House of Commons Hansard #254 of the 42nd Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was equipment.

Topics

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 Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound.

[Members sang the national anthem]

Pierre LozierStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Green

Elizabeth May Green Saanich—Gulf Islands, BC

Mr. Speaker, I often think of this place as being a family. Regardless of political party, we are all here together and are supported by amazing people.

We had a death in the family. On January 14, we lost one of those who truly does stand on guard for us. Constable Pierre Lozier, a member of our protective service, died tragically and far too young. He was only 50.

Pete, and he went by “Pete”, had served this place and protected parliamentarians for over 30 years. He was part of a tremendous group with esprit de corps, and it was Pete who, on October 22, 2014, unarmed, ran toward gunfire to protect us.

We lost him, and I want all of us to say to his family and those grieving his loss how much we honour and respect him and to express our gratitude to those who continue to protect us.

Status of WomenStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Doug Eyolfson Liberal Charleswood—St. James—Assiniboia—Headingley, MB

Mr. Speaker, I recently had the pleasure of meeting with community leaders from the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace, which educates Canadians about the plight of impoverished people and supports women in their search for social and economic justice.

While we have made great strides, and this government is committed to making the involvement of women the priority in all of Canada's activities in fragile states to enable women and men around the world to have an equal voice and equal rights and to live equally in safety and security, more needs to be done.

Women play a key role in conflict prevention and resolution as well as in building and sustaining an inclusive, lasting, and fair peace. When women are better represented in parliaments, those nations are significantly less likely to resort to violence in response to a crisis. This proves that a woman's place is in the House, in the Senate, and on the executive.

Let us continue to commit to stand alongside women and organizations that strive to build a more just and peaceful world.

Hôpital Notre-Dame-de-FatimaStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Conservative

Bernard Généreux Conservative Montmagny—L'Islet—Kamouraska—Rivière-du-Loup, QC

Mr. Speaker, as I said last May 10, it has been almost 56 years since I, by virtue of my birth, inaugurated a room at Hôpital Notre-Dame-de-Fatima. The hospital was built to serve the population of Kamouraska and the surrounding area. Over the past year, local residents and health care professionals working together have organized a march, a petition, and more to keep our hospital and to keep health care alive in our region.

It is important to me to celebrate this grassroots movement by repeating myself. Apparently repeating things eventually gets the message across. I strongly support this movement because, with our aging population, we are going to need all of those services and more. I am wearing a “K” with a red heart around it because I love my community, and my community includes health care. Clearly, we need to keep health care close to home.

Jim ToveyStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Sven Spengemann Liberal Mississauga—Lakeshore, ON

Mr. Speaker, with a heavy heart, I pay tribute to my friend, Jim Tovey, who served as councillor for Mississauga's Ward 1, or “Ward Wonderful”, as he loved to call it. We lost Jim suddenly on January 15.

Jim Tovey was pure life force. He saw our shared humanity in every person and put all his energy into everything he did. Jim also saw government as a force for good. An accomplished musician, poet, and carpenter, he entered politics to champion the arts, culture and heritage, veterans, science and technology, social justice, the environment, and the Great Lakes.

I stand with Jim's wife, Lee, his family, colleagues at all levels of government, friends, and the residents of Ward Wonderful as we say goodbye. We miss Jim terribly, but we take comfort in knowing that his memory will inspire us for years to come.

I will close with Jim's own words:

And as we sleep our spirits soar amongst the stars and run
to build new worlds in empty space, where love will be our sun.

Pat ChefurkaStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

NDP

Irene Mathyssen NDP London—Fanshawe, ON

Mr. Speaker, I would like today to pay tribute to our sister, Pat Chefurka, a proud New Democrat, a trail-blazing feminist, and a relentless advocate for social justice. Pat died January 21.

Born in Manitoba in 1924, Pat received a bachelor of science degree from Brandon College and became the first woman to receive a master's degree in physics from Montana State College. She accepted a position teaching physics at the University of Western Ontario in 1963 and resigned in 1974 due to pay inequity, a problem then as now.

Pat became actively involved with the CCF in the 1940s and was a good friend of Tommy Douglas. Among her many accomplishments, she was the first woman president of the Ontario NDP and was a recipient of the Agnes Macphail Award.

In addition to her many worthy pursuits, Pat managed to be a mentor to countless women over the course of her life. I will miss her steely determination, her unflagging optimism, and her dedication to fighting the good fight.

