House of Commons Hansard #275 of the 42nd Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was post.

Topics

An Act in Relation to FirearmsGovernment Orders

1:10 p.m.

NDP

The Assistant Deputy Speaker NDP Carol Hughes

All those opposed will please say nay.

An Act in Relation to FirearmsGovernment Orders

1:10 p.m.

Some hon. members

Nay.

An Act in Relation to FirearmsGovernment Orders

1:10 p.m.

NDP

The Assistant Deputy Speaker NDP Carol Hughes

In my opinion the nays have it.

And five or more members having risen:

The Assistant Deputy Speaker (Mrs. Carol Hughes):

Before the Clerk announced the result of the vote:

An Act in Relation to FirearmsGovernment Orders

1:50 p.m.

Liberal

The Speaker Liberal Geoff Regan

Order. The hon. member for Winnipeg North and parliamentary secretary to the government House leader's vote will not be counted because he left his seat during the vote to come and speak to the Chair.

The hon. member for New Brunswick Southwest is rising on a point of order.

An Act in Relation to FirearmsGovernment Orders

1:50 p.m.

Liberal

Karen Ludwig Liberal New Brunswick Southwest, NB

Mr. Speaker, I did not hear the House call for those on this side who were opposed to the motion.

An Act in Relation to FirearmsGovernment Orders

1:50 p.m.

Liberal

The Speaker Liberal Geoff Regan

This is not a private member's bill. Therefore, the Chair called first for those in favour and then for those opposed.

Do I assume that the hon. member for New Brunswick Southwest wishes to have her vote counted as opposed to the motion?

An Act in Relation to FirearmsGovernment Orders

1:50 p.m.

Liberal

Karen Ludwig Liberal New Brunswick Southwest, NB

Yes, Mr. Speaker.

(The House divided on the motion, which was agreed to on the following division:)

Vote #638

An Act in Relation to FirearmsGovernment Orders

1:50 p.m.

Liberal

The Speaker Liberal Geoff Regan

I declare the motion carried.

Bill C-68—Time Allocation MotionFisheries ActGovernment Orders

1:50 p.m.

Waterloo Ontario

Liberal

Bardish Chagger LiberalLeader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister of Small Business and Tourism

moved:

That, in relation to Bill C-68, An Act to amend the Fisheries Act and other Acts in consequence, not more than one further sitting day shall be allotted to the consideration at second reading stage of the Bill;

and

That, 15 minutes before the expiry of the time provided for Government Orders on the day allotted to the consideration at second reading stage of the said Bill, any proceedings before the House shall be interrupted, if required for the purpose of this Order, and, in turn, every question necessary for the disposal of the said stage of the Bill shall be put forthwith and successively, without further debate or amendment.

Bill C-68—Time Allocation MotionFisheries ActGovernment Orders

1:50 p.m.

Liberal

The Speaker Liberal Geoff Regan

Pursuant to Standing Order 67.1, there will now be a 30-minute question period. I invite hon. members who wish to ask questions to rise in their places so the Chair has some idea of the number of members who wish to participate in this question period.

The hon. member for Cariboo—Prince George.

Bill C-68—Time Allocation MotionFisheries ActGovernment Orders

1:50 p.m.

Conservative

Todd Doherty Conservative Cariboo—Prince George, BC

Mr. Speaker, once again we are seeing the government shut down debate specifically on a bill that is so fundamental and would impact coastal communities and the economic viability of Canadians from coast to coast to coast.

I have one question. Why is the minister and the government shutting down debate on this important bill?

Bill C-68—Time Allocation MotionFisheries ActGovernment Orders

1:55 p.m.

Liberal

The Speaker Liberal Geoff Regan

Before I call upon the hon. Minister of Fisheries, I want to indicate that at two o'clock we will be interrupting this question and answer period for question period.

The hon. Minister of Fisheries.

Bill C-68—Time Allocation MotionFisheries ActGovernment Orders

1:55 p.m.

Beauséjour New Brunswick

Liberal

Dominic LeBlanc LiberalMinister of Fisheries

Mr. Speaker, I hope you will agree with me that it is somewhat ironic to have a Conservative member stand in this House and object to the use of time allocation or shutting down debate.

One of the reasons our government committed to Canadians in the 2015 election to restore the lost protections and bring modern safeguards to the Fisheries Act was that the previous Conservative government evacuated the protections from the Fisheries Act by burying it in an omnibus bill, with no debate at all, with time allocation at every stage. Not only are we reinstating those protections, but we are also looking forward to listening to Canadians and parliamentarians as we improve this important legislation.

Bill C-68—Time Allocation MotionFisheries ActGovernment Orders

1:55 p.m.

