Debates of Dec. 6th, 2016

Budget Implementation Act, 2016, No. 2

[Kyle Peterson, Liberal, Newmarket—Aurora, ON]

Mr. Speaker, if my colleague from Oxford would indulge me, I will show him that my notes were actually hand-written by me. I do not know why he thinks I have a speech writer working for me. We do not have the budget that our Tory friends do for their staff members.

I do empathize with anybody who is in a position of hardship. To characterize something as a carbon tax is not doing that person any justice. We all know it is a revenue-neutral plan. Just because people keep calling something a carbon tax does not make it a carbon tax.

There are many programs available to help any of my colleague's constituents who may need it. I am sure he serves all of his constituents well in trying to help them out.

[Pierre-Luc Dusseault, NDP, Sherbrooke, QC]

Mr. Speaker, my Liberal colleague was quick to fine-tune the Liberal talking points in his speech today in the House.

For the benefit of the House, could the hon. member point specifically to where it was suggested in the Liberal platform that our infrastructures would be privatized? The budget refers to asset recycling, where government-owned assets that were paid for by Canadian taxpayers are taken and sold to private interests. In addition, there was the recent announcement of the infrastructure bank, which will require that our infrastructure assets, in partnership with private investors, earn interest for investors and be profitable.

On these two points, can the hon. member tell us where in the Liberal platform is there any reference to privatization, and where it states that private interests can become owners of infrastructure assets that are now public?

[Kyle Peterson, Liberal, Newmarket—Aurora, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for Sherbrooke for his question.

We have talked about it during the campaign. It is in our platform. The overarching thing here is the theme of the NDP. Those members hate the word “private”. They hate any involvement of the private sector.

We on this side of the House think, if private sector funds can be leveraged with government money to make life better for Canadians, then why would we as a government not leverage that potential? Why would we not take advantage of being able to deliver more services, more infrastructure, and a better life for all Canadians? I do not share the fear of the private sector, as the member opposite and his colleagues do. That is why we will always have to agree to disagree on this point.

I for one am proud that we are able to leverage private money, if the case is appropriate, to get things built for Canadians. That is what Canadians demand. That is what Canadians want. That is what Canadians deserve.

[Elizabeth May, Green, Saanich—Gulf Islands, BC]

Mr. Speaker, I have wanted to ask this question throughout the debate, particularly of a Liberal government member.

Earlier the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance quoted at length comments made by the head of the IMF, Christine Lagarde, and her approval of spending. I would like to point to Christine Lagarde's other advice as head of the International Monetary Fund, that Canada keep its commitment to eliminate fossil fuel subsidies, which are still in this budget. I am speaking of youth, as the hon. member just did. I would remind him of Christine Lagarde's words: if we do not act on climate change, “future generations will be roasted, toasted, fried and grilled”.

When will the Liberal government live up to its commitment to remove fossil fuel subsidies?

[Kyle Peterson, Liberal, Newmarket—Aurora, ON]

Mr. Speaker, the hon. member for Saanich—Gulf Islands knows as well as well as everyone in this House that I do not have the authority to speak for the government, so I cannot give her a date or a time frame.

However, I will let the hon. member know that I am happy to be part of a government that believes climate change is real, that has real policies to affect climate change, to improve the situation, and we will continue to work hard together with the Department of Environment and Climate Change and all my colleagues on this side of the House and any colleagues who want to help us to make sure that we leave the planet in better shape than it was for our children.

Violence Against Women

[Monique Pauzé, Bloc, Repentigny, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the scar left from December 6, 1989, has never fully healed. The pain, sadness, feeling of loss, and this waste of precious human life still weigh heavy on our hearts. Every December 6, all Quebeckers sigh together in sadness. This is our burden.

Before the tragic events at École Polytechnique, we thought that that kind of tragedy was impossible. We thought that equality between men and women had been achieved long before that. Those events were a cruel and brutal wake-up call. We have a duty to remain vigilant because that tragedy taught us that nothing can be taken for granted.

Today, December 6, we remember those women. We continue to condemn all violence against women with the same vigour and the same rage in our hearts.

We must never forget and never accept what happened; we must never allow the pain to disappear, and always ensure that December 6, 1989, never happens again.

International Volunteer Day

[Karina Gould, Liberal, Burlington, ON]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, International Volunteer Day, we celebrated the millions of Canadians who volunteered in their communities and abroad to make the world a better place.

