Debates of Feb. 17th, 2017

Rouge National Urban Park Act

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

Madam Speaker, it is disturbing to see that this park is still not completed and that there have been so many partisan games. I am not surprised to find out that the Wynne Liberals broke their promise on the land transfer. I am also not surprised to see a deal going on between her and her buddy the Prime Minister for $100 million.

On the subject of ecological integrity, it is important we reflect on what that really means. If we really do ecological integrity, it means that if there were a forest fire in that area, it would be allowed to burn, Toronto would burn. If there were a flood, it would be allowed to happen. It is clear to all of us that we would not allow that to happen, so we will not do ecological integrity there.

On the other hand, what about the farmers who surround the area? There is a huge number of questions about what kinds of added burden and changes to their procedures will be required if environmentalists decide to take ecological integrity to the max. I would ask my colleague to comment.

[John Brassard, Conservative, Barrie—Innisfil, ON]

Madam Speaker, the hon. member has brought up the real issue, and that is the designation of ecological integrity. It means farmers could potentially end up losing their farms. There are no greater stewards of land and conservationists than Canadian farmers.

As I said in my speech, the other challenge with respect to this is what about the infrastructure that exists within it? What about the fact that, as the hon. member said, we would let fires burn and floods happen? The balance between an urban setting with houses and residents and an urban park really has to be managed in a particular way. This is not a forest or an urban area in the middle of nowhere. This park actually borders a lot of residences, and we have to be mindful of that. That is why the—

[The Assistant Deputy Speaker, NDP, Carol Hughes]

The hon. member will have six minutes of questions and comments remaining the next time the bill is before the House.

Parliamentarians Hockey Game for Charity

[James Maloney, Liberal, Etobicoke—Lakeshore, ON]

Madam Speaker, I rise today to somewhat begrudgingly congratulate my colleagues across the way for their stunning victory at the CTC last in the 19th annual parliamentarians hockey game for charity. While defeat is difficult to swallow, it was wonderful to throw partisanship aside and have another kind of battle, one where we came together in sportsmanship and positivity for a good cause.

Close to $6,000 was raised for the Terry Fox Foundation last night. I thank the Ottawa Senators for allowing us to use its facility, and a special thanks to all the people who came to support their teams.

It is always hard for the red team to watch the blue team win, and while the fans in red were hoping for a different outcome, it cannot be 2015 every year. We look forward to next year's game.

Last night helped us identify a missing element to our strategy, practice. Clearly, our focus has been on good government, not good hockey. Although we are genuine in congratulating our opponents, they would be wise to remember the last time the Liberals were counted out.

Foreign Investment

[Pat Kelly, Conservative, Calgary Rocky Ridge, AB]

Madam Speaker, when choosing where to start projects and create jobs, investors listen for clear and consistent messages from legislators and regulators, messages saying that the country is open for business and wants new investment.

So when a prime minister, who signals policy intent with every public statement, tells one group that the oil sands have to be phased out and boasts to others about approving pipelines, investors get confused. They take their plans, their cash, and all the jobs they would have created and go to other jurisdictions, like the United States.

If the government wants jobs to stay in Canada, it has to quit scaring off investors with mixed message and new taxes. Instead, it should voice a clear and consistent message, that Canada is open for business, Canada welcomes investment in energy projects, Canada has faith in the rigour of its regulators and environmental practices, and that Canada will get its resources to market.

Inspiration Lakeview

[Sven Spengemann, Liberal, Mississauga—Lakeshore, ON]

Madam Speaker, for decades, the Mississauga—Lakeshore skyline was defined by the Four Sisters, the smokestacks of the old coal-burning Lakeview generating station. Since this plant was taken down, over 10 years ago, the community, with the tireless leadership of Mississauga Ward 1 councillor, Jim Tovey, has taken significant steps to transform the Lakeview waterfront.

Jim Tovey is a strong advocate for the environment and a social innovator. The project is known as “Inspiration Lakeview”, and its master plan paints an exciting vision of the Mississauga shoreline east of Port Credit.

Wildlife thrives in the dozens of hectares developed for wetlands, forest, and fish spawning beds. A research centre strengthens the urban and environmental sustainability of the Great Lakes. Local residents and businesses work together to establish an innovation hub that transforms the waterfront into a world-class beacon of sustainable development.

