Debates of Oct. 17th, 2016

Employment Insurance

[Monique Pauzé, Bloc, Repentigny, QC]

Mr. Speaker, it is hard to believe, but some mothers who lose their livelihoods during their parental leave are not entitled to employment insurance.

Imagine how hard it must be for these families to lose a source of income right after a new baby is born. Imagine what this would do to a single mother. The problem is that employment insurance benefits are calculated based on hours accumulated during the previous year, and young mothers do not accumulate enough hours because of their leave.

The law provides an exception for preventive withdrawals, but the vast majority of mothers are being left out. I will therefore be introducing a bill to right this wrong.

Let us face it; this injustice is unacceptable and the solution is very straightforward. We told the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour exactly which regulation needs to be changed four months ago. The time has now come to act. The women of Quebec should no longer be punished for becoming mothers.

Families of Members

[Lloyd Longfield, Liberal, Guelph, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I am honoured to rise in the House today to pay tribute to our families, which a year ago were putting up with long days and late nights as we were wrapping up our campaigns. Each of us is here to represent our communities, and families are the foundation of these. Without the tireless support of our families, we would not be able to be here serving our country.

Today, I have 12 of my close family with me, including my mother-in-law Brigid Malone from Winnipeg, my wife Barbara, our daughters Shauna, Carolyn, and Christina, and their spouses and their families, visiting our national capital region and cheering me on as they always have.

Let us never forget that each of us has those at home and across the country who love and support us. On behalf of the entire House, I would like to thank all of them.

Justice

[Cathay Wagantall, Conservative, Yorkton—Melville, SK]

Mr. Speaker, today I issued a news release calling on the Liberal government to support my private member's bill, Cassie and Molly's law, as part of the government's broader strategy to address gender-based violence.

In Canada, there are no provisions in the Criminal Code to protect pregnant women, a gap in the law which leaves Canadian women vulnerable. My bill is specific and targeted, adding new charges for crimes against a pregnant woman that harm or end her pregnancy.

Canadians want this bill. In a poll I commissioned from Nano Research, 70% were supportive of Cassie and Molly's law, with support among women even higher at 75%.

I want to be clear. This legislation would not in any way change or impact the law, or limit or undermine abortion in Canada. The leading constitutional law firm, Supreme Advocacy, confirms this in its thorough report on Cassie and Molly's law, of which every member in the House has a copy.

Please join me in supporting common-sense legislation that denounces violence, stands up for victims, and protects pregnant women.

Queen's University

[Mark Gerretsen, Liberal, Kingston and the Islands, ON]

Mr. Speaker, this year in my riding of Kingston and the Islands, Queen's University celebrated its 175th anniversary.

This important milestone demonstrates Queen's University's initiative and excellence in the field of education.

This past weekend, Queen's celebrated homecoming. The three days of Homecoming 2016 saw a record-setting 100 classes and groups participate in the celebration and mark the completion of their successful initiative campaign.

No homecoming would be complete without a football game. The Queen's Gaels were able to welcome alumni and students to its first homecoming game in the revitalized Richardson Stadium, and wowed the crowd with a 55-5 victory.

To everyone who returned to Kingston this past weekend, welcome home.

International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

[Brigitte Sansoucy, NDP, Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in the House to mark the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.

In Canada, a wealthy country, one in ten people live in poverty. Despite unanimous consent of the House, poverty rates in Canada remain that high. There is no possible justification for this type of inaction. There needs to be leadership.

The NDP has long had a plan to help the most vulnerable, middle-class families, and seniors struggling to make ends meet. That is why I introduced Bill C-245 to reduce poverty. My bill would create a federal plan to eliminate poverty so that no one is left behind.

I invite all my hon. colleagues to read my bill and support it at second reading.

The Constantin family

[Linda Lapointe, Liberal, Rivière-des-Mille-Îles, QC]

Mr. Speaker, Small Business Week being in full swing, today I have the privilege of having members of the Constantin family from Saint-Eustache as my guests in the House of Commons to congratulate them for the success of their intergenerational enterprise.

The Constantin family has owned the Constantin sugar shack and reception halls for 75 years, and the business is known throughout the region for its maple syrup and local products. For four generations, the Constantin family has remained passionate about the business.

I remember going there when I was a child and really enjoying the maple taffy. I am very pleased that Jeannette Constantin is still making the desserts, as she has done since 1947.

This being Women's History Month, I tip my hat to you, Jeannette, for your dedication. You are a very inspiring woman for all Canadians.

Finally, I congratulate the Constantins for their dedication and for showing everyone what it means to still be passionate about a business 75 years and four generations later.

