manufacturing, and supporting primary industry.

In the short term, we should also be considering the workers that are impacted by the downturn in the energy sector by providing them with timely access to the social programs that will help them get by.

Coming from a small rural community in Nova Scotia and having worked for a number of years in Alberta, I understand the impact the oil and gas sector can have on our national economy.

Resumption of Debate on Address in ReplySpeech From The Throne

1:50 p.m.

NDP

Erin Weir NDP Regina—Lewvan, SK

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the member for Central Nova on his speech. One of the points he made was to suggest that the so-called middle-class tax cut would benefit those who needed it most and would lift children out of poverty. I wonder if the member for Central Nova would acknowledge that this measure would actually provide no benefit at all to those earning less than $45,000 per year, and that a much better way to help those who need it most would in fact be to reduce the first tax bracket, as the NDP has proposed.

Resumption of Debate on Address in ReplySpeech From The Throne

1:50 p.m.

Liberal

Sean Fraser Liberal Central Nova, NS

Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for the question on this important issue.

I come from a riding where I have seen statistics that the median household income is less than $45,000 a year. However, there is an important issue that I have noticed over the course of discourse in the House on the government's economic policies, which we all need to be aware of. We cannot be cherry picking individual policies here and there; we need to look at the entire platform because there is a lot of good material in there that would help people who earn far less than $45,000.

For example, the investment in infrastructure, particularly social infrastructure, is worth noting. There will be historic investment in affordable housing for seniors, vulnerable people, and women's transition shelters. We will be changing the way the Canada child care benefit operates so that there will be more money in the pockets of people who need it, rather than giving child care cheques to millionaires. We will also be working with the provinces to boost the amount that our seniors can receive under the Canada pension plan, rolling back the old age security benefit from age 67 to 65, and boosting the guaranteed income supplement for low-income seniors who are living alone, which would impact predominantly women in Canada.

I would take on any members of the House who wanted to say that the government's platform does not include sufficient support for low-income people living in my riding.

Resumption of Debate on Address in ReplySpeech From The Throne

1:50 p.m.

Bloc

Louis Plamondon Bloc Bécancour—Nicolet—Saurel, QC

Mr. Speaker, I heard the member's response concerning the energy east pipeline. If I have understood correctly, the consent of local communities is required in order to build a pipeline. The Prime Minister said that aboriginal communities do not support a western pipeline and therefore he does not support it.

Last week, 85 mayors representing 4,100,000 people said they were opposed to the energy east pipeline. Therefore, it does not have the support of local communities. Is the member saying that he will say no to the pipeline?

Resumption of Debate on Address in ReplySpeech From The Throne

1:50 p.m.

Liberal

Sean Fraser Liberal Central Nova, NS

Mr. Speaker, I think the member's question highlights the need for improved consultation with communities. The energy east pipeline is but one of many examples of similar projects going on around our country. I do stand by the position that if we consult with local communities and can gain their support, it is okay to put products to market in that fashion.

However, it is premature for me to say that the time is now to build or the time is now to say it is never going to happen. Until I do sufficient consultation with members of my own community and other affected communities, it is not the time to approve once and for all the decision either way.

Resumption of Debate on Address in ReplySpeech From The Throne

1:55 p.m.

Liberal

Mike Bossio Liberal Hastings—Lennox and Addington, ON

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the hon. member for his maiden speech in the House. It was very eloquently put.

In the throne speech, our government emphasized infrastructure and its ability to create an environment for growth. By investing in our infrastructure, we open up our markets and boost their ability to increase productivity so they can create the growth and jobs necessary to get our country moving once again.

In the ideal environment that we are in today, where we have a low debt-to-GDP ratio and interest rates at historic lows, it makes sense to invest in our country. If we do not invest, who will?

I would like to pose a question for the hon. member as to the effect this infrastructure investment will have on his riding.

Resumption of Debate on Address in ReplySpeech From The Throne

1:55 p.m.

