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.
Liberal
The Speaker Liberal Geoff Regan
It being Wednesday, we will now have the singing of the national anthem led by the hon. member for Hull—Aylmer.
Anthony Housefather Liberal Mount Royal, QC
Mr. Speaker, today we are joined by over 125 residents of my riding. Of course, they have not arrived yet.
The Côte Saint-Luc Senior Men's Club is the largest senior men's organization in Quebec. With over 520 members, it plays a huge role in the life of our community. Whether through its breakfast meetings, current events group, golf days, or bowling leagues, it keeps its members young and vibrant. They take care of each other and are a social network beyond compare.
The club was originally started when our World War II vets were retiring and looking for other ways to give back. Today's members continue that tradition by participating in organizations like Volunteer Citizens on Patrol and assisting our Legion with its poppy campaign.
I wish I could be welcoming president Syd Kronish, past presidents Sid Margles and Peter Sternberg, and an entire group of proud Côte Saint Lucers and Canadians to Ottawa.
I was honoured to work closely with the club for many years as mayor and will continue to do so as an MP. May they go from strength to strength.
Guy Lauzon Conservative Stormont—Dundas—South Glengarry, ON
Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House today to recognize Rebecca Runions, a very talented young violinist who travelled to New York City over the weekend and performed at the world famous Carnegie Hall, as part of the bicentennial celebrations of the state university of New York.
Rebecca's musical interest began at the young age of four. She has since mastered her craft, performing on stage in Washington DC, Houston, Texas, on the Battlefield in Gettysburg, and right here in Ottawa.
Although Rebecca is currently completing her post-secondary education in Potsdam, she is well known for volunteering her talents at home. Over the years, she has helped raise funds for the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Cornwall Community Hospital, the Canadian Cancer Society, and the Cornwall Hospice, just to name a few.
Rebecca and her parents, Lisa and David Runions, are excellent examples of dedicated community volunteers in Stormont—Dundas—South Glengarry. I am fortunate to know Rebecca and her family, and I would like to wish her much success in her bright future ahead.
David Graham Liberal Laurentides—Labelle, QC
Mr. Speaker, 15 years ago today, with Arthur Dent well established in his new life, Ford Prefect returned to this mostly harmless place for Douglas Adams. Marvin the paranoid android was, of course, left behind.
Anyone who has read The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy is aware that planet Earth is little more than a computer, built on the orders of mice, to determine the answer to life, the universe, and everything.
While I must wrap up this statement, brought to some of us by our resident babelfish, before it is destroyed to make way for a hyper-partisan bypass, it is a great honour to know that all of our colleagues, brought together here today by the infinite improbability drive, will forevermore have our names listed together on a plaque.
The plaque will be here in Centre Block marked, without ever having determined the question, with the answer to life, the universe, and everything, the number of our Parliament, 42.
Thomas Mulcair NDP Outremont, QC
Mr. Speaker, 25 years ago, Reverend John Beach and a group of dedicated volunteers made a dream come true when they started a storefront community organization to help all marginalized people in Mile End.
Reverend Roslyn MacGregor took over the Mile-End Mission in 1995 and grew that seed into the community tree which it has become. Ros saw to it that half of the board of directors were members who use the mission's services. She understood that inclusiveness was the only way to build true community.
Today, Lou Hachey watches over the mission. It does much more than provide hot meals, bags of groceries, support, and professional legal advice. The Mile End Community Mission makes the community a better place.
Today, I want to say thanks, on behalf of the many people they help, to the folks of the Mile-End Mission and wish them many more years of service.
Vance Badawey Liberal Niagara Centre, ON
Mr. Speaker, the Niagara region has lost a true leader. His Worship Stan Pettit, the former mayor of the township of Wainfleet here in the province of Ontario for 28 years and a champion for his community, passed away suddenly.
Our thoughts are with Shirley, Stan's wife, as she and our entire community mourn Stan's passing, while also celebrating the full and inspiring life he had led.
His passion and commitment to his constituents ensured that the township of Wainfleet was well represented, especially at Niagara regional council.