Rest in power, Pat. We will take it from here.

Mental HealthStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Richard Hébert Liberal Lac-Saint-Jean, QC

Mr. Speaker, for every text message, tweet, and retweet sent today using the hashtag #BellLetsTalk, Bell will donate 5¢ to mental health initiatives.

This high-profile nationwide effort is very important not only because of its mission, but also because it will help put an end to the stigma associated with mental illness in Canada. I am sure every one of us knows someone, a family member or friend, who has mental health issues. There are significant economic, social, and human costs associated with mental health problems. That is why I am so proud that our government is investing $5 billion to ensure proper mental health support for perhaps as many as 500,000 young Canadians under the age of 25.

I therefore encourage all members in the House to talk about mental health, not only today, but throughout the whole year, in order to break down—

Mental HealthStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

The Speaker Liberal Geoff Regan

Order. The hon. member for Edmonton West.

Pierre LozierStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Conservative

Kelly McCauley Conservative Edmonton West, AB

Mr. Speaker, I too rise to honour Pierre Lozier, one of our parliamentary family.

Pierre Lozier was a veteran protective service constable, serving this place for 33 years. He was always good for a laugh, lending anyone who asked a hand or an ear when they needed it. Pete was also one of the responders on the floor during the 2014 attack and ran toward danger, despite being weaponless, when gunfire erupted in the Hall of Honour.

My heart goes out to Pete's friends and family during this tragic time. May they rest assured that they have the prayers and the support of everyone in the House.

As for our protective service team, I would like them to know that we appreciate all that they do in keeping us safe. My thanks to all of them and to Pete for 33 years of honourable service to the House.

Laval Meals on WheelsStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Fayçal El-Khoury Liberal Laval—Les Îles, QC

Mr. Speaker, Laval's Meals on Wheels association comprises eight independent Meals on Wheels organizations that prepare and deliver over 150,000 low-cost meals to seniors and vulnerable people in Laval.

The meals are prepared according to the instructions and under the supervision of health professionals and nutritionists.

These organizations employ some 50 people, but what is even more remarkable is the contribution made by over 400 volunteers, whose average age is about 70.

Together these individuals have volunteered more than 42,000 hours and have driven nearly 120,000 kilometres to deliver meals to the citizens of Laval.

I would like to invite my colleagues to join me in recognizing these volunteers' exceptional contribution to the community of Laval and in thanking them for their efforts.

Georgette LepageStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Alexandra Mendes Liberal Brossard—Saint-Lambert, QC

Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today in the House. On January 22, we lost a remarkable woman, Georgette Lepage, the former and first mayor of Brossard, who served from 1983 to 1990. Ms. Lepage was also a devoted wife and active member of the community. She declared Brossard to be the first multicultural city in Quebec in 1989.

Many people will remember her as an energetic, hands-on politician who was always helping others. Ms. Lepage was a very deserving recipient of the Ordre du mérite de Brossard, the Mérite municipal from Quebec's Department of Municipal Affairs, and the medal of the National Assembly for her social involvement.

What is more, the municipal library was named after Georgette Lepage in order to honour her dedicated work as a volunteer and recognize her contribution to Brossard's cultural development. We will always remember Ms. Lepage as an inspiring woman who brought people together. On behalf of the people of Brossard—Saint-Lambert and all those she inspired, I offer my sincere condolences to her family.

Groundhog DayStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Conservative

Larry Miller Conservative Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound, ON

Mr. Speaker,

Once again on Friday February 2nd
Wee Wiarton Willy will be beckoned.

It will be his very first prediction
Done with fervour & conviction

While he's a rookie in groundhog circles
He'll be far more famous than Steve Urkel

He'll talk to Mayor Janice in groundhogese
And do it all with a glamourous ease

Take Alberta's brown coated Balzac Billy
His prediction skills make him look silly

Or Nova Scotia's Shubenacadie Sam
Whose prediction record is simply a sham
And Pennsylvania's Puxatawney Phil
He can't hold a carrot to our “Wee Will”
I will be there when he comes out of his cage
I'm convinced Wee Wiarton Willie will be the new rage
With his glistening white fur coat
He will instill in Wiartonians eternal hope
When he declares that beautiful thing
There's only 6 more weeks until spring

Tamil CanadiansStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Liberal

Raj Grewal Liberal Brampton East, ON

Mr. Speaker, this past month, Canadians have reflected and celebrated the invaluable social, cultural, and economic contributions that Tamil Canadians have made to our society. I would like to take this opportunity to highlight two amazing organizations in my riding

The Brampton Tamil Seniors Association works tirelessly to build a better community for seniors by organizing weekly socials, yoga, and computer classes. The organization is an inspiration to us all.

