House of Commons Hansard #360 of the 42nd Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was yazidi.

Topics

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

The Speaker Liberal Geoff Regan

It being Wednesday, we will now have the singing of the national anthem, led by the hon. member for Peace River—Westlock.

[Members sang the national anthem]

TransportationStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Bloc

Marilène Gill Bloc Manicouagan, QC

Mr. Speaker, as of yesterday, passengers can carry knives on planes thanks to the Minister of Transport, whom we also have to thank for destroying protected land in Mascouche to build an airport, against the advice of pretty much everyone there. He is also behind the loss of a big contract to a German company at the expense of workers in La Pocatière.

The Minister of Transport, a minister from Quebec, has a pretty bleak record. It is definitely less than stellar.

This week, a historic delegation from the north shore came to Ottawa to meet with him and settle the Highway 138 extension issue once and for all. Without a reliable access road, lower north shore residents are isolated and at risk. The people of the north shore deserve this government's respect. The minister has an opportunity to do something good for them and for Quebec for once.

Is it not about time?

Ottawa RiverkeeperStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

William Amos Liberal Pontiac, QC

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to stand in the House today to acknowledge the tremendous work of Meredith Brown, of Ottawa Riverkeeper, who will be stepping down from her position as riverkeeper after 15 years of stellar advocacy.

Ottawa Riverkeeper is a non-profit charity whose special responsibility is to be the full-time public advocate for the Ottawa River watershed. It is the riverkeeper's job to educate, identify citizen complaints and figure out solutions to problems that affect our watershed.

Meredith Brown has served the public interest, working tirelessly to protect and restore our watershed. Under her leadership, the organization has grown from one to 10 employees and now includes hundreds of volunteers. Fundraising efforts are more solid than ever, and relations with the Algonquin nation have improved dramatically.

I would like to thank this Pontiac constituent for her hard work, her dedication and her commitment to protecting our right to swim, drink and fish in the Ottawa River. We need leaders like Meredith Brown to continue to ensure the ecological integrity of our habitats across Canada.

On behalf of the entire national capital community, I thank Meredith. Meegwetch. Merci.

Kent County Agricultural Hall of FameStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Conservative

Dave Van Kesteren Conservative Chatham-Kent—Leamington, ON

Mr. Speaker, last week, along with the member for Lambton—Kent—Middlesex, I attended the Kent County Agricultural Hall of Fame. Robert Kerr and Art Schaafsma were honoured this year as inductees, and George and Ruth Bieber were honoured posthumously. The list of their achievements would require much more time than is allotted. Suffice it to say, their accomplishments are extraordinary.

I have visited Ukraine, where the topsoil is 10 feet deep, but it cannot match Kent County's production, and its crop output pales in comparison. The difference is the people, like those inducted into the hall of fame, who have helped make Kent county one of the most productive agricultural areas in the world.

I take this opportunity to congratulate Robert Kerr, Art Schaafsma and George and Ruth Bieber as well as the hundreds of farmers, both past and present, who have helped give Kent county its rich agricultural history.

NaseehaStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Omar Alghabra Liberal Mississauga Centre, ON

Mr. Speaker, mental health issues know no ethnic or cultural boundaries. Too many of our youth from cultural communities suffer in silence, so I want to tell members about Naseeha, which is an organization that offers support to youth.

Naseeha is Arabic for advice. It was founded by Yaseen and Summayah Poonah over 10 years ago. They started with a volunteer helpline for Muslim youth with the aim of providing teens with support that understands their situation without judgment or shaming. Today Naseeha employs professional counsellors and has open phone lines seven days a week. They receive calls from tens of thousands of people from all backgrounds, from all over Canada and around the world. They deal with issues such as depression, bullying, suicide, domestic violence, radicalization, intergenerational challenges and identity questions. Naseeha is a valuable partner to organizations such as CAMH, school boards and the Kids Help Phone line.

I want to thank the directors, staff and volunteers for their excellent support.

Two Family Doctors HonouredStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

NDP

Carol Hughes NDP Algoma—Manitoulin—Kapuskasing, ON

Mr. Speaker, Dr. Lianne Gauvin of Hearst has been given the community teacher of the year award by the Ontario College of Family Physicians. This award recognizes excellence in a community family medicine preceptor working with students and residents.

Dr. Gauvin was nominated by her students, who praised her for her extraordinary empathy for her patients.

In rural and northern Canada, family doctors play a big role in the health of our communities, so it is nice when their hard work is acknowledged. That is also the case for Little Current's Dr. Dieter Poenn, who has been recognized by the College of Physicians and Surgeons as family physician of the year, the highest honour presented to a family doctor who makes a significant impact for patients. The award is no surprise to Dr. Poenn's colleagues, who testify to his skill as a physician, leader and educator and note that he also serves as coroner for the region.

