Debates of Nov. 14th, 2016

Surrey Youth

[Sukh Dhaliwal, Liberal, Surrey—Newton, BC]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the amazing contributions of Surrey youth to the broader community.

Over the past few months, I have had the privilege of meeting many of these young people. Whether they are involved with organizations like Kids Play under the leadership of Kal Dosanjh, Arjan Bhullar and Kiran Toor, or are volunteering locally through their elementary and high schools, or are applying to different youth councils pushing for issues and advancing social causes, they are making an impact.

I want to commend the youth of Surrey and encourage them to continue to make the community a better place for all. Their efforts through the leadership of individuals such as Kal, Arjan and Kiran are recognized and very much appreciated by residents.

Christmas in Rivière-du-Loup

[Bernard Généreux, Conservative, Montmagny—L'Islet—Kamouraska—Rivière-du-Loup, QC]

Mr. Speaker, today, I am proud to acknowledge the work of the organizing committee and the volunteers behind the 13th edition of Noël chez nous à Rivière-du-Loup.

Every year in early November, the town of Rivière-du-Loup becomes the Christmas capital of the world. There is a Christmas market featuring over 60 vendors under a tent in the very centre of town, a long parade of floats, fireworks, and many other events.

There are many winter markets in the area that promote local products. Last week, markets were held in Saint-Philippe-de-Néri, Sainte-Hélène and Sainte-Apolline-de-Patton. A winter market will take place on November 19 and 20 in Saint-Denis-De La Bouteillerie; from November 25 to 27 in La Pocatière; and on December 10 in Kamouraska.

Montmagny—L'Islet—Kamouraska—Rivière-du-Loup is understandably brimming with pride and Christmas joy. I would like to congratulate all the volunteers.

Veterans

[Pam Goldsmith-Jones, Liberal, West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country, BC]

Mr. Speaker, at the end of World War II, West Vancouver approached the community to ask it for its ideas for commemorating and creating a war memorial. Groups formed and the winning submission read:

A public library exemplifies the spirit and meaning of free democratic institutions. Its shelves are open to writers of all opinions. It is free from political influence. Its services are available to all classes of society and all economic, racial or religious groups. One of the first acts of the totalitarian states was to purge the libraries of all volumes expressing enlightened democratic principles. As a memorial to our fallen, we submit that a public library is uniquely suitable.

On November 11, 1950, the doors of the West Vancouver Memorial Library opened, a living monument and everlasting commemoration to veterans.

On behalf of librarians, library boards, friends of the library, and citizens across the country, we will remember them.

World Diabetes Day

[Rachel Blaney, NDP, North Island—Powell River, BC]

Mr. Speaker, today marks World Diabetes Day. November 14 is a significant date. It marks Frederick Banting's birthday, the Canadian who co-discovered insulin and changed the world for so many.

In my riding of North Island-Powell River and across Canada, some people with diabetes are forced to make hard decisions about their illness based on financial considerations. Financial support can be the critical factor that may prevent the development of potentially disabling complications.

Some of my constituents and their children with Type 1 diabetes may be eligible for the disability tax credit, and this can make a big difference. Sadly, there are still some discrepancies on how it is applied across Canada, and this needs to be fixed.

I am proud to have organized disability tax credit workshops in my riding. It is so rewarding to see constituents get meaningful results. I look forward to offering these workshops once again in the new year.

Veterans

[John Oliver, Liberal, Oakville, ON]

Mr. Speaker, a wonderful Remembrance Day event took place in my riding of Oakville last week, the 15th annual Veterans Appreciation Luncheon. The luncheon was started by Kristin Courtney whose father fought in the Normandy invasion and was on Juno Beach on D-Day. It began with eight local veterans.

Fifteen years later, this luncheon, still organized by Kristin, seated 720 people and included veterans from 42 long-term care centres from as far away as Toronto and Fort Erie. Kristin says that this is a labour of love. It is an honour to personally thank our veterans, to bring them together, and allow them to have the comradeship in arms they may not have the rest of the year.

This year, I was honoured to attend as a member of Parliament, lay a wreath, and to bring greetings from the Minister of Veterans Affairs.

Working with Kristin, I will be sponsoring an e-petition “Veteran with a Capital V” so our veterans can be addressed appropriately.

I thank Kristin for her remarkable labour of love to our veterans.

