House of Commons Hansard #32 of the 42nd Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was countries.
Opposition Motion—Office of Religious FreedomBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders
Conservative
Candice Bergen Conservative Portage—Lisgar, MB
Madam Speaker, I just returned from an international conference of parliamentarians in Berlin on combatting anti-Semitism.
Anti-Semitism is on the rise. People of Jewish faith are afraid to even wear their kipa to show their faith because of persecution and violence. We have to call it out, whether it is anti-Semitism, anti-Christianity, or anti-Islam. Anti-religious views and the negating of religious freedoms must be called out.
The Assistant Deputy Speaker NDP Carol Hughes
We will be resuming debate, but before we do that, I just want to advise the member for Brampton East that he will have only about five minutes, and then he will be able to resume debate after question period and the other orders of the day.
The hon. member for Brampton East.
Raj Grewal Liberal Brampton East, ON
Madam Speaker, I will be splitting my time with the hon. member for Don Valley East.
I am thankful for the opportunity to rise and draw attention to Canada's effort to promote and protect human rights, including freedom of religion or belief, which is central to Canada's foreign policy.
Indeed, Canada has made recognition of respect for diversity a priority, both at home and abroad. Canada's multi-ethnic and multi-faith heritage, as exemplified in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Canadian Multiculturalism Act, makes us well placed to share our experience internationally to help build a more tolerant, peaceful, and prosperous world. As the right hon. Prime Minister has said, Canada is strong, not in spite of our differences but because of them. It is this very principle that will be at the heart of both our success as a country and in what we offer the world.
As Canadians, we know that diversity is not an obstacle to be overcome or a collective difficulty to be tolerated, but rather it is a tremendous source of strength. More than one-fifth of Canadians are foreign born, yet they choose to immigrate to Canada. Our largest city, Toronto, is considered one of the most multicultural cities in the world, with more than half of the population born outside of our borders. My home riding of Brampton East is the second-most diverse riding in the entire country. Canada's story, while imperfect, is demonstrative that diversity, pluralism, and acceptance, regardless of place of birth, mother tongue, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or belief, is a proven path to peace and prosperity.
The mandate letters for the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of International Development include championing the values of inclusiveness, accountable governance, peaceful pluralism, respect for diversity, and human rights, including the rights of women and refugees.
Our government has already engaged with many domestic stakeholders and international stakeholders in this regard, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. Today the Minister of Foreign Affairs is proud to be hosting, in Ottawa, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. To date, all have been supportive of this Canadian foreign policy as a priority to protect human rights. Canada is an example for many. Respect for diversity is a global issue that concerns us all, given the misguided belief by some that diversity in all its forms, whether cultural, religious, ethnic, political, or social is a threat.
Unfortunately, there is a worrying global trend regarding intolerance and discrimination. The latest report from Freedom Health underscores that global freedoms have declined for the tenth year in a row. Restrictions on religion and social hostilities directed at various religious minorities, which contribute to this global trend, also continue to rise. Recent data from the widely respected Pew Research forum shows that in 2013, 77% of the world's population, some 5.5 billion people, lived in countries with high or very high levels of restriction on religion, an increase from an already high 68% in 2007. These can include both government restrictions and social hostilities involving religion.
Discrimination in all its forms causes suffering, spreads division, and contributes to a climate of fear, intolerance, and stigmatization. Discriminatory actions motivated by intolerance have no place in any country and are in opposition to values such as respect for diversity and justice.
This troubling reality argues for new and collaborative global efforts to foster peaceful pluralism and respect for diversity and oppose intolerance and discrimination. In this regard, Canada is a useful model and has much to share and contribute.
Fortunately, Canada is not alone in such efforts. We can partner with and engage with like-minded countries, United Nations bodies, multilateral forums such as the G7 and G20, the Commonwealth, La Francophonie, and with civil society to promote pluralism and diversity internationally. All have a role to play and can be important collaborators of global re-engagement of peaceful pluralism, respect for diversity, and human rights.