Stan's passion was to build a sustainable and prosperous community, one which provided opportunities for younger generations to stay and live in Niagara. This vision drove him and motivated all of those who worked with him on a daily basis.
I stand here today to thank His Worship, Mayor Stan Pettit, for everything he did for his community and the Niagara region. We live in a better place because of him and his contributions will be everlasting.
Bernard Généreux Conservative Montmagny—L'Islet—Kamouraska—Rivière-du-Loup, QC
Mr. Speaker, have you noticed my new haircut? As you can see, I am as bald as can be.
Today, I participated in the 2016 Leucan Shaved Head Challenge. I did so of my own free will, but Canadian children with cancer do not have a choice. They do not ask to lose their hair to cancer treatment.
I would like to thank my leader, my colleagues, and all members of the House who will open their wallets to help me achieve my goal in the shaved head challenge. I invite all of my fellow members, everyone else in the House, and you, Mr. Speaker, to meet me after question period in the foyer of the House to support my efforts with a donation. Every little bit counts.
Tomorrow, in my hometown of La Pocatière, more people will do the same to show support for families coping with childhood cancer. Children are our most precious treasure. This year, I got involved as a father, grandfather, and parliamentarian, and I thank the entire community for supporting me.
Denis Paradis Liberal Brome—Missisquoi, QC
Mr. Speaker, I have a dream.
My dream is a Parliament in which all parliamentarians are bilingual or working on becoming bilingual. There are currently about 100 members in the House who are quite comfortable communicating in both official languages.
There are another 136 members who are currently taking language training. Let us find a way to allow members who are not currently taking language training to access it as easily as possible. We are so proud of our languages. Not only do they characterize us, but they also strengthen and enrich us. This dream is definitely attainable if all hon. members are willing to participate and make the effort. What a great goal that would be for Canada's 150th birthday.
As chair of the Standing Committee on Official Languages, I wish that this dream comes true.
Majid Jowhari Liberal Richmond Hill, ON
Mr. Speaker, museums in Canada and around the world will celebrate International Museum Day on May 18. It also happens to be the day that I met my wife 27 years ago.
This year's theme is museums and cultural landscapes. In a country like ours, where our rich natural heritage is such an important part of our culture and historical events that have shaped us, this is particularly appropriate.
In Richmond Hill, the Museum of the Streets is a new kind of museum experience, taking away the four walls of the traditional museum and opening up the heritage of the town for all to see.
This always open and free journey of discovery, where one is the tour guide through the streets, is showcasing all the obvious, and sometimes the not-so-obvious, signposts to our fascinating past.
I encourage all Canadians to visit the Museum of the Streets in Richmond Hill and all other wonderful institutions, and take advantage of all that they can offer.
Todd Doherty Conservative Cariboo—Prince George, BC
Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak about a real life hero and his family. His name is Tim Michalchuk, a determined, spirited, and unwavering individual.
Tim's partner, Shannon, was diagnosed with MS over five years ago and recently suffered a relapse. To help raise awareness and to save Shannon, Tim set out on foot from Prince George on April 2 to walk a million steps to stop MS.
On April 30, Tim arrived in Vancouver and completed that journey. He capped it off with a wedding proposal, and she said yes.
However, just one day after arriving home, Tim and his family lost their home to a fire. While his family is safe, they lost everything.
I think I speak for all members of this House in offering condolences to Tim and his family.
Having met Tim on his journey, I know it is that same fighting spirit that will help Tim and his family persevere during this very difficult time.
We are so proud of Tim. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.
Pam Goldsmith-Jones Liberal West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country, BC
Mr. Speaker, Harry Greenwood is the West Vancouver Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year.
Harry is a former Royal Canadian Navy Seaman, decorated World War II veteran, and recipient of France's Legion of Honour medal.
He sent me a photo once, shaking the former prime minister's hand saying, “I don't think he's going to vote for you”.
Harry is a Scotsman who lived in Hamilton and dedicated himself to the labour movement and Mohawk College before moving to West Vancouver.
I met him when he was 75 through his service on the library board, the harmony arts festival, the seniors centre, and of course, the Royal Canadian Legion.
When he accepted his award, he dedicated it to all the volunteers. At 91, he lives by example.