Liberal

Sean Fraser Liberal Central Nova, NS

Mr. Speaker, in the last election, our government was in no small part elected based on its plan to make a serious and historic investment in infrastructure to drive growth. The plan was to drive growth so that over time we can look at the long term and balance the federal budget while getting people back to work while the economy is flagging. The goal is not to create some short-term solution by selling assets or performing accounting tricks. We will look at the long term, beyond even a four-year election cycle, and say what we can do to get our economy in each riding going again.

In my riding, we suffer from an infrastructure deficit like everywhere in the country. There is a need for improved water and sewer projects. There is a need for communities to improve the quality of their streetscapes. There is a need for infrastructure such as breakwaters in the harbour in Jeddore that will help drive primary industry by further resisting climate change.

It is quite obvious to me that these benefits will not just be for the construction workers who put up the facilities we need, but for the local accountant who gets the project down the street, and for the local restaurant owners as well. This kind of plan is exactly what Central Nova needs, and I was thrilled to be able to represent the government's platform to the constituents in my riding during this election, and they responded in kind.

René AngélilStatements By Members

1:55 p.m.

Bloc

Monique Pauzé Bloc Repentigny, QC

Mr. Speaker, René Angélil passed away on January 14. This great Quebecker left his mark first as a singer and then as an impresario.

It is thanks to tenacious people like René Angélil that new doors were opened for Quebeckers and that anything is possible for us now.

Under the watchful eye of René Angélil, the career of Céline Dion, originally from Charlemagne in the riding of Repentigny, reached pinnacles that no Quebec artist would even have dreamed of.

We will remember René Angélil as a man of undeniable charisma and many talents. He was one of the people who defined, defended and promoted an important part of Quebec culture.

Thank you, Mr. Angélil, for making us dream. On behalf of the Bloc Québécois, we extend our deepest condolences to the friends and family of René Angélil.

Madawaska—RestigoucheStatements By Members

1:55 p.m.

Liberal

René Arseneault Liberal Madawaska—Restigouche, NB

Mr. Speaker, I wish all members of Parliament a happy and constructive new year.

I want to thank all of the volunteers and voters in my riding who put their trust in me on October 19 and chose me to be their representative in the House of Commons.

Of course, I also want to take this opportunity to thank all of my family members who encouraged and supported me, starting with my parents, Hébert and Pierrette; my children, Dominik, Cloé and Olivier; and my wife, Michèle.

My riding has been struggling economically for far too long. This has contributed to out-migration, which is something we need to counteract immediately.

I wish to assure my constituents that, with the new government in place, I will do all in my power in the years to come to correct this situation.

Organ DonationStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Conservative

Ziad Aboultaif Conservative Edmonton Manning, AB

Mr. Speaker, more than 200 Canadians die needlessly every year waiting for an organ transplant. Their deaths could be prevented if only more people were aware of the need and were willing to help. In 2003, I donated part of my liver to my son, Tyler, who needed a living donor. Any father would have done the same. Then his liver failed again, twice. Two grieving families came forward anonymously. Their gift allowed my son to live.

Sadly, for far too many, the outcome is not such a happy one. It seems potential donors or their families are unaware of the good they could do.

I urge all members to support the creation of a national organ donor registry to coordinate and promote organ donation across Canada.

René AngélilStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Liberal

Pablo Rodriguez Liberal Honoré-Mercier, QC

Mr. Speaker, a great man passed away on January 14. René Angélil's death touched us all.

An impresario with extraordinary flair, a businessman, a philanthropist and an artist, he made the impossible possible. He gave our artists permission to dream, to believe in their dreams, to succeed and to make a name for themselves around the world. He was outstanding. He had flair and intuition along with courage, perseverance and immense determination.

Through his work, he showed everyone how it was done and paved the way for generations of creators and artists. We will truly miss this warm, loyal and tremendously kind man.

We extend our sincere condolences to his wife, Céline, his children, his family and his friends.

We came to know, respect and love you. Rest in peace, René.

Terrorist Attacks in Indonesia and Burkina FasoStatements By Members

2 p.m.

