Debates of Nov. 2nd, 2018

Budget Implementation Act, 2018, No. 2

[The Assistant Deputy Speaker, NDP, Carol Hughes]

The hon. member will have five minutes for questions and comments after question period.

Veteran

[Pam Damoff, Liberal, Oakville North—Burlington, ON]

Madam Speaker, last Friday I joined Bill Reid at the Appleby GO train station in Burlington as he celebrated his 30th year of singing and pinning poppies on smiling commuters in honour of Remembrance Day. Every year the retired teacher, who served in Belgium during World War II, shares war-time songs and stories with commuters as they line up to be pinned with a poppy.

When Bill first started pinning poppies in 1988, a commuter told him about his father who had been a prisoner of war in Germany and that his dad loved a particular song, but no one in the family knew which song it was. Bill started singing “Coming in on a Wing and a Prayer” and, much to the delight of the commuter, he immediately recognized the song that his dad so loved. Bill also visits seniors homes to provide a short Remembrance Day service for them, complete with classic songs from the blitz.

My thanks to Bill for his service, infectious community spirit and sharing his voice and stories and love of our country.

Lewis Farms Recreation Centre

[Kelly McCauley, Conservative, Edmonton West, AB]

Madam Speaker, this summer Liberal MPs fanned out across the country to do what the Liberals do best, make funding announcements in Liberal ridings with other people's money. These included billions of tax dollars for things like a sausage factory and a cheese plant in Quebec, a tourist hot spot in New Brunswick that is just an open grassy field and that has been called “a national historic site with no site”, and holding receptions with no purpose other than celebrating previous announcements.

My riding and much of Alberta have been left out, including a project that would benefit people in Edmonton West and the greater community as a whole. The Lewis Farms Recreation Centre is a project that will bring not only a rec centre but eventually a library, school and a park. The project would have a tremendous impact on the entire community, but is at risk due to a lack of funding.

I ask if the member for Edmonton Mill Woods and his colleague for Edmonton Centre would put aside party politics and demand that the government support this project and get the Lewis Farms Recreation Centre built.

Saint-Boniface University

[Dan Vandal, Liberal, Saint Boniface—Saint Vital, MB]

Mr. Speaker, western Canada's first educational institution was founded 200 years ago. Known then as Collège de Saint-Boniface, its rich history is a testament to the important role it has played in protecting and promoting the French language in Manitoba.

As a private institution, the college defied the Thornton Act prohibition on French as a language of instruction for over 50 years.

Many eminent members of the Canadian francophonie studied at the college, including Louis Riel.

Now officially known as the Université de Saint-Boniface, USB is still the only French-language university in western Canada, and it welcomes students from around the world.

A big celebration will be held on Thursday, November 8, to honour our francophone institution.

Enjoy the celebration, and long live the Université de Saint-Boniface!

Society of Organized Services

[Gord Johns, NDP, Courtenay—Alberni, BC]

Madam Speaker, on Sunday, November 4, a golden jubilee community celebration will be held in Parksville to mark the 50th anniversary of the Society of Organized Services. Known to residents and visitors as the SOS, this beloved agency provides vital social services to communities throughout the Oceanside region on Vancouver Island.

It provides after-school homework assistance for students, meals on wheels for seniors and a homeless prevention program, which has found housing for 44 people at immediate risk of homelessness and has provided one-time crisis housing support for another 10.

The next time members are at the SOS thrift store in Parksville, they should check out their 18,000 square feet of savings and say hello to some of the over 350 selfless individuals who volunteer their time to SOS each year. SOS continues to lead the way in assisting the most vulnerable in our communities and will continue to do so, I am sure, for another 50 years.

Whales

[Sean Casey, Liberal, Charlottetown, PE]

Madam Speaker, there are only 74 southern resident killer whales remaining in the wild. These highly social animals are facing an imminent threat to their survival and recovery. We need to act now to protect them.

Since taking office, we have taken action to protect critical food sources and safeguard habitat. Our government has been working with industry scientists, advocacy groups and indigenous communities to try to reverse the alarming decline of the southern resident killer whale population, because we believe that only by working together can we tackle this problem.

This week, our government introduced further measures to protect the whales, including the creation of new whale sanctuaries to give them space to live together, to feed and to raise their young. This past summer we also put in place new rules to keep vessels at a safe distance.

