Debates of April 15th, 2016

Status of Women

[Anju Dhillon, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary for Status of Women]

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for her question.

I was honoured to be part of the Canadian delegation at the UN Commission on the Status of Women. I am proud to have had the opportunity to work with other nations to give women and girls all over the world the tools they need to reach their full potential.

I am especially proud that Canada was elected to be a member of the commission, which means it will be able to participate more vigorously in defending and promoting the rights of women and girls around the world.

Health

[Harold Albrecht, Conservative, Kitchener—Conestoga, ON]

Mr. Speaker, by international standards, Canada has fewer doctors specializing in palliative care than countries such as the U.S. or Australia.

Out of 77,000 physicians in Canada, a recent survey identified only 51 palliative care specialists, as well as 123 family physicians whose practices focus on palliative care.

Where is the evidence that the Liberals have any concrete plans to address this crucial issue of palliative care?

[Jane Philpott, Liberal, Minister of Health]

Mr. Speaker, I thank the member opposite for his question and for his advocacy on behalf of the matter of palliative care.

Yesterday in this House, we were pleased to present new legislation which will address the needs of Canadians at the end of their lives.

We acknowledged in our communications yesterday that Canada has a long way to go in making sure that all Canadians have access to high quality care at the end of life, including palliative care.

I am determined to work with my colleagues in the provinces and territories. We are determined to make the investments necessary to make sure that all Canadians have access to the care that they need at the end of their lives.

[Harold Albrecht, Conservative, Kitchener—Conestoga, ON]

Mr. Speaker, in reference to the Supreme Court of Canada decision yesterday, our Minister of Health stated that the Liberals need to confront the fact that access to high quality palliative care is available in a very patchy manner across the country.

While Liberals keep talking about their commitment to palliative care, their free spending budget does not earmark one single dollar for it.

Why do the Liberals continue to break their promises by saying one thing and then doing another?

[Jane Philpott, Liberal, Minister of Health]

Mr. Speaker, it has been clear since the time that we campaigned, and from the beginning of the time that we formed government, that we are committed to making sure that Canadians have access to the health care services they need.

We are investing in home care. We have committed to investing $3 billion in home care. I have spoken with my colleagues in the provinces and territories to make sure that palliative care is part of that package.

We will make sure that Canadians have access to the palliative care they need. We will make sure it is accessible across this country. I am determined to do so.

Indigenous Affairs

[Cathy McLeod, Conservative, Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo, BC]

Mr. Speaker, the Daniels decision by the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that 600,000 Métis and non-status Indians are under federal jurisdiction.

This decision will create profound fiscal obligations, and any prudent government would have analyzed the full implications.

Will the minister share with Canadians what the projected costs of the decision will be?

[Yvonne Jones, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs]

Mr. Speaker, in this new chapter of relations between Canada and our indigenous people, we certainly welcome the ruling and the clarity that this ruling gives.

We support and respect all indigenous people in this country, including first nations, Métis, and Inuit. This will be another chapter in which we will be able to lift up indigenous people throughout the country and maintain good on our commitment as a Liberal government in Canada.

[Cathy McLeod, Conservative, Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo, BC]

Mr. Speaker, not only will there be significant costs from the decision, there will be increased complexity in the development of our natural resources.

Once again, any prudent government would have anticipated the implications of the decision. Will the minister explain how this will impact our critical natural resource development and the processes?

[Yvonne Jones, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs]

Mr. Speaker, I reject the concept that acknowledging indigenous people and clarifying their rights within our country is an impediment to development of any resources.

[Some hon. members]

Oh, oh!

[The Deputy Speaker, Conservative, Bruce Stanton]

Order. The hon. parliamentary secretary.

[Yvonne Jones, Liberal, Labrador, NL]

Mr. Speaker, in fact, if we are ever to move away from the colonialism that we have experienced over the many years of this country in dealing with indigenous governments and people, we have to start thinking differently to get a different result.

The Environment

[Gord Johns, NDP, Courtenay—Alberni, BC]

Mr. Speaker, Vancouver Islanders are happy to see the government listen to the NDP calls to remove a sinking 100-foot derelict tug from a sensitive area in my riding.

The problem is that there is still no plan to deal with more than 400 other abandoned vessels. These pose a threat not only to the environment but also to the economy of coastal communities like mine. A boat-by-boat approach simply will not cut it.

When will the government present a national strategy to deal with abandoned and derelict vessels?

[Kate Young, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport]

Mr. Speaker, we want to make sure that everybody realizes that Transport Canada is working with its partners to develop options to address the issue of abandoned vessels and wrecks that can pose environmental and safety risks and cause local economic harm, for example, loss of revenue from reduced tourism.

We are on top of it. We are taking care of it.

