Debates of Feb. 7th, 2018

Veterans Affairs

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

Mr. Speaker, since we are not getting any answers, my question will now be for the Minister of National Defence, the parliamentary secretary for U.S. relations or the parliamentary secretary for transport.

These veterans stood behind the Prime Minister when he promised two things: a return to lifetime pensions for all our injured; and to never force veterans back to court. How can the Liberals stay silent when those veterans now have to go to the Supreme Court of Canada and when he broke his promise on lifetime pensions?

[Seamus O'Regan, Liberal, Minister of Veterans Affairs]

Mr. Speaker, I would ask the hon. member this. Maybe he could ask the member for Barrie—Innisfil why he said the Conservatives lost the trust of veterans. Was it the nine offices they closed? Was it all the front-line staff they fired? Was it all the balancing of budgets on the backs of our veterans? Was it one of those or was it all of the above and more?

Employment Insurance

[Brigitte Sansoucy, NDP, Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot, QC]

Mr. Speaker, seasonal workers in Quebec and Acadia will not have any income as of this week, as a result of the EI gap. Although unions and organizations have made unanimous appeals, the Liberals refuse to take action and are leaving these families without any income.

When will the government create a pilot project or find any other solution to extend benefits and give these seasonal workers a bit of stability?

[Jean-Yves Duclos, Liberal, Minister of Families]

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for giving me an opportunity to remind members in the House that we are very aware of how our EI system supports families and workers in their difficult transition from work to unemployment. We also realize that we need to do better, even though the Canadian government has done a lot in the past two years to make EI benefits more flexible and generous, in an environment of significant economic growth. There is still work to be done. Fortunately, we can count on our partners in the provinces and the unions to do even better.

[Niki Ashton, NDP, Churchill—Keewatinook Aski, MB]

Mr. Speaker, those are hollow words for workers in the Atlantic and other parts of the country. The reality is that they are being cut off EI. At the same time, the Liberal government is creating a $2 billion hole in the program.

When will the government stand up for seasonal workers? When will it create a pilot project to extend the benefit period? When will the government stop taking Atlantic Canadians and so many others for granted?

[Jean-Yves Duclos, Liberal, Minister of Families]

Mr. Speaker, our government was elected to grow the economy, grow the middle class, and respond to the challenges that all Canadians are facing, since everyone wants to benefit from the extraordinary economic growth we are experiencing right now. We are fully aware of that. We are listening carefully to the concerns of people living in eastern Canada, particularly in the regions where the seasonal industry plays an important role. We are working closely with stakeholders. We look forward to continuing to do all the work that we have been doing over the past two years to improve the flexibility and generosity of the employment insurance system.

Foreign Investment

[Tom Kmiec, Conservative, Calgary Shepard, AB]

Mr. Speaker, Bangladesh has just banned one of China's state-owned enterprises due to corruption and bribery. It happens to be the same organization as the one proposing to buy the big Canadian construction giant Aecon.

Bangladesh is ranked as the 31st most corrupt place to do business according to Transparency International. If the Government of Bangladesh says that this China state-owned corporation is too corrupt to do business with, then why will the Prime Minister not commit to a national security review and to extending the review period so Canadians can have their say?

[Navdeep Bains, Liberal, Minister of Innovation]

Mr. Speaker, under the Investment Canada Act, for which I am responsible, there is a robust and rigorous process to look at all these issues raised by the member opposite. We listen to our national security agencies. We follow their advice. In the past we never have and we never will compromise on national security. We will always make sure that any decisions we make will be in the best interests of all Canadians.

[Tony Clement, Conservative, Parry Sound—Muskoka, ON]

That was a non-answer, Mr. Speaker. Let us try again.

The Chinese company poised to take over Canadian construction giant Aecon is rampant with corruption and has just been blacklisted by Bangladesh for that very reason. We know Aecon has been awarded numerous sensitive Canadian government contracts, including working with our military and in the nuclear sector.

When Bangladesh is sounding alarm bells, why is Canada staying silent and not calling for a full national security review of the takeover of Aecon?

