House of Commons Hansard #87 of the 42nd Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was change.

Topics

Paris AgreementGovernment Orders

1:50 p.m.

Liberal

David McGuinty Liberal Ottawa South, ON

Mr. Speaker, given the shortness of time, I want to focus on a couple of key themes in this debate about our response to and our plan for climate change and the Paris process.

The first thing I want to remind all colleagues is that this has nothing to do with ideology. It is not ideology, it is not voodoo; it is science. There are 2,200 Nobel Peace Prize winners and IPCC scientists telling us that we have to hold global temperature increases to between 2°C and 4°C. We have droughts, we have floods, we have sea levels rising. Ask the mayor of Miami. We have the insurance industry that blew the whistle two decades ago and told us there was a canary in the coal mine. Major storms are becoming more frequent, claim costs are way up, and insurability is way down. Ask Lloyd's of London.

Scientists are also telling us that if we see a 4°C to 6°C temperature increase by 2100, then 30% to 40% of all known species—and we do not know all the species yet—will be threatened. As one of my kids might say, “Houston, we have a problem”.

First, we must stabilize global emissions by 2050 and then reduce them. That is what we have decided to do as a planet, and it is clear why we are doing this. It is the right thing to do. In fact, it is the only thing to do.

I believe that our plan is about a new generation of politics. It cuts across genders, it throws out the old notion of a left-right spectrum, and cuts across all age groups, all socio-economic clusters, all cultures, all Canadians. Why? It is because there is only one atmosphere, one world, one people, one destiny.

Apparently, we are so insane on this side of the House that we want to get as much as we can from the $3 trillion environmental technologies market, which Goldman Sachs says is only getting bigger, and getting bigger faster. I think we are all with Sir Nicholas Stern from the London School of Economics, who has said that we can pay now and make the shift and prosper, or pay later and pay an awful lot. That is why he called on the planet to invest 1% of global GDP now to avoid a potential loss of 20% of global GDP by 2050. This is about winning the race and leading the world.

We are heading as a country and a planet at breakneck speed into a carbon-constrained future. As one of the world's top environmental economists once said, we did not get out of the stone age because we ran out of stones. We are also not going to get out of the fossil fuel age because we are running out of fossil fuels. We are going to transition from the fossil fuel age to a new carbon-constrained world.

We spent last week debating national security. This debate, in my mind, is partly about national security, but it is largely about natural security and whether we are going to learn as a species to live within the carrying capacity of the planet. Scientists have told us there is a theoretical threshold that we do not want to cross. They do not know where it is. That is why we continue to invest in science. That is why we have so many data collection points on climate all over the world, in order to monitor and know the effects.

We do not want to play Russian roulette with the atmosphere, do we? No one wants to play Russian roulette with the carrying capacity of the planet, because we have all agreed to take a precautionary approach. We have to take a long, hard look at the planet's carrying capacity to sustain us, and our economies and consumption patterns, all the while assimilating our waste.

We should also be cognizant of this: two billion more people will be coming to join us on this planet in the next 30 years. We cannot feed 900 million of them now, so how in the name of God are we going to deal with this challenge? How are we going to move with our agricultural production processes? How are we going to deal with the consumption trends?

I should say here that I will be splitting my time with the member for Vancouver Quadra. I am sure that member will be coming back to many of these themes.

I want to close before today's statements by members by saying this. When we burn fossil fuels, we are asking our atmosphere to assimilate greenhouse gases. Is it not interesting to note that when construction containers are filled up with waste, a tipping fee has to be paid to drive them over and dump the waste into a dump site, but when we burn fossil fuels we pay very little, if anything, for the privilege of emitting greenhouse gases into the one solitary atmosphere we have.

That is why pricing carbon pollution is all about crossing the Rubicon. Every single economist tells us that this is the right thing to do. In fact, soyons honnêtes, Stephen Harper as Prime Minister of Canada went to London, England, where he gave a global energy superpower speech and said that by 2018 carbon would be priced at $150 a tonne in Canada under his cap-and-trade system.

This is about internalizing a cost that heretofore has remained outside our economic measurement, outside our economic accounting. It is time for us to internalize that cost, because it will have a profound influence on efficiency.

