Debates of Sept. 20th, 2017

[The Speaker, Liberal, Geoff Regan]

It being Wednesday, we will now have the singing of O Canada led by the hon. member for Windsor West.

[Members sang the national anthem]

Catalonia

[Mario Beaulieu, Bloc, La Pointe-de-l'Île, QC]

Mr. Speaker, today, Spanish police arrested 13 top Catalan officials like common criminals. Imagine our government officials being thrown in jail just for carrying out Parliament's instructions. This is a serious denial of democracy, an abuse of power by an unfit Spanish government. The Government of Canada's silence on this matter is unacceptable.

The Catalans voted freely for a separatist government, and they want the same right to self-determination as any other nation. On behalf of the Bloc Québécois, I condemn Spain's undemocratic and repressive actions, and I proclaim our support for the Catalan state in its democratic pursuit of independence.

Long live freedom. Long live democracy.

[Member spoke in Catalan as follows:]

Visca Catalunya!

Rural-Urban Riding Exchange

[Wayne Easter, Liberal, Malpeque, PE]

Mr. Speaker, this summer the member for Pickering—Uxbridge and I embarked on a rural-urban riding exchange. As a long-serving member, and as a new member, mentorship and exchanging perspectives played a key part.

In Malpeque, we experienced the ingenuity of local entrepreneurs, the creativity of P.E.l.'s experiential tourism, and the quality of our national park. At Springwillow organic farm, we hand-picked potatoes, taking lessons from 90-year-old Joyce Loo. The member for Pickering—Uxbridge can now identify the qualities of a good dairy cow.

In Pickering-Uxbridge, we competed in a dragon boat race and saw the strength of local athletes. With entrepreneur Bernadette Recto, we embraced pilates and felt how important exercise was to mental health and well-being. We attended the island dinner of the Lucy Maud Montgomery Society, and reflected on our shared cultural heritage.

The exchange left us with a broader perspective on the challenges we face and the diversity of Canadians.

Taxation

[Glen Motz, Conservative, Medicine Hat—Cardston—Warner, AB]

Mr. Speaker, business people in my riding are unanimous in their outrage at the Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance. These entrepreneurs and job creators are angry and deeply concerned over these tax proposals, and the negative impacts they will have on their livelihoods and that of their employees.

Hundreds of thousands of middle-class Canadians have been called tax cheats by a government claiming to represent them. The same government that killed family income splitting and cut rebates for children's activities has the arrogance to say it is protecting our economy.

There is nothing fair about tax proposals that create a toxic Canadian business environment. Incentives for starting and building a company are now being punished. These business owners warn that companies will windup business, entrepreneurship will drop, and companies will leave the country.

Business people know the current government does not have a revenue or tax-loophole problem; it has an excessive spending problem. It is time the government followed common sense and cancelled this horrific tax grab.

Body Shaming

[Celina Caesar-Chavannes, Liberal, Whitby, ON]

Mr. Speaker, this week I have my hair in braids, much like I have had for most of my childhood. However, it has come to my attention that there are young girls here in Canada and other parts of the world who are removed from school, or shamed because of their hairstyle.

Body shaming of any woman in any form from the top of her head to the soles of her feet is wrong, irrespective of her hairstyle, the size of her thighs, the size of her hips, the size of her baby bump, the size of her breasts, or the size of her lips. What makes is different makes us unique and beautiful.

I will continue to rock these braids for three reasons. Number one, because I am sure everyone will agree, they look pretty dope; number two, in solidarity with women who have been shamed based on their appearance; and number three, and most importantly, in solidarity with young girls and women who look like me and those who do not.

I want them to know that their braids, their dreads, their super curly Afro puffs, their weaves, their hijabs, and their head scarves, and all other variety of hairstyles, belong in schools, in the workplace, in the boardroom, and yes, even here on Parliament Hill.

Stanislav Petrov

[Hélène Laverdière, NDP, Laurier—Sainte-Marie, QC]

Mr. Speaker, this week we learned of the passing of Stanislav Petrov.

Stanislav Petrov was on duty at a Russian nuclear early warning centre in 1983 when computers wrongly detected incoming missiles from the U.S. He decided they were a false alarm and did not report them to his superiors. Had he not done so, we might have had a nuclear war by mistake, by accident.

