Debates of Nov. 20th, 2018

Canada Revenue Agency

[Xavier Barsalou-Duval, Bloc, Pierre-Boucher—Les Patriotes—Verchères, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the Auditor General has confirmed that if an ordinary citizen owes five bucks on their tax return, the CRA is prepared to put them through hell. Meanwhile, the federal government is ready to make a deal with anyone who has deep enough pockets.

What happens if the tax bill cannot be paid? For bigger clients, Ottawa will happily write off $17 million without justification. If the CRA asks for a receipt to confirm a deductible expense, that receipt had better be submitted right away. However, for those who can afford to keep their money offshore, there is no problem, because the deadline gets extended.

The worst part is that we will never know how much money the CRA actually recovers because it only reports the money it hopes to recover, not the money it actually collects.

We often talk about the Liberals' deficit, but the real deficit, the one that hurts, is the hole left by the profiteers who do not pay their taxes while Ottawa turns a blind eye.

Eid Milad un Nabi

[Sukh Dhaliwal, Liberal, Surrey—Newton, BC]

Mr. Speaker, as–salaam alaikum.

Muslims around the world are celebrating Eid Milad un Nabi, commemorating the birth, life and message of Prophet Muhammad. Peace be upon him and his teachings, which many Canadians hold dear and will celebrate over the coming days.

Many Surrey-based masjids and organizations are holding prayers and celebrations. In my riding of Surrey—Newton, I have joined, and continue to look forward to joining, all those in honouring Prophet Muhammad. Peace be upon him and his message of harmony, peace and love.

On behalf of all members in the House, I would like to extend my best wishes to all Muslim sisters and brothers celebrating Eid Milad un Nabi.

Allah hafiz.

Trilateral Commission

[Stephanie Kusie, Conservative, Calgary Midnapore, AB]

Mr. Speaker, the Trilateral Commission was established in 1973 to foster closer co-operation among Japan, western Europe and North America. It is a non-governmental policy-oriented forum that brings together leaders from the worlds of business, government, academia, media and civil society. It offers a global platform for open dialogue aiming to find solutions to the great geopolitical, economic and social challenges of our time. Members share a firm belief in the values of the rule of law, democratic government, human rights, freedom of speech and free enterprise.

At last week's meeting in Silicon Valley, the focus was on issues such as privacy and security, election interference and how to strengthen democracy in the world. As a new member, I was honoured to spend time among some of the brightest minds in the world and I look forward to continuing to contribute to this significant entity, helping to further democracy both at home and abroad.

Minerals Sector

[Paul Lefebvre, Liberal, Sudbury, ON]

Mr. Speaker, as the member for Sudbury, an area rich in mining history, I am pleased to highlight the importance of the minerals sector in Canada. This is a global industry and Canada is an undisputed leader.

In 2017 alone, Canadian mines produced over 60 minerals and metals worth nearly $44 billion, and the broader minerals sector directly employed more than 420,000 people. This is the second highest proportional employer of indigenous peoples among the natural resources sector.

That is why we are working diligently with provinces and territories, indigenous communities and industry from coast to coast to develop a Canadian minerals and metals plan.

The plan will outline a new vision, ambitious goals and clear actions, enabling Canada to remain a global mining leader while reflecting today's realities: climate change, sustainable development, social acceptability, advancing reconciliation with first nations and a transition to a modern economy.

I ask all hon. members to join me in recognizing the importance of Canada's minerals sector for our economy and to communities across our country.

Transgender Day of Remembrance

[Randall Garrison, NDP, Esquimalt—Saanich—Sooke, BC]

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to mark the Transgender Day of Remembrance and call attention to the 368 trans and gender diverse people who were murdered this past year and the more than 3,000 killed over the last decade worldwide.

While Canada has explicitly recognized trans and gender diverse rights, policy changes on the ground and social acceptance lag far behind. Still, most places around the world remain much less safe than here.

One of the highest rates of violence against trans and gender diverse people is found in Central America. We learned last week that within the caravan headed toward the U.S. border was a mini caravan of LGBTQ people, primarily made up of trans women. Due to the extreme threat of violence facing this group, we call on Mexico to ensure their safety, we call on the U.S. to allow these asylum claims to be heard and we call for international monitoring of the continued safety of this group, now at the U.S.-Mexico border.

On this Transgender Day of Remembrance, while we mourn lives lost, let us also salute and find strength in the bravery and resilience of this community.

Saint John Labourers' Benevolent Association

[Wayne Long, Liberal, Saint John—Rothesay, NB]

Mr. Speaker, last week, I was proud to attend the unveiling of a Parks Canada plaque commemorating the national historic importance of the founding of the Saint John Labourers' Benevolent Association in my riding of Saint John—Rothesay.