NDP

Marjolaine Boutin-Sweet NDP Hochelaga, QC

Mr. Speaker, on January 14 and 15, 2016, seven Quebeckers were killed in the terrorist attacks in Indonesia and Burkina Faso: Tahar Amer-Ouali, Louis Chabot, Suzanne Bernier, and Gladys Chamberland and Yves Carrier, as well as their children, Charlelie and Maude Carrier.

These Canadians epitomized the very best that Canada and all of humanity have to offer: kindness and compassion. Meanwhile, inhumane violence cost them their lives. It is hard to put such an injustice into words. I hope everyone here today will join me in sending our thoughts and extending our deepest sympathies to their loved ones.

We need to honour their memory by redoubling our efforts to build a better, fairer and more humane world.

James LoaderStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Gary Anandasangaree Liberal Scarborough—Rouge Park, ON

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with some sadness to recognize the life of a Scarborough icon. James Loader was a staple in our community. He was a fixture at Morningside Cinemas and other theatres in the area for over 55 years. For generations, James greeted moviegoers with his friendly smile. James was a constant when everything around us seemed to constantly change. He was an ambassador of goodwill to the community.

Throughout James' career with the public health department of the City of Toronto and after his retirement, until just days before his death at the age of 83, James moonlighted as a ticket taker. He worked his last shift on new year's day of this year. His hard work and long hours paid off and provided a better childhood for his children, who were the centre of his life. James Loader leaves behind four children, Kevin, Russell, Patricia, and Terrence, and his two grandchildren, Nicole and Alex. He will be greatly missed.

I wish to extend my deepest condolences to James' family, friends, co-workers, and his many fans.

North Okanagan—ShuswapStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Conservative

Mel Arnold Conservative North Okanagan—Shuswap, BC

Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to rise today as the member for North Okanagan—Shuswap and wish everyone a happy new year.

I want to thank the many people who supported me last October and I wish to recognize that I am here to represent every constituent in my riding. I am honoured by the trust that fellow Canadians have placed in me and eager to work on their behalf here in Ottawa.

It is truly an honour to represent an area as diverse as the North Okanagan—Shuswap, from its world famous Adams River salmon run to its world-class agriculture and wine sectors, from its small manufacturing firms to its champagne powder skiing. It has much to share with Canada and the rest of the world.

I am determined to be a strong advocate representing the good people of the North Okanagan—Shuswap. Together, our hard work and perseverance will allow us to overcome present challenges and those yet to come.

Cédrika ProvencherStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

François-Philippe Champagne Liberal Saint-Maurice—Champlain, QC

Mr. Speaker, in December, the remains of Cédrika Provencher, a young girl kidnapped in 2007, were discovered in my riding, Saint-Maurice—Champlain.

I offer my deepest condolences to her family and friends and the entire community, which has been shaken by this unspeakable crime. I also want to pay tribute to her loved ones for their perseverance and to the hundreds of volunteers and workers who came together over the past eight years to find Cédrika. We all have a duty to keep our children safe.

I am calling on everyone to be even more vigilant and to come together to prevent kidnappings or help bring back our children.

Courage Polar Bear DipStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Pam Damoff Liberal Oakville North—Burlington, ON

Mr. Speaker, one might think it would be difficult to get hundreds of people to jump into a frozen lake and pay for the privilege, but Oakville's Todd and Trent Courage and the polar bear dip team do it every year.

Held at Coronation Park in Oakville on New Year's Day, the Courage Polar Bear Dip is Canada's largest charitable polar bear dip. Over its 31 years, it has raised an impressive $1.4 million for World Vision clean water projects. Each year a live band and thousands of spectators cheer on over 800 dippers, including me, as we run into the frigid waters of Lake Ontario so that people across the ocean can have access to clean water of their own.

I am proud of people like Todd and Trent and the team, and those across Canada who work to make the world kinder, safer, and healthier every day, both at home and abroad.

