Debates of Nov. 5th, 2018

Meritorious Service Award

[Mel Arnold, Conservative, North Okanagan—Shuswap, BC]

Mr. Speaker, this morning I had the pleasure of being present at Rideau Hall, where a constituent, Mr. Norman Crerar, received the Meritorious Service Award. Mr. Crerar was recognized for his vision and dedication in creating the Okanagan Military Tattoo.

With the help of numerous enthusiastic volunteers, Norm founded the tattoo, a musical spectacle that brings pipers, drummers and dancers from across the country and abroad to the Okanagan each summer. As a result of his leadership and hundreds of hours of time, the event is a boost for the local economy and a showcase of military and cultural traditions that is unique in Western Canada.

This is not the first trip to Rideau Hall for Mr. Crerar. He was also recognized in 2017, the 50th anniversary of his role in the 1967 voyageur canoe trip across Canada as part of the 1967 Olympics.

I would like to offer my congratulations and thanks to Norman Crerar and to his loving wife Nancy for their dedication to our community and our country.

Remembrance Day

[Julie Dzerowicz, Liberal, Davenport, ON]

Mr. Speaker, this week as we prepare to honour those who have so bravely served and/or died for our freedom, it is especially important to recognize and remember those who fought in the Great War, as this year marks the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I.

This year's Remembrance Day ceremony in my riding of Davenport is extra special, because as veterans returned home from the Great War in 1918, the Government of Canada identified the need to recognize their valour and patriotic service to our country. No military burial ground existed at the time.

Prospect Cemetery in Davenport was chosen as the preferred location to create a field of honour, and Canada's first veterans section was established. Today, Prospect Cemetery is the final resting place of more than 5,300 Canadian and Allied forces veterans, making it the largest First World War veterans section in Canada.

I encourage everyone on November 11, those in Davenport and across the riding, to attend Prospect Cemetery, which holds an annual sunrise ceremony every Remembrance Day. Let us pay a special tribute to those who have so bravely served our country.

Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame

[Wayne Easter, Liberal, Malpeque, PE]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dr. Wilf Keller, chair of the Agricultural Institute of Canada, on his induction into the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame for his contributions to the advancement of agriculture through numerous research initiatives. Dr. Keller is a giant in the scientific community, with over 40 years of experience including the study of genomics in canola improvement, the development of industrial bioproducts from vegetable oil, and the production of bioactive natural products in plants for enhanced human health and quality of life.

Dr. Keller has received many accolades, including a lifetime achievement award by the Society for In Vitro Biology, the Saskatchewan Order of Merit and induction into the Saskatchewan Agricultural Hall of Fame. Today, we recognize Dr. Wilf Keller for his extraordinary career in the scientific and agricultural community.

I would like to extend a big thanks to Dr. Keller.

Remembrance Day

[John Nater, Conservative, Perth—Wellington, ON]

Mr. Speaker, this year marks 100 years since the armistice that ended the war to end all wars. When the call to serve king and country went out, more than 600,000 Canadians answered that call, including many from Perth-Wellington. Among those who served were Frederick Campbell of Mount Forest and Samuel Honey from nearby Conn.

Lieutenant Campbell was killed in the north of France, while single-handedly providing cover to allow his comrades to withdraw.

Lieutenant Honey was among those who took Vimy Ridge. Later at Bourlon Wood in France, he took command of his company after all other officers had become casualties. He would repel four counterattacks and personally capture 10 prisoners before falling. For their courage, both men were awarded the Victoria Cross.

This Remembrance Day, we honour the courage and the sacrifice of all who served. Lest we forget.

Medal Awarded by MP for Bourassa

[Emmanuel Dubourg, Liberal, Bourassa, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I had the great privilege to pay tribute to six men whose exemplary actions are a credit to the riding of Bourassa, which I represent here in the House.

I awarded a certificate of honour and merit and the MP's medal to these extraordinary men at a ceremony I organized in Montreal North under the theme of “eminent men in Bourassa”.

