Debates of March 9th, 2016

Foreign Affairs

[Pam Goldsmith-Jones, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs]

Mr. Speaker, our engagement with Iran does not mean we agree with its government. Also, to boycott Iran will not help Israel.

While we reduced some sanctions on Iran, together with our allies, related to progress in shutting down its nuclear program, we also added sanctions that targeted its ballistic missile program. Again, we did this in complete coordination with our allies.

We will continue to apply pressure on Iran to end its unacceptable missile development program, and we will continue to be strong friends with Israel.

Air Transportation

[Alexandre Boulerice, NDP, Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the aerospace industry is vital for Quebec. In the Montreal region alone, one out of every 100 jobs is associated with this industry. However, the Liberals do not seem to understand that.

During the election campaign, they did not present any plan or strategy for this sector. Nothing. What is more, we are still waiting for news on the Bombardier file. The industry is fragile right now and job losses are mounting.

When will the Liberal government wake up, support the Quebec economy and its workers, and present a real action plan for the aerospace industry?

[Navdeep Bains, Liberal, Minister of Innovation]

Mr. Speaker, our government understands and supports the aerospace sector. It is a sector that employs 180,000 people, not only in Montreal or Quebec but across Canada. It is a sector that contributes $29 billion to our GDP. That is why we take very seriously the engagement with Bombardier.

On December 11, it approached the federal government officially in writing to ask for up to $1 billion. We are doing our due diligence. We are looking at the business case. We understand the importance of not only Bombardier but this sector and we will ensure that any decision that we make will be in the best interests of Canadians and Quebeckers.

Infrastructure

[Mark Eyking, Liberal, Sydney—Victoria, NS]

Mr. Speaker, the port of Sydney has long been an essential asset to the economy of Cape Breton. Studies have shown that construction of a second marine berth in the harbour will greatly enhance port traffic, especially in the cruise ship sector.

My question is for the Minister of Infrastructure. Does the minister see this project of a second berth for the port of Sydney as the type of project worthy of consideration for infrastructure?

[Amarjeet Sohi, Liberal, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities]

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the member for Sydney—Victoria for his continued hard work regarding this project.

We know there are significant benefits to infrastructure investment. That is why our government has committed to add $60 billion of new money into infrastructure over the next 10 years. We understand that well planned infrastructure investments in regions like Cape Breton generate economic growth, create jobs, and leave a lasting legacy for Canadians.

I have met with my counterparts in Nova Scotia, and we will continue to work together on our shared infrastructure priorities.

Air Transportation

[Maxime Bernier, Conservative, Beauce, QC]

Mr. Speaker, during the election campaign, the Liberals promised to raise the bar on transparency, but yesterday there was a dramatic turn of events.

The Liberal members of the Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology voted unanimously against a motion that we moved to invite Bombardier to testify before the committee. Committee members wanted to know why Bombardier needed $1.2 billion in support.

My question today is for the chair of the Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology. Why is he determined to prevent Bombardier from testifying before parliamentarians?

[Navdeep Bains, Liberal, Minister of Innovation]

Mr. Speaker, as the member knows, committees are independent. The point that he has raised is an important one—

[Some hon. members]

Oh. oh!

[The Speaker, Liberal, Geoff Regan]

Order, please. We have been doing so well. It has been a good a day. We cannot hear the answer. Let us settle down and listen to the answer from the hon. Minister of Economic Development.

[Navdeep Bains, Liberal, Mississauga—Malton, ON]

Mr. Speaker, the point that the member has raised is an important one. He understands and appreciates that our government is open and transparent. I am glad to hear that the member understands this. The member also understands that he has an opportunity in committee to talk about these issues.

One thing I can assure the member is that we will continue to engage with that company because we understand the importance of this sector. We understand the importance of creating jobs. We have a plan not only for the company and the sector, but we have a plan for all Canadians when it comes to growing the economy, and that will be demonstrated in our budget on March 22.

Railway Transportation

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

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Transport and it pertains to a critical threat to the survival of VIA Rail and our coast to coast service.

The previous minister of transportation convened a panel, chaired by former cabinet minister David Emerson, and it has now reported. Shockingly, it recommends that the Liberal government kill passenger rail service between Toronto and Vancouver. This transcontinental train, the Canadian, is an essential part of Sir John A. Macdonald's national dream.

Could the minister confirm that the government will protect VIA Rail, and restore and invest in our trans-Canada rail service?

[Marc Garneau, Liberal, Minister of Transport]

Mr. Speaker, it is important that other levels of government and stakeholders have an opportunity to read the CTA review report and share their perspectives on its findings before we address specific recommendations.

I have been mandated by the Prime Minister to respond to the review. I can assure Canadians that this government is committed to developing the best approach to delivering a safe, efficient, and reliable passenger rail service in Canada from coast to coast.

Presence in Gallery

[The Speaker, Liberal, Geoff Regan]

I would like to draw the attention of hon. members to the presence in the gallery of the Hon. Donald Arseneault, Minister of Energy and Mines, Minister responsible for Efficiency NB, and Minister responsible for Official Languages for the province of New Brunswick.

[Some hon. members]

Hear, hear!

[Scott Reid, Conservative, Lanark—Frontenac—Kingston, ON]

Mr. Speaker, there have been widespread consultations, indeed, the widest consultations that have taken place in this Parliament. I think on a day like today, when we are all communicating together, we can all agree upon the importance of accepting a document produced by the Department of Finance Canada, the “Fiscal Monitor”, showing that we had a surplus of $2.2 billion at the end of 2015.

[The Speaker, Liberal, Geoff Regan]

Is there unanimous consent?

[Some hon. members]

Agreed.

No.

Oral Questions

[Maxime Bernier, Conservative, Beauce, QC]

Mr. Speaker, earlier, I asked the chair of the Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology a question. In the House, when the person to whom a question is addressed is present, it is customary for that person to answer. I would like that person to answer my question today.

[The Speaker, Liberal, Geoff Regan]

The hon. member has plenty of experience here. He knows that the government can decide who will answer questions. We must also determine whether the question itself was in order. It may not have been.

The House resumed from March 8 consideration of the motion.

Opposition Motion—Air Transportation

[The Speaker, Liberal, Geoff Regan]

It being 3:27 p.m., pursuant to order made on Tuesday, March 8 the House will now proceed to the taking of the deferred recorded division on the motion relating to the business of supply.

Call in the members.

And the bells having rung:

[The Speaker, Liberal, Geoff Regan]

The question is as follows. Shall I dispense?

[Some hon. members]

Agreed.

No.

[The Speaker, Liberal, Geoff Regan]

[Chair read text of motion to House]

(The House divided on the motion, which was negatived on the following division:)

Vote #21