Debates of Nov. 29th, 2017

[The Speaker, Liberal, Geoff Regan]

It being Wednesday, we will now have the singing of the national anthem led by the hon. member for Louis-Saint-Laurent.

[Members sang the national anthem]

Vote on the Designation of an Item

[The Speaker, Liberal, Geoff Regan]

Pursuant to Standing Order 92(4), I direct that the vote on the designation of Bill C-352, an act to amend the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 and to provide for the development of a national strategy (abandonment of vessels), resume.

I would like to remind the members that they can obtain their ballot from the table officer seated on their side of the chamber. However, during statements by members, oral questions, and Committee of the Whole, ballots will be distributed from the corridor behind the Speaker's chair.

Nunavut Elections

[Hunter Tootoo, Independent, Nunavut, NU]

Qujannamiik Uqaqti, Mr. Speaker. I would like to take this time to congratulate Nunavut's newly elected MLAs, Speaker, executive council, and new Premier, Paul Quassa.

As I am sure all members in this House can agree, an incredible amount of work goes into an election. I would like to congratulate them again on their hard work and achievements thus far.

This is an important time for Nunavut. With our 20-year anniversary fast approaching, we reflect on how we have grown as a territory, the progress we have made, and the lessons we have learned. We use this knowledge to determine how to best move forward as we look to the future.

With the fastest growing population in Canada, many of the challenges we face, including education, housing, and health care, are only going to become more pressing. Addressing these issues is vital to securing a bright future for Nunavut. I look forward to working closely with the new territorial government and Premier Quassa to help ensure that Nunavut shines.

Gros Morne Theatre Festival

[Gudie Hutchings, Liberal, Long Range Mountains, NL]

Mr. Speaker, most of us know that the oldest professional theatre company in Canada is Stratford, of course, but I am sure most do not know the second oldest, which is Theatre Newfoundland Labrador. Their Gros Morne Theatre Festival, in Gros Morne National Park, is now the economic backbone of the community of Cow Head. According to Mayor Adrian Payne, things did not look so great for the former fishing community, but theatre swept in, and now the town is a cultural destination for locals and tourists alike.

I was excited to be with Adrian and others to announce combined funding of $4.2 million to construct a new dinner theatre and a production complex. Everyone is applauding the investment, as audiences have grown from 1,200 to over 12,000, and they turn away people every night.

TNL is known for exceptional experiences, talented performers, and magical technicians. However, they are especially known for theatre based on our incredible local Newfoundland and Labrador stories. The entire region is excited about the expansion, the construction, the new jobs, and the opening in 2019. Come experience—

[The Speaker, Liberal, Geoff Regan]

The hon. member for Provencher.

Christmas

[Ted Falk, Conservative, Provencher, MB]

Mr. Speaker, as we transition from Thanksgiving to Christmas, we move from a state of “I am thankful for” to a state of “I want more.” Every day we are bombarded with images of things we just must have. We somehow believe that these things will bring us happiness. They ultimately never do.

As Christmas approaches, may we rather focus on the birth of Jesus and be reminded of His unchanging message of hope, peace, and love. In a world at times absent of love, at times absent of peace, it may seem hopeless and discouraging, but let us remember the message given to the shepherds.

The angel declared, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.

Jesus, “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.”

As parliamentarians, let us remember the foundation of our dominion. May we remain ever hopeful, ever faithful to the promise that is Canada, and turn to the Prince of Peace for guidance and direction in whatever we do in this place. He is the one who has dominion from sea to sea.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish the members of this House and all Canadians—

[The Speaker, Liberal, Geoff Regan]

The hon. member for Brossard—Saint-Lambert.

Queen Elizabeth II

[Alexandra Mendes, Liberal, Brossard—Saint-Lambert, QC]

Mr. Speaker, last week our Queen and Prince Philip celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.

Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh have had the longest marriage in the history of the British Crown. This is another joyful milestone for our head of state. Last year, Her Majesty became the first reigning Canadian monarch to reach 90 years of age.

The Globe and Mail stated last July that “The monarchy is the bedrock of Canada's constitutional order.” I firmly agree, and I have always believed that.

I am proud to be a strong monarchist, holding firm to the belief that historical continuity is the best anchor for bold and progressive governance.

I would like to express my sincere hope that Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh will continue to be beacons of love and devotion for years to come.

I send my deep gratitude for such an inspiring life to Her Majesty and His Royal Highness.

Natural Resources

[Kennedy Stewart, NDP, Burnaby South, BC]

Mr. Speaker, during the 2015 election, the Prime Minister promised he would protect British Columbia's coast from Kinder Morgan. Well, he broke his promise and is now working to ram this dangerous new bitumen pipeline through our beautiful province. While 18 court cases have left the fate of this pipeline in limbo, Kinder Morgan has already broken the law by setting up salmon-killing anti-spawning matting in our rivers, with plans to set up more in dozens of locations. The National Energy Board has issued stop work orders, and my inquiries indicate that the BC Oil and Gas Commission will also officially sanction the company.

Kinder Morgan has erected a Guantanamo Bay-style compound in the Burrard Inlet, complete with razor-wire fencing. The company's private security firm harasses recreational boaters on a daily basis, and I have now asked the RCMP to investigate.

While the Prime Minister and his Liberal MPs have sided with Kinder Morgan against B.C., we will not stop fighting this project until it is abandoned. We will protect our coast.

Lac-Saint-Jean

[Richard Hébert, Liberal, Lac-Saint-Jean, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the House as the new member for Lac-Saint-Jean. I first want to thank all hon. members for their warm welcome upon my arrival. I will never forget those moments.

I would also like to thank everyone in my riding who placed their precious trust in me. Since October 23, I have been serving the families in my region. I am very proud to be the voice of the people of Lac-Saint-Jean.

Thank you to everyone.

George Freeman

[Martin Shields, Conservative, Bow River, AB]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of George Freeman. George was a pillar of his community in the town of Strathmore. He was a World War II veteran. He was the last living resident of Strathmore to have stormed the beaches on D-Day. He was honoured with the French National Order of the Legion of Honour for his efforts.

He devoted decades of his life to Ducks Unlimited and played a key role in many conservation projects throughout southern Alberta. He served as the Strathmore fire chief and as a director of the Calgary Zoo. His deep devotion to his community was apparent in the countless local charities he was involved in. His tireless efforts earned him the nickname “Mr. Strathmore”.

I offer my sincere condolences to his family and many friends. George Freeman: a truly great Canadian.

LGBTQ2 Canadians

[Rob Oliphant, Liberal, Don Valley West, ON]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday we were witnesses to the historic apology made by the Prime Minister to LGBTQ2 Canadians who have been wronged by federal legislation, policies, and practices. However, we were more than witnesses; we were participants, and I wish to thank every member of this chamber who was here sharing in this historic, and for me, deeply personal moment.

As a young person growing up gay, I never, ever imagined this day. Throughout my lifetime, Canadians were fired from jobs, discharged from serving their country, denied access to justice, and convicted of crimes for simply being themselves.

Mr. Speaker, make no mistake: our long journey has only just begun. Practical reforms will follow to right the historic injustices that people continue to suffer every day. Let us continue moving forward together towards stronger, more diverse and inclusive society.

Yesterday was the start, not the end.

Special Olympics Athletes

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

Mr. Speaker, this week we have some of Canada's best athletes in Ottawa. I am talking about the amazing individuals on Team Canada for the Special Olympics, who trained with blood, sweat, and tears to do Canada proud, and proud they did. In March, Team Canada flew to Austria and scooped up 29 bronze medals, 52 silver medals, and 63 gold medals.

