Debates of Sept. 28th, 2016

[The Speaker, Liberal, Geoff Regan]

It being Wednesday, we will now have the singing of the national anthem led by led by the hon. member for Nanaimo—Ladysmith.

[Members sang the national anthem]

Energy East Project

[Monique Pauzé, Bloc, Repentigny, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the Government of Quebec gave the federal government's greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets the thumbs down on the grounds that they lack ambition and that more must be done if we want to achieve the Paris targets.

Unlike Quebec and every other country on the planet, the federal government is using 2005 as the base year instead of 1990. There is something calculated about blithely disregarding 15 years.

During that 15-year period, Quebec invested billions to keep our greenhouse gas emissions from rising. In contrast, emissions associated with western Canada's oil industry grew by 124%. In Saskatchewan alone, they grew by 76%. We are working hard to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, but the rest of Canada could not care less.

If the government wants to be taken seriously, it should start by shutting down energy east.

British Home Children

[Alaina Lockhart, Liberal, Fundy Royal, NB]

Mr. Speaker, I stand here today to remember the sacrifices and contributions made by British home children in the building of our great nation. It is estimated that 10% of Canadians are descendants of these home children. A large number of those descendants live in New Brunswick and in my riding of Fundy Royal.

Between 1868 and the 1930s, over 100,000 British boys and girls were sent to Canada for a brighter future. Some were orphans and many were poor. Once in Canada, many home children were sent to live on farms. Some found loving families, but others unfortunately suffered neglect, abuse, and intense loneliness.

There are monuments erected in several provinces in commemoration of these sacrifices, including one in New Brunswick at King's Landing Historical Settlement.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for allowing me to opportunity to share this piece of our history with the House and to remember the sacrifices made by British home children.

Agriculture

[TJ Harvey, Liberal, Tobique—Mactaquac, NB]

Mr. Speaker, my riding of Tobique—Mactaquac is home to a spirited rural agricultural region that contributes year over year to a strong agricultural and agrifood industry through innovation, trade, and food processing and in turn contributes to a robust economy for Canada and Canadians.

With the Canadian harvest upon us, today I would like to thank the farmers who feed us and the industry that supports them.

I am proud of our government's commitment to all agricultural workers. I recently had the honour of participating in the Canadian Federation of Agriculture members' organizational meeting to make an announcement on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food about a $400,000 federal investment to help the federation explore the potential of credit insurance for farmers.

At this time of year, we tend to celebrate the harvest season, a bit of our hometown history, and our great memories of events such as “Potato Break” in my home riding.

I thank our agricultural leaders and wish them a happy harvest.

Highway of Heroes Durham LAV Monument

[Erin O'Toole, Conservative, Durham, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise today as the member of Parliament for Durham mere days after our community unveiled the Highway of Heroes Durham LAV Monument, remembering the service and sacrifice of Canadians in Afghanistan.

The passionate volunteers in this project made it possible: Tom Quigley, Stacey Haley, Logan Caswell, Mayor Foster, and the entire Clarington team.

The Afghanistan war was the longest in Canadian Forces history; 40,000 Canadians served their country there, and 158 gave their lives.

As the wounds of this conflict still heal, it is critical for Canada to recognize and commemorate the service and sacrifice of our citizens. That is why I am so proud that in Bowmanville, Ontario, next to the Highway of Heroes, there is now our region giving Canada a way to show that we will remember them.

South Okanagan—West Kootenay

[Richard Cannings, NDP, South Okanagan—West Kootenay, BC]

Mr. Speaker, there are 41 communities in my riding, and rather than going on the barbeque circuit this summer, I thought that a cycling circuit, riding the riding, would be a healthier alternative.

Therefore, for seven days in late August, I cycled 435 kilometres through South Okanagan—West Kootenay. Each day I had conversations with constituents over breakfast, coffee, lunch, and dinner. It also gave me the opportunity to ride the rail trails of the riding, through the Slocan Valley, along the Kettle River and along the lakeshores in the Okanagan.

I would like to thank the people who joined me, including the volunteer groups that take care of these trails. I heard their thoughts on how to best fund and maintain these treasures, which are so important to the economies of the small communities in my riding.