Economic DiversificationStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Conservative

Luc Berthold Conservative Mégantic—L'Érable, QC

Mr. Speaker, Thetford Mines was hard hit by the closure of diamond mines, but is getting back on its feet. The Canadian Federation of Independent Business ranked Thetford Mines the third easiest city in which to do business in Quebec. The recovery is fragile and the Government of Canada must continue to support economic diversification initiatives in order to create jobs.

I would also like to mention the concerns of dairy producers in Mégantic—L'Érable. Milk proteins continue to cross the border, putting at risk our small farms, in contempt of the supply management system. Time is of the essence.

In 2016, the people of Lac-Mégantic are waiting for answers. A rail bypass for Lac-Mégantic is being studied, and we invite the new Minister of Transport to quickly meet and discuss this with the mayor of Lac-Mégantic.

As the Quebec MP representing the riding most affected by rail transportation of oil, I unequivocally support the energy east pipeline, which is a far safer means of transport.

Steveston-Richmond East HeroStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Joe Peschisolido Liberal Steveston—Richmond East, BC

Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to pay special tribute to Ken Brodie, a 73-year-old retired mailman and long-time Richmond resident.

On December 30, Ken Brodie showed exceptional courage as he selflessly intervened in a vicious dog attack. Ken was in his garden when he heard women's cries for help in the neighbouring schoolyard. He quickly jumped over his fence and ran to action, pulling the dog from one of the women. Unfortunately, during Ken's heroic efforts, he sustained injuries as well.

On behalf of the residents of Richmond, it gives me great pleasure to stand in this house to recognize Ken Brodie for his courage and outstanding bravery.

John HarvardStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Doug Eyolfson Liberal Charleswood—St. James—Assiniboia—Headingley, MB

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honour the memory of John Harvard, former member of Parliament for Charleswood—St. James—Assiniboia—Headingley, who passed away on January 9 after a courageous battle with cancer at the age of 77.

Born and raised in Glenboro, Manitoba, John began an award-winning 30-year career in broadcast journalism in 1957. John then successfully ran for federal politics in 1988 and served as a member of Parliament for 16 years. In 2004, John Harvard became the 23rd lieutenant-governor of Manitoba, serving the province until 2009.

John's commitment to democracy was unshakable to the end. In the fall of 2015, John had a friend take him to an advance poll to vote as he was not sure he would still be alive on election day.

On behalf of the constituents of Charleswood—St. James—Assiniboia—Headingley, I offer my condolences to John Harvard's friends and family, and I thank John for his dedicated service to the people of Canada.

Violence Against WomenStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Conservative

Cheryl Gallant Conservative Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke, ON

Mr. Speaker, violence against women continues to be a fact of life in Canada. Carol Culleton, Nathalie Warmerdam, and Anastasia Kuzyk were killed on September 22, 2015. They were murdered by someone known to each of them. On average in Canada, one woman is killed by her intimate partner every five days.

The man arrested and accused of their murders had a long criminal history, including charges involving two of the three women. Happening in the middle of a recent federal election, their violent deaths barely caused a ripple in the national media, leaving the families and friends in the rural Ontario community where these women lived to grieve in silence.

I invite the Minister of Justice to spend some time listening to the families of these murdered women. Changing our laws to blame to the victim is just plain wrong. Let us not allow Carol, Nathalie, Anastasia, and all the other women who have been murdered by their intimate partners to have died in vain.

Shooting at La LocheStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Robert-Falcon Ouellette Liberal Winnipeg Centre, MB

Mr. Speaker, my friends, the tragedy in La Loche has shaken and shocked us all. I offer the family and friends of the victims our deepest condolences. Our hearts and prayers are also with those injured in the attack. May they have a full and speedy recovery.

We must acknowledge the medical professionals and the RCMP, who all worked tirelessly in a very dangerous situation and acted with bravery.

All of Canada stands with the community of La Loche and its residents at this tragic time.

We must be determined to do whatever is necessary to offer hope and a path forward for communities like La Loche and its people. Solutions need to be built from the community members through listening to their hopes and dreams.

For now, we grieve.

[Member spoke in aboriginal language]