Debates of Dec. 12th, 2017

Human Rights

[David Anderson, Conservative, Cypress Hills—Grasslands, SK]

Mr. Speaker, this past weekend, we reflected on the status of global human rights.

Human Rights Day was established in 1948 in the shadow of the Second World War, and commemorates the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The declaration sets an international standard for fundamental rights. Events of 2017 have reminded us that these are far from guaranteed for countless people around the world.

In Myanmar, violent ethnic persecution has forced hundreds of thousands of Rohingya to flee to Bangladesh, with little hope for a safe return, their crime being nothing more than their identity.

Throughout 2017, members of the House of Commons Subcommittee on International Human Rights have studied the genocide faced by Christians and Yazidis; human rights violations in Burundi, South Sudan, Latin America, and Somalia; as well as the disturbing trends of human trafficking and child slavery.

These atrocities and many others cannot be pushed aside with the new year. Canadian leadership is needed now more than ever.

Hanukkah

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

Mr. Speaker, the nights are growing longer and the winter solstice is almost here, but tonight, many of our homes will be full of light as the Jewish community starts celebrating Hanukkah.

Lighting the candles on the menorah is one of my favourite holiday traditions, especially as I drag out my grandmother's old menorah that still plays Rock of Ages on its music box.

However, my favourite part of the holiday is food, and Hanukkah is the best because of that deep fried food, like latkes and doughnuts.

Every December, and only December, I get out my deep fryer and fry up some delicious food. When I put it away again on January 1, I am already looking forward to next Hanukkah.

As I begin my celebrations and get ready to make doughnuts, I ask everyone here for some help. Please send me their best doughnut recipes. They can send them on Facebook or Instagram, but for the next week I will be at my deep fryer, making doughnuts.

[The Speaker, Geoff Regan]

I can feel the weight being added just listening to that.

The hon. member for Vaughan—Woodbridge.

H2 Hockey Straps

[Francesco Sorbara, Liberal, Vaughan—Woodbridge, ON]

Mr. Speaker, as Wayne Gretzky once said, “You miss 100% of the shots you don't take.”

I rise today to speak about two young entrepreneurs in my riding of Vaughan—Woodbridge.

David and Adam Nascimben, ages 12 and eight, had the determination to take the shot of a lifetime. Through their passion for hockey, the two brothers developed the H2 hockey straps.

To Canadians, hockey is not just a sport, it is a way of life.

For those of us who have played the game, we know the nightmare of using hockey tape.

David and Adam brought their original idea of replacing it with velcro to CBC's Dragons' Den, impressing the dragons and making our entire community proud.

I want to congratulate David and Adam on their success.

Their goal was to score a deal, and the boys scored big.

Mr. Speaker, and colleagues and fellow hockey lovers across this land, please join me in recognizing these innovative young entrepreneurs from my riding of Vaughan—Woodbridge.

Merry Christmas, Mr. Speaker.

Natural Resources

[Bob Zimmer, Conservative, Prince George—Peace River—Northern Rockies, BC]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday I was encouraged to hear that the B.C. government had decided to go ahead with the construction of the Site C dam. Located in my riding and just outside my home town of Fort St. John, this important project will have a positive impact on the local economy through the jobs created, the growth of local businesses, and the overall sense of confidence in the community.

This project was initiated by the B.C. Liberal government and in 2014 was approved by the federal environmental assessment process following the consultation based on scientific evidence. BC Hydro was provided with over 80 conditions to be met over the course of the project.

I personally have been asked by many residents about the future of Site C and I am happy to say that this project has been given the green light and will now continue. I, along with Senate colleague Richard Neufeld, join with them in congratulating British Columbians and all Canadians on the continuation of this environmentally sustainable green energy project.

At this time, I would like to wish you, Mr. Speaker, and all residents of Prince George—Peace River—Northern Rockies a very merry Christmas.

Libya

[Kamal Khera, Liberal, Brampton West, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring the attention of the House to the tragedy occurring in Libya. Recent reports have cast a light on the issue of desperate migrants from Africa being forced into the slave trade. In 2017, that is unacceptable.

I join our Prime Minister and many leaders across the world in condemning these horrific atrocities.

We must always remember the painful lessons learned in our past so we may never repeat them. The slavery of innocent men, women, and children is happening as we speak, and we cannot remain quiet in the face of this great injustice. I support the United Nations' call for investigation into these allegations and it is my hope that those responsible will be brought to justice.

I call upon my colleagues to join me in denouncing these violations of human rights.

Davenport

[Julie Dzerowicz, Liberal, Davenport, ON]

Mr. Speaker, to celebrate Canada's 150th anniversary, I had the honour of presenting leadership awards to citizens of Davenport.

