Debates of May 20th, 2016

Criminal Code

[Bob Zimmer, Conservative, Prince George—Peace River—Northern Rockies, BC]

Madam Speaker, I will clarify one thing. I finished with talking about a free vote from the government. That was my conclusion. The opposite side talks about open and accountable government and a new way of doing business here in Ottawa. I question whether free votes are really occurring on the other side, just by the numbers that oppose any government legislation. Usually on our side we have anywhere from one to 15 honest free votes in the House. I would challenge the other side to have a free vote on this on their side—

[Marc Garneau, Liberal, Notre-Dame-de-Grâce—Westmount, QC]

We are. Don't worry about it. We are.

[Bob Zimmer, Conservative, Prince George—Peace River—Northern Rockies, BC]

I know there is diversity—

[An hon. member]

On charter rights he said you would vote as a caucus.

Asian Heritage Month

[Kevin Lamoureux, Liberal, Winnipeg North, MB]

Madam Speaker, I stand to recognize Asian Heritage Month and the endless contributions that people of Asian descent have made to Canada's social and economic fabric. We are who we are as a nation because of those contributions. Our rich Canadian Asian heritage comes from people of Chinese, Bangladeshi, Filipino, Vietnamese, Pakistani, Tamil, and Indian heritage, and many more.

Special events can be found year round and have become a part of who we are as a nation. For example, I think of Chinese New Year, the many summer Filipino fiestas, or our fall Diwali celebrations. We should all take pride in our Asian community as it continues to grow in many ways, and in a very real way, how it has become a part of the very fabric of our society and who we are as a nation.

To quote the Prime Minister, we are stronger not in spite of our diversity but because of our diversity. Our Asian Canadian community helps make Canada one of the best countries of the world.

Western Hockey League Champions

[Larry Maguire, Conservative, Brandon—Souris, MB]

Madam Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today to congratulate the Brandon Wheat Kings on clinching the Western Hockey League championship in game five last week in Seattle.

I know all of western Manitoba is proud of its Wheat Kings as they have played with grit and determination throughout this whole season. Under the tremendous leadership of Kelly McCrimmon, these upstanding young men are role models both on and off the ice. I would also like to wish them great success in the Memorial Cup starting tonight in Red Deer, Alberta. This will be the sixth time the Wheat Kings, in their franchise history, have competed in this national championship, and I know all Manitobans will be cheering them on.

On behalf of the great constituents of Brandon—Souris, go Wheaties, go.

Trinity Western University

[Joe Peschisolido, Liberal, Steveston—Richmond East, BC]

Madam Speaker, I am honoured to stand today to pay special tribute to the recently opened Richmond campus of Trinity Western University.

As many know, Trinity Western University provides a high-quality, values-based education for its students, and I am pleased that TWU has chosen Richmond as its newest location. TWU Richmond kindly invited me to attend its grand opening last September and again in March for an official visit where Professor Calvin Townsend allowed me to teach his introduction to political thinking class. I would like to thank Professor Townsend for the kind opportunity.

It gives me great pleasure to welcome Trinity Western University to Richmond and to extend to its faculty and students my best wishes for success.

Trois-Rivières

[Robert Aubin, NDP, Trois-Rivières, QC]

Madam Speaker, as the fine weather returns, Trois-Rivières is more eager than ever to welcome tourists from across the country and around the world.

Whether they come by car, by boat, or by plane, they will get a warm welcome from our tourism partners, who have the necessary measures in place to accommodate them. We have something to offer everyone, no matter their interests.

For festival lovers, DansEncore, FestiVoix, and our blues music festival await you. Sports fans can look forward to the Trois-Rivières Grand Prix and the International Canoe Classic. Performing arts enthusiasts will be entertained by everything and everyone from Cirque du Soleil to Céline Dion, at venues like Amphithéâtre Cogeco, Salle J.-Antonio-Thompson, or the Satyre cabaret. I am sorry, but Céline Dion is sold out.