It is a privilege to learn from Harry, to call him my friend, and to recognize his service to Canada in the House of Commons.
Jonathan Wilkinson Liberal North Vancouver, BC
Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to inform the House that Dr. Don Mavinic of the University of British Columbia's department of engineering and a resident of my riding of North Vancouver is this year's recipient of the prestigious Gold Medal Award from Engineers Canada. The Gold Medal Award bestows distinction on outstanding engineers and recognizes exceptional achievements in their chosen fields.
Don is an internationally renowned expert in waste-water treatment technology. He has previously received international acclaim for leading the development of a cost-effective system to recover phosphates from municipal waste-water systems, which has been subsequently adopted by cities around North America.
Waste-water treatment systems and technology are critical to the well-being of our communities and to the health of our environment. Don's work has created tremendous environmental benefits while concurrently demonstrating how clean technology innovation can be a driver of economic opportunity and growth.
Larry Miller Conservative Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound, ON
Mr. Speaker, this past weekend I was honoured to attend the induction ceremony for 10 new inductees into the Owen Sound Sports Hall of Fame.
Owen Sound is truly a hotbed for talented hockey, lacrosse, and fastball players, and this year's inductees are a testament to this. Athletes Curtis Sanford, Marilyn McComb, Jeff MacDougald, Don MacLeod and Jim “Chipper” McCrea made for an impressive group of inductees this year.
The class of 2016 also included Brian Seaman under the Builder category.
Special merit inductees included Peter Raynsford, Robert Aitken, and Mr. John Garvey who umpired for more than 70 years.
Finally, the 1977 King Farms fastball team was also inducted. In 1977 the King Farms team defeated Sault Ste. Marie to win the OASA all-Ontario championship.
I extend my congratulations to each of this year's inductees and thank them for the many years of sporting memories.
Marc Serré Liberal Nickel Belt, ON
Mr. Speaker, as the MP for Nickel Belt and greater Sudbury, a region that has built a strong and vibrant place for mining innovation and research, I am pleased to recognize the 20th anniversary of National Mining Week.
Our government is committed to ensuring that mining remains a source of economic growth, with 375,000 workers and being the largest employer of indigenous people in Canada.
Budget 2016 includes measures such as extending the mineral exploration tax credit and investing in projects that support mining research. With greater emphasis on innovation and a sound regulatory process that has the confidence of Canadians, the mining industry has a bright future.
I ask all hon. members to join me in recognizing the importance of the mining industry.
Imagine a world without minerals.
Let us celebrate our innovative, talented, hard-working miners all across Canada.
Carol Hughes NDP Algoma—Manitoulin—Kapuskasing, ON
Mr. Speaker, Canadians are rightfully proud of our health care system which has become a defining feature of our country and our identity. Much of what we celebrate, in large part, nurses deliver. Nowhere is this more obvious than in the north where doctors are a scarce resource and communities lean on nurses and nurse practitioners to get so much of the job done.
As our population ages, the role nurses play will become more vital to our national well-being.
We can keep that in mind as we mark National Nursing Week, which includes International Nurses Day and commemorates Florence Nightingale's birthday on May 12.
While many of our fantastic nurses are men, it is no secret that a great many more are women. It is these nurses who help us through some of our most difficult and vulnerable times, playing so many roles, from caregiver, to confidant, to counsellor.
The slogan for National Nursing Week is "Nurses: With you every step of the way". One only has to encounter our health system in a time of need to learn how true that is.
Thank you to all nurses.
Kelly Block Conservative Carlton Trail—Eagle Creek, SK
Mr. Speaker, yesterday I was moved to see my colleagues in the House wearing yellow roses in recognition of Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month. CF is a disease that affects over 4,000 Canadians. Currently, there is no cure for this disease, but for individuals with advanced CF, transplantation can be an important step in their treatment.
The importance of organ donation and transplantation was brought very close to home for my family this past February when my beautiful niece Jillian received a life-saving double-lung transplant. Words cannot express the gratitude we feel to the family that donated the lungs of their loved one.
I encourage all Canadians to continue supporting the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation as it searches for a cure, and consider becoming a registered organ donor. People's decision, whether signing their own donor cards or talking about this with their families, may save a life.