[Navdeep Bains, Liberal, Minister of Innovation]

Mr. Speaker, the member opposite knows full well that under the Investment Canada Act, all such transactions are subject to a national security review. This is a multi-step process that we always follow. We take the advice of our national security agencies very seriously. We follow that advice. We have been very clear that when it comes to national security, we will never compromise on that. We will do our due diligence. We will follow the process, and we will make sure that the outcome will benefit all Canadians.

[Glen Motz, Conservative, Medicine Hat—Cardston—Warner, AB]

Mr. Speaker, the list of reasons to stop the communist China takeover of Aecon continues to grow. The state-controlled company has been connected to bribery, corruption, and collusion in many countries, and last month it was banned from Bangladesh. China continues to launch cyber-attacks against Canada, is a human rights violator, and now poses a threat to the security of our Internet banking and communications systems, to name a few.

Will the minister finally confirm that this proposed takeover will be subject to a vigorous national security review?

[Navdeep Bains, Liberal, Minister of Innovation]

Mr. Speaker, on this side of the House we have been absolutely clear that we will follow the multi-step process when it comes to national security reviews. We always have done that, and will continue to do that.

What I find problematic is that members opposite have no faith or confidence in our national security agencies. We do. We will follow their advice. We have followed their advice, and will continue to follow their advice.

Public Safety

[Robert-Falcon Ouellette, Liberal, Winnipeg Centre, MB]

Mr. Speaker, it is our responsibility as members of Parliament to stand up for the most vulnerable members of society. There are few people more vulnerable than victims of child sexual exploitation online. Over 6,000 incidents were reported in Canada in 2016, and there are many more that go unreported. Each of these incidents is a child who deserves security and a chance to be a kid.

The people of Winnipeg Centre would be interested to know what the government is doing now to step up the fight and protect Canadian children.

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

Mr. Speaker, the sexual exploitation of children is an intolerable crime. This morning, I announced an additional $4.1 million for the Canadian Centre for Child Protection in Winnipeg. The funding will be used to operate a cyber tip line, support victims, and enhance the arachnid program, which is cutting-edge Canadian software that helps remove exploitive content. We must keep doing everything possible to protect our children, bring perpetrators to justice, and stop these horrendous crimes.

Natural Resources

[Shannon Stubbs, Conservative, Lakeland, AB]

Mr. Speaker, Trans Mountain was federally approved in 2016 because it is in the national interest, but every day and every delay puts it at risk, just like the other multi-billion dollar opportunities lost on the Liberals' watch. The interprovincial conflict is escalating, but the Liberals are MIA. They are failing to act on their own approval and failing to act in the best interests of all of Canada. The B.C. NDP is trying to kill the pipeline, just like the NDP promised it would. The Liberals cannot let them keep stalling.

What does the minister consider to be an unusual or unnecessary delay, and exactly what action will he take to ensure this vital infrastructure gets built?

[Kim Rudd, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources]

Mr. Speaker, the decision we took on the Trans Mountain expansion project was based on facts and evidence and what is in the national interest.

We look forward to working with every province and territory to ensure a strong future for Canadians, but the facts and evidence do not change. This project will diversify our markets, be built with improved environmental safety, and ensure a strong future for all Canadians. Our government made the right decision when we approved the federally regulated project, and we stand by that decision. The pipeline falls under federal jurisdiction. This pipeline will be built.

Pensions

[Daniel Blaikie, NDP, Elmwood—Transcona, MB]

Mr. Speaker, we have seen too many times the Liberal government's indifference to the pensions of private sector workers like those at Sears, but right under its nose, at Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, there are thousands of workers from Chalk River, Ontario, to Pinawa, Manitoba, who are going to be kicked out of the public service pension plan in September because of the federal government's privatization agenda.

The government has known about this issue for a long time now. Will the President of the Treasury Board stand up today and let these workers know what is going to happen to their pension in September?