Please join me in thanking Dr. Gauvin and Dr. Poenn for their dedication and in congratulating them on their awards.

Albanian Independence DayStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Julie Dabrusin Liberal Toronto—Danforth, ON

Mr. Speaker, today is Albanian Independence Day.

[Member spoke in Albanian]

[English]

After 500 years of Ottoman rule, an independent Albania was proclaimed on November 28, 1912. On this day, the Albanian flag was raised in Vlora, which is why this day is also called Flag Day.

Albanian Independence Day is usually celebrated by wearing red, which is the colour of the Albanian flag and traditional Albanian clothing.

This is followed by gala events and ceremonies, held in Albania and throughout the diaspora, that involve customary Albanian music and dance.

On this day, I would like to salute Albanians across our country, including the Albanian Canadian Community Association of Toronto and the Albanian-Canadian Excellence society, and Albanians everywhere as they celebrate their nationhood.

[Member spoke in Albanian]

Gender-based ViolenceStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Conservative

Ziad Aboultaif Conservative Edmonton Manning, AB

Mr. Speaker, November 25 to December 10 marks 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. It is tragic that in 2018, this is still a reality that so many Canadians experience on an ongoing basis. We are faced with daily reminders in the news and in our communities that we can and must do better. It is clear that everyone in our society has a role to play in ending gender-based violence.

I would like to take a moment to draw attention to WIN House, in Edmonton, which does tremendous work to support women and children fleeing domestic abuse. WIN House provides a safe place, emergency services and comprehensive programs to help support and empower victims. I recently had the opportunity to visit its facilities. I want to thank the staff for their hard work and the safe refuge they have created.

Because of organizations like WIN House, victims do not need to be defined by their experiences. Together we can work to ensure that gender-based violence is a thing of the past.

Public SafetyStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Kamal Khera Liberal Brampton West, ON

Mr. Speaker, for the residents in my riding of Brampton West, the recent increase in reported gun violence is a very concerning issue. Over the summer, I, alongside my colleagues from Brampton, appeared before the Peel Police Services Board to voice our concerns about what we are hearing from constituents to ensure that policy changes are made to reflect the community's feedback.

I want to let the residents of Brampton West know that our government does not take these reports lightly. We are stepping in to ensure that police agencies have the resources and tools they need to combat gun violence with the $86-million investment recently announced by our Minister of Public Safety. This investment, along with the introduction of common-sense firearms legislation and our work with Peel Police Services, forms a comprehensive plan to ensure that all Bramptonians feel safe and secure in our community.

Situation in YemenStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Sven Spengemann Liberal Mississauga—Lakeshore, ON

Mr. Speaker, I rise with a heavy heart to draw attention to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Yemen. According to a recent report by Save the Children, 85,000 children under the age of five may have died of starvation since the onset of hostilities three years ago, while 14 million people remain at risk of famine. In times of war and conflict, the most vulnerable segments of the population, women, children and the elderly, also suffer the most.

Today I call on my colleagues from all parties in both chambers, and on parliamentarians around the world, to do everything they can to draw attention to this unconscionable suffering, to highlight channels for humanitarian relief, to amplify calls for a ceasefire, and to support the efforts of the United Nations, particularly those of UN Special Envoy Martin Griffiths, whose work includes the negotiation of access points for aid delivery.

The tragedy in Yemen calls into question everything that defines us as morally conscious beings. It must be brought to an end.

Peter KleinStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Conservative

Dan Albas Conservative Central Okanagan—Similkameen—Nicola, BC

Mr. Speaker, Peter Klein, born Horst Klein, passed away on the morning of Wednesday, November 7, 2018, at age 84. He is survived by his loving wife Christa and his three children, Daniella, Dagmar and Christopher.

As a young man, Peter became a master pastry chef, and eventually, Peter and Christa moved to Westbank, where they started their own business, Peter Klein Fine Cakes and Pastry Ltd.

Despite business and health challenges, Peter remained ever the baker. His greatest honour was to bake the annual Canada Day cake for Westside Daze. To the delight of everyone in attendance, he baked a massive six by four cake, a Canadian flag with white icing and strawberries. He did this every year for 12 years, earning him the love of his community and a Diamond Jubilee medal. In his final year making the Canada Day cake, he trained his successor, Anja Dumas, who plans to continue this important tradition.

On behalf the community, local Rotarians, and the Westside Daze committee, I say rest in peace. I will miss Peter as a friend. He was certainly a great Canadian. I appreciate all he did for me and for the community.