This is a race about becoming the cleanest economy in the world. Therefore, we have to choose. We are competing. What does it mean to be the cleanest economy in the world? It means being the most efficient economy in the world, most efficient with energy, most efficient with material and matter, most efficient with water. That is the race we are embroiled in, and the jurisdiction that gets it best is the jurisdiction that is going to win, that is going to have the jobs, that is going to create the wealth, and that it is going to lead the way in a trajectory for the future.

Paris AgreementGovernment Orders

2 p.m.

Conservative

The Deputy Speaker Conservative Bruce Stanton

When the House resumes debate on this motion, the hon. member for Ottawa South will have two minutes to conclude his remarks and five minutes for questions and comments.

Replacement WorkersStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Bloc

Simon Marcil Bloc Mirabel, QC

Mr. Speaker, Quebec workers under federal jurisdiction are not benefiting from Quebec's 40-year-old anti-scab legislation because Ottawa is still in the 19th century.

Just today, the Canada Lands Company, based in Toronto, replaced employees of the Old Port of Montreal with scabs. It is unacceptable.

My colleague, the hon. member for Bécancour—Nicolet—Saurel, here today, has been working on resolving this problem since 1987. He introduced a bill on the matter and today he is the dean of the House.

Ottawa lacks the will both to protect people who earn an honest living and to stop the wealthy from evading taxes. Just last week, the Liberal government voted against workers and in favour of scabs. Unfortunately for Quebec workers these past 40 years, whether under Conservative or Liberal rule, it is just more of the same.

Sault Ste. MarieStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Liberal

Terry Sheehan Liberal Sault Ste. Marie, ON

Mr. Speaker, a hearty welcome back to you and all my colleagues.

This past summer was a busy one in the beautiful riding of Sault Ste. Marie. I met with many constituents concerning a variety of matters and listened to area leadership about their priorities.

The Minister of Finance was in the Soo to promote the Canada child benefit. He spoke about security and retirement, and showed the government's continued support for steel.

We hosted a number of consultations on a variety of subjects, including climate change. After all, Sault Ste. Marie is the alternative energy capital of North America.

We welcomed five Syrian refugee families to Canada.

I even sponsored a petition to make curling one of Canada's national sports, created by Saultite Scott Morphet and promoted by Olympic gold medalist Brad Jacobs. I would like to ask this House to hurry hard and sign the petition to make curling a national sport.

Carmen DallaireStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Conservative

Maxime Bernier Conservative Beauce, QC

Mr. Speaker, today, I have the great pleasure of welcoming to the House of Commons Carmen Dallaire, whose “wish of a lifetime” is coming true.

Ms. Dallaire is 87 years old and was a teacher for 32 years. I was one of her sixth-grade students. Ms. Dallaire helped me become the man I am today. My dear teacher, thank you for sharing a part of your life with me.

I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to teachers. I would like to thank them for their dedication, great patience, and tolerance. Teaching is a vocation, not a profession. We should be grateful because they are the ones educating those who will follow us.

Once again, I cannot thank you enough, Ms. Dallaire. I hope you are not too disappointed in me.

Gerald GreensladeStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Liberal

Ken McDonald Liberal Avalon, NL

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to a great man, a community leader, a volunteer, and the first mayor of my hometown of Conception Bay South. A veteran of World War II, Gerald Greenslade passed away on September 23, just a few days shy of his 96th birthday.

As a former mayor of Conception Bay South, I have seen first hand the impact that Gerald's spirit, passion, and dedication have had on our community. Without him, our bright town with its bright future would not be what it is today.

Gerald's vision for the Town of Conception Bay South, where he ran his business and raised a family, was endless. Gerald was the driving force behind the consolidation of nine small communities to become the Town of Conception Bay South.

Gerald's passion for our town, his spirit, and his dedication remain in our community and in our hearts. May he rest in peace.

PovertyStatements By Members

2 p.m.

NDP

Alexandre Boulerice NDP Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie, QC

Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the 40,000 people who signed my petition to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour. They are sending this government a clear message: in 2016, it is shameful that people are working full time and still living in poverty.

How is that possible? The answer is simple. The minimum wage is too low. A non-unionized woman who works full time in a call centre in Montreal barely earns $21,500 a year. That is obviously not enough to meet basic needs. These workers have no choice but to turn to food banks to feed their families.

We, as a society, should be ashamed. Regardless of their age, education, or job, everyone deserves to earn enough money to live a decent life.

