House of Commons Hansard #48 of the 42nd Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was overdose.

Topics

2:05 p.m.

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 North Island—Powell River.

[Members sang the national anthem]

SportsStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Anthony Rota Liberal Nipissing—Timiskaming, ON

Mr. Speaker, on Saturday, May 7, the North Bay Sports Hall of Fame will honour individuals whose work with sports resulted in a climate that benefited athletes and athletics. This year, the George Martyn award for dedication to basketball as a player, coach, and executive will be awarded to Chantal Piche Rota.

While teaching for over 30 years at École secondaire catholique Algonquin, Chantal dedicated herself to coaching a variety of sports such as badminton, track and field, soccer, and volleyball, most in the same year. However, the clear favourite for her and her real passion was basketball. She served as a mentor, a friend, and often mother figure to her players, guiding them through life both on and off the court.

Championship wins were great, but the highlight of her career was coaching our daughter Samantha. After 36 years together, I continue to be extremely proud and thankful that she is part of my life. Congratulations Chantal.

AwardsStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Conservative

Randy Hoback Conservative Prince Albert, SK

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my congratulations to three outstanding recipients in my constituency.

First, I would like to congratulate Ms. Gracie Nelson, a 10-year-old resident of the city of Prince Albert, for being announced as the city's 34th annual Terry Fox award winner. Gracie, good job, keep up the good work. We are very proud of her.

Second, I would like to congratulate Dale Ebert, who received the sovereign's medal for volunteers award from the Governor General in Ottawa. Dale also received the Saskatchewan volunteer medal from Saskatchewan's Lieutenant Governor in Regina. I thank Dale for his great work for our community.

Third, I would like to congratulate the Melfort Mustangs hockey club on successfully defending the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League championship by defeating the Flin Flon Bombers in six games to win their second straight Canalta Cup title in two years. As the Mustangs progress through a series of tournaments toward the RBC Cup National Junior A Championship, good luck to all the players, and to the entire Mustangs coaching and scouting staff on their path to victory. Go Stangs, go.

Serenata SingersStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Arnold Chan Liberal Scarborough—Agincourt, ON

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to highlight a truly remarkable organization from my riding of Scarborough—Agincourt.

The Serenata Singers have been providing Canadians with the sounds of choral music for over four decades. This year marks their 40th anniversary as a community and charity-based group who revel in singing four part choral music.

This fine group of 65 seniors, under the direction of the accomplished Joshua Tamayo, continue to share their talents with the community at many annual events throughout the calendar year.

I would like to mention some of the charitable organizations that receive important assistance from the Serenata group. They include: Sleeping Children Around the World, the Canadian FOP Network, and the Canadian Music Therapy Trust Fund.

Finally, I would be remiss not to mention one very special member of this group. Margaret Taylor is the only original member of Serenata and in this past October celebrated her 100th birthday.

I would like to invite all the members of this House to join me in congratulating and thanking this terrific organization for the tremendous work it does in our community.

Multiple SclerosisStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

NDP

Kennedy Stewart NDP Burnaby South, BC

Mr. Speaker, too many Canadians and their loved ones are affected by multiple sclerosis. My sister, Julia Stewart, who is here today with my mother, Cathy Stewart, has MS.

Julia's battle with this disease has opened my eyes to how we have to do more to help. We need to commit to providing more research funding. We also need to ensure our employment insurance program works for those people with intermittent health issues.

In my sister's case, when Julia found herself unable to perform her regular duties, her employer offered very little support and minimum compensation, even after 10 years of excellent work. Eventually, she had to leave her job.

Now, after a career change, the help of excellent physicians, attention to diet and exercise, and the support of family and friends, Julia is back at work as director of the Fredericton Public Library.

Today, in honour of MS awareness month, I am wearing a carnation to show my solidarity with my sister, my mother, and the entire MS community. I urge each of us to work to end MS.

Fort McMurray FireStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Conservative

Kellie Leitch Conservative Simcoe—Grey, ON

Mr. Speaker, last night the home I grew up in, a home that my father built, burned down in Fort McMurray, Alberta.

As many members may be aware, forest fires have forced the evacuation of literally tens of thousands of Canadians from their homes, families who actually no longer have a home. My home area, Beacon Hill, is now in ashes.

I ask everyone today in this House and individuals across Canada to please support the people in Fort McMurray, Alberta during this challenging time. Please text the Red Cross at 30333, text REDCROSS, and over the coming days make a donation to support these Canadians. The people of Fort McMurray really need our help right now.