On a sadder note, I would like to recognize the passing of Fred King of Kaleden, B.C. Fred served as the MP for Okanagan—Similkameen from 1979 to 1988. He served well, and he will be missed.

Canadian Women and Girls in Sport

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

Mr. Speaker, the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage is about to begin a study on Canadian women and girls in sport.

Helping girls get involved in sports is important to my community and to me personally.

In my riding, we have community organizers like Karen Decker, who started a girl's division to the Withrow Park Ball Hockey League. Her efforts have increased participation of girls in the league from 5% to 30% in just five years. Because of her encouragement, I have been proud to coach three teams to championship wins.

Another elite level sports leader in my riding is Paralympian rower, Victoria Nolan, who won bronze in Rio just this year.

I look forward to getting started on our work in committee to learn more and to encourage women and girls to get involved in sports.

Arnold Palmer

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honour a great sportsman, the king of golf, Mr. Arnold Palmer. Mr. Palmer passed away last Sunday, September 25.

Golfers and fans around the world, including millions of Canadians, remember him fondly as members of “Arnie's Army”.

Mr. Palmer's first victory on the Professional Golf Association Tour was in Toronto in 1955, winning the Canadian open. Twenty-five years later, his last PGA win was another Canadian open in Edmonton. These were just two of his 62 PGA and 92 total career victories, which included seven majors and six Canada cups.

He is a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame and the PGA of America Golf Hall of Fame.

His business acumen as president of Arnold Palmer Enterprises succeeded in the design and building of hundreds of golf courses worldwide, a golf clothing line, clubs, and even the “Arnold Palmer”, a popular drink mixture of lemonade and iced tea, to name a few.

He was the original chair of the Golf Channel, providing great exposure of the game, and his philanthropic efforts were tremendous.

Our condolences to his family, friends and fans. May he rest with many eagles.

Hugh O'Neil

[Neil Ellis, Liberal, Bay of Quinte, ON]

Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to stand before the House today to honour a man who profoundly touched the lives of so many. The late Hugh O'Neil, fondly known as “Mr. Quinte”, dedicated his life to the service of others.

Hugh had an unwavering passion for his community. Aside from being a loving husband to his wife Donna and a devoted father, Hugh was a tireless volunteer, an educator, a member of provincial Parliament, and a cabinet minister.

Since his sudden passing last September, the deep admiration and respect for Hugh O'Neil continues to be felt in my riding. As a tribute to his dedication to the community, I am proud to announce that the Hugh O'Neil friendship garden will be created in Quinte West. The official sod-turning ceremony took place this last Monday.

Hugh O'Neil leaves a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come. May he rest in peace.

Tragedy Boating Accident

[Seamus O'Regan, Liberal, St. John's South—Mount Pearl, NL]

Mr. Speaker, earlier this month, the community of Shea Heights lost four of its fishermen. The Walsh family lost three generations: grandfather Eugene, son Keith, and grandson Keith Jr. Close friend Bill Humby was lost alongside them. At the funeral, they were remembered for their big hearts, their love of hockey, and their love for the sea.

The waters of Newfoundland are known to be rough, treacherous, and these men knew that well. They went over just outside St. John's Harbour, so close to home. However, proximity does not temper the swells of the North Atlantic.

We persevere on the sea to make our livelihood, but it takes without mercy and without reason.

Archery

[Salma Zahid, Liberal, Scarborough Centre, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Scarborough Centre's own Olympic archer Crispin Duenas. Competing in his third Olympics for Canada, Crispin did Scarborough and Canada proud by competing in the men's individual archery event in Rio.

When Crispin is not representing Canada at the Olympics, Pan Am games or world championships, he is a physics major at the University of Toronto, and a substitute teacher in math and science with the Toronto District School Board. He would really like to have lunch with the coach of the Maple Leafs, Mike Babcock, one day, if anyone could make that happen.

I ask the House to please join me in congratulating Scarborough's own Crispin Duenas and all of our great Canadian Olympians and Paralympians who made us proud in Rio.