These men's volunteer activities in recent years have helped make Montreal North a better place to live. It is a great pleasure for me to bring the names of these award winners to the attention of the House of Commons of Canada. They are Guillaume André, Christian Desautels, Jean-Paul Guiard, Roger Lagacé, Roger Petit-Frère and Roger Trépanier.

I commend them for their contributions.

Desjardins Maria-Chapdelaine Theatre in Dolbeau-Mistassini

[Richard Hébert, Liberal, Lac-Saint-Jean, QC]

Mr. Speaker, built in 2008, the theatre in Dolbeau-Mistassini is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in Quebec.

Inspired by 19th-century theatres in Europe, its smaller scale provides for a better acoustic experience. Its scarlet velvet, black and gold accents and incredible luxury all combine to create an intimate ambiance of contrasts.

Designed by architect Paul Laurendeau, the Desjardins Maria-Chapdelaine theatre in Dolbeau-Mistassini celebrated its 10th anniversary on September 29 during the Journées de la culture, or “culture days” event.

That was also when the Orchestre symphonique du Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean celebrated its 40th anniversary. We were therefore treated to a wonderful concert led by conductor emeritus Jacques Clément and Jacinthe Couture, with pianists and guest musicians.

Lac-Saint-Jean has a rich cultural heritage, and we are proud to have such a performance venue in our region. I again want to recognize the anniversaries of the theatre and the Orchestre symphonique du Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, which are both so important for showcasing our culture.

Elgar Petersen

[Kevin Waugh, Conservative, Saskatoon—Grasswood, SK]

Mr. Speaker, Elgar Petersen is a well-known name in the hockey community worldwide, but especially in the city of Humboldt. Elgar helped many minor hockey teams and when the Broncos were formed in 1970, he became their trainer and equipment manager. He washed the jerseys and he looked after water bottles, tape, whatever was needed, but most of all, Elgar always had a pat on the back for each player who put on a Humboldt jersey.

In 2000, the City of Humboldt named its uni-plex after him: the Elgar Petersen Arena. He filled the role of coach, friend, volunteer and mentor. He was at the rink morning, noon and night. He tied countless skate laces over the decades, including mine many times.

This weekend it was at the same Elgar Petersen Arena in Humboldt, all too familiar with grief, when his recent passing was announced prior to Saturday's Broncos hockey game. All Broncos feel this loss today. Today, we mourn for Elgar and Humboldt again.

May Elgar rest in peace.

Remembrance Day

[Deb Schulte, Liberal, King—Vaughan, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the eighth annual poppy campaign by Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at Canada, supporting the Royal Canadian Legion under the banner “Muslims for Remembrance Day”. This nationwide campaign is a demonstration of Ahmadiyya Muslim support and respect for our veterans and troops and for all those who paid the ultimate sacrifice to keep Canada strong and free.

Ahmadis are assisting the Royal Canadian Legion in distributing poppies and collecting donations. On November 9, at the beautiful Baitul Islam Mosque in my riding and at chapters all across Canada, Ahmadiyya Muslim communities will come together for a ceremony of remembrance. Members of the Ahmadiyya community have expressed to me how important it is to remember the brave soldiers who fought for our freedom and for those still fighting for peace around the world, especially on this very special 100th anniversary of the armistice.

I would like to thank the Ahmadiyya Muslim community in my riding and all across Canada for its support of our troops and veterans and for its commitment to never forget.

Lest we forget.

Housing

[Murray Rankin, NDP, Victoria, BC]

Mr. Speaker, housing is unaffordable for nearly half of people in Victoria. Rental vacancy levels remain below 1%, one in five Victorians is spending more than half his or her income on rent and utilities and owning a house is virtually a fantasy. Between 2000 and 2016, the median income for a family in Victoria increased by 64% and the price of a single family home by 340%.

