House of Commons Hansard #227 of the 42nd Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was marijuana.

Topics

2 p.m.

Liberal

The Speaker Liberal Geoff Regan

We will now have the singing of the national anthem led by the hon. member for Beauport—Côte-de-Beaupré—Île d'Orléans—Charlevoix.

[Members sang the national anthem]

René LévesqueStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Bloc

Louis Plamondon Bloc Bécancour—Nicolet—Saurel, QC

Mr. Speaker, René Lévesque passed away 30 years ago today. I think we can all agree that he played a key role in building Quebec.

We can all honour his memory because our regard for him transcends party lines. He was a democrat who convinced Quebeckers that we really could represent ourselves. He loved Quebec and Quebeckers and recognized in them a great people. He also loved the Gaspé and was a staunch defender of our regions. He was cultured, he appreciated the good things in life, and he loved being alive. He was the sort of progressive who was able to lead the charge while remaining in step with his fellow Quebeckers. He was a proud man, and he invited us all to be proud of our culture, proud to defend it, and even prouder to share it with the world.

His gift to us was a tangible and indestructible sense that we are complete as we are, that we share a common destiny, that we exist. That is why we consider René Lévesque to be the father of the Quebec nation.

World Diabetes DayStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Liberal

Mona Fortier Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON

Mr. Speaker, November is Diabetes Awareness Month and November 14 is World Diabetes Day.

This date was chosen because it marks the birthdate of Dr. Banting, who made crucial breakthroughs in research that led to the discovery of insulin. In fact, his work earned him the Nobel Prize in Medicine. He was the first Canadian to receive the award.

This disease affects about 3.4 million Canadians of all ages. This year the Government of Canada announced a historic $30-million investment in partnership with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation of Canada to support specialized treatment.

I am very proud that, thanks to those investments, groups like the Sandy Hill Community Health Centre and the Wabano Centre can now deliver services that are better suited to those who suffer from this disease.

I want to thank Health Canada for improving the lives of Canadians living with diabetes.

TaxationStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Conservative

Pat Kelly Conservative Calgary Rocky Ridge, AB

Mr. Speaker, the government has introduced a carbon tax, raised payroll taxes, proposed higher taxes on businesses, added an escalator clause to the beer tax, tried to tax employee discounts, and cancelled children's arts and fitness credits, textbook and tuition credits, and public transit credits. It even denied disability tax credits for most type 1 diabetics. These higher taxes hurt Canadians and weaken the economy. Do not take my word for it, listen to my constituents:

Shelly incorporated to get bonding and insurance and resents being called a tax cheat.

Dennis said that higher taxes will kill investment and prevent job creation.

Bill's retirement is in his company. Since he does not get a pension, the higher taxes will threaten years of planning and saving.

Dr. Kim used her company to save for her maternity leave.

John cancelled a proposed Canadian expansion of his business and will go to the United States instead.

Instead of spin-and-damage control, the government needs to apologize, listen to Canadians like these, and stop raising taxes.

RohingyaStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Randeep Sarai Liberal Surrey Centre, BC

Mr. Speaker, I am aghast at the brutal violence perpetrated by Myanmar's military against the country's Rohingya Muslim minority. Over the past few months, the region has witnessed villages burned to the ground; hundreds of thousands of defenceless men, women, and children driven from their homes; and physical and sexual assaults that are breathtaking in their cruelty and scale.

At times like these, when Canadians witness the suffering of our brothers and sisters abroad, our reaction defines who we are and what our nation values. As such, I am moved that the Government of Canada has chosen to match donations to registered charities, such as the Canadian Red Cross Society and Islamic Relief Canada, by establishing a Myanmar crisis relief fund. This move confirms what I already knew in my heart to be true: that Canada is a country that cares, that we are a generous people, and that we are ready and willing to fight against the evils of this world.

IndiaStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

NDP

Guy Caron NDP Rimouski-Neigette—Témiscouata—Les Basques, QC

Mr. Speaker, “It was not riot, it was genocide”. These are the words of Rajnath Singh, India's home minister.

Today, and for the next three days, Sikh Canadians and human rights advocates will mark the 33rd anniversary of the 1984 Sikh genocide. Sikh men were burned alive. Women were subject to unthinkable sexual violence, and children were murdered in gruesome fashion. Many, including former Indian Supreme Court justice G.T. Nanavati, have pointed out that state resources were instrumental in these premeditated killings.