For people of faith or those seeking spirituality, Our Lady of the Cape Shrine welcomes pilgrimages and hosts the Festival of the Assumption. Trois-Rivières is also home to a wide range of museums, making it a hub of history and culture.

I hope that anyone and everyone who is passing through the heart of Quebec will come and experience the warm welcome that Trois-Rivières has to offer.

Whitby Sports Hall of Fame

[Celina Caesar-Chavannes, Liberal, Whitby, ON]

Madam Speaker, last month the Whitby Sports Hall of Fame welcomed its 2016 inductees: Jason Pottinger, a two-time Grey Cup winner; David Branch, the commissioner of the Ontario Hockey League; and Gavin Prout, a player with the National Lacrosse League.

I am pleased to rise today to draw attention to their outstanding contributions. We know that participation in sports helps our young people build character, improve confidence, and commit to healthy, active lifestyles. Each inductee is an example to young people in our community and across the country.

I congratulate Jason, David, and Gavin, for their outstanding achievements, both as sportsmen and community leaders. I also want to welcome the 2 VandenBos Whitby air cadets to Ottawa today. They all represent the town of Whitby in a very positive way and I thank them for their service.

Fisheries Conservation

[Robert Sopuck, Conservative, Dauphin—Swan River—Neepawa, MB]

Madam Speaker, on May 7, I was honoured to attend the Swan Valley Sport Fishing Enhancement's annual banquet to celebrate their fisheries conservation work. I am proud to support the excellent research, education, and conservation work this organization does.

As an angler and fisheries biologist myself, I am very pleased to support those who are dedicated to the conservation of the valuable fish resources in our many beautiful water bodies. Swan Valley Sport Fishing Enhancement works tirelessly to conserve and enhance game fish population through education, research, and conducting on-the-ground fisheries enhancement projects. However, the group truly succeeds by incorporating their own love for fishing and conservation into efforts to encourage experienced anglers, young people, and families to explore and experience what our beautiful region has to offer.

It is organizations like this all across the country that do tireless work to ensure we have sustainable fish populations. These are Canada's real environmentalists. I thank them for their efforts.

Komagata Maru

[Ramesh Sangha, Liberal, Brampton Centre, ON]

Madam Speaker, I concede in this House that Canada stands for reconciliation. The right hon. Prime Minister apologized in the House two days ago with the sincere intention of genuine reconciliation. The Komagata Maru incident is a symbol of exclusionary laws and racism. It is a memory that never dies down. This apology by the government and forgiveness by the community will act as a link between past, present, and future.

When the Prime Minister apologized he performed an act of healing. The wounds of history for this ethnic group, which is part of this multicultural Canada, will be healed forever.

Please accept my thanks on behalf of the community. I appreciate this opportunity.

Montreal Family Support Centre

[David Lametti, Liberal, LaSalle—Émard—Verdun, QC]

Madam Speaker, I am pleased to rise in the House to talk about an organization that is a credit to my riding, LaSalle—Émard—Verdun, and to the city of Montreal.

Founded in 1991, Station Familles supports young families by providing them with the services, education, and training they need to thrive. The organization is driven by the values of self-respect and respect for others and seeks to enhance parenting skills, while lifting each family member out of isolation.

I am pleased to announce Station Familles will celebrate its 25th anniversary on May 29. I invite everyone to mark the occasion at the big picnic being held at Campbell West Park, in Montreal.

I wish those who make Station Familles a welcoming place much success in the future.

Tamil Heritage Month

[Bob Saroya, Conservative, Markham—Unionville, ON]

Madam Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to voice my support for recognizing the month of January as “Tamil Heritage Month”.

January is significant to the Tamil community because it includes Thai Pongal and the Tamil harvest festival. It provides an opportunity to showcase the Tamil community's vibrant culture, history, and traditions with fellow Canadians.