Today, I would like to thank the people in my community who give so generously of themselves, people like Bob Pring, a volunteer at the art gallery and Red Cross, and Burlington's Senior Person of the Year, who works with the Woodcarvers Guild to carve beautiful and unique canes for military veterans. Chuck Learn with Children of Christmas Past has spent the last decade delivering thousands of gifts across southern Ontario to seniors who spend the holidays alone. Esperanza Peacock, devoted and enthusiastic, has spent countless hours helping newcomers to Burlington navigate the city and find their place in the community.

These are just three examples of the wonderful people who volunteer their time and talents in Burlington. We thank all of Canada's volunteers, at home and around the world, for strengthening and enriching our social fabric. They truly make a difference.

North Okanagan—Shuswap

[Mel Arnold, Conservative, North Okanagan—Shuswap, BC]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the people and opportunities of the North Okanagan—Shuswap.

While the area is well known for its summertime holidays, with beaches and vineyards, it is also a wonderful wintertime playground. Starting now are horse-drawn sleigh rides, some with theatre along the way, and skating on frozen ponds, complete with bonfires and hot chocolate, warm toes and spirits. People can experience the thrill of our famous champagne powder while snowboarding on SilverStar, heli-skiing on Monashees, or on nordic trails scattered across the riding.

Later in the season there is the Vernon Winter Carnival, the largest in western Canada. With nearly 100 events, many of them free, there is sure to be something for everyone.

However, the biggest attraction is our people. Summer or winter, we will find welcoming faces, making the North Okanagan—Shuswap an amazing place to live, work, and play.

Violence Against Women

[Borys Wrzesnewskyj, Liberal, Etobicoke Centre, ON]

Mr. Speaker, for thousands of women, what ought to be the security of family, hearth, and home becomes a place of fear.

On any given night, more than 3,300 Canadian women escape domestic violence to sleep in emergency shelters. The solemn vow of “I will love and honour you all the days of my life”, a shattered dream.

Fifty percent of Canada's women have experienced sexual or physical violence after the age of 16. In Canada, the most horrific act of hate-fuelled mass murder occurred on December 6, 1989, at École Polytechnique in Montréal. On that terrible day, 14 young women were rounded up, separated from their male counterparts, and murdered, shot in cold blood.

We must expose and address the culture of violence, the propagation of hatred against women, whether cloaked in popular music or on the Internet. Canadians must confront the issue of a culture of violence against women.

Algoma—Manitoulin—Kapuskasing Food Banks

[Carol Hughes, NDP, Algoma—Manitoulin—Kapuskasing, ON]

Mr. Speaker, the holidays are a time when Canadians think about helping their community, something the people who work at food banks do every single day.

They know that hunger never takes a holiday, and that need is always growing. Individuals like Pastor Dan Lee of Chapleau are part of the solution. He founded the food bank, alongside his ministry. Groups like the Rotary Club of Kapuskasing are taking their turn running the food bank after years of great service by the Kinsmen Club.

Food banks are not the only way that need is met in the north. On Manitoulin Island this November, over 6,000 individuals were served during the Homeland Missions' free food giveaway, led by Pastor Rodney Deforge. In Elliot Lake, the Al Collett memorial Christmas dinner continues a 33-year tradition of giving to those in need of food and company over the holidays.

These are just a few examples of how people all across Algoma—Manitoulin—Kapuskasing are volunteering to make their communities more compassionate and caring for the holidays and all through the year.

I thank everyone, and happy holidays to all.

Heroism

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

Mr. Speaker, I am rising in the House today to recognize heroic actions of Eric Nickerson, Trevor Munroe, and their fellow Coast Guard members.

Last month, the Canadian Coast Guard responded to a distress signal 50 miles offshore of Clark's Harbour, Nova Scotia. A helicopter and two Coast Guard vessels responded to the call of a vessel in distress. Mr. Nickerson, a crew member on the Coast Guard vessel Spray, ended up in the water supporting the person from the jeopardized vessel for 15 to 20 minutes before helping him to safety. Mr. Nickerson does not consider himself to be a hero. He says that it is just part of his job.

As you know, Mr. Speaker, the lobster season in LFA 33 and 34 opened last week, and safety of their loved ones is always on people's minds at this time of year. It is important to recognize the work that crews of fishing vessels and the men and women of the Coast Guard do for folks back home so their families are home at the end of the day.

I would like to wish all of those who work on the water a safe and prosperous season.

Canadian Armed Forces

[James Bezan, Conservative, Selkirk—Interlake—Eastman, MB]

Mr. Speaker, as the holiday season approaches, Canadians across the country will spend time with family and friends. However, during this time of year it is important to remember that there are thousands of Canadians who are away from their families. These are the brave men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces who are currently protecting our borders at home and our values and allies abroad.