I am reminded that thousands of Canadians live with this pain as survivors and bearers of intergenerational trauma. Both the Delhi Assembly and the Ontario legislature have recognized these atrocities as genocide. I stand in this place in hope that someday soon, the House of Commons and this government will do the same.

The path to reconciliation will not be easy, but for the victims and survivors, today we remember.

Canadian Patient Safety WeekStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Ron McKinnon Liberal Coquitlam—Port Coquitlam, BC

Mr. Speaker, the third leading cause of death, behind cancer and heart disease, is patient safety incidents, with just under 28,000 deaths across Canada. This is equivalent to a patient safety event occurring in Canada every 13 minutes. Medication incidents are one of the leading causes of patient safety harm in health care. Most of these can be prevented.

Patient safety is very important to our government. This week, we recognize Canadian Patient Safety Week.

Canadian Patient Safety Week is a campaign launched by the Canadian Patient Safety Institute to raise awareness and educate the public on best practices in patient safety at the national, regional, and local levels.

By placing a spotlight on opioids and medication safety--

Canadian Patient Safety WeekStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

The Speaker Liberal Geoff Regan

The hon. member for Niagara Falls.

Criminal CodeStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Conservative

Rob Nicholson Conservative Niagara Falls, ON

Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House today to address the importance of religious freedom in Canada. I am concerned, because the government has introduced Bill C-51, and while I generally agree with many of the revisions to the Criminal Code, repealing section 176 is not one of them.

Section 176 is the only section of the code that directly protects the rights of individuals to freely practice their religion, whatever that religion may be. I am reminded of Prime Minister John Diefenbaker, who proudly said:

I am a Canadian, free to speak without fear, free to worship in my own way, free to stand for what I think right, free to oppose what I believe wrong, or free to choose those who shall govern my country. This heritage of freedom I pledge to uphold for myself and all mankind.

I call upon all Canadians to join me in asking the government to keep section 176 in the Criminal Code. The unhindered right to worship is one of the foundations of our democracy and should have the support of everyone.

Nel McChristieStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House today to pay tribute to an upstanding citizen in my riding who, sadly, died in a car accident on July 6 at age 90.

Affectionately known as “Nel”, she was very involved in her Deux-Montagnes community and loved by all. Her involvement in the 4 Korners organization and as a yoga instructor and speed walking instructor earned her the Queen's Diamond Jubilee medal in 2012.

As we celebrate her life today, we remember also Nel's top five lessons: first, it is never too late to make a positive change; second, it is always a good time for scones; third, make your bed every day; fourth, be humble; and fifth, love.

While we celebrate Women's History Month, I want to thank Nel for all the great memories.

Deux-Montagnes will cherish you forever.

Sackville Community Food GardenStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Darrell Samson Liberal Sackville—Preston—Chezzetcook, NS

Mr. Speaker, the air is cooler, the leaves are changing colour, and fall has certainly arrived in Sackville—Preston—Chezzetcook. To celebrate harvest time, community members in Lower Sackville gathered for the Acadia Park Garden festival on the weekend. There was a community BBQ, locally produced healthy snacks, and plant exchanges. However, the cream of the crop was produce from the Sackville Community Food Garden.

This was the first season for the garden. Families have been using it to grow their own fruits and vegetables, all while contributing towards making a stronger, greener community for all.

I want to thank the gardeners of the Sackville Community Food Garden, and everyone across Sackville—Preston—Chezzetcook, who make our community stronger and healthier.

TuberculosisStatements By Members

November 1st, 2017 / 2:10 p.m.

Conservative

Dean Allison Conservative Niagara West, ON

Mr. Speaker, last week, the WHO released its annual global tuberculosis report. Once again, tuberculosis remains the world's deadliest infectious disease.

TB is an ancient airborne virus that still claims almost two million lives every year.

The Global Health Caucus on HIV/AIDS, TB, and Malaria had the privilege this week to speak with an incredible tuberculosis survivor. We had an eye-opening conversation about the human impact of this global epidemic.

Nandita Venkatesan is here today to watch our democratic proceedings, but cannot hear our discussion, because the medication that was used to treat her tuberculosis has left her permanently deaf. The medication is toxic, but patients often need to take it for up to two years, and in many cases, patients cannot even complete the gruelling treatment.