Tamil Canadians have overcome tremendous obstacles and have made significant contributions to the growth and prosperity of Canada. The Sri Lankan Tamil community is a model for any refugee community and is one that Canada can be proud of. It is only fitting that Tamil Heritage Month be dedicated to celebrating the Canadian Tamil community's unique cultural life and to recognize its contributions to Canadian society.

Komagata Maru

[Sonia Sidhu, Liberal, Brampton South, ON]

Madam Speaker, on Wednesday, the Prime Minister of Canada stood in the House, in Parliament, to apologize for the Komagata Maru incident of 1914. I was proud to stand with this government as we did the right thing for the South Asian community here in Canada.

For the families and the descendants who came here, this piece of Canada's history is a deeply impactful event. People showed up on Canada's doorstep in need but were refused food and water, kept on a ship for months, and then turned back. That is not the Canada we know and love.

Over the decades following, we have built a reputation as a welcoming, open, diverse country on the world stage. Sikhs in Canada thrived despite the Komagata Maru incident. This government showed the community the respect of standing up and apologizing for this tragedy.

I would like to thank the Prime Minister for his leadership in this. This is Canada at our best.

National Police Week

[Bill Blair, Liberal, Scarborough Southwest, ON]

Madam Speaker, I rise in the House today to recognize National Police Week, which this year runs from May 15 to 21. Throughout this week, Canadians have the opportunity to connect and engage with their police officers from coast to coast to coast.

We are blessed to live in one of the safest and most livable countries in the world. Our relative safety is a reflection of our values and Canadians' respect for the rule of law. There is perhaps no better reflection of those values than the very special relationship that exists between Canadians in every community and the dedicated men and women of our police services, who each and every day place themselves in harm's way to keep us safe.

It is worth noting this week that there is no other country in the world that has as one of its most enduring national symbols a police officer on a horse. It is a symbol that recognizes the history of the service of the RCMP and officers from police services across Canada, and the critical role they have played and continue to play in upholding the laws and values of our country.

This week, we have the opportunity to acknowledge the outstanding work of the dedicated and courageous police officers who serve us each day. I encourage all Canadians to join me in thanking them for their selfless devotion—

[The Assistant Deputy Speaker, NDP, Carol Hughes]

Order, please.

The hon. member for Chilliwack—Hope.

Chilliwack Volunteers

[Mark Strahl, Conservative, Chilliwack—Hope, BC]

Madam Speaker, I rise in the House today to pay tribute to some of the remarkable constituents I represent.

In response to the devastating fires in Fort McMurray, Gord VanLaerhoven and others started the “Chilliwack for Fort Mac” initiative. Within 48 hours, our community had banded together to raise $24,000 in cash and sent four semi-trailers full of donated supplies to the evacuees.

In response to a rash of violent crime in the downtown core, Amber Short and Emily Sayward organized the Chilliwack Walk for Peace, taking place tonight. As they have said, “Let’s remind ourselves...that Chilliwack is a place filled with incredible people who want nothing but the best for their neighbours”.

In both of these examples, people have seen a problem and have decided to take action and become a part of the solution.

I am proud to represent the people of Chilliwack—Hope in the House and salute the efforts of so many to make our communities a better place in which to live.

Iran

[Majid Jowhari, Liberal, Richmond Hill, ON]

Madam speaker, at the age of 18, I left Iran, in pursuit of my education. I could not have imagined then that one day I would earn the honour and privilege of standing in this House. I am proud to be an Iranian. I am proud to be a Canadian. I bring a unique perspective to the House few before me have. I understand the challenges and aspirations of many Iranian Canadians.

A regime does not define its people, just as the divisive nature of our previous government did not define Canadian values. It is disappointing to witness in the House some of my colleagues' attempts to conflate legitimate questions about the Iranian regime with the proud heritage of Iranian Canadian people.

Canada is better off when engaging with the rest of the world. Indeed, the world is better off when Canada is engaged.