We also have the Brampton Tamil Association, which has been indispensable in building bridges between communities and enriching and sharing the Tamil culture and heritage within a multicultural Canadian environment.

Tamil Canadians, just like all Canadians, are working tirelessly to achieve their very own Canadian dream.

A very happy Thai Pongal and happy Tamil Heritage Month to all those celebrating this year.

The EnvironmentStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Liberal

Joyce Murray Liberal Vancouver Quadra, BC

Mr. Speaker, the future economy will be a green economy, and Canadian businesses are leading the way.

Last week, 13 Canadian companies, seven of which are from British Columbia, were on the prestigious 2018 Global Cleantech top 100 list. This list highlights the most innovative companies world wide, with promising ideas best positioned to solve humanity's sustainability challenges.

From my own riding of Vancouver Quadra, Axine Water Technologies is one of them. It was recognized for its impressive chemical-free, low-cost solution to waste water problems. Its novel approach solves a multi-billion dollar problem across multiple industries. Axine's technology is a perfect example of how environmental stewardship is not just good for our communities, but good for business and the economy.

Today, Canada's innovators are proving that going green is the right thing to do and the smart thing to do. I am proud to recognize their vision and entrepreneurial spirit in the House.

Mental HealthStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Conservative

Stephanie Kusie Conservative Calgary Midnapore, AB

Mr. Speaker, in any given year, one in five Canadians will experience mental illness, and by the age of 40, 50% will have experienced it as well. Mental Illness does not discriminate against age, education, income level or culture.

Although mental disorders are all around us, in our family members, friends, colleagues, or even ourselves, the stigma still remains. Just because we cannot see it does not mean it is not there.

Today is Bell's Let's Talk day, where it supports mental health organizations across the country to raise awareness. It carries out conversations of mental illness with our communities to help bring an end to the stigma.

As parliamentarians, we have a duty to keep this conversation going long past today so people know it is okay to talk about mental health.

As deputy health shadow minister for the official opposition, I am proud the join the conversation.

Construction IndustryStatements By Members

2:20 p.m.

Liberal

Steven MacKinnon Liberal Gatineau, QC

There is more good news, Mr. Speaker.

From day one, our government has worked to help the middle class and local businesses, including those in the construction industry.

Today, we are keeping our promise by announcing our intention to introduce prompt payment legislation for Government of Canada construction projects.

This is the result of over a year's work, in close collaboration between our government and the Canadian construction industry. We have developed a 14-point action plan on prompt payment.

We have taken meaningful steps in implementing this action plan by publicly posting payments to business owners, establishing a statement of principles, and changing our policies to ensure that payment can be made within 30 days.

I am proud to say that we are on track to complete our action plan by later this year.

This will benefit tradespeople across the country.

Status of WomenStatements By Members

2:20 p.m.

NDP

Sheila Malcolmson NDP Nanaimo—Ladysmith, BC

Mr. Speaker, 51 years ago, the Royal Commission on the Status of Women exposed widespread discrimination against women, yet Canada has since dropped to 25th on the UN Gender Inequality index: Time's Up.

Forty years ago Pierre Trudeau promised women in Canada pay equity. Two years ago, the House voted with the NDP for equal pay. Seven months ago, the Prime Minister missed the all party committees' deadline for legislation: Time's Up.

One year ago The Globe and Mail reported that in one out of 5,500 sexual assault reports, police deemed one in five unfounded, yet no federal action: Time's Up.

All the progress on women's equality has been from women and their allies marching and standing together. Why should women always shoulder the burden of change? Time is up for the government to use its majority to enact real change for women.

Member for Cariboo—Prince GeorgeStatements By Members

2:20 p.m.

