Debates of Feb. 16th, 2016

Canada Labour Code

[Ramesh Sangha, Liberal, Brampton Centre, ON]

Mr. Speaker, people are working in factories, some are in unions and some are independent, without unions.

If somebody wants to form a union or work with a union, they should be free to take part in a union. There should be a free process, a free way of working. There should be a process to bring issues to the bargaining table. That is the best way to do it.

That is why we want to get these bills rescinded, and to move forward on Bill C-4.

[Dan Albas, Conservative, Central Okanagan—Similkameen—Nicola, BC]

Mr. Speaker, I have heard various Liberal members say that taking a secret ballot away will somehow make the labour movement stronger.

I would simply point out that seven provinces actually utilize the secret ballot in certifying or decertifying a union. Is this member saying that those seven provinces are wrong in how they deal with labour relations?

[Ramesh Sangha, Liberal, Brampton Centre, ON]

Mr. Speaker, again, repealing Bill C-377 and Bill C-525 is a priority of our mandate. These bills need to be rescinded. Bill C-4 is required to be passed. This will put collective bargaining on the table in a better way, and will be a benefit to the employees.

The Patriots of 1837-38

[Mario Beaulieu, Bloc, La Pointe-de-l'Île, QC]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, February 15, was a day of mourning in Quebec, in commemoration of the hanging of five Patriotes: François-Marie-Thomas Chevalier de Lorimier, Charles Hindelang, Pierre-Rémi Narbonne, Amable Daunais, and François Nicolas. The Patriotes of 1837-38 stood for justice and democracy and were republicans who refuted the monarchy's authority.

The fight for freedom took place across the world. The Patriotes did not hesitate to jump into an unequal fight, in the name of a good and noble cause, and the people of Quebec are still beholden to them.

To the men and women who gave their lives for our freedom, I say thank you. We will never forget.

To quote Chevalier de Lorimer's last words before he was hanged, “Long live freedom! Long live independence!”

Synergy Award

[Alaina Lockhart, Liberal, Fundy Royal, NB]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to welcome many pre-eminent Canadians to Ottawa today to receive prestigious prizes from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council. Their work has kept Canada in the forefront of discovery and innovation. I am honoured to announce that one of those researchers is a resident of the riding of Fundy Royal, which I proudly represent.

Mr. Greg Adams is a researcher with J.D. Irving, Limited. His work with J. David Miller of Carleton University has been awarded this year's Synergy award for research focused on finding an environmentally sensitive way to combat the negative impact of spruce budworm to the forestry and paper industries. Their discovery of an insect toxic strain of natural fungi has now been replicated in greenhouses and allowed J.D. Irving, Limited to mass-produce more than 100 million endophyte-enhancing seedlings. The resulting trees have demonstrated an increased tolerance to spruce budworm.

I would like to invite all members of the House to join me in a round of applause to recognize the important contributions to science and industry of these great researchers.

Rare Disease Day

[Tom Kmiec, Conservative, Calgary Shepard, AB]

Mr. Speaker, later this month, on February 29, we will mark Rare Disease Day. The day raises awareness of the estimated 2.7 million Canadians directly affected by over 6,000 rare diseases and disorders. That is roughly one in 12 persons. Of these diseases, 75% affect children, and 30% of those affected will die before their fifth birthday.

Speaking on behalf of a family affected by a rare disease called Alport syndrome, a rare genetic condition that leads to loss of hearing and kidney failure, I have seen first-hand the impact a rare disease can have on a family. I know the helplessness and the financial hardship parents can feel when facing an incurable condition that is affecting their child.

I want to thank the medical professionals and researchers who assist those affected by rare diseases and disorders every day.

On February 29, I invite all members to join me in joining the parents and families affected by rare diseases and having their voices heard.

The Economy

[Darshan Singh Kang, Liberal, Calgary Skyview, AB]

Mr. Speaker, I have been an Albertan for over 45 years. I have experienced the boom and bust cycle of the Alberta economy. I lived through the 1981 recession. My family and I lost everything. It took over two decades to rebuild. No family should have to go through these circumstances again, yet here we are with over 100,000 job losses.