Inspiration Lakeview truly inspires the people of Mississauga, and I am excited to lend my support to this remarkable initiative.

World Day of Social Justice

[Alistair MacGregor, NDP, Cowichan—Malahat—Langford, BC]

Madam Speaker, the World Day of Social Justice will be observed around the world on February 20 next week.

Observance of the World Day of Social Justice should support efforts of the international community in poverty eradication, the promotion of full employment and decent work, gender equity, and access to social well-being and justice for all.

Justice is ultimately that by which fairness is administered. Social justice is that by which we break down barriers so all people, linked by our common humanity, are able to fully participate in our society.

The unfortunate fact is that people continue to face barriers every day because of their gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, age, culture, or sexual orientation. We continue to live in a society that is marked by economic inequality and an increasing gap between rich and poor.

We in the NDP will continue to fight for social justice and make it our mission to build a society—

[The Assistant Deputy Speaker, NDP, Carol Hughes]

The hon. member for Pierrefonds—Dollard.

Black History Month

[Frank Baylis, Liberal, Pierrefonds—Dollard, QC]

Madam Speaker, over 50 years ago, a young lady, a black immigrant to Canada, was denied a job because of her race. When that happened, she went to court. Her case would take over 12 years to be settled, and when it was done, the perpetrators were fined the princely sum of $25 dollars.

However, her case was never about money. No, it would be the first case in Canadian history that would be fought and won against workplace discrimination. After that, it would no longer be legal in Canada to deny someone a job simply because of the colour of their skin.

I am very proud to say that this lady, with an indomitable spirit, is my mother, Gloria Leon Baylis. Her story is part of my personal history. It is part of black history. It is a part of Canadian history.

Government Appointments

[Michael Cooper, Conservative, St. Albert—Edmonton, AB]

Madam Speaker, Canada's justice system faces a crisis as a result of the failure by the Minister of Justice to fill judicial vacancies in a timely manner.

As a result of the minister's inaction, serious criminal cases have been thrown out of court due to delay, including murder cases, sexual assault cases, and serious fraud cases. More than 800 criminal cases are presently in jeopardy, while the minister sits on her hands with 60 judicial vacancies.

It is time for the minister to stop making excuses, stop dithering, and start appointing judges.

Muslim Canadians

[Chandra Arya, Liberal, Nepean, ON]

Madam Speaker, the recent killing of Muslims praying in the mosque in Quebec City is no accident. This is the direct result of the dog-whistle politics, the politics of fear and division.

Things like Muslim ban in other countries should be of concern to us. Fear is a dangerous thing. Once it is sanctioned by the state, there is no telling where it might lead. It is always a short path to walk from being suspicious of our fellow citizens to taking actions to restrict their liberty.

In Canada, the elements who championed charter values, niqab ban, barbaric cultural practices tip line, all targeted at Canadian Muslims, these elements are getting active again. It is painful and fearful to watch politicians who, in their attempts to grab power, go back to practising the dangerous politics of fear and division.

Dave and Heather Abriel

[Bernadette Jordan, Liberal, South Shore—St. Margarets, NS]

Madam Speaker, it is with a heavy heart I rise today to pay tribute to a couple in my riding of South Shore—St. Margarets. Dr. Dave and Heather Abriel were tragically killed in a car accident on February 2.

Dave and Heather were well-loved musicians and Father and Mrs. Christmas.

Dave was a giant of a man with a heart to match and will be remembered primarily for his passion as a palliative care physician. It was not unusual for Dave to go to the bedside of a patient in the middle of the night to comfort the family as a person passed. He was the quintessential caring rural physician with a wife who was always by his side. He was a champion for those patients wishing to die at home and a strong advocate for medical assistance in dying.

To their children, Kate, Dan, and Shelagh, your community grieves with you. Dave and Heather should rest easy. They have made a difference in the lives of many and our community is a better place because they were here.

Reg Stackhouse

[Rob Nicholson, Conservative, Niagara Falls, ON]

Madam Speaker, today I have the opportunity to honour former parliamentarian, Reg Stackhouse, who passed away in December. I was proud to serve with Reg under Prime Minister Brian Mulroney from 1984 to 1988.

Reg wore many hats in his time here on earth and made a tremendous impact in all of his roles. From working diligently with Prime Minister Mulroney to free Nelson Mandela, advocating for the removal of mandatory retirement, initiating community colleges in Ontario to a myriad of human rights issues, Reg Stackhouse left an enduring mark on the fabric of Canadian society.