Conservative

Bob Zimmer Conservative Prince George—Peace River—Northern Rockies, BC

Mr. Speaker, I would like to read a Facebook post that I wrote to my friend from Cariboo—Prince George, which summarizes how we feel about his recent knock on Heaven's door:

“Can't tell you, [the member from Cariboo—Prince George], how shocked I was (the few of us that knew early on) that your life literally was hanging in the balance. I felt for Kelly, Josh, Kassi, Kaitlyn & Jordan that they may lose you. Too concerned that I would lose a friend and felt how much good you still have left to do. How soon life can change. I have seen you rise from a nervous nomination candidate to Conservative candidate to a seasoned MP and proudly tell people how great of a job you are doing for Cariboo—Prince George. But I/we want you and need you to be here for the long game.“

“So take the time you need to get well. This job can be a stressful one at times (most of the time) as you know with so many expectations of so many. But it all doesn't matter if you are gone. You've been given a precious second chance and I want to see you use it. From all of us here in this chamber to you watching from home today, we love you. Love you, brother. Get well and we'll see you soon.”

Member for Cariboo—Prince GeorgeStatements By Members

2:20 p.m.

Liberal

The Speaker Liberal Geoff Regan

I assume that sentiment was unanimously felt.

The hon. member for Dartmouth—Cole Harbour.

Mental HealthStatements By Members

2:20 p.m.

Liberal

Darren Fisher Liberal Dartmouth—Cole Harbour, NS

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remind everyone in the House and across Canada that today is Bell Let's Talk day. This is a great time to let folks know that we are listening and that we support them.

We know that in any given year, one in five people in the country will personally experience a mental health problem or illness. It is one of the many reasons our government announced $5 billion through budget 2017 for stronger mental health support across Canada.

For every tweet today, including #BellLetsTalk, and for every post to Bell Let's Talk Facebook page, Bell will donate 5¢ to support Canadian mental health programs. Whether people want to share their stories, support others or tell people what they are having for dinner, include #BellLetsTalk, and they will help raise money for mental health programs in Canada.

Let us all join the conversation and end the stigma surrounding mental health.

EthicsOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

Regina—Qu'Appelle Saskatchewan

Conservative

Andrew Scheer ConservativeLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister forced a minister to pay back more than $3,000 for inappropriate expenses. He forced his chief of staff and his principal secretary to pay back more than $64,000 for inappropriate moving expenses. Before he became prime minister, he himself had to pay back nearly $1,000 in expenses.

When will the Prime Minister follow his own rules and give Canadians back the $200,000 that he charged them for his illegal trips?

EthicsOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

Waterloo Ontario

Liberal

Bardish Chagger LiberalLeader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister of Small Business and Tourism

Mr. Speaker, immediately after the commissioner's report was tabled, the Prime Minister took responsibility, accepted the findings, and committed to working with the office of the commissioner on future personal and family vacations.

The opposition members for weeks and months have been asking these questions, demanding the report, and now that the report has been tabled, they refuse to accept the findings.

On our side, we thank the commissioner. We accept the findings, and we will follow every recommendation.

EthicsOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

Regina—Qu'Appelle Saskatchewan

Conservative

Andrew Scheer ConservativeLeader of the Opposition

The issue, Mr. Speaker, is that nobody is buying the Prime Minister's phony remorse about being caught breaking the law. He wants to pretend like this is all about addressing things going forward, but he has not addressed what has happened in the past. He would have us believe that it was a close family friend, despite the fact that they did not speak for over 30 years. He would have us believe that the meetings had nothing to do with government business, even though there was a request for an official meeting just days before he left.

When will the Prime Minister do the right thing and pay back taxpayers' money for the cost he imposed on them?

EthicsOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

Waterloo Ontario

Liberal

Bardish Chagger LiberalLeader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister of Small Business and Tourism

Mr. Speaker, the previous commissioner, both in her report and in her testimony to committee, answered many questions related to her report. We accepted her findings in respect of her work.

On this side, we respect the work of all officers of Parliament. Unlike the opposition, when officers of Parliament make recommendations, we take them seriously and we work with them to ensure we follow them. On top of this, the Prime Minister has committed to working with the office of the commissioner to clear all future personal and family vacations.

EthicsOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

Regina—Qu'Appelle Saskatchewan

Conservative

Andrew Scheer ConservativeLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, an apology is meaningless if it does not come with a sincere attempt to make amends.

By the Prime Minister's logic, it is okay to bill taxpayers for expenses, even when the purpose of those expenses is used to break the law. I believe Canadians reject that premise.

Canadians do not want to see anymore of his fake apologies; they want real action. If he truly wants to fix this issue and re-earn the trust of Canadians, he can pay them back for the money he cost them.