House of Commons Hansard #88 of the 42nd Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was energy.

Topics

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

The Speaker Liberal Geoff Regan

It being Wednesday, we will now have the singing of the national anthem led by the hon. member for Edmonton Centre.

[Members sang the national anthem]

Softwood LumberStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Bloc

Marilène Gill Bloc Manicouagan, QC

Mr. Speaker, Quebec regions have not forgotten the softwood lumber dispute. Families that lost jobs will never forget it, nor will business owners who had to close up shop. The Americans slapped billions of dollars in duties on those businesses because the federal government could not persuade them that our industry is entirely legitimate.

Ten years ago, Canada caved and signed an agreement that was bad for Quebec. Nothing has changed since. The Liberals, like the Conservatives, have done nothing to get the Quebec industry the recognition it deserves, so we will be under attack again as of next Wednesday, and Quebec families will once again pay the price. In Quebec's view, there is a simple solution: free trade.

All the government needs to do is enforce NAFTA.

Regional Economic DevelopmentStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

William Amos Liberal Pontiac, QC

Mr. Speaker, on October 3, a socio-economic forum was held in Maniwaki for the riding of Pontiac.

It has become clear that the development of our rural regions in the Outaouais depends largely on the prosperity of the cities of Ottawa and Gatineau, but the converse is also true. The national capital urban area benefits just as much from the economic development of the surrounding rural regions.

Rural folks in the Pontiac are proposing new mechanisms to ensure their prosperity, and they support the return of the rural secretariat, an institution that was abolished by the former Harper government. This secretariat would ensure that the concerns of rural areas are taken into account in each federal government department, including issues related to the socio-economic development of our small towns.

By taking this step, we could then come up with solutions adapted to their reality and better resolve issues like Internet access, the exodus of young people, tourism development, and the social isolation of seniors. I appreciate our government's efforts when it comes to our rural regions, and I hope we can continue in this direction.

Chilliwack Bowls of Hope SocietyStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Conservative

Mark Strahl Conservative Chilliwack—Hope, BC

Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House today to salute the Chilliwack Bowls of Hope Society. Since 2005, each school day the society has provided soup and other hot lunch items, along with milk and fruit, to school children in need, free of charge. Today, with the support of the Chilliwack Community Correctional Centre, they feed over 670 children in 18 schools within the Chilliwack school district. That is over 10,000 fresh meals served every month.

Last Friday I toured the Bowls of Hope kitchen and then went out for a meal delivery run to several local schools. I witnessed first hand the important work they do.

Whether it is The Local Harvest Market donating fresh produce, the Mertin Auto Group donating their vans, or service groups, like the Rotary Club of Chilliwack Fraser, raising funds, I thank all the community partners, the staff, and the many volunteers who work together to make sure that this program is such a success in helping to ensure that no child in Chilliwack goes hungry.

90th Birthday WishesStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Peter Fonseca Liberal Mississauga East—Cooksville, ON

Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House today to congratulate Ignat Kaneff on his 90th birthday. Born in 1926 in Gorno Ablanovo, Bulgaria, Mr. Kaneff arrived in Canada in 1951 and transformed himself into a very successful philanthropist and builder.

Just recently, Mr. Kaneff achieved the Order of Ontario, the highest recognition in the province. Mr. Kaneff has been, and continues to be, a strong voice for the Bulgarian community. For the past 40 years, he has organized local charity events that have raised millions of dollars for Community Living Mississauga, an organization that supports individuals who have an intellectual disability.

Mr. Kaneff has been a strong community leader and a friend, and I want to take this time to wish him a very happy birthday. Here is hoping for many, many more.

Kevin SteenStatements By Members

October 5th, 2016 / 2:05 p.m.

NDP

Matthew Dubé NDP Beloeil—Chambly, QC

Mr. Speaker, history was made on August 29, when Kevin Steen, better known as Kevin Owens, won the WWE Universal Championship. Congratulations to this wrestler from Marieville in my riding from me and my constituents.

Kevin is a wrestling legend among many from Quebec and Canada, including Pat Patterson, Maurice “Mad Dog” Vachon, Bret Hart, Chris Jericho, and of course, his coach, Jacques Rougeau. As Quebec wrestling historian Patric Laprade said so well, Owens' success is the result of perseverance and temerity.

