House of Commons Hansard #285 of the 42nd Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was environment.

Topics

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

The Speaker Liberal Geoff Regan

We will now have the singing of O Canada, led by the hon. member for Windsor West.

[Members sang the national anthem]

Trans Mountain ExpansionStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Québec debout

Monique Pauzé Québec debout Repentigny, QC

Mr. Speaker, the media has confirmed that the whole Trans Mountain pipeline assessment process was nothing but a charade.

We now know that the entire process was hurried along at Kinder Morgan's request. We know that public servants were ordered to say yes to the pipeline by their political masters. We know that submissions from first nations, including the 164-page report submitted by Chief Maureen Thomas on November 28, 2016, went straight into the shredder. We know that scientists' concerns about marine oil spills were brushed off on November 29, 2016. What was the rush?

Members will recall that November 29 was the same day a reception organized by pipeline lobbyists was held here on Parliament Hill. It was the day the government approved the Trans Mountain project, reminding us that Canada is at the beck and call of private oil companies, regardless of who is in power.

Norman PetersStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Wayne Easter Liberal Malpeque, PE

Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I stand to recognize the death of Norman Peters, loved by all Islanders as the Bearded Skipper. Norman was a lifelong fisherman from North Rustico, serving as president of the North Shore Fishermen's Association for two decades, representing fishermen in many roles in the P.E.I. Fishermen's Association, and serving on many committees for his industry and the province. He was a giant as a representative for the lobster fishery on a trade mission to China.

Norman was loved by all who met him. His image as the Bearded Skipper was seen as a Canadian symbol for the fishery. He inspired the building of a fishery museum in his hometown and ensured that the harbour was in good stead, and his fishing charters were an experience to behold, a fishing trip never forgotten by locals and tourists alike. Norman was active in his church and his community. No matter the cause, he would lend a helping hand.

Our condolences go out to his wife Marie, son Corey, daughter Colleen, and family.

David CrutcherStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Conservative

Tom Kmiec Conservative Calgary Shepard, AB

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of David Crutcher, a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend, who passed away suddenly on April 3, 2018.

David was a man of faith, a greatly involved member of the Church of Latter-Day Saints. He was an engineer by trade and well known for serving as the president of the Progressive Group for Independent Business. He was heavily involved in politics in Calgary. He was a great volunteer for many Conservative candidates across the city. I will remember fondly door knocking with him.

David was a leader, a leader who did not let friends and volunteers fall behind. He had a warm word for everyone and was armed with a smile as well as a kind handshake. All of us have a David in our communities: remarkably accomplished, a big contributor to local civics, the glue that holds people together, and a gentle soul offering a helping hand to all.

My sincerest condolences go out to his wife Mary, his family, and his friends.

The Gospel of Matthew says, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”

Fraser Peter HutchinsonStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Darren Fisher Liberal Dartmouth—Cole Harbour, NS

Mr. Speaker, Canada has a proud tradition of brave men and women fighting for their country, and I am honoured to recognize one of Nova Scotia's finest veterans, the late Fraser Peter Hutchinson.

Mr. Hutchinson served in the defence of France in World War II, where he was wounded and captured. He escaped the prisoner of war camp and spent months trekking across Nazi-occupied Europe to find his way back to Britain. When he returned, he was the first Canadian soldier in the Second World War to receive the prestigious Military Medal. He went on to participate in the invasion of Sicily, where he became the first Canadian to capture an Italian prisoner. Although he returned home in 1943, he continued to serve Canada with valour until 1951.

Mr. Hutchinson risked his life on numerous occasions for our freedom but never wavered in his resolve to do his duty for his country. Mr. Hutchinson was a true Canadian hero, and I am proud to recognize him in this House.

CancerStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

NDP

Georgina Jolibois NDP Desnethé—Missinippi—Churchill River, SK

Mr. Speaker, today my colleagues and I in the New Democratic Party stand in support of those living with cancer and their families by wearing a yellow daffodil. These yellow flowers are a symbol of strength, courage, and hope for those affected by cancer and are a message that things can get better.

The research and hard work supported by the Canadian Cancer Society have helped to increase the survival rate for those affected to more than 60%, but there is still much that needs to be done. For example, in Desnethé—Missinippi—Churchill River, people with cancer must travel far from their homes, families, and friends while dealing with the financial, emotional, and mental toll that goes with treatment.