I would like to thank the first responders, all those individuals who are volunteering today on the ground, and those people who have been working day and night to ensure their fellow Canadians have a place to live. Now, more than ever, we need to work hard as Canadians and help these Albertans.

God bless those impacted by this enormous tragedy.

Fort McMurray FireStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

The Speaker Liberal Geoff Regan

Well said.

The hon. member for Vancouver Quadra.

Simon Fraser UniversityStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Joyce Murray Liberal Vancouver Quadra, BC

Mr. Speaker, I am standing today to recognize the 50th anniversary of my alma mater, Simon Fraser University. From its beginnings as a young university, with the eminent architect Arthur Erickson having built this amazing building on the top of Burnaby Mountain, its atmosphere of radicalism and exploration resonated across the country.

This was a centre of the peace movement and the environmental movement, and was a great place to go to university. Fifty years later, a mature SFU is a leader in innovation, research, and community engagement.

I want to congratulate Simon Fraser University for being ranked as one of the top comprehensive universities by a Maclean's magazine survey in 2015.

Please join with me, everyone, in congratulating Simon Fraser University and wishing everyone there a happy 50th anniversary.

Holocaust Remembrance DayStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Anthony Housefather Liberal Mount Royal, QC

Mr. Speaker, Yom HaShoah approaches. It is the day we remember the victims of the Holocaust; the men, women, and children who were executed in the fields of Ukraine; those who were murdered in the gas chambers of Auschwitz and Treblinka; those assigned to slave labour who starved to death in Dachau. More than 6 million Jews and millions of non-Jews perished.

My predecessor, Irwin Cotler, often quoted the phrase, “Holocaust did not begin in the gas chamber, it began with words.” This is true. Words led to incitement to hatred, which led to pogroms and murder.

We must never remain silent in the face of incitement to hatred. The Holocaust took place over 70 years ago, and few survivors remain. It is our sacred duty to ensure that all Canadians know what happened.

We should never forget.

Fort McMurray FireStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Rodger Cuzner Liberal Cape Breton—Canso, NS

Mr. Speaker, like all other members in this House, I continue to watch the events unfold in Fort McMurray. I had the great pleasure to make McMurray my home for almost 10 years. I have always bristled at the impression some Canadians have of the Fort, seeing it as a little more than a national ATM.

Canadians who have had the chance to spend time there know it is an absolutely fabulous community. It is a community that has welcomed people from across this country and from all corners of the world. It has built a progressive, dynamic city, with amenities that are envied by cities much larger. It is a community that has been built with a pioneer spirit by caring, compassionate people, making it a great place to live and a wonderful place to raise a family.

I spoke with a number of friends last night who were fleeing the city. The tension and fear in their voices was obvious and understandable. For decades, the community of Fort McMurray has been there for thousands of Canadians.

Whenever this ordeal ends, the people of Fort Mac have to know that this government, and indeed this Parliament, will stand with them as they rebuild this great community.

Multiple SclerosisStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Conservative

Kerry Diotte Conservative Edmonton Griesbach, AB

Mr. Speaker, my thoughts and prayers are with the people of Fort McMurray and I am sure that my colleagues all feel the same way. I hope we will give generously to the Red Cross, which is the lead organization to help with the recovery.

Canada has the highest rate of multiple sclerosis in the world. This unpredictable, and often disabling, disease of the central nervous system impacts 133 out of every 100,000 Canadians.

Sadly, my good friend Ted Marianix died from this disease this past year.

Today, in honour of MS awareness month, I am wearing a carnation for Ted and to show solidarity with the MS community in the fight against MS.

I certainly hope that we will continue to make significant efforts to support research and to help those impacted by MS. There is still a lot to be done.

I will continue to support efforts to help improve the lives of people living with this disease and to help their families and caregivers.

I would ask everyone today to please rise with me to join in the fight to end MS in our lifetime.

Fort McMurray FireStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Liberal

Darshan Singh Kang Liberal Calgary Skyview, AB

Mr. Speaker, I rise today not only as the member for Calgary Skyview, but also a proud Albertan.

I, along with all members, stand in awe at the incredible outpouring of community support in the face of devastating fire in Fort McMurray. The impact on the city has been enormous. We, as representatives of all Canadians, extend our thoughts, our prayers, and our support to communities in this region.

I wish also to thank the members of our first responders, each of whom puts themselves at risk on behalf of their neighbours and strangers alike, as well as all volunteers who are stepping forward to offer what they can, be it time, be it energy, or both.

With this, I will close by asking every Canadian to consider making a donation to aid the Canadian Red Cross in the daunting challenges it will be facing today. Please visit www.redcross.ca to offer help.