One Young World Summit

[Vance Badawey, Liberal, Niagara Centre, ON]

Mr. Speaker, young leaders from 196 countries will join global icons for the 2016 One Young World Summit, starting today.

This annual event's visit, the first in Canada, features top young talent from the world of business, entrepreneurship, policy, social business, and media. Over the next four days they will engage on some of the biggest issues facing our world, including the environment, global business, human rights, indigenous reconciliation, education, peace and security, and mental health.

They will be joined in these discussions by global figures, including Kofi Annan, Professor Muhammad Yunus, Sir Bob Geldof, Emma Watson, and dozens of others. Together they will formulate and share innovative solutions for pressing issues facing the world.

I encourage all MPs to take the spirit and inspiration of One Young World Summit back to their ridings, as I am for Niagara Centre. Our youth council meeting is being held in October, empowering our future leaders.

Shimon Peres

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Carleton, ON]

Mr. Speaker, in 1951, a 28-year-old Israeli wearing screeching white socks arrived in Canada with the impossible goal of buying $2 million in artillery equipment and finding the money to pay for it. A few days later, when he departed, he had done both, and he had a brand new pair of socks.

Everything Shimon Peres and his country have done ever since has been impossible: making the desert bloom, turning salt water sweet, building a world-leading economy from scratch, and defending the homeland against countless attacks from all around.

For almost 70 years, Peres' story has been Israel's, as finance minister, foreign minister, president, and founder. When former minister Baird and I met with then president Peres a few years ago, he was still faithful to his vision: a nation as old as the Ten Commandments and as new as nanotechnology. He leaves a nation that is both, and so much more. May he rest in peace.

[Anthony Housefather, Liberal, Mount Royal, QC]

Mr. Speaker, rarely does a man embody a country, but Shimon Peres, who passed away last night, was indeed such a man. He was a part of every bit of Israeli history, big or small, since before the nation was founded. President, prime minister, Nobel Prize winner. He was a giant. He was one of the last of Israel's founding generation.

Israel and the rest of the world lost an exceptional human being yesterday, a great statesman who dedicated his life to promoting peace and dialogue. He was a source of inspiration to many people all over the globe, myself included. Through his enduring commitment to the principles of justice and human dignity, he always worked in the best interest of his people.

Canada extends its deepest condolences to Mr. Peres's family and loved ones, as well as the people of Israel.

Let us all join together to commemorate the passing of this exceptional man.

World Contraception Day

[Irene Mathyssen, NDP, London—Fanshawe, ON]

Mr. Speaker, September 26, World Contraception Day, provides a timely opportunity to talk about the importance of and access to contraception for people around the world.

In Canada there are some who struggle to gain access to necessary reproductive health care. Those most marginalized include youth, immigrants, and those of low socio-economic status.

I believe that reproductive health care, and specifically safe and effective contraceptives, should be made available and accessible to all. I have put forward a motion, M-65, which calls on the government to work with the provinces to provide free access to prescribed birth control.

Contraception is a basic, lifesaving health care need for women, transgender people, and other persons. Access to contraception supports the right to make healthy reproductive choices.

I encourage all members of the House to support M-65 to ensure that women across Canada have access to the reproductive health services they need.

Oil and Gas Industry

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

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, after months of indecision, the Liberal government finally made a decision and approved the Pacific NorthWest LNG project.

While I am pleased that this important project is now one step closer to becoming a reality, approving a project is one thing, getting it built is another.

This project will create thousands of high-paying jobs and billions of dollars in tax revenue and will help reduce global pollution.

I want to thank the residents of my riding, who throughout this process continued to work hard to ensure that their voices of strong support for B.C. LNG were heard. These same residents and their families are counting on the jobs that will result from this project.

Approving this project is not enough. I call on the Prime Minister and his cabinet to become champions for this project and ensure that it is built so that Canadians can access the jobs it will create.

Shimon Peres

[Michael Levitt, Liberal, York Centre, ON]

Mr. Speaker, the international community has lost a giant. Shimon Peres was a peace builder, a public servant who embodied the boundless energy, optimism, and desire of Israelis to seek peace in a region fraught with immense challenges.

