Debates of Jan. 29th, 2016

Ron Sweeney

[Ed Fast, Conservative, Abbotsford, BC]

Mr. Speaker, today I honour the passing of a remarkable man, friend, and long-time Abbotsford resident, Ron Sweeney. Ron passed away peacefully this past November.

As a much loved and visionary educator, Mr. Sweeney inspired generations of students to achieve their full potential. As an athlete and coach, he is fondly remembered by many for the Sweeney Hockey League and the many teams he supported.

He served on city council and countless community organizations and was the inspiration behind the popular Sweeney Family Singers. Above all, Ron was a man of deep faith and received from Pope Benedict XVI, the Benemerenti medal for his service to the Catholic church. He was also the worthy recipient of the Order of Abbotsford.

He leaves behind his wife Mary, their seven children and spouses, 29 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren.

On behalf of the residents of Abbotsford, I honour his enduring love for others that has inspired thousands of our citizens to live full and meaningful lives. I thank him.

Vaughan

[Francesco Sorbara, Liberal, Vaughan—Woodbridge, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 25th anniversary of the city of Vaughan, one of Canada's most vibrant and rapidly growing communities.

The last quarter century has seen its unprecedented transformation from a small municipality to a dynamic city boasting more than 10,000 businesses and a population of over 320,000.

Vaughan's growth shows little signs of slowing, with initiatives like the Toronto-York Spadina subway extension, the Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital, and the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre well under way.

Vaughan is on its way to becoming a world-class city fuelled by its extraordinary people.

As the member of Parliament, I am privileged to represent such a diverse multicultural community where 99 languages are spoken and almost half the population are immigrants.

I ask members to join me in wishing the city of Vaughan a happy silver anniversary.

New Brunswick Southwest

[Karen Ludwig, Liberal, New Brunswick Southwest, NB]

Mr. Speaker, recently I was honoured to welcome our Prime Minister and members of his cabinet to my riding, the beautiful New Brunswick Southwest, and to my hometown of St. Andrews-by-the-Sea.

Hosting the cabinet's first meeting of 2016 in New Brunswick is significant, as it shows Canadians that rural communities are a priority for our government.

The Prime Minister and cabinet were able to see firsthand the optimism in the region and the opportunities for growth in tourism development, scientific research, and innovation in agriculture, aquaculture, and fishing.

I wish to thank New Brunswickers for the way they warmly and openly welcomed our Prime Minister and cabinet.

I am confident that how the Prime Minister and cabinet took the time to personally connect with Canadians will lead to the real change Canadians expect.

Bill Bennett

[Dan Albas, Conservative, Central Okanagan—Similkameen—Nicola, BC]

Mr. Speaker, on Sunday, citizens of British Columbia will gather to pay respect to a great man who recently left us, a man who left a legacy in British Columbia that will never be forgotten.

Let us take a moment to recognize former Kelowna business leader and B.C. premier, Bill Bennett. Who could imagine British Columbia today without Sky Train in the Lower Mainland, Expo 86 and, of course, the Coquihalla Highway that helped become the economic engine for the interior of British Columbia?

If we look closely at the legacy of Bill Bennett and his many accomplishments in office, there is a pattern: infrastructure and projects that supported our local economies as much as they enhanced our quality of life. This is indeed a legacy that will benefit many generations of British Columbians to come.

Let us remember Bill Bennett for his service, for his leadership, and for his vision. Please join me in sending our condolences to the Bennett family. God Bless.

Outaouais Region

[Steven MacKinnon, Liberal, Gatineau, QC]

Mr. Speaker, in keeping with the Liberal government's promise to be open and transparent, on January 19, I joined my colleagues from the Outaouais region, the members for Hull—Aylmer, Pontiac, and Argenteuil—La Petite-Nation, to hold prebudget consultations with approximately 25 representatives of economic and social groups in the region. Everyone who was invited attended. According to various stakeholders, that is a first for the region.

A summary of the session has already been sent to the Minister of Finance. Many topics were addressed, including how to help families make ends meet, support people in need, and make much-needed investments in infrastructure in order to create jobs, revitalize our city, and facilitate our region's development. The discussions were productive.

I would like to thank all those who took the time to participate in these consultations. Together, we will find ways to strengthen the economy and restore fairness in the Outaouais region.

Rail Transportation

[Arif Virani, Liberal, Parkdale—High Park, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the important work being done in my riding by Safe Rail Communities and its founders, Patricia Lai and Helen Vassilakos.

Parkdale—High Park is bounded by no less than three rail lines. However, rail safety is not just a problem for residents in my community. It is a problem that affects all Canadians. The train that derailed in Lac-Mégantic while carrying highly combustible crude oil travelled through my riding and many other ridings in Canada.

On behalf of Safe Rail Communities and my constituents, Helen and Patricia are at the forefront of gathering information and urging government action on the issue of rail safety. They host community meetings and make deputations before standing committees.

The first petition that I will have the honour of tabling in this chamber will be from Safe Rail Communities calling for stronger regulation and more transparent information-sharing.