Multiple SclerosisStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Liberal

Iqra Khalid Liberal Mississauga—Erin Mills, ON

Mr. Speaker, it is our job as public servants to support citizens of our great country when they are faced with a disease as unpredictable as multiple sclerosis.

People like Denis from Trois-Rivières, Quebec, with progressive MS, states:

I’ve never received a promotion. Everyone around me was moving up the ladder, and I wasn’t. My coworkers were asking, ‘What about Denis?’ I’ve never even taken more than a week off work for my illness. There was a time when I met with one of my supervisors to discuss the issue, and he told me I should feel lucky to have a job at all...It was total discrimination.

I am inspired by Denis' story, and others like him, to advocate for simplified and flexible job and income support systems, which will ensure that those affected by MS will get the help they need and increased investments into research that helps accelerate the development of effective therapies for progressive MS.

As my dear friend Imran says, “The one of us who finds the strength to get up first, must help the other.”

Fire in Fort McMurrayStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Conservative

Luc Berthold Conservative Mégantic—L'Érable, QC

Mr. Speaker, on July 6, 2013, the town of Lac-Mégantic was decimated by a rail disaster. We are still reeling from the human, social, and economic consequences of that tragic event.

Canadians did not abandon us. They demonstrated extraordinary solidarity by donating $14 million to the Red Cross. Three years later, the Red Cross is still present, still helping bereaved families, providing housing, and supporting workers. The Red Cross helped us survive, and it will be there to help us rebuild Lac-Mégantic.

That is why, today, on behalf of the people of Lac-Mégantic, we encourage all Canadians to show solidarity once again, this time with the people of Fort McMurray. The terrible tragedy there is still unfolding. People will need us for years to come. A donation to the Red Cross is a donation in support of the people of Fort McMurray.

The people of Lac-Mégantic are grateful for the help they received. Now it is our turn to take action by once again asking everyone to give generously for those who are losing everything in Alberta.

Please donate to the Red Cross now.

Holocaust Remembrance DayStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Liberal

Michael Levitt Liberal York Centre, ON

Mr. Speaker, tonight, sundown marks the beginning of Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, marked by Jews around the world.

In York Centre, which has one of the largest populations of Holocaust survivors in Canada, remembrance ceremonies will be held in schools, synagogues, and community centres. Every year, we must continue to remember and reflect on one of history's darkest periods: the systematic, state-sponsored murder of six million Jews during the Second World War.

Each and every one of us must consider the unfathomable suffering and loss of life, the deep-seeded hatred from which it took root, and the incredible strength, courage, and resilience of those who survived.

Our remembrance is an act of rejection of the evil that fuelled an attempt to extinguish an entire people, an evil we all bear a collective responsibility to ensure is never forgotten.

Build TogetherStatements By Members

2:20 p.m.

NDP

Rachel Blaney NDP North Island—Powell River, BC

Mr. Speaker, several weeks ago I had the pleasure of meeting women who represented the B.C. building trades. They spoke to me of a program called “Build Together”, a national program that promotes, supports, and mentors women in construction trades.

Women represent 4% of the workforce in these industries. It is very clear that both the industry and the women see this as an opportunity. “Build Together” is focused on growing that percentage. These women expose other women to the trades as a career choice. Knowing that support beyond recruitment is key, women who are thriving in the industry mentor women who are new.

It is true, with only 4% women, there are many challenges and education for everyone.

I want to thank these women for taking on this challenge. I admire their work and dedication to building a Canada that of which we can all be proud.

Fort McMurray FireStatements By Members

2:20 p.m.

Conservative

Chris Warkentin Conservative Grande Prairie—Mackenzie, AB

Mr. Speaker, tragedy has struck Fort McMurray over the past number of hours. Homes and businesses have been lost to fire. The scale of the loss is unprecedented and unimaginable.

Thousands of Albertans have stepped up, putting themselves in harm's way to respond to the crisis. To those who are battling the flames, we are praying for their safety. To those who have stepped up to accommodate displaced people, we thank them for their generosity. To those who have lost their homes, people across Alberta and across our country want them to know we will be there to help them rebuild.

Canadians are generous, and Canadians want to help out. Those who want to make a donation should give it to the Red Cross. Donations can be made by calling 1-800-418-1111, or going to redcross.ca.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Fort Mac. We will be there to support them until the rebuilding is complete.

Fort McMurray FireStatements By Members

2:20 p.m.

