Debates of June 21st, 2017

Persons with Disabilities

[Thomas Mulcair, NDP, Outremont, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister promised that, unlike Stephen Harper, he would work with all parties to get good things done. However, when a member of this place moved a non-partisan initiative to create a Canadian autism partnership, the Prime Minister and his party voted against it.

This is about removing the challenges facing individuals with autism and facing their families. It is about unlocking the tremendous potential of these Canadians.

Why can the Prime Minister not move beyond partisan politics and support this important autism initiative?

[Justin Trudeau, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, we recognize that autism spectrum disorder has a significant and lifelong impact on individuals and families. There is an extraordinary network of stakeholders across the country, raising awareness and providing services to families.

Our government will continue to support their efforts through our programs. We have invested more than $39 million in autism research over the past five years. In addition, we have made many initiatives that help families, whether it is the Canada child benefit, which is increasing support for nine out of 10 Canadian families, including strengthening the child disability benefit alongside—

[The Speaker, Liberal, Geoff Regan]

The hon. member for Rivière-des-Mille-Îles.

International Development

[Linda Lapointe, Liberal, Rivière-des-Mille-Îles, QC]

Mr. Speaker, there is a serious food crisis in South Sudan that is affecting nearly half of its population. The Minister of International Development and La Francophonie was there for a first-hand look at what our partners on the ground are doing and to talk about how to help those who need it most.

Can the Prime Minister update the House on what Canada is doing to help the most vulnerable of those affected by this terrible crisis?

[Justin Trudeau, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for Rivière-des-Mille-Îles for her question.

Our government is extremely concerned about the dire humanitarian situation in South Sudan. That is why we recently announced $86 million for development projects that will meet the basic needs of the most vulnerable people in that country.

We also created the famine relief fund. From now until June 30, 2017, we will match every eligible donation made to Canadian charities that are raising money to bring crucial relief to famine-stricken countries.

Persons with Disabilities

[Elizabeth May, Green, Saanich—Gulf Islands, BC]

Mr. Speaker, I think the whole House can see from the questions from the leader of the official opposition, the leader of the New Democrats, and now from me that there is an extraordinary broad consensus on this side of the House that Canadian families and individuals living with autism really do need more than what they have so far.

I would ask the Prime Minister if his next answer could contain some hope for those families that help is on the way and that the Canadian autism partnership will find support from the current government.

[Justin Trudeau, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, we recognize the extraordinary work that Canadians across the country do to support their loved ones, particularly those living with autism spectrum disorder. We recognize the stories and compassion that have been shown by people as they share their desire to do more to fight the impact autism has on people who live with it.

My staff has also met repeatedly with the member for Edmonton—Wetaskiwin to talk about how we can move forward in concrete ways that will make a difference in the lives of so many Canadians.

Message from the Senate

[The Speaker, Liberal, Geoff Regan]

I have the honour to inform the House that a message has been received from the Senate informing this House that the Senate has passed Bill C-44, an act to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on March 22, 2017 and other measures, with amendments to which the concurrence of this House is desired.

Copies of the amendments are available at the table.

The House resumed from June 15 consideration of the motion that Bill C-311, An Act to amend the Holidays Act (Remembrance Day), be read the third time and passed.

Holidays Act

[The Speaker, Liberal, Geoff Regan]

It being 3:14 p.m., pursuant to order made on Tuesday, May 30, the House will now proceed to the taking of the deferred recorded division on the motion at third reading stage of Bill C-311.

Call in the members.

Before the Clerk announced the result of the vote:

[Marjolaine Boutin-Sweet, NDP, Hochelaga, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I apologize, I forgot to do my job. I forgot to tell the members in the first row that it was their turn to vote and therefore to rise. I seek permission so that the first row of the New Democratic Party can vote in favour of this bill.

[The Speaker, Liberal, Geoff Regan]

Is there unanimous consent to proceed in this fashion?

[Some hon. members]

Agreed.

[The Speaker, Liberal, Geoff Regan]

I am going to ask the member for Simcoe—Grey to clarify which way she is intending to vote.

[Kellie Leitch, Conservative, Simcoe—Grey, ON]

Contrary.

(The House divided on the motion, which was agreed to on the following division:)

Vote #342

[The Speaker, Liberal, Geoff Regan]

I declare the motion carried.

(Bill read the third time and passed)

The House resumed from June 20 consideration of Bill S-3, an act to amend the Indian Act (elimination of sex-based inequities in registration), as reported (with amendment) from the committee, and of the motions in Group No. 1.

Indian Act

[The Speaker, Liberal, Geoff Regan]

Pursuant to order made on Tuesday, May 30, 2017, the House will now proceed to the taking of the deferred recorded divisions on the motions at report stage of Bill S-3.

The question is on Motion No.2. A negative vote on Motion No. 2 necessitates the question being put on Motion No. 3.

(The House divided on Motion No. 2. which was negatived on the following division:)

Vote #343

[The Speaker, Liberal, Geoff Regan]

I declare Motion No. 2 defeated

The next question is on Motion No. 3.

Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion?

[Some hon. members]

Agreed.

No.

[The Speaker, Liberal, Geoff Regan]

All those in favour of the motion will please say yea.

[Some hon. members]

Yea.