Debates of Oct. 16th, 2017

Dan Hanganu

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

Madam Speaker, on October 5, Canada lost an incredible architect. Dan Hanganu was world renowned for his work at the Pointe-à-Callière museum, HEC Montréal, and the Théâtre du Nouveau Monde, all three of which are in Montreal. He was also the architect behind the Marc-Favreau Library, the Cirque du Soleil workshops, and the McGill University faculty of law atrium and Nahum Gelber Law Library, a building I spent time in daily.

Mr. Hanganu was born in Romania and came to Montreal in 1970. He contributed to Montreal's urban landscape for over 40 years and received numerous distinctions for his architectural designs, including becoming an officer of the Ordre national du Québec in 2005 and an officer of the Order of Canada in 2010.

I would like to personally thank Mr. Hanganu for contributing to the aesthetics of Quebec's architectural landscape. May he rest in peace.

World Spine Day

[Colin Carrie, Conservative, Oshawa, ON]

Mr. Speaker, today is World Spine Day. The purpose of World Spine Day is to raise awareness about spinal health and spinal disorders among individuals, communities, professionals, and all stakeholders associated with spine care. This year's theme is “Your Back in Action”, with a focus on the importance of body awareness and activities that promote a healthy spine.

One in eight Canadians suffer from chronic back pain. We all spend hours reading, hunched over our computers and our smart phones. This all adds up, especially for those with bad posture. As a chiropractor myself, I am pleased that the Canadian Chiropractic Association is on Parliament Hill today to educate members on chiropractic care and opportunities to improve posture. I encourage all members to sit up straight and visit the Speaker's salon after question period to have their postures assessed by leading chiropractors, such as the team of chiropractors for the Ottawa Senators, the Toronto Argos, and the Canadian Winter Olympic team.

Happy World Spine Day.

Women's History Month in Canada

[Emmanuella Lambropoulos, Liberal, Saint-Laurent, QC]

Mr. Speaker, October is Women's History Month in Canada. In October, Canadians celebrate the achievements of our nation's trail-blazing women. Women's History Month is also an opportunity to recognize women's significant contributions to our country's history and our quality of life.

Our government is committed to improving the status of women in Canada and around the world. Our Prime Minister has already set an amazing example for the world to follow by appointing a gender-balanced cabinet and by getting more women elected. We will continue to encourage women and girls to believe in themselves and to become leaders in their respective fields. There is a lot of untapped potential in our country, and we must not let it go to waste.

Women and girls must bring their passion, compassion, and creative ideas to bear on solving contemporary problems. Women make an essential contribution to our society.

World Food Day

[Ruth Ellen Brosseau, NDP, Berthier—Maskinongé, QC]

Mr. Speaker, today is World Food Day, a day worth celebrating, but also a day for drawing attention to and addressing food security challenges in Canada and around the world. Does the House know that 800 million people worldwide go hungry and that that number has gone up by 38 million since last year? That is why the United Nations launched the Zero Hunger Challenge.

The goal is to mobilize governments, businesses, and civil society to eliminate hunger. This challenge is important because the right to food is a basic right. Canada, too, has hunger issues. Food insecurity is getting worse, especially in the north and in indigenous communities.

The government must support initiatives to reduce inequality, poverty, and food insecurity in Canada and around the world. Every month, 850,000 Canadians must rely on food banks. That is unacceptable. Let us work together to end hunger.

Attack in Mogadishu

[Anita Vandenbeld, Liberal, Ottawa West—Nepean, ON]

Mr. Speaker, Canadians have watched in horror as news of the deplorable terrorist attack in Somalia this weekend has emerged. I rise today to add my voice to the chorus of others who have expressed their deepest condolences to the people of Somalia and around the world affected by the terrible bombing in Mogadishu. Sunday's attack was the deadliest in the history of Somalia and the region. As more information becomes available, we are learning more gruesome details about the aftermath.

I want to commend the bravery of the first responders and all those who have been working tirelessly to assist the victims. I and all members of this House and Canadians extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims of this heinous attack. Canada stands with the people of Somalia. In trying times like these, we must all work together in support of a more peaceful future, free from violence and hate.