I encourage all members of this House and all people in Canada to share their time, talents, and treasures with organizations that support those living with cancer across the country.

Olivia MontonStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Anju Dhillon Liberal Dorval—Lachine—LaSalle, QC

Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to the extraordinary work of one of Dorval's great philanthropists, Olivia Monton, who was recently awarded the Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers by the Governor General, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette.

For the past 10 years, Olivia Monton has shown that caring, tenacity, and humanism can change Canada. In 2014, she created Live for the Cause, a foundation that encourages people of all ages to experience the rewards of giving to others and our communities.

Like Olivia, we should never forget to give at least a little bit, whether it is financial, material, or time. She will be hosting the 2018 gala benefiting the Douglas Mental Health University Institute on Saturday, May 26. I would like to invite my colleagues to attend this event and to help me congratulate Olivia for her numerous accomplishments.

CancerStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Conservative

Marilyn Gladu Conservative Sarnia—Lambton, ON

Mr. Speaker, today I am honoured to wear the daffodil pin in support of the Canadian Cancer Society's national fundraising campaign. I work with its national office through my role as the shadow minister of health, and I also support my local chapter in Sarnia—Lambton.

Daffodil Month is held each April, and the money raised from this campaign helps the Cancer Society with its critical work in the fight against cancer. Thousands of volunteers across Canada have been working to raise vitally needed funds for cancer research and support programs. Today in the House of Commons, we all wear our daffodil pins in support of this worthy cause. I ask MPs to share footage of themselves wearing the daffodil pin, using #jointhefight. Together we can make a difference for the almost one million Canadians living with cancer.

Bell IslandStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Nick Whalen Liberal St. John's East, NL

Mr. Speaker, a unique feature in my riding are the rugged and determined cliffs of Bell Island. Even more unique are the rugged and determined residents who continue to fight for the survival of their communities. Now, 52 years after the closure of the Bell Island iron ore mines, less than a quarter of the peak population remains, as people seek to rekindle opportunities in farming and to create new opportunities in tourism and services for retirees returning from military service or from their satellite community in Cambridge, Ontario.

I was delighted to attend Jonny Harris's hilarious and uplifting performance last year as part of a Still Standing episode, where he took a few liberties in celebrating the colourful characters on the island.

Through the Canada summer jobs program, we are supporting 36 student leadership opportunities this summer. I believe in Bell Island and look forward to listening to the community at a town hall on Tuesday, May 15, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at St. Michael's Parish hall. All are welcome.

The EnvironmentStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Mike Bossio Liberal Hastings—Lennox and Addington, ON

Mr. Speaker, I know a place where innovation thrives, where international markets are within reach, and where the environment and the economy truly go hand in hand. Why, it is Napanee, of course. This rural town in Lennox and Addington county is where FireRein just announced a contract with the U.S. military for its environmentally friendly, food-based eco-gel, a fire suppressant that was used to help with the wildfires in B.C. This is a perfect example of how Canadians in our biggest cities or in our smallest towns can lead the way to a clean and innovative economy.

I am proud of our government for recognizing the ability of this small, rural business to make a big impact by investing $325,000 in FireRein to scale up the company and get the product to international markets. I thank the members of the Enterprise Station of the Stone Mills volunteer fire department for being the first to bring this product on board, and I congratulate the whole team at FireRein.

Organ and Tissue DonationStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Conservative

Dave MacKenzie Conservative Oxford, ON

Mr. Speaker, every April, Ontarians celebrate BeADonor Month in support of organ and tissue donation awareness. Today I would like to recognize Joanna and Ryley Mitchell, constituents from my riding of Oxford, who are the recipients of the Trillium Gift of Life Network Champion Award. It is given to Ontarians who have made an exceptional difference in organ donation and transplantation. Ryley received a heart transplant at seven months of age, and they have dedicated the past 13 years to volunteering at awareness events and sharing their story with the media. Joanna sits on the executive committee of the Life Donation Awareness Association of Midwest Ontario, while Ryley regularly participates in the Canadian Transplant Games.

I thank Joanna and Ryley for their contribution to organ and tissue donation awareness and for their involvement and leadership in our community.

