House of Commons Hansard #155 of the 42nd Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was conversation.
2:05 p.m.
Liberal
The Speaker Liberal Geoff Regan
It being Wednesday, we will now have the singing of O Canada, led by the hon. member for Windsor—Tecumseh.
[Members sang the national anthem]
Comments Published in Maclean'sStatements By Members
2:05 p.m.
Bloc
Monique Pauzé Bloc Repentigny, QC
Mr. Speaker, Canada's number one magazine, Maclean's, has just published more of the anti-Quebec drivel that we have come to expect from it.
According to Maclean's, Quebec is a pathologically alienated and deficient society compared to the rest of Canada. Basically, it lacks social solidarity. We are becoming accustomed to being scorned by Canada and increasingly outraged. Quebec-bashing has become socially acceptable in Canada. No other community could ever be humiliated this way without the House of Commons reacting with shock and outrage. If the author had written that Catholics, the Greek community, or homosexuals, for example, are pathologically alienated, the House would have rightly reacted vigorously and unanimously in the face of such an abuse. However, when Quebec is the victim, it does not matter.
Yesterday the member for La Pointe-de-l'Île moved a motion to condemn Maclean's, but the House rejected it. That move speaks volumes about the respect that federal parliamentarians have for Quebec.
“Commande un Angelot”Statements By Members
2:05 p.m.
Liberal
Nicola Di Iorio Liberal Saint-Léonard—Saint-Michel, QC
Mr. Speaker, the “Commande un Angelot” campaign is a great initiative.
Designed to protect people from sexual assault in bars, the initiative is based on the success of the “Ask for Angela” and “Angel Shot” campaigns in the U.K. and the U.S., respectively. It is essentially a protocol enabling bar employees to help women and men who feel threatened and need help.
Individuals fearing for their safety simply order an “Angelot” neat, with ice, or with lime depending on how much help they feel they need.
I encourage all of my colleagues to support this initiative by raising awareness in their communities.
150th Anniversary of ConfederationStatements By Members
2:05 p.m.
Conservative
Alupa Clarke Conservative Beauport—Limoilou, QC
Mr. Speaker, this year, 2017, all Canadians from coast to coast to coast will be emphatically united in proudly celebrating the 150th anniversary of our great Confederation. That is why, in the first weeks of my term in Beauport—Limoilou, it was my goal to make sure we organized unique festivities for all to enjoy.
Together with Limoilou en Vrac and Société d'art et d'histoire de Beauport, I am very proud to announce today that there will be two distinct celebrations of Canada's 150 anniversary this summer in my riding. One will be held in Limoilou and the other in Vieux-Beauport. Combining historic celebrations and family activities, each event promises to be exciting. We expect that more than 10,000 people from Beauport—Limoilou will attend.
In closing, I want to point out that the purpose of these festivities is to celebrate Canada, its strength, courage, dynamism, and tenacity, but especially the extraordinary people who live and work here day after day.
NowruzStatements By Members
March 22nd, 2017 / 2:05 p.m.
Liberal
Alexandra Mendes Liberal Brossard—Saint-Lambert, QC
Mr. Speaker, allow me to take a moment to send our thoughts to our colleagues in Britain in Westminster right now who are going through a very scary moment. I extend my deepest sympathy.
I want to take a moment today to acknowledge the Persian new year, Nowruz.
Nowruz is a great time of renewal celebrated by our fellow citizens of Afghan and Iranian descent and by many other communities in western Asia. It marks the first day of spring.
Nowruz means “new day”, which upon reflection can be viewed as a fresh start, a second chance, a time to rejuvenate, and a time for hope.
As springtime begins, although it always seems to arrive a few weeks later in Canada, I remain inspired by the positive changes taking shape across our country. I sincerely believe that we live in one of the best countries in the world, a country that never ceases to get stronger and fairer, a country that is boldly focused on the future. To all those celebrating this special day, Eid-eh Shoma Mobarak!