I would like to especially recognize Katherine St. Amand, an Olympic alpine skier from my very own riding of Pitt Meadows—Maple Ridge. I was beyond honoured when Katherine came into my constituency office shortly after the Austrian Olympics in April to show me her very own, hard-earned silver medal.

I would like everyone in the House to know of the perseverance of our Special Olympics athletes and of their sheer skill in representing Canada on the world stage.

Christmas

[Mark Warawa, Conservative, Langley—Aldergrove, BC]

Mr. Speaker, the Christmas season is here with wonderful music and beautiful decorations. This is the Christmas story:

And there were...shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flocks by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were afraid. And the angel said to them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign to you: Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Peace, love, and kindness is God's gift to each of us and is the gift of Christmas we can share with those in need. Merry Christmas to everyone.

J. Robert Howie

[Matt DeCourcey, Liberal, Fredericton, NB]

Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the life of the hon. J. Robert Howie, who passed away unexpectedly on November 25. Former member of Parliament for the Fredericton riding then known as York--Sunbury, Bob was first elected in 1972, was re-elected four times, and retired from politics undefeated in 1988.

Bob was a fierce advocate for children and for veterans. In 1979 he was appointed to Privy Council as minister of state for marine transport. He was appointed Queen's Counsel in 1981.

Ever present in the community, Bob served as president of the YMCA, volunteered at the Fredericton Community Kitchens, and was a devoted member of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church. Bob enjoyed telling jokes and sharing his wisdom with everyone over a cup of coffee at Read's coffee shop, where he could be found holding court in recent years.

Above all his accomplishments, Bob's family was his greatest source of pride and joy. We extend our thoughts and prayers to his loving wife, Nancy, and to the entire Howie family.

International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People

[Chandra Arya, Liberal, Nepean, ON]

Mr. Speaker, today is the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. The date of November 29 was chosen by the United Nations in 1977 because of its meaning and significance to the Palestinian people.

On this day in 1947, the United Nations adopted the partition resolution that provided for the establishment in Palestine of a Jewish state and an Arab state, with Jerusalem as a corpus separatum under a special international regime. Of these two states to be created under this resolution, only one, Israel, has so far come into being.

Even today, the question of Palestine remains unresolved and the Palestinian people have yet to attain their right to self-determination, national independence and sovereignty, and their right to return to their homes and properties from which they were displaced. This is not acceptable.

2017 Special Olympics World Winter Games

[Robert Gordon Kitchen, Conservative, Souris—Moose Mountain, SK]

Mr. Speaker, today I have the privilege of welcoming some outstanding Canadians to Ottawa, the athletes and coaches who participated in the 2017 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Austria.

In the fall of 1968, Dr. Frank Hayden from London, Ontario started a sports program for persons with intellectual disabilities after his research showed how beneficial physical activity could be for them. This caught the attention of Eunice Kennedy Shriver, who founded the Special Olympics and recruited Dr. Hayden to work alongside her using his Canadian blueprint.

I have always been a huge supporter of the Special Olympics, and many of us are fortunate to have these athletes hail from our ridings. Not only does the Special Olympics motivate these athletes to get active and stay healthy, it also teaches important life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and socialization.

I would like to congratulate all the athletes and coaches who are here today, as it is truly an honour for me and all my colleagues in this House to celebrate their accomplishments with them.

LGBTQ2 Canadians

[Randy Boissonnault, Liberal, Edmonton Centre, AB]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday was a historic day for equality and human rights as all parties joined together to apologize for Canada's history of discrimination against the LGBTQ2 community. To those who were criminalized for loving someone or simply being themselves, for those who were purged from the public service, the military and the RCMP, nothing can erase the pain they have experienced. Yesterday, we took an important step to start making amends. We affirmed that a Canadian is a Canadian is a Canadian regardless of who they love, what gender they identify with, or how they express that gender.