In 1993, the then Liberal government cut the national affordable housing program, which would have supported the construction of 100,000 units in B.C. between then and now and the current Liberal government refuses to spend 90% of its promised funding for housing until after the next election.

Affordable housing is a fundamental right. I will be holding a town hall this Saturday to discuss what the government is refusing to do: make affordable housing a reality for Canadians.

International Trade

[Jacques Gourde, Conservative, Lévis—Lotbinière, QC]

Mr. Speaker, given how badly the Prime Minister has repeatedly failed Canadians, should we be surprised that he has no concrete plan to deal with U.S. protectionism and prepare industries for that possibility?

The Liberals announced new measures to prevent a harmful influx of steel imports into the Canadian market as a result of American tariffs. Since October 25, a surtax of 25% is being applied to imports of seven steel products over a specified volume level. The seven products are concrete reinforcing bar, heavy plate, hot-rolled sheet used in auto manufacturing, energy tubular products, painted steel, stainless steel and wire rod.

The Conservative Party of Canada's top priority is eliminating those harmful tariffs from Canadian steel and aluminum. It is truly sad that the Prime Minister failed in his duty by signing an agreement without any assurances that those tariffs would be lifted, because they are undermining the Canadian economy.

Veterans' Week

[Darrell Samson, Liberal, Sackville—Preston—Chezzetcook, NS]

Mr. Speaker, during Veterans' Week, all Canadians come together to honour the Canadian Armed Forces members, veterans and police officers who have served Canada and to remember those who have died in service.

As the member of Parliament for Sackville—Preston—Chezzetcook, I am particularly aware of the work and sacrifices of our armed forces, as its members and veterans make up 23% of the population of my riding, and Nova Scotia has the highest per capita of veterans in the country.

This year marks a number of important anniversaries, including the 100th anniversary of Canada's Hundred Days and of the armistice of the First World War, as well as the 65th anniversary of the Korean War armistice.

Let me take this opportunity to thank all veterans and Canadian Armed Forces members for their service. Their country is grateful and will always remember their sacrifices.

Lest we forget.

Privacy

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

Mr. Speaker, this weekend the Canadian Chamber of Commerce warned that the Prime Minister's plan to spy on Canadians' banking transactions could put our trade with the European Union at risk. The chamber expressed serious concerns about unintended consequences on our trade with Europe, which would then affect Canadian small businesses.

Instead of dismissing legitimate questions coming from Canadians who do not want to be spied on and now further legitimate questions from the business community, will the Liberals just do the right thing and stop this unauthorized surveillance of Canadians' bank accounts?

[Navdeep Bains, Liberal, Minister of Innovation]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to highlight for the member opposite that our government has been very clear that data protection and protecting the privacy of Canadians are very important.

I also want to highlight that this particular initiative undertaken by Statistics Canada is a pilot project. No data has been collected, and Statistics Canada is working very closely with the Privacy Commissioner and with banks to make sure the privacy of Canadians is protected.

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

Mr. Speaker, why does the Liberal government not understand that Canadians do not trust it when it comes to protecting their private information? The response of the government over the last two weeks has not given Canadians any more confidence. They are worried about their financial transactions being spied on. The business community is concerned, and instead of saying they will fix this mess, the Liberals are doubling down and defending it. That is the wrong response.

Canadians want to hear that the Liberals will stop this unauthorized surveillance of their bank accounts. Why will they not do the right thing?

[Navdeep Bains, Liberal, Minister of Innovation]

Mr. Speaker, we recognize the concern that Canadians have around privacy and around data protection, but what is really problematic is the over-the-top rhetoric by the members opposite. Let me give an example.

Under section 17(1) of the Statistics Act, no police, RCMP or CRA official can actually access any personal information. The courts cannot even compel Statistics Canada. They never have and never will compromise on personal information when it comes to Canadians' privacy.

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

Mr. Speaker, if that were true, the government would not be under investigation over this.

The Liberal government is collecting confidential personal information on Canadians without their consent. Just yesterday we learned that this could jeopardize trade with Europe.