Over the years, these exceptional people have done their utmost to make Davenport a better community.

I would like to thank the Hon. Jean Augustine for attending and giving an inspirational speech on leadership. I also want to thank the first-ever Davenport Canada 150 Award recipients Michelle Gay, John Keating, Spiro Koumoudouros, Dyan Marie, Dave Meslin, Matteo Severino, Giuseppe Simonetta, Margaret Smith, Enzo Torrone, Florence Watt, Matthew Correia, Celina de Melo, Angela de Mesquita, Steve de Quintal, Fernando Costa, and Jack Eustáquio.

I thank them for all they have done to make Davenport a truly unique community and, in turn, Canada a better country.

I thank them all for making Davenport a truly unique community.

Eda Rojiet Ezi

[Michelle Rempel, Conservative, Calgary Nose Hill, AB]

Mr. Speaker, this week, the Yazidi people will observe Eda Rojiet Ezi, a three-day fast that all Yazidis are expected to observe. Fasting occurs from dawn until sunset, and the nights are given to family time and prayer.

This is a time for Yazidis to connect with the divine, celebrate, and spend time with family and friends. During this time, Yazidis will also give back to those less fortunate and, I am told, will spend time reflecting on their many blessings.

To acknowledge that the Yazidi community has been through much in the last three years does not do justice to the atrocities that have been committed against the Yazidi people and that are ongoing. However, it is in defiance of their oppressors that many Yazidis will celebrate the feast this year. I have been told that this year it will be celebrated as a declaration that the Yazidi people have not, and will not, be defeated.

In this, I ask all Canadians to share this message and to stand behind the Yazidi community in solidarity and love as it marks this feast.

Human Rights

[Ali Ehsassi, Liberal, Willowdale, ON]

Mr. Speaker, this past weekend, the international community marked two solemn events: the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and UN Human Rights Day. Both occasions serve to underscore the entrenchment and advancement of global norms and laws regarding human rights, human security, and human dignity, a process of which Canada has always stood at the forefront.

As chair of the all-party Parliamentary Group for the Prevention of Genocide and Other Crimes Against Humanity, I urge all members to join me in marking these twin occasions by celebrating the important strides we have made, while also recognizing important work remains to be done to safeguard human rights across the globe.

Abitibi—Baie-James—Nunavik—Eeyou

[Romeo Saganash, NDP, Abitibi—Baie-James—Nunavik—Eeyou, QC]

[Member spoke in Cree]

[English]

It is perhaps fitting, Mr. Speaker, but I rise today to share the beauty of winter in Abitibi—Baie-James—Nunavik—Eeyou. As the snow falls, even though the winds howl sometimes, an extended silent calm comes to Eeyou Istchee.

For us, as we say in Cree, biboon is a time to listen and learn from our wise people and from the strength of our forest. We move inward toward warmth, family, and friends. We share generously so that everyone can be well. We reflect. Needless to say, we eat a lot of good wild meat and fish. This winter, I hope everyone enjoys biboon like we do.

[Member spoke in Cree]

[English]

Battlefords—Lloydminster

[Kelly Block, Conservative, Carlton Trail—Eagle Creek, SK]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Rosemarie Falk, the incoming member for Battlefords—Lloydminster, on her by-election win. Her win was momentous. Seven out of 10 voters cast their ballot for Rosemarie to be their new representative in Ottawa.

Saskatchewan sent the Prime Minister a clear message last night. It wants no part of his carbon tax, nor does it support his agenda of higher taxes and out-of-control spending. Saskatchewan has in no way benefited from the leadership of the Prime Minister.

The incoming member for Battlefords—Lloydminster is excited to join the fight for hard-working Canadians who are fed up with having their taxes raised to pay for the Liberals' billion dollar deficits.

On behalf of my caucus colleagues, I congratulate all of our Conservative candidates for the campaigns they ran, delivering our positive Conservative vision to Canadians.

By-Elections

[John Aldag, Liberal, Cloverdale—Langley City, BC]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday thousands of Canadians in four provinces turned out to take part in the democratic process and choose representatives to succeed the dedicated men and women who served before them. I congratulate all of the candidates for a hard-fought campaign, and thank the countless volunteers for their tireless spirit, energy, and dedication to their communities. A campaign is built in no small part on the efforts and enthusiasm of volunteers. It is thanks to them that we have the privilege to serve in this place.

Just like every other member of this House, I remember the passion and pride necessary to knock on doors and listen to as many constituents as humanly possible. I have no doubt that the new members for South Surrey—White Rock, Bonavista—Burin—Trinity, Scarborough—Agincourt, and Battlefords—Lloydminster will each serve their constituents equally well with passion and drive. I look forward to working with them for all Canadians.

