Debates of Dec. 1st, 2017

World Martial Arts Championship

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

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize four athletes from my riding who put in outstanding performances at the world martial arts championship in Dublin, Ireland, in October.

Representing Canada, Antoine, Félix, Kingsley, and Ruth Ann, along with their sensei, Danny Griffith, returned home with a total of 11 medals.

Ten-year-old Felix was crowned world soft kata champion, and Ruth Ann took home top honours in the 35 and over soft kata division.

All four of these karateka can be proud of their performance. They have been practising for many years with their sensei, Danny Griffith, at Danny Griffith Kenpo Karate in Ville LaSalle.

These achievements are the culmination of years of effort, work, and perseverance, and I am proud to honour them in the House today.

Marijuana

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

Mr. Speaker,

I want to protest an ill-thought out bill
That is passing through Parliament here on the Hill
The bill that is bad is called C-45
It has so many flaws it just shouldn't survive
The Grits will allow four pot plants in each dwelling
Regardless of how bad each place will be smelling
With mould, ventilation as issues unplanned
This bill will not keep pot from our children's hands
There are more new infractions within this new rule
That our courts will be flooded, as will every school
With drug-impaired driving and challenges there
The doubling of traffic deaths and Liberals don't care
The provinces and the police in every town
Have all asked the Liberals to slow this bill down
With nearly 200 more days left til the day
Nobody but out party stands in the way
We hope that the Senate will do its true deed
And keep our great country safe from all the weed.

Organizations in the Pontiac

[William Amos, Liberal, Pontiac, QC]

Mr. Speaker, we are right in the middle of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, an initiative that will come to a close on December 10.

All around the world, people are participating in 16 days of activities to raise awareness, share experiences, and condemn violence against women. I invite all of my constituents to participate in this initiative.

As the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women on December 6 nears, I would like to highlight the important work that organizations all over the Pontiac are doing to help women.

These include the Association des femmes immigrantes de l'Outaouais, L'EntourElle, the Table autonome des aînés des Collines, the Clinique des femmes de l'Outaouais, the Centre Mechtilde, Agir Outaouais, CALACS de la Vallée-de-la-Gatineau, the Comptoir St-Pierre de Fort-Coulonge, Maison Halte-femme Haute-Gatineau, Maison Libère-Elles, and more.

The work these groups do to help people in their communities is important, and I want to thank them from the bottom of my heart.

World AIDS Day

[Kennedy Stewart, NDP, Burnaby South, BC]

Mr. Speaker, today marks World AIDS Day. Since the virus was identified in 1984, it has proven to be one of the most destructive pandemics in history, resulting in the deaths of over 35 million people globally.

Today, we take a moment to mourn those who have been lost. While an AIDS diagnosis originally meant a death sentence, scientific research and the work of dedicated advocates, caregivers, and patients has brought a powerful message of prevention and a critical de-stigmatization of the disease.

Today, those living with HIV who have access to treatment and maintain an undetectable viral load do not transmit the virus to their sexual partners. This is a great achievement. However, it is still estimated seven Canadians are infected each day with HIV, often from the most vulnerable populations.

Today, I call on the government to expand the federal initiative on HIV/AIDS, create equal access to treatment for infected Canadians, and stop the practice of banning blood donations by men who have sex with men.

Winter Festival in Madawaska—Restigouche

[René Arseneault, Liberal, Madawaska—Restigouche, NB]

Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to rise to tell the House about a wonderful initiative in my riding, Madawaska—Restigouche.

This year, a number of communities in East Restigouche have gotten together to plan and organize a regional winter festival. What makes this initiative so special is that Acadian, Irish, Scottish, and first nations communities are all working together to organize this event.

A wide range of cultural and sporting activities are planned. Under the theme “Celebrating our cultures”, musicians will warm everyone's hearts, storytellers will delight folks of all ages, and outdoor activities will thrill sports enthusiasts.

From February 1 to 4, I invite all residents of my riding to participate in this wonderful event. Of course, my honourable colleagues in this chamber are also invited.

Congratulations to the organizers from Balmoral, Charlo, Dalhousie, Eel River Crossing, and Eel River Bar.

Meanwhile, I want to wish all Canadians, and particularly the people of Madawaska—Restigouche, a very happy holiday season.