Kamal Khera Liberal Brampton West, ON
Mr. Speaker, as an oncology nurse, I am proud to commemorate National Nursing Week and International Nurses Day on May 12.
Upon reflection of my own personal experiences, I will share a poem I have written in recognition of all dedicated nurses:
We are there for you, on your darkest night.
To make sure your next has more light.
Four-Oh-Six thousand from coast-to-coast our numbers stand.
With pride, the care of Canadians lies in our hands.
Extended shifts, short on resources, we do not quiver.
Safe and effective care, we are honoured to deliver.
When you are ill, do not fright, we are here to stay.
And we will hold your hand, every step of the way.
Rona Ambrose ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, I have spent the last few days in northern Alberta meeting with first responders and evacuees and volunteers, and I can tell the House that there is a deep sense of gratitude for the compassion and the support and the donations that have come in from across the country.
The faster we get this community up and running, the better for our entire economy. I know the Prime Minister has created a committee, but I also want to know if he can please fast-track infrastructure funding so that we can get Fort McMurray back to work as soon as possible.
Justin Trudeau LiberalPrime Minister
Indeed, Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for her extraordinary work and leadership while she was on the ground meeting with firefighters and evacuees. I, too, look forward to meeting with many of these unsung heroes and so many of the evacuees when I get out on Friday to survey the challenges that we all face together.
That is why, as the member highlighted, we are going to be putting together an ad hoc cabinet committee to bring to bear the efforts of the entire government. From infrastructure to health to emergency management, the committee will bring a broad range of issues together to help rebuild and create once again a strong future, so the people of Fort McMurray can continue to build a great future for all Canadians.
Rona Ambrose ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, speaking of committees, this morning the Liberals stacked the deck and announced a committee that would give them complete control over changes to our voting system. That is not right. When the rules of democracy are being changed, everyone should have a say.
Does the Prime Minister have so little faith in Canadians that he thinks Liberals can change what every vote means in this country without taking it to the people in a referendum?
Justin Trudeau LiberalPrime Minister
Mr. Speaker, forgive me if I find it a bit rich coming from the party that brought in the unfair elections act without any consultations to try to stack the deck in its favour.
Canadians heard loudly and clearly that we made the commitment that this was going to be the last election held under the first-past-the-post system, and we are committed to doing that. Canadians also chose to support us with a majority and are expecting us to deliver on the promises that we gave.
Democratic ReformOral Questions
Sturgeon River—Parkland Alberta
Conservative
Rona Ambrose ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, what is the Prime Minister so afraid of? If his plan is so great, then why does he not take it to the people?
When you change the rules of the game, everyone should have a say. Canadians are capable of making their own decision.
Why does the Prime Minister have no faith in Canadians?
Justin Trudeau LiberalPrime Minister
Mr. Speaker, on the contrary, we have a lot of faith in Canadians. That is why we were very clear during the election campaign when we said that this would be the last election under first past the post.
We will consult all Canadians about a better electoral system and a stronger democracy that better reflects their concerns. Our government will therefore be in line with their priorities, as we are.
Scott Reid Conservative Lanark—Frontenac—Kingston, ON
Mr. Speaker, in today's press conference, the Minister of Democratic Institutions said, “A referendum is one of a number of tools that can be used to engage Canadians”, and the House leader said that it's premature to decide whether or not to hold a referendum.
They might want to speak to the Prime Minister, whose position since last June and up to about two minutes ago was that a referendum is unacceptable because, I assume, the government is not guaranteed to win. Heaven forfend.
Here is the question: Is it premature to commit to a referendum because the Prime Minister will only make that commitment if he knows he is guaranteed to win?
Justin Trudeau LiberalPrime Minister
Again, Mr. Speaker, that the Conservatives suddenly discovered how important it is to engage with and listen to Canadians is a bit silly at this point.
The fact is we are committed to engaging with Canadians right across the country. We are focused, as we made the clear commitment to do during the election campaign, on making sure that this election will be the last one held under first past the post. We are confident that Canadians are going to be able to work with us to create the right electoral system that will serve this country well in the coming years.