NDP

Fin Donnelly NDP Port Moody—Coquitlam, BC

Mr. Speaker, in listening to the official opposition and the government, I do not know which is worse in terms of what we are talking about in delaying this. The government side points to the official opposition members and says that they are, but we have been waiting almost three years for this legislation to come forward. There are many Canadians who want to give input on this important bill, but to now ram it through, and with time allocation to close off debate, is just not appropriate.

It is unfortunate that we have had to wait this long. We welcome the legislation. We welcome the changes. We want to get to that point, but we need to have a good process. This is not the way to do it. I hope the minister takes that into account for future changes in restoring environmental protections in this country.

Bill C-68—Time Allocation MotionFisheries ActGovernment Orders

1:55 p.m.

Liberal

Dominic LeBlanc Liberal Beauséjour, NB

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for Port Moody—Coquitlam for his and his party's initial support of this legislation. We look forward to working with them and other parliamentarians in committee to see if the legislation can be improved.

As I said when I spoke in this House, as we did with respect to the Oceans Act, Bill C-55, we are constantly looking for suggestions from Canadians, from other parliamentarians in this House and in the other place, for constructive ways we can strengthen this legislation. That is a process we look forward to having in committee. That is why we think it is important for this legislation to progress to committee where the committee can hear from Canadians, environmental groups, associations representing fishers and harvesters around the country. Of course, we look forward to working with parliamentarians as the legislation gets scrutinized in committee and comes back to this House.

I said the same thing in the other place when I had the chance to go to question period there, and it is something that I am happy to repeat here today.

Arnaud BeltrameStatements By Members

1:55 p.m.

Québec debout

Luc Thériault Québec debout Montcalm, QC

Mr. Speaker, on March 23, in France, Lieutenant Colonel Arnaud Beltrame went into a supermarket in Trèbes to trade places with the last hostage being held by a terrorist claiming to be a member of Daesh. After almost three hours of negotiations with the terrorist, Arnaud Beltrame was murdered in cold blood. He sacrificed his life to save another, responding to a gesture of hatred with a pure gesture of heroism. He responded with complete selflessness, the utmost generosity, and great humanity to the despicable evil of terrorism. Arnaud Beltrame will not be forgotten.

On behalf of the Quebec caucus and myself, I would like to extend our most sincere condolences to his wife Marielle, his daughter, and his friends and colleagues.

Arnaud Beltrame died on March 23, 2018. To the whole world, a hero was born that day.

Summer Street IndustriesStatements By Members

1:55 p.m.

Liberal

Sean Fraser Liberal Central Nova, NS

Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Summer Street Industries in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia. This organization is celebrating 50 years of helping adults with intellectual challenges live full and happy lives, including some personal friends and former classmates of mine. The organization began with a small group of parents who came together to help nine young adults, has grown to provide a wide range of programs, and now helps over 200 clients today.

Summer Street Industries provides people in my riding with the opportunity to volunteer or work in the community, learn life skills, and explore personal interests. The organization also partners with local businesses and social enterprises to provide work and training through its employment program. The importance of creating opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities cannot be understated.

I commend the team of people at Summer Street. They are committed to the well-being and interests of each of their clients. Every year, Summer Street celebrates with its annual events, including its awards ceremony, prom, golf scramble, and the wine and cheese session. I would like to congratulate those at Summer Street for their 50 years of contributions to our community. Here is to looking to the next 50.

Fundraising EventStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Conservative

Steven Blaney Conservative Bellechasse—Les Etchemins—Lévis, QC

Mr. Speaker, I would like to tell you about a courageous young boy from Honfleur named Dérek, who has the dedicated support of his parents, Marie-Lou and Jérémie, and his little sister, Allison. Dérek is only two years old, but was diagnosed with leukemia a few months ago. Despite several rounds of chemotherapy, Dérek has relapsed twice. Specialists are now considering an experimental stem cell transplant in Memphis, Tennessee, hoping that will beat the disease.

Last Saturday I attended a fundraising event organized by the mayor of Honfleur, Luc Dion, and his municipal team to help Dérek. There was a massive outpouring of support. The room was packed. Over 300 people came out to say, “We are here for you and your family, Dérek”. As soon as he is strong enough, Dérek and his family will head to the United States for at least five months.

I am touched and impressed by Dérek's courage and by the immediate support offered by the Honfleur and Bellechasse community. My message today is to say, “thank you, and we, too, are here for you”.

Organizations in Don Valley EastStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Liberal

Yasmin Ratansi Liberal Don Valley East, ON

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight and congratulate two exceptional organizations in my riding of Don Valley East.

The first is the Songwriters Association of Canada, an organization that helps protect the intellectual property rights of music creators in Canada. I was pleased to meet and congratulate its members on receiving a grant of $80,000 through the Canada music fund, to enhance their ability to compete in domestic and international markets.