Hospice VaughanStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Liberal

Francesco Sorbara Liberal Vaughan—Woodbridge, ON

Mr. Speaker, on April 27, Hospice Vaughan and all residents of the city of Vaughan will celebrate the ground-breaking of an exceptional centre of excellence, a place where people coping with a life-limiting illness will find support in a time of need, as will their families and friends.

Located in my riding of Vaughan—Woodbridge, the new 10-bed residential hospice and health research facility will support palliative care as well as grief and bereavement services in a compassionate and home-like setting.

We would not be celebrating this milestone without the dedicated staff and volunteers at Hospice Vaughan or without the generous support of private donors in our community.

Everyone deserves dignity and the best end-of-life care. This residence means that patients and their families will not need to leave the familiarity of our beautiful city. I am very proud of the work that Hospice Vaughan is doing. I urge all my colleagues to join me in congratulating everyone who played a role in this noble initiative.

Pierre DescoteauxStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Liberal

Linda Lapointe Liberal Rivière-des-Mille-Îles, QC

Mr. Speaker, Rosemère lost one of her sons on April 9. Pierre Descoteaux was a former Rosemère municipal councillor, and from 2003 to 2007 he was the MNA for the riding of Groulx, which comprises Sainte-Thérèse, Boisbriand, and Rosemère. Pierre was always very active in his community. For instance, he appeared on a program on TVBL, Thérèse-de-Blainville's community television channel, explaining politics to the people of the Lower Laurentians.

His wife of over 40 years, Marie Beetz, and his three children, Geneviève, William, and Simon, remember him as a proud family man who wanted to spend as much time as possible with his loved ones. His family and friends knew him as a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather.

The people of Thérèse-de-Blainville remember him as a man of conviction who was hard-working, dedicated, and always willing to go the extra mile for his constituents.

I would like to extend my sincere condolences to Marie Beetz, Geneviève, William, and Simon, as well as his extended family and friends.

Pierre, you left us too soon. Rest in peace.

The Angel of DieppeStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Conservative

Phil McColeman Conservative Brantford—Brant, ON

Mr. Speaker, at 5:00 a.m. on the 19th of August, 1942, Allied soldiers launched a raid on Nazi-occupied Dieppe.

Of the 6,000 mostly Canadian soldiers that went ashore, 60% were killed, wounded, or taken prisoner. Those who survived the carnage would be treated by nurses, including the Augustinian nun named Sister Agnes-Marie Valois.

To her, they were “my Canadians”. To them, she was “the Angel of Dieppe”. Her compassion was only matched by her bravery. On one occasion, she stood between a captured Canadian soldier and a Nazi pistol, declaring that the bullet would need to pass through her first.

Sadly, we learned recently of her passing at the age of 103. Sister Marie-Agnes, “your Canadians” are eternally grateful. May you rest in peace.

Support for Cancer VictimsStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Liberal

Jean Yip Liberal Scarborough—Agincourt, ON

Mr. Speaker, today is National Daffodil Day. The daffodil is the symbol of strength and courage in the fight against cancer.

I wear this pin in memory of my late husband Arnold, and for all the people living with cancer and wanting to conquer this disease.

Over the course of their lives, one in two Canadians will be diagnosed with cancer. By funding cancer research, we have seen the overall cancer survivor rate increase from 25% in the 1940s to 60% today.

There are many different ways to support a person living with cancer, whether it is just being a quiet supporter, offering a meal to the families, sending a quick text message with no reply needed, telling a joke or funny story, providing a ride to treatments and appointments, volunteering at the Cancer Society, or giving a hug or a massage. Everyone can make a simple difference for people living with cancer.

Women's SheltersStatements By Members

2:20 p.m.

NDP

Rachel Blaney NDP North Island—Powell River, BC

Mr. Speaker, recently several Campbell River realtors donated part of their commissions to the Campbell River and North Island Transition Society.

Stephen Grant, Deanna Collins, Heather Parker, Doug Marie, Andre Rivett, Vanessa Hird, and Deb Gyles together donated $9,900 to support women and children fleeing violence. I want to acknowledge their generosity.

I also want to thank the executive director of the transition society and all of the amazing staff and volunteers who do such tremendous work. These people save lives. Their dedication and hard work is so appreciated.

Sadly, this issue continues to be so real and concerning across Canada. In fact, recently the United Nations special rapporteur on violence against women said that due to the lack of shelters or second-stage housing facilities, many women who have fled from domestic violence are subsequently forced to return to their homes, exposing themselves to the risk of facing further violence.

