Debates of June 13th, 2016

Orlando Shooting

[The Speaker, Liberal, Geoff Regan]

Order. The hon. member for Humber River—Black Creek.

West Finch Bakery

[Judy Sgro, Liberal, Humber River—Black Creek, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Joseph and Maria Montinaro, long-time residents and business owners in Humber River—Black Creek. Joseph and Maria own West Finch Bakery, a local institution specializing in quality bread, cakes, pastries, gelato, and chocolates of all kinds. While these products are both stunning and delectable, it is the friendly nature of the place that keeps the locals coming back.

Joseph's father started West Finch Bakery in the 1960s, while Joseph spent his formative years apprenticing. Following in his father's footsteps was never his plan. However, as happens with life, Joe found himself down a winding path to where he needed to be.

Today, West Finch Bakery is a place that showcases local talent with a flavour profile that satisfies even the most discerning palate. Congratulations to Joseph and Maria, and thanks for all they do to make our communities great places to live, work, and play.

Canada Day Celebrations

[Earl Dreeshen, Conservative, Red Deer—Mountain View, AB]

Mr. Speaker, each year on July 1 communities across this great nation come together to celebrate Canada Day. Canada Day has been celebrated every year since Confederation, and it has always been the spirit of local communities all celebrating with their unique flair that makes the holiday so truly special. Canada Day is an opportunity to celebrate the values and traditions that make Canada the best place in the world to call home.

Our local organizations have been hard at work on preparations to herald another proud anniversary of our country. The towns of Bowden, Sundre, Carstairs, Delburne, Elnora, Spruce View, Penhold, lnnisfail, Didsbury, and Olds as well as the city of Red Deer are all hosting celebrations for Canada Day, including music, food, games, parades, and fireworks. It is an honour to represent an area that proudly demonstrates such strong community and Canadian spirit.

I encourage everyone to come together with their families and neighbours at one of their local community events to celebrate the birth of our nation.

Italian Contemporary Film Festival

[Francesco Sorbara, Liberal, Vaughan—Woodbridge, ON]

Mr. Speaker, la dolce vita has arrived. On Thursday, June 9, the fifth annual Italian Contemporary Film Festival kicked off at the TIFF Lightbox in Toronto. This 10-day event runs in six cities and is one of the top 10 film festivals in North America. With nearly 30,000 attendees, the ICFF brings audiences together with internationally acclaimed filmmakers, producers, and actors through movies, talks, and panel discussions.

A part of Italian heritage month, the ICFF mission is to bring the Italian lifestyle, la dolce vita, to Canada. In addition to the cultural contributions the festival brings to Toronto, Hamilton, Niagara, Montreal, Quebec City, and the city of Vaughan, it also provides real economic and lasting benefits to Canadian businesses.

Please join me in applauding the co-founders of the Italian Contemporary Film Festival, Cristiano de Florentis and Maurizio Magnifico, and Canada's vibrant Italian Canadian community.

Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps 348

[Carol Hughes, NDP, Algoma—Manitoulin—Kapuskasing, ON]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday I attended the annual review of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps 348 on beautiful Manitoulin Island. As a mother whose daughter was a sea cadet, I know the amount of work that goes into running cadet programs and how much it means to these young people.

This dedication and this attention empower our young people. They grow up learning to improve skills that they will master throughout their lives.

These are young people who have learned how to pull together to get things done, who have challenged themselves to break through barriers and past any fears they might carry. The commitment to communities from volunteers who keep programs running in places like Blind River, Hearst, Elliot Lake, Manitoulin Island, Espanola, and Kapuskasing is well worth it. Young sea, army and air cadets become confident leaders who, in turn, give back to their communities.

I am sure all members will join me to thank those who give their time and energy to ensure cadet programs remain a strong and vibrant part of our communities. We wish them all the best as they head to summer camp.

International Adoptions

[John Aldag, Liberal, Cloverdale—Langley City, BC]

Mr. Speaker, soon after being elected last October, I came to learn of the plight of many Canadian families who had adopted children from the Democratic Republic of Congo but faced obstacles that prevented the families from uniting.

By the end of March of this year, Rachelle and Marie, ages eight and four, were the only two Canadian children left in the Democratic Republic of Congo without exit permits in place. These sisters faced extraordinary challenges in their efforts to join their parents in Canada.