Taxation

[Kerry Diotte, Conservative, Edmonton Griesbach, AB]

Mr. Speaker, it is Small Business Week, and I want to tell you about my friend Marie. She and her husband, Doug, built an award-winning renovation company in Edmonton. Sadly, Doug was stricken with cancer and died five years ago. Marie, newly widowed and a single mom, took a big risk. She quit her full-time teaching job to run the reno company and keep it afloat. She wanted her employees to keep their jobs and feed their families.

The company flourished, but Marie is now terrified that the proposed Liberal changes to the small business tax could sink her company and kill 20 jobs. She wrote a letter to the Liberal finance minister and to her Edmonton Centre Liberal MP. Her letter reads in part, “I strongly urge you to reconsider the proposed tax changes. You need to help small business owners not hurt them. Reward those who work hard and take risks.”

The Liberals should listen to this woman. Canadian small businesses are the heart of our nation, and this week we honour them.

Small Business

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

Mr. Speaker, this week we are celebrating Small Business Week, and the theme of the week is about uncovering emerging trends that will shape and grow Canadian companies for years to come.

My riding of Mississauga East—Cooksville is a local innovation hub, with companies like Fielding Environmental and N'Take eco-durable products creating innovative technologies and good middle-class jobs. That is why I am proud that our government has invested $1.4 billion to support clean tech firms; announced the creation of innovation Canada, a one-stop shop for government support for entrepreneurs; and just last week revealed the short-listed winners of the superclusters initiative to accelerate growth from coast to coast to coast.

I am proud that Canada leads the G7 in economic growth. Working with our entrepreneurs and innovative small businesses, we will continue to grow the economy for the middle class and those working hard to join it.

World Food Day

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

Mr. Speaker, today is World Food Day, an event established to raise awareness and inspire action to help the hungry and ensure food security and nutritious diets for everyone.

Here in Canada, our government is committed to supporting our producers and will be implementing Canada's first national food policy.

Today the Minister of Agriculture is joining G7 agriculture ministers and His Holiness Pope Francis to speak on this important topic at World Food Day ceremonies in Rome. The Minister of International Development is also marking World Food Day by announcing additional funding via our trusted humanitarian partners to bring vital food aid to the Rohingya population that is fleeing violence in Myanmar.

Our government is proud to support our world-class farmers and food producers here at home and to support international goals to help address hunger.

Humanitarian Assistance

[Harold Albrecht, Conservative, Kitchener—Conestoga, ON]

Mr. Speaker, two days ago, I returned from Serbia and Hungary after productive meetings with a number of their members of parliament. Travelling on Thanksgiving weekend, the autumn colours there reminded me of home. Later in the week, as part of an international consultation on Christian persecution, I visited “Cross-in-Fire”, an exhibit at the Hungarian National Museum.

In the west, we have not yet awakened to the magnitude of the destruction, particularly in Syria, Iraq, and North Africa. In 2015 in Iraq, one Christian was killed every five minutes, simply because of his or her religious beliefs. Here in Canada we are right to give thanks to God for bountiful harvests, our freedoms, and countless other blessings, yet we cannot forget the plight of our brothers and sisters enduring brutal physical persecution, having lost homes, family, and even life.

Today thousands of refugees want to return home and resettle in their native lands. We need to help provide security and stabilization and humanitarian aid and create opportunities for life in the region. Canada can help. Canada must help.

Lions Clubs

[Michel Picard, Liberal, Montarville, QC]

Mr. Speaker, this year the Lions Club organization is celebrating its 100th anniversary.

Founded in Chicago in 1917, the Lions accepted the challenge of being knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness. We have the Lions to thank for widespread use of the white cane with a red band, donations of audio readers, support for eye banks, and treatment for river blindness, among many other things.

The member for Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot and I joined Lions Club members Cécile Langelier and Denis Poulin, a fine man from Sainte-Julie, in the walk for dog guides to support the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides.

I invite all my colleagues to join me in wishing the Lions a happy anniversary.