In his 66 years in public life, President Peres dedicated himself to fostering peace between Israelis and Palestinians, as exemplified in his leadership role in forging the Oslo Accords. For his efforts, President Peres was awarded the Noble Peace Prize, but his contributions extended far beyond peace and diplomacy. He was a driving force for innovation, inspiring Israelis to dream and think big. Unquestionably, his influence contributed in no small part to the rise of the start-up nation.

Israelis have lost a founding father, but his legacy will continue to shine. Yehay Zichrono Levrachah. May his memory be a blessing and an inspiration.

Natural Resources

[Rona Ambrose, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, the headlines seemed good, but beyond the headlines was a lot of fine print, 190 conditions for the LNG project to move forward, including, wait for it, more consultations, after almost six years of consultations. Thousands of unemployed workers and their families are depending on this project to go ahead. Approving the project is one thing. Getting it built is what matters. There are no jobs until there are shovels in the ground.

Will the Prime Minister commit to providing personal leadership to drive this project forward?

[Justin Trudeau, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, the kind of leadership Canadians expect is the kind of leadership they had not had for 10 years, a government that understands that we need to grow the economy for the middle class and protect and sustain the environment at the same time. That is why we took our time. We have made sure to do things right to demonstrate the community support, the indigenous support, and the fact that world-class science is going on while we grow the economy and create jobs for the middle class. It is what Canadians expect. It is what this government is delivering.

[Rona Ambrose, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister, though, has created economic uncertainty that is driving away new job creators. In fact, yesterday, all he approved was more consultations. In fact, construction of Pacific NorthWest LNG may not even move ahead. Conditional approval is one step forward, but bogging it down with extra process is two steps back.

The Prime Minister must stand with unemployed workers who need jobs. Will he do the right thing, get shovels in the ground, and get these people to work?

[Justin Trudeau, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, after 10 years of failed policies on growth that consisted mostly of tax breaks for the wealthiest Canadians, we are actually working to draw in global investment to demonstrate to Canadians and to the world that we understand that building a strong economy that works for the middle class goes hand in hand with creating a sustainable, protected environment. That is what Canadians expect. That is what we are pleased to be working on, but we know that there is lots more work to be done.

Employment

[Rona Ambrose, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, it has been over six months since the Prime Minister started borrowing to spend their way to prosperity, but every week it seems like we get another piece of bad economic news. Private sector job creation is invisible. On Monday, the Minister of Finance admitted that his tax and spend policies are not working, but instead of learning a lesson and reversing course, the Prime Minister is using this as an excuse to spend even more money.

How can the Liberals be trusted with even more of our tax dollars when their first round of spending did not create any jobs?

[Justin Trudeau, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, in the last election, Canadians had a choice between a government that for 10 years was unable to create the kind of growth for Canadians that middle-class Canadians needed, because Conservatives kept insisting on lowering taxes for the wealthiest and giving benefits to millionaire families. What we did instead was actually invest in our communities with historic investments in infrastructure. We put more money in the pockets of the middle class by lowering taxes on the middle class and raising them on the wealthiest one per cent and put a historic Canada child benefit in the pockets of the nine out of 10 Canadians who need it most.

[Rona Ambrose, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister always takes time in his answers to point out how proud he is of raising taxes, that he is borrowing billions to fund new Liberal spending. So is it working? No. Private sector job growth is nonexistent. More and more people are looking for work. At some point, the Liberals have to accept that their plan is not working. Stop digging before the hole becomes so deep it takes generations to come out.

Will the Prime Minister do the right thing, stop spending, and focus on creating jobs?

[Justin Trudeau, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, the members opposite continue to not understand the lessons Canadians shared with them in the last election. Faced with a choice between a government that insisted on giving benefits and tax breaks to the wealthiest Canadians, or a party that proposed to raise taxes on the wealthiest one per cent so we could lower them for the middle class and give benefits to those families who actually need it, the nine out of 10 families who need extra help with the cost of raising their kids, Canadians made the right choice, and we are working hard to demonstrate that.