Liberal

Randy Boissonnault Liberal Edmonton Centre, AB

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart, as a proud Albertan, as 80,000 residents of Fort McMurray have left their homes and communities to seek shelter in other municipalities.

The devastating fires that continue to rage in Wood Buffalo are destroying more homes and livelihoods of our fellow Canadians. I have been in personal contact with friends and colleagues in Fort McMurray, and their focus is on getting to safety and on meeting their basic needs.

The hearts and thoughts of all members in the House go out to the families and residents of Fort McMurray.

I would like to sincerely thank the first responders, the RCMP, the City of Edmonton, the municipality of Wood Buffalo, the Province of Alberta, the Red Cross, and everyone else who is already assisting the residents of the area affected by the wildfires.

I call upon the generosity of all Canadians and ask them to support the victims of this natural disaster.

When Canadians are in need, Canadians step up. The people of Fort McMurray know that our government and the people in this House are with them, now and beyond.

Fort McMurray FireStatements By Members

2:20 p.m.

Liberal

The Speaker Liberal Geoff Regan

I think we are all thinking about the people who are affected by the fires in Fort McMurray, including our former colleague, Brian Jean.

Disaster AssistanceOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Sturgeon River—Parkland Alberta

Conservative

Rona Ambrose ConservativeLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, we were all horrified last night to learn of the increasingly desperate situation in Fort McMurray. Our thoughts are with the residents and the surrounding communities, and of course with the firefighters who are working so hard to put out these wildfires.

Could the Prime Minister please update all of us about what the Government of Canada's response will be to these wildfires?

Disaster AssistanceOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Papineau Québec

Liberal

Justin Trudeau LiberalPrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my hon. colleague not just for her leadership in the House, but her leadership as a colleague from Alberta, and all of her colleagues in the House who are responding to the devastation facing the people in Alberta. We stand with them all.

I spoke with Premier Notley last night and assured her that we would provide assistance. We are responding to Alberta's request for the provision of air assets in support of evacuations, firefighting, and delivery of essential aid. The Government Operations Centre is in touch with Alberta on an hourly basis. As the situation develops, we will continue to identify federal assets that can be deployed in support of the response efforts.

The Canadian Forces are deploying search and rescue helicopters, and a Hercules aircraft is now pre-positioned in Cold Lake, with other aircraft on standby in Edmonton and Trenton.

For all Canadians who want to do something to help out our friends, brothers and sisters in Alberta, please donate to the Red Cross, where the assistance will be valuable and appreciated.

IranOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

Sturgeon River—Parkland Alberta

Conservative

Rona Ambrose ConservativeLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, the Iranian regime is widely considered to be the world's pre-eminent state sponsor of terrorism. This is why it is shocking that the Liberals are warming up relations with the government of Iran, which tortured and murdered Canadian photojournalist Zahra Kazemi. Iranian-sponsored terrorist groups have murdered Canadian citizens, and the government of Iran has allowed multiple assaults on foreign embassies.

How can the Prime Minister justify normalizing relations with Iran to the victims of Iranian-sponsored terrorism?

IranOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

Papineau Québec

Liberal

Justin Trudeau LiberalPrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, it is important that Canada keep its eyes wide open as we cautiously re-engage with Iran alongside our allies. The fact is that the P5+1 deal showed significant movement in removing the nuclear ambitions from Iran's capabilities. At the same time, we recognize there continues to be state sponsorship of terrorism and violations of human rights and oppression of people within Iran linked to Iranian terrorism.

We need to continue to engage constructively in ensuring that Iran and the Iranian people do better in the world, while holding them to account.

TaxationOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

Sturgeon River—Parkland Alberta

Conservative

Rona Ambrose ConservativeLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister does not seem to understand that borrowed money actually has to be paid back. I guess he does not want to get hung up about it like his Minister of Finance. This is no comfort to Canadian families that see their financial future at risk by the Liberals' massive spending schemes.

Will the Prime Minister today come clean with Canadians and explain how he plans to pay back these billions of dollars? What other taxes is he going to raise?

TaxationOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

Papineau Québec

Liberal

Justin Trudeau LiberalPrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, in the last election, Canadians were presented with a choice. We proposed to invest in the Canadian economy, invest in our communities, and put more money into the pockets of the middle class and those working hard to join the middle class by lowering taxes for the middle class, raising taxes on the wealthiest 1%, and by bringing in a Canada child benefit that would benefit nine out of ten Canadian families.

The fact is that Canadians chose an option that would invest in our future as opposed to make cuts to balance the budget at all costs, and that is what we are doing. We are investing in the future of Canada, investing in growth to help the middle class.