Debates of June 15th, 2016

[The Speaker, Liberal, Geoff Regan]

It being Wednesday, we will now have the singing of the national anthem, led by the member for Edmonton Centre.

Battling Cancer in Montcalm

[Luc Thériault, Bloc, Montcalm, QC]

Mr. Speaker, people in my riding do not hold back when it comes to battling cancer.

In the past two weeks, the relays for life in the RCMs of Montcalm and Les Moulins and the Saint-Jacques firefighters' shaved head challenge all exceeded expectations. In just two weeks, hundreds of participants and volunteers helped raise nearly $600,000 to fight cancer.

It is so uplifting to know that my region is full of people of this calibre. I hope that their generosity and devotion will inspire those who are fighting and who need support.

With Father's Day right around the corner, I would like to conclude with a special thought for my 82-year-old father, who has been fighting since 2000. Through relapse and remission alike, he has been a model of courage, determination, and resilience. I love you, Dad.

Breakfast With Santa

[Peter Fonseca, Liberal, Mississauga East—Cooksville, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to describe a well-conceived, multi-faceted, and much-needed charitable program operating in my area, the Breakfast With Santa Foundation.

Several weeks ago, I had the pleasure of visiting and viewing aspects of this unique project at one of its locations, Brian W. Fleming Public School in my riding of Mississauga East—Cooksville.

The foundation, established 27 years ago and still headed by its founder, Maria Esteves, celebrates the Christmas season, as denoted in its name. It serves breakfast at special events to underprivileged families in Peel region at Christmas and provides daily breakfast in the summer months, when school-based morning meals are not available.

To date, over 94,000 meals have been served to hungry children, and Christmas has been celebrated with 20,000 people in an attempt to fill gaps for those most in need.

It was my privilege to have seen the remarkable work of this foundation in action. In the near future, let there be no hungry children in any of our ridings.

Summer Party

[Alupa Clarke, Conservative, Beauport—Limoilou, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce to the House that the countdown has begun for the best party of the summer in my riding of Beauport—Limoilou. Folks will not want to miss it.

In fact, I am beginning a new annual tradition. On August 20, 2016, I will be hosting a summer party at the Domaine Maizerets from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with plenty of activities already on the schedule.

Come and celebrate summer, and enjoy a hotdog, corn on the cob, and refreshments on me. There will also be music, water games, and many other activities for one and all.

A large tent will be set up in the middle of the park to keep everyone dry in the event of rain or provide some shade in the warm August sun, as needed. I invite everyone to bring their families and spend the day with my family and my team.

I hope to meet as many of my constituents as possible as I go knocking on doors in Beauport—Limoilou in the days leading up to my summer party. I would like to wish all my constituents a wonderful summer and a nice summer vacation, for those who are taking one.

Carrousel of the Nations

[Cheryl Hardcastle, NDP, Windsor—Tecumseh, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I stand before you today to declare how proud I am of my riding of Windsor--Tecumseh and the surrounding area of Essex County as we head into two weeks of celebrating the vibrancy of our cultural diversity.

Carrousel of the Nations fully showcases our favourite expressions of culture: food, music, dance, art, and friendship. This year the carrousel showcases the hospitality of the Caribbean, Filipino, Greek, Polish, Romanian, Hungarian, Bavarian, Serbian, Chinese, Italian, Scottish, and Macedonian villages.

Congratulations to all of the volunteers and sponsors involved in making it a success for 41 years.

Yes, leading up to the amazing international fireworks that prove that Windsor-Detroit is the life pulse of North America, we are immersed in a celebration of our strengths and our differences, and I could not be more proud to call this home.

Canadian Golf Hall of Fame Inductee

[Sean Casey, Liberal, Charlottetown, PE]

Mr. Speaker, I am honoured to rise today in the House to recognize LPGA tour professional and proud Prince Edward Islander, Lorie Kane.

Lorie will be inducted into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame later this year. She is a 20-year veteran of the LPGA tour. She has four LPGA wins, along with 99 top 10s. Lorie has also won four tournaments on the Legends Tour and very proudly represented Canada at the Pan-Am Games in Toronto last year.

Despite her successful and high-profile career, Lorie never forgot her roots on the Island. She founded the Lorie Kane Charity Golf Classic, which has raised over $1 million for local charities.

Lorie is a member of the Order of Canada and has twice been named Canadian female athlete of the year. She was inducted into the Prince Edward Island Sports Hall of Fame in 2014.