150th Anniversary of Confederation

[Peter Van Loan, Conservative, York—Simcoe, ON]

Mr. Speaker, would you hold a birthday party for a seven-year-old boy, but not allow him to come? Would you stage a lavish 50th wedding anniversary party, but not tell the honoured couple? Of course not, but that is exactly what the Liberal government is doing.

Next year, Canada will celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation, but the Liberals have decided that Confederation and Canadian history are not welcome at the party. The only themes Liberals will allow to be supported are youth, the environment, diversity, and aboriginal reconciliation. Confederation is not a theme of the 150th anniversary of Confederation.

This absurd situation is just the latest salvo in the Liberal war on history. Instead of being ashamed of our history, we should celebrate the events that have built the best country in the world and honour the contributions of the Fathers of Confederation, like Macdonald, Cartier, Brown, and McGee. Confederation was an act of unification, of provinces, of languages, and of people around a single idea: the country of Canada.

Let us end the Liberal war on history and, next year, celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation.

Flooding in Cape Breton

[Darrell Samson, Liberal, Sackville—Preston—Chezzetcook, NS]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support and that of the people in my riding of Sackville—Preston—Chezzetcook for the relief efforts to help those affected by the flooding in Cape Breton.

As members know, communities that face terrible situations such as this need a lot of support, and I would like to commend the families and individuals involved for their efforts.

As a native of Cape Breton, I am extremely proud of the people of Cape Breton and how they came to support each other, which they always do. They never leave anybody behind in tough situations. I am proud to be a native of Cape Breton.

I would like to thank the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness for being present on the ground, helping and talking with individuals about our government. I want to thank, of course, the members of Parliament for Sydney—Victoria and Cape Breton—Canso, and the premier of Nova Scotia for being on the ground, talking, sharing, and showing how Nova Scotia will support all Cape Bretoners.

Hurricane Matthew

[Gudie Hutchings, Liberal, Long Range Mountains, NL]

Mr. Speaker, last weekend communities in my riding and across the east coast faced severe storms as Hurricane Matthew left its mark. We saw roads and bridges washed out due to the heavy rainfalls along the Port au Port Peninsula and the highway to Burgeo.

I know in many other communities across Newfoundland, like Gander, St. Albans, and Lewisporte, families are feeling the effects, but we have also seen how Newfoundlanders and Labradorians look out for each other. We check on our neighbours and take in those in need. We have seen folks fill up boats to deliver supplies to communities that have been totally cut off due to the storm.

I want to thank everyone who has lent a helping hand to their neighbours and all the crews who have been working tirelessly to ensure the roads can be reopened and food and supplies make it to every community. I also thank all of my provincial and municipal colleagues for their great work organizing the response on the ground.

Last, I want constituents to know that through the federal government's disaster financial assistance program, their Government of Canada will be there to help our province and all Atlantic provinces rebuild and move forward.

Mortgage Industry

[Pat Kelly, Conservative, Calgary Rocky Ridge, AB]

Mr. Speaker, two weeks ago, the finance minister took another stab at addressing housing affordability and related mortgage insurance risk to Canadian taxpayers. Again, the finance minister is imposing a one-size-fits-all response on Canadian consumers and the mortgage industry while missing the target.

I am concerned for young families that will bear the brunt of the Liberal carbon tax and may now have a harder time achieving their dream of home ownership. I am also concerned about the effect of the minister's announcements on competition in the mortgage business. I am disappointed that this important policy change was imposed on consumers and the mortgage industry with no consultation or notice.

The finance minister is the one who has an out-of-control borrowing problem. TD Bank now estimates the deficit is going be another $5 billion more than budgeted. The minister thinks that low interest rates are dangerous for Canadian consumers, but a perfect justification for an out-of-control deficit. Nobody needs a lecture from the finance minister on the risks of excessive debt.

Hurricane Matthew

[Seamus O'Regan, Liberal, St. John's South—Mount Pearl, NL]

Mr. Speaker, as many in this House know, Newfoundland and Labrador is a fine province, renowned for its bilingual jurists. I just thought I would point that out. Unfortunately, it is also renowned for its weather and was recently hit, and hit hard, by heavy rains and high winds.

My riding was spared, but communities like St. Alban's, Morrisville, and Burgeo were not so lucky. Heavy flooding damaged homes and infrastructure. Flash flooding destroyed highways and cut access to communities. Just this morning, the member for Coast of Bays—Central—Notre Dame is helping out some people with their flooded basements.