I urge the House to heed the calls of countless Iranian Canadians advocating for reestablishing diplomatic and commercial relationships—

[The Assistant Deputy Speaker, NDP, Carol Hughes]

Order, please.

The hon. member for Rimouski-Neigette—Témiscouata—Les Basques.

Trois-Pistoles French Immersion School

[Guy Caron, NDP, Rimouski-Neigette—Témiscouata—Les Basques, QC]

Madam Speaker, where is the oldest French immersion school in Canada? It is in the very beautiful town of Trois-Pistoles, which happens to be in my riding.

Established in 1932, the Centre d'accueil, de développement et de formation en langues de Trois-Pistoles, CADFEL, welcomes about 600 students every year who enrol in one of the many programs that provide language courses at all levels.

Today, I would like to recognize the contribution of André Beaudin, the school's director, who just received the Award of Merit from Western University, with which his school is affiliated. The award recognizes his exceptional contribution to the development of this school, his leadership, and the achievement of excellence in teaching.

It is a positive experience for those youth who participate. One of the school's instructors, Nicholas Moroz, is from Ontario and is a former student. He liked the experience so much that he never left, and he now lives there with his family.

Although I have tried, the school is still not in the registry of schools that MPs and public servants can attend for French as a second language training. However, that should not stop them from having this experience—

[Carol Hughes, NDP, The Assistant Deputy Speaker]

Order. The hon. member for Central Okanagan—Similkameen—Nicola.

West Kelowna Warriors

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

Madam Speaker, when the riding boundaries changed and Penticton was no longer in the area I represented, some local hockey fans suggested I would never again be able to boast about a major junior hockey achievement in this place.

I am proud to announce those critics were wrong.

Not only have the West Kelowna Warriors defeated the Penticton Vees in the post-season, they have won the BCHL title, qualified for the RBC Cup national junior championships, and tomorrow will play against the Brooks Bandits in the semi-final. This is an amazing achievement for a group of young leaders who play with their hearts and refuse to quit.

I ask the House to join with me in recognizing the success of the West Kelowna Warriors, and all the teams that are competing at the RBC Cup in Lloydminster. I wish the best of success to these young athletes.

I hope all members have a safe and enjoyable long weekend, and of course, happy birthday to Victoria.

Mississauga Arts Council Awards

[Iqra Khalid, Liberal, Mississauga—Erin Mills, ON]

Madam Speaker, I present to the House today a great achievement for my city.

Yesterday, Mississauga celebrated the arts and local artists through the Mississauga Arts Council's 22nd annual MARTY Awards. Artists were awarded for visual, literary, media, and performance arts.

The Mississauga Arts Council began in 1994 as a small arts festival and has expanded this honorarium to a prestigious celebration in the community. Art is the heart and soul of any community, and Mississauga is full of heart and soul. I congratulate MAC for being that driving force and for its achievements.

I would also like to give my personal congratulations to the recipients of last night's MARTY Awards, including my constituents, selfie man Randy Persaud and watercolour queen Fatima Fasih.

I also thank Mayor Crombie and her husband, Brian, for their undying devotion to the arts community. I am proud to have such an organization in my city.

Public Services and Procurement

[Andrew Scheer, Conservative, Regina—Qu'Appelle, SK]

Madam Speaker, my question is for the President of the Treasury Board. It relates to a situation many public servants are facing, including people from all our ridings. Thousands of employees and contractors are caught, making tough decisions for their families because they have been going for weeks, sometimes months, without a paycheque.

What is the minister doing in order to ensure these hard-working public servants and contractors are getting paid in short order?

[Joyce Murray, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the President of the Treasury Board]

Madam Speaker, it has been decades since the pay system was modernized. Our government is working to have a pay system that supports the hard-working members of the civil service. There are a few glitches on the way. They are being attended to as quickly as possible, and we will have a system that pays accurately and effectively in short order.