Armenian General Benevolent UnionStatements By Members
2:05 p.m.
NDP
Alexandre Boulerice NDP Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie, QC
Mr. Speaker, today I would like to highlight the Armenian community's contribution to Canada. There are many Armenian organizations whose contributions strengthen our society. One of them is the Armenian General Benevolent Union, a charitable organization that today is celebrating its 60th anniversary in Canada.
At the very heart of the AGBU we find its community centres, which offer services and activities for all ages and groups, from Bees, who are the youngest Scouts, to sports teams and members of seniors clubs.
The Saturday school offers children's activities such as dance, painting, and photography.
In the same vein, education is of the utmost importance to the Union. In Montreal, the AGBU supports Alex Manoogian School. In addition to passing on the Armenian culture, this school also responds to crises. For example, Alex Manoogian School warmly welcomes refugees who need to learn French.
Shnorhagallem. Well done and congratulations to the Armenian General Benevolent Union.
Isabella FerraraStatements By Members
2:05 p.m.
Liberal
Deb Schulte Liberal King—Vaughan, ON
Mr. Speaker, I also want to mention today that my thoughts are with those in London struggling with the tragedy unfolding there at the moment.
I rise today, though, to honour the life and community contributions of Isabella Ferrara, of Vaughan, who suddenly passed away on February 13. Isabella was a social activist and strong advocate for seniors' causes. She believed that an active social life could help provide important supports for many seniors. Her work, both as president of the Pine York Seniors' Club and as founder of SAVI, the Seniors Association of Vaughan Initiative, was instrumental in forging a vibrant, tightly knit, and healthy seniors community in Vaughan.
In recognition of her significant contribution, Isabella received awards across all levels of government: the Order of Vaughan, the Ontario Senior Achievement Award, and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal.
Our thoughts are with Vince, her husband, who was always supportive of her activities, and her family. Isabella Ferrara is an example to us all of a life well lived. Grazie.
Chambers of CommerceStatements By Members
2:10 p.m.
Conservative
Kevin Sorenson Conservative Battle River—Crowfoot, AB
Mr. Speaker, our thoughts and prayers are with the British Parliament today as well.
Tomorrow the Drumheller and District Chamber of Commerce will hold its 2017 annual general meeting. I wish the Chamber of Commerce members all the best during their deliberations.
We know that the citizens of Drumheller and surrounding communities, like many places in our province and country, count on the work of a strong local chamber of commerce. The hard work accomplished by members of local chambers facilitates prosperous businesses and helps provide jobs and economic growth in the communities where they serve.
It is important for all of us to work together in the current difficult economic times. All across my large and mainly rural riding of Battle River—Crowfoot, the folks in many small towns, villages, and hamlets benefit from the work of our local volunteers, who provide their time and effort in support of their local economies, both large and small. All members of Parliament in the House should make an effort to acknowledge the good work of their local community leaders who contribute to the work of local chambers of commerce.
James McGrathStatements By Members
2:10 p.m.
Liberal
Nick Whalen Liberal St. John's East, NL
Mr. Speaker, the Hon. James A. McGrath, former member of the House and eighth lieutenant governor of Newfoundland, passed away on February 28. He was a generous and charismatic figure, and a staunch defender of Newfoundland.
Jim was born in Buchans in 1932 to a family of 13, and was first elected in 1957 to our riding of St. John's East. In his seven Parliaments, he distinguished himself in countless ways, notably as the minister of fisheries and also by authoring a report on the reform of our House of Commons, a report which led to our Speaker being elected by secret ballot.
In 1986, he accepted an appointment as lieutenant governor of Newfoundland, an office he served until 1991.
McGrath's devotion to Newfoundland and Labrador and its people continued throughout his life, including support for education and the arts.
He is survived by his wife Margaret, and three generations of children, some of whom are celebrating with us here today.
I thank the Hon. James McGrath and his family for a lifetime of public service.