Space Day on the Hill

[Leona Alleslev, Liberal, Aurora—Oak Ridges—Richmond Hill, ON]

Mr. Speaker, today is Space Day on the Hill. In 1962, the Alouette 1 marked Canada's entry into space. We built the Canadarm, which maintains the International Space Station, and now our Canadian space industry will launch a constellation of satellites that will monitor our sovereignty, environment, and climate change.

Innovation in space permeates our entire economy. From GPS to banking to cellphones, our daily lives rely on space-based assets. The space sector employs over 10,000 Canadians in high-quality jobs and creates over $5 billion in revenue. Canada is a leader in space technologies, and a new national space strategy will ensure that we do not lose our competitive edge in this important sector.

I thank the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada and all our leading-edge companies for making Canada a world leader in space technology today and in the future.

Join us tonight for our space reception.

Jack Robertson

[Ed Fast, Conservative, Abbotsford, BC]

Mr. Speaker, Abbotsford has lost a community champion. On October 1, my good friend Jack Robertson died at the age of 91. Jack loved our community and did everything he could to contribute to its success, but he never sought recognition for his own accomplishments.

A former city councillor, he spearheaded the creation of Rotary Stadium, which remains the jewel of Abbotsford's sports facilities. Jack was the founding president of the Abbotsford Sports Hall of Fame and chaired the highly successful 1995 Western Canada Summer Games. He also co-founded the Abbotsford Police Foundation on which he sat as a director until his death. Jack was the recipient of the Order of Abbotsford and is a member of the Abbotsford Sports Hall of Fame.

What I will miss most about Jack is his willingness to inspire and encourage the next generation of community leaders. I am among that ever-growing cohort, and those public servants are perhaps the most enduring legacy he has left behind.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jack's wife, Jean, and their family. I thank them for sharing him with us.

Young Quebecers Leading the Way Award

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

Mr. Speaker, the Quebec Community Groups Network recognizes every year an exceptional individual with the Young Quebecers Leading the Way Award.

She “is a brilliant, resilient and courageous young woman who overcame adversity to become a highly visible and influential proponent for safe driving", as stated by the QCGN. It went on to say, "Beginning in 2010, during the summer of her 16th birthday, she battled back from devastating injuries caused by an impaired driver.... since 2012, she participates in numerous school presentations, documentaries and media interviews”. She also speaks for a number of organizations, including Cool Taxi. “Her extraordinary road-safety advocacy and inspirational influence” is recognized all over Quebec.

Her miraculous comeback to life and tremendous devotion fills my heart with great joy for another important reason. That young lady is my daughter, Claudia Di Iorio. She is here today, alive and well, and, as throughout her ordeal, is accompanied by her two sisters, Arielle and Emma Rose.

The 150th Anniversary of Confederation

[Brigitte Sansoucy, NDP, Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the Saint-Hyacinthe cathedral is hosting its Canada 150 event on Saturday, November 18, at 1:30 p.m. I am pleased to be involved in this major community celebration that honours our history through music.

I would like to thank the Saint-Hyacinthe Philharmonic Orchestra, which worked with the Centre d'histoire de Saint-Hyacinthe to organize this great event that combines music and history. The 6th Battalion of the Royal 22nd Regiment, the No. 1 Saint-Hyacinthe Cadet Corps, and the 953 Saint-Hyacinthe Squadron will see to the official portion of the ceremony.

I would like to thank the key financial partners: Chartwell, Le Courrier de Saint-Hyacinthe, Sylvestre et associés S.E.N.C.R.L., the Coopérative funéraire de Saint-Hyacinthe, Baril Ford, the Maskoutains RCM, Imprimerie Maska, Desjardins, H. Gagnon et fils, Marché Lacroix, Les Monuments Roger Fontaine, and Coop Comax.

I invite all residents of Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot and my colleagues in the House to come out and take part in this momentous event.

Attack in Mogadishu

[Garnett Genuis, Conservative, Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, AB]

Mr. Speaker, it is a tragedy and a moral outrage when even one innocent life is taken. This weekend saw one of the world's deadliest terrorist attacks in recent memory as over 300 people were killed in an attack in Somalia. That death toll continues to rise. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Somalia, and especially the affected families.

