House of Commons Hansard #53 of the 42nd Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was rcmp.
The Speaker Liberal Geoff Regan
Order, please. Members will come to order. I know there are strong views, but we take turns and we hear from each side, and there will be strong statements from each side. We want to listen, and I am having trouble hearing the answers, so let us listen.
The hon. Minister of Democratic Institutions has the floor.
Maryam Monsef Liberal Peterborough—Kawartha, ON
Mr. Speaker, I am having trouble hearing myself, so while we are having a conversation about respect for democratic institutions, let us have a conversation about respect and decorum in this place.
Alain Rayes Conservative Richmond—Arthabaska, QC
Mr. Speaker, today is a sad day for democracy, whether the minister will admit it or not.
This is just the first day of the discussion on the Liberal's democratic reform, and it is already clear that the Liberals have no interest in really listening to Canadians. I am giving them the chance to prove otherwise.
Since the Liberals want to change the rules of democracy, can they commit today, in the House, to do the right thing and consult all Canadians via a referendum?
Maryam Monsef LiberalMinister of Democratic Institutions
Mr. Speaker, it is a great day for Canadian democracy. It is a bad day for parties and politics that aim to divide Canadians and pit neighbour against neighbour.
Our approach will be a principled approach. Our approach will be an inclusive approach. Our approach will be one based on respect for Canadians and the need to hear from those whose voices are often silenced.
Alain Rayes Conservative Richmond—Arthabaska, QC
Mr. Speaker, I would not call it an inclusive approach when the Liberals do not plan on giving everyone the opportunity to express themselves.
I can assure the House that all of us on this side will continue to defend the idea of a referendum because we think that it is essential. However, that is not the only thing that Canadians should be concerned about.
The government initiated this process without consulting the opposition parties. The Prime Minister even apologized to the House for claiming otherwise.
Does the minister believe that 10 MPs are in a better position than the Canadian public to change the very foundations of our democracy?
Maryam Monsef LiberalMinister of Democratic Institutions
Mr. Speaker, while I recognize that it may be comforting for some to stay in the past, in the 21st century there are many other tools and ways to engage Canadians in important conversations, like one about democratic institutions.
We are confident that the individuals around the committee table will put their narrow partisan interests aside and serve the Canadians who have put us here.
Romeo Saganash NDP Abitibi—Baie-James—Nunavik—Eeyou, QC
Mr. Speaker, the Liberals say that reconciliation with the indigenous peoples is one of their top priorities.
However, today, the Department of Justice is in court to fight against a survivor of the St. Anne's Indian Residential School, whose history is nothing short of revolting. Allegedly, the federal government deliberately hid documents proving the abuse that the victim suffered. The victim was denied compensation for lack of evidence.
How does the minister justify opposing this survivor's right to a new hearing?
Yvonne Jones LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs
Mr. Speaker, the Government of Canada is committed to fairness in the independent assessment process. We have seen the negotiation that was just settled in Newfoundland and Labrador with residential school survivors. We are prepared to co-operate and ensure that all the necessary information is provided in legal proceedings. We have consented to many of the claimants' requests and parliamentary beliefs, such as those requests that had been outlined in the past.
Charlie Angus NDP Timmins—James Bay, ON
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister promised to be different and offer reconciliation. That rings hollow to the survivors of St. Anne's residential school who are fighting for their rights in provincial court again. They put on the record that the justice department suppressed police evidence. It protected the name of a serial predator. Then it had the cases thrown out on bogus technicalities.
Surely, the justice minister knows that suppressing police evidence is not reconciliation. It is not even legal. Will she call off the dogs, stop defending the predators, and stand up once and for all for the victims of the indescribable abuse at that institution?
Yvonne Jones LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs
Mr. Speaker, my colleague knows that the Government of Canada is committed to achieving full reconciliation with former students. We have seen that this week with the ruling in Newfoundland and Labrador and the negotiated settlement. The member also knows that we have complied with all of Justice Perell's orders regarding documents related to St. Anne's.
We have met all of the timelines, including an updated narrative that is at least 1,200 pages that has been submitted, and the member knows that.
Blaine Calkins Conservative Red Deer—Lacombe, AB
Mr. Speaker, when the Prime Minister went to Washington for the state dinner, he put together his personal entourage of 44 people, which included his mom, his in-laws, the Liberal Party president, and the chief Liberal bagman, but one name noticeably missing from the invite list was the name of the natural resources minister.
Why did the Prime Minister give preferential access to Liberal hacks over his own ministries?
Dominic LeBlanc LiberalLeader of the Government in the House of Commons
Mr. Speaker, we have said in the House Commons, and the Prime Minister has said a number of times, that this was a historic visit for Canada.
The other side of the House is struggling with how a guest list at a state dinner is drawn up. Do you know why, Mr. Speaker? It is because the last time that there was a state dinner was 1997. That is why we think that this honour afforded Canada, and the progress made on substantive files that are important to Canadians, border security, pre-clearance, climate change, energy, are a testimony to this important relationship that we value so much.
Blaine Calkins Conservative Red Deer—Lacombe, AB
Mr. Speaker, it is no surprise that the Liberals are not being open and transparent about their trip to Washington. The more we know, the more concerned we get. We now know that it cost almost $13,000 for just three ministers and their staff to go on this junket, but the numbers keep changing. Last week, they claimed it was $25,000 for 44 people, and no one believes that number.