The Office of Religious Freedom was established in 2013 to protect and advocate on behalf of religious communities under threat, oppose religious hatred and intolerance, and promote the Canadian values of pluralism, respect for diversity abroad—
The Speaker Liberal Geoff Regan
I apologize for interrupting the hon. member, but he will have five minutes remaining in his remarks when we resume the debate after question period.
Xavier Barsalou-Duval Bloc Pierre-Boucher—Les Patriotes—Verchères, QC
Mr. Speaker, on March 30, we will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Montreal Canadiens' first Stanley Cup win. I would like to take this opportunity to express my deep admiration for the team and everything it has done to help lead Quebec toward emancipation.
One hundred years ago, francophones were vigorously oppressed both politically and economically. That oppression still rears its head today, but it is different. The Habs gave Quebec francophones a team of their own, and the team enabled many Quebeckers to rise above their circumstances and display their great talent. That is how they created the legend of the blue, white, and red.
With a record 24 Stanley Cup wins, the Habs have been an inspiration to the Quebec nation, and their success belongs to all Quebeckers.
René Arseneault Liberal Madawaska—Restigouche, NB
Mr. Speaker, today we mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. This scourge still affects many Canadians. The UN recently examined contemporary forms of racism and intolerance, which are much easier to disseminate via the Internet.
In this context, I would like to commend the efforts of a law professor named Michel Doucet and everyone who signed his letter. Last week Mr. Doucet wrote to the CBC to denounce the hateful, anti-French comments being made about Acadians in New Brunswick, comments that had been posted anonymously on the CBC website. A number of mayors and senators in my riding also showed their support by signing the letter.
As a result of this initiative, the CBC announced that it would stop allowing anonymous comments on its website. We applaud this new policy, which will solve at least part of the problem.
Colleagues, as we in New Brunswick celebrate how proud we are to be francophone this week, let us all make an effort to denounce and fight racism and intolerance in all forms.
Harold Albrecht Conservative Kitchener—Conestoga, ON
Mr. Speaker, spring officially arrived yesterday, and I have seen my first robin of the year. Along with spring comes some very important celebrations. `
In two weeks, on April 2, I will once again have the privilege of serving at the Elmira Maple Syrup Festival. This is the world's largest one-day maple syrup festival. The thousands of pancakes flooded with fresh maple syrup are something one does not want to miss. In fact, if Mr. Speaker would join me in Conestoga on April 2, I will be happy to serve him personally, and any one of my colleagues in the House.
Not only is the festival filled with good food, sugarbush tours, pancake-flipping contests, and many other activities for all ages, the money raised from the festival goes to support local service groups which provide help and hope to those who are in a tough spot.
Speaking of hope, this coming weekend is Easter. A message of reconciliation, redemption, and hope is seen powerfully in the story of Good Friday and Easter.
I wish all of my colleagues a happy and hope-filled Easter.
Peter Fragiskatos Liberal London North Centre, ON
Mr. Speaker, today I am pleased to stand to recognize Greek Independence Day, which takes place on March 25.
Canada is home to more than 250,000 Canadians of Greek heritage. As the son of Greek immigrants, I am extremely proud to call myself a member of this vibrant community.
In 1821, after more than 400 years of foreign occupation, the Greek people fought back and won their liberty. Of course, there have been challenges since: World II and a Nazi occupation, a brutal civil war, and a divisive period of military rule. Yet, all of this was overcome.
The economic downturn that Greece has experienced since 2008 will also be overcome. Greece is a resilient country and home to resilient people.
The Greeks use the word “zito” or “long live”. So today I say,
[Member speaks in Greek ]
Zito Ellas. Zito Canada.
Efharisto poli kirye prodere.
And before the Speaker says that it is all Greek to him, this simply means, “Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.”
Carol Hughes NDP Algoma—Manitoulin—Kapuskasing, ON
Mr. Speaker, despite all the progress made in Canada, we still have a long way to go to fight racism in all of its forms. In addition to being cruel and unfair, racism has adverse social, psychological, physical, and economic effects.
Every day, racism creates divisions in society that affect individuals, communities, and the country as a whole. Racism creates barriers, limits participation, reduces productivity, and makes us all the poorer.