Our Prime Minister and the Minister of Natural Resources know very well that Alberta energy resources are essential to our nation's economic prosperity. That is why they recently visited Alberta to consult with the provincial leaders and the energy sector. As we do not control the price of oil internationally, we know it is important to get our resources to tidewater.

I stand with my Alberta colleagues as a champion to get our resources to tidewater. However, we need to be responsible for our actions. I cannot agree to do the same things that did not benefit our resource sector for the past 10 years. Our government is committed to doing things differently to ensure prosperity for all Canadians.

Shooting at La Loche

[Georgina Jolibois, NDP, Desnethé—Missinippi—Churchill River, SK]

Mr. Speaker, when I first stood in this House and spoke about my community, I never could have imagined that the next time I would say the name of La Loche here would be in the wake of the painful events of January 22, 2016. As we learn more about what happened and the acts of heroism and courage by the people in my school, I am thankful to the local fire department, the RCMP, and the other first responders. On behalf of La Loche and northern Saskatchewan, I want to thank all Canadians who sent their thoughts and prayers to La Loche and the Clearwater River Dene Nation. I am thankful for the comfort they have given us, for the strength they have given us, and for the hope they have given us. With the help of the government and the support of all Canadians, together we can rebuild La Loche and the Clearwater River Dene Nation.

Mahsi cho.

E.W.R. Steacie Memorial Fellowship Award

[Joyce Murray, Liberal, Vancouver Quadra, BC]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the presence in the House of many pre-eminent Canadians who are this year's recipients of Canada's top researcher awards.

It is my honour to recognize a Vancouver Quadra constituent, Dr. Curtis Berlinguette from the University of British Columbia, who is receiving the E.W.R. Steacie Memorial Fellowship award. Curtis' work truly represents the next generation of discoverers and innovators. He is working at the nanoscale to design new materials for next-generation solar cells that turn sunlight into electricity efficiently and cost-effectively. This kind of innovation is exactly what our country needs to power the transition to a clean energy economy and help meet Canada's climate and economic goals.

I invite all members of the House to join me in a round of applause to recognize Dr. Berlinguette's important contributions and those of all the award winners.

Calgary Forest Lawn

[Deepak Obhrai, Conservative, Calgary Forest Lawn, AB]

Mr. Speaker, last week I attended numerous functions recognizing the contributions made by volunteers. These volunteers donate their time for the benefit of their fellow citizens, from mosques, churches, temples, and clubs to community associations to name a few organizations that enhance the quality of life in our community.

Today I wish to recognize the community associations of my riding of Calgary Forest Lawn: Southview, Abbeydale, Albert Park and Radisson Heights, Applewood Park, Crossroads-Mayland Heights-Vista Heights, Forest Heights, Forest Lawn, Marlborough Park, Marlborough, Penbrooke Meadows, Pineridge, Coral Springs, Monterey Park, Rundle, and Park Ridge Estates.

To all volunteers we say our heartfelt thanks.

Former Mayor of Mississauga

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

Mr. Speaker, this past Sunday, Valentine's Day, I had the opportunity to pay tribute to a great friend and public servant, someone who many in the House have known for over four decades, “Hurricane” Hazel McCallion, who turned a remarkable 95 years young on Valentine's Day.

As the longest serving mayor of Mississauga, Hazel built the city to become the sixth largest in Canada.

Born on the Gaspé coast, she has a remarkable energy and spirit that has taken on recessions and depressions, hurricanes and train derailments, from the ticker tape to a Twitter and YouTube sensation. She is a member of the Order of Canada, a pioneer for women. She is a model of our resilient Canadian spirit.

I wish a happy birthday to Hazel.

Heritage Day

[Colin Fraser, Liberal, West Nova, NS]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday marked the second annual Nova Scotia Heritage Day. Heritage Day is an annual reminder of our province's past and an opportunity to honour the remarkable people, places, and events that have contributed to our unique heritage.

The 2016 honouree was Joseph Howe, the self-taught owner of the Novascotian newspaper, who laid the foundation for the freedom of the press and who brought responsible government to Nova Scotia in 1848 as premier.

We are proud of our heritage in my riding of West Nova. The cultural diversity in my region plays a huge role in the history of our province and our country.