Reverend, doctor, parliamentarian, human rights advocate, author, husband, and father, we all owe him a debt of gratitude. Reg will be missed greatly by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Chateauguay

[Brenda Shanahan, Liberal, Châteauguay—Lacolle, QC]

Madam Speaker, my statement today is dedicated to the Municipality of Chateauguay, which has implemented two great sustainable development projects that our community can be proud of.

In December, the municipal council recognized the exceptional nature of the Île Saint-Bernard wildlife refuge and identified it as a municipal heritage asset. The City acquired it in 2011 and has since been working to preserve this communal treasure that was once the home of Marguerite d'Youville and the Grey Nuns.

Shortly before that, Châteauguay took the equally important step of protecting the Fernand-Seguin Ecological Centre forest, a 70-hectare area that extends all the way to Île Saint-Bernard, in perpetuity. Mayor Nathalie Simon and her municipal team were featured in a Québec Science article for this initiative.

I congratulate Châteauguay for doing such a great job of dovetailing the environment and the economy.

Rural Regions

[William Amos, Liberal, Pontiac, QC]

Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, the Minister of National Revenue, and the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food for meeting with the residents of Pontiac recently.

It is clear that our government is working hard to meet with Canadians and give a voice to rural people.

The measures put in place by our government are already making a real difference for Canadians across the country, and we will continue to work hard to ensure growth and strengthen the middle class every day.

We will also continue to work for reconciliation, and for creating opportunities, for Aboriginal peoples, while promoting Canada’s diversity as one of our greatest strengths, protecting our environment and fighting climate change.

Thank you to my colleagues for listening to our regions.

Muslim Canadians

[Matt Jeneroux, Conservative, Edmonton Riverbend, AB]

Madam Speaker, I rise today, on a Friday, during a time when the Muslim community in Edmonton and across the country, begins its Friday prayers. I rise today to recognize the impact the Muslim community plays in our region of the country. The members of the Muslim faith, and quite frankly all Canadians, had their safe space, their place of prayer, fiercely attacked in Quebec City. When a gunman opened fire in a mosque, not only did it have a profound impact on the Quebec Muslim community, it gave possibility to what could happen across our country. Canada is a welcoming place, a place that does not and should not live in fear. Our values alone are a barrier to protecting the impossible from happening.

I do know, trust, and love many friends in my Muslim community of Edmonton. They should and need to feel safe today, on a Friday, and every day in Edmonton. I want all members of the Muslim community in Edmonton, and across the world, to know that I stand in unity with them and condemn the horrendous attacks on Quebec City.

Volunteerism

[Omar Alghabra, Liberal, Mississauga Centre, ON]

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding Canadian. After the tragic Quebec mosque shooting, Mohamad Fakih offered to cover the costs of the funerals for all six victims, and repairs to the mosque. When asked why, he said, “That's what Islam taught me and that's what Canada taught me.”

Mr. Fakih is known for his generosity. Last year, he started an initiative to hire dozens of Syrian refugees. He also supports groups like the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Cops for Cancer, the Mississauga Food Bank, Sheridan College, Ryerson University, and the True Patriot Love Foundation, just to name a few.

2017 is a special year for Mohamad. In 10 short years he has built one of the fastest-growing Middle Eastern food businesses around the world. Today, Paramount Fine Foods employs hundreds of Canadians and is expanding globally.

I want to congratulate Mohamad, his team at Paramount, and his family: wife Hanan; and, his children Emad, Kareem, and Adam. They represent the best of Canada.

Democratic Reform

[David Christopherson, NDP, Hamilton Centre, ON]

Madam Speaker, a lot of promises are made on the campaign trail. Some are big-ticket items, some are local concerns, some promises are made once, and some promises are made 1,813 times.

Changing the electoral system was a major plank of the Liberal platform. We have had the special committee, cross-country consultations, as well as a national survey. However, instead of taking the report of the special committee seriously, the government attacked the committee, and then abandoned its promise to make 2015 the last election conducted under the unfair first past the post system. Among the Prime Minister's more outlandish excuses for breaking his promise was the fearmongering that proportional representation would risk our democracy by allowing extremist parties to take power. Really? Where was the Prime Minister's concern about extremist governments when Stephen Harper got 100% of the power with only 39.6% of the vote because of first past the post? The Liberals got even less with 39.5%.