It is our duty, as members, to do something to really help the people in our ridings and regions. We need to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour. The government must join the fight against poverty and inequality. It is a matter of respect, justice, and dignity.

Kivi ParkStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Marc Serré Liberal Nickel Belt, ON

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mrs. Lily Fielding for her donation of 300 acres of land to create Kivi outdoor park.

It is a beautiful outdoor park located in the far corner of Sudbury—Nickel Belt, and it is dedicated to the memory of her parents, Susanna and John Kivi.

Mrs. Fielding donated over $1 million to the City of Greater Sudbury to purchase the land, demolish Long Lake Public School, and create the beautiful, open, vibrant park that it is today. It is an incredible sight of nature.

I therefore invite all members to join me in recognizing the important contribution that Ms. Fielding has made to the community.

Mrs. Fielding gave this incredible gift in celebration of her 100th birthday, on August 19. Let us stand and wish her a belated happy birthday.

Tour of the PeaceStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Conservative

Bob Zimmer Conservative Prince George—Peace River—Northern Rockies, BC

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased today to rise to congratulate constituents of mine, Dan Webster and his son Sam, on the success of the first-ever Tour of the Peace. The 144-kilometre bike ride for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation allowed riders to travel throughout what is the most beautiful region in all of Canada, I must say, the B.C. Peace region.

The idea for the race came to Dan after 13-year-old Sam was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes last year, a disease that affects more than 300,000 Canadians and has no cure.

Dan and Sam, as well as almost 20 other participants, along with my constituency assistant Heather McCracken, raised over $15,000 for diabetes research, and plans have already begun for next year's big ride.

Congratulations once again to Dan, Sam, and all those who participated in the inaugural Tour of the Peace. I look forward to the second Tour of the Peace next year.

Contribution of WomenStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Fayçal El-Khoury Liberal Laval—Les Îles, QC

Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize all the hard work done by the extraordinary women and mothers who contribute to every sector of our economy through their unwavering dedication to their family, economic, and social values.

These women bring enduring balance and serenity to all our lives through their contributions to every area of Canadian society.

Today I want to acknowledge all those unnamed women who work behind the scenes, without a title and without any glory, but who are the pillars of our families, and as such, are a reflection of the quality people we have in Canada.

I wish to extend a big thank you to the women of Canada.

Taylor HartStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Dan Ruimy Liberal Pitt Meadows—Maple Ridge, BC

Mr. Speaker, the riding of Pitt Meadows—Maple Ridge is home to so many incredible people. Today, I would like to talk about one exceptional man in particular.

Taylor Hart is a 27-year-old who was recently diagnosed with metastatic gastric cancer, yet this diagnoses is not slowing him down. He is still currently working and has maintained a sense of humour despite his battle with stage four stomach cancer.

His family has started a fundraiser for a new, very expensive, immunotherapy treatment that his doctors feel may help him. They are more than halfway to their goal of $100,000, showing what can happen when a community rallies around one of its own.

A pillar of strength for his family and friends, Taylor Hart is a model for anyone facing great struggles in life. Taylor is facing this fight head on, and is doing so with tenacity and grace, and his family is right there with him.

I ask that everyone in this House join me in wishing him well in his fight.

Stay strong, Taylor.

Beef IndustryStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Conservative

Martin Shields Conservative Bow River, AB

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about a founding industry in my riding of Bow River and also much of western Canada, the beef sector. Today it is very integrated, but it has been part of southern Alberta for almost 150 years. However, it is not the industry of our parents. lt is now an integrated industry from ranches, auction markets, feedlots, packing plants, to the store shelf. It is a very value-added industry, introducing the best quality beef in the world.

Due to the integrated nature of this industry, if one crucial part of the supply chain is knocked out, like major feedlots, there is a major ripple effect on the whole industry. The inelasticity of fuel costs in many agriculture sectors, especially feedlots and cattle transportation, will be detrimental to the survival of the Canadian added-value industry.

I hope the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food takes this issue very seriously, as Canada may lose a world-class value-added industry.

War BridesStatements By Members

October 4th, 2016 / 2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Alaina Lockhart Liberal Fundy Royal, NB

Mr. Speaker, as we reflect this month on women in history, I am reminded of the impact of war brides in our communities.

Thousands came from Britain, including my great-grandmother and my husband's grandmother. Others came from the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Italy, and Germany.

