Debates of April 20th, 2016

[The Speaker, Liberal, Geoff Regan]

It being Wednesday, we will now have the singing of the national anthem led by the hon. member for Red Deer—Lacombe.

[Members sang the national anthem]

Aerospace Industry

[Gabriel Ste-Marie, Bloc, Joliette, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister is imposing closure today for the very first time, and he is doing so to attack Quebec's aerospace industry.

Why is he so determined to make trouble for one of Quebec's leading industries?

Instead of enforcing the existing law, the Prime Minister is changing it to help offenders export jobs out of Quebec even though he demonstrated alongside illegally terminated Aveos workers. Now he is ready to turn his back on them in an instant. This is outrageous.

When the government gives its word that it will sell armoured vehicles to Saudi Arabia, that is sacred, but when it gives its word to workers, that is a different kettle of fish. It is despicable for a government that says it wants to reform parliamentary democracy to use closure to trample on the rights of 2,600 families.

The more things change, the more they stay the same. This is not what the Liberals were voted in for. This has to change.

Debert, Nova Scotia

[Bill Casey, Liberal, Cumberland—Colchester, NS]

Mr. Speaker, in 1948, Paleo-Indian artifacts were discovered near the airfield in Debert, Nova Scotia. Subsequent excavations have revealed thousands of artifacts, and radiocarbon dating indicates that the community was inhabited around 13 and a half thousand years ago. This makes Debert the oldest known human settlement in Canada.

This is a special place, a place of national significance both to Canada and to the Mi'kmaq. Unfortunately, many of those important artifacts are now in storage, including at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, unseen by Canadians. It is our goal that a properly curated museum can be created with the help of the federal government and the Mi'kmaq to ensure the story of the first settlement in Canada can be preserved and indeed celebrated.

Ted Marianix

[Kerry Diotte, Conservative, Edmonton Griesbach, AB]

Mr. Speaker, in a few days it will be Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month. There are 100,000 Canadians living with this crippling disease known as MS and there still is no cure.

It has been almost a year now since my dear friend Ted Marianix died after living with MS. He was only 70 years old. He was a police officer for almost 40 years, and a minor hockey coach. However, Ted never let MS stop him from living a full life, even though he needed a scooter to get around.

When I campaigned for civic politics in Edmonton, Ted was my most frequent volunteer. When I ran for federal politics, Ted was always there. He was like a father who taught me a valuable lesson: anything is possible with hard work.

Many of us were deeply saddened when MS got the better of Ted. He died on June 13. His wife Louise is still grieving.

Therefore, when we mark MS Awareness Month in May, let us remember Ted and join #TeamFight to #endMS.

Seniors

[Dan Ruimy, Liberal, Pitt Meadows—Maple Ridge, BC]

Mr. Speaker, during the election, I met with many seniors in my riding of Pitt Meadows—Maple Ridge looking to improve the quality of their lives. The new horizons for seniors program is one way of helping them do just that.

I am pleased to announce that this year four deserving organizations in my riding received $71 ,000 in funding. The Golden Ears United Church is getting a new entrance and flooring to improve accessibility for seniors involved in the volunteer thrift shop program. The Maple Ridge Lawn Bowling Club is getting new patio tent covers. The Katzie Seniors Network is developing an emergency preparedness guide for seniors. The Ridge Meadows Seniors Society will now get new chairs and a sound system to support its community events.

I am happy these groups will be able to continue their great community initiatives to keep seniors active and healthy.

Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies

[Sheri Benson, NDP, Saskatoon West, SK]

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to a great institution in my riding of Saskatoon West.

On April 21, the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies is celebrating 40 years of empowering learners and realizing potential. Established in 1976, the college became the primary delivery agent for all adult level courses for indigenous peoples across Saskatchewan.

Today, SllT is a province-wide system of three main campuses, eight career centres and numerous community sites. As a first nations institution, SllT proudly offers post-secondary education programs and services in direct response to the needs of its students.

Thanks to the vision of the original board members, more than 54,000 first nations and Métis people have attended classes and training programs in an environment that promotes traditional ways and fosters student success.

I congratulate SllT. Beyond skills training, it has also delivered hope, and 40 years of hope has an impact beyond measure.

Farnham Ale & Lager Microbrewery

[Denis Paradis, Liberal, Brome—Missisquoi, QC]

Mr. Speaker, Brome—Missisquoi is well known for the quality of its wine products, its hotels, and its locally made and locally grown products.

