Debates of Oct. 19th, 2018

Corrections and Conditional Release Act

[Francis Drouin, Liberal, Glengarry—Prescott—Russell, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his question.

I will repeat that when an inmate is placed in this special unit, the warden will examine the case and decide whether the inmate must remain there. Subsequent reviews will be done by the warden after 30 days and by the commissioner of the Correctional Service every 30 days thereafter.

I believe that we have put in place a system that will comply with the rulings of the Ontario and the British Columbia courts.

I am sure that our bill will comply with the rulings.

[Earl Dreeshen, Conservative, Red Deer—Mountain View, AB]

Mr. Speaker, to the hon. member, I have an institution in my riding where nearly half a million dollars of drugs were seized by corrections officials in 2017.

When I think about that situation, I also think about the suggestion that, well, maybe we should be advancing needle exchange programs, spoons, and so on. I think that gives the wrong impression to people about what life and conditions should be in prison.

As Conservatives, we look at advancing and expanding the screening process, and maybe making sure that no one comes in. That would perhaps be a better way to create some safety for those who are in the prisons, primarily those who do not use drugs.

Thinking about the situation, if everyone else is going to have a needle, maybe each person should have one as well just to protect themself. That is how obscene this approach to corrections is.

[Francis Drouin, Liberal, Glengarry—Prescott—Russell, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I am glad the member mentioned the amount of dollars seized in terms of drug seizures. It is why, as part of that response, we will be putting body scanners in prisons to ensure those drugs do not get into our prison system. I agree with the member, there should be a lot more technology. My question to the member is, will he support Bill C-83?

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

Mr. Speaker, at the top of his speech, my colleague said that Bill C-83 would end the practice of administrative segregation. That is technically true, but only because the name is changing. Instead of administrative segregation, it will be called structured intervention units. However, what does this change actually mean? It means two hours less a day and a little more support for people with mental health issues.

Does my colleague not think it is misleading to tell the House and the media that the administrative segregation process is being eliminated completely?

[Francis Drouin, Liberal, Glengarry—Prescott—Russell, ON]

Mr. Speaker, administrative segregation could force an inmate to go a whole day without human contact. The new bill will ensure that inmates get human contact, especially with mental health professionals. That is the difference.

Communities in Bloom

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

Mr. Speaker, this year, the City of Rosemère participated in the national and international editions of the Communities in Bloom competition and won a gold medal. The awards ceremony was held on September 29 in Strathcona, Alberta.

This competition is organized by a Canadian non-profit organization committed to fostering civic pride and environmental responsibility. The evaluation focuses on the community's green spaces, businesses, institutions, citizens and community groups and is based on various criteria such as tidiness, heritage conservation and environmental action.

In the international challenge category, Rosemère was competing against other cities across Canada and in Hungary, Belgium and the United Kingdom. The judges described Rosemère as a green oasis within the regional expanse of greater Montreal.

I could not be prouder to have such a beautiful city in my riding of Rivière-des-Mille-Îles. Congratulations to the City of Rosemère, its elected officials and its residents.

Royal Canadian Navy

[Jim Eglinski, Conservative, Yellowhead, AB]

Mr. Speaker, I spent part of last week sailing on the HMCS Vancouver as part of the leaders at sea program. I would like to thank Commodore Topshee, commander of the Canadian Fleet Pacific, and Commander Kouwenberg, captain of the vessel, and all personnel on board.

This amazing experience gave me the opportunity to experience life aboard one of Canada's major warships, living among and interacting with its crew to gain a deeper understanding of their mission in the service of Canada. I gained a perspective of what life is like at sea, and I better understand the training that each sailor receives for their specific role on the vessel.

I want to thank all our sailors past and present who spend months at a time away from their family and friends in the service of Canada.

Aye aye, ever on guard.

Niagara Children's Centre

[Chris Bittle, Liberal, St. Catharines, ON]

Mr. Speaker, Niagara Children's Centre is recognized throughout the Niagara region as a provider of services to children with physical, developmental and communicative disabilities. It is a family-centred organization aimed at helping every child reach their potential.

On October 14, my son and I attended the centre's fourth annual Superhero Walk. We were joined by hundreds of residents from across Niagara, many of whom have been helped or know someone who has been helped by the organization and its incredible team of staff and volunteers.

The run is a family-friendly event that allows participants to dress up as their favourite superhero and raise money for a great cause. This year, the organization sought to raise $55,000 and exceeded its goal by raising more than $70,000.

