House of Commons Hansard #197 of the 42nd Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was process.
The Deputy Speaker Conservative Bruce Stanton
The hon. member will have five minutes remaining for her remarks and five minutes for questions and comments when the House next returns to debate on the question.
Luc Thériault Bloc Montcalm, QC
Mr. Speaker, in a few days the House will adjourn for the summer. The members will head back to their ridings, back to their families, and the government will have passed its priorities, far from Quebec’s priorities.
Do you know who is not a government priority? Do you know who will not be going back to his family this week? Raif Badawi, that is who.
In 2015, the Prime Minister said that Raif Badawi’s case called for quick, responsible, and progressive action. For five years now the Saudi blogger has been in prison and could be lashed at any moment, and this government has been neither quick, responsible, progressive, nor effective. That is five years during which Canada has done nothing for him. Ottawa has abandoned Raif. Ottawa has abandoned Raif Badawi’s family. That is this government’s human rights record. Canada is selling tanks to a regime that crushes those who think. That is a real shame.
David Lametti Liberal LaSalle—Émard—Verdun, QC
Mr. Speaker, I rise here today to talk to you about an institution that has been part of the riding of LaSalle—Émard—Verdun since 1929. Founded by Italian immigrants, Dilallo Burger became the first Italian restaurant chain in Montreal.
What differentiates Dilallo's from other restaurant chains is not only its famous upside-down buck burgers with peppers and cold cuts inside; rather, what makes Dilallo's special is the place that it has created in the community as a gathering place for close to 90 years.
By sponsoring local minor hockey teams, including one that included, at the same time, Mario Lemieux, Jean-Jacques Daigneault, and Marc Bergevin, they gave back. These three today, and others, including Ken Dryden, cannot resist Dilallo burgers.
Since the turn of the 20th century, Dilallo Burger has been a place that provided such a sense of community, that it seemed like the restaurant was an essential part of Ville-Émard. It has been a gathering place for the neighbourhood, the city, and several Montreal icons. This restaurant reflects the history of a family that settled in Canada and built a gathering place for generations. Congratulations.
Dan Albas Conservative Central Okanagan—Similkameen—Nicola, BC
Mr. Speaker, I wonder how many members in this place do their banking with a credit union? I ask that question because, thanks to the big-government approach of the Liberals, fairly soon the answer will be zero. Any day now, archaic decades-old provisions of the out-of-date Bank Act will be enforced. That will mean that credit unions will no longer be able to use the words “bank”, “banking”, and “banker”. By extension, “online banking”, opening a “bank account”, and “bank with us” will basically become outlawed words, subject to big fines.
This needless word hunt will not only confuse middle-class consumers but will also impose yet another costly regulatory burden on Canada's credit unions, which have been particularly hard hit by the present Liberal government.
On behalf of the many credit unions in my riding and as a member of the all-party parliamentary credit union caucus, I would ask that the finance minister stop this needless action. One would think that the finance minister would better spend his time balancing the books.
Arnold Chan Liberal Scarborough—Agincourt, ON
Mr. Speaker, yesterday I began my day at the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation Walk with my family, raising money for cancer research, which is obviously very important to me.
We then proceeded to join with my mother and father to celebrate Father's Day at a Father's Day lunch. I know last week was a particularly momentous week for my father, given the journey that he has been through over the past few years.
I then went back home to prepare packing to come to Ottawa. I got a surprise from my three children as I was leaving. They presented me with a book called “How Much I Love You”, little notes that they basically wrote to me. However, I did not have a chance to read it until I arrived in Ottawa and got settled into my room. By the time I had finished reading it, I was an emotional, quivering mess, even though I am not normally an emotive person.
Let me say, on behalf of all fathers and their children, as their children are thinking about their fathers, they cherish the bonds between them for that incredible love.
A happy belated Father's Day to all fathers everywhere.
Scott Duvall NDP Hamilton Mountain, ON
Mr. Speaker, the sale of Stelco to Bedrock Industries has finally been approved. It is good news for Hamilton, and it is good news for the workers and some pensioners. The deal was not perfect. Health benefits for some pensioners will be funded at 70%, and workers' pensions depend on the sale of badly contaminated land.
Improving the deal would have required the involvement of the federal government, but the present government refused to get involved, despite repeated calls for help.