PR means 39% of the vote only gets 39% of the seats.

International Trade

[Jacques Gourde, Conservative, Lévis—Lotbinière, QC]

Madam Speaker, I would like to draw your attention to all the work that was done by the previous Conservative government during the negotiations of the free trade agreement with Europe.

I want to acknowledge our former Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Stephen Harper, and the former Minister of International Trade, the hon. member for Abbotsford, who masterfully handled these negotiations, which were then handed over on a silver platter to the Liberal government.

We are very pleased with the outcome, despite the Minister of Foreign Affairs' crocodile tears, the ones she shed as part of a distasteful strategy she decided to pursue during a reception at the Canadian Embassy in Washington.

Now that the Minister of Foreign Affairs has lost credibility and shown herself to be shameless and manipulative, let us hope that the Liberal government will send credible people to take part in the upcoming NAFTA negotiations and defend every sector of our Canadian economy for the future and well-being of all Canadians.

Order of Canada

[Andy Fillmore, Liberal, Halifax, NS]

Madam Speaker, this morning at Rideau Hall, the Governor General will invest a group of accomplished Canadians into the Order of Canada, one of our country's highest civilian honours, and I am so proud that one of those Canadians is from Halifax, Nova Scotia. Bruce MacKinnon is one of our country's most gifted and insightful cartoonists. From his post at The Chronicle Herald in Halifax, where he began in 1985, Bruce's cartoons have helped to capture moments in Canadian history over three decades. His artistic skill and sharp point of view on issues of the day have made him not only a hometown hero but on many occasions his cartoons have been shared across the country, and even around the world, such as a certain bat flip cartoon or, more poignantly, his drawing of the National War Memorial following the death of Corporal Nathan Cirillo, when he so beautifully captured the unspeakable grief of a Canada in mourning.

I proudly invite all members of the House to join me in applauding Bruce MacKinnon, C.M., on his impressive achievement. Congratulations to Bruce.

Taxation

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Carleton, ON]

Madam Speaker, the carbon tax cover-up is growing. Today, through access to information, we obtained a government memo that purports to contain the potential economic impact of carbon policies. All the key data, of course, is blacked out. Earlier this year, the government blacked out data on the financial burden on poor and middle-class families as a result of the federally mandated carbon taxes.

Are the Liberals covering up this information because it will show that they broke their election promise not to raise taxes on the middle class and those working to join it?

[Catherine McKenna, Liberal, Minister of Environment and Climate Change]

Madam Speaker, we are fully implementing our promise to show that the environment and the economy go together. Surely the member opposite does not believe that pollution should be free and that people can dump pollution anywhere they want. That is why we are putting a price on pollution.

We are also working with the provinces and territories to invest where it counts: public transit, green infrastructure, more energy-efficient homes, and cleaner power. This will help middle-class Canadians save more money every day in their homes, in their workplaces, in their communities.

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Carleton, ON]

Madam Speaker, yesterday's Fraser Institute report confirmed what many taxpayers suspected all along. Of all the provinces that have carbon taxes, not a single one of them is revenue neutral. In all cases, taxpayers keep less so governments can get more. Trusting Liberals with money is like trusting a bear with honey. “Once they get it, they ain't giving it back.”

Is the government covering up the calculations on its carbon tax so that the middle class and those working to join it will be kept in the dark about the new costs the government is imposing on them?

[Catherine McKenna, Liberal, Minister of Environment and Climate Change]

Madam Speaker, I think maybe the member forgets that climate change is real, and it is happening right now, from floods to winter storms. Prince Edward Island is shrinking at 43 centimetres per year. Canadian families are already at risk from climate change. Canadian insurance claims from severe storm damage now average $1 billion a year, up from $300 million at the turn of the century.

Our kids and grandkids should not have to foot the bill. That is why we are taking action now.

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Carleton, ON]

Madam Speaker, our kids and grandkids should not have to foot the bill, this from a party that is piling up $100 billion in national debt. Sometimes the Liberals make it a little bit too easy.

If this were really about the environment, the minister would be able to stand up and show that the levies they are imposing on carbon are in fact offset 100% by other tax reductions elsewhere, but not only are they failing to do that, they are covering up data on the real cost for the poor and the middle class. Why?