A special thanks to members of the IAFF Local 485 for their participation and showing kids some real heroes, including my son, who was a bit star-struck and refused to get out of the fire truck. I also thank the more than 300 volunteers who made this event accessible and successful.

The money raised will benefit more than 3,300 children with special needs, the smallest yet mightiest of superheroes.

Dairy Industry

[François Choquette, NDP, Drummond, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the United States-Mexico-Canada agreement was a terrible shock to our community. Our dairy farmers are going to lose huge amounts of revenue. Dairy farmers in Greater Drummond feel that the Liberal government has turned its back on them.

Here is what some of them had to say about it. “I feel we were sold to the Americans.... The Prime Minister stole my vote”, said Dave Tourigny of Saint-Germain-de-Grantham.

Jean-François Janelle of Saint-Cyrille-de-Wendover said, “I feel abandoned.... The Prime Minister was everywhere on TV talking about how he was going to protect supply management”.

Linda Lallier of South Durham told us, “You know, supply management is really about people, about families for the most part, who are passionate about their work, and it is about the next generation”.

Opening up nearly 4% of the Canadian milk market is a threat to the survival of our dairy farms. The NDP supports supply management in its entirety. Why don't the Liberals?

Persons Day

[Bernadette Jordan, Liberal, South Shore—St. Margarets, NS]

Mr. Speaker, each year, on October 18, we recognize Persons Day, a day that commemorates how women became “persons” under the law and recognizes strong female leadership.

This past March, I had the privilege of joining colleagues from all sides of this House in New York, at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, where we heard from incredible female leaders about boosting their rural economies.

I am proud to say that in my riding of South Shore—St. Margarets, we have rural communities represented by strong female leadership, like the Town of Lunenburg, the Town of Shelburne, the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg, and the Municipality of Shelburne, which all have a female MP, MLAs, mayors and wardens.

I would like to take this opportunity to recognize all of the amazing women on the South Shore who are leaders in our communities, who are boosting our rural economies, and thank all the strong women who came before us. We would not be here today without their leadership.

Nicaragua

[Michael Cooper, Conservative, St. Albert—Edmonton, AB]

Mr. Speaker, since April Daniel Ortega and his Sandinista regime have unleashed a wave of political violence and repression against the Nicaraguan people. According to a UN report, the Sandinistas have engaged in extrajudicial killings, disappearances, torture and sexual violence. This week, a report from Amnesty International reported that pro-Ortega paramilitary groups have used weapons of war against peaceful protesters.

In light of the ongoing serious human rights violations, it is no longer good enough for Canada to merely call out Ortega. The time has come for the imposition of targeted sanctions pursuant to the Magnitsky act against Ortega and his Sandinista thugs.

Mississauga Centre

[Omar Alghabra, Liberal, Mississauga Centre, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I do not know about you, but my 14th year was as unmemorable as the rest of my teenage years. However, I could not say the same about Zaynah Bhanji, a grade 8 student at Woodlands Secondary School in Mississauga. She is a sought-after artificial intelligence and virtual reality developer. She also is the only girl on her school's robotics team.

In May, Zaynah was one of “six under 16” extraordinary young people invited to speak at the international business conference C2 Montréal. Zaynah is also a member of The Knowledge Society that selects exceptional young leaders in the artificial intelligence field. She was chosen for a CIBC internship at the MaRS Discovery District. Corporations like Google and Microsoft have extended support as well. She was recently celebrated at this year's MAX Gala for her outstanding achievements.

Members should watch for her. Zaynah's impressive intelligence, boundless energy and incredible drive will change the world.

Parliament Hill

[Greg Fergus, Liberal, Hull—Aylmer, QC]

Mr. Speaker, this Saturday, October 20, I will have the honour of welcoming nearly 500 residents of my riding, Hull—Aylmer, to the place we are all honoured to work at, Parliament Hill.

As everyone knows, the Centre Block will soon close for a decade of renovations. What better than to offer the people of Hull—Aylmer the unforgettable opportunity to visit the iconic Peace Tower, the two legislative chambers, and our magnificent Library of Parliament?

During the day, we will also celebrate the outstanding contributions of 19 residents of Hull-Aylmer with the Canada 150 awards. I salute their contributions to Hull-Aylmer in fields of community, arts and culture, sports and emerging leadership.

I am proud that so many residents of Hull-Aylmer will visit this grand old building before it undergoes its much-needed rejuvenation so that countless future generations of Canadians can enjoy what we have in Hull-Aylmer's backyard.