[Scott Brison, Liberal, President of the Treasury Board]

Mr. Speaker, we have immense respect for our public service. In fact, we have an understanding of the importance of strong well-funded pension plans, which is why our finance minister has worked with provincial and territorial governments to strengthen the CPP across Canada. The question the hon. member has asked is one that the Minister of Natural Resources has engaged in. We will work with all stakeholders, and we will ensure that all public servants are treated fairly.

Taxation

[René Arseneault, Liberal, Madawaska—Restigouche, NB]

Mr. Speaker, when it comes time to file their income taxes, many people face particular challenges, especially if they live far from big cities in remote communities, have reduced mobility, or have little or no Internet access.

Can the Minister of National Revenue tell us what measures she is implementing to help Canadians file their income tax returns?

[Diane Lebouthillier, Liberal, Minister of National Revenue]

Mr. Speaker, I thank my esteemed Acadian colleague from Madawaska—Restigouche for his question and for the work that he does in our regions.

Improving the CRA's service is a key part of my mandate. That is why, this year, we are making things easier for people who use paper returns by sending them all the forms they need directly by mail. What is more, we are launching a service called “file my return”, which will allow eligible Canadians to file their tax returns by answering a few simple questions via an automated telephone service.

I encourage all Canadians to file their tax returns if they want to get the credits they are entitled to.

Fisheries and Oceans

[Marilyn Gladu, Conservative, Sarnia—Lambton, ON]

Mr. Speaker, it has been 27 days since the ferry border crossing in my riding was crushed by ice from Coast Guard traffic and closed. The ferry serves as a much needed economic link between Canada and the U.S. Now businesses on both sides of the border are threatened with closure and constituents in my riding are extremely concerned.

When will the Prime Minister take action and get this border crossing open?

[Terry Beech, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries]

Mr. Speaker, the women and men of the Canadian Coast Guard work hard every day to provide icebreaking services that keep our waters safe and the economy strong. My heart goes out to everyone that has been negatively affected, or will be negatively affected, by damage to the Sombra wharf.

I have agreed with the member opposite to meet with the mayor of the local community in the near future. I know that other federal departments have been working to see if there is any way we can help. Unfortunately, the shipping lane that the Canadian icebreaker was on was nowhere near the ferry dock and no link can be found between the damage to the ferry dock and the transit of the Canadian Coast Guard vessel.

Northern Affairs

[Hunter Tootoo, Independent, Nunavut, NU]

Mr. Speaker,

[Member spoke in Inuktitut .]

[English]

My question is for the Prime Minister. Round table meetings are currently taking place to discuss Canada's new Arctic policy framework. I believe that this new policy will have a huge effect on the Government of Nunavut and will influence our capabilities for years to come. It is for this reason that the Government of Nunavut must be considered a true partner. Unilateral decisions like last year's moratorium on Arctic oil and gas are not acceptable and cannot be how Arctic policy unfolds.

Will the Prime Minister ensure that the Government of Nunavut is at the forefront of any policy decisions?

[Carolyn Bennett, Liberal, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs]

Mr. Speaker, our government is co-developing the Arctic policy framework in partnership with the territorial, provincial, and indigenous partners. The engagement process has already highlighted the strong Arctic peoples and communities that must be at the core of the framework. Previous governments imposed their priorities, but this framework will be created by northerners for the north. Together we will develop a shared vision for a strong, prosperous, and sustainable Arctic.

Royal Assent

[The Speaker, Liberal, Geoff Regan]

Order, please. I have the honour to inform the House that a communication has been received as follows:

Rideau Hall

Ottawa

February 7, 2018

Mr. Speaker:

I have the honour to inform you that Ms. Assunta Di Lorenzo, Secretary to the Governor General, in her capacity as Deputy of the Governor General, signified royal assent by written declaration to the bill listed in the Schedule to this letter on the 7th day of February 2018, at 11:00 a.m.

Yours sincerely,

Christine MacIntyre

Executive Director, Events, Household and Visitor Services

The schedule indicates the bill assented to was Bill C-210, An Act to amend the National Anthem Act (gender).