After a decade of lost time under the previous government, I believe we owe it to our kids and grandkids to protect nature and the wildlife that depends on it.

Alberta

[Michelle Rempel, Conservative, Calgary Nose Hill, AB]

Madam Speaker, driving to work in Calgary this morning, these are the stories we would hear on the radio. We would hear about the impact of the Trans Mountain pipeline delay on the local economy. We would hear about how Bill C-69 is killing investment in the energy sector. We would hear about how the price differential for oil is killing the energy sector. We would hear about stagnant wage growth in the city, and we would hear about high unemployment numbers that are continuing.

My constituents and my province need the government to immediately kill Bill C-69. This is a key determinant of investment fleeing the province, and it needs to stop today. It needs to invoke paragraph 92.10(c) of the Constitution to ensure that the Trans Mountain pipeline is completely within federal jurisdiction, and it needs to scrap the carbon tax. Most importantly, the government needs to stop treating Alberta like a colony, whose only purpose is to be milked for equalization payments.

Municipal Elections

[Mike Bossio, Liberal, Hastings—Lennox and Addington, ON]

Madam Speaker, when I first entered municipal politics in 1998, it was under the leadership of Tyendinaga Township's first female reeve, and Hastings County's first female warden, Margaret Walsh. She has been a great mentor to me and helped shape me into the politician and community activist I am today.

As a rural MP, I have the honour to serve 19 municipalities and one first nation reserve in my riding, and I was proud to see over 30 female councillors or heads of council elected this year out of over 100 positions. This includes Greater Napanee's very first female mayor, Marg Isbester. However, 30% is not nearly enough, and we all need to do our part to set the conditions for more women to want to be engaged in politics, to support them and to vote for them.

I congratulate all the women and men elected, and I look forward to working with them to serve our constituents.

War Amps

[Erin O'Toole, Conservative, Durham, ON]

Madam Speaker, next week is remembrance week, and this year we mark 100 years since the end of the First World War. As a veteran, I also want to recognize groups that have been helping our veterans. I thank the War Amps for their 100 years, this year, of supporting our veterans.

I would like to thank the War Amps for everything they do for our veterans.

Before there was a Veterans Affairs Canada, there was the War Amps. In 1918, they were veterans helping one another adapt to their new challenges and advocating for others, and advocate they have. They have led the way. In 1932, they brought together all groups in the National Council of Veteran Associations. In 1962, they began helping child amputees with their CHAMP and Playsafe programs. In 1980, they helped Terry Fox. From POWs to indigenous veterans to the Merchant Navy, they have been at the forefront.

I thank Brian Forbes and his entire War Amps team for 100 years of advocacy for our veterans.

Community Health Van

[Lloyd Longfield, Liberal, Guelph, ON]

Madam Speaker, last week I had the honour to celebrate with my community the first year of service of the community health van at the Guelph Community Health Centre, which is also home to the overdose prevention site championed by executive director Raechelle Devereaux. The services provided by the community health van and the overdose prevention site are making a meaningful impact on the lives of my constituents.

Since its October 5, 2017, launch, the project has had a total of 3,751 visits. The community health van works with the most vulnerable in our community, reaching out to those experiencing homelessness, struggling with mental health and/or addiction issues, or living in poverty and those with physical health concerns. I was truly humbled by the team of volunteers and staff, led by Colin McVicker of the Sanguen Health Centre, that works through the night to ensure access to treatment that may not otherwise reach those being served by this team.

In Guelph, we are reducing stigma and engaging with the most vulnerable in our community to ensure prevention and access to care.

Movember

[Paul Lefebvre, Liberal, Sudbury, ON]

Madam Speaker, today, Friday, November 2, is the second day of the Movember campaign.

The purpose of this campaign is to raise awareness of prostate cancer, testicular cancer, men's mental health and men's suicide prevention. These are important issues for everyone, considering that one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetimes. In addition, three out of four deaths by suicide are men, which results in eight men who die every single day by suicide in this country.

Clearly, we need to get these issues out in the open in order to break the stigma. I urge all my colleagues to take part in this campaign to raise awareness of men's health issues.

Local Women and Children's Shelter

[Peter Schiefke, Liberal, Vaudreuil—Soulanges, QC]

Madam Speaker, it is 2018, and violence against women is still all too common in our communities. That is why I encourage the members of my community of Vaudreuil—Soulanges to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on November 25.