Saint John's ship labourers were among the earliest groups of day labourers, or casual workers, in British North America to organize when they formed the Saint John Labourers' Benevolent Association in 1849. After its merger with the International Longshoremen's Association in 1911, the strength of this union continued into the early 20th century, when its members helped to found the New Brunswick Federation of Labour and shape provincial legislation establishing a workmen's compensation system.

The founding of the union defied conventional views toward casual labourers, proving that it was indeed possible for casual labourers to successfully organize and lobby for their rights. Indeed, the precedent set by this union was instrumental in empowering workers across the Maritimes and across Canada.

Royal Canadian Legion and Ladies' Auxiliary

[Bev Shipley, Conservative, Lambton—Kent—Middlesex, ON]

Mr. Speaker, Remembrance Day, November 11, 2018, has passed, but the work of our local Royal Canadian Legions and Ladies' Auxiliaries continues.

The legions are integral organizations in many of our communities. In my riding of Lambton—Kent—Middlesex, there are 19 legions. Through the well know poppy campaign and other fundraising events, they provide support to veterans, Canadian Armed Forces and RCMP members in active duty, as well as their families. They keep alive the memory of the courage and sacrifice of those who served our country.

The legions are also involved in community activities, including support for youth and seniors. In all this, the Ladies' Auxiliaries provide vital financial and volunteer assistance. The work would not get done without them.

I thank the Legion and Ladies' Auxiliary members in Lambton—Kent—Middlesex and across Canada for all they do.

Mental Health

[Jati Sidhu, Liberal, Mission—Matsqui—Fraser Canyon, BC]

Mr. Speaker, agriculture is an exciting and dynamic industry that is full of opportunities, but it is not without challenges. I rise today to recognize the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Farm Credit Canada for raising mental health awareness within the farming industry. My riding of Mission—Matsqui—Fraser Canyon has a high concentration of farmers and it is important that both individuals and families receive support throughout stressful situations.

I am pleased farmers will have improved access to wellness resources, with the FCC launching its mental health strategies guide. Mental health issues can affect anybody. It is important to have these discussions.

I am proud to join my colleagues and the agricultural community in removing the stigma surrounding mental health.

[Karen Ludwig, Liberal, New Brunswick Southwest, NB]

Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House today to talk about an important issue facing Canadian farmers, mental health.

I am the granddaughter of a cattle farmer and well know the pride, strength and independence demonstrated by our farmers.

I have heard first-hand from farmers in my riding of New Brunswick Southwest of the uncertainty, unpredictability and stresses of weather, market forces and wanting to pass the family farm on to new generations.

The feelings of anxiety, stress, depression and isolation are not easy to share. It is time to break this barrier of stigma. There is no question we need our farmers. I am pleased the agricultural committee is completing its investigative study of the mental health and physical well-being of our farmers.

Navy Day

[Peter Kent, Conservative, Thornhill, ON]

Mr. Speaker, today is Navy Day, a day dedicated to the men and women of the Royal Canadian Navy, the Canadian Coast Guard and the exceptional sailor program.

Our senior service traces its roots back to Tudor times in England, where a standing navy was established long before a standing army and, of course, an air force was still a theoretical da Vinci dream.

The Royal Canadian Navy's beginnings date back to 1910, growing quickly during the First World War. By the end of the Second World War, Canada had the third largest navy in the world. The Canadian Coast Guard, formed in 1962, now boasts a fleet of more than a hundred vessels of various purposes and sizes.

Now, challenges do remain with procurement, the shipbuilding program and partisan interference, and Bravo Zulu, Admiral Norman. However, today we salute the men and women who have served in war and peace and who serve now in Canadian waters and around the world.

Parati Vero Parati, Ready, Aye Ready.

Mental Health in Agriculture

[Lloyd Longfield, Liberal, Guelph, ON]

Mr. Speaker, mental health is a growing concern for Canadians, but few would put farming on the list of the most stressful careers. According to testimony heard at the agriculture and agri-food committee, farmers are one of the groups that is most at risk of suicide due to climate change, a stressful work environment, isolation and growing misconceptions about the nature of farming and the food that farmers produce.

Last week, Farm Credit Canada mailed its first issue of Rooted in Strength to every MP's office.

I encourage all MPs to read it and learn about mental health in agriculture.

I would like to thank the witnesses who have had the courage to come forward and provide us with testimony that will help our committee develop recommendations.