Marty Warren, Steelworkers District 6 director, summed it up by commenting on the Bedrock deal, “The federal government has not been engaged and has not offered any material support—neither in this case nor to help other communities across the country hurting from the steel crisis. Essar Steel Algoma...is operating under CCAA protection and other steelmakers have cut jobs and production, but our federal government is missing in action.”
The present government needs to stand up for the Canadian steel industry, workers, and pensioners. It needs to stop the double-talk and get to work.
MaryAnn Mihychuk Liberal Kildonan—St. Paul, MB
Mr. Speaker, today, June 19, we mark the 201st anniversary of an event that took place in my riding of Kildonan—St. Paul, which shaped the future of Manitoba, Canada, and marked the birth of a new people.
After years of smouldering conflict, known as the Pemmican War, the victory at Frog Plain was a decisive conclusion for the indigenous people led by General Cuthbert Grant. At this battle, the Métis flag of infinity flew. Will Goodon of the Manitoba Métis Federation, says the battle started a “spark of consciousness” that marked the founding of the Métis nation.
In this 150th year of Confederation, we should remember that what we now call Canada has always been home to many peoples.
The birth of the Métis nation marked something new and unique on this continent: the beginning of a proud history that we continue to write, even today.
Garnett Genuis Conservative Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, AB
Mr. Speaker, Canada has a long-standing relationship with Turkey, but as happens sometimes with relationships, we are now not as compatible as we used to be.
Turkey's government systematically violates the rights of its own people, ignores basic democratic norms, and has undermined international peace and security.
Irregularities plagued the last Turkish election and the recent referendum, a referendum that effectively put all power into one person's hands. Minorities have long-standing grievances, and their situation is getting worse. Turkey's decision to target Kurdish fighters who are themselves engaged against Daesh has negatively impacted our security. As well, is Russia really just a friend? I am beginning to wonder.
This is a clear low point in our relationship, but I still believe Turkey can change. It is time for Turkey to released imprisoned opposition politicians, restore genuine democracy, address electoral irregularities, recognize the full rights of minority communities, open the Turkish-Armenian border, recognize past acts of genocide, and restart the peace process.
Turkey, it is not me: it is you. If Turkey does not change, then western policy toward it will have to. Otherwise it will simply become somebody that we used to know.
Omar Alghabra Liberal Mississauga Centre, ON
Mr. Speaker, last night, on one of their holiest nights of the year, Muslim worshippers were attacked in London when a van drove into an unsuspecting crowd. We unequivocally condemn this terrorist attack and express our sympathy to those affected. People are scared and are looking for answers.
The rash of horrific attacks around the world is causing understandable anger and fear. All forms of extremism seek to turn us against each other. They aim to spread suspicion and hate. At times of adversity, it is important to recommit to our values of openness, equality, and the rule of law.
We need to double our resolve to promoting our values and common humanity. We are determined to hold terrorists accountable and to offer comfort to victims. At times of adversity, we must stand united against hate and violence.
Alexandra Mendes Liberal Brossard—Saint-Lambert, QC
Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise in the House to express my most heartfelt condolences to the Portuguese people and the entire Portuguese-Canadian community, to which I belong, who suffer despite the distance.
Yesterday morning we woke up to a nightmarish tragedy. I can hardly imagine how devastated the families who lost 62 loved ones in that exceptionally fierce forest fire are feeling.
The European Union responded quickly with the moral and logistical support warranted by the situation. The diaspora is stepping up to provide support and assistance to all the villages that were destroyed.
I would ask my colleagues whose constituents include Portuguese-Canadians to reach out to them and offer some comfort.
Portugal will be a happy country once again, but for now, in the hearts of 16 million souls there is only fado and saudade.
Alice Wong Conservative Richmond Centre, BC
Mr. Speaker, each year June 15 marks World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
Elder abuse is an important human rights issue we all can bring awareness to, and help ensure that older generations have a right to live a life of dignity. This means a life free from all forms of abuse, including financial and physical abuse, as well as material exploitation, which can lead to significant emotional and mental suffering.
This issue is particularly close to my heart, and in my role as former Minister of State for Seniors, I am incredibly proud of the legislation my colleagues and I created to help end elder abuse.
I am disappointed by this current government's lack of focus on this issue, in particular their decision to abolish the Minister of State for Seniors portfolio. I hope to see all my colleagues and all Canadians fight to end this devastating form of abuse.
Peter Fonseca Liberal Mississauga East—Cooksville, ON
Mr. Speaker, with a heavy heart, Canadians' and over 400,000 Portuguese Canadians' thoughts are with the families and friends of those affected by the deadly forest fires that have struck several parts of Portugal. We express our condolences to those who have lost loved ones.