International Trade

[Andrew Scheer, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister went to China to launch free trade negotiations, but the Chinese regime had something else in mind, even though the Prime Minister did everything he could to appease China and speed up takeovers of Canadian companies by waiving security reviews. The Prime Minister clearly has zero credibility when it comes to China.

How are Canadians supposed to trust this Prime Minister to act in their best interest?

[Justin Trudeau, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, I am looking forward to answering my colleague's questions, but first I would like to congratulate the four new members who were elected last night and who will be joining us here.

I also want to highlight the 24 people who stepped up across the country to put their names on ballots in the by-elections. All of us in this place know what it takes to put your name on a ballot. I congratulate all of them, and all of the volunteers who underpin the strength of our democracy.

I again look forward to congratulating the four new members when they arrive in this House. This was a good day for Canada, and a good day for our democracy.

[Andrew Scheer, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, of course we congratulate all of those who presented their names in the by-elections, but it is interesting that the Prime Minister does not want to answer this question, because it is so embarrassing for him to have to come home empty-handed. He insulted Japan, Australia, and other trusted Asia-Pacific partners when he did not even bother to show up to meetings during the trans-Pacific partnership talks.

Now the message from our closest Asia-Pacific partners was clear: Canada has betrayed us. The Prime Minister's erratic behaviour has threatened Canadian jobs, hurt our credibility, and again showed his incompetence on the file. Why does the Prime Minister not come clean and admit that he just does not believe in free trade?

[Justin Trudeau, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, this government has worked very hard to get trade deals that work for the good of Canadians. That is exactly what we focused on, in repairing the neglect that government had left the CETA deal in. We managed to close the deal by putting forward progressive elements that ensured that environmental rights, labour rights, and health standards will be respected. That is exactly what we are moving forward with NAFTA in ensuring that it will be good for Canadian workers and small businesses. This is why we are engaged in trade negotiations toward Asia, whether it is the CPTPP, whether it is China, whether—

[Some hon. members]

Oh, oh!

Veterans Affairs

[Andrew Scheer, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, it does not serve Canadian workers' interests when the Prime Minister keeps coming home empty-handed.

That said, it is being reported that in response to concerns raised by a disabled veteran's wife, the then minister for veterans affairs told her that, in his view, the Liberals had no obligation to help her because it was her choice to marry her husband. This minister, in typical fashion, is now denying any responsibility and is blaming the widow for his comments. Can the Prime Minister tell us who he believes: the veteran's widow or this minister?

[Justin Trudeau, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, our government takes the concerns of Canadians very seriously. We have been working over the past two years to deliver to veterans and their families the kinds of support they need and deserve and, quite frankly, they did not get for 10 years under the Conservative government. On this issue, the minister takes these allegations seriously and has responded to them and apologized.

Public Services and Procurement

[Andrew Scheer, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, there is no shortage of examples of incompetence and mismanagement with this Prime Minister. Over a year ago, he said we urgently needed to fill a so-called capability gap and replace our Royal Canadian Air Force fighter fleet. However, instead of opening a bidding process to replace our 30-year-old fighter jets, he now wants to buy more 30-year-old fighter jets. Our military personnel need this new equipment now, not two elections from now.

What is he waiting for?

[Justin Trudeau, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, the reality is that our military personnel needed these new fighter jets years ago. The Conservative government was unable to deliver the equipment that our forces needed. That is why we are launching an open and transparent process to replace our entire fleet of fighter jets. In the meantime, we will need interim jets to fulfill our NORAD and NATO responsibilities. That is a reality that the Conservative government left us to deal with.

[Andrew Scheer, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, it is this Prime Minister who has changed the process so many times, and it is our men and women in the armed forces who are suffering for it. In 2012, Australia's auditor general identified numerous issues with the F/A-18 Hornets. They would require significant structural upgrades and repairs just to see service in Canada, and it is far more likely that we will spend billions of dollars just for spare parts. It is not just me who is questioning these decisions. Even the Australians cannot understand why we are buying their old planes rather than doing what they are doing, which is buying new planes.

If the Prime Minister is so keen on buying fixer-uppers, will he come over, because I have an old minivan I would love to show him?

[Justin Trudeau, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, Canadians know that the previous Conservative government failed over the course of 10 years to give the men and women of our armed forces the equipment necessary to do their jobs. It so completely botched the fighter jet procurement—

[Some hon. members]

Oh, oh!

[The Speaker, Geoff Regan]

Order. I know that the members are excited about used car sales, but I ask them each to take their turn, to listen when others have their turn, and to only speak when they have the floor.

The right hon. Prime Minister has the floor.