We are extremely grateful to everyone who made this historic apology possible, along with the financial compensation and legislative measures that go along with it. In particular, I want to thank the We Demand an Apology Network, Egale Canada, the LGBTQ2 secretariat, and above all, the many survivors who shared their heartbreaking stories.

Their voices were heard, and their voices matter.

Human Rights

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

Mr. Speaker, Elena Urlaeva has fought against state enforced labour in the cotton fields of Uzbekistan for nearly 26 years. Every autumn, over a million Uzbek citizens are forced by their own government to leave their regular jobs and go to the fields to pick cotton, a large portion of which ends up in global supply chains and in our linen closets.

After all these years, Uzbekistan is finally changing course on this practice, mostly due to Elena's brave efforts. Elena has received multiple death threats, has been beaten, locked up, and confined to psychiatric hospitals. Still she continued to protest outside of court rooms and continued to take her camera into the fields to document abuses.

Elena is one example of the incredible bravery that inspires human rights defenders all over the world. Their sacrifices continue to bring about profound change. On this International Women Human Rights Defenders Day, I celebrate the achievements of such remarkable women.

Sturgeon River—Parkland

[Dane Lloyd, Conservative, Sturgeon River—Parkland, AB]

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today as the new member of Parliament for Sturgeon River—Parkland. I want to thank my constituents for placing their trust in me to represent them in this place. I thank my campaign team for their countless volunteer hours to make this dream a reality, and I want to thank my friends and family for standing behind me with their love and support. Without them, this day would not be reality.

The people of Sturgeon River—Parkland elected me to do one job: to hold the Liberal government to account. They want a government that puts the rights of victims and their families, not criminals, first. They want a government that does not give tax breaks with one hand and nickel and dime them with the other. They want a government that puts the long-term growth and prosperity of all Canadians first. On October 23, I heard the message loud and clear, and I am here to deliver that message.

Special Olympics World Winter Games 2017

[Stéphane Lauzon, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary for Sport and Persons with Disabilities]

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of all Canadians, the Government of Canada wants to congratulate the athletes, trainers, and members of the support team who wore the maple leaf as part of Team Canada at the 2017 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Austria. This was the largest team to ever participate in the Special Olympics Winter Games.

From March 18 to 24, Team Canada, including 110 athletes representing the 12 provincial and territorial chapters of Special Olympics Canada, will participate in six sports: alpine skiing, cross country skiing, figure skating, hockey, snowshoeing, and speed skating.

To all the members of Team Canada, Canadians across the country would like to thank you for your hard work and dedication and congratulate you for reaching the highest levels in your sport.

Ethics

[Andrew Scheer, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, not only is the Minister of Finance not following the rules, but he also has a very poor track record. Despite what he and the Prime Minister claim, the deficit is double the $10 billion that he promised; the wealthiest Canadians pay less tax, not more; and middle-class families are paying 80% more tax, not less. This minister cannot count and cannot follow the rules.

Why, then, is he still the Minister of Finance?

[Justin Trudeau, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, I continue to have full confidence in the Minister of Finance.

One only has to look at the half a million new jobs to understand why. The minister has lowered taxes for the middle class and increased taxes on the wealthiest 1%. He created the Canada child benefit, which helps nine out of ten families and which will lower child poverty by 40% across the country. He is giving more money to the most vulnerable seniors. He is lowering taxes for small business. He is managing the G7's best-performing economy. We continue to have confidence in—

[The Speaker, Liberal, Geoff Regan]

The hon. Leader of the Opposition.

[Andrew Scheer, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, inconveniently for the Prime Minister, that is simply not true.

Not only is the finance minister failing to follow the rules, he is also not very good at his job. He promised to run a deficit of only $10 billion, and of course he has blown right past that. He promised that wealthy Canadians would pay more, but after his measures came in, the top 1% ended up paying less, all the while 80% of working Canadians are paying more.

The finance minister is not competent and he cannot follow the rules. Why is he still in cabinet?