Today I am pleased to recognize the talent and creativity of some of our brewers, specifically at the Farnham Ale & Lager microbrewery, which recently distinguished itself at the fifth edition of the Barcelona Beer Festival after winning three prestigious awards.

I think it is important to acknowledge the efforts being made by all the brewers in my riding. While promoting our region, they are also making a huge contribution to its economic growth. I want to raise a glass to them here today.

Once again, bravo, Farnham Ale & Lager, and bravo to all our brewers. Keep up the good work and keep making Brome—Missisquoi the best riding in Canada.

Battle of Vimy Ridge

[Erin O'Toole, Conservative, Durham, ON]

Mr. Speaker, tonight the French ambassador hosts the annual Vimy reception to honour the special relationship between France and Canada forged on the battlefield of Vimy Ridge. Next year marks the 100th anniversary of this defining Canadian moment, and I am very proud of the preparations under way in both our countries.

In the Durham region, 26 Schools held their Vimy day walk, where students started in four different locations, marking the four Canadian divisions, and each group walked a sombre 3600 metres, marking the number of fallen at Vimy Ridge.

I would like to congratulate the board, and staff and students from Maxwell Heights, Clarington Central, Bowmanville High, Port Perry High and Courtice Secondary.

Last Saturday, I had the honour of attending the Sam Sharpe gala where Uxbridge Secondary staff and students honoured their World War I MP and alumni, bringing the community together while also raising funds for the students' trip to Vimy 100.

I salute these organizers, teachers and students who show Canada that 100 years later we hold the torch of remembrance high.

Governor General's Award

[Pam Damoff, Liberal, Oakville North—Burlington, ON]

Mr. Speaker, two of the most influential women in the Canadian art community recently received the 2016 Governor General's Award for their contribution to the arts, and they share something in common, Oakville Galleries.

Like our two dynamic and creative Governor General Award winners, Marnie Fleming and Suzy Lake, Oakville Galleries strives to stimulate thought, shift perspectives and inspire engagement.

Marnie Fleming served as curator of contemporary art at Oakville Galleries for over 20 years. Her innovative exhibition programming and an adept collection strategy has made Oakville Galleries a pivotal player on the Canadian art scene.

Suzy Lake, an influential feminist artist with strong ties to Oakville and Oakville Galleries, uses a range of media to explore issues of the identity, gender and politics of the human body.

I congratulate and thank the Oakville Galleries, and Suzy and Marnie for their contribution to the arts.

Pita Pit

[Mark Gerretsen, Liberal, Kingston and the Islands, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate an entrepreneurial success story from my riding

A franchise began in Kingston 21 years ago when two friends, John Sotiriadis and Nelson Lang, decided to open a fast food place that offered different and healthier fare. With little money in their pockets, Johnny and Nelson rented a small storefront below their second floor Princess Street apartment in Kingston.

Although most Canadians might not recognize Johnny and Nelson by name, they most certainly know their restaurant, which became an instant hit with university and college students. Twenty-one years later, Johnny and Nelson now have restaurants in 13 countries throughout the globe.

Johnny and Nelson are the founding partners of the Pita Pit, and have just celebrated the huge milestone of opening their 600th store.

I congratulate these two Canadian entrepreneurs from Kingston and the Islands, and wish them luck as they strive toward their ultimate goal of 1000 restaurants globally, a milestone I have no doubt they will achieve.

Yvan-Miville Des Chênes

[Gérard Deltell, Conservative, Louis-Saint-Laurent, QC]

Mr. Speaker, last Saturday evening, the Fondation aérovision inducted the late Yvan-Miville Des Chênes into the Quebec air and space hall of fame.

Mr. Des Chênes is well known by Quebeckers for having been an on-air aviation expert for nearly 30 years. He was a great communicator who was gifted at sharing his love of aviation. To hear him speak, and to see him, you knew you were going to learn something and truly understand it because he was so skilled at breaking down complex issues.

Mr. Des Chênes was an air traffic controller, a professor, an event organizer, a member of the airport board of directors, and the list goes on. We celebrated his extensive career on Saturday.

Yvan was a constituent in Louis-Saint-Laurent, but more importantly, he was a close friend. That is why the foundation asked me to present the award to his wife, Carmen, who was there with his daughters, Ann and Lynn. I also had the pleasure of reading the letter of congratulations from the Minister of Transport.

