Debates of Oct. 3rd, 2017

Opposition Motion—Consultations on proposed tax changes

[Karen Vecchio, Conservative, Elgin—Middlesex—London, ON]

Mr. Speaker, we have seen many times during question period that we are finding those loopholes every day. We have been asking about Morneau Shepell. The member for Carleton has done an excellent job.

There will continue to be loopholes that will not affect the people we are talking about on Bay Street, so I would like to see what the member has to offer. I personally have not looked at it. However, the bottom line here is that we are not seeing tax fairness. We need the consultation period extended, and perhaps those consultations could be part of that as well.

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

Mr. Speaker, what I have found unfortunate in the conversations I have had with business owners in my riding is this. When I have asked them, through this process, whether they would advise a young person who is considering going into business to follow the path that he or she has followed or not to bother, many business owners have told me that in light of the piling on from the Liberal government, from other levels of government in Alberta, and the same in Ontario, the advice they would give is not to go down that path at all.

That is unfortunate. I wonder if the member could comment on whether she is hearing the same thing and how we should be responding to it.

[Karen Vecchio, Conservative, Elgin—Middlesex—London, ON]

Mr. Speaker, we are not only hearing it from small business owners but also from family physicians. We already have a shortage of physicians in Ontario.

I have been speaking with a lot of people. We are talking about patient care. We are talking about people exploring what they love to do, whether it is having a small business or a coffee shop like I owned or becoming a doctor. Basically, everyone I have spoken to has indicated that they are questioning whether that is the path they should take.

I spoke to a group in Winnipeg that said it will be moving its head office to the United States so that it does not have to pay taxes when running its business out of the United States rather than Winnipeg. We know this is going to happen because the government is not listening. The consultations have been abruptly stopped because it does not want to hear the truth.

As a small business owner myself, I can say that it is really difficult. One has to work one's butt off. I welcome everybody to continue the conversation.

[The Deputy Speaker, Conservative, Bruce Stanton]

Before we resume debate, I will let the hon. member for Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo know that I will have to interrupt her at about the three-and-a-half-minute mark for statements by members. Of course, she will have the remaining time when the House comes back to the question.

Resuming debate, the hon. member for Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo.

[Cathy McLeod, Conservative, Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo, BC]

Mr. Speaker, I too am very glad to have the opportunity to have this motion put forward today and to have this very important conversation. The Liberals have indicated that we would have a lot of time to discuss this through legislation, but that is totally inaccurate. This might be the only opportunity in the House to talk about something that would impact so many small businesses across my riding.

There has been nothing since I was elected in 2008 that has created more of a reaction in my community than these particular proposed changes. There have been emails, people coming to the offices, and people phoning. They are angry, upset, and very concerned, and so this has really mobilized them. I do not think anyone should underestimate how important these changes are.

I will talk first about the process, and then I will talk about the implications. I think at the very end, members will understand that having an extension is a very reasonable request, and we are only asking to extend this until the end of January 2018.

On the implications of the process, this paper was released on July 18 during the period of summer that is called the dog days for a reason. It tends to be when people are focused on their opportunities for vacation and to enjoy time with family. They do not tend to be engaged in the political process during the dog days of summer. However, of particular importance for the riding I represent, on July 7 in B.C. one of the first wildfires broke out and the province of British Columbia was in a state of emergency. We had thousands of people evacuated over the coming months, and there were many issues. Therefore, I can assure the Liberals that there was no sort of review of this particular proposal during that time.

Indeed, one of my ranchers had been evacuated, her fences were burnt, and her cattle were missing. She stopped by the post office to get a letter from her accountant, which told her what the implication of these changes would be. Can members imagine being devastated, with their fences burnt and cows missing, and then getting something from their accountant saying that the Liberals were going to make significant changes?

However, members do not have to take my word for this, because we are not the tax experts. There are tax experts out there, and they are not the Liberal talking points on this issue. I have three tax experts, and one is a representative from the business community, the chamber of commerce. It prides itself on being a non-partisan organization, and this is what it had to say:

...it is very unfortunate that the federal government has chosen to position this in terms of “fairness” and “loopholes.” The tax strategies being followed date back to the 1960s and have been refined and tested over many decades. The federal government has engaged in rhetoric that divides the country, directly stating that small business owners do not “contribute” to the wellbeing of the country....

My time is up, but I will get back to this important quote from this very important organization.

[The Deputy Speaker, Conservative, Bruce Stanton]

The hon. member for Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo will have six and a half minutes remaining in the time for her remarks when the House next gets back to the question. We are now going to Statements by Members.

The hon. member for Repentigny.

Climate Change

[Monique Pauzé, Bloc, Repentigny, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the commissioner of the environment's report was scathing. The government's response to climate change has been long on rhetoric and short on action. There has been only inaction.