World Diabetes Day

[Dean Allison, Conservative, Niagara West, ON]

Mr. Speaker, today marks World Diabetes Day, a global event created to raise awareness of the diabetes epidemic, which now affects over 415 million adults and their families around the world. Eleven million Canadians live with diabetes or pre-diabetes, and another Canadian is diagnosed every three minutes.

World Diabetes Day became an official United Nations world health day as governments recognized that diabetes, a non-infectious disease, poses a serious threat to world health.

World Diabetes Day is celebrated every year on November 14. The date was chosen because it marks the birthday of Canadian Sir Frederick G. Banting, who, along with Charles Best, is credited with the discovery of insulin in 1921.

This day is also symbolized by a blue circle, the global symbol of diabetes and signifies the unity of the global diabetes community.

I ask all Canadians to join me in the fight against diabetes and make every effort to foster a healthy Canada.

Culinary Industry

[Bernadette Jordan, Liberal, South Shore—St. Margarets, NS]

Mr. Speaker, the culinary industry is an important and growing sector in Nova Scotia and in my riding of South Shore—St. Margarets.

Ironworks Distillery in Lunenburg won the award for Culinary Ambassador of the Year at the Taste of Nova Scotia awards. This recognition not only tips its hat to its innovative and high quality products, but also to the work and commitment of the business to helping other Nova Scotian businesses succeed.

Another Lunenburger, Amy Funk, won Server of the Year for her work at Lincoln Street Food. Hell Bay Brewing Company in Liverpool and Boxing Rock Brewing Company in Shelburne were both winners this month at the Atlantic Beer Awards.

On that note, I would like to invite any of my colleagues in the House to South Shore—St. Margarets any time to indulge in the great food and drink we have to offer.

Please join me in congratulating these businesses, and all small businesses, that work hard to show the world what Nova Scotia and Canada has to offer.

Leonard Cohen

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

Mr. Speaker, last week, Canada and the world lost renowned poet, songwriter, and artist, Leonard Cohen. He began his music career to expand the audience for his poetry, and evoked a broad range of emotions from his audience.

His arrival as an artist happened together with Canada's Centennial. Although he had already headed south in search of success elusive here, we think of him as part of the vibrant cultural scene in Montreal at that time, as all eyes were on Expo 67.

Cohen became part of the emotional embrace that captured what Canada was about: proud, dynamic, a history of strength through diverse backgrounds, and a country taking its place as a global leader in so many ways.

Leonard Cohen possessed a rare ability to draw inspiration from the flaws of humanity. The very unconventional singing voice he possessed represented the underdog and gave a sense that his words spoke to the unique experience and extraordinary potential of the ordinary person.

But let's not talk of love or chains and things we can't untie

Your eyes are soft with sorrow

Hey, that's no way to say goodbye.

Premier of Yukon

[Larry Bagnell, Liberal, Yukon, YT]

Mr. Speaker, early last week there was a momentous election with a changing of the guard. I am sure everyone will join me in heartfelt congratulations, to the new premier-elect of Yukon, Sandy Silver, and his colleagues in the new majority Liberal government.

This is remarkable in that in the last sitting of the Yukon Legislature, Premier Silver held the only Liberal seat. I believe this was partly a result of his remarkable team of knowledgeable candidates, his ongoing campaign for respect and decorum in the legislature, and his commitment to building a strong economy while protecting our environment.

The opposition parties have elected experienced members of the legislature, which bodes well for a very productive session, given Premier Silver's commitment to taking good ideas from all parties.

I congratulate all who put their names forward, win or lose, to improve our Yukon community. It is a very immense sacrifice for which all of us Yukoners are truly grateful.

World Town Planning Day

[Andy Fillmore, Liberal, Halifax, NS]

Mr. Speaker, as a proud city planner of nearly 25 years, I am delighted to report to the House that on November 8, the globe celebrated World Town Planning Day.

City planners devote themselves to building sustainable, liveable, healthy, and resilient communities where people live, work, and play. No wonder then that city planning earned the number two slot in Canadian Business Magazine's best 100 jobs in Canada list in 2016.

With shifting global populations, the spectre of climate change and sea level rise, alarming trends in public health and equitable housing, the work of planners has never been more important. In Canada, groups like the Council for Canadian Urbanism and the Canadian Institute of Planners, are leading this charge every day.