On behalf of my hon. colleagues, I want to congratulate Nova Scotians on observing Heritage Day 2016. In the years ahead I look forward to celebrating many other contributions that have enriched our province and make it such a great place to live.

Global TB Summit

[Dean Allison, Conservative, Niagara West, ON]

Mr. Speaker, last December, I was fortunate to take part in the second Global TB Summit in Cape Town, South Africa. This summit brought together 45 members of Parliament, senators, and representatives from over 30 countries, all dedicated to creating the political will to end tuberculosis in our lifetime. I saw first-hand the incredible work and services being delivered by the passionate health care providers.

Here in Canada, we often forget that TB is still a problem while new, drug-resistant strains have emerged. NGOs, like the Global Fund, rightly remind us of this reality as they fight to end TB around the world. As a strong partner, Canada should continue to provide the necessary resources to the Global Fund as it enters its new funding cycle.

I encourage the Government of Canada to continue its support for excellent NGOs like the Global Fund and to give our fair share to end TB once and for all.

Louis Riel

[Robert-Falcon Ouellette, Liberal, Winnipeg Centre, MB]

Mr. Speaker, it was a great day yesterday, not just because we spent time with family but because we honoured a great Canadian. In Manitoba, it is known as Louis Riel Day.

He was not just a Métis hero but a patriot who believed in the ideals of justice, love, respect, honesty, courage, humility, knowledge, and effort. He was an example to all Canadians, leading a province into Confederation even upon pain of death and at great personal sacrifice.

He believed in a society where, no matter one's creed, colour, culture, or religion, we all have a rightful place in this world.

With modern human values, he is a true Canadian hero. In his time, he was a traitor, but he is no longer. Hai hai.

National Flag of Canada Day

[Greg Fergus, Liberal, Hull—Aylmer, QC]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday was the 51st anniversary of Canada's national flag.

On that day in 1965, our flag was raised on Parliament Hill in Ottawa and in communities all over Canada for the first time.

Today, Canadians know that the maple leaf represents a free, bilingual, democratic, and diverse country, a country that we are proud to call our own. All around the world, it symbolizes openness and optimism. The Canadian flag unites us and represents our values and has done so for the past 51 years.

I encourage Canadians to gather together to celebrate this precious symbol not only on National Flag of Canada Day but throughout the year.

Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada Awards

[Steven Blaney, Conservative, Bellechasse—Les Etchemins—Lévis, QC]

Mr. Speaker, like my colleagues, I want to acknowledge the presence in Ottawa today of a number of exceptional Canadian researchers, including one from Bellechasse—Les Etchemins—Lévis, Professor Jean Caron, an expert in precision irrigation.

These researchers are the recipients of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada Awards, which honour excellence in research.

These men and women contribute to making our country a leader in discovery and innovation. They were chosen by their peers to receive these awards, including the Gerhard Herzberg Canada Gold Medal for Science and Engineering, which was awarded to Victoria Kaspi of McGill University, one of the best physicists in the world and the head of the McGill Pulsar Group.

I invite hon. members to congratulate these men and women who make us so proud.

Status of Women

[Deb Schulte, Liberal, King—Vaughan, ON]

Mr. Speaker, today l rise for the first time in this House to commemorate an important anniversary in Canadian history.

On February 15, 1930, Cairine Wilson was sworn in as Canada's first female senator. The appointment came just four months after judgment in a ground-breaking case in which Canada's Famous Five successfully appealed to the Privy Council of England to include women as persons under the law.

The Famous Five paved the way for future generations of women to engage in the political process.

Today, we are honoured to have, in Ottawa, Marcia McClung, granddaughter of Famous Five member Nellie McClung, who along with Donna Dasko and Ceta Ramkhalawansingh, will be attending a Famous Five reception this evening.

As a suffragist, activist, reformer, legislator, and author, Nellie McClung long fought for the political rights women now have today, giving women like me an opportunity to serve in this House. We thank her.

Events in Lac-Simon

[Christine Moore, NDP, Abitibi—Témiscamingue, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I want to extend my condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims of the tragic incident that took place last weekend in the Anishinabe community of Lac-Simon in Abitibi.

Twenty-six-year-old police officer Thierry Leroux died Saturday night after a police call went terribly wrong. Such heartbreaking incidents remind us of the risks that our police officers run every day in order to keep Canadians safe.