African nations are on the front line of the fight against terrorism, and many have suffered greatly through terrorist attacks. Attacks in Africa have not always had the same attention or level of response as attacks in western nations, but it is time that this changed. We must show our solidarity and commitment to act together with our partners against terrorism and violent extremism, wherever it is and whatever the nationality of its victims.

Somalia has identified the al Qaeda-linked terrorist group al-Shabaab as being responsible. We must renew our commitment to defeating Africa-based terrorist groups like al-Shabaab and Boko Haram as well as affiliates like al Qaeda and Daesh, and we must proactively promote religious freedom, pluralism, and human dignity as an alternative to the ideology of these groups.

Small Business Week

[Karen Ludwig, Liberal, New Brunswick Southwest, NB]

Mr. Speaker, I am honoured to rise in the House today to recognize small businesses across our great country during Small Business Week. I know well the excitement, sacrifices, risks, opportunities, and nimbleness required to start, maintain, and grow a business.

I am proud of the business owners in my riding of New Brunswick Southwest, and how they have shared with me suggestions to improve our policies and plan for the future, including lowering the small business tax. Our government is fulfilling our commitment to lowering taxes on small businesses, from 11% in 2015 to 9% by 2019.

This week, and every week, I want to thank our small business owners for what they contribute to their communities, the economy, and our great country.

Taxation

[Andrew Scheer, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, as we already know, the Liberals have been attacking the investments that local businesses use to create jobs for Canadians. Now, they also want to go after employee discounts. Yesterday, the President of the Treasury Board contradicted the Prime Minister and said that employee discounts will be taxed, but he was unable to provide any details. Will the Prime Minister clarify his government's policy? Is he going to tax employee discounts?

[Diane Lebouthillier, Liberal, Minister of National Revenue]

Mr. Speaker, since day one, our government has been focused on helping the middle class. The document in question did not reflect our government's intentions. It has been removed and is being reviewed. We will continue to ensure that our actions support the middle class, and like the Prime Minister said, we will not be going after anyone's retail employee discounts.

[Andrew Scheer, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, revised but not cancelled. That is an important distinction. This Prime Minister just cannot help but hurt the very people he claims he wants to help. Now we learn that he wants to tax the discounts received by employees. The Liberals claim they never intended to do this, and then they even tried to blame public servants, but the finance minister's own officials told committee members over a month ago that they were going to do this.

Why is it that whenever hard-working Canadians look behind them, they see the Prime Minister trying to take more and more of their hard-earned money?

[Diane Lebouthillier, Liberal, Minister of National Revenue]

Mr. Speaker, since day one, our government has been focused on helping the middle class. The document from the agency did not reflect the intention of our government. It has been removed and is being reviewed. We will continue to ensure that our actions support the middle class and, like the Prime Minister stated, we will not be going after anyone's retail employee discounts.

[Andrew Scheer, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, the problem is that nobody believes them. They have lost all credibility on this file. It took them over a month to walk this back. It was only after they were caught and only after the outrage expressed by thousands of hard-working Canadians that they pulled this back.

Can the Liberals be crystal clear on this? Can they commit that nobody's employee discounts will be touched after they get through with these changes?

[Diane Lebouthillier, Liberal, Minister of National Revenue]

Mr. Speaker, as I already said, the document in question did not reflect the intentions of our government. It has been removed and is currently being reviewed—

[Some hon. members]

Oh, oh!

[The Speaker, Liberal, Geoff Regan]

Order.

I am trying to save my voice today. I wish others would try to do the same, until they have the floor, of course. It would be good.

The hon. Minister of National Revenue has the floor.

[Diane Lebouthillier, Liberal, Gaspésie—Les-Îles-de-la-Madeleine, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I have instructed officials to clarify the wording in the document. Our government cares about the middle class. I want to remind my colleagues opposite that we raised taxes on the wealthiest 1% in order to lower them for middle-class Canadians. The opposition members voted against that initiative, because they prefer to lower taxes on the wealthy at the expense of the middle class.