It is Canadians like Helen and Patricia who make our communities and country stronger and safer. I salute their efforts, and I urge all in the House to do so as well.

International Trade

[Gerry Ritz, Conservative, Battlefords—Lloydminster, SK]

Mr. Speaker, one in five jobs in Canada and 60% of our nation's GDP are directly linked to exports. The reality of today's global marketplace is that businesses must have the ability to plan ahead. Businesses require reliability, predictability, and stability so that they can maintain sustainability and profitability in global supply chains. Without these key components, companies will seek out other jurisdictions that have indicated their intent to implement trade agreements like the TPP.

The implementation of free-trade pacts, such as the TPP, would mean more competition for Canadian enterprises. That rules-based competition is fundamental to spurring efficiency and innovation. The more competitive our trading partners, the more our Canadian enterprises will seek to invest and innovate.

Canadians ask the Liberals to stop pontificating and start participating, and to give Canadians a timeline for TPP ratification. We cannot afford to be left out.

Jiu-Jitsu Championship

[Celina Caesar-Chavannes, Liberal, Whitby, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about a remarkable young woman from my riding of Whitby. On January 2 of this year, Janine Lillian Mutton represented Canada in the 2016 European international Brazilian jiu-jitsu championship in Portugal, capturing the silver medal in the medium heavyweight class.

Janine is the number-one ranked medium heavyweight white belt in North America and number-three ranked in the world. She has also captured the gold medal in six international competitions in the past year alone. I am pleased to rise today to draw attention to this exceptional young woman and to thank her for representing Whitby and Canada so well on the world stage. Congratulations to Janine.

Education

[Sheri Benson, NDP, Saskatoon West, SK]

Mr. Speaker, today I am honoured to rise in the House to recognize a local teacher, Belinda Daniels, a passionate spokesperson for her people, language, and culture. Belinda Daniels is a Nehiyaw. This important fact must be respected as we speak about her.

Recently, Ms. Daniels was nominated as one of the 50 finalists worldwide and the only Canadian finalist for the Varkey Foundation Global Teacher Prize, long considered to be the Nobel Prize for teaching. A teacher at Mount Royal Collegiate in Saskatoon West, Ms. Daniels has been a positive force in transforming the lives of her many students, teaching colleagues, and many others by developing and delivering indigenous language immersion camps over the past 10 years.

All levels of government should take immediate action on the TRC recommendations, and La Loche is a poignant reminder of how urgently we need to act on these recommendations. Ms. Daniels has shown us a way forward that is respectful, effective, relevant, and transformative.

Please join me in recognizing Ms. Daniels' achievement as a Varkey Foundation finalist and for her work on the front lines of healing and hope for indigenous peoples in my community.

The Economy

[Shannon Stubbs, Conservative, Lakeland, AB]

Mr. Speaker, while the government dithers, the crisis worsens. People and businesses in Lakeland and Alberta are struggling. It is rippling through all sectors and across Canada. Alberta, from singlehandedly creating more than half the nation's jobs in 2011 as Canada's long-time economic engine, lost 100,000 jobs in the past year and is expected to lose 27,000 more in 2016.

Low oil prices and land-locked resources are not the only cause. Bad policy, mixed messages, and federal capitulation, to self-interested maligning here and abroad make things worse. The members opposite say they understand the human consequence of job loss. Those words are empty and do not put food on the table or pay the mortgage. Yesterday, the Liberals rejected a national tie that could bind us all economically, physically, and symbolically.

It is time for the government to show it truly cares about the magnitude and long-term impacts of the challenges hitting Alberta the hardest. The Liberals need to act in the best interests of my home province, which is in the best interests of Canada.

Legion of Honour

[Jati Sidhu, Liberal, Mission—Matsqui—Fraser Canyon, BC]

Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House today to honour a constituent of mine, decorated veteran Mr. John Westley Kirkpatrick, who received the French Legion of Honour this past December for his service in World War II.

A resident of Ashcroft, B.C., Mr. Kirkpatrick joined the army in 1939 and was assigned to the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps.

On D-Day, June 6, 1944, Mr. Kirkpatrick landed in Normandy, at Juno Beach. He went on to serve in Belgium, Holland, and Germany. It was through the bravery, courage, and sacrifice of Canadian soldiers such as Mr. Kirkpatrick that the Allies were able liberate France.

We remember and honour Mr. Kirkpatrick's valour and that of the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces who served our country so that we are able to live in a democratic and free nation.

Natural Resources

[Andrew Scheer, Conservative, Regina—Qu'Appelle, SK]

Mr. Speaker, families across Canada have been hit hard by Liberal inaction and they want to get back to work.

The Prime Minister does not want our oil and gas developed. His own senior advisor, Gerald Butts, has repeatedly called for a moratorium on western energy projects, and a defeated Liberal candidate in the last election said pipelines make Canada “America's dirty gas tank”. That candidate is now the chief of staff to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change.

Instead of being embarrassed about Canada's natural resources, which employ so many people across the country, why do those members not stand up and protect our jobs?