Whether they crossed the U-boat-infested waters of the North Atlantic in troop ships, or arrived after the war with children in tow, we can only imagine their challenges as they dispersed across our great country to begin their new lives.

Ruby Gray, who celebrates her 95th birthday tomorrow, is one of these brave women. She came to Canada to spend her life with her beloved Albert, but over time she touched so many more lives.

Because of her, Sussex now has a Relay For Life. Because of her, the Little Jackie Fund helps children with orthodontic challenges. Because of her, I saw the power of women in politics when she served as deputy mayor of our town.

I thank Ruby for her significant contribution to the history of Canada. We all wish her a happy 95th birthday.

Eating DisordersStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to the complex and devastating issue of eating disorders in Canada. Unfortunately, not many are aware of the dark reality of eating disorders in this country. Therefore, as part of Mental Illness Awareness Week, I would like to shed light on these difficult illnesses.

They affect an estimated 600,000 to 900,000 Canadians at any given time and impact Canadian men and women of all ages and ethnicities. Research has shown that eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of all mental illnesses.

From my career as an emergency physician, I can attest to the struggles and serious negative health implications that people with eating disorders face.

It is time for all Canadians to look outside the stigma of mental illness and recognize eating disorders as a serious health issue. By acknowledging this mental illness, we are in turn helping the thousands of Canadians struggling to overcome this issue.

International Day of the GirlStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Conservative

Rachael Thomas Conservative Lethbridge, AB

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased today to have the opportunity to be shadowed by a very strong, bright young woman. She is here taking my seat for the day under the initiative called Girls Belong Here.

In too many countries around the globe, women and girls are relegated to the position of second-class citizens. This is why Canada, under the direction of the leader of the official opposition, led the charge at the United Nations to declare October 11 the International Day of the Girl.

By focusing on the barriers that are unique to women and girls, from forced marriage, to sexual violence, to systemic barriers to education and economic development, we can build a more inclusive and equitable world.

When women's rights are realized, families benefit, communities are strengthened, and our nation will prosper.

On October 11, let us all celebrate the beautiful contribution of our women and girls to building a stronger world.

Marine ScienceStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Karen Ludwig Liberal New Brunswick Southwest, NB

Mr. Speaker, in New Brunswick Southwest, we need to do a better job of sharing our success stories, especially in the area of marine science.

My riding of New Brunswick Southwest has a rich history of fishing, aquaculture, and innovation. It is a cluster of the marine science sector.

Canada's oldest marine biological station is also in New Brunswick Southwest. Our billion-dollar aquaculture industry is a leader in innovation.

Since the Huntsman Marine Science Centre opened in 1969, more than one million marine biology students have completed their field courses here.

With nearly half of the world's population living in coastal areas, the marine research displayed in New Brunswick Southwest is transferred globally, and it positions us as world leaders.

We are thankful for the government's investment in smaller science projects. We deliver big results.

Wild SalmonStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

NDP

Fin Donnelly NDP Port Moody—Coquitlam, BC

Mr. Speaker, next week, I will be announcing support for my private member's bill to save wild salmon. The bill protects wild salmon and allows the aquaculture industry to grow by moving harmful open-net salmon pens to safe closed containment.

I encourage everyone to join my campaign to save wild salmon by going to findonnelly.ca. In fact, thousands already have. The list of supporters is as diverse as Canada itself.

It includes noted environmentalists like David Suzuki and Alex Morton; and first nation leaders like Grand Chief Stewart Phillip and Chief Bob Chamberlin. I have endorsements from industry associations like the Sport Fishing Institute of B.C. and trade unions like CUPE BC and UFCW local 1518.

I even have support from Stanley Cup champion Willie Mitchell.

That is not all. Tune in next week for an important announcement from a Canadian icon and actor who knows that, together, we can ensure a healthy future for wild salmon and the people who depend on them. Stay tuned.

AlbertaStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Conservative

Matt Jeneroux Conservative Edmonton Riverbend, AB

Mr. Speaker, as the jobs crisis in Alberta gets worse, families continue to wait for the Liberal government to present solutions.

We in Alberta know that if we have a strong Alberta, we have a strong Canada, yet we have four Liberal MPs from Alberta who have turned a blind eye to their constituents and to the many families, hurting our province. We know people are reaching out to them, because they are coming to our office.