Gender-based ViolenceStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Liberal

Anita Vandenbeld Liberal Ottawa West—Nepean, ON

Mr. Speaker, November 25 to December 10 is the UN women's 16 days of activism against gender-based violence. This year, the UNiTE campaign is using #HearMeToo and #OrangeTheWorld.

Gender-based violence can take many forms. Sexual violence and harassment; domestic assault; the use of rape as a weapon of war; attacks on women human rights defenders; violence against the LGBT community; the particular vulnerability of indigenous, racialized and disabled women; cybersexual violence; and trafficking of women and girls are just some examples.

This year, I would particularly like to draw attention to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime's Blue Heart campaign to end human trafficking.

We all have a role to play in ending silence and impunity. During the 16 days of activism, let us join this worldwide movement against gender-based violence.

Richmond HillStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Liberal

Majid Jowhari Liberal Richmond Hill, ON

Mr. Speaker, today I have the privilege of welcoming my constituency youth council to Ottawa, where they are visiting for the day to learn how government works first-hand. These are smart, driven and compassionate young Canadians who have chosen to get involved and make a difference.

Last week, they joined me as I partnered with the Mental Health Commission of Canada to host the Headstrong summit. This partnership is the first in Canada and once again, Richmond Hill is at the forefront. Headstrong is a youth-oriented initiative to break the stigma around mental illness, partnering with schools and sharing lived experiences.

It was a fantastic opportunity for these young women and men to connect with other youth advocates who understand the importance of breaking the stigma and helping those who struggle with their mental health. I welcome them once again.

General Motors Plant ClosureStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Conservative

Karen Vecchio Conservative Elgin—Middlesex—London, ON

Mr. Speaker, on Monday night, I stood in the House during the emergency debate to discuss the announcement that the GM plant in Oshawa was closing. Some 2,800 unionized and non-unionized workers will lose their jobs because of this decision.

The cities of St. Thomas and London, the Township of Southwold and the County of Elgin met a similar fate with the closure of the St. Thomas assembly plant in Talbotville when Ford announced that it was closing. Then the community was hit once again when the Sterling truck plant announced it would be closing its doors and moving out of Canada.

Families across the region were impacted by these job losses. Auto haulers, cafeteria employees, secondary suppliers, all of these companies and workers fell victim to these closures. We need to support the families of Oshawa by all levels of government working together.

I urge the government to work with all federal party members to find a solution for the workers and families in the Oshawa region.

Paoletti Gracioppo TherrienStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Liberal

Angelo Iacono Liberal Alfred-Pellan, QC

Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to highlight the work of Paoletti Gracioppo Therrien, a chartered professional accounting firm whose team is here with us on Parliament Hill. Giovanni Paoletti, Santo Gracioppo and Benoît Therrien started the firm in 1983. Today, it has become an indispensable part of the greater Montreal area's accounting community.

If people are looking for passion, personalization and quality, search no more because Paoletti Gracioppo Therrien is the place to go. Through its services and its uncompromising work, it makes tax season a breeze and not a nightmare. Over and above the personalized services and the passion for its work, Paoletti Gracioppo Therrien supports various charitable causes and gives back to the community every chance it has.

Grazie Giovanni Paoletti, Santo Gracioppo and Benoît Therrien for hard work over the past 35 years and to many more to come.

Nanjing MassacreStatements By Members

2:20 p.m.

NDP

Jenny Kwan NDP Vancouver East, BC

Mr. Speaker, December 13 marks the 81st anniversary of the Nanjing massacre. In recognition of crimes against humanity and in the spirit of never again, I am calling on the government to declare December 13 of every year as Nanjing massacre commemorative day. Up to 300,000 people were killed. An estimated 200,000 women from occupied territories in Asia were tricked or coerced by the Japanese Imperial Army into sexual slavery.

The UN recognizes 19 countries where sexual violence is used as a tactic of war. If we can learn from history and commit to preventing it from happening again, humanity benefits.

Order of Canada recipients Joy Kogawa and Dr. Joseph Wong from Canada ALPHA, Satoko Norimatsu from Japanese Canadians Supporting Nanjing Massacre Commemorative Day, CACA, NCCC, CCC of Greater Vancouver and Toronto, Korean Senior Citizens of Greater Vancouver, Canada Philippines Solidarity for Human Rights, along with close to 40,000 petitioners across the country are in support.

I hope all members will as well.

Gord Brown Memorial Canada 150 Outdoor RinkStatements By Members

2:20 p.m.

Conservative

Lisa Raitt Conservative Milton, ON

Mr. Speaker, I am standing today to acknowledge an event happening this evening on behalf of the United Way Leeds & Grenville and in celebration of our dear friend, the former member of Parliament for Leeds—Grenville—Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, Gord Brown.