It would be easy to make jokes comparing the spectacle of pro wrestling with the spectacle of politics. Let me just say that Monday Night Raw is now the Kevin Owens show, and my constituents and I could not be prouder that the best in the business comes from Marieville, in my riding. We wish him all the best as he continues to have a successful career.

Fight, Owens, fight.

Festival of Colours in RigaudStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Peter Schiefke Liberal Vaudreuil—Soulanges, QC

Mr. Speaker, today I would like to highlight the 2016 Festival of Colours in Rigaud, which will be held from October 8 to 10.

Every year, thanks to the hard work of Christiane Lévesque and her team, the City of Rigaud, and many volunteers, the festival becomes more popular, showcases the region's fall colours, and welcomes everyone to share the celebrations.

I invite the people of Vaudreuil—Soulanges to join me and my family in celebrating the patchwork of colours that autumn brings to our magnificent countryside. We will be attending the festival on October 8 to watch the entertainment, hike up Rigaud Mountain, savour regional foods, and talk to the people in our community.

Mayor Hans Gruenwald Jr. is right when he says that Rigaud is the place to be.

Intergovernmental RelationsStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Conservative

Andrew Scheer Conservative Regina—Qu'Appelle, SK

Mr. Speaker, “a betrayal”; that is how Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall has described the Prime Minister's disgraceful carbon tax ultimatum, issued at the very moment that Canada's premiers were already meeting to discuss climate change strategies.

While the provinces are working hard to co-operate and collaborate on strategies to fight climate change, the Prime Minister prefers to issue unilateral ultimatums in an area of clear provincial jurisdiction.

As we have already seen, the Liberals' continued hostility toward the energy industry has already cost thousands of jobs across the country.

In my own riding of Regina—Qu'Appelle, dozens of workers at EVRAZ Regina were laid off this August from their jobs manufacturing steel pipe for energy pipelines. Now thousands more jobs will be threatened across Saskatchewan and the country. Worse, the Prime Minister is promising that he will unilaterally impose a Saskatchewan-specific tax.

Make no mistake, the Prime Minister's Ottawa-knows-best scheme of proposing a massive carbon tax is a cold-hearted attack on working families.

I call on the member for Regina—Qu'Appelle to do the right thing. He should stand with his premier, with his province, and quit the Liberal caucus—

Homelessness and Mental HealthStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Sonia Sidhu Liberal Brampton South, ON

Mr. Speaker, this coming Monday, when we are back in our ridings, will mark World Homeless Day. As members may know, October 10 is also World Mental Health Day.

The link between these two days is, sadly, well-established in the challenging, invisible experience of men and woman who are in and out of shelters, who live on the streets, and who live in their cars.

To better understand the experiences of those facing these challenges, I hope we will all work together to support measures to ensure adequate housing for all and a better understanding of mental health.

I applaud the work of the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, the Minister of Health, and the Minister of Veterans Affairs on these issues. However, we all know that we can, we must, and we will do more.

I will be going back to Brampton South to work on this issue with partners at all levels. I hope all members will do the same for those who are invisible in our society.

Toronto Blue JaysStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Chris Bittle Liberal St. Catharines, ON

Mr. Speaker, almost 23 years ago, we held our breath as a nation. It was the bottom of the ninth as Joe Carter stepped up to the plate. The late Tom Cheek captured this historic moment perfectly when he remarked, “Touch 'em all, Joe”.

Though last night was not the World Series, it was do or die for the Blue Jays: win and continue to the post-season, or lose and hit the golf course.

Last night I joined with friends and colleagues from all parties, united in our support for the Blue Jays. With a Canadian, Russell Martin, behind the plate calling the game, the pitching staff delivered and forced the game into extra innings.

Once again we held our breath with each pitch.

Edwin Encarnacion stepped up to the plate in the 10th inning. Though he did not get a bat flip, in the 11th inning we saw him take the parrot for a walk, adding to one of the greatest moments in this franchise's 40-year history.

I think I can speak for everyone in this House when I congratulate the Blue Jays, who are now headed to renew their fierce rivalry with Texas. An entire nation is behind them.

The EnvironmentStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Conservative

Michelle Rempel Conservative Calgary Nose Hill, AB

Mr. Speaker, corporate advocacy, when done right, is a great thing. It raises attention on issues, it spurs philanthropy, and it makes people's lives better.

Then there are times when it goes wrong.

Instead of tweeting support for environmental action or something issues-based, Telus issued a partisan tweet to the Prime Minister and the environment minister supporting their tax announcement.