I am pleased to inform this House that due to the relentless work of our government, Rachelle and Marie are now united with their new parents, and living safely and happily in my riding of Cloverdale—Langley City.

I would like to thank the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, their parliamentary secretaries, departmental officials, and especially Senator Mobina Jaffer and Ambassador Ginette Martin, for their dedication to the successful completion of this file.

Welcome to Canada, Rachelle and Marie.

Ponoka Stampede

[Blaine Calkins, Conservative, Red Deer—Lacombe, AB]

Mr. Speaker, in just a few short weeks, people from all over Canada and the world will be descending on Ponoka, Alberta. From June 25 to July 3, this usually quiet town of 6,800 people will play host to over 60,000 hootin' and hollerin' guests at the 80th Annual Ponoka Stampede.

Since 1936, the Ponoka Stampede has honoured our western heritage by showcasing world-class competitors in world-class events. The best cowboys and cowgirls will be thrilling fans in events like team roping, saddle bronc, bareback, bull riding, steer wrestling, barrel racing, and, of course, the ever exciting chuckwagon races. With a mile-long parade and a fantastic midway, there is something for everyone at the Ponoka Stampede.

After 80 years, it is only right to acknowledge a few of the legacy families: George McKeddie, Harry Vold, Cliff Vold, Ralph Vold, Shorty Jones, Frank Mickey, Tom Butterfield, and their families.

We thank them for their vision and inspiration, which has carried on for generations. My continued thanks to the current board members of the Ponoka Stampede, the loyal sponsors, and the countless volunteers who work tirelessly year after to year to make the Ponoka Stampede Canada's best rodeo.

Luminato Festival

[Julie Dabrusin, Liberal, Toronto—Danforth, ON]

Mr. Speaker, this past weekend marked the beginning of the Luminato Festival. This year, it celebrates its 10th anniversary in Toronto Danforth's port lands.

Luminato celebrates Canadian and world culture. It is held at the Hearn Generating Station, a decommissioned plant. This industrial space has been transformed into a cultural centre for the next few weeks. It is also a gathering place for the city.

Luminato entertains and informs at the same time. This new use for the power plant also allows us to see the future of the port lands in a new light.

Most importantly, Luminato is a community gathering. On Wednesday night, the festival is hosting an iftar at the Hearn to break the daily Ramadan fast with families and friends from Canada's newcomer Syrian families. It shows the important role that our cultural institutions play in our lives.

Please join me in celebrating Luminato.

Liverpool International Theatre Festival

[Bernadette Jordan, Liberal, South Shore—St. Margarets, NS]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary group of volunteers for their work to make the Liverpool International Theatre Festival a great success.

This festival was started 26 years ago. It is well known throughout the theatre world, and has hosted groups from Japan, Belgium, Peru, Nepal, Ireland, and Russia, to name a few. This year's festival was once again superb, proving that great theatre transcends language.

Hundreds of volunteers make this event a huge success, helping with everything from the box office to muffins and coffee, billeting, and transportation. It is truly a community effort.

However, this year's festival was bittersweet, because the long-time artistic director has had her final performance. Eva Moore is retiring after 26 years. Eva's tenacity, expertise, and abilities will be missed by everyone who has had the pleasure to work with her over the past 26 years.

We thank Eva and the volunteers. I cannot wait for 2018.

Beauport—Côte-de-Beaupré—Île d'Orléans—Charlevoix

[Sylvie Boucher, Conservative, Beauport—Côte-de-Beaupré—Île d’Orléans—Charlevoix, QC]

Mr. Speaker, summer is just around the corner, and it is the perfect opportunity to see the sights, spend time on outdoor patios, and go to festivals. Whether by car, boat, or motorcycle, people are travelling across Quebec in search of new experiences.

Beauport—Côte-de-Beaupré—Île-d'Orléans—Charlevoix is a great place for everyone to discover something new. Whether it is the reliquary of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, the Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, Île d'Orléans and its local products, the Festif de Baie-Saint-Paul, or the drag racing festival in La Malbaie, there is something for everyone.

This year, I hope to see everyone at the seventh edition of the Charlevoix rodeo, which takes place from June 23 to 26. I am proud to be the honorary spokesperson for this event, which offers visitors a one-of-a-kind experience.