Greek Independence DayStatements By Members
2:10 p.m.
Liberal
Fayçal El-Khoury Liberal Laval—Les Îles, QC
Mr. Speaker, the riding of Laval—Les Îles includes a remarkable Hellenic community of more than 11,000 people.
The families who had the courage to immigrate to Canada, to integrate, and to share their cultural heritage contributed to the success of Canada's multiculturalism. The Greek community is inclusive and supportive, and it has built strong ties with members of the broader community where they live. They have contributed to the development of our society as a whole.
Greek Independence Day is widely celebrated on March 25, and I will be wholeheartedly participating in the celebrations.
Happy Greek Independence Day to the entire Greek community in Laval—Les Îles, Laval, and Canada.
Zito Hellas!
Armenian General Benevolent UnionStatements By Members
2:10 p.m.
Conservative
Harold Albrecht Conservative Kitchener—Conestoga, ON
Mr. Speaker, this year marks the 60th anniversary of the Canadian branch of the Armenian General Benevolent Union. The AGBU in Canada is a member of the worldwide Armenian family, sharing its proud heritage. The AGBU is the world's largest non-profit organization, headquartered in New York City, with an annual budget of around $50 million, made possible by countless benefactors.
Each year, the AGBU is committed to making a difference in the lives of 500,000 people across Armenia, Nagorno-Karabakh, and in the Armenian diaspora. It has an active presence in 31 countries and 74 cities, and addresses the needs of Armenians in traditional and progressive programs worldwide, from schools, scouts, camps, support for the arts, internships, virtual learning, and young professional networks.
On its 60th anniversary, I want to salute the Armenian General Benevolent Union leadership, its volunteers and benefactors.
Armenian General Benevolent UnionStatements By Members
2:15 p.m.
Liberal
Linda Lapointe Liberal Rivière-des-Mille-Îles, QC
Mr. Speaker, in 1957, the world's largest Armenian non-profit organization, the Armenian General Benevolent Union, set up shop in Montreal. The organization then spent the next 60 years providing exceptional service to the community through educational, cultural, social, sports, and humanitarian programs.
The AGBU is focused on becoming a second home to so many. It offers multi-age, multi-purpose programs and services to not only its own community but also to the community at large.
The Armenian General Benevolent Union has made education one of its top priorities and supports schools, such as the Alex Manoogian school in Montreal.
It has provided French language training and integration services to people from Lebanon, Iraq, Egypt and, more recently, Syria.
On this occasion, I wish to congratulate the Armenian General Benevolent Union in Canada on its 60th anniversary.
NowruzStatements By Members
2:15 p.m.
Liberal
Ali Ehsassi Liberal Willowdale, ON
Mr. Speaker, I am honoured to rise in the House today to mark Nowruz, celebrated by 300 million people with cultural roots in western and central Asia. This joyous holiday is a festive occasion that brings together people of different cultures and languages to welcome the spring.
A 3,000-year old tradition, Nowruz is by now also a deeply cherished holiday for thousands of Canadians from coast to coast to coast, including many in my riding of Willowdale. Many in Canada gathered around the haft-seen table to celebrate renewal and the arrival of new beginnings. Allow me to wish them a happy Nowruz.
Also, I certainly hope and trust that today's tabling of a new budget by our government in a few hours will be inspired by the very same Nowruz spirit of renewal. It was the Persians, after all, who introduced banking and finance to the world, which seems fitting to mention today.
Leader of the Alberta Progressive ConservativesStatements By Members
2:15 p.m.
Conservative
Blaine Calkins Conservative Red Deer—Lacombe, AB
Mr. Speaker, it is my honour to rise today on behalf of the Alberta Conservative caucus to congratulate our friend and former colleague, Jason Kenney. Over the weekend, Jason was elected in convincing fashion as the leader of the Alberta PC party.
First elected to the House in 1997, Jason held many portfolios while he was an MP and cabinet minister, but leader of the Alberta PC party might be the most important position he has ever held.
Jason has been recognized for his tireless work ethic, and he is one of the strongest and most respected voices within the conservative movement.
My friends, Brian Jean and Jason, are now tasked with a monumental challenge in uniting the conservative principled parties in Alberta. A task of this magnitude left to lesser individuals might not succeed. Their co-operation, understanding, and dedication to all Albertans will be what puts our province back on track to prosperity, to the benefit of all Canadians. The road may not always be smooth, and there may be disagreements, but the outcome is too important and the stakes are too high.
On behalf of the Alberta Conservative caucus, I want to congratulate Jason on his victory. We stand ready to restore the Alberta advantage.
World Water DayStatements By Members
2:15 p.m.
Liberal
Francis Scarpaleggia Liberal Lac-Saint-Louis, QC
Mr. Speaker, World Water Day gains in significance every year as it becomes more and more obvious that water, our most precious and live-giving resource, is under increasing pressure, from population growth, overuse, pollution, and the drought and flooding effects of climate change.
Here in Canada, we are lucky to have an abundance of freshwater. Of course, there are still many challenges to overcome, for example, the fact that first nations and other remote communities are often under boil water advisories and that new contaminants may be getting into our lakes, rivers, and waterways.
Canada is home to a critical mass of expertise in water resource management. World Water Day is an opportunity to remind ourselves that we are a water nation, with a destiny to be a model in freshwater management and a leader in promoting global water security in an increasingly water stressed world.
Margaret MitchellStatements By Members
2:15 p.m.
NDP
Jenny Kwan NDP Vancouver East, BC
Mr. Speaker, on International Women's Day, the universe lost a champion of social justice and a staunch advocate for women's rights with the passing of former Vancouver East MP, Margaret Mitchell.
In 1982, Margaret stood in Parliament and brought attention to the shameful reality that 10% of Canadian women were experiencing domestic violence and was laughed at by the men in the House. Unflinching, Margaret responded “That's no laughing matter”. It was a watershed moment that woke the consciousness of Canada.
She was never afraid to take on issues. Margaret was the first MP who stood in the House demanding the federal government redress the Chinese head tax. She challenged health authorities who wanted to stop the sale of Chinese barbecued pork and duck. Her legacy and fighting spirit will always be felt in Vancouver East.
A condolences book is available. I invite people to share their memories of Margaret with her family and friends.
Attack on the Parliament of the United KingdomStatements By Members
2:20 p.m.
Conservative
Peter Kent Conservative Thornhill, ON
Mr. Speaker, as we have heard, there has been an attack on our mother parliament in Great Britain. There are reports of multiple casualties, including a police officer, in what is being considered a terrorist attack.
While the details are still being confirmed, what is known is that today there has been an attack on democracy.
Canada and the United Kingdom share many links, bonds, and traditions, including our head of state, our system of government, and now, unfortunately, modern attacks on our parliaments.
The scenes out of London will no doubt bring back dark memories for many of us here in the House today. Our thoughts and prayers are with our colleagues across the Atlantic. We thank the police and the security forces that defend these houses of parliament, those in the U.K., and all houses of democracy around the world.
Attack on the Parliament of the United KingdomStatements By Members
2:20 p.m.
Liberal
Frank Baylis Liberal Pierrefonds—Dollard, QC
Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that we learned of today's incident at the parliament of the United Kingdom. It was only last week that I and a delegation of colleagues travelled to London to reaffirm the importance of our long-standing partnership.
An attack on parliament is an attack on democracy itself. As members of the House know all too well, the democratic institutions of government can be targeted by those who seek to strike fear into the hearts and minds of our citizens.
While reports are still coming in and details continue to be confirmed, we strongly condemn violence in any form. Canada and the United Kingdom are close friends and allies. We have a shared history, and many of us are bound by family ties.
As chair of the Canada-United Kingdom Inter-Parliamentary Association, and on behalf of all members of the House, I would like to share our thoughts and prayers with the British people, as well as with our colleagues and friends from the British parliament. We stand with them.
Incident at U.K. ParliamentOral Questions
2:20 p.m.
Sturgeon River—Parkland Alberta
Conservative
Rona Ambrose ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, today in London, the U.K. Parliament is the scene of an attack, an attack all too familiar to many members of the House and those who work here. While there are still many questions yet to be answered around the circumstances, on behalf of the official opposition, I offer my sincere condolences and prayers to all of those who are affected.
Will the Prime Minister join me in condemning these attacks and offer any and all support to our U.K. friends?
Incident at U.K. ParliamentOral Questions
2:20 p.m.
Papineau Québec
Liberal
Justin Trudeau LiberalPrime Minister
Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for her statement and support. We were all saddened to learn about today's incident near the British Parliament in London. I express my deepest condolences to the victims of this cowardly attack. The scene unfolding in London is one that is all too familiar to members of this House who were here two and a half years ago.
Today's attack on the United Kingdom Parliament is an attack on the world's democracies.
An attack on the symbol and the seat of democracy is a cowardly and reprehensible act that we condemn in the strongest terms. Canada and the U.K. are close friends and allies and our message to the citizens of the United Kingdom and our colleagues in the British Parliament is simple: We stand with you.
Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipOral Questions
2:20 p.m.
Sturgeon River—Parkland Alberta
Conservative
Rona Ambrose ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, for decades, Canada has had one of the strongest and most successful immigration and refugee programs in the world. That is because we have detailed laws, passport requirements, borders, and visas, all to ensure that our system is fair and rules based. This actually ensures the integrity and the success of our system.
Will the Prime Minister strongly signal to all those who want to make Canada their home that they must follow the rules?
Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipOral Questions
2:25 p.m.
Papineau Québec
Liberal
Justin Trudeau LiberalPrime Minister
Mr. Speaker, Canada is extraordinarily fortunate because we have citizens who understand that a strong immigration policy is a benefit to the country, but also requires a rigorous process and protected borders. That is why we are ensuring that all Canadian laws are being followed. We continue to make sure that our police agencies and border services have all the resources they need to deal with situations that arise, as, for example, are arising in Manitoba and in Quebec. We continue to make sure that Canadians are confident that our system is strong and solid.
Government AccountabilityOral Questions
2:25 p.m.
Sturgeon River—Parkland Alberta
Conservative
Rona Ambrose ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, it was about a year ago the Prime Minister tried to push through changes to Parliament's rules to silence the opposition. That attempt ended in complete failure and he had to back down, but yet, here he is again, at it again, wanting to centralize his power. This time he wants to shut down debate and he only wants to show up for question period one day a week.
Why is the Prime Minister so determined to avoid accountability?
Government AccountabilityOral Questions
2:25 p.m.
Papineau Québec
Liberal
Justin Trudeau LiberalPrime Minister
On the contrary, Mr. Speaker, we were pleased to put out a broad discussion paper on how we can make improvements to the functioning of this House of Commons so that members can better hold the government to account, so we can move forward on legislation, so we can make for a better work-life balance for the many individuals in this House with young families. This is so that members can do a better job of working efficiently here in Ottawa while serving their constituents back at home.
I am excited to be launching an open conversation for all members of this House to participate in. I encourage the members opposite to continue to contribute their thoughtful ideas to this process.
Government AccountabilityOral Questions
2:25 p.m.
Sturgeon River—Parkland Alberta
Conservative
Rona Ambrose ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister's plan undermines the very principles of responsible and accountable government. The fact that the Prime Minister does not want to show up to answer questions more than once a week shows what little respect he has for Canada's Parliament. As inconvenient as he thinks it is, Parliament is actually the seat of our democracy, and central to that is the role of the opposition.
Can the Prime Minister explain to us why he is willing to undermine our system of democracy simply to get out of answering tough questions?