What happened that day illustrates the danger and utter absurdity of the atomic bomb and the arms race, a madness that continues to this day. That is why we need to continue to work towards nuclear disarmament.

Canada's absence today at the United Nations, at the signing of the nuclear weapons ban treaty is shameful. The world deserves better.

Thank you, Stanislav Petrov.

Rosh Hashanah

[Anthony Housefather, Liberal, Mount Royal, QC]

Mr. Speaker, Jewish communities in my riding of Mount Royal, across Canada, and around the world will be celebrating Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year, this evening.

While Rosh Hashanah is a time to look forward, it is also a time to look back. Last year we saw an increase in the levels of anti-Semitism around the world. Jewish Canadians have seen vile acts targeting us and our places of worship.

On this Rosh Hashanah, let us join together as parliamentarians to deliver a message to Canada's Jewish community that we recognize and appreciate the over 250-year contribution of the Jewish community to Canada.

We denounce anti-Semitism and all forms of hatred, and will combat it with words and with deeds. We stand against discrimination against any group, bigotry against any people.

On behalf of all of us, I wish all those celebrating Rosh Hashanah a happy and healthy new year.

British Columbia Wildfires

[Cathy McLeod, Conservative, Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo, BC]

Mr. Speaker, on July 1, across the riding of Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo, there were fun-filled celebrations for Canada's 150th. No one would have guessed that a week later the anticipated summer would turn into the worst wildfire season in B.C.'s history.

Volunteers stepped up to the plate providing food, shelter, and a safe space for evacuees. Others worked 24/7 to move animals, big and small, to safety. RCMP and firefighters bravely fulfilled their duties under very challenging conditions.

This was not a short disaster period. As the days and weeks progressed, the stamina and perseverance of so many was inspiring with long days, vacations forgone, and neighbours helping neighbours. Although the immediate crisis has diminished, the long-term recovery will be a challenge.

I thank those who stepped up to the plate. Those who lost their homes and livelihoods are in our thoughts. We commit to working through the recovery. The summer of 2017 will be remembered for how strong, compassionate, and determined we are.

Islamic History Month

[Yasmin Ratansi, Liberal, Don Valley East, ON]

Mr. Speaker, in 2007, this House unanimously adopted a motion presented by the late Honourable Mauril Bélanger to declare October as Islamic History Month. Islamic History Month recognizes the important contributions of Muslims to Canadian society, their cultural diversity, and the importance of fostering great social cohesion.

On September 25, the Toronto District School Board is launching Islamic History Month at the Aga Khan Museum, located in my riding of Don Valley East. The Aga Khan Museum presents insights on the history of Muslim civilizations through various activities, events, and exhibitions that act as a catalyst for mutual understanding.

As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of Islamic History Month, I encourage people from all backgrounds to take the opportunity to learn about the history and diversity of the Muslim people.

Rosh Hashanah

[Julie Dabrusin, Liberal, Toronto—Danforth, ON]

Mr Speaker, this week is the start of a new year. Kids are back to school, the harvest season is in full swing, members of Parliament are back in this place, and it is Rosh Hashanah. It is my favourite time of the year.

On Sunday, I enjoyed participating in the community Rosh Hashanah luncheon at the Bernard Betel Centre hosted by CIJA and the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto. Together with the members for York Centre, Richmond Hill, Willowdale, and Toronto Mayor John Tory, we served lunch and shared a meal while learning about poverty in the Jewish community.

I hope everyone celebrating Rosh Hashanah enjoys some time with family, friends, and community. This is a great time to enjoy some tasty local honey and apples and my Danforth Rosh Hashanah tradition would not be complete without some honey soaked loukoumades.

I wish everyone a new year of sweetness and prosperity.

Shanah Tovah.

Invictus Games

[Robert Gordon Kitchen, Conservative, Souris—Moose Mountain, SK]

Mr. Speaker, this Saturday marks the opening ceremonies for the 2017 Invictus Games. First established by His Royal Highness Prince Harry in 2014, the Invictus Games provide an opportunity for sick, wounded, and injured military personnel and veterans to compete in a multi-sport event against athletes from around the world.