Holodomor Memorial Day

[MaryAnn Mihychuk, Liberal, Kildonan—St. Paul, MB]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in solemn remembrance of the 85th anniversary of the Ukrainian famine and genocide known as the Holodomor.

In 1932, Joseph Stalin and the Soviet Union set out a horrific policy to confiscate food and resources from Ukraine. This resulted in the intentional starvation and death of millions of people. At the height of the Holodomor, 28,000 people died per day, and over 30% were children under 10. For over half a century, the Holodomor was denied and covered up by the Soviet regime.

Today is Holodomor Memorial Day, and we remember the victims of this senseless crime against humanity. As leaders across this country, let us remember this act of genocide and stand up against the prejudice and hate that will seek to divide us.

Rural Crime

[Martin Shields, Conservative, Bow River, AB]

Mr. Speaker, last week our Alberta Conservative caucus rural crime task force reported its findings, and they are cause for significant alarm.

We found that rural residents are afraid and angry. They are afraid and angry because the RCMP cannot respond to crimes in a timely manner. They are afraid and angry because their justice system is a revolving door. They are afraid and angry because the government has done little about it.

We need serious leadership from the government to shape a multi-jurisdictional approach that will address rural crime. We need to keep dangerous repeat offenders behind bars. We need to bolster rural RCMP detachments. Rural crime levels have risen, but staffing levels have not.

This situation is only getting worse, but the Liberals continue to introduce bills that punish law-abiding gun owners and make serious offences punishable by a mere fine, while doing nothing to combat gun violence and illegal hand guns. They are completely out of touch with rural Canadians.

Transgender Day of Remembrance

[Randy Boissonnault, Liberal, Edmonton Centre, AB]

Mr. Speaker, today is Transgender Day of Remembrance. It is a day to honour those whose lives were lost through systemic violence because they were transgender. It is a day to reflect on the abuse and hatred still faced by transgender people around the world simply for being themselves.

We are committed to protecting the rights of all Canadians. We have ensured that non-binary Canadians are protected under the Criminal Code and the Canadian Human Rights Act, and we have provided support to marginalized communities around the world.

Despite this protection, trans people still remain targeted, harassed, assaulted and discriminated against every day, stopping them from living their lives, being loved and participating in our communities.

As a country, we must pay homage to the incredible lives of the countless transgender people we have lost and acknowledge that a lot of work remains to be done.

Today, by remembering those lost to bigotry and hate, we are continuing the fight for justice, for equality and for a better future for all.

Litterless Lunch Challenge

[Fin Donnelly, NDP, Port Moody—Coquitlam, BC]

Mr. Speaker, each year during Waste Reduction Week, elementary students in Port Moody—Coquitlam participate in my annual litterless lunch challenge.

The challenge encourages students to pack litter-free lunches and make waste reduction part of their everyday routine. This year more than 600 students participated, and today I would like to congratulate the winning class, who went an amazing 98.6% litter free: Ms. Mackay's grade 1, 2, 3 class at Miller Park Community School in Coquitlam. I congratulate them.

An average elementary school produces more than 20,000 pounds of lunch waste annually, and in the seven years that we have run this challenge, more than 2,600 students and 45 schools have participated, diverting over 1,200 kilograms of waste.

Thanks to all the students, teachers and parents who participated. I hope they continue to work on their waste reduction efforts throughout the year.

Holodomor

[Colin Carrie, Conservative, Oshawa, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join this House in solemnly remembering the Ukrainian Holodomor of 85 years ago. The systematic starvation of a region, then considered Europe's breadbasket, by Stalin's Communist regime, cost the lives of millions of Ukrainians.

As communities across Canada gather to honour these victims, my own community of Oshawa will do the same. Oshawa has a vibrant Ukrainian presence that began with Julian Kalynko in 1907, the first documented Ukrainian to arrive in Oshawa. More Ukrainians began arriving during the First World War and following the Holodomor, and by 1941 the number of people of Ukrainian origin only trailed those of English, Irish and Scottish origin.

As their numbers grew, they built churches, such as St. George the Great Martyr and St. John the Baptist, as well as community halls like Dnipro, LVIV and Odesa. They are all places where members of our community celebrate and experience Ukrainian culture and dance, and enjoy Ukrainian food.

However, this Sunday, November 25, we will gather at St. John the Baptist Ukrainian church to remember the lives that were lost during the Holodomor. We will not forget.

Agriculture and Agrifood

[Jean-Claude Poissant, Liberal, La Prairie, QC]

Mr. Speaker, agriculture is a dynamic industry that is full of opportunities, but psychological distress among farmers is an issue that concerns me, both as an MP and as a former farmer.