The people of Quebec are reeling from the shock and stand in solidarity with the people of Lac-Simon, as well as with all northern communities, the police services affected, and the families of the young men who died tragically last Saturday. It has been a very difficult time.

[Member spoke in aboriginal language and provided the following translation:]

The weekend's events are beyond tragic, but we must be strong for one another.

Thierry Leroux

[Alain Rayes, Conservative, Richmond—Arthabaska, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment in the House today to pay tribute to Thierry Leroux, a young 26-year-old police officer, who died Saturday in Lac-Simon, Abitibi.

Thierry Leroux had just recently finished his studies and was described as a smart young man, a positive leader, cheerful, respectful of others and respected by all. People also said that he loved his job and was a young man who lived life to the fullest. Thierry Leroux made the ultimate sacrifice to protect others.

I know that all members of this House join with me, as the deputy critic for public safety and as a father, in extending sincere condolences to Thierry Leroux's family, colleagues and friends.

Boutros Boutros-Ghali

[Arif Virani, Liberal, Parkdale—High Park, ON]

Mr. Speaker, today we mourn the loss of Egypt's Boutros Boutros-Ghali, former secretary-general of the United Nations.

Mr. Boutros-Ghali's storied legacy includes a vision of lasting peace for the Middle East and his role in the negotiation of the 1979 peace treaty between Egypt and Israel. He also led the UN through some of its greatest challenges, including the crises in Rwanda, Somalia, and the former Yugoslavia.

Furthermore, he authored a unique UN report, “An Agenda for Peace”, a document on conflict prevention and the process for achieving and maintaining peace, and other subsequent documents on development and democracy.

After leaving the UN, Mr. Boutros-Ghali was the secretary general of La Francophonie. In 2004 he was named the president of the new human rights council.

A global thinker, a distinguished diplomat, and a courageous statesman, Mr. Boutros-Ghali was a true champion for world peace.

We extend our deepest condolences to Mr. Boutros-Ghali's family, friends, and former UN colleagues at this most difficult time.

Shooting at Lac-Simon

[The Speaker, Liberal, Geoff Regan]

Following discussions among representatives of all parties in the House, I understand there is agreement to observe a moment of silence in reference to the shooting at Lac-Simon in Abitibi, Quebec.

I now invite all hon. members to rise.

[A moment of silence observed.]

National Defence

[Rona Ambrose, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, for the last year, our fighter jets have brought the fight to ISIS because it is the right thing to do, and it is still right thing to do. Why? It is because ISIS is still enslaving women and children; it is still throwing gays and lesbians off rooftops; it is still murdering anyone who has a different belief system.

The fight against ISIS is a just fight, but the Prime Minister is taking us out of the fight against ISIS.

If he will not fight terrorists, just when will he ever fight?

[Justin Trudeau, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, the fact is that this government and the party we represent has always understood that ISIS represents a threat to innocence in the region and to stability and security around the world. That is why Canada has an important role to play.

After we got elected, we spent three months consulting with our allies, talking about the best possible way Canada could help in stabilizing the region, about being there robustly and for the long haul. The comprehensive and strong plan we put forward last week, which highlights the role that Canada can play, is exactly what Canadians expect us to do.

[Rona Ambrose, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, training and diplomacy and humanitarian efforts are important, but they are not fighting. The Prime Minister thinks the only reason the Royal Canadian Air Force was fighting ISIS terrorists was that, as he said, Canada was whipping out our CF-18s to see how big they were.

He just does not get it. In this world, there are times when military action is necessary and fighting is necessary, but he has taken us out of that fight.

If he will not fight terrorists, just when will he ever fight?

[Justin Trudeau, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to highlight what Colonel Steve Warren, the spokesman for Operation Inherent Resolve, which is the U.S. version of Operation Impact, said.

He said:

We are not going to bomb our way out of this problem, right? It's never going to happen. So we've got enough bombers...but we can't lose sight of the fact that we have to train this Iraqi security force. This Iraqi army needs to be trained, it's one of our primary lines of effort and as we see nations like the Canadians agree to triple their presence, we find that extraordinarily helpful.

Canada is doing what our allies need us to do.