Any announcements on climate change have been smoke and mirrors. Nothing is being implemented. There are no tangible measures. Greenhouse gas emissions keep going up and nothing is being done to adapt to climate change. The federal government has been standing idly by for 25 years. Since 1992, Ottawa has never met its targets, which keep changing.

Canada is the second largest country in terms of land mass, 38th in terms of population, and the ninth largest greenhouse gas emitter. Enough with the charade when it comes to the environment.

It is time for the government to take care of the future of the planet and the future of our grandchildren.

Women's History Month

[Sean Fraser, Liberal, Central Nova, NS]

Mr. Speaker, October marks Women's History Month in Canada, a time when we look to our past and celebrate the incredible achievements of women and girls who shaped the country that we know as Canada today.

This month, I am going to be reflecting upon powerful women who have made their mark in Canadian history in the riding I represent, Central Nova: women like Viola Desmond, who courageously challenged racial segregation at the Roseland Theatre in New Glasgow; women like Lucille Harper, a Persons Case award winner, who runs a women's resource centre in Antigonish; and women like Emma Kiley, a young entrepreneur who owns the Uprooted Market & Café in the rural community of Musquodoboit Harbour.

The theme for this year's Women's History Month is #ClaimYourPlace. At a time in our nation's history when gender equality continues to elude us, it is important that everyone, men and boys included, be part of this movement. I encourage all Canadians to join the conversation on social media and share photos, videos, and words of inspiration.

Young women, in particular, belong in leadership positions, so they should do us all a favour and claim their place.

Mental Illness Awareness Week

[Marilyn Gladu, Conservative, Sarnia—Lambton, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the beginning of Mental Illness Awareness Week, a national campaign coordinated by the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health.

Mental Illness Awareness Week encourages us all to learn more about the realities of the one in five Canadians who will experience a mental illness this year. Everyone is affected by this. Today, as the alliance hosts Mental Health on the Hill and meets with parliamentarians to discuss the barriers to access and affordability of mental health care, I call on the Minister of Health to take urgent action to address the suicide crisis and the lack of services to support those living with mental illness in Canada.

I invite my colleagues to attend the function this evening, speak with some of the alliance members, and meet the 2017 faces of mental illness who are bravely sharing their journeys of recovery.

Yom Kippur

[Joe Peschisolido, Liberal, Steveston—Richmond East, BC]

Mr. Speaker, at sunset on Friday, Jewish communities around the world gathered to observe the beginning of Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. Yom Kippur is the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. It is a day of introspection, prayer, and forgiveness as friends and family gather to reflect on the year gone by and the promise of the year to come.

This year, I was invited by the Chabad of Richmond to observe Yom Kippur. I would like to thank Rabbi Baitelman and the whole congregation for allowing me to share in such a beautiful ceremony. It was truly an opportunity for personal reflection and self-awareness.

Theatre Aquarius

[David Christopherson, NDP, Hamilton Centre, ON]

Mr. Speaker, last month Theatre Aquarius in my riding of Hamilton Centre opened for its 45th season. From its humble beginnings in a school auditorium, Theatre Aquarius has grown into one of Canada's premier theatre companies and welcomes more than 100,000 visitors each year to the Dofasco Centre for the Arts.

Along with its world-class productions, Theatre Aquarius works to support Canada's next generation of performers through its theatre school. The theatre school strives to help develop the skills of local theatre artists and provide expert training and mentoring to aspiring performers in the areas of acting, musical theatre, dance and movement, voice and music, physical theatre, mask, and play creation. Theatre Aquarius is also leading the way to promote programs aimed to make theatre more accessible to a wider audience and to get more people engaged in the performing arts.

As a former board member, I would like to congratulate Theatre Aquarius on this historic anniversary and send best wishes for a wonderful 45th season. Break a leg.

Mid-Autumn Festival

[Shaun Chen, Liberal, Scarborough North, ON]

Mr. Speaker, tomorrow Canadians of Chinese, Korean, Japanese, and Vietnamese descent will give thanks in celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival. Also known as the Moon Festival, this is a time for family and friends to celebrate the harvest and be thankful for the past year of successes. Tomorrow night, loved ones will gather to enjoy traditional mooncakes, light lanterns, and admire the beauty of the full moon, its brightness and roundness a symbol of families coming together.

Last Saturday, I joined constituents in my riding of Scarborough North at the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto to mark this year's festivities with good wishes for the upcoming year.

As communities across this great country come together to celebrate, let us all look ahead to a future filled with prosperity and good fortune.

From my family to everyone, happy Mid-Autumn Festival.

[Member spoke in Chinese]

Municipal Elections in Alberta

[Martin Shields, Conservative, Bow River, AB]

Mr. Speaker, voters across Alberta will take to the polls on October 16 and choose their municipal representatives. I want to offer my sincere thanks to all those who have served their municipalities so well over the last four years. Their tireless efforts have benefited their communities and helped make Alberta such a great place to live.