I commend and thank the Fondation aérovision for paying a well-deserved and eternal tribute to Yvan-Miville Des Chênes.

Volunteerism

[Alaina Lockhart, Liberal, Fundy Royal, NB]

Mr. Speaker, last week was National Volunteer Week. Fittingly, the Governor General presented the sovereign's medal for volunteers to what he described as the team Canada of volunteers.

I was honoured to attend the ceremony, as one of the 55 recipients from across Canada is a pillar of the community in Hampton in Fundy Royal, Jim Hovey.

Mr. Hovey has worked tirelessly in the community of Hampton for more than 30 years. Most notably, he served eight terms on Hampton town council, five of those as mayor. As is the case with many volunteers, he also gave his time freely to many other community organizations and played an instrumental role in the creation of a community theatre.

In fact, he continues to serve the community now. Since his retirement in 2008, he has volunteered on the town's health care and public works advisory committees.

Mr. Hovey is a true inspiration to the community and to all Canadians. I am proud to stand here today to honour, congratulate, and thank him for his continued contributions.

Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities Receives Award

[Stéphane Lauzon, Liberal, Argenteuil—La Petite-Nation, QC]

Mr. Speaker, March 8 was International Women's Day. The theme for 2016 was “Planet 50-50 by 2030: Step It Up for Gender Equality”.

The current government is the first in Canada to achieve gender parity in its cabinet. A cabinet member recently was given an award by the International Paralympic Committee.

I would like to congratulate my colleague, the Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities, on being recognized for her role in the promotion of sports through the International Paralympic Committee's 2016 International Women's Day Recognition Award.

She is an excellent role model for women because she is committed to equality and integration. Once again, I extend my warmest congratulations to her.

Alberta Wildfires

[Arnold Viersen, Conservative, Peace River—Westlock, AB]

Mr. Speaker, Alberta has experienced a below average snowfall and above average temperatures this spring, leading to Alberta's wildfire season starting a month early. As a result, over the past two days, dozens of wildfires have started across Alberta, requiring the efforts of over 650 firefighters, 12 helicopters, and two air tankers.

Despite the warnings of an extremely dry and hot summer, the provincial NDP government is cutting $15 million from the wildfire management budget, jeopardizing the safety of Albertans.

Schools and first nation communities have been evacuated, highways closed, buildings destroyed, and two firefighters injured. In my riding, air tanker pilots have been hard at work putting out wildfires near Slave Lake, even while their jobs hang in the balance due to these reckless NDP cuts.

I want to thank the 650 firefighters for their incredible efforts to battle these fires across the province and I call on the Alberta NDP government to restore this critical funding.

Poland

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

Mr. Speaker, April is a very significant month for Polish Canadians.

In 1940, over 20,000 innocent Poles were killed in the Katyn forest by the NKVD on the personal orders of Joseph Stalin. Every year in April, we honour the innocent Polish lives that were lost.

We also recall another tragedy in Smolensk in 2010. In a cruel twist of fate, 96 officials of the Polish government were killed in an accidental crash that occurred en route to commemorating the Katyn massacre.

However, for Polonia, April is not only a time of commemoration, it is also a time of celebration when Polish Canadians celebrate Pope John Paul II Day.

The man who is now canonized as Pope Saint John Paul II was not simply a Catholic leader, he was a global leader who spread the values of peace, freedom, and interfaith dialogue. Karol Wojtyla was pivotal to the restoration of independence in Poland and the countries of the former communist bloc.

I ask members to join me in remembering the victims of Katyn as well as the life of Pope Saint John Paul II.

Dziekuje bardzo.

Pay Equity

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

Mr. Speaker, women in Ontario work for 15.5 months to earn what a man earns in one year.

Yesterday was equal pay day in Ontario. Women, on average, worked for free so far this year, until today.

Canada ranks badly when it comes to the gender pay gap. It is bad for poverty. It is not just.

In February, Liberals agreed with the NDP motion to finally implement pay equity. I am proud of our NDP team's approach to implementing women's equality.

The Liberals can be proud of 2004's pay equity task force report. It lays out a clear path to legislate equal pay for work of equal value. It should have been implemented 12 years ago. It would have made a big difference

Today, on equal pay day, let us make actions speak louder than words.