I also want to take this opportunity to commend the team at Hébergement La Passerelle for their compassion, discretion and assiduous care. For 22 years, the shelter has been offering a wide variety of services and a safe haven for women and children fleeing violence.

I urge my constituents to seek more information over the next month and to give generously to this organization, which is vital to our community.

Finally, I encourage all members of my community of Vaudreuil—Soulanges, and Canadians across the country, to learn more about what we can do to make our young men allies as we seek to finally end violence against women.

Carbon Pricing

[Martin Shields, Conservative, Bow River, AB]

Madam Speaker, the Liberals claim to have a plan to protect the environment. No. What they have is a massive tax hike on everything. Now the Liberals plan to force this tax hike, this hidden one, on Canadians across the country. The Liberals promise that they will return most of the money they collect, but Canadians know the government's record on keeping promises when it comes to taxation and spending. No.

They said they would balance the budget within three years, but under this plan, we may never see it balanced. That promise was just another election gimmick, and so is the carbon tax rebate. Only a Liberal would claim that a new tax will leave more money in our pockets. Canadians see this tax for what it is: another Liberal scheme to finance its massive deficit spending. It will cost people more to heat their homes, feed their families and fill their gas tanks, and it will have a devastating impact on the agricultural sector. It is double taxation. No more carbon tax.

Remembrance Day

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

Madam Speaker, I invite all Canadians to take part in one of the many Remembrance Day ceremonies being held all across the country.

This year is especially significant because we are marking the 100th anniversary of Canada's Hundred Days. Canadians made a significant contribution and immense sacrifices during the First World War. Canada's Hundred Days led not only to the end of the First World War, but also to the signing of the armistice on November 11, 1918.

Canadians should contact their local legion to find out more about the upcoming ceremonies. In Glengarry—Prescott—Russell, ceremonies will begin this weekend in Alfred, L'Orignal, Vankleek Hill, Casselman, Vars and Apple Hill.

In fact, I would like to thank all the local legions that year after year ensure that our younger generations never forget the ultimate sacrifice our brave men and women in uniform made so that we can live in peace. I encourage the residents of Glengarry—Prescott—Russell to support their local legions.

Mel Hymers

[Irene Mathyssen, NDP, London—Fanshawe, ON]

Madam Speaker, “They also serve who only stand and wait.”

In this month of remembrance, I pay tribute to Mel Hymers, a friend, a veteran, and an exceptional human being. Mel was an airplane mechanic in the Royal Canadian Air Force, stationed in Newfoundland during the Second World War. He would sometimes say that he did not make a real contribution to the war because he stayed back. However, we know the importance of Mel's contribution. He kept the planes flying and the airmen safe.

Mel's military service was a source of great pride for him. He loved his family, he loved fiddle music and he loved to fly. At 90, Mel was determined to be part of the first manned mission to Mars, and he was approved for the mission by NASA. It was my great honour and privilege to know him.

Mel passed on October 10 at the age of 100, surrounded by his loved ones and listening to violin music.

God speed to Mel. We wish him high flight and that he watch over us from Mars.

Justice

[Harold Albrecht, Conservative, Kitchener—Conestoga, ON]

Madam Speaker, there are many things the Liberal government has failed on: balancing the budget, cutting taxes for the middle class, and maintaining Canada's strong presence on the world stage. What it has not failed on is standing up for the rights of criminals over the rights of victims.

Bill C-75, the Liberal's 300-page omnibus justice reform bill, would water down penalties for very serious crimes. If passed, criminals could be sentenced with as little as a fine for serious offences such as human trafficking, using drugs in the act of sexual assault, and impaired driving causing bodily harm.

Canadians can always count on the Conservative Party to put the rights of victims before the rights of criminals. That is why we introduced the victim's bill of rights, introduced mandatory minimums and campaigned on life means life legislation.

Today, as the father of Tori Stafford and hundreds of others are outside these walls protesting the Liberal government, I call on the government to put its ideology aside, do the decent thing and stand up for victims of crime.

Violence Against Women and Girls

[Kate Young, Liberal, London West, ON]

Madam Speaker, violence against women and girls is a terrible and tragic reality, and it is important to shine a light on this ongoing abuse.