Will the Prime Minister finally realize that this situation is unacceptable? People's privacy is under attack.

When will the Prime Minister take responsibility and immediately put an end to this unacceptable situation?

[Navdeep Bains, Liberal, Minister of Innovation]

Mr. Speaker, our government takes Canadians' privacy very seriously. Let me be clear. This is a pilot project that is still in development. No information has been collected. Statistics Canada is working with the Privacy Commissioner.

Business of the House

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

Mr. Speaker, no information has been collected, but the Privacy Commissioner has started an investigation. That is interesting.

I now want to talk about another issue that is worrying more and more Canadians.

On April 25, the member for Saint-Léonard—Saint-Michel announced that he was quitting politics. On June 12, he gave his farewell speech here, in the House, to all parliamentarians, saying that he was quitting politics. On September 27, he suddenly announced that he would take a month to reflect on his future in politics. In a recent development, we have learned that the Prime Minister apparently gave him a secret mandate.

What is this secret mandate that the Prime Minister gave Liberal agent 007?

[Bardish Chagger, Liberal, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons]

Mr. Speaker, each member of Parliament is accountable to his or her constituents for his or her work in Ottawa. The member in question said that he was reflecting on his plans for the future.

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

Mr. Speaker, five months ago, the member for Saint-Léonard—Saint-Michel stood in this place and gave what we all thought was his resignation speech. Five months later he is still an MP being paid by the taxpayers, but appears to have not shown up for a day's work since then. The member said that he has been working on a very special government responsibility assigned to him by the Prime Minister.

Could the Prime Minister tell the House what this highly important government job or assignment is that he gave to the member, which means the member does not have to show up for work?

[Bardish Chagger, Liberal, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons]

Mr. Speaker, what I have just said in French, I will repeat in English. Members of Parliament are responsible to their constituents for their work in Ottawa. The member has stated that he is reflecting on his next steps.

International Trade

[Guy Caron, NDP, Rimouski-Neigette—Témiscouata—Les Basques, QC]

Mr. Speaker, 10 days ago, Mexico announced that it will not approve the United States-Mexico-Canada trade agreement unless President Trump lifts the U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum. Now that is what I call guts.

Steelworkers have come to Ottawa to demand that the Liberal government do exactly the same thing, because these tariffs could force many Canadian companies out of business, but the Liberals continue to turn a deaf ear.

My question is very simple. How come the Mexican government has a backbone but our government here in Ottawa does not?

[Marc Garneau, Liberal, Minister of Transport]

Mr. Speaker, this reminds me that last Tuesday I attended a reception hosted by Unifor to celebrate the USMCA. To my surprise, the leader of the NDP was there too to join in the festivities. His Quebec lieutenant, the member for Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie, said at the microphone that it was a very good deal.

What is the NDP's position on this matter?

Canada Revenue Agency

[Guy Caron, NDP, Rimouski-Neigette—Témiscouata—Les Basques, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to know why the Mexican government has a backbone, but the Liberal government does not.

Today also marks a sad anniversary. One year ago the paradise papers scandal broke. Before that, we had the Panama papers, the Luxembourg leaks, the Swiss leaks and the offshore leaks. There was the scandal involving KPMG, which helped Canadians send their money away and then repatriate it tax free. In every one of these cases, the Canada Revenue Agency has seemed powerless to act, or it simply gave amnesty to the guilty parties. However, the agency is very good at going after Canadians who receive benefits.

Why the double standard? When will it take concrete action on the paradise papers?

[Marc Garneau, Liberal, Minister of Transport]

Mr. Speaker, allow me to quote the NDP member for Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie. He told the Canadian negotiators that he just wanted to congratulate everyone in the room for their fantastic work. He then said that the USMCA represents the best possible agreement and protects Canadian workers. We agree. This agreement is in keeping with the commitments we made concerning stability, maintaining employment, growth and protecting thousands of Canadian jobs.