The second is Clear Blue Technologies, a local innovator of clean technology, which received $400,000 in funding to scale up its activities for its solar- and wind-powered control systems. With customers in 33 countries, 20 U.S. states, and eight Canadian provinces, Clear Blue Technologies is playing an important role in shaping Canada's future economy by developing sustainable and renewable sources of energy.

Our government is proud to support these local innovative organizations. I wish them continued success, both here at home and around the world.

Pat Horgan and Jude SchoonerStatements By Members

2 p.m.

NDP

Rachel Blaney NDP North Island—Powell River, BC

Mr. Speaker, Elisabeth Kübler-Ross said:

The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.

In my riding, we have lost too many beautiful people. Today, I want to speak of two of them, Pat Horgan and Jude Schooner. Pat Horgan loved the true north island. He travelled between the communities, always looking for ways to help. With charm, humour, and principle, he lived by the creed that if one person is left behind, we are all left behind. Jude Schooner was the mayor of Tahsis. She loved her community and fought tirelessly for it. Her heart was big, full of kindness and generosity, and everything she did was with dedication and action. I am so proud to have called them my friends.

I thank Shirley, Kelly, Patrick, Sarah, and Aidan, and I thank Scott and Ben for sharing them with us. They were beautiful people, and their lives were such gifts to us all.

Gord DownieStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Liberal

Randy Boissonnault Liberal Edmonton Centre, AB

Mr. Speaker, like many of us, I was moved by the many tributes paid last night to Gord Downie, a true Canadian legend.

From Ahead By a Century, to Secret Path, Gord and the Hip had the unique ability to tell stories that capture the essence of the Canadian spirit. As a student, I used to listen to them play at the Dinwoodie Lounge at the University of Alberta. They left an indelible mark on Canada's music scene that will continue to inspire artists here and around the world for generations.

Gord entrusted Canadians with a mission: to shine a light on the issues facing Canada's indigenous peoples and take concrete action towards meaningful reconciliation.

As the Junos honoured Gord as the 2018 artist of the year, there is no better way to keep his memory alive than for all Canadians to come together to work toward this shared goal.

Thank you to the Junos for using their platform as an opportunity to remind people of the issues facing indigenous peoples. I encourage everyone to learn more about the work being done by the Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack Fund to achieve Gord's objectives.

Canada Revenue AgencyStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Conservative

Pat Kelly Conservative Calgary Rocky Ridge, AB

Mr. Speaker, it is that time of year; it is tax season. While few Canadians relish the process of filing their taxes, almost all Canadians know it is their responsibility to do so accurately and on time. The problem is that accountants from across Canada say that under the revenue minister, accuracy and timeliness at the CRA have never been worse.

The call centre is a shambles. It routinely hangs up on people or gives them the wrong information. She has targeted restaurant servers, retail workers, diabetics, single parents, and parents of autistic children, while making big promises and delivering virtually nothing in the fight against international tax cheaters. Routine corrections and minor adjustments now take up to 18 months, and accountants say the appeal process is increasingly bogged down with sloppy or incompetently done audits.

It is time for the minister to stop patting herself on the back and start delivering on her promises to make the CRA more client friendly.

SomalilandStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Chandra Arya Liberal Nepean, ON

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring awareness to Somaliland, an autonomous region of northwestern Somalia with nearly four million residents. In the recent Somaliland elections, Muse Bihi Abdi was elected as president, the first Somaliland president to be voted in with a very good majority.

The state introduced legislation to address gender-based violence, intending to significantly reduce the rising sexual violence rate. Somalilanders are optimistic that the new president will strengthen the region's democratic credentials and set itself on a more prosperous path.

I would also like to thank the Somali-Canadian community in Ottawa for all of its hard work and contributions to the community, and for continuing to help foster the relationship between Canada and Somalia, including Somaliland.

Juno AwardsStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Kamal Khera Liberal Brampton West, ON

Mr. Speaker, I am not sure if you or my colleagues in the chamber caught the Junos last night but, let me say, Canadians can be proud of our world-renowned musicians.

I am very honoured to recognize our hometown hero, Brampton native Jessie Reyez, for taking home the breakthrough artist of the year award at the Junos. Jessie's performances are nothing short of breathtaking. At just age 27, her mastery of soul and R and B is one of a kind. From nearly giving up on music a few years ago to now touring Europe and performing at South by Southwest, Jessie is another example of the hard work and determination of Canada's artists.

I cannot say enough about how proud I am of Jessie and of all of our musicians and creators. I thank all of our artists at the Junos yesterday, the fans, and the industry that continues to help them reach the stars.