We want to encourage Canada to continue to take a leading role, and support the development of new and better drugs to treat TB to improve and save the lives of people across the globe.

Arctic National Wildlife RefugeStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Michael McLeod Liberal Northwest Territories, NT

Mr. Speaker, last year I stood in the House to speak about the protection of the Porcupine caribou calving grounds in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska. Today, I restate these concerns.

This refuge is one of the most fragile ecosystems left on earth. It is also the main calving grounds of the Porcupine caribou herd, which is fundamental to the culture of the Gwich'in nation of the NWT, Yukon, and Alaska.

The U.S. Senate recently passed a budget resolution that puts these sacred calving grounds at risk. I have written to legislators on both sides of the border as have Gwich'in leaders, who will soon join others in Washington, D.C., to inform legislators of the importance of protecting this pristine area. I hope this message is heard.

I thank the Canadian Embassy in Washington for its work to support the protection of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

TourismStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Gudie Hutchings Liberal Long Range Mountains, NL

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, as the new chair of the all-party tourism caucus, it was my pleasure to host a breakfast. We heard updates from TIAC, the Tourism Industry Association of Canada, as well as from Destination Canada.

As many of us know, we have had a banner tourism year so far. The hard work of industry, Canada 150 celebrations, and free Parks Canada Discovery passes all contributed to the momentum. The results are astounding. In the the first eight months of 2017 we welcomed more than 14.6 million visitors, an increase of more than 4% over 2016. The tourism sector is the number one employer of Canadian youth and it represents over 1.7 million jobs.

There will be a great opportunity to grow the industry from coast to coast to coast in 2018, the Canada-China Year of Tourism.

In my riding of Long Range Mountains, I am proud to say that I have over 540 tourism businesses that employ just under 5,000 people.

Hon. colleagues, let us talk tourism. It is part of every one of our ridings. Let us keep growing our industry together.

Sergei Magnitsky LegislationStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Conservative

James Bezan Conservative Selkirk—Interlake—Eastman, MB

Mr. Speaker, Sergei Magnitsky was a Russian lawyer, accountant and whistle-blower. While working on behalf of Bill Browder, he uncovered an elaborate tax fraud being carried out by the Russian government. For this, Sergei was arrested, beaten, tortured, and murdered in a Russian prison.

On October 18, the work of parliamentarians of all parties came to fruition when Senator Raynell Andreychuk's Bill S-226, the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, the Sergei Magnitsky law, received royal assent.

This legislation ensures Canada will not be a safe haven for foreign officials responsible for corruption and gross human rights violations. It is a tool to project our values abroad while protecting our own sovereignty.

Visiting Ottawa today is Sergei Magnitsky's widow Natalia and son Nikita. They are accompanied by Magnitsky's champion and human rights defender, Bill Browder. They wish to thank all parliamentarians for our unanimous support of Bill S-226.

On behalf of everyone here and in the Senate, I thank Mr. Browder and the Magnitsky family for their tireless efforts in defending human rights on the world stage.

MovemberStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Liberal

Paul Lefebvre Liberal Sudbury, ON

Mr. Speaker, the Movember campaign begins today.

The purpose of this campaign is to raise awareness for prostate cancer, testicular cancer, men's mental health, and suicide prevention. These are important issues for all of us, considering that one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, and one in of 10 men will suffer from serious depression. That is over 24 men in the House of Commons alone.

What can we do? We need to talk, ask, listen, encourage action, and check in.

I invite all my colleagues to take part in this campaign to raise awareness of men's health issues.

I challenge all the male members of this House to “grow a mo and save a bro”.

Indigenous AffairsStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

NDP

Georgina Jolibois NDP Desnethé—Missinippi—Churchill River, SK

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister says he is a feminist whose most important relationship is with indigenous peoples, and yet he believes that the basic human rights of indigenous peoples, particularly indigenous women, are subject to consultation.

One hundred and fifty years of colonization has dismantled the family unit in indigenous communities and stripped women from their traditional roles. We saw the Liberals voting down an amendment to Bill S-3 that called for the full and final removal of sex discrimination from the Indian Act. As such, the government believes it has the right to decide who has status. It is unthinkable that, in 2017, basic human rights can be so easily dismissed.

Our laws need to be in harmony with the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The basic human rights of indigenous peoples are not for negotiation. They are universal and must be treated as such.