I also want to extend my warmest congratulations to those who have chosen to stand for office. Running for office is not easy. They are making an incredible contribution to the local, grassroots democratic process by putting their names forward as candidates. I know that those elected will do a great job serving their municipalities. I look forward to working with them on issues important to the constituents of Bow River.

Canada-Italy Relations

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

Mr. Speaker, Italian Canadians have been a key part of Canadian society for generations and helped to build this great country of ours, often while keeping ties with Italy and contributing to the social safety nets of both countries.

Former prime minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau recognized the special relationship between Canada and Italy by signing Canada's first international social security agreement in 1979. I am proud that our government has updated this agreement to make sure that the Italian Canadians who have contributed in both countries can continue to receive old age, disability, and survivor benefits that they have worked a lifetime to earn. The renewed Canada-Italy social security agreement, which came into force on October 1, will ensure a secure retirement for many Italian Canadians.

Invictus Games

[Sherry Romanado, Liberal, Longueuil—Charles-LeMoyne, QC]

Mr. Speaker, it is an honour for me to rise today to congratulate the athletes from 17 countries who participated in the Invictus Games.

On Friday, I witnessed how the games help wounded veterans and members of the Canadian Armed Forces overcome adversity and let their invincible spirits shine.

The games provide the camaraderie, competition, and community that many of our ill and injured armed forces members need to start rebuilding their lives. In fact, one team Canada member told me that these games have saved her life.

I am proud of the women, such as Natacha Dupuis and Hélène Le Scelleur, who participated in the track, rowing, and rugby events. Ultimately, what counts is the spirit of the games. These men and women and their families are the real Canadian heroes.

I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day

[Blake Richards, Conservative, Banff—Airdrie, AB]

Mr. Speaker, on October 15, Canada observes Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day. This day helps us remember the lives of all infants who were taken from their families too soon. It also encourages support and compassion for parents who have suffered this tragedy.

Sarah and Lee Cormier of Airdrie told me about losing their daughter, Quinn, at four months of age from SIDS. Shortly after, Service Canada told the Cormiers that they had to pay back their parental benefits for the time period after Quinn's passing. Families may not have even had time to lay their child to rest before being forced to return to work, due to financial hardships. I have since met many families who face the same problems, highlighting a serious flaw in our system.

Therefore, I put forward Motion No. 110 to have the government look for better ways to support and show compassion for bereaved parents. Parents are already grieving, and they should not have to suffer any further due to government regulations. We all need to ensure that no more Canadians have to go through what the Cormiers did.

I encourage all MPs to support Motion No. 110 and show their support for Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day.

Autism

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

Mr. Speaker, autism is the fastest growing and most commonly diagnosed disorder affecting children and adults in Canada. I want to thank those who work tirelessly to enrich the lives of people touched by autism. Specifically in my riding, there is Autism Ontario, York Region Chapter, and Kerry's Place. Organizations like these are invaluable.

However, just as invaluable are those researching to improve the lives of Canadians on the autism spectrum. Kayley Ting, a 17-year-old from my riding, presented her autism research project at the Prime Minister's Science Fair. Kayley recognized that a challenge for those with autism is coping with sensory overload, so she researched a solution, a wearable device that identifies the causes of sensory overload, to help prevent future occurrences.

Kayley's project will strengthen the independence of those living with autism. Well done, Kayley and all of our young innovators, who have the courage to dream of the possibilities and the creativity and hard work to get it done.

Mental IIlness Awareness Week

[Majid Jowhari, Liberal, Richmond Hill, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the beginning of Mental Illness Awareness Week, a national campaign coordinated by the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health.

As founder of the Liberal mental health caucus, this is a very important issue to me, but even more important to the one in five Canadians who will experience a mental illness this year.

Visiting the Hill today are five individuals brave enough to share their own experiences with illness and recovery.

Over the summer, I had the honour of recognizing another face of mental health. In my riding of Richmond Hill, Constables Ivanov and Latour from York Regional Police were the recipients of the special Canada 150 pin for going above and beyond the call of duty in saving the life of a young woman suffering from mental illness. At YRP, “Deed...indeed...speaks”.

On this day and every day, let us reflect on what we can do in our offices and everyday lives to achieve a Canada where mental health issues receive timely, respectful care and support in parity with physical health conditions.

Jessica Klymchuk

[Arnold Viersen, Conservative, Peace River—Westlock, AB]

Mr. Speaker, I am heartbroken that Jessica Klymchuk, a member of our community, was one of the victims of the horrific events in Las Vegas. Jessica was a 34-year-old single mother of four beautiful children. She lived with her family in Valleyview where she worked with children at St. Stephen's School as an educational assistant, librarian, and school bus driver.