This month marks the London Abused Women's Centre's ninth annual “Shine the Light” campaign. The London, Ontario, organization offers abused and sexually exploited women and girls counselling, advocacy and support in a safe setting. Its “Shine the Light” campaign aims to raise awareness of violence against women and girls by turning communities purple for the month of November.

Our government strongly supports gender equality and condemns any type of violence against women and girls. As Canadians, we need to do more to create a culture of non-violence and respect for women and girls. This month, let us stand in solidarity with victims, their families and loved ones and recognize their courage and survival.

Privacy

[John Brassard, Conservative, Barrie—Innisfil, ON]

Madam Speaker, over the past four days, Canadians have been hearing about a massive Liberal overreach into their personal banking information. For four days, the Liberals have been defending it as though accessing line-by-line, transaction-by-transaction details of my mother and father's bank account without their consent is normal behaviour. If foreign governments tried this, they would be accused of hacking into my mom and dad's account. Why do the Liberals think it is okay to hack into Canadian bank accounts and take personal data without their consent?

[David Lametti, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation]

Madam Speaker, our government takes the privacy of Canadians very seriously, but I need to correct a few things in the hon. member's discourse.

First, this is a pilot project currently in the design stage. No data has been collected to date. It is Statistics Canada that would be gathering the data, not the government.

Statistics Canada's job is precisely to provide good data that is reliable and necessary to meet the needs of all Canadians, all Canadian levels of government, including municipal governments, the federal government and provincial governments. It has done this for 100 years.

[John Brassard, Conservative, Barrie—Innisfil, ON]

Madam Speaker, the Liberals have been defending this for four days. What a backtrack this is. This is a personal violation of every Canadian. Canadians have no faith or trust in the current Liberal government and how it will use that data. Over the past 19 months, there have been hundreds of thousands of examples of privacy breaches by the Liberal government. Canadians are rightly cynical, and they will not stand for this intrusion into their personal lives. Why are the Liberals supporting this gross violation into the privacy of Canadians?

[David Lametti, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation]

Madam Speaker, Statistics Canada as an institution has an exemplary record of gathering the personal information of Canadians. It has been doing it for 100 years, in a safe and secure fashion, and will continue to do so. The reports that Statistics Canada puts out are important to Canadians in all walks of life in terms of how they plan their personal lives. For municipal governments, provincial governments and the federal government to create good policy, and for institutions such as the Bank of Canada, Statistics Canada performs a necessary role. We will continue to defend its ability to do so. It is respecting the privacy of Canadians.

[John Brassard, Conservative, Barrie—Innisfil, ON]

Madam Speaker, now the Liberals are hiding behind Statistics Canada when it was their idea to invade Canadian privacy. This is why the personal violation and breach of trust becomes important. If a mom and a dad transfer $15,000 to their son and daughter-in-law to help with the purchase of their first home, should they expect a call from the government asking them why? Will the government call new Canadians after they transfer money back home to their family in the Philippines, asking what that transfer was for?

The potential for abuse is real. This personal violation of privacy is wrong on every level. Why can the Liberal government not see that?

[David Lametti, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation]

Madam Speaker, no government and no Canadian will have access to the personal information of Canadians. It will end with Statistics Canada, which will keep it in a secure fashion.

What governments do get, what other institutions will get, what other Canadians will get, are Statistics Canada reports, which are relied on by Canadians, by members of Parliament and by other governments across Canada and have been for 100 years.

Statistics Canada has worked with the Privacy Commissioner on this pilot project from the get-go. It will continue to do so in respect of the privacy of Canadians. Canadians do not need to be worried about their information.

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

Madam Speaker, the situation is very clear to millions of Canadians. Statistics Canada has no business poking around in the personal bank accounts of honest Canadians. That is clear. Pilot project or not, that is a fundamental principle that we, the Conservatives, will defend.

Yes, Statistics Canada has been gathering information for 100 years, but it has been doing so with Canadians' consent and permission.

In this case, Statistics Canada plans to poke around in their bank accounts without their consent. That makes no sense. Why do the Liberals continue to defend the indefensible?

[David Lametti, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation]

Madam Speaker, our government takes Canadians' privacy very seriously. Let us be clear. This is a pilot project that is still in the design stages. No data have been collected to date.

Statistics Canada's job is to provide the reliable data needed to meet the needs of Canadians, businesses and communities. Statistics Canada has worked and collaborated with the Privacy Commissioner on this pilot project from the get-go, and it will continue to do so.