First responders are working around the clock. Homes and businesses, like the Clode Sound Motel in Charlottetown, Newfoundland, opened their doors to passersby, and musicians, like Jennifer Mitchell and her father Gary, played traditional music on the side of the road to keep people's spirits up.

We are also thinking about our Nova Scotia neighbours, particularly our friends in Cape Breton, who were hard hit by the storm. Our thoughts and prayers are with those who were affected.

[Rodger Cuzner, Liberal, Cape Breton—Canso, NS]

Mr. Speaker, last Monday, the province of Nova Scotia was hammered by the remnants of Hurricane Matthew. Parts of Cape Breton Island received over 240 millimetres of rain, in an eight-hour period, driven by 120-kilometre-per-hour winds. The result was widespread flooding, washouts, road closures, and extensive power outages.

My colleague, the member for Sydney—Victoria, and I welcomed the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness on Friday past to tour some of the hardest-hit sites. We were joined by provincial Minister of Transportation Geoff MacLellan and area MLAs.

To see the loss and destruction first hand, to speak with the people whose lives have been devastated by this event, was moving, to say the least.

We applaud the hundreds of first responders and the armies of families, friends, and neighbours who helped out. They should know that their actions were noble and appreciated. Together we can share the burden and the work of rebuilding our communities.

Premier Stephen McNeil has pledged to make assistance quick, efficient, and unencumbered.

The people of Nova Scotia must know that this government will be there as a willing partner to help our people through this terrible ordeal.

Government Appointments

[Michael Cooper, Conservative, St. Albert—Edmonton, AB]

Mr. Speaker, after proposing to shut out Atlantic Canada from the Supreme Court for the first time ever, it is good to see that the Liberals have reversed their position, listened to Conservatives, and appointed an Atlantic Canadian. While today's Supreme Court appointment fills an important court vacancy, there remain dozens of vacancies across Canada.

As a result of the Minister of Justice's inaction, serious criminal cases are being thrown out of court, including, most recently, a first-degree murder case in Alberta. For months the minister has been talking about filling traditional vacancies, all the while leaving 60 seats vacant.

Before the next serious criminal case is thrown out of court, it is time for the minister to fill these vacancies and to do so immediately.

Jim Prentice

[Randy Boissonnault, Liberal, Edmonton Centre, AB]

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise in this House with a heavy heart.

Last week, Albertans and Canadians lost one of our most devoted public servants. The hon. Jim Prentice served with honour and conviction as a member of this House, as a member of the federal cabinet, and as premier of Alberta.

As a cabinet minister, Mr. Prentice was instrumental in establishing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. As an MP, he showed great courage and compassion by standing as a supporter of marriage equality when it was not easy to do so.

He learned French and he also required his staff on the Hill to speak French.

As premier, he was a tireless advocate for the environment and the economy.

On behalf of my Alberta caucus colleagues and of all caucus colleagues from coast to coast to coast, I send our thoughts and prayers to Jim's devoted wife, Karen, and their family. I thank them for sharing their husband, father, and grandfather with us.

Jim will be sorely missed.

[Brian Masse, NDP, Windsor West, ON]

Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I stand in this chamber today to express, on behalf of all New Democrats, our deep sorrow after learning of the tragic loss of our former colleague and friend, Jim Prentice.

Jim was an exemplary member of Parliament. He was thorough and highly competent in his preparation and measured and articulate in debate. His true strength was working with all members of the House.

I had the opportunity to experience first hand his professionalism. We all know in the House that his sincerity and conviction were beyond reproach. He carried himself with a dignity and honour that all hon. members would do well to emulate.

I want to offer our deep condolences to Jim's family and friends, particularly his wife, Karen, and daughters Christina, Cassia, and Kate. We thank them for sharing him with us. Canada is a better place for his service with us.

[Rona Ambrose, Conservative, Sturgeon River—Parkland, AB]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the tragic passing of the man who was a friend to our entire caucus and a close member of our Conservative family for a very long time, Jim Prentice. I know all of us here have Jim's family in our thoughts. Our hearts go out to his wife, Karen, and his children and grandchildren in the wake of their terrible loss.

Jim served his constituents in Calgary Centre North for over six years with devotion. His genuine blue collar upbringing clearly served him well as the minister responsible for aboriginal affairs, for industry, and for the environment.

He was a true gentleman politician: kind and possessing a love of public policy and public service. That was true whether he was in opposition or on the government benches in the House or, of course, working for the people of Alberta as the province's 16th premier. So his loss is Alberta's loss, but it is also Canada's loss.

We hope his loved ones find strength in each other even in their grief and that Jim's memory will be a blessing to them in time.