In Canada, systemic racism towards indigenous peoples is a sad part of our heritage that cannot be seen as anything other than shameful.
As we mark the 140th anniversary of the Indian Act, the current climate of optimism must be tempered with an equal dose of reality. Only a true nation-to-nation dialogue will be the foundation of any solutions that address historic wrongdoings.
In this House, we have a special role to play. As representatives of our communities and regions, we must always challenge ourselves to recognize discrimination and racism in its many forms, and do our utmost to combat it through our work, words, and actions.
Sonia Sidhu Liberal Brampton South, ON
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight some of the great work happening in Brampton South at Sheridan College. At the Davis Campus a few weeks ago I had the opportunity to tour the Centre for Advanced Manufacturing and Design Technologies, the Centre for Healthy Communities, and the EIRC clinic. My favourite part was learning more about how 3-D printing technology can be applied to the health care field. I want to thank the staff at Sheridan College, especially Dr. Rayegani, Mr. Benmergui, and Dr. Zabudsky, for arranging the tour. The innovative work that is taking place at Sheridan College will make Canadians healthier and smarter.
I am very proud of our government's innovation agenda led, by the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and the Minister of Science. Together, we are making real change happen.
Karen Vecchio Conservative Elgin—Middlesex—London, ON
Mr. Speaker, whether it is the Hart Memorial and Art Ross Trophy winner Joe Thornton, Olympic gold medalist Dave Willsie, Vancouver Canucks' Bo Horvat, or Olympic curling coach Jim Waite, my uncle, Elgin—Middlesex—London has some of the finest Canadian athletes.
Today I would like to celebrate one of the best in the world. Currently holding one world record and seven Canadian records, Gordie Michie is making waves in the pool. The son of Gordon and Linda Michie, Gordie started swimming at the age of 14 and shortly afterward decided he wanted to enter into competitive swimming. He joined the Jumbo Jets in his hometown of St. Thomas, led by coach Penny Bosma.
Trying to keep up with Gordie's accomplishments is a real feat, since he has won hundreds of medals, trophies, and ribbons. His most recent accomplishment was at the 2015 Toronto Parapan Am Games, where he won gold, silver, and two bronze medals. This April, Gordie will be diving into the pool to reach his Olympic dreams. Starting April 5, Gordie will be competing in the Olympic trials to represent Canada in Rio.
On behalf of the constituents of Elgin—Middlesex—London and all Canadians, we wish Gordie the best on his road to Rio. Bring home the gold.
Peter Schiefke Liberal Vaudreuil—Soulanges, QC
Mr. Speaker, a sure sign that spring has officially arrived in Vaudreuil—Soulanges is the start of all the festivals and events that are so vital to our communities.
On the weekend, I had the honour of participating in the 7th annual St. Patrick's Day parade in Hudson, an event where the young and not-so-young are invited to be Irish for the day.
This year's parade was led by our grand marshal, Ted Bird; the Irishman of the year, Derek Johnson; our parade queen, Shannon Pine; and her princesses, Olivia O'Keeffe and Maria Isabel Massironi.
The opportunity to sport a green beard, wear a green bow tie, and delight in some of the great local Irish fares are just some of the reasons that the citizens of my riding look forward to it every year. The event is so popular that the quaint and historic town of Hudson jumps from a population of 5,000 to over 10,000 for the day.
I would like to thank the members of the organizing committee—Jim Beauchamp, Gary McKeown, Mike Klaiman, and Ken Doran—as well as all the volunteers who worked tirelessly to make it happen. Cheers.
John McKay Liberal Scarborough—Guildwood, ON
Mr. Speaker, I was saddened by the news of the attack at the Canadian Armed Forces recruitment centre in the member for Willowdale's riding on March 14.
I think I speak for all members of this House when I say that we are proud of the way CAF members showed bravery in the face of such a threat. This is what we have come to expect from the men and women in our military. Senseless violence has no place in our society. It is because of the work of the members of our armed forces that we enjoy peace, security, and freedom in Canada.