53rd Quebec Games

[Luc Berthold, Conservative, Mégantic—L'Érable, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the City of Thetford Mines and the Appalaches RCM had the honour and, above all, the pleasure of hosting Quebec's top young athletes this summer at the 53rd Quebec Games. The entire region went above and beyond to welcome 3,700 athletes from across Quebec, athletes who gave their very best.

Many took home medals, others left with a sense of pride, knowing they outdid themselves, but they all left with wonderful memories of an incredible experience. The athletes may be back home, but the Quebec Games left an indelible mark on the hearts of the people of Mégantic—L'Érable. Some 2,580 volunteers came together, creating new friendships and a new dynamic along the way, showing us that great things can be accomplished when we work together.

Under the leadership of the president, Guylaine Dubuc, and the executive director, Guy Bérard, 40 people gained valuable work experience.

On behalf of my colleagues, I want to once again congratulate the Quebec Games organizers, the volunteers, the dozens of financial partners, and of course, the City of Thetford Mines. I particularly want to thank SportsQuébec, whose support every step of the way helped make the 53rd Quebec Games such an amazing success.

Capilano University

[Terry Beech, Liberal, Burnaby North—Seymour, BC]

Mr. Speaker, this year Capilano University is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Might I say that CapU has come a long way since its humble beginnings with just a few portables to now educating over 11,000 students per year. It has nurtured countless leaders in everything from early childhood education to global stewardship. It has also introduced tremendous programs, from indigenous independent filmmaking to small business.

Its new logo honours the Coast Salish territory and is the product of extensive consultations with local first nations. Its design was done by local Tsleil-Waututh artist Jordan Gallie and Squamish artist Marissa Nahanee.

I am a proud Capilano alumni. As an 18-year-old city councillor, I studied public administration at Capilano. Now, almost 19 years later, what I learned in those classes is still incredibly valuable to my career. I am so thankful for the outstanding education that I and so many others have received over the past 50 years.

I congratulate Capilano University.

Autism

[Jennifer O'Connell, Liberal, Pickering—Uxbridge, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today during Autism Awareness Month to recognize the Riley family, who are members of my community, for their advocacy of autism awareness. Austin, a three-time racing champion, is the first professional Canadian race car driver with autism.

It is through sharing his story that Austin has been empowering those with autism to follow their dreams, while encouraging others to learn more about it. In addition to sharing his story, Austin and his family have been touring the country, sharing the autism reality experience, a reality simulator that provides a first-hand experience of what the world is like living with autism.

Having personally taken part in this simulation, I can say it was an unforgettable and eye-opening experience. I would like to thank Austin, Jason and Shane Riley for this opportunity and their continuous advocacy and efforts to make Canada and our communities a more inclusive place for us all.

International Phelan-McDermid Syndrome Awareness Day

[Gérard Deltell, Conservative, Louis-Saint-Laurent, QC]

Mr. Speaker, recently I was very moved by the story of one of my constituents in Louis-Saint-Laurent. Stéphanie Leclerc is the mother of Sarah, a nine-year old girl with Phelan-McDermid syndrome.

Phelan-McDermid syndrome is a rare genetic condition characterized by intellectual disability, delayed or absent speech, symptoms of autism spectrum disorder, low muscle tone, motor delays and epilepsy.

It is important to raise awareness and educate people about this disorder.

I wish to inform the House that October 22 has been designated international Phelan-McDermid syndrome awareness day.

I hope this awareness-raising initiative will lead to advances that will help improve life for Sarah and all those with this disorder and their loved ones.

National Infection Control Week

[John Oliver, Liberal, Oakville, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to inform the House and all Canadians that this week is National Infection Control Week, an annual event that highlights the important work being done by infection prevention professionals. This year's theme is “No Borders”, as everyone across health care disciplines, in provinces, territories and countries, plays a role in keeping Canadians safe from infectious diseases.

In addition to health care professionals, there are many people who perform infection prevention control activities, from people who perform cleaning and sanitation services, to those we put on the front lines during global responses to emerging diseases or outbreaks.

I encourage all Canadians and members of the House to use this year's infection control week as an opportunity to raise awareness of infection prevention and control in Canada, and recognize the valuable contribution of the many people who help reduce our risks of infectious diseases every day.

Everyone in this place can do their part by washing their hands several times a day.