Not only is it very difficult to be away from their loved ones, they are doing dangerous work in service to Canada. Whether it be in our high Arctic, along our coastlines, working with our partners in the United States, stopping the flow of drug trafficking in the Caribbean, supporting our allies in Ukraine and Eastern Europe, fighting terrorism in the Middle East or any other mission that the brave men and women in uniform are taking on, it is at this time of year we are especially thankful for their service.

Wherever they are deployed, at home or abroad, we wish all members of the Canadian Armed Forces a merry Christmas, happy Hanukkah, seasons greetings, and a healthy and prosperous new year.

Violence Against Women

[Anita Vandenbeld, Liberal, Ottawa West—Nepean, ON]

Mr. Speaker, 27 years ago today, I was a first year university student. I remember walking the halls between classes, hearing the gasps of students huddled around televisions as the news broke. A man walked into École Polytechnique in Montreal and shot and killed 14 young women just like me.

Across the country, Canadians, myself included, will take a moment today to mark the tragedy. I would like to commend those on the front line who day in and day out continue to support women survivors and those vulnerable to violence.

I am talking about organizations in my riding such as the NROC resource centre, whose counselling program provides isolated and victimized women a space where they can break that isolation. There are also the volunteers at Nelson House and other shelters in the area who work around the clock to help women in need.

I applaud the Grandmothers Advocacy Network and many other organizations for their work in ending gender-based violence.

Labourers' International Union of North America

[Peter Fonseca, Liberal, Mississauga East—Cooksville, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Labourers' International Union of North America Local 183.

Founded in 1952, LiUNA represents workers from every aspect of construction, the men and women who build Canada's roads and bridges, schools and hospitals, railroads and pipelines.

By surpassing the 50,000 members milestone, it is the biggest local in North America. Since 2011, the executive board, led by their business manager Jack Oliveira, put an emphasis on strengthening their membership, not just for the workers but for their families. They have worked tirelessly to ensure workers have fair wages and safe working conditions. They have worked together with employers as well as municipalities, the provincial governments, and federal governments to achieve better regulation and strong policing of work sites.

With this growth, Local 183 will continue to provide best in class pensions and benefits for its members and retirees, and reach its next goal of 55,000 members by 2020.

I congratulate Jack Oliveira and his team on this great achievement and the many more to come.

Commander of the French Legion of Honour

[Rob Nicholson, Conservative, Niagara Falls, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise in the House to recognize that the Right Hon. Brian Mulroney, Canada's 18th prime minister, will be the first Canadian prime minister to be named a Commander of the French Legion of Honour.

The award is France's highest honour, which was established by Napoleon in 1802. Mr. Mulroney is being recognized for, among other things, strengthening of the ties between Canada and France.

The very fact that his leadership is being recognized yet again on the world stage speaks to the magnitude of the impact that Mr. Mulroney made as Canada's prime minister. He was the first western leader to stand up against apartheid, the first to call for the release of Nelson Mandela, and the first to recognize the independence of Ukraine.

To be named a Commander of the French Legion of Honour is yet another great achievement for Canada's 18th prime minister, the Right Hon. Brian Mulroney.

I cannot say enough how proud I am to have served in his government. I ask my colleagues to please join with me in celebrating Mr. Mulroney's latest accomplishment.

Alex and Riley Mercer

[Ken McDonald, Liberal, Avalon, NL]

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the Mercer family of Conception Bay South. In 2002, Bernie and Louise lost their daughter Alex to a rare form of brain cancer at the age of nine. Eleven years later, the Mercers lost their second child, Riley, to the same terrible disease at the age of 15.

Such tremendous loss devastated so many, but with the support of friends, family, and community, they have worked hard to ensure Alex and Riley's memory lives on. Even in light of such tragedy and heartbreak, the Mercers displayed incredible courage and love.

This Saturday, I will join the Mercers for one of many events that they organize, the third annual Christmas Toy Drive in Riley's name.

Giving back to the community while paying tribute to their children is now Bernie and Louise's passion.

It is my pleasure to stand in this House and recognize such a remarkable family. I invite all members to join me in thanking them for their commitment and dedication.

Violence Against Women

[Alexandra Mendes, Liberal, Brossard—Saint-Lambert, QC]

Mr. Speaker, on this 27th anniversary of the Montreal massacre, as we pay tribute to the 14 young women who lost their lives on that awful December 6, it is time to reflect on what progress has been made since. I want to mention here the Coalition for Gun Control, an organization that focuses on preventing gun-related crime.

With the significant legislative changes made by the Liberal government in the 1990s to 2012, gun-related homicides of women dropped, as did gun-related suicides, especially among young people. Unfortunately, there were major setbacks in the final years of the Conservative government, including the number of restricted weapons owned by individuals, which practically doubled. There are now more than 800,000 across the country.