Yesterday I spoke with Jessica's family to personally offer my heartfelt condolences. To her fiancé, family friends, and colleagues, we offer our thoughts, prayers, and support. As a mother, a friend, and member of our community, she will be greatly missed.

To her four children who have lost their mother, I am deeply sorry for their loss. I cannot imagine what they must be going through right now. While no words could ease the loss of their mother, may they know they are in our thoughts and prayers as we grieve with them. May the God of all comfort be with them during this difficult time.

I invite my colleagues and all Canadians to keep Jessica's family and all who grieve lost ones in their thoughts and prayers. We grieve with them.

28th Governor General

[Terry Sheehan, Liberal, Sault Ste. Marie, ON]

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in the House to pay tribute to a great Saultite, His Excellency, the former Governor General, the Right Honourable David Johnston.

David was raised and educated in Sault Ste. Marie, attending Sault Collegiate. He was an exceptional student and a super athlete, playing with and at a similar level as future hockey hall of famers Phil and Tony Esposito. David married his high school sweetheart, Her Excellency Sharon Johnston, with whom they have five daughters.

David has been a Canadian academic, author, statesman, and the 28th Governor General of Canada.

David's motto, “To envisage a better world”, remained strong throughout his mandate. David believed in the abilities of all Canadians to imagine and create a smarter, more caring nation, and to contribute to a fairer, more just world.

I ask the house to please join me in congratulating David and Sharon on a happy retirement from public life. On behalf of all Canadians and their fellow Saultites, we give our thanks. Merci beaucoup.

La Petite-Patrie Community Resource Centre

[Alexandre Boulerice, NDP, Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie, QC]

Mr. Speaker, even as tonnes of good food end up in the trash because of food waste, many families cannot afford fruits and vegetables because of rising food costs.

What can people do about this? They can do like the Centre de ressources et d'action communautaire de La Petite-Patrie, which recovers food from the Jean-Talon market. This new program, in partnership with Marchés publics de Montréal and the Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie borough, recovered 21 tonnes of food in just five months.

According to the centre's Maggie Lebeau, this makes fruits and vegetables available to about 100 families and individuals every week.

I would like to congratulate the people of La Petite-Patrie on this wonderful initiative that succeeds on three fronts: solidarity, respect for the environment, and food security. Well done.

Maggie Jenkins

[Karen Vecchio, Conservative, Elgin—Middlesex—London, ON]

Mr. Speaker, on March 14, 2014, Dave and Maureen Jenkins lost their incredible daughter from complications from an aggressive rogue cell cancer that had previously gone undiagnosed. Together with their son, Evan, they have started the Maggie Project.

Currently in Canada, over 10,000 children are undergoing treatment and approximately another 1,700 families will be given this devastating diagnosis annually.

Last month was Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, but these families must face the challenges of cancer every day.

I would like to share an excerpt from a poem that Maggie wrote in Grade 6, prior to her passing, titled “I am”:

I am a strong, helpful farm girl.
I wonder if there will be farmers in the future.
I hear dairy cows "moo" in the distance.
I see heifers grazing in the distance.
I want to show my 4-H calf and get first in show.
I am a strong, helpful farm girl.

I thank Dave, Maureen, and Evan for asking me to make this statement. It is an honour to know all of them and to have known Maggie. May her positive, powerful, protected, and peacemaker memory live on forever.

Attack in Las Vegas

[Dan Ruimy, Liberal, Pitt Meadows—Maple Ridge, BC]

Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to acknowledge the tragic events that took place on Sunday evening in Las Vegas. As details are becoming available, we are learning that some of our own communities in Canada have been affected. In my riding of Pitt Meadows—Maple Ridge, we have lost one of our own.

Unfortunately, senseless acts of violence are becoming commonplace in our world. While we do not know the motivation behind the violence, we do know that the lives of thousands of innocent people who came together to celebrate their love of music have been forever changed.

To all those who lost a loved one, I offer my offer my sincerest condolences for their tragic loss. I know that our whole community and country stands behind them and mourns with them. While we try to make sense of this tragedy in our community, I ask everyone in the House to rise in honour of all those who were lost or injured in Las Vegas this past weekend.

Taxation

[Andrew Scheer, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, local businesses are the engine of economic growth in Canada. They create jobs, contribute to our communities, and create opportunities, but the Liberal tax hikes are going to hurt local businesses. We are talking about family businesses, farmers, local entrepreneurs, and the people they employ.

Will the Prime Minister admit that these tax hikes are going to hurt the very people he claims he wants to help, and scrap the idea?

[Bill Morneau, Liberal, Minister of Finance]

Mr. Speaker, we held consultations on our tax measures. It is very important to listen. We listened and we garnered a number of important insights from Canadians. We will now consider what we heard to make sure that we can continue to invest while creating a tax system that is fair.