Earlier today we announced a partnership with 4-H Canada that will help raise awareness among over 24,000 youth and 7,700 volunteer leaders about the importance of mental health.

Farm Credit Canada launched an initiative this week aimed at removing the stigma around mental health. A bilingual publication will be delivered to all farm mailboxes in Canada. The brochure is filled with real stories, advice and tools to help farmers manage their stress, as well as contact information for available resources.

We also announced a project in collaboration with Farm Management Canada to study the link between mental health and decision-making on the farm.

Looking after farmers' psychological health is another way to contribute to the economic vitality of the regions.

Finance

[Lisa Raitt, Conservative, Milton, ON]

Mr. Speaker, tomorrow the Minister of Finance will present to the House his fall economic update. However, let us recap a couple of things we already know.

We already know that in the election campaign of 2015 the current government promised no more than a $10-billion deficit per year, which would be balanced by the time we reached the next election in 2019. We know that both of those are untrue.

Perhaps the Prime Minister can tell us today if he has set a date on which the budget will be balanced.

[Justin Trudeau, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, in 2015, Canadians had a choice. There were two parties that believed in cuts, while we promoted investments in the middle class and in people working hard to join it.

We lowered taxes for the middle class and raised them on the wealthiest 1%. We delivered a more generous, fair and tax-free Canada child benefit that gives more money to nine out of 10 Canadian families and is lifting hundreds of thousands of kids out of poverty. We now have some of the lowest unemployment rates in 40 years. While the Conservatives continue to defend their wealthy friends, we will continue to stay focused on the middle class.

[Lisa Raitt, Conservative, Milton, ON]

Mr. Speaker, maybe some of his friends from Cape Breton are rich, but I can tell you not a lot of mine are. I will continue to talk to the people in Milton, who certainly do not share the same set of friends that the Prime Minister does.

The Prime Minister indicated that Canadians made a choice. Do members know what that choice was? It was to keep deficits to $10 billion a year. That choice was to return to a balanced budget by the time we got to the next election. That was the fundamental promise the current government broke. He can fix it by telling us when the budget will be balanced.

[Justin Trudeau, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, I do not blame her for it, but the member opposite seems to be forgetting the last years of the Harper government, when it nickel-and-dimed its veterans, shut down veterans services offices, and demonstrated tax breaks for the wealthiest and boutique tax cuts while not creating the kind of growth that Canadians needed from their economy.

There was a choice in the 2015 election. We committed to putting more money into the pockets of the middle class. We committed to investing in infrastructure in a way that would grow the economy. That is exactly what we delivered: what the Conservatives could not.

[Lisa Raitt, Conservative, Milton, ON]

Mr. Speaker, Canadians certainly understand that the current Prime Minister knows how to spend, but the question is whether or not he knows how to balance the budget. We still do not have a date.

If he wants to compare records in terms of what the previous Conservative government did in order to ensure that middle class and struggling Canadians did well, I might invite him to take a look at the education tax credit, the tuition tax credit, the children's fitness tax credit and the children's arts tax credit. All those things mattered immensely to my riding constituents in Milton, Ontario. He took that away, and he is going to pay for it.

[Justin Trudeau, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, those measures that the member opposite put forward were not available to low-income Canadians. That is the difference between Liberals and Conservatives. The Conservatives keep putting forward non-refundable tax credits. We knew that directly delivering money to families with the tax-free Canada child benefit, unlike the taxable benefits they put forward, was the best way to help Canadians.

It was not just the best way to help the middle class. It was actually the best way to grow the economy, because the confidence, the jobs created and the economic growth is thanks to Canadians.

[Alain Rayes, Conservative, Richmond—Arthabaska, QC]

Mr. Speaker, during the 2015 election campaign, the Prime Minister promised to run modest deficits. Today, he is running deficits of over $20 billion a year. It seems the Prime Minister thinks that the country can be run with Monopoly money. That is completely false. Canadians worked hard to earn that money. They work hard every day to survive in our society.

For the fourth time in two days, when will the budget be balanced?

[Justin Trudeau, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, in 2015, Canadians had a choice to make. They had to choose whether to vote for the Conservative Party or the NPD, which were both promising to make cuts to balance the budget at all costs, or whether to vote for the Liberal Party and our plan to invest in our communities and put more money back into Canadians' pockets, because we knew that that was the way to create the economic growth that was so lacking in the Harper years.

Under our watch, Canada has the lowest unemployment rate in 40 years, and it had the highest rate of growth in the G7 last year. We also implemented the Canada child benefit, which is lifting hundreds of millions of children out of poverty—