Allow me to congratulate my fellow city planners across the nation for their invaluable contributions to our Canadian communities. They are building a better Canada every day.

Bernard Carignan

[Joël Lightbound, Liberal, Louis-Hébert, QC]

Mr. Speaker, on August 22, 2015, one of my best friends, a former roommate, died in a cycling accident at the corner of Saint-Denis and Jean-Talon, in Montreal. His name was Bernard Carignan and he was 27 years old. He was a decent man, lived life to the fullest, and he was a brother, a son, a friend, and a hero.

His life came to an end when a car door was carelessly opened in front of him. His death could have been prevented with a very simple technique: the Dutch reach. Instead of opening the car door with your left hand, you use your right hand, which forces you to look for approaching cyclists in the rear-view mirror.

Every year in Canada, 7,500 cyclists are seriously injured or killed in the country, and some of these accidents are preventable through a simple technique called the “Dutch Reach”. It is easy.

I encourage all Canadians and all members to practise all winter long so that when the summer comes, in this land, from coast to coast to coast, we do the Dutch reach.

New Zealand Earthquake

[Michelle Rempel, Conservative, Calgary Nose Hill, AB]

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of all Canadians, I extend our deepest condolences to the people of New Zealand, who over the weekend were victimized by yet another devastating earthquake. This earthquake registered a 7.8 on the Richter scale and triggered landslides and destroyed roads. At least two people were killed. Strong aftershocks continue to shake the country, rattling nerves, and leaving people in a state of fear.

Canada and New Zealand have a historic relationship based on mutual respect and shared values. New Zealand is an important like-minded partner for Canada on any number of issues, particularly with respect to trade, security, and defence. For this and many other reasons, Canada must and should extend any and all assistance to New Zealand in the aftermath of this disaster.

I know I speak for all parliamentarians when I say we wish a speedy recovery to those injured by this earthquake, and condolences to the families of those who were lost.

I also want to thank the first responders for their tireless efforts to help those in need.

Leonard Cohen

[Anthony Housefather, Liberal, Mount Royal, QC]

Mr. Speaker, this Saturday I was at the Dorshei Emet synagogue in my riding. At the end of the service, the rabbi pulled out his guitar, and we all sang Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen.

The song brought tears to my eyes because I knew the same scene was being repeated in churches, synagogues, and at gatherings across Canada and across the world, because his music unites us all.

He recorded more than 14 studio albums in his 50-year career as a musician, and we will remember his poetic lyrics and his unique voice. He was a talented writer who published many books of poetry and works of fiction.

Although he became a citizen of the world and lived in many places, he was always a very proud Canadian and a quintessential Montrealer.

I know all members of the House will join me in offering their sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Leonard Cohen.

Canadian National Railway

[Daniel Blaikie, NDP, Elmwood—Transcona, MB]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address an issue that may affect other rail communities like mine. Transcona's new Plessis underpass opened on October 31, 2015, making the daily commute easier for many people. However, for residents of Mission Gardens, the new underpass has had significant, unforeseen costs.

CN has used the underpass as a means to extend the operational area of the Transcona yards and is now building and staging trains behind the homes in Mission Gardens. Some residents have been in the area for 40 years and are for the first time experiencing diesel fumes in their living rooms, sleep deprivation from the noise, and damage to their homes from train vibrations.

Community residents are facing the prospect of having to fight for their homes against experienced, well-resourced CN lawyers. When there is a big power imbalance between two groups with competing interests, government should step in to make it fair.

I urge the government to require that CN restrict the reach of its yards to the east side of Plessis Road instead of forcing the residents of Mission Gardens to play David to CN's Goliath.

Advent of Guru Nanak

[Bob Saroya, Conservative, Markham—Unionville, ON]

Mr. Speaker, Vaha Guru Ji Ka Khalsa.

Vahu Guru Ji Ki Fathe.

Today in 1469, with the advent of Guru Nanak, the radiance of knowledge, pierced through this world. Nanak, the founder of Sikh way of life, decreed that truth is good. However, greater still, is truthful living.

In the 15th century, he proclaimed, “Why disrespect women, from whom even kings are born”, thereby claiming equal rights for women. With knowledge from the divine, he guided the world to accept diversity and look beyond differences. He opposed the caste system and other divisions among society. He started the system of langar, a free kitchen, based entirely on contributions, which serves over a million free meals daily in India alone.