I want to take this opportunity to invite everyone to come and discover all of the events that are happening in my riding—

Robert Hall

[Omar Alghabra, Liberal, Mississauga Centre, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House with a heavy heart. As confirmed by the Prime Minister, Robert Hall, a Canadian hostage in the Philippines, was killed by his captors. President Aquino spoke with the Prime Minister and expressed his condolences to all Canadians.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Hall family, who have shown great strength in the face of such a horrific situation. Along with the family of fellow victim John Ridsdel, Canada mourns in light of these tragedies.

Canada holds the terrorist group fully responsible for this cold-blooded and cowardly murder.

When the Prime Minister was at the G7 summit, he reiterated that terrorist hostage taking only fuels more violence and instability. We are committed to working with international partners to pursue those responsible and to bring them to justice, however long it takes.

Today, we mourn the loss of Mr. Hall to his community and Canada.

Canadian Red Cross

[Michel Picard, Liberal, Montarville, QC]

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to highlight the excellent work of Canadian Red Cross employees and volunteers. Established in 1909 by an act of Parliament, it recently made the headlines because of its role following the Fort McMurray forest fires. I would like to take a moment to recognize the work these people do every day in addition to the assistance they provide when disaster strikes.

The Red Cross is a global leader in the delivery of life-saving care, especially to women and children. Here at home, volunteers are supporting people's ability to live independently and safely at home, working with over 200 indigenous communities and carrying out hundreds of agreements with municipal and provincial governments to provide social emergency relief, among many other initiatives.

The Red Cross exemplifies humanitarian values such as solidarity, volunteerism, and mutual assistance. For that reason I invite everyone to give generously.

Women's PGA Championship

[Gord Brown, Conservative, Leeds—Grenville—Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise with great news for Canada. Smiths Falls, Ontario native, 18-year-old Brooke Henderson, yesterday won the women's professional golf association championship in a sudden-death playoff.

Ranked fourth in the world, Henderson becomes the second-youngest winner of a major championship. She is also the second Canadian woman to win a major championship, following Sandra Post's victory in the 1968 event, and is projected to jump from fourth to second in the world today.

Her first professional victory came last year in Portland, Oregon. Henderson was Canadian Women's Amateur champion in 2013, finished runner-up at the 2014 U.S. Women's Amateur, and while still an amateur, won three events on the Canadian Women's tour, and tied for 10th place in the 2014 women's open at the age of just 16. For 2015, Henderson was named both the Canadian and Ontario female athlete of the year.

On behalf of all Canadians, I salute her success yesterday.

[Some hon. members]

Hear, hear!

Shootings in Orlando

[Randy Boissonnault, Liberal, Edmonton Centre, AB]

Mr. Speaker, the pride flag flies in good times and in bad, so I proudly wear these colours today in memory of 50 of our Orlando brothers and sisters whose lives were taken because, like us, they were different, special, unique.

From coast to coast to coast, we saw members of the LGBTQ2 community and our allies come together in mourning for those who were lost in this senseless and despicable act of violence and hate.

On June 11, one man's hatred scarred 50 families forever. Lives were taken just because these people were different, loved differently, and self-identified as being different. These acts of hate and terror against a united and proud community will not result in fear and submission. This attack only strengthens our determination to express our right to be who we are.

Let us remind ourselves in the days and weeks to come that, with time, hate will always be conquered by love.

Love will always win.

[Thomas Mulcair, NDP, Outremont, QC]

Mr. Speaker, on Saturday night, 49 people were murdered and 53 others injured during a hatred filled massacre at a gay nightclub in Orlando. They were targeted because of how they lived, who they were, and who they loved. The perpetrator of this act of vile hatred hoped it would sow fear and division, and we will not let that happen.

Today, our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims of this terrible attack at a gay club in Orlando. We must work together to build more inclusive communities by combatting homophobia, transphobia, and Islamophobia. Love is love, and love will always be stronger than hate.

Today, we stand in solidarity with the LGBT community and united in our belief that diversity is our great strength. Let us remember in the face of such violence that love is love, and love will always be stronger than hate.

[Shannon Stubbs, Conservative, Lakeland, AB]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of my Conservative colleagues and all Canadians in solidarity with our American friends, as they grieve a horrifying tragedy. In the early hours yesterday morning, a deliberate attack on a gay nightclub in Orlando took the lives of 49 innocent men and women, and dozens more were wounded.