We stand with the Canadian Forces today and every day and we hope for a speedy recovery for those people who were injured in this senseless act of violence.
Michael Cooper Conservative St. Albert—Edmonton, AB
Mr. Speaker, it has been more than seven months since the four children of Alison Azer, formerly of St. Albert, were kidnapped by their father and taken to Kurdistan. They are in an area of escalating violence. With a spring offensive taking place as we speak, there is urgency for action, and I call on the government to use diplomatic and all other means necessary.
I also encourage all hon. members to join Alison after question period at a candlelight vigil in front of the Centennial Flame. Let us stand united in solidarity for the safe return of these four Canadian children.
Darrell Samson Liberal Sackville—Preston—Chezzetcook, NS
Mr. Speaker, yesterday, March 20, we celebrated the International Day of La Francophonie, which is an opportunity to celebrate our linguistic diversity and to appreciate just how closely the Acadian and French languages and cultures are intertwined with history and shared values. It is something that unites francophones around the world.
As the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, the secretary general of La Francophonie, said so well:
...let us seize the opportunity presented today, March 20, to make the language we share the language of resistance, by restoring meaning and power to the words that bind and unite us.
I would like to tell francophones around the world to consider immigrating to minority environments, such as Nova Scotia, if they are considering immigrating to Canada.
In order to safeguard our vibrancy, our language and our culture, we must fully include new Canadians.
International Day for the Elimination of Racial DiscriminationStatements By Members
Liberal
Gary Anandasangaree Liberal Scarborough—Rouge Park, ON
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
While we have made great strides in advancing racial equality, we must recognize that much work lies ahead as we strive to eradicate racism in Canada and around the world.
Today I want to highlight the systemic failures of our criminal justice system toward racialized groups, particularly our youth. The numbers are shocking and speak for themselves. Among federal inmates, 25.4% are indigenous men and women, and 36% of women in federal prisons are indigenous. The justice system failed over 1,200 missing and murdered indigenous women and girls and their families. Young black men are more likely to be stopped by police in major urban centres.
Our justice system is rooted in the rule of law and the protection of charter rights. These are important values cherished by all Canadians. Our system of justice is said to be blind, but for many marginalized, racialized groups, the reality is different.
I ask my colleagues to recommit our efforts to eradicate racism everywhere and most urgently within our criminal justice system.
Sylvie Boucher Conservative Beauport—Côte-de-Beaupré—Île dOrléans—Charlevoix, QC
Mr. Speaker, I would like to take the time to point out that yesterday, March 20, was the International Day of La Francophonie. Since Samuel de Champlain founded Quebec in 1608, the French language and culture have been part of Canada's DNA from coast to coast to coast.
Today, over 10 million French-speaking Canadians have taken their place in the sun, and the international Francophonie gives them a forum where they can share their pride in their culture and their hope for the future with the world.
The Francophonie is alive and well in Canada and in every country. It is a driving force of economic development and innovation, and it helps bring people together throughout the world. I am delighted to know that francophones and francophiles across Canada and around the world joined together in celebrating the International Day of La Francophonie.
Ali Ehsassi Liberal Willowdale, ON
Mr. Speaker, it was originally my intention to stand in the House today to recognize Nowruz, the first day of the vernal equinox, which is celebrated by more than 300 million people around the world. I planned to congratulate in particular Iranian-Canadians on the start of a new year filled with new possibilities for a community that contributes so thoroughly to Canada.
Instead, however, I rise today to acknowledge the unsettling events that unfolded in my riding last week, when an assailant approached the armed forces recruiting detachment in Willowdale and injured two members of our armed forces. I am happy to report that both Canadian Armed Forces members have fully recovered. However, the incident, as emphasized by the member for Scarborough—Guildwood, once again serves to remind us of the sacrifices our brave men and women in uniform make every day.
I would also like to acknowledge the Toronto Police Services and in particular the members of 32 Division, headquartered in Willowdale, for their much-needed co-operation—
Matthew Dubé NDP Beloeil—Chambly, QC
Mr. Speaker, I was saddened to learn, late last year, that the J'ai faim à tous les jours foundation would be ceasing operations.