Guru Nanak's teachings remain available to the world through the eternal holy book, Sri Guru Granth Sahib.

I offer greetings to all Canadians on this most auspicious occasion.

Global Entrepreneurship Week

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

Mr. Speaker, this is Global Entrepreneurship Week. We know that entrepreneurs and small businesses are the cornerstone of our economy and that they help create jobs for Canadians from coast to coast.

Our government is committed to fostering a confident nation of innovators to support the growth of small businesses in Canada. I am very proud to stand today to recognize the work of Futurpreneur Canada.

Futurpreneur Canada is a not-for-profit that encourages entrepreneurship by providing young Canadians with financing and mentorship. It will be hosting some 300 activities across the country from coast to coast to coast. It will be connecting entrepreneurs with potential collaborators, mentors, and investors.

I am personally looking forward to attending a few global Entrepreneurship Week activities here in Ottawa, and I encourage my colleagues to do the same.

The Environment

[Rona Ambrose, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister's decision to impose a carbon tax that will drive up the cost of home heating, gas at the pump, and even groceries was always a bad idea, but now it is even worse. The Americans have now taken a carbon tax off the table, which will give the U.S. a significant competitive advantage over Canadian businesses doing global work. Why does the Prime Minister not understand that if he moves forward with his carbon tax, he is setting us up for failure and Canadian jobs will be lost?

[Dominic LeBlanc, Liberal, Minister of Fisheries]

Mr. Speaker, we are taking actions that Canadians demand with respect to a transition to a low carbon economy that will stimulate growth, provide access to new markets, and create jobs. With respect to what the member said in terms of the United States' policy, the Prime Minister said that Canada has no closer friend, partner, and ally than the United States, and we look forward to working with the new administration on global energy challenges and the environment.

[Rona Ambrose, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, the U.S. is our greatest ally and our largest customer, but it is also our biggest competitor. Now that the Americans are not moving ahead with a carbon tax, the Prime Minister's carbon tax has become a liability for Canadian businesses. The Prime Minister must accept that this is a new economic reality in North America. Will the Prime Minister back down from his carbon tax, or is he comfortable losing Canadian jobs to the United States?

[Dominic LeBlanc, Liberal, Minister of Fisheries]

Mr. Speaker, our government is proud to have ratified the Paris accord. We are proud that our Minister of Environment and Climate Change is at COP22 in Morocco now. We also recognize that putting a price on pollution is good for the Canadian economy, that it will create jobs here in Canada, and that is what Canadians expect us to do. We look forward to working with the provinces and international partners to ensure that we have the most robust carbon pricing system in place.

Natural Resources

[Rona Ambrose, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, before getting elected, the Prime Minister said he supported the Keystone XL pipeline, and now the new president-elect has stated his support for the Keystone pipeline as well. Can the Prime Minister assure Canadians, particularly those who could get a job if this project goes ahead, that he is moving as fast as possible to move the Keystone pipeline ahead?

[Dominic LeBlanc, Liberal, Minister of Fisheries]

Mr. Speaker, Canada's relationship with the United States, as I said a moment ago, is one of the most important bilateral relationships in the world. We will continue to work with all of our continental partners to build a North American energy partnership for generations to come.

Specifically to the project mentioned by the member, it is the company that will decide whether to reapply for a U.S. presidential permit. The Canadian portion of the pipeline, as the member knows, was approved in 2010 and we look forward to working—

[The Speaker, Liberal, Geoff Regan]

The hon. Leader of the Opposition.

[Rona Ambrose, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, since forming government, the Prime Minister has ignored unemployed energy workers, but now this opportunity has presented itself. If he champions the Keystone XL pipeline, which he said before the election that he supported, it could create thousands of jobs. Will the Prime Minister move quickly to lend his public support to this pipeline, or will he continue to leave these unemployed energy workers wondering about their jobs?

[Dominic LeBlanc, Liberal, Minister of Fisheries]

Mr. Speaker, our government looks forward to working with the incoming administration on energy and many other related matters. We believe in developing a system that has the confidence of Canadians to bring resources to market in a sustainable way. The United States has its own process by which it determines whether energy projects serve their national interests. The proponent, in this case the company, will work with the incoming administration, and we look forward to working with that administration as well.