From September 23 to 30, Toronto will host over 550 athletes from 17 nations, including 90 individuals representing Team Canada. The Invictus Games are a great way for Canadians to recognize and pay tribute to the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much to keep this country safe. They, as well as all their families, deserve the utmost respect and honour.

I encourage everyone in the House and all Canadians to attend and watch the games to show support for these outstanding athletes. Invictus is Latin for “unconquerable” and these competitors certainly embody that spirit.

I will conclude with the Invictus motto: “I AM. I AM the master of my fate, I AM the captain of my soul.”

Recovery Day

[Marc Miller, Liberal, Ville-Marie—Le Sud-Ouest—Île-des-Soeurs, QC]

Mr. Speaker, this past Saturday, Montrealers gathered to celebrate Recovery Day. This annual event celebrates recovery from drug, alcohol, and behavioural addiction, and challenges the stigma surrounding addiction that so often prevents sufferers from seeking help.

Recovery Day began in 2012 with one city, Vancouver. This September there are Recovery Day events in over 30 Canadian cities. We all have people in our lives who have been touched by addiction, who are afraid to speak out, and speaking out is a crucial first step to recovery.

Today I wish to thank all those who helped organize Recovery Day and are fighting to overcome the prejudices still surrounding addiction and recovery. I also want to thank the organizations in my riding that support people struggling with addictions, such as the Maison Jean Lapointe, the Salvation Army Booth Centre, and the Welcome Hall Mission.

100th Anniversary of Gogama

[Marc Serré, Liberal, Nickel Belt, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the residents of Gogama, who are celebrating their town’s 100th anniversary. Gogama, a hidden treasure in northeastern Ontario, is a beautiful community that offers plenty of outdoor activities. People go there for the fishing, the hunting, the bike trails, and, last but not least, the campfires. Gogama went through some very hard times following a train derailment.

A community of 450, and in the summer thousands, their strength should not be measured by their numbers. They have persevered and opted to take a negative situation and turn it into an opportunity. No time was wasted and they produced a fantastic tourism video as a result.

I am incredibly proud of Gogama and its residents for their triumph over tragedy.

Happy 100th anniversary, Gogama. Knowing the residents' determination, I am confident that they will prosper for another 100 years.

Thank you. Meegwetch.

Taxation

[Larry Miller, Conservative, Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound, ON]

Mr. Speaker, last week I held a round table in Owen Sound to discuss the Liberal government's latest attack on small business owners, physicians, family farms, and more. The message was loud and clear that these reforms will be very damaging to each of these sectors. To make it crystal clear for the Prime Minister, I drafted this poem to truly get the point across:

Prime Minister and finance minister, a message for you.
It's from Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound so you know that it's true.
Small businesses, farmers, and physicians alike are left scratching their heads at this unfair tax hike.
Have you ever been to a barn? It's not a tax haven.
Your proposals will tax hard-earned money that we've been saving.
My retirement plan, my kids' education, that's what you're taxing, not some island vacation.
Small businesses and doctors they're not some tax cheat, they're out creating jobs and making ends meet.
So Prime Minister and finance minister please don't be so sinister, abandon this plan, it's unfair to administer.

International Day of Peace

[Filomena Tassi, Liberal, Hamilton West—Ancaster—Dundas, ON]

Mr. Speaker, tomorrow is United Nations' International Day of Peace. It is a day where citizens around the globe put peace ahead of their differences and try to create a culture of peace. Both inner peace and peace in society are very important to me. This is why I am delighted to announce that tomorrow, at noon, Jon Kabat-Zinn is coming to the Hill. Jon will be leading a mass mindfulness meditation session on the Hill. We are so fortunate to have Jon. He is a world-renowned meditator. He is a retired professor from the University of Massachusetts Medical School, where he created both the stress reduction clinic and a mindfulness centre.

I want to take this opportunity to thank Innerspace, under the direction of Sher Van Aarle, who has set up this event. I cannot think of a better event to attend on the International Day of Peace than a mindfulness session with Jon Kabat-Zinn. I know that I will be surrounded by fellow MPs, and I am hoping that the lawn will be full.

Twyla Roscovich

[Rachel Blaney, NDP, North Island—Powell River, BC]

Mr. Speaker, perhaps the most devastating part of losing someone we love is the silence that fills the space that was once filled with their unique sound. On the west coast of Canada, the silence that has taken the beautiful space of Twyla Roscovich is stark. None of us can believe she is gone.