Regional Weekly Publications

[Joël Godin, Conservative, Portneuf—Jacques-Cartier, QC]

Mr. Speaker, this government needs to respect Canadians living in the regions whose community life and day-to-day reality are different from that of people who live in large urban centres.

In light of the rapid advances in information technology and in the deployment of high-speed digital technologies, regional media needs to adapt to the market reality. Funding programs exist for various media, but not for print media, even though print media newsrooms produce so much of the real news.

In this era of fake news, it is important to have access to the truth. The right to information is critical to all Canadians. For instance, my riding of Portneuf—Jacques-Cartier has the weekly Courrier de Portneuf, a co-operative that is currently in a precarious situation. They have to do a lot more with a lot less.

The Minister of Canadian Heritage needs to take this problem seriously, have the decency to meet with representatives of the Fédération nationale des communications, and come up with a solution to ensure the survival of regional weekly publications.

People living in the regions deserve respect. They, too, have a right to their news.

Cape Breton Regional Hospital

[Mark Eyking, Liberal, Sydney—Victoria, NS]

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to commend the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation, and all those who supported the annual Cape Breton Regional Hospital fundraisers.

On November 18, the Festival of the Greens raised $120,000 for Operation Heart. Because of these amazing donations, the hospital will have a new anaesthesia machine to ensure incredible results in all 11,000 surgical procedures that take place in the hospital every year. In addition to this fundraiser, a record-breaking $1,016,000 was fundraised in partnership with local radio stations on October 5, at the annual RadioDay event.

The contributions of Cape Bretoners to this cause go toward vital parts of the hospital: the Cape Breton Cancer Centre, which treats 150 to 200 patients a day; the neonatal intensive care unit, which takes care of the little ones; the pediatrics unit; the mental health services; and so much more.

I commend all the volunteers, organizers, businesses, and donors who make these events such a great success and who do so much for our community.

Canada 150 Constituency Awards

[Kim Rudd, Liberal, Northumberland—Peterborough South, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the recipients of the Canada 150 Constituency Awards in my riding of Northumberland—Peterborough South, all of whom represent “community heroism”.

Some of them have been quietly doing good work for decades. Through their acts of generosity and selflessness, our towns and villages are better places to live. We have one young woman who has helped with the accessibility of health care and social services in Tanzania. We have another who quietly makes sure that those who are hungry have warm soup, fresh sandwiches, and a kind smile. We have a young indigenous youth who uses his music to raise funds and awareness for the causes he believes in, whether here or in the farthest north.

These are but three recipients. Many have never been honoured publicly for their contributions. I am glad that these awards will mark a permanent testament to their efforts and their undeniable positive effects on so many.

Unionville Olde Tyme Christmas Parade

[Bob Saroya, Conservative, Markham—Unionville, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I want to wish Markham—Unionville residents and their families a very merry Christmas. Tonight I will be attending the 37th Unionville Olde Tyme Christmas Parade down Main Street in Unionville. I am excited to join my team once again to see thousands of residents get together in the spirit of Christmas. Once again they will be accepting unwrapped toys to be donated to the toy mountain for those who are less privileged this Christmas.

I want to give a special thanks to the Rotary Club and the Unionville BIA for organizing this parade again. As well, I thank the many community volunteers who helped me to organize my float and who will take part in the parade tonight. I cannot wait to get there and celebrate with them.

Merry Christmas and happy holidays. Ho, ho, ho.

Former Member for Gander-Twillingate

[Scott Simms, Liberal, Coast of Bays—Central—Notre Dame, NL]

Mr. Speaker, today I stand to honour someone who stood in this great House for nearly 30 years, and then in our Senate for another 15 years. He is the longest continually serving member of this Parliament. I speak of former member of Parliament, former minister, former senator and, most importantly, a ferociously proud Newfoundlander, the Hon. George Baker.

Born in Green's Harbour, he spent most of his life in Gander with his wife Averill and his family. George Baker had a solid reputation for always speaking up and supporting his constituents. For eight federal elections in a row, his constituents returned the favour and supported him. He took on giants, such as John Crosbie and Brian Mulroney, and at times took issue with his own side by taking on former Prime Minister Jean Chrétien.