[Bill Morneau, Liberal, Minister of Finance]

Mr. Speaker, we recognize that people in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Newfoundland are challenged with changes in commodity and oil prices. We are working together with them. The right thing to do is to help Canadians.

I spoke yesterday with the Alberta Minister of Finance to see how we could work together. I am pleased to say that he understands that there is a stabilization fund that Alberta can apply for, and the potential is for up to $250 million. Should Alberta apply, we would work expeditiously to move forward on that request.

[Andrew Scheer, Conservative, Regina—Qu'Appelle, SK]

Mr. Speaker, contrary to what the Prime Minister has said, the Conservative review process worked. It led to the approval of four major pipelines and the proof is in the hundreds of thousands of jobs those projects created all across the country.

This week the Prime Minister has moved the goal posts. He has added months of waiting time and extra red tape. Why? His own senior policy advisor has publicly called for two-thirds of Canada's oil and gas “to remain underground”.

Will the Prime Minister admit that his new job-killing process is designed to block new projects?

[Bill Morneau, Liberal, Minister of Finance]

Mr. Speaker, first, we want to set the record straight. There have not been pipelines to tidewater over the last nine years.

We need to have a new process, a process that would engage Canadians, because we understand that Canadians need to have confidence in any measures we take. We are working together with all constituents to ensure that we can actually improve our situation, in this new government.

[Andrew Scheer, Conservative, Regina—Qu'Appelle, SK]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, we debated a very sensible Conservative motion that called on the House to support the energy industry in our country and the men and women who want to work.

The people of New Brunswick, Alberta, and Saskatchewan are overwhelmingly supportive of the energy east pipeline.

Will the Liberal MPs from those hard-hit provinces be free to stand up for their constituents? Will they be free to vote in favour of our motion? Will they be free to understand how important this issue is? Will the member for Wascana be free to vote in favour of our motion?

[Kim Rudd, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources]

Mr. Speaker, we know the resource sector is very important to Canadians and our economy.

At this time of low global commodity prices, Canadian families and communities are hurting. The solution is growing our economy and creating good paying jobs. Our interim approach will help do just that. The only way resources will get to new markets is if Canadians have confidence in the review process.

The stakeholders I have spoken to this week welcome the clarity and are committed to being partners in growing our economy.

[Jacques Gourde, Conservative, Lévis—Lotbinière, QC]

Mr. Speaker, a prime minister is not meant to be simply a mediator.

Workers in the energy and natural resources sectors need a government that works with them. The government must not play politics with projects like the energy east project, just because it does not understand the economy.

Will the government commit to working with the workers who are worried, instead of finding new ways to undermine them?

[Kim Rudd, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources]

Mr. Speaker, we have released five principles to provide clarity and assistance for the interim approach to projects in process. This will allow for further consultation with indigenous peoples, communities, and our provincial and municipal partners.

The minister will be appointing a ministerial representative to facilitate this process and report back to him.

[Jacques Gourde, Conservative, Lévis—Lotbinière, QC]

Mr. Speaker, with all due respect to the Prime Minister, we cannot get by on love, fresh water, and selfies.

All governments are responsible for making sure that Canadians have bread and butter on the table every day. Unfortunately, the Liberal government is completely incompetent on economic matters, and its only talent is making the deficit grow right before our eyes.

When will the government show some economic leadership and support projects like the energy east project?

[Bill Morneau, Liberal, Minister of Finance]

Mr. Speaker, we are pleased to say that we are showing economic leadership in this country.

We have started off with an important first step. We have reduced taxes on nine million Canadians. Our next steps will also be important. We are going to help the most vulnerable with the Canada child benefit. We are going to make investments in infrastructure that will make a short-term, medium-term, and long-term improvement in our economy.

International Trade

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

Mr. Speaker, the government claims to want to make evidence-based decisions, but there has not been a single study on the economic impact of the trans-Pacific partnership. Nevertheless, it plans on signing this agreement. That is completely irresponsible. Independent studies have shown that we will lose thousands of jobs and that the agreement will do nothing to help reduce inequality.

Can the minister share his justifications for signing this agreement, which will cost Canadians thousands of good jobs?

[David Lametti, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Trade]

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

During the election campaign, we promised to undertake consultations on the trans-Pacific partnership, which was negotiated in secret by the former government and rejected by the NDP before they had even read it. During the campaign, we promised to undertake consultations. That is exactly what we are doing.

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

Mr. Speaker, let us be clear, the Liberals have never said no to any bad Conservative trade deal, not a single time.

As North American foreign ministers meet, the former Mexican ambassador has spoken out against U.S. tactics on the TPP. In the final deal, the U.S. got far better terms than Canada for automobiles, putting good Canadian jobs at risk.

Independent studies say the Conservatives' lopsided deal could cost 60,000 jobs and would increase inequality.

How can the Liberals possibly justify signing this bad deal?

[David Lametti, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Trade]

Mr. Speaker, we will sign this deal in order to proceed with consultations, as we have promised the Canadian people.

This deal will be studied in this Parliament, in front of parliamentary committees, and we will continue to consult Canadians from coast to coast to coast.