It was radical domestic terrorism, a hateful targeting of a specific group of people. It is a terrible reminder that we must remain steadfast, and we must strongly condemn and combat terrorism in all its forms around the world.

We commend the heroic actions of the law enforcement officers who responded to this vicious attack. Our prayers are with the families of the victims today and in the days to come as they try to come to terms with this senseless act. We also send strength to the injured as they recover from this tragedy that will undoubtedly affect them for the rest of their lives.

Canada stands with our American allies and all those who have been impacted by this brutal act of terror.

[Rob Oliphant, Liberal, Don Valley West, ON]

Mr. Speaker, just two weeks ago, we raised the pride flag on Parliament Hill. I saw this as the joyful end of a long human rights journey.

Yesterday, this dream was shattered when 49 gay people were killed in a shooting at a gay club in Orlando.

My first thoughts turned to the victims. A night of community, solidarity, and simple pleasures in a place that was meant to be safe ended in a horrible bloodbath. There are no words to describe my feelings of sadness, grief, and anger.

My second thoughts were to the Muslim community, again at risk. I am proud to represent tens of thousands of faithful, peaceful, and law-abiding Muslims, who were equally saddened and horrified by this act of terror and homophobia.

Today, we must stand together against violence and terror and trust each other as we combat evil and build peace.

[The Speaker, Liberal, Geoff Regan]

Following discussions among representatives of all parties in the House, I understand that there is agreement to observe a moment of silence in memory of the victims of the shooting in Orlando, Florida. I now invite hon. members to rise.

[A moment of silence observed]

Public Safety

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

Mr. Speaker, this weekend, horrifying, barbaric and senseless acts took place in Orlando, and the so-called Islamic State claimed responsibility. This morning, we received the terrible news that Robert Hall was executed by a group linked to this terrorist organization.

We strongly condemn these acts of extreme violence. We extend our condolences and deepest sympathies to the families of the victims.

Can the government tell us how it plans to keep Canadians safe here at home and around the world?

[Ralph Goodale, Liberal, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness]

Mr. Speaker, we strongly condemn the hideous attacks in Orlando targeting the LBGTQ community. It was a brutal combination of terrorism and hatred.

Canadians express heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the victims, to the entire LBGTQ2 community, and to our American friends. I have spoken with U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson yesterday to convey our sympathy and our solidarity, and to offer our full support and co-operation.

To this point, I can inform the House there is no known Canadian connection, but we all need to be absolutely clear. We will not diminish the diversity, the freedoms, and the values that make us who we are.

Democratic Reform

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

Mr. Speaker, we all offer our condolences to the families, too.

A committee of parliamentarians, regardless of party membership, is but a committee of parliamentarians. It cannot take the place of the Canadian people. However, after reaching an agreement with the NDP behind closed doors, the Liberals and the Prime Minister seem to want to force reform on Canadians. Canadians are realizing that they cannot trust this government.

Will the Prime Minister bring his minister into line and call a referendum to reassure Canadians?

[Maryam Monsef, Liberal, Minister of Democratic Institutions]

Mr. Speaker, the reality is that we did listen to Canadians. Over 60% said they wanted electoral reform.

What we offered to the people of this country was an all-party committee, which has now been established, to come together and review the options available to us.

I am counting on the support of all members of the House, in all the ways that they know their constituents and their ridings, to ensure that the committee's work is enhanced by their efforts as well.

The Environment

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

Mr. Speaker, today we learned that Finance Canada is pushing the idea of a carbon tax. That is the good old Liberal way of finding new ways to tax Canadians without telling them. On this side of the aisle, we know that more tax will kill jobs and raise the Canadian tax burden. Canadians cannot trust the Minister of Finance.

Can the Prime Minister come clean with Canadians and confirm today that there will be a carbon tax, and how much it will cost Canadians?

[Jonathan Wilkinson, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change]

Mr. Speaker, Canadians know that reducing emissions will make our economy more competitive, not less.

Governments in Canada and around the world are using carbon-pricing mechanisms to address climate change. Transitioning to a low-carbon economy will stimulate growth, provide access to new markets, and it will create jobs. We are working very actively on a federal, provincial, and territorial basis, looking at how we can enhance work that has been done by the provinces and ensure that Canada plays a role in reducing carbon emissions and driving clean growth.