Housing

[Wayne Stetski, NDP, Kootenay—Columbia, BC]

Mr. Speaker, last Tuesday, I held one of my “coffee with your MP” meetings at Freshies Coffee and Crepes in Fernie. I met with the owner, Guylaine, who told me how difficult it was to keep staff because of the lack of affordable housing.

On Wednesday, I convened a meeting at Community Connections in Cranbrook with organizations concerned about homeless outreach and prevention. Tears were shed in that room, with heartbreaking stories about homeless families and individuals due to the lack of social housing, the lack of support for people with mental illness, and rental occupancy rates near zero.

Later on, I attended a forum on youth at risk and homelessness in Nelson. We heard how youth fleeing troubling situations at home, or aging out of foster care end up in dangerous situations on the street.

This is Small Business Week in Canada and, coincidentally, Wednesday was the International Day For The Eradication of Poverty. What do they have in common and what do we need in my riding of Kootenay—Columbia? We need affordable housing now, not in two years, not in 10 years. We need it now. The federal government can and must do better.

Small Business Week

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

Mr. Speaker, this week is Small Business Week, and yet the Liberals have proven time and time again that they have no interest in helping small businesses succeed. Their failure to champion Canadian small business has real life consequences that matter and impact people's day-to-day lives.

Farmers in my riding employ many workers and managers, and these small business owners are struggling. With an early snow and excess moisture, many farmers still have crops in the field that are wasting away. They need propane and fuel to dry their crops. Instead of helping farmers, the Liberals are making life difficult and more expensive by forcing a carbon tax and attempting to change taxation rules for small businesses. This means significant administrative strain on regular farm operations, and some farmers will need to make a difficult choice about whether their way of life is still affordable and sustainable.

Farmers feed Canada and the world and their government should be doing everything possible to assist them, not hurt them. The consequence of the Prime Minister's failures are real and it is the small businesses in Canada that will pay the price.

[Andrew Leslie, Liberal, Orléans, ON]

Mr. Speaker, small businesses represent 98% of all Canadian businesses and employ more than eight million Canadians from coast to coast to coast.

With Small Business Week coming to a close, I would like to take this opportunity to celebrate some of the hard-working small businesses right here in the city of Ottawa, specifically in my riding, by drawing special attention to Echo Audiology, which just celebrated its one-year anniversary in Orleans; Stray Dog Brewing Company, which was recently named one of five best new breweries in Canada; Aura Design & Integration, which just opened its doors this fall; Gloucester Pottery School, which employs and represents our vibrant arts community by employing dozens of students and training them in the arts; and OakWood, which was recently awarded with Renovator of the Year.

Again, I want to acknowledge and thank the entrepreneurs in our community for the important role that they play. I am proud to celebrate Small Business Week with you and all members of the House.

Justice

[Candice Bergen, Conservative, Portage—Lisgar, MB]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the justice minister said that the case against Vice-Admiral Norman was being handled by the Public Prosecution Service of Canada and was totally independent of the government. However, there is only one problem with that: the Prime Minister talked about charges being laid in this case back in April 2017, almost a full year before any charges were laid.

How did the Prime Minister know a year ahead of time that charges would be laid against Mark Norman? Who told the Prime Minister?

[Ralph Goodale, Liberal, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness]

Mr. Speaker, as we have noted in the House many times this week and otherwise, this is a matter that is presently before the courts. A proper judicial proceeding is under way. It is in the hands of the Public Prosecution Service on the Crown side. It is in the hands of very a competent defence counsel on the defence side, and it is inappropriate for members of Parliament to comment on that process or any aspect of that process while the judicial system is still at work.

[Candice Bergen, Conservative, Portage—Lisgar, MB]

Mr. Speaker, we are asking about the cover-up that is going on right now in the Prime Minister's Office. The Prime Minister had no problem announcing to the world on multiple occasions that charges would be laid against Vice-Admiral Norman, even before an investigation was complete. Earlier this week, government officials had no problem talking to reporters on background about the Treasury Board president's dealings with Irving, but as for answering serious questions that might embarrass the Prime Minister, there is silence and lame excuses.

Who are they protecting? What are they hiding?

[Ralph Goodale, Liberal, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness]

Mr. Speaker, the hon. member talks about lame excuses. Well, the excuses would actually be multiple rulings by the Speaker of the House of Commons and the rules compiled for the benefit of the House of Commons by the very table officers in front of us. Those rules make it very clear that during the course of a criminal proceeding, it is inappropriate to either ask or answer questions in the House of Commons.