The reality is that Telus likely is not going to be the one to pay for the increased cost to operate its business. Its customers likely are, by paying more for its products and services, and Telus's employees will effectively experience a pay cut when this tax on everything hits them.

Many Telus customers who are out of work in Alberta may have a harder time trying to make payments for Telus services. All of these folks will find this very rich, coming from a company that routinely lobbies the federal government for interventions in sustaining regulations that support its bottom line.

To Telus management, the inconvenient truth is that for your customers, your employees, my constituents, and all Canadians, for all of them, you have made the future a lot less friendly by blindly supporting this tax.

Toronto Blue JaysStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Liberal

Michael Levitt Liberal York Centre, ON

Mr. Speaker, last night was our moment.

162 games and here we did lie. A one game playoff versus Baltimore, the ultimate do or die.
50,000 fans at the Rogers Centre cheering on the team. Each one of them believing in this post-season dream.
Back and forth we went in this epic game. Jays fans across the country being driven insane.
At first we had a lead and then sadly no more. All tied at 2-2 as the crowd continued to roar.
And then opportunity raised its head in the 11th inning. Men on first and third, a real shot at winning.
Edwin our hero strode proudly to the plate. The swagger of a man who, with destiny, had a date.
One crack of the bat and we all knew it was done. Not just a hit but a monster home run.
It's Our Moment we're heading to Texas we all did all did scream. Good luck to the Blue Jays, Canada's baseball team.

Anna LabergeStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Liberal

Brenda Shanahan Liberal Châteauguay—Lacolle, QC

Mr. Speaker, this being Women's History Month, I want to pay tribute to a remarkable woman from the Châteauguay region, the late Anna Laberge.

Born in 1882 in Beauharnois, Anna began her career as a teacher. She then went on to serve her local communities by becoming a midwife. She moved to Châteauguay in 1930, where she continued her career in health as a laboratory technician, despite suffering from tuberculosis.

Anna was described as an independent spirit. She was a nature lover and had a penchant for teaching. She dabbled in archeology and genealogy and funded charity missions, even when it meant doing without herself.

Anna Laberge lived an inspiring life until her death at age 98. Châteauguay is proud to name its hospital after her to honour her memory.

International Day of the GirlStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Conservative

Karen Vecchio Conservative Elgin—Middlesex—London, ON

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize International Day of the Girl, which will be coming up on October 11. This year's theme is “Girls’ Progress = Goals Progress” and will focus on a call to join global efforts to end discrimination against girls.

As a member of the status of women committee and as the critic for families, children, and social development, I recognize the struggles that girls face in Canada and all over the world. The strength and determination of girls to break through boundaries and to succeed, even when the odds are stacked against them, is an inspiration to us all.

As a mother of two girls of my own, I have seen first hand the potential that every girl has and the need to support them through equal opportunities and empowerment.

In 2011, the current Leader of the Opposition led the international campaign to create the International Day of the Girl, and as Conservatives we hope to continue her amazing work on this file. Join me in celebrating the International Day of the Girl.

Violence Against WomenStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Liberal

Pam Damoff Liberal Oakville North—Burlington, ON

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to welcome the Moose Hide Campaign to Ottawa. Its members are holding their national gathering here to raise awareness about the role men can play in ending violence against indigenous women and children.

Our Standing Committee on the Status of Women is currently studying violence against young women and girls, and has heard how critical it is that we engage men and boys in our strategy to end gender-based violence.

In my riding of Oakville North—Burlington, SAVIS of Halton founded the Male Ally Network, or M.A.N. project, a network of men who are committed to ending violence against women and children. Owen Millar, a young hockey player from my riding, encouraged his team members to wear purple jerseys for a month to show their support for Halton Women's Place.

Along with groups like the Moose Hide Campaign, this is exactly the kind of leadership we need from men and boys.

International Day of the GirlStatements By Members

2:20 p.m.

NDP

Tracey Ramsey NDP Essex, ON

Mr. Speaker, October 11 is International Day of the Girl. It is a day to reflect on our shared commitment to ensuring a world free of discrimination for young women and girls. It is also an opportunity to celebrate the young leaders who are actively shaping our communities.