Can the Liberals be honest with taxpayers and tell them what the actual total cost of this trip was?
Dominic LeBlanc LiberalLeader of the Government in the House of Commons
Mr. Speaker, there seems to be some confusion on the other side. On the one hand, he wants us to include other ministers and other individuals and, at the same time, he says that those expenses are unreasonable.
What we have said is that the expenses for the trip to Washington were disclosed proactively. Our government has led with open and transparent disclosure of expenses, and every single one of those expenses was justified because of the substantive and important progress made during that visit to improve the lives of Canadians and strengthen this critical bilateral relationship.
Jacques Gourde Conservative Lévis—Lotbinière, QC
Mr. Speaker, we knew that the Liberal Party of Canada put its own interests ahead of Canadians'.
Again, the composition of the delegation that accompanied the Prime Minister to Washington is problematic.
Why was the president of the Liberal Party of Canada on that trip? Has she become a representative of this government?
Dominic LeBlanc LiberalLeader of the Government in the House of Commons
Mr. Speaker, my colleague across the way might not understand how guest lists for state dinners at the White House are drawn.
The last time Canada was given this honour was in 1997. Our visit was a historic one, and a great deal of progress was made on files and issues that affect the lives of Canadians, including climate change, border security, and energy.
We are extremely proud of the Canadian presence in Washington.
Jacques Gourde Conservative Lévis—Lotbinière, QC
Mr. Speaker, in the past few hours, we have learned that the trip to Washington for just three ministers and two employees cost almost $13,000.
However, last week, the government mentioned a figure of $25,000 for 44 people. This Liberal government has no moral compass.
Will the Liberals come clean and tell Canadian taxpayers how much this trip cost?
Dominic LeBlanc LiberalLeader of the Government in the House of Commons
Mr. Speaker, the fact that my colleague keeps repeating exaggerated claims does not make them true.
We are an open and transparent government. We proactively disclosed our ministers' complete travel expenses, including the expenses for the Washington trip, which was an economic mission that was extremely important for Canada.
Although my colleagues opposite may not like the long list of what was accomplished on that trip, we are proud of the Canadian delegation and what it accomplished.
Don Davies NDP Vancouver Kingsway, BC
Mr. Speaker, opioid overdoses are a growing epidemic across the country. Hundreds of people are dying. British Columbia has declared a public health emergency, yet the Minister of Health abandoned regulations requiring tamper-resistant forms of these powerful prescription drugs. She claims that they will not solve the problem because they only apply to a single narcotic.
However, the solution is obvious: make the entire class of opioids, including fentanyl, tamper-proof, as the U.S. is doing.
Why will the minister not do so and save lives?
Jane Philpott LiberalMinister of Health
Mr. Speaker, my colleague opposite has raised a very important matter, and that is the matter of prescription drug abuse in this country. It is something with which I have the deepest concern. I am pleased to work with my colleagues, including those in British Columbia, who have particularly led the way on this file.
It will require a comprehensive approach, one that includes prescriber guidelines, one that includes patient information, one that includes treatment, and one that includes prevention.
We will address all matters of evidence to make sure that we have the best way forward, and a comprehensive plan.
Brigitte Sansoucy NDP Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot, QC
Mr. Speaker, Quebeckers have been paying ancillary fees for insured services for years, which is contrary to the Canada Health Act, and the federal government has done nothing about it.
Quebec's auditor general released a report yesterday stating that ancillary fees are now out of control. The poorest Quebeckers are paying the price for this two-tier health system. The minister keeps saying that she is talking to her Quebec counterpart and that she believes in the Canada Health Act.
When will she actually enforce it?
Jane Philpott LiberalMinister of Health
Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for her important question.
As I have said, we fully subscribe to the principles of the Canada Health Act, which is designed to ensure that all Canadians have reasonable access to all necessary medical and hospital services based on need, not ability to pay.
I am committed to working with all my Canadian partners to strengthen our universal public health care system while upholding the principles of the Canada Health Act.
Geng Tan Liberal Don Valley North, ON
Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Science.
The Science Odyssey is 10 days of discovery and innovation, from Friday, May 6 to May 15. It is an opportunity to discover the richness of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in Canada.
What is the Government of Canada doing to encourage all Canadians to learn about and to engage with scientific research, and to seriously consider a career in science?
Kirsty Duncan LiberalMinister of Science
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague, a scientist himself, for that important question.
I am working to promote a culture where young people and the public are excited about science. Last week, I announced the winners of NSERC's PromoScience program, awarded to groups that promote science throughout the year. This week, I have hosted Space Day and Coding Day, to bring the joy of science to parliamentarians.
I encourage all members to check out science.gc.ca for a Science Odyssey event in their community.
Chris Warkentin Conservative Grande Prairie—Mackenzie, AB
Mr. Speaker, in January, the Minister of Agriculture hired a failed Liberal candidate with a vested interest in his department to be his chief of staff. At the time, it was clear that her massive fortune presented a clear conflict of interest, but the minister insisted otherwise.
Now the Ethics Commissioner has ruled that a conflict of interest does exist, and the chief of staff must recuse herself of most major files in the minister's department.
If she cannot talk about agriculture, and if she cannot talk about trade, what is she still doing there?