In memory of the 14 young women killed on December 6, 1989, we must do better.

National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women

[Sylvie Boucher, Conservative, Beauport—Côte-de-Beaupré—Île d’Orléans—Charlevoix, QC]

Mr. Speaker, we have been marking the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women for 25 years now, following the tragic events of the École Polytechnique massacre in Montreal on December 6, 1989.

Unfortunately, once again this year, too many women have been killed or have been abused simply because they are women. Violence affects women all over the world, regardless of their age, socio-economic status, and education level.

A country like Canada should be a world leader when it comes to taking action to address violence against women and setting an example right here. No one who lives in Canada should tolerate any form of violence or intimidation committed against the girls and women in our families, our workplaces, or in public places.

To all women who have ever been victims of violence, I wish them courage, while we remember those we have lost.

Christian Brun

[Serge Cormier, Liberal, Acadie—Bathurst, NB]

Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I inform the House that a remarkable man, Christian Brun, has passed away.

Christian was the director general of the Maritime Fishermen's Union and had been working in the fisheries sector since 2004. He was also the president of the Canadian Independent Fish Harvester's Federation. We had the opportunity to meet Christian many times since forming government. He vigorously defended fishers' interests and his efforts always resulted in concrete solutions.

The fisheries have lost a strong advocate, but his voice will continue to resonate forever.

As the member for Acadie—Bathurst and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, I join the minister in offering my most sincere condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Christian Brun.

Rest in peace, Christian.

Violence Against Women

[Thomas Mulcair, NDP, Outremont, QC]

Mr. Speaker, on December 6, 1989, l'École polytechnique in Montreal was the scene of a terrible act: 14 female engineering students were murdered because they were women and dared to aspire to have a so-called man's job. It is a tragedy that we must never forget.

Despite all the struggles of the past decades, we have not eliminated the violence and inequality experienced by women. Every day, women face discrimination and cyberbullying, and have to fight for pay equity.

Many groups are advocating for women's rights and self-fulfillment. I would like to point out the work of Pixelles, an organization that helps women find their place in video gaming, a new area of technology dominated by men.

The best way to commemorate the Polytechnique tragedy is to firmly oppose any form of discrimination and violence against women.

National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women

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

Mr. Speaker, today, December 6, is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women.

Twenty-seven years ago today, 14 women were killed in cold blood at École polytechnique in Montreal. This sad anniversary marks a dark day in Canada's history, and we will never forget the victims of those crimes.

However, our observance today strengthens our resolve to end violence against women. This is a duty that calls us all to action, men and women, government and business, community organizations, and everyday citizens, because remembrance is not enough. We need concrete actions. As parliamentarians, we have the power to help women who have been the target of violence, whether it is verbal, emotional, or physical.

Today, and every day, let us work together, men and women, to end violence against women.

[Anju Dhillon, Liberal, Dorval—Lachine—LaSalle, QC]

Mr. Speaker, December 6 is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women.

This day was established so that we never forget the young women who lost their lives at École polytechnique in Montreal just because they were women.

Violence against women is still as relevant today. Even though 27 years has passed, the shock our nation felt that day remains with us. We join with the families and friends of these young women, with the people of Montreal, and with all Canadians mourning their loss.

Every action that we take to put an end to violence counts. Together, we can build a society where women and girls are treated equally and with respect.

Every action we take in our communities to stop gender-based violence matters.

[The Speaker, Liberal, Geoff Regan]

Following discussions among representatives of all parties in the House, I understand that there is agreement to observe a moment of silence.

I now invite the House to rise and observe a minute of silence in memory of the victims of the tragic event that happened 27 years ago at École Polytechnique in Montreal.

[A moment of silence observed]

Indigenous Affairs

[Rona Ambrose, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, it has been nearly a year since the inquiry into missing and murdered indigenous women was announced, and families are now saying they are being left in the dark.

Conservatives support the inquiry, but it is also our job to hold the government to account. There is no website, barely any staff has been hired, and no testimony will be heard until at least spring at the earliest, yet indigenous women are still suffering and there is no interim plan in place to help them.

Can the Prime Minister explain what action has been taken to help at-risk indigenous women?

[Scott Brison, Liberal, President of the Treasury Board]

Mr. Speaker, our government is deeply committed to renewing the relationship with indigenous people, and we are delivering on our promise to implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's call to action.

In this year alone, we launched the national inquiry into missing and murdered indigenous women and girls, have launched an overhaul of the child welfare system, made historic investments in first nations education of over $8 billion in budget 2016, and supported the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

This is just the beginning, and we are committed to making meaningful progress toward true reconciliation.