Today, we are fortunate to have one of these incredible young people here on Parliament Hill. Jada Malott is a grade 7 student from St. John Vianney Catholic Elementary School in Windsor. A passionate activist and public speaker, she has led a letter-writing campaign urging the Prime Minister not to ratify the TPP. I am so inspired by young leaders like Jada who are engaged in our democracy and who encourage their peers to be active citizens.

As one of 88 women elected to Parliament, I think about what it will take to achieve gender equity in this place. I am convinced that we must do more to encourage young women and girls to run for public office and to overcome any barriers preventing them from following their dreams. It is my strong prediction that Jada will one day hold a seat in the House and will fight for all Canadians with the passion she is fighting the TPP.

Regional DevelopmentStatements By Members

2:20 p.m.

Conservative

Arnold Viersen Conservative Peace River—Westlock, AB

Mr. Speaker, the Liberals have quietly introduced a bill that lays the groundwork for them to expand the size of their tax-and-spend government. Bill C-24 is asking us to approve the future employment of three mystery cabinet ministers, but worse yet, Bill C-24 would eliminate all regional development ministers. It reminds Canadians that under the Liberal government, they no longer have any economic development ministers to represent and fight for their regions' interests.

No, no, the Prime Minister is leaving all regional development in the hands of—wait for it—the innovation minister from the outskirts of Toronto. Now we have the minister for Atlantic Canada from Mississauga, the minister for Quebec development from Mississauga, and the minister for western development from Mississauga.

Canadians deserve transparency and accountability from the government. Bill C-24 would achieve neither of these things.

World Teachers' DayStatements By Members

2:20 p.m.

Liberal

Peter Fragiskatos Liberal London North Centre, ON

Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to rise and mark World Teachers' Day. This day of recognition is an initiative put forward by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, or UNESCO, and is held annually on October 5. The purpose of this day is appreciating, assessing, and improving the educators of the world.

This year's theme, “Valuing teachers, improving their status”, compels us to examine and resolve the problems that directly affect teachers, the people to whom we entrust our children's education. That really is something we need to think about because, all too often, the people who have dedicated themselves to this profession in Canada do not get the same level of respect as their counterparts elsewhere in the world.

Thank goodness for French teachers.

To the teachers in my community of London North Centre, I thank them for all that they do. I also commend the more than 40 members of the Liberal caucus who are teachers. We are a team committed to education and educators.

The EnvironmentOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Conservative

Denis Lebel Conservative Lac-Saint-Jean, QC

Mr. Speaker, Canadians are pessimistic about the Prime Minister's announcement. He tried to sugarcoat it by renaming his new tax, but everyone knows it is a carbon tax. This is pretty bad news for taxpayers, who are already paying enough.

Will the Prime Minister promise Canadians that the cost of groceries, gas, and heating will not go up because of his new carbon tax? Can he give them that guarantee today?

The EnvironmentOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Papineau Québec

Liberal

Justin Trudeau LiberalPrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, Canadians know that we need to grow the economy and create good jobs while protecting the environment. That is exactly what we have been working on since coming to power.

I want to make it clear to the hon. member that our approach is neutral. It will be up to the provinces to decide how to redistribute that money to the people.

The EnvironmentOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Conservative

Denis Lebel Conservative Lac-Saint-Jean, QC

Mr. Speaker, yesterday on CBC, we heard about how the price of gas and heating oil will go up 11¢ a litre and 14¢ a litre, respectively. The government cannot make any promises about prices not going up.

A tax on carbon means more money taken out of the pockets of Canadians. The Prime Minister is trying to sugar-coat the reality by saying it is “carbon pricing”, but Canadians are not fooled. This is a new tax.

This is bad news for Canadians. They already pay their share of taxes. Will the Prime Minister guarantee Canadians today that the price of their groceries, gas, or heating will not go up because of this new tax?

The EnvironmentOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

Papineau Québec

Liberal

Justin Trudeau LiberalPrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, Canadians need economic growth and good jobs at the same time as we protect the environment. That is exactly what this government is showing leadership in doing, which was lacking for far too long from the previous government.

What we are also guaranteeing is that this tax—

The EnvironmentOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

Some hon. members

Oh, oh!

The EnvironmentOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

Liberal

Justin Trudeau Liberal Papineau, QC

This price on carbon will be—

The EnvironmentOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

Liberal

The Speaker Liberal Geoff Regan

Order, please. I know members are anxious to applaud the Prime Minister, but they should wait until he finishes his response.

The Right Hon. Prime Minister has the floor.