Recently retired from the Senate, not surprisingly he now lives in Gander.

George Baker leaves these hallways with some advice for all of us, when he said, “You do your best. You represent your constituents the best you can”. I thank George.

Frank Philbrook

[John Oliver, Liberal, Oakville, ON]

Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to remember a former member of Parliament for my riding, Dr. Frank Philbrook. Frank served in the 30th Parliament of Canada from 1974 to 1979, under the right hon. Pierre Trudeau. He was wholeheartedly devoted to serving the residents of Oakville and Halton and used his experience as a physician both in Canada and abroad to serve Canadians.

Having served on many parliamentary committees, including external affairs and national defence; justice and legal affairs; and health, welfare and social affairs, it is clear that Frank was a hard-working and dedicated member of this place. Frank was the beloved husband of Midge for 62 years, father of three daughters, and grandfather to five.

I would like to thank Frank for his service to Oakville, this place, and to all Canadians. My thoughts are with his loved ones. Rest in peace, Frank.

Taxation

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise to stand up for the thousands of Canadians who suffer from disabilities or life-threatening illnesses. Every day they gather their courage to get out of bed, go to work, take care of their families, and do the best they can in very challenging circumstances. We know that for some unknown reason, the Canada Revenue Agency has decided to go after these individuals and take away their right to claim the disability tax credit. We heard from witnesses at the finance committee how the Canada Revenue Agency decided on a whim to deny their claims and put persons with disabilities at risk of losing funds already built up in their registered disability savings plans.

As members of Parliament, we are here to stand up for our constituents and put their interests first and foremost. We are here to fight for their rights and to be the voice of those who often go unheard. I urge the government to stop its delaying tactics, stop the excuses, and fix this injustice once and for all.

Ottawa South

[David McGuinty, Liberal, Ottawa South, ON]

Mr. Speaker, things are really cooking in my riding of Ottawa South. Last week, I had the privilege of joining my municipal colleagues to open Ottawa's first-ever community kitchen at the Albion-Heatherington recreation centre. The kitchen is traditionally the heart of a home, but this kitchen will become the heart of the community.

Canada's 150th birthday is a terrific time to celebrate the places across the country that unite and connect us. I was delighted to announce our government's contribution of $176,000 through the Canada 150 community infrastructure program. This state-of-the-art kitchen will bring neighbours together to learn new cooking skills, understand the importance of healthy eating, and will help foster community engagement.

Congratulations to everyone involved in this very worthwhile project.

World AIDS Day

[Sheri Benson, NDP, Saskatoon West, SK]

Mr. Speaker, on World AIDS Day, I am proud to highlight the incredible work of AIDS Saskatoon and to thank Jason Mercredi and his caring, hard-working staff for being leaders in HIV prevention, awareness, and support.

Saskatchewan has the highest rate of HIV in Canada, almost three times the national average, and almost half of all new cases are in Saskatoon. Stable housing means that people in my community living with HIV can stay on their medications, resulting in an almost a zero per cent transmission rate. Research shows that 75% of homeless individuals living with HIV and no support will die within five years.

A national plan to prevent and end homelessness addressing the unique needs of those living with HIV would help turn the tide, not just in my community, but across Canada. I ask all members to support my motion, Motion No. 147. Together, we can plan to end homelessness.

Movember

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

Mr. Speaker, Confucius once said, “A man without a mustache is a man without a soul”. He would know, having sported an outstanding 'stache of his own. I am here today to show the House my attempt at this year's Movember campaign.

The theme of the 2017 campaign was “A life without the men we love”. Unfortunately for many, this can become a reality, as one in two men will be diagnosed with some form of cancer in his lifetime and one in seven men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer specifically.

While Movember started as a way to increase awareness about prostate cancer, it has expanded its scope to include all men's health issues, including mental health and suicide prevention, which are as important as our physical health.

I want to thank all members of the House who grew a mustache of their own, and congratulations to those who donated to this great cause so that we can raise awareness about men's health issues, all while having a bit of fun.

I want to thank all Canadians, and especially Team MOPO Estevan.

Grow Your Mo.

Old Aylmer Christmas Market

[Greg Fergus, Liberal, Hull—Aylmer, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the wonderful Old Aylmer Christmas market will open tomorrow and the Aylmer Christmas parade will be held tomorrow evening.