I ask the House to join me in congratulating Lorie Kane on her many achievements, which now include her rightful place in the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame.

George Neal

[Deb Schulte, Liberal, King—Vaughan, ON]

Mr. Speaker, on April 4, Canada lost one of its most influential aviation pioneers, George Neal.

Mr. Neal learned to fly in Toronto in 1937 and was employed at de Havilland Aircraft until he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1941, where he became flight commander and chief test pilot.

In 1946 he rejoined de Havilland and became chief test pilot, flying iconic Canadian aircraft such as the Beaver, Chipmunk, Otter, and Caribou. He was a winner of Canada's most prestigious aviation award, the Trans-Canada (McKee) Trophy, in 1989, and was inducted into Canada's Aviation Hall of Fame in 1995.

In 2015 Mr. Neal was recognized by Guinness World Records as the oldest active licensed pilot at age 96, when he flew his own Chipmunk from Brampton to Pearson.

I had the opportunity to work at de Havilland Aircraft in flight test when he was director of flight operations, where he was a legend even then.

His legacy will remain in our hearts and in—

[The Speaker, Liberal, Geoff Regan]

Order.

The hon. member for Simcoe North.

Leacock Medal for Humour

[Bruce Stanton, Conservative, Simcoe North, ON]

Mr. Speaker, last Saturday the Leacock Medal for humour was presented at a gala reception at Geneva Park, near the city of Orillia in my riding.

As members may recall, Stephen Leacock is Canada's most famous author of humour. He kept a summer residence in Orillia, the same town that inspired the fictional Mariposa in his famous novel Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town and the home of this annual tribute to Canadian authors of humour.

This year The Leacock Associates have awarded the medal for humour to Nanaimo's Susan Juby, for her novel Republic of Dirt. This is Susan's first Leacock Medal win and her third time being shortlisted for it.

I would like to thank The Leacock Associates and TD Financial Group for recognizing these outstanding contributions to Canadian literature.

I invite all hon. members to join me in congratulating the 2016 winner of the Leacock Medal for humour, Susan Juby.

Robert P. Kouri

[Nicola Di Iorio, Liberal, Saint-Léonard—Saint-Michel, QC]

Mr. Speaker, it is said that those who choose to teach must never cease to learn. Today I would add that those who teach at the same place for 50 years must never cease to amaze us.

I am talking about Professor Robert P. Kouri. In 1966 he began his career at the faculty of law at the Université de Sherbrooke. That is the same year that colour TV came onto the market and the Rolling Stones hit the charts.

Since then, this civil lawyer who is an international expert on health law has been universally esteemed by his students, his colleagues, and courts at all levels, which regularly cite his decisions.

I invite all my colleagues to applaud the exceptional career of Robert P. Kouri, this man, academic, legal expert, and professor.

Paul Harris Fellow Award

[Matt DeCourcey, Liberal, Fredericton, NB]

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate LeRoy Washburn and Reverend Bob Jones, who, at the Oromocto Rotary dinner on June 6, were awarded the Paul Harris Fellow Award in honour of their remarkable service and dedication to their community.

A former town councillor and deputy mayor, LeRoy served in the New Brunswick legislature from 1974 to 1982. He is an honorary life member of the Royal Canadian Legion and is an institution in the sporting establishment, having been the face of St. Thomas University Athletics for 30 years, a member of the New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame, and an official at many events, including the Olympics.

Bob has been an active member of the Oromocto Rotary Club since receiving a meritorious citizens award. He played a prominent role settling Kosovar refugees in Canada, served as military chaplin in the Middle East, and is a well-known member of the Fredericton Choral Society.

I thank LeRoy and Bob for their admirable contributions to our community and for their ongoing support of our neighbours and fellow citizens.

North Haven Community Association

[Michelle Rempel, Conservative, Calgary Nose Hill, AB]

Mr. Speaker, community associations are the heart of our neighbourhoods. This year the North Haven Community Association will be celebrating its 50th anniversary.

At its founding, North Haven was at the northernmost boundary of Calgary, with nothing but fields beyond. Today it is a thriving inner city community.

I would like to congratulate Jean Togstad, Elise Konoff, and many other board members and volunteers for their devotion to our community. I would also like to thank Ms. Marie Heffernan, an outstanding volunteer of over 40 years, for her hard work. Her inspirational dedication showcases the very best that Calgarians have to offer.