Manitoba

[Ted Falk, Conservative, Provencher, MB]

Mr. Speaker, I wear this blue rose and take this opportunity to congratulate Brian Pallister and the Progressive Conservative Party for their election victory in Manitoba.

This morning the great people of Manitoba woke up to bluer skies, maybe not literally, but they tell me the clouds are already breaking, but certainly, as our new premier put it, a bluer Manitoba rich in hope and optimism.

It was a giant victory for the Progressive Conservatives, winning 40 of the 57 seats. We could even say their opponents got orange crushed.

It is no small feat defeating a governing party that had been in government for 17 years. It is a tall order, but with his 6'8" stature, Mr. Pallister is no stranger to standing tall, and he took the PCs to a convincing victory. He proved the PCs are head and shoulders above the rest and that things really are looking up in Manitoba.

On behalf of my colleagues and I, we look forward to working together to make Manitoba an even better place.

Testicular Cancer

[Peter Schiefke, Liberal, Vaudreuil—Soulanges, QC]

Mr. Speaker, April serves as testicular cancer awareness month.

Having been diagnosed with, and treated in 2008 and again in 2011, I am grateful to be here today. I am grateful to my wife Paula, who is visiting Ottawa today, for being there for me during the treatments. I am thankful to the nurses and doctors at the Segal and Carbone cancer centers, as well as to the donors across the country who support the cause every single year.

I am addressing members today to show solidarity with everyone affected by cancer, including my colleagues, and to share a message with all young Canadian men. The average age at the time of diagnosis of testicular cancer is 29. One in 270 men will be diagnosed with this cancer in his life.

The good news is that in most cases, the cancer can be treated if detected early.

The best defence is early detection. I encourage all men to conduct self-exams at least once a month. I also encourage them to learn more about the illness by speaking with their doctor or by contacting Testicular Cancer Canada.

The Economy

[Rona Ambrose, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the independent parliamentary budget officer confirmed what the finance department and leading economists have been saying, that in fact the Conservatives left the Liberals a surplus. However, instead of celebrating this achievement, the Liberals are playing politics and pretending like it did not even happen.

Why does the Prime Minister continue to mislead Canadians on basic facts?

[Justin Trudeau, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, this government supports and applauds the parliamentary budget officer for his excellent work. We continue to work with him to demonstrate the level of openness and transparency that all Canadians expect from this side of the House.

The fact is we made commitments to invest in Canadians, to give a larger tax free child benefit to nine out of ten Canadian families, and that is exactly what we are doing with our investments today.

[Rona Ambrose, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, the surplus is real whether the Liberals want to admit it or not. Frankly, it should not take an expert in quantum computing to recognize that fact. The budget has been called the least transparent in 15 years and the Liberals' deficit and job creation numbers are way off the mark.

If the Prime Minister will not acknowledge basic facts, how can Canadians have confidence that he will protect their jobs?

[Justin Trudeau, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, last Fall, Canadians chose a vision that was going to invest in this country, invest in our communities, create jobs and opportunities, and put more money in the pockets of the middle class and those working hard to join the middle class.

It would create the kind of growth that for 10 years, under the previous government, simply did not happen for Canadians. We committed to invest in our future and that is exactly what the Liberal Party is doing.

Natural Resources

[Rona Ambrose, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, I met with mayors from British Columbia who are struggling with high unemployment in their communities. These families want to get back to work. The B.C. LNG industry could create $175 billion in business investment and up to 100,000 new jobs, but these projects need to move forward. So far, all we have seen is uncertainty from the Liberals.

Will the Prime Minister stand up and tell these families that he has their backs and he supports LNG?

[Justin Trudeau, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, for 10 years, the party opposite could not get things done for the natural resources sector right across the country. The reason it could not and the reason the Conservatives still do not get it is they think that they have to make a choice between what is good for the environment and the economy.

What Canadians said loudly and clearly last Fall was that they needed a government that did both of them together, that cared for the economy and the environment at the same time. That is exactly what we are doing on this side of the House.

The Budget

[Denis Lebel, Conservative, Lac-Saint-Jean, QC]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the parliamentary budget officer confirmed that the former Conservative government left the current government a budget surplus.

The Prime Minister and his Minister of Finance are now the only ones who can acknowledge that fact. Earlier, the government said it trusts the parliamentary budget officer.

Why, then, will the Prime Minister not admit that we left an operating surplus for the current year?