For more than 20 years, these annual events have served both as a celebration of the holiday season and a time to recognize the contributions of community groups in Aylmer. More than 30,000 people attend the Santa Claus parade each year.

Every year, the organizers work tirelessly to recruit hundreds of volunteers and to ensure that the parade is a success .

I would like to thank the entire organizing committee. Year after year, it ensures the success of the parade and brings the spirit of the season to the community. Hurray for the Christmas market. Hurray for the Christmas parade. Hurray for Hull—Aylmer, which is alive with the magic of Christmas.

Ethics

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Carleton, ON]

Mr. Speaker, public companies have something called a blackout period on the sale of shares by officers and directors. Those decision makers are forbidden from selling shares in in their own company in the immediate lead up to quarterly earnings result, even when analysts, or even the company itself, have widely and accurately predicted what those results will be.

In light of that corporate standard, which the minister should know, would it not have been more appropriate for him to wait until after the introduction of his tax measures before he sold his shares in Morneau Shepell?

[Joël Lightbound, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance]

Mr. Speaker, I think it is important to remind the member what the tax measure in question is. It is something we announced during the campaign, that we campaigned on for 78 days, thanks to the previous government's never-ending campaign. We said that we would raise taxes on the personal income of the wealthiest 1% and reduce it for nine million Canadians. This was the least best kept secret in town. We told the media. We told Canadians we would come back in December to do just that.

If the member opposite would care to read his own local newspaper, in the Ottawa Citizen, on November 6, 2015, we said that our priority was to get the tax reduction in place as quickly as possible, adding that the government's goal—

[The Assistant Deputy Speaker, Liberal, Anthony Rota]

The hon. member for Carleton.

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Carleton, ON]

Yes, Mr. Speaker, and the platform the Liberals put out said that the tax measure would come in place April 1, the beginning of the next fiscal year.

Nothing is certain until it is actually tabled on the floor of the House of Commons. However, even if it were widely predicted, when corporate earnings are widely predicted, and even forecasted by the company itself, the leaders of those companies, officers and directors, are forbidden from selling shares in the immediate lead up to the release of those formal documents. That is a basic corporate standard.

All I am asking is why the minister would not hold himself to that same standard in this office.

[Joël Lightbound, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance]

Mr. Speaker, I will finish, because I was cut off. In the November 6, 2015, Ottawa Citizen article, we said that our objective was to have the middle class tax cut in place for January 1.

There has never been any secret in our plan to tax the wealthiest 1% and reduce taxes for the middle class. The accusations opposition members are trying to make are completely baseless. The fact that they do not dare repeat them outside the House shows, with great certainty, that they have nothing to back them up.

Canada Revenue Agency

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Carleton, ON]

Mr. Speaker, let us talk about this famous tax policy. The minister made sure to sell his shares before his tax increases took effect so he would not have to pay any of the taxes he was imposing on others.

However, who is paying more now? People suffering with diabetes. Now we learn that people suffering with autism are losing the disability tax credit, a tax increase of $1,500 for families that are suffering with great hardship. Whenever Liberals raise taxes, why do they always target those with the least?

[Diane Lebouthillier, Liberal, Minister of National Revenue]

Mr. Speaker, our government pledged that the agency would administer measures for persons with disabilities in a fair, transparent, and accessible way.

I was proud to announce that the disability advisory committee, which was disbanded by the former Conservative government in 2006, was being reinstated. By reinstating the committee, the agency will benefit from its advice about enhancing the quality and accessibility of the services it provides to persons with disabilities and their families.

Ethics

[Maxime Bernier, Conservative, Beauce, QC]

Mr. Speaker, it is sad that today, and for the past few days, we have had to ask the Minister of Finance the same question without getting an answer.

We expect that a minister who manages public finances should be able to answer specific and simple questions. We have repeatedly asked the same question. We have the right to ask it, since the minister's behaviour has raised huge ethical problems.

In light of these ethical problems, why is the finance minister unable to answer our questions and why does he not resign?

[Joël Lightbound, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance]

Mr. Speaker, I did not see a question in the member's comments. He should repeat his question because there was no question in what he just said.