Devastating fires affecting the forests around Pedrógão, an area close to where I was born and have family, 120 kilometres north of Lisbon, have caused over 60 deaths and many injuries.
We thank our EU friends, and especially France, Spain, and Italy, for their firefighting assistance to the Portuguese authorities and people of Portugal at this time of need.
We commend the bravery of the firefighters and emergency services on the scene risking their own lives to save others.
Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa said, “The dimensions of this fire have caused a human tragedy beyond any in Portugal's recent memory.”
[Member spoke in Portuguese as follows]
Para Portugal, dos seus compatriotas no Canada, o nosso amor e simpatias.
[English]
Ali Ehsassi Liberal Willowdale, ON
Mr. Speaker, as a member of the standing committee that assisted in drafting Bill C-6, I am honoured to rise today to celebrate the recent changes to our immigration system. The passage of this important legislation represents not only the realization of another pivotal Liberal campaign promise, but also reaffirms the highest ideals of Canadian identity and inclusive citizenship.
As the member of Parliament for one of Canada's most multicultural ridings, I am proud to represent a government that fully appreciates that our diversity is a source of great pride. Furthermore, as an immigrant to this country myself, I found the previous government's unjust, two-tiered citizenship model to be disgraceful and abhorrent.
By contrast, Bill C-6 repudiates the previous government's cynical politics of division and once again upholds our noble calling that a Canadian is a Canadian is a Canadian, irrespective of where one is born.
Colin Carrie Conservative Oshawa, ON
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to stand today to pay tribute to Mr. Simon Ibell of British Columbia, who unfortunately passed away on May 26 at the age of 39.
When Simon was two years old, he was diagnosed with Hunter's syndrome, a rare metabolic disorder that can cause potentially fatal organ damage. Despite doctors who claimed Simon would not see his fifth birthday, he lived a full and adventurous life.
Simon loved sports, and through sports, he advocated for people with rare illnesses. In 2003, he was named the Canadian Spirit of Sport Story of the Year for having biked 500 kilometres over 10 days on Vancouver Island and raising $250,000 for MPS diseases.
Simon was a hero to those who are fighting rare illnesses and was an inspiration to everyone who was lucky enough to meet him.
I thank Mr. Ibell for his dedication to his cause. His legacy will carry on.
Sven Spengemann Liberal Mississauga—Lakeshore, ON
Mr. Speaker, last Friday, former German chancellor Helmut Kohl passed away at the age of 87. A household name during my childhood, he appeared regularly on the television sets of my parents and grandparents and shaped my early views of politics.
Chancellor Kohl was a stalwart champion of European integration and played a pivotal role in the reunification of Germany. He saw German unity as an inseparable element of a strong, stable, and prosperous Europe.
Kohl's chancellorship spanned over 16 years, to this day the longest tenure of the post-war chancellors.
As one of eight German-born members who have ever had the privilege of sitting in this chamber, let me put my sentiments into the words of the poet Goethe:
[Member spoke in German as follows]
So Ehre denn, wem Ehre gebührt!
[English]
Therefore honour … to whom honour is due.
I would ask all members to join me today in honouring former chancellor Helmut Kohl, a remarkable man and unequivocally a titan of European history.
Nathan Cullen NDP Skeena—Bulkley Valley, BC
Mr. Speaker, the people of Northwestern British Columbia have a proud tradition of hard work and self-reliance. They do not expect a lot from the government in Ottawa, other than a fair share and a Prime Minister willing to fight on their behalf.
When it comes to salmon and softwood lumber, even those modest expectations are not being met. The lumber industry has lost 150 mills and more than 30,000 jobs in just over a decade. It might lose another 15,000 jobs threatened by Donald Trump's illegal tariffs. One small mill in Moricetown that employs 60 people has a bill from Trump for almost $400,000.
When it comes to wild salmon, the picture is even more disturbing. The DFO has announced total closures on sockeye on the once abundant Skeena River. Years of neglect and cuts to funding have hurt our wild fishery.
Our communities have a plan to help out both the fishing and forestry sectors. We just need a government in Ottawa that is as hard-working and determined as the people of British Columbia's northwest.
The only question is this: will the government answer the call?