At 38, she was too young to leave us. An independent filmmaker focused on protecting wild salmon, Twyla directed multiple films. Perhaps the most well known was Salmon Confidential.

I had the honour of knowing Twyla for many years. What I will always carry with me was her determination to make sure that the voices that were often silenced were heard, her absolute love for her four-year-old daughter Ruby, and the trips on the ferry from Powell River with her father Glen, whose absolute pride and love for his daughter touched me profoundly.

I hope, in this time of grief, her loved ones know we are all holding them up with our love. I would like to thank Twyla. For the short time she was here, she made a world of difference.

Rosh Hashanah

[Peter Kent, Conservative, Thornhill, ON]

Mr. Speaker, this evening at sundown, the Jewish community in Canada and around the world will gather to celebrate Rosh Hashanah, the start of the Jewish new year and the high holiday season. During this time, Jewish communities will gather will friends and family to enjoy festive meals as the new year is ushered in to the sound of a shofar. This is also a time for retrospection, observance, and prayer for a good year.

This past year, we have seen a continuing rise in anti-Semitic hate crimes. The Conservative Party will always stand with the Jewish community in Canada and around the world in the face of this pernicious hate. On behalf of the official opposition and the Conservative Party of Canada, I wish everyone celebrating, a happy, healthy, peaceful, and sweet Rosh Hashanah.

Shana tova u'metuka.

Mexico

[William Amos, Liberal, Pontiac, QC]

Mr. Speaker, today I planned to acknowledge Mexico Independence Day, which was celebrated on September 16 by nearly 100,000 Canadians of Mexican descent, including my wife and my family.

However, as co-chair of the Canada-Mexico Parliamentary Friendship Group I want to offer my thoughts and prayers as Mexico grapples with a second earthquake in as many weeks.

Mexican Canadians have left their cultural mark in communities, including Gatineau, which is host to a campus of Mexico's national university and to Ballet Folklorico Aztlan, the traditional folkloric ballet of Mexico in Canada.

Our connection is strong, but our hearts are heavy. I ask all Canadians to join me in doing what they can to support our cultural, economic, and humanitarian partner as it faces tough days ahead, and to learn more about supporting the Mexico Earthquake Relief Fund or the Red Cross as a proud and resilient people face these enormous challenges.

[Member spoke in Spanish]

Taxation

[Andrew Scheer, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the Prime Minister continued his campaign against small businesses.

Our local businesses need tools for saving money when times are good, money for a rainy day, because they want to be able to pay their employees when times are tough. However, the Prime Minister's new taxes will make it harder for them to do that.

Will the Prime Minister end his campaign against local businesses and stop attacking job creators?

[Jim Carr, Liberal, Minister of Natural Resources]

Mr. Speaker, all week the Conservatives pretended to stand up for business women. Members on this side were deeply disappointed by comments made by the Conservative member for Battlefords—Lloydminster about the Minister of Environment and Climate Change.

We can all agree that sexist comments should not be part of the public debate or part of any conversation anywhere, period.

Will the Leader of the Opposition stand here today, do the right thing, denounce his member's comments, and ask him to issue a full apology to the House?

[Andrew Scheer, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, women entrepreneurs expect their government to stand with them, not attack them.

The Prime Minister does not seem to understand that his tax hikes will mean fewer jobs, fewer working hours, and lower salaries and benefits for workers employed by small and local businesses.

Here is a lesson for the Prime Minister. When he raises taxes on businesses, he makes it harder for them to grow and hire more workers. He makes it harder for them to invest in new, start-up businesses that would create even more jobs.

Why is the Prime Minister putting up roadblocks to job creation?

[Jim Carr, Liberal, Minister of Natural Resources]

Mr. Speaker, how disappointing.

[Some hon. members]

Oh, oh!

[The Speaker, Liberal, Geoff Regan]

Order, please. The hon. Minister of Natural Resources has the floor.

[Jim Carr, Liberal, Winnipeg South Centre, MB]

Mr. Speaker, it is very disappointing that the Leader of the Opposition will not denounce these statements and not show that the leader of his entire caucus understands how inappropriate those comments were and ask the member to apologize to all members of the House and all Canadians, today.