For this reason, yesterday, the Conservative caucus of Alberta officially launched the Alberta jobs task force. We will be listening to everyday Albertans, employers, small businesses, workers, and others who have valuable insight and ideas to share. The task force will collect this information and produce a report containing tangible policy solutions.

As we continue to see those same four Alberta Liberals applaud the Prime Minister for job-killing initiatives like the carbon tax, which will further cripple Alberta's economy, we will be working hard on real solutions to ensure that Alberta remains the economic engine of Canada.

Indigenous AffairsStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Liberal

Don Rusnak Liberal Thunder Bay—Rainy River, ON

Mr. Speaker, today, here on Parliament Hill and across the country, vigils are being held to honour the memory of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls.

We join their families and loved ones in our shared commitment to ending this ongoing national tragedy. We must provide justice for the victims and healing for the families.

The launch of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls is an important step toward that goal, but there is still much work to be done. We need all Canadians to actively participate in the process.

I wish to thank those who have attended the Sisters in Spirit vigils across the country. I thank them for making their voices heard, and thank them for coming together to take a united stand on ending violence against our nation's women.

I encourage all Canadians to join us in the journey towards reconciliation, honouring the memory of our sisters in spirit, and in thanking families and loved ones for their courage.

Merci. Meegwetch.

The EnvironmentOral Questions

2:15 p.m.

Conservative

Denis Lebel Conservative Lac-Saint-Jean, QC

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, a number of provincial environment ministers left the conference disappointed in the Prime Minister's decision.

They were stunned to find out that they were being forced to accept carbon pricing before the end of the talks. This is another example of the government's encroachment on provincial jurisdiction and its lack of respect for the provinces and for certain conditions. The federal government is making decisions for them.

Will the Prime Minister stop interfering in areas under provincial jurisdiction and leave matters up to the provinces, which are in the best position to make decisions?

The EnvironmentOral Questions

2:15 p.m.

Papineau Québec

Liberal

Justin Trudeau LiberalPrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, as we have always said, we understand how important it is for the provinces to take action against climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We have also always said that the federal government would be a partner. That is exactly what we are doing.

We are working with them to develop systems that will create economic growth and jobs while protecting the environment. Canadians in every province expect leadership from all levels of government, and leadership is exactly what we showed yesterday.

The EnvironmentOral Questions

2:15 p.m.

Conservative

Denis Lebel Conservative Lac-Saint-Jean, QC

Mr. Speaker, Canadians do not expect the government to ask them for more money to pay for its promises.

Carbon pricing means bigger government and more money taken out of Canadians' pockets. What the government is suggesting is a great example of how the Prime Minister is interfering in provincial business. A carbon tax is a bad idea, and Canadian taxpayers will be the ones paying the tab. We said it yesterday and we will say it again today: the government should get out of the way and let the provinces do their job.

Will the Prime Minister leave provincial politics aside and let the provinces make their own decisions in their own jurisdictions?

The EnvironmentOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Papineau Québec

Liberal

Justin Trudeau LiberalPrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, once again we see why, for ten years, the previous government was unable to work with the provinces, unable to build a protected environment, unable to create the kinds of jobs that were necessary.

This is the responsibility of all levels of government. The environment is a shared jurisdiction, so we can build a set of solutions that will create jobs for the middle class, innovate and prepare for the future, while protecting our environment for years to come.

This is right for the economy. It is right for the environment. It is about time that Canada had leadership on this file.

The EnvironmentOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Conservative

Denis Lebel Conservative Lac-Saint-Jean, QC

Mr. Speaker, I can understand that the provincial premiers wanted to meet with the former prime minister. He did a lot for them. However, in one year, the Liberals created more problems with the provinces than we did in 10 years.

It is too bad that Canadians' tax burden keeps getting worse. It is great to meet with the provincial premiers, but making decisions without them is disrespectful.

Will the Prime Minister come to his senses, stop pickpocketing Canadians, and just drop this notorious carbon tax?

The EnvironmentOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Papineau Québec

Liberal

Justin Trudeau LiberalPrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, again, the Conservative Party members are proving that they fail to understand that a strong economy is built by protecting the environment. Canadians expect their government to build a strong economy with new jobs and economic growth enjoyed by everyone, while also protecting the environment. By working with the provinces we are showing the leadership that was lacking for 10 years.