This summer, community association volunteers across my riding are working hard to deliver events and programs. I would like to thank the volunteers of the community associations in Edgemont; Sandstone MacEwan; Thorncliffe Greenview; Beddington Heights; Huntington Hills; Hamptons; Hidden Valley; and Northern Hills, including Panorama and Country Hills for all they do to make our communities vibrant and strong.

Craftswomen Symposium

[Ken McDonald, Liberal, Avalon, NL]

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize a young woman from my riding who recently represented Canada on the world stage. Natalie Austin of Carbonear travelled to Tokyo, Japan last month to the G7 Craftswomen Symposium as the Canadian representative.

Natalie is a local jeweller and her work is created by reusing materials, such as copper pipe and glass enamel to produce one-of-a-kind jewellery. She was nominated by the Newfoundland and Labrador organization of women entrepreneurs for this prestigious opportunity to showcase her talents.

Just recently, I had the opportunity to visit Natalie and see her tremendous products. Natalie has teamed up with six other artists to form a DozenOdd Galleries in Carbonear.

I would like to mark Natalie's achievement and passion that led her to this incredible opportunity.

We continue to celebrate women entrepreneurs all across Canada, like Natalie, who are playing an important role in the arts community and economic development across this great country.

Vieux-Saint-Eustache

[Linda Lapointe, Liberal, Rivière-des-Mille-Îles, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the beauty, charm, and rich heritage of Vieux-Saint-Eustache, a city of 45,000 people in my riding of Rivière-des-Mille-Îles.

Tourism in this city is very diversified because of the many historical buildings and the activities organized by the city. Take, for example, the Globensky mansion, which was built in 1902, and the Légaré mill, which is just over 250 years old and is still operational.

I would also like to recognize the contribution of the Canada summer jobs program. Students hired through this program help bring this historic neighbourhood to life during the summer, which is just around the corner.

I wholeheartedly invite colleagues, tourists, and all Canadians to visit the home of the patriotes of Vieux-Saint-Eustache this summer and attend the famous Festival de la Galette, which will be held from September 16 to 18.

Have a good summer.

The Environment

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

Mr. Speaker, in the name of environmental protection, the Ontario Liberal government has moved to phase out what it calls low efficiency wood burning stoves that provide heat for hundreds of thousands of Ontario residents.

This excruciatingly bad environmental policy will eliminate one of the most cost effective heating options for those who choose to heat with wood, many of whom live on modest incomes. This policy, if fully implemented, will hurt families across Ontario, particularly in rural areas.

Wood consumption in Canada accounts for 30% to 35% of renewable energy use, second only to hydro electricity. Governments across Canada should celebrate wood heat, given it is the most carbon neutral energy source available.

I would urge that governments across Canada support those millions of self-sufficient Canadians who choose to heat with wood. However, should the anti-wood burning policy of the Ontario government catch fire with the Government of Canada, they will have to pry my axe and chainsaw from my cold dead hands.

Craniocerebral Trauma

[Fayçal El-Khoury, Liberal, Laval—Les Îles, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about craniocerebral trauma, a very important issue that is affecting more and more young people and athletes. These injuries can destroy intracranial nervous systems or cause them to dysfunction.

Every year, more than 160,000 Canadians suffer this trauma. More than 30% of them are young people. In my riding of Laval—Les Îles, more than 20% of my constituents are between the ages of 18 and 34. They are at the highest risk of suffering permanent damage. Those who incur these injuries experience lasting physical, cognitive, or behavioural effects.

We must make as many people as possible aware of the dangers of cranial traumas, which can have a serious impact on the lives of those who suffer these injuries. They need to know that consultation is needed in order to better prevent and treat these traumas.

Pay Equity

[Sheri Benson, NDP, Saskatoon West, SK]

Mr. Speaker, the Special Committee on Pay Equity has just tabled its report on the implementation of a proactive pay equity regime. On behalf of Canada's women, who have been waiting too long, I urge the government to act immediately. Women should receive the same pay and benefits as men for work of equal value.

Just one example of the many situations that women are faced with every day is the one faced by rural and suburban mail carriers at Canada Post. The RSMC bargaining unit does essentially the same work, in the same offices, even on the same streets at times, as the letter carriers in the urban bargaining unit.

Despite this, the female-dominated RSMC bargaining unit gets paid, on average, 28% less than the largely male-dominated letter carriers in the urban bargaining unit. This situation was brought to the Prime Minister's attention on March 21 and June 1, but he has not yet responded.