Its founders, Serge Allaire and Monique Couture, will be taking a well-deserved rest. The foundation, created nearly 16 years ago, aims to ensure that disadvantaged children receive lunch at school. This helps children to focus on their education and take advantage of their time at school.
The foundation launched with a spaghetti supper at the École de Bourgogne, and since then, the foundation has built a name for itself thanks to its founders and its activities, such as the Karaté Don fundraiser, which I attended on Saturday.
I do want to mention that these children's needs will continue to be met. Organizations in the region will take up the foundation's cause to ensure that the mission of J'ai faim à tous les jours continues to be fulfilled. Nevertheless, it will be difficult, if not impossible, to replace the passion and dedication of Serge Allaire and Monique Couture.
That is why I pay tribute to them in the House today. On behalf of my constituents, I want to extend a special thank you to them.
International Day for the Elimination of Racial DiscriminationStatements By Members
Conservative
David Anderson Conservative Cypress Hills—Grasslands, SK
Mr. Speaker, 56 years ago today, a peaceful protest in apartheid South Africa ended in violence when 69 people were brutally killed for simply demanding the right to move about freely in their own country. Six years later, the UN declared March 21 the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Fifty years ago, the international community loudly proclaimed that such racial violence and discrimination was inexcusable.
Today that same message needs to be heard around the world. While many people now live free of discrimination based on the colour of their skin or their background, we should remember that many challenges remain.
For world leaders who have not completely rejected these ideologies, we hope that this day serves as an incentive to do better, to acknowledge their wrongdoing, reverse their approach, and reconcile their differences with those who have been wronged.
On this day of unity, we urge the Government of Canada to continue promoting Canada's compassion and tolerance globally so that all people have the opportunity to live freely.
International Day for the Elimination of Racial DiscriminationStatements By Members
Liberal
Iqra Khalid Liberal Mississauga—Erin Mills, ON
Mr. Speaker, today, on International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, let us remember that our skin colour may reflect the many shades of humanity, but our hearts all beat the same.
I am a young brown Muslim woman. My family is an immigrant family. I have faced the challenges, pain, and anger that racism can lead to.
I came to Canada in 1998 and struggled in this foreign land. Canadians opened their arms, and soon our house became our home, the neighbourhood our community, and this land our nation.
Today I stand as the member for Mississauga—Erin Mills and I am proud.
Canadians embrace diversity. In the words of our Prime Minister, we are “strong not in spite of our differences but because of them”.
We have come a long way but still have a long way to go. Let us strive to combat racism in all its forms and keep Canada the land of equal opportunity the world knows it to be.
Rona Ambrose ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, we know at least three things in tomorrow's budget: the Liberals plan to borrow a lot of money; the Liberals have no real plan to create the jobs we need today; and the Liberals will have to raise taxes because borrowed money has to be paid back. We know, with previous track records, that when Liberals spend a lot of money, it usually leads to waste and mismanagement.
Will the Prime Minister confirm that because of his mismanagement, Canadians will be stuck with his bills, and not just us, but our kids and our grandkids?
Justin Trudeau LiberalPrime Minister
Mr. Speaker, in last year's election campaign, Canadians had an opportunity to listen to the various perspectives that political parties put forward and the plans for the future of the country. We put forward a plan that focused on investing in our communities, helping the middle class, and creating growth in a way that would help all Canadians. That is exactly what we campaigned on. That is exactly what we are going to be delivering in tomorrow's budget.
We are comfortable with the fact that Canadians know we need investment and growth, because for 10 years they simply did not get that from the previous government.
Rona Ambrose ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister knows full well that we had the best growth record in the G7.
Unfortunately, tomorrow is shaping up to be a very expensive day for Canadians. When it comes to spending other people's money, the Liberals just cannot help themselves. They are borrowing billions of dollars. They have no plan to pay back this money, other than raising taxes, and across the country, hard-working Canadians and families are losing their jobs.
Does the Prime Minister think it is fair that average Canadians are digging deeper and deeper into their pockets to pay his bills?