Cathy McLeod Conservative Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo, BC
Mr. Speaker, last week a Saskatchewan court ruled that Onion Lake Cree Nation must publish its financial information in accordance with the First Nations Financial Transparency Act. The case was filed by Charmaine Stick, a courageous band member from Onion Lake. The minister's excuses for not enforcing financial transparency have never held water. One of her feeble reasons was that publishing the books would hurt the band's economic interests. However, the judge said otherwise. He stated:
There is no evidence before me as to the political or economic reasons why Onion Lake has refused to provide and post specified information. There is, for example, no evidence that Onion Lake's commercial interests would be negatively [impacted]....
The Conservatives will continue urging the Liberals to reverse their irresponsible decision to gut the First Nations Financial Transparency Act. No other band member should have to go to court for access to basic information.
I congratulate Charmaine. This is an important victory for band members across Canada.
Angelo Iacono Liberal Alfred-Pellan, QC
Mr. Speaker, our government promised a historic infrastructure investment plan. We have kept that promise by announcing more than 3,000 projects across the country.
Thanks to the leadership of my Quebec colleagues, we have announced 256 projects in Quebec worth over $1.2 billion in federal funding, and that is in addition to $1.3 billion for the REM, Montreal's electric rail network. This funding will provide flexible financing for projects that matter to our communities.
Money has been stagnating in Ottawa for years, but we have accelerated funding for the Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal and the Place des Canotiers in Quebec City.
We will soon be announcing details about federal funding for public transit projects.
I am proud of everything our government has accomplished in Quebec. We are making wise, ambitious investments to build strong, sustainable, inclusive communities.
Alain Rayes Conservative Richmond—Arthabaska, QC
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister announced during the election campaign that he would run small deficits of $10 billion a year. At the current rate, the deficits will be $25 billion a year. Initially, that was supposed to be for only two years, but now we are told that it will be for an indefinite period.
The Prime Minister is showing yet again that he is utterly incapable of managing taxpayers' money responsibly, and it is our children and grandchildren who will pay the price.
My question is simple. Can the Prime Minister tell Canadians, once and for all, when we will return to a balanced budget?
Justin Trudeau LiberalPrime Minister
Mr. Speaker, during the last election, Canadians had a very simple choice to make. Two parties wanted to make cuts to balance the budget at all costs, while we proposed investing in our communities, in growing the middle class, in science and technology research, and in the economic growth that Canadians needed after 10 years of mismanagement under that opposition party.
The fact is that we are investing in our future together, just as we promised Canadians we would do.
Alain Rayes Conservative Richmond—Arthabaska, QC
Mr. Speaker, senators are calling for an independent review of the infrastructure bank. Members on this side of the House are calling for the same. Every expert who has studied this infrastructure bank is concerned about the risks and fears that taxpayers will ultimately have to pay for this bank.
If the Prime Minister has nothing to hide and the bank is as white as snow, then why is he afraid to have it thoroughly reviewed?
Justin Trudeau LiberalPrime Minister
Mr. Speaker, we have been talking about this infrastructure bank for years. It was one of our core election promises.
We know that we need to invest in infrastructure. After a decade under the previous government, we have made record investments of up to $180 billion.
However, we also have to be innovative. That is why we are setting up this infrastructure bank, in order to build more infrastructure, whether for public transit, roads, or ports, things that Canadians need to create economic growth.
Alain Rayes Conservative Richmond—Arthabaska, QC
Mr. Speaker, we are calling on the Prime Minister to tell us when we will return to a balanced budget and he has nothing intelligent to say to us.
He is asking taxpayers to sign a $35-billion cheque for the infrastructure bank. It makes no sense. The Liberals are irresponsible and improvising across the board with taxpayers' money.
When will the Prime Minister respect this institution and allow us to take a more thorough look at this bank?
Justin Trudeau LiberalPrime Minister
Mr. Speaker, the members across the way are proving once again that they do not understand how the Canadian economy works or what Canadians need.
Canadians need investment in infrastructure for things like public transit, affordable housing, and green infrastructure. For 10 years, the former government of the members across the way under-invested in our communities. We know that we have to make immediate and innovative investments, and that is exactly what we are doing for Canadians.
Candice Bergen Conservative Portage—Lisgar, MB
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister's proposed $35-billion slush fund, also known as the Liberal infrastructure bank, is a disaster in the making. Even worse, we have learned, according to what the finance minister said last week, that the slush fund will not be run by Canadians.
Can the Prime Minister please explain why he will be appointing foreigners, who do not have Canada's best interests in mind, to the board of the Liberal infrastructure bank?