Attack in New York CityStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Conservative

Erin O'Toole Conservative Durham, ON

Mr. Speaker, last week the foreign affairs committee was at the United Nations in New York City. New York is one of the world's great cities with diversity, opportunity for all, and a unique combination of business, arts, and culture. It is the city that never sleeps and never fails to impress. That is why the Conservative opposition and all Canadians were horrified by the attack yesterday.

Our hearts are with the families of the eight people killed in that terror attack. Our prayers are with the families of 11 people injured in that senseless act of violence. It was a violent attack in the name of terrorism, in a city that knows that only too well.

In 1961, President Kennedy in this place described the relationship between our two countries, stating:

Geography has made us neighbours. History has made us friends.

Today, to my American friends, we send our deepest condolences for your loss and our strongest resolve to stand with you as we fight against acts of terrorism.

Attack in New York CityStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Liberal

Wayne Easter Liberal Malpeque, PE

Mr. Speaker, Canadians last evening were shocked to learn about the senseless terrorist attack in New York City that caused a terrible and unnecessary loss of life.

We in this place stand with all Canadians in offering our sincere condolences to those mourning the loss of family and friends. Innocent people doing nothing more than going about their daily lives or visiting Manhattan had their lives extinguished, with others injured and their lives changed forever. We condemn such senseless acts by those who attack democracy, our values, and our freedoms.

Much like the city itself, New Yorkers are resilient. Tragic events like yesterday will not deter them from going about their lives, nor should they. Stories of heroism and strength of community are already emerging. As before, the city and people of New York will not be shaken.

To our American friends, our allies and neighbours, we share in your grief, extend our prayers, and stand with you on this day.

EthicsOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Regina—Qu'Appelle Saskatchewan

Conservative

Andrew Scheer ConservativeLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Finance tried to give the opposition a lecture yesterday, but it did not go well for him.

Did he also lecture his Prime Minister? Can the Prime Minister tell Canadians why it is okay for the minister to control personal assets in a family company, when he is also responsible for passing laws that affect this company?

EthicsOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Papineau Québec

Liberal

Justin Trudeau LiberalPrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, in the House we have Canadians from all backgrounds and with diverse experiences. It is important to be able to discuss freely and openly the things that matter to Canadians.

Our Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner ensures that all the rules are followed and that there are protocols in place to protect the integrity of our parliamentary institutions. On this side of the House, we support and honour the work done by the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner.

EthicsOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Regina—Qu'Appelle Saskatchewan

Conservative

Andrew Scheer ConservativeLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, the Ethics Commissioner can only do her job if the government ministers actually provide her accurate information. We know that that did not happen, because the Minister of Finance was fined for breaking the law.

Yesterday he said that the problem is that other people just do not understand how it works. We know how it is supposed to work. Finance ministers should not be able to have direct control over assets that they own while they regulate and legislate in those very areas that their companies operate in.

I have a very simple question for the Prime Minister. When was he made aware that the finance minister still owned shares in Morneau Shepell?

EthicsOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Papineau Québec

Liberal

Justin Trudeau LiberalPrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, again, the members of this House of Commons rely on the excellent work done by the commissioner to ensure that all the rules are followed and that all the safeguards are in place to uphold the highest level of trust that Canadians have given to each of the 338 members who sit in this House.

The personal and nasty attacks by the members opposite to try to lower Canadians' confidence in our institutions is, quite frankly, what they rejected after 10 years of that.

EthicsOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Regina—Qu'Appelle Saskatchewan

Conservative

Andrew Scheer ConservativeLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, we rely on the Ethics Commissioner to do her job. She relies on ministers of the crown to be honest and open with what they hold in assets. That is something this finance minister has failed to do.

Again, to the Prime Minister, on what date was he made aware that the finance minister failed to disclose his corporation in France?

EthicsOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Papineau Québec

Liberal

Justin Trudeau LiberalPrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, once again, we hear, from these Conservatives, thinly veiled attacks on the quality of work done by the Ethics Commissioner, which, quite frankly, is no surprise.

For 10 years, those members were part of a government that attacked the elections commissioner, that attacked Supreme Court justices, that attacked information commissioners, privacy commissioners, that attacked a parliamentary budget officer, that attacked anyone who got in their way of ramming through their views of things.

We respect Parliament.