I ask the government to listen to the cries of women and children across this country and to the special rapporteur and raise the much-needed funding for these facilities. Women and children—

Women's SheltersStatements By Members

2:20 p.m.

Liberal

The Speaker Liberal Geoff Regan

The hon. member for Flamborough—Glanbrook.

Anti-SemitismStatements By Members

2:20 p.m.

Conservative

David Sweet Conservative Flamborough—Glanbrook, ON

Mr. Speaker, B'nai Brith Canada released its 36th annual audit of anti-Semitic incidents. While 2017 was a year of celebration for most Canadians, it was truly a difficult year for our Canadian Jewish community. Last year, as in the year before, anti-Semitism reached record-breaking highs, with acts of vandalism having doubled and acts of violence increasing by almost 50%.

The audit highlights disturbing instances of anti-Semitic occurrences on campuses, including calls for physical violence by a student leader at McGill, bomb threats at York, and an attempt by the University of Ottawa student union to revoke the status of a campus Jewish group.

What is even more disturbing is that this year there is a section called “anti-Semitism in the political sphere”, which discusses the actions of elected officials, including members of this House. Many experts who study racism refer to anti-Semitism as “the canary in the mine”, an indicator of general patterns of racism across the country. I call upon all members of this House to be active and loud in denouncing all acts of racism, particularly anti-Semitism. Anything short of that brings shame upon this place.

Attack in TorontoStatements By Members

2:20 p.m.

Liberal

Ali Ehsassi Liberal Willowdale, ON

Mr. Speaker, I stand before this House with a heavy heart today. I cannot express the depths of my sadness at the tragic incident that shook my riding of Willowdale two days ago. Those killed and injured are etched in my thoughts, and my heart goes out to all their loved ones.

We will never forget April 23, nor will we forget the response of our city and our country. Allow me, first and foremost, to salute all the first responders who courageously came forward, in particular Constable Lam, all the individuals who rushed to assist the victims, and of course the many people who have descended on Willowdale to pay their respects.

Allow me also to commend every member of this House for their leadership. I have no doubt that we will emerge from this more united than ever. Given all the angels I have seen in my riding, I have never been prouder to be a Willowdalian, a Torontonian, or a Canadian.

Natural ResourcesOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Regina—Qu'Appelle Saskatchewan

Conservative

Andrew Scheer ConservativeLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, can the Prime Minister tell the House and all Canadians that he and his government will do everything in their power to make sure that the Trans Mountain pipeline gets built?

Natural ResourcesOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Papineau Québec

Liberal

Justin Trudeau LiberalPrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, all along, we have shown that we understand that protecting the environment and growing the economy go together.

For 10 years under Stephen Harper, the Conservatives were unable to build one kilometre of pipeline to new markets. On this side, we are working to ensure that this pipeline gets built. However, our desire to build this pipeline includes wanting to put a price on carbon pollution and to protect our oceans. That all goes together. Canadians know that the environment and the economy go together.

Natural ResourcesOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

Regina—Qu'Appelle Saskatchewan

Conservative

Andrew Scheer ConservativeLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, can the Prime Minister assure the House and all Canadians that he is using every tool at his disposal to ensure public support for the Trans Mountain pipeline project?

Natural ResourcesOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

Papineau Québec

Liberal

Justin Trudeau LiberalPrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, I find it wonderful that the member of the opposition is asking this question, because indeed we recognize that part of the tools to get this pipeline built is a price on carbon pollution right across the country.

Canadians know that protecting the environment and growing the economy must go together.

For 10 years, Stephen Harper and his Conservative Party were unable to protect the environment and therefore unable to grow the economy the way they should have.

Natural ResourcesOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

Regina—Qu'Appelle Saskatchewan

Conservative

Andrew Scheer ConservativeLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, if the Prime Minister claims to be trying to build public support for this pipeline, perhaps he can explain to the House why his government gave a grant to an environmental lobby group that specifically used those funds to hire an activist to protest against the Trans Mountain pipeline.

Does the Prime Minister not realize that paying groups to protest against these projects is exactly part of the problem?

Natural ResourcesOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

Papineau Québec

Liberal

Justin Trudeau LiberalPrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, unlike apparently the leader of the official opposition, we believe in free speech. We believe in advocacy on this side of the House.

On this specific—