Pay equity is a human right, but until there is legislation, women are forced to bargain their human rights.

Gilles Lamontagne

[Gérard Deltell, Conservative, Louis-Saint-Laurent, QC]

Mr. Speaker, we were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the hon. Gilles Lamontagne at the age of 97.

Mr. Lamontagne lived a very full life. He was a city councillor, mayor of Quebec City, a federal MP, the national defence minister, and lieutenant-governor of Quebec. He was a very accomplished but very humble man.

He bravely served our country as an airman in World War II. He was made a prisoner of war and survived the hell of Nazi concentration camps.

Mr. Lamontagne was elected mayor of Quebec City in 1965, and his governance style was quite different from that of other politicians. He preferred compromising to bickering and working together to confrontation. He preferred to show respect for his adversaries rather than trying to bring them down. Indeed, he never had any political enemies.

It was in the winter of his life that he made a more personal contribution by providing direct assistance to hundreds of Canadians. As the public became more aware of post-traumatic stress and the problems associated with it, this World War II veteran generously offered his support to veterans.

Although he left his position as mayor in 1978, people in Quebec City continued to refer to him as “Mr. Mayor” as a mark of respect and affection, which was always reciprocated.

Goodbye, Mr. Mayor.

Public Service

[Joyce Murray, Liberal, Vancouver Quadra, BC]

Mr. Speaker, this week, more than 250,000 federal public servants at work in every province and territory, celebrate national public service week.

Public service is a noble calling, a way to make a difference in the lives of millions of Canadians and people all over the world.

We are privileged here in Canada to be able to count on a public service whose diversity, professionalism, and dedication are the envy of governments around the world. Thanks to the continued hard work of public servants, we all benefit from high-quality government programs and services.

Whether it's supporting those displaced by fires in Fort McMurray or helping Syrian refugees settle into new communities, public servants rise to the occasion and often go far above and beyond.

The government has an ambitious, progressive agenda, for our fully engaged, capable public service.

I salute the good work of Canada's public servants and encourage each member of this House to do the same.

Softwood Lumber

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

Mr. Speaker, the previous Liberal government ignored the softwood lumber issue for years, but in 2006, our Conservative government signed a softwood lumber agreement with our American partners. That 2006 agreement lasted until October 30, 2015, which was after the latest election. The current government was in place then. The former international trade minister initiated negotiations. Maybe the government and the Prime Minister are waiting for Mr. Obama's arrival to make a really big announcement with great pomp and ceremony.

Will the government honour the needs and demands of Canada's forestry industry?

[David Lametti, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Trade]

Mr. Speaker, I thank my hon. colleague for his question. We have been clear from the start that this issue is a priority for our government. Our representatives, the minister, and other departmental representatives have been working with their Canadian and American counterparts for quite some time to find a fair and equitable solution for this sector. We frequently talk with Michael Froman, the trade representative, and President Obama will be visiting later this month. Until then and following his visit, we will continue to work with all of the partners.

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

Mr. Speaker, yesterday the Premier of Quebec voiced his concerns. Of course he expects the negotiations to be difficult. He said that we need to have a true free trade system with the U.S. Of course we believe that the Liberal government should sign an agreement that takes into account the changes that have occurred in the forestry sector in many provinces in the last few years.

Can the Prime Minister resolve this matter? We know that Mr. Obama will be treated to a nice big show, with lots of photo ops and cameras. We know that, but will an agreement finally be reached to help the economies of every province in the country? Our forestry needs it.

[David Lametti, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Trade]

Mr. Speaker, we are aware of the differences in the forestry sector across the country. We are also well aware of the issues. We will achieve sustainable access to the American market. That is the goal. We will reach a fair and equitable agreement that is good for Canada.

Foreign Affairs

[Jason Kenney, Conservative, Calgary Midnapore, AB]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday we witnessed the shameful spectacle of the Liberal government denying the undeniable reality of a genocide happening in our own time against vulnerable religious minorities.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs actually led the Liberals in applause to celebrate their vote against this genocide recognition. They say they need some group of lawyers to make a determination about this when the organization responsible, the so-called Islamic state, admits it is committing genocide. It is seeking to eliminate what they called apostates, Shia, and Yazidi, and to enslave so-called infidels, like Christians.

Why are they contesting—

[The Speaker, Liberal, Geoff Regan]

The hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs.