Debates of March 9th, 2017

Opposition Motion—Canadian Forces Tax Benefit

[Jody Wilson-Raybould, Liberal, Vancouver Granville, BC]

Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order. I believe if you seek it, you would find unanimous consent for the following motion. I move that the House agree with the Canadian Judicial Council's recommendation to remove Justice Robin Camp from the Federal Court of Canada and support the government's intent to implement this recommendation.

[The Assistant Deputy Speaker, Liberal, Anthony Rota]

Does the hon. Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada have the unanimous consent of the House to move this motion?

[Some hon. members]

Agreed.

No.

[The Assistant Deputy Speaker, Liberal, Anthony Rota]

The hon. member for Sarnia—Lambton was asking a question.

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

Mr. Speaker, I think it is heinous that we are trying to tax our own servicemen, who are risking their lives on behalf of Canadians. I thought that the member for Laurentides—Labelle said that the government is going to fix that.

It is always when Liberals are caught with their hands in the cookie jar that they do a fix. When they were going to impose a Netflix tax, we communicated that to the public, which caused an outcry, and then it was gone. Then they were going to impose a tax on dental and health benefits, we notified the public, there was an outcry, and then that was gone. Now they are taxing servicemen who are putting their lives in danger, we called them to account on it, and now that is gone.

I wonder if the member sees the same pattern of behaviour.

[Garnett Genuis, Conservative, Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, AB]

Mr. Speaker, the member is absolutely right that we have seen the positive impact of these opposition motions.

In response to what just happened, I want to say that it is profoundly frustrating, as a member of Parliament, when we are in the middle of a debate on a completely different topic, that a minister asks for unanimous consent on a motion on a completely unrelated subject. The fact of the matter is that, as important as the issue and question is that the justice minister raised, we have a process in this place for having debates, a process that is respectful of the opportunities of individual members to be present when issues come up and to do the research on whatever individual motion may be coming forward.

If there are questions that ministers want to raise, there are, of course, many different ways governments can bring them forward. Governments have opportunities to bring motions for debate. Government ministers have opportunities that other members do not actually have. In the middle of questions and comments on an important discussion about our military, and on an opposition day that there are not many of, for a minister of the crown to take the House by surprise on an issue that I think merits a lot of discussion and to do it in the way it was done is profoundly disrespectful to this institution.

[Tom Lukiwski, Conservative, Moose Jaw—Lake Centre—Lanigan, SK]

Mr. Speaker, I rise on the same point of order. This may be considered a minor point by members, but I can assure everyone that from a convention standpoint, words are important in the House. Having been a member of the House leader's office for nine years when Conservatives were in government, I can assure all members that when someone stands in the House and says, “Mr. Speaker, if you seek it I believe you would find unanimous consent”, it means that member has had conversations and consultations with every party and they have agreed to it. Those are the words we use.

When strictly trying to seek unanimous consent, a member would say, “I hope members will give unanimous consent for the following motion”. I will give the minister credit for the fact that she may not know what she was saying, but I can assure her that the words she used implied that there was a deal, that there was agreement among all parties. There was none, and she should retract those words.

Natural Resources

[Monique Pauzé, Bloc, Repentigny, QC]

Mr. Speaker, this evening, the Prime Minister is in cowboy country. He is in Texas to receive a big award for his leadership in promoting fossil fuels. Many admirers and partners will be there with him: ExxonMobil, Shell, BP, Enbridge, TransCanada. It will make for some great selfies!

This prestigious award tells us that this Prime Minister is the prime minister of oil companies. He is the prime minister of oil sands, dirty energy and pipelines.

While the polluters are paying tribute to the Prime Minister, I would like to point out that Quebec has chosen green energy and sustainable development. While the Prime Minister gets praised by the magnates that represent last century's energy source, we have chosen to move forward with 21st-century energy.

The future is Quebec, and that is well worth the top awards.

Great Big Crunch

[Jean-Claude Poissant, Liberal, La Prairie, QC]

Mr. Speaker, today at 2:30 p.m., thousands of children, parents and teachers across the country will bite into an apple to raise all Canadians' awareness about the importance of developing healthy eating habits.

This symbolic gesture is part of the Great Big Crunch, an event organized by FoodShare in partnership with Food Secure Canada and the Coalition for Healthy School Food.

I am proud to be the principal partner for this day for the second year running. I would like to remind you that last year, more than 200,000 Canadians gathered and joined forces to promote healthy eating habits, from field to table.

I will now reiterate my request from last year and invite all my colleagues and all Canadians to take a few moments to think about the benefits of a healthy diet in our day-to-day and the importance of supporting our local producers.

If we all bite into an apple together, we will show all Canadian families that we—

[The Speaker, Liberal, Geoff Regan]

The hon. member for Edmonton Manning.

Taxation

[Ziad Aboultaif, Conservative, Edmonton Manning, AB]

Mr. Speaker, it is tax time again in Canada. Millions of people are filling out forms and discovering just how much they owe the federal government or just how much the government owes them. They are looking back at 2016 but, in this House, we are looking at the 2017 taxation year, and it is not pretty. Reckless Liberal spending, record deficits, and an ever-increasing national debt means that it is indeed a tax increase in this coming year once again.

Soon the finance minister will table a new budget and Canadians will discover just how much they will have to pay for the spendthrift actions of people who still believe in the tooth fairy and the Easter bunny and that budgets balance themselves.

If I thought it would do any good, I would call on the finance minister to stop this fiscal insanity.

Alcide Boucher

[Serge Cormier, Liberal, Acadie—Bathurst, NB]

Mr. Speaker, it was with incredible sadness that I learned of the passing of Alcide Boucher of Bas-Caraquet at the age of 86.

Mr. Boucher was very involved in his community. He served as a municipal councillor in Bas-Caraquet and a member of the local school board for many years. He also established the Club des amis des jeunes and brought the Scouting movement to Bas-Caraquet.

His generosity and dedication to sports, leisure activities, and young people in our region had a huge impact on their future. He coached many minor hockey and baseball teams. Mr. Boucher also organized a number of fundraising campaigns to provide young people with sports equipment, a skating rink, and a baseball diamond, just to name a few.

A great defender of the French language, a fourth degree Knight of Columbus, and director of C.L. Comeau Ltée for 41 years, Mr. Boucher made huge contributions that will never be forgotten.

I want offer my sincere condolences to his wife, Vina, his 14 children, and his entire family.

Margaret Mitchell

[Nathan Cullen, NDP, Skeena—Bulkley Valley, BC]

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to an incredible British Columbian and an incredible parliamentarian. Margaret Mitchell passed away yesterday, on International Women's Day.

Margaret was a champion of women's rights in her 13 years in Parliament, serving the good people of Vancouver East. From before her time here, throughout her entire existence as a member of Parliament, she fought for justice for women. She fought with other MPs from across the aisle to make sure that women's rights were enshrined in our charter, ensuring that generations of women to come would not have to fight the same battles continuously over and over again.

Margaret, if she had been able to attend yesterday and see the Daughters of the Vote take their places in these seats and have their voices heard in Parliament as they were, would have been proud of all of her accomplishments and so many of her colleagues', but she would have wanted more.

She fought for justice for Chinese Canadians and the unfortunate Chinese head tax that was placed upon them. She fought, always, for basic humanity and basic rights for all humans.

First Responders

[TJ Harvey, Liberal, Tobique—Mactaquac, NB]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a fellow member of Parliament from across the floor for his kind act. I thank my colleague, the hon. member for Cariboo—Prince George, who went above and beyond his typical everyday obligations for one of my constituents. Derek Cassista, of Grand Falls, New Brunswick, who dedicates his life to saving others as a paramedic.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank him, the first responders, firefighters, police officers, paramedics, veterans, and active military personnel I have met with and spoken with about my colleague's bill on the important issue of PTSD, post-traumatic stress disorder.

At the end of the day, strong government requires good opposition. Despite different opinions on various issues, we need to demonstrate that all sides of the House can collaborate and work together for the benefit of all Canadians. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues on both sides of the House in a manner that exhibits one of our most important national strengths, collaboration.

Norm Boucher

[David Yurdiga, Conservative, Fort McMurray—Cold Lake, AB]

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in the House to address the loss of a local celebrity.

Local historian Norm Boucher passed away in February at the all too young age of 52. The local historian was a beloved and cherished community figure. Mr. Boucher shared most of his work online, where he shared Fort McMurray's natural and historic beauty to over 6,000 followers. The Facebook group displays images of Fort McMurray's natural and historic beauty that date back to the 1900s.

The records show a small town growing into a bustling city. The impact of his passing is certainly felt throughout my riding. His contribution to our community is much appreciated and his legacy will continue to live on in our community for time to come. Norm will be sorely missed

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

[Seamus O'Regan, Liberal, St. John's South—Mount Pearl, NL]

Mr. Speaker, in 1847 the Dominion of Canada numbered some 1.5 million people. Yet, small as we were then, we welcomed some 100,000 Irish immigrants, immigrants who were leaving a devastating famine behind them, fleeing terror and persecution.

At the time, Irish immigrants were treated with the same contempt and vitriol that is levied at other immigrants today. “Ignorant”, “lazy”, newspapers read, “improvident and unthankful” and as “vicious as they are poor”. Fenians, Papists, here to impose their own religious law on us all.

Political parties were formed and fuelled for fear of them, for fear of us. Some Irish forget that. I do not. Some 38,000 Irish passed through Toronto in 1847. Toronto, then, was a city of only 20,000 people; and 38,000 were taken in by 20,000 already here. That is what I will remember this St. Patrick's Day.

I will remember that in 1847, there were enough, just enough Canadians who rose above the frank, blatant, decades-long discrimination of the day, and gave those immigrants a chance to become Canadians themselves.

Automotive Industries Association

[John McKay, Liberal, Scarborough—Guildwood, ON]

Mr. Speaker, how often do we hear about the mismatch between jobs and skills? Employers are desperate to find qualified workers, and qualified workers are desperate to find jobs that suit their skill set.

It was therefore an honour and delight to have announced last Friday at Centennial College the federal funding of $720,000 to the Automotive Industries Association to help address this national labour supply mismatch.

Centennial College is Canada's foremost training facility for the $21-billion automotive after-market sector. This funding will develop an innovative online portal to connect Canadians to industry jobs. A partnership between Centennial College and the Automotive Industries Association will ensure that the educational and training curriculums will produce a world-class, competitive workforce.

This is a good example of the government and industry working to ensure an important labour issue is addressed.

Islamic State

[Garnett Genuis, Conservative, Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, AB]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday Daesh militants, dressed as medical staff, attacked a hospital in Afghanistan. The latest reports put the death toll for this attack at 49, although that may continue to rise.

It is difficult to speak about these events. We can speak about violations of human rights, of international law, of international obligations, but I think it is also important that we speak about Daesh in terms of evil, in terms of the transgression of the fundamental norms of civilized humanity. Evil of this sort must be discussed and prevented, but also downgraded and defeated.

Events like these reveal the potential of our species for evil, but also for good. We honour the heroic courage of those on the front lines and behind the line fighting against Daesh who risk their lives in incredibly dangerous situations. To do good in a dangerous world requires heroic courage and a willingness to face confrontation.

My thoughts and prayers, and I am sure those of all members, are with the victims and the survivors of this terrible attack, and all those fighting Daesh today.

St Patrick's Day

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise to let the members know that March madness in Toronto has begun, and I am not talking about a basketball tournament. I am, of course, talking about the celebration of all things Irish. The Irish community in Etobicoke—Lakeshore in Toronto is large, enthusiastic, hard-working, and a lot of fun. During the month of March, the community gets even bigger because everyone wants to be Irish. Even the Conservatives want to be green this month.

Festivities began on Sunday with the raising of the Irish flag at Toronto City Hall, which was followed by the Irish person of the year luncheon. Congratulations to this year's recipient, Colm Wilkinson. Over the next 10 days, Toronto will host the Ireland Fund of Canada's annual St. Patrick's Day luncheon, which is the largest event of its kind in the world with over 1,000 people. This is followed by the Grand Marshal Ball, the St. Patrick's Day parade, and a few other events tossed in for good measure. Members should come to Toronto for March madness.

[Member spoke in Erse as follows:]

Ceol agus craic. Sláinte.

[English]

Alfred Barr

[Robert-Falcon Ouellette, Liberal, Winnipeg Centre, MB]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday Master Corporal Alfred Barr of the Royal Canadian Air Force's 435 Transportation and Rescue Squadron based out of Winnipeg was tragically killed in a training accident near Yorkton, Saskatchewan. As a reservist and former full-time member of the Canadian Armed Forces, I, along with many other members of this House, know the importance that the uniform carries and the weight that it bears on their families, friends, and communities.

Every day men and women of our search and rescue community don their uniforms and risk their lives to fulfill their motto, “That others may live”.

Yesterday's loss is a reminder of the selflessness and sacrifice that exemplifies their profession and the professionalism of all members of the Canadian Armed Forces.

On behalf of all of my colleagues, I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Master Corporal Barr and to the search and rescue community in which he proudly served.

Alex Harvey

[Alain Rayes, Conservative, Richmond—Arthabaska, QC]

Mr. Speaker, let me talk to you today about an extraordinary Quebec athlete, Alex Harvey.

This cross-country skier from Saint-Ferréol-les-Neiges thrilled Canadians across the country last Sunday when he won the gold medal at the World Ski Championships in Finland.

The 50 kilometre freestyle is the most challenging of all the events, and Alex successfully completed this physical and mental challenge by clocking in at one hour, 46 minutes and 28 seconds, six-tenths of a second ahead of Russian competitor Sergey Ustiugov.

This was the first time in history that a Canadian won a medal in the 50 kilometre freestyle. You could hear the crowd cheering on Alex, a little guy from here who became nothing less than a world champion.

In carrying out such a feat, Alex Harvey has made his parents, coaches, family and sponsors proud, but above all, he has shown the rest of the world that cross-country skiing is not just part of Scandinavian history; it's also important to Canadians.

Congratulations, Alex. We are all proud of you, and we wish you every success for the rest of the season.

Violence Against Women

[Hedy Fry, Liberal, Vancouver Centre, BC]

Mr. Speaker, as we progress towards gender equality here we must remember the plight of refugee and migrant women and girls worldwide.

Of the 65 million people displaced by conflict, 55% are women and children. Displaced women and girls often experience rape, forced marriages, and sexual slavery.

In addition to the risks to which all refugees are exposed, women and girls are exposed to sexual abuse by the authorities. Migrant camps offer little security or health care, and women do not have the benefit of the security afforded by proper identification.

In host countries, these women can be isolated by the pressure to maintain their sexual identity. This isolation limits their access to language and vocational training, as well as their economic security.

As we laud our own progress, let us remember that women's rights are human rights, and we cannot celebrate fully until all women enjoy those rights.

50th Anniversary of the Tre Colori Restaurant

[Matthew Dubé, NDP, Beloeil—Chambly, QC]

Mr. Speaker, this year Chambly will be celebrating an important anniversary. The Tre Colori restaurant is turning 50. Established in 1967 by Joseph Petrozza, the restaurant is now run with love and passion by his sons Joey, Roberto, and Tony.

Whether you want a good pizza delivered on a Friday night or you want to sit down for a good meal, with a nice glass of wine of course, the Tre Colori is a fixture in Chambly.

The Petrozza brothers even received a consumer choice award in the restaurant category for Montreal's south shore, a well-deserved honour.

Not only does this family serve excellent food, it is also very involved in the community. Whether it is the Festival multiculturel de Chambly or the annual fundraising dinner for the Centre d'écoute Montérégie, the Petrozza family never hesitates to invest in its community.

It is a pleasure for me to wish them a happy 50th anniversary and, above all, 50 more years of good food and good cheer.

Grazie!

Alfred Barr

[Cathay Wagantall, Conservative, Yorkton—Melville, SK]

Mr. Speaker, I am so deeply saddened to rise in the House today in response to a tragedy that took place in my riding yesterday. We lost a young Winnipeg-based Royal Canadian Air Force search and rescue technician in a training accident near Yorkton, Saskatchewan. Master Corporal Alfred Barr was a member of 435 Transport and Rescue Squadron.

I want to express my deep, heartfelt condolences to Master Corporal Alfred Barr's family, friends, and fellow service members on behalf of the people of my riding and my colleagues here. Master Corporal Alfred Barr was a member of the search and rescue community that takes risks every day in all kinds of circumstances to help their fellow Canadians.

Our thoughts, prayers, and condolences are with Master Corporal Barr's family, friends, and fellow service members.

National Defence

[Jean Rioux, Liberal, Saint-Jean, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I wish to thank the Minister of National Defence, who has recognized the government’s responsibility to support the survivors, their families and the estates of those who died from the accidental explosion of a grenade at Valcartier in 1974. Six young Canadians died that day, and many others sustained terrible injuries.

I would like to acknowledge the courage of the cadets, instructors, first responders and all those who rushed to the room immediately after the explosion.

Let us recognize the team spirit of the group of cadets and advocates who worked on the claim for 43 years. Their efforts and leadership have eased a lot of suffering. They deserve the nation’s gratitude. My heart goes out to those who have shouldered the burden of this terrible chapter in Canadian history, and I can only hope that today’s announcement will help them find closure.