Ahmadiyya Muslim Leader

[Judy Sgro, Liberal, Humber River—Black Creek, ON]

Mr. Speaker, earlier today the global spiritual leader of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community arrived in Ottawa for a formal visit to Parliament Hill. During his time with us, he will meet with cabinet ministers, senators, members of Parliament, and the Prime Minister in an effort to further underscore his peaceful message of love for all and hatred for none.

This work is part of an ongoing effort undertaken by his holiness to showcase the peaceful nature and beauty of the faith at a time when we are celebrating Islamic History Month and while calling on global powers to advance an agenda of peace, religious freedom, and the advancement of human rights in Canada and around the world.

I applaud his holiness and members of the global Ahmadiyya faith for their work, and I extend a hand of friendship on behalf of my constituents and the people of Canada.

Jim Prentice

[The Speaker, Liberal, Geoff Regan]

There have been discussions among representatives of all parties in the House, and I understand there is agreement that we now rise and observe a moment of silence in honour of the man who was a friend to many of us and fondly remembered, and by the way, he was an outstanding hockey player as well, the hon. Jim Prentice.

[A moment of silence observed]

The Economy

[Rona Ambrose, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister was elected on a promise to only borrow $10 billion. He broke that promise and instead borrowed three times more, $30 billion. Now we learn that the Prime Minister is borrowing $46.5 billion. First it was $10 billion, then it was $30 billion, now it is almost $50 billion.

When the Prime Minister misses his financial targets that many times in one year, how can Canadians trust him with their money?

[Justin Trudeau, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, Canadians expect us to make the investments necessary to create growth in this economy.

I would very much like to take this initial moment to add my respects for a former colleague and dear friend, Jim Prentice. Every side of the House feels his loss today, and we will all miss his intelligence, honesty, and thoughtfulness and the kindness he brought to his work. Jim was a man of deep convictions who dedicated his life to public service, to the people of Alberta, and to all Canadians. I cherish the time I spent working with Jim and will always remember his kind, thoughtful manner.

Our hearts go out to Karen and his family. While we know the void can never be filled, we hope that they are comforted by all the amazing stories and memories so many have shared over the past few days about Jim.

[Rona Ambrose, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

I appreciate the Prime Minister's sentiments, Mr. Speaker, but back to my question.

The Prime Minister defended his uncontrolled spending by telling us that it will create jobs and grow the economy, but the evidence is clear: it is not. The economy is not growing, and regular families across the country are losing income and they are losing jobs. It is a failed approach. It is not working. Borrowing more and more money is actually not creating jobs.

Will the Prime Minister stop his reckless spending and start focusing on jobs?

[Justin Trudeau, Liberal, Prime Minister]

I find it humourous, Mr. Speaker, that members opposite are talking about a failed approach, because for 10 years their approach of lowering taxes on the wealthiest Canadians gave us the worst growth rate since R.B. Bennett in the depths of the Great Depression.

One of the very first things we did was lower taxes on the middle class and raise them on the wealthiest 1%, and the Conservatives voted against that.

Taxation

[Rona Ambrose, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, Canadians know that when they borrow money it has to be paid back, but the Prime Minister's plan is to pay it back with higher taxes. The Prime Minister has already hiked taxes on small businesses. He has cancelled the tax credit for regular families for things like music lessons and hockey practice. Coming next is a payroll tax hike and a national carbon fuel tax hike. The Prime Minister is now considering a tax on watching Netflix.

I know that the Prime Minister is a Liberal, but is there a single tax that he does not like?

[Justin Trudeau, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Actually, Mr. Speaker, instead of sending child benefits to millionaire families, like the Conservatives wanted to do, we chose to give a more generous tax-free benefit every month that lands in the bank accounts of the nine out of ten Canadian families who need it. This is the kind of thing that helps the people who need it by doing less for the people who do not. The Conservatives never quite understood that, and that is possibly why they are in opposition today.

Softwood Lumber

[Denis Lebel, Conservative, Lac-Saint-Jean, QC]

Mr. Speaker, we gave 10 out of 10 families money, so it is interesting to hear that it is better to give nine out of ten families money. Only a Liberal would say something like that.

This morning, many of my colleagues and I gathered to announce the creation of a strategic softwood lumber task force. This is a very important issue. Why did we have to create this task force? Because the government has not signed a deal. We think it is very important for the government to do so.

Will the Prime Minister commit today to work to maintain the 400,000 jobs that depend on this industry and will he promise forestry workers that an agreement will be reached? It is all well and good to create other jobs, but we want to keep the ones we already have.