[Sheila Malcolmson, NDP, Nanaimo—Ladysmith, BC]

Mr. Speaker, we need a national plan, not a ship-by-ship approach, and not more talking.

While the sinking tug that my colleague referred to was removed, it was towed to Ladysmith Harbour, along with dozens of other derelict vessels.

Last year, NDP MP Jean Crowder introduced the kind of comprehensive coast-wide solution that this country needs. Last year, the Liberal Party supported it, including the Prime Minister.

Why the delay? Will the government adopt our bill and finally deal with abandoned vessels?

[Kate Young, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport]

Mr. Speaker, to reiterate, Transport Canada continues the process. We have consulted on a possible regime to address the hazardous wrecks, and we are incorporating feedback into the development of a comprehensive approach. We would want nothing less.

The cost of removing these vessels can be high and often beyond the capacity of local communities and marinas. We realize that this is an issue, and we are making sure that we address it as quickly as possible.

Intergovernmental Relations

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

Mr. Speaker, the Liberal budget is almost completely silent on interprovincial trade. Now, interprovincial trade represents about 20% of our GDP, a great chance for us to grow our economy. An agreement on internal trade was supposed to be announced at the end of March, but here we are, weeks later, and still the government is radio silent.

The minister claims that they are close to a new deal, but we do not know exactly when. Can the minister please advise this place as to when we can expect a new agreement on internal trade?

[Greg Fergus, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation]

Mr. Speaker, as the member knows, as he was at the industry committee yesterday, the minister is continuing his discussions with the provinces on working on an agreement on internal trade.

We know it is important. We know it would be an advantage to Canada to create greater growth, better productivity, and sharing our goods and services across our provincial and territorial borders. We are working very hard on the issue.

As the member knows, there are many parties to this deal, and therefore the negotiations get a little complex. I am glad to hear that the hon. member and his party would be supportive of any agreement on internal trade.

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

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate that they are working hard, but by the same token, Canadians are being left without. We are seeing foreign direct investment at record paces out of this country. That means it is going to be up to domestic producers to scale up. This is the perfect opportunity, a debt-free way, for us to grow our economy.

What is the holdup? Why is the government continuing to stall on something that could be very good for our economy?

[Greg Fergus, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation]

Mr. Speaker, I am glad to say that as of October 19, 2015, the top-down, command-and-order approach to negotiating is over.

This is a government that believes in working in partnership with our partners. To have an agreement on internal trade among the provinces and territories requires discussion in good faith. That is what is happening. This is what this government is going to deliver. We are looking forward to the support of all members for an agreement on internal trade.

Wine Industry

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

Mr. Speaker, in 1994, the government put in place a specialized labelling exemption that allows wine bottled in Canada but made from non-Canadian grapes to be labelled as “cellared in Canada”. This was to be an interim measure while our Canadian industry took root, but 22 years later, our industry is thriving and making international award winning wine. The “cellared in Canada” designation devalues the Canadian wine brand and is misleading for consumers.

Will the government commit to reviewing this decades-old interim measure and ensure truth in labelling for Canadian wines?

[Greg Fergus, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation]

Mr. Speaker, this is an issue which we are taking a look at. I would have to take the question under advisement and consult with officials. I would be happy to speak with the member at any time outside of the House.

Health

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

Mr. Speaker, as you may know, the Town of Newmarket recently proclaimed national health and fitness day to be held on the first Saturday of every June, this year on June 4. This initiative is a growing recognition to enhance the health and fitness of constituents and all Canadians. Many local councils across Canada have taken part, all with the goal of raising awareness to celebrate and promote the importance of health. Physical activity and healthy eating go hand in hand.

Will the Minister of Health please tell me what the Government of Canada is doing to promote healthy lifestyles across Canada?

[Jane Philpott, Liberal, Minister of Health]

Mr. Speaker, as a family doctor, a parent, and the Minister of Health, I know that healthy lifestyles are key to a high quality of life. That is why our government is committed to restricting commercial marketing of unhealthy food and beverages to children, regulations to eliminate trans fats, and to reduce salt in processed foods, all while improving food labels to support Canadians in making healthy choices.

In the months ahead, I look forward to working with the provinces and territories and all members of the House, including my neighbour and hon. colleague from Newmarket—Aurora, to build a better and healthier Canada.

Democratic Reform

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

Mr. Speaker, the minister claimed last night that her consultations with Canadians have revealed eight consensus principles to guide electoral reform. We have seen no evidence of these supposed consultations, so it would be awfully nice if she could share the process, what it has been, if indeed one exists at all.

One piece of public consultation that we have seen is the poll showing that by a four-to-one margin, Canadians demand a referendum on any voting change, whereas only 17% think it is okay for the Liberals to impose a new voting system without a referendum. Therefore, will the Liberals stop posturing and hold a referendum?