The United Way Leeds & Grenville has teamed up with the Gord Brown Memorial Canada 150 Outdoor Rink project to offer hockey enthusiasts the opportunity to raise money to help make positive changes to lives in this community. It really was Gord's vision to create a better life for all the citizens of Leeds & Grenville, so let us all help him with his vision.

Official LanguagesStatements By Members

2:20 p.m.

Liberal

René Arseneault Liberal Madawaska—Restigouche, NB

Mr. Speaker, due to the current crisis facing the francophone community of Ontario, official languages minority groups have reason to wonder if their rights will be questioned every time a new government comes to power.

As our Canadian society evolved, our predecessors rightly agreed to protect and promote linguistic minorities wherever they are located across the country.

Canada's Official Languages Act is indispensable for accomplishing that goal.

However, we all know the strongest of laws is meaningless if the political will to enforce it is absent or if the majority is unwilling to adopt it as a fundamental principle.

Beyond the act, I am asking my colleagues in the House to appreciate the importance of valuing both official languages so that minority communities no longer have to worry and so that our official languages become the pride of the entire nation of Canada.

The EconomyOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Regina—Qu'Appelle Saskatchewan

Conservative

Andrew Scheer ConservativeLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, the government negotiated a bad deal for our farmers, we have tariffs on softwood lumber, steel and aluminum, there is a crisis in our oil and gas sector, and now the Canadian automotive industry is going through an accelerated downturn. All of that is happening under this Prime Minister's government.

Instead of standing up and offering the usual platitudes, when will the Prime Minister stand up and fight for Canadian workers and for the industries that employ them?

The EconomyOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Papineau Québec

Liberal

Justin Trudeau LiberalPrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, we have been fighting to protect Canadian workers and industries since the beginning.

We created the strongest economic growth of the G7 in 2017. We created the lowest unemployment rate in 40 years. In our latest economic statement, we responded to the calls from Canada's industries by investing $14 billion to help them invest in our jobs and success in this country for years to come.

We will continue to listen to workers and to work with them and our industries to build a better Canada.

The EconomyOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Regina—Qu'Appelle Saskatchewan

Conservative

Andrew Scheer ConservativeLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, it is the Liberal policies that are actually hurting the ability for businesses to invest in Canada and create jobs. It is the Liberal policies in Ontario that created massive increases in energy costs, something that our competitors around the world do not face. Liberal increases to payroll taxes make it more expensive for employers here in Canada to keep jobs here. Now the carbon tax is making it more difficult to invest in Canada. We know that because the government admits it. Will the Prime Minister give the same exemption to other businesses that he has granted to large industrial emitters?

The EconomyOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

Papineau Québec

Liberal

Justin Trudeau LiberalPrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, we are concerned about our seniors, we are concerned about future seniors, which is why we strengthened CPP for future generations, something the members opposite oppose, which is something the member indicated right now.

We are making sure that we take action by lowering small business taxes to actually support our small businesses across the country. We invested in an accelerated capital cost allowance program that is going to help our businesses be more competitive.

As to making sure that we put a price on pollution, Canadians know that the way to build the economy of the future and the jobs of the future is to prepare for the transition, and that is what we are doing.

The EconomyOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

Regina—Qu'Appelle Saskatchewan

Conservative

Andrew Scheer ConservativeLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, it is the Prime Minister's policies that are transitioning the auto sector right out of our country. He knows that his carbon tax is making it more difficult to keep jobs here in Canada because he said it himself. That is why the Liberals have granted a massive exemption to large industrial emitters.

Workers in Oshawa are fighting to keep their jobs. The least the Prime Minister could do is help them in that fight. Will he repeal the carbon tax so that Canadian auto sector jobs can stay right here in Canada?

The EconomyOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

Papineau Québec

Liberal

Justin Trudeau LiberalPrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, we have continued to invest in businesses and workers right across this country. Of course, our hearts go out to the workers in Oshawa, who are facing these cuts, but we continue to stand with them and we will continue to fight for them.

In terms of understanding, the best way to secure jobs for the future is to take genuine action on climate change and support our economies and our families to thrive through the transition to a lower-carbon economy. That is what we are doing. The members opposite have no plan and instead just try to play politics.

The EconomyOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

Regina—Qu'Appelle Saskatchewan

Conservative

Andrew Scheer ConservativeLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister is going to have to put on his teaching hat here and explain the logic on this one.

For large industrial emitters, the carbon tax will kill jobs, so they need a massive exemption to protect them from competition from other countries, but that very same carbon tax will somehow create jobs in the auto sector. That makes no sense. A carbon tax is bad for all Canadian workers. Now that we have seen the impact of this policy, chasing future jobs and investment away, will he do the right thing and cancel his carbon tax?