Debates of April 30th, 2018

International Workers' Day

[Marilène Gill, Bloc, Manicouagan, QC]

Madam Speaker, today is International Workers' Day, and on behalf of the Bloc Québécois, I want to express my admiration for and acknowledge all workers in Quebec who help build a stronger and fairer society for all of us every single day.

As a member of Parliament and as labour critic, I have a duty to remember and take action. I remind members that, originally, this was a day for workers to assert themselves. I want to reiterate that the Bloc Québécois fully supports workers in their fight for pay equity, minimum wage, tax havens, work-life balance, work-school balance, employment insurance, and pension funds.

On May 1, as always, the Bloc Québécois will stand with workers.

Nicholas Sonntag

[Pam Goldsmith-Jones, Liberal, West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country, BC]

Madam Speaker, earlier this month in Gibsons, B.C., home of The Beachcombers, over 650 people opened the Nicholas Sonntag Marine Education Centre in the Gibsons public market. It was as bittersweet day, as Nick had passed away suddenly two years earlier, before his vision for the market was fully realized.

Educated at UBC, early in his career Nick caught Maurice Strong's attention and became the chief of staff for the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio. Then he synthesized the ideas that became Agenda 21. In 1996, he became executive director of the Stockholm Environmental Institute, and he never stopped engaging.

Nick has been a world leader in preserving the earth's resources for future generations. His home was the Sunshine Coast. The plaque written by good friends and colleagues Brian and Mary Nattrass says, “The more we know of the ocean, the more we understand ourselves and the changing tides of our lives.”

Come and visit and share in our deep gratitude for Nicholas Sonntag.

Manitoba Agricultural Hall of Fame Inductee

[Larry Maguire, Conservative, Brandon—Souris, MB]

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Ron Helwer, who recently celebrated 50 years in business.

In 1968, Ron moved with his wife Vera and his growing family to Brandon. It was there that he started Shur-Gro Farm Services, which now includes Monroe Farm Supplier and partners with Double Diamond. Together they are the largest, longest-serving independent fertilizer and chemical dealer in western Canada.

Through innovation, grit, and high-quality service, Ron has repeatedly expanded the business. From Waskada to Oakville, the company services almost the entire southern half of Manitoba. In fact, one would be hard pressed to find a farmer who has not dealt with Shur-Gro or one of its partners.

I cannot say enough about Ron's commitment to farming, to his customers, and to his community. Ron is a stalwart of the business community, and for his lifetime dedication to the industry, he was inducted into the Manitoba Agricultural Hall of Fame.

I salute Ron for all that he has accomplished and I wish him and Shur-Gro all the best in the many years ahead.

Thomas D'Arcy McGee

[Brenda Shanahan, Liberal, Châteauguay—Lacolle, QC]

Mr. Speaker, as a Canadian of Irish heritage, it is my honour to rise today to commemorate the tragic assassination of a great Irishman, a great Canadian, a member of Parliament and father of confederation, Thomas D'Arcy McGee, who was gunned down as he was leaving this House 150 years ago on April 7.

Born in Ireland, he emigrated to America and gained prominence as a journalist and advocate for the rights and freedoms that we cherish today. Although in his youth he supported the independence of his birth country, which the Fenians fought for, he rejected their violent cause, stating:

“Leave the old troubles in the old country.”

It was allegedly the Fenians who assassinated this great man who worked so hard with MacDonald and Cartier to found our Confederation.

Earlier this month, the St. Patrick's Society of Montreal celebrated this great man in true Irish style.

I ask all members of this House to join with me now to commemorate in one voice the Hon. Thomas D'Arcy McGee as the wisest, the bravest, and the best of mankind.

Attack in Toronto

[Charlie Angus, NDP, Timmins—James Bay, ON]

Mr. Speaker, the people of Toronto have taken their city back with a defiant act of hope after the senseless mass murder of so many people, the vast majority of whom were women. This atrocity compels us to deal with the vicious misogyny that is spreading on the Internet and throughout society. Words matter. It is incumbent upon all of us, particularly men, to call out this hatred.

However, Torontonians show us that hatred does not win out. Their memorial exemplifies a city of diversity and faith where people do treat each other with tolerance and respect. I love their vitality and I love their cool defiance, a spirit that was exemplified by Officer Ken Lam when he stayed so calm in the face of carnage—and he does not want to be called a hero. How Canadian.

After the attacks in other cities where we talk about Boston Strong and Manchester Proud, are we content to just say “Toronto the Good”? No way. It is Toronto the awesome.

National Day of Mourning

[John Oliver, Liberal, Oakville, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate Canada's National Day of Mourning, a day when we remember and honour workers who have been killed, injured, or become ill due to workplace-related hazards and accidents. We also remember the families who have lost loved ones.

Unfortunately, not all workplaces are safe. On average across Canada, three workers per day are killed on the job or die due to workplace hazards. Many more are injured or develop illnesses. The National Day of Mourning focuses our attention on these personal tragedies and reminds us that there is more work to be done in this area.

I was pleased to join the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 793, and the Oakville and District Labour Council in my riding of Oakville this past weekend. Every year, these organizations bring the community together for events. Families, labour, management, and the public join as one to remember and commit to change. I thank them both for helping us to remember this year and every year.

Odilon Hudon

[Bernard Généreux, Conservative, Montmagny—L'Islet—Kamouraska—Rivière-du-Loup, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the exceptional contribution of my friend, Father Odilon Hudon, who passed away on April 25 after dedicating his life to others. He worked with handicapped children, the most vulnerable people in our society.

In 1973, Odilon and a group of volunteers established Camp Canawish in Rivière-Ouelle. He remained its president and executive director until his death. Odilon was a model of integrity, generosity, selflessness, and attentiveness.

I personally had important discussions with him about community involvement. As a result, I have championed community involvement in my various public endeavours. Odilon was responsible for the awakening of my social conscience.

Born in Sainte-Anne-de-La-Pocatière, he was ordained in 1963 and was the parish priest in Rivière-Ouelle for more than 20 years. In 2002, he was appointed priest of three parishes in Rivière-du-Loup, which he merged quite successfully. I offer my most sincere condolences to his family and his religious community.

Odilon, goodbye and thank you.

Boy on the Beach

[Ron McKinnon, Liberal, Coquitlam—Port Coquitlam, BC]

Mr. Speaker, in September 2015, the world mourned the death of Alan Kurdi, the three-year-old refugee boy found washed up on the shores of Turkey. Alan and his family were driven from their homes, driven to find a safe harbour, driven to discover a life free of war. Alan, his brother, and his mother did not make it to their safe harbour.

Alan's aunt, Tima Kurdi, lives in the Tri-Cities. This month her memoir, Boy on the Beach, is on bookstore shelves. Tima hopes her book will bring a new awareness to the plight of refugees.

I thank Tima for keeping Alan's memory alive. Her book reminds us that Canadians welcome those in need of protection and that our diversity makes Canada better and stronger.

Les Éloizes Gala and the Edmunston Blizzard

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

Mr. Speaker, there is a lot going on in my riding, Madawaska—Restigouche. The 20th edition of the Les Éloizes gala will take place in the beautiful city of Edmundston, New Brunswick, this week from May 2 to 6. Since 1998, this multidisciplinary gala has awarded prizes for every artistic discipline, including visual arts, media arts, dance, literature, music, and theatre.

It will be my privilege to be there in person, and I encourage all fans of cultural activities to join me. I congratulate the gala organizers, and I wish them a very successful event this year and for the next 20 years.

On an entirely different note, I would also like to congratulate the Edmunston Blizzard on winning the Maritime Junior A Hockey League playoffs. That is quite an achievement for the team's inaugural year.

This week, the team is in Ottawa to play in the Fred Page Cup tournament. Best of luck to the Blizzard from everyone in the riding of Madawaska—Restigouche.

Birthday Congratulations for Former MP

[Diane Finley, Conservative, Haldimand—Norfolk, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 80th birthday of the former member of Parliament for Haldimand—Norfolk, Mr. Bud Bradley. Bud was in this chamber from 1979 to 1988, where he was parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Supply and Services and to the Minister of Defence.

Among his many accomplishments as an MP, Bud was a relentless advocate for the protection of supply management during NAFTA negotiations. Before his time in Ottawa, Bud was a lawyer and a dentist, and served 18 years as an officer in the Canadian Forces. He finally settled down in our beautiful town of Dunnville, where he established his practice and his family.

Today, Bud remains a strong servant voice in his community through organizations such as Rotary and his volunteerism at numerous area events.

The citizens of Haldimand—Norfolk, and indeed all Canadians, have been enriched by Bud's life. I consider it a privilege to call him a friend. Happy 80th birthday, Bud.

Iran

[Michael Levitt, Liberal, York Centre, ON]

Mr. Speaker, the Subcommittee on International Human Rights is holding its sixth annual Iran Accountability Week to shine a light on the odious human rights abuses perpetrated by the Iranian regime. Iranians face severe violations of their civil and political rights and their rights to free expression, freedom of conscience, and due process.

Women and girls face especially malicious systemic discrimination and violation of their rights. Women do not have equal rights in marriage, divorce, child custody, or inheritance. Repressive and discriminatory dress codes for women continue to be enforced with prison sentences. Adultery is punishable by death by stoning, and sexual assault victims themselves can face legal punishment for speaking out. LGBT persons face torture and death.

The Iranian people suffer each and every day under a brutal regime that does not recognize their human rights. Iran Accountability Week is our way of telling them that we stand with them.

Hispanic Canadians

[Julie Dzerowicz, Liberal, Davenport, ON]

Mr. Speaker, today along with my colleague, the member for Honoré-Mercier, we are honoured to welcome 20 exceptional members of Canada's Hispanic and Latin American communities, including the winners of TD Bank's 10 Most Influential Hispanic Canadians award. They are neuroscientists, musicians, entrepreneurs, professors, cancer researchers, and more, and they reflect the extraordinary diversity and talent of Canada's Hispanic community. We pay tribute to their extraordinary contributions and we thank them for inspiring not only the current and next generation of Hispanic Canadians, but indeed for inspiring all Canadians. Canada is truly a stronger country because of our amazing diversity.

[Member spoke in Spanish].

Vietnamese Canadians

[Peter Kent, Conservative, Thornhill, ON]

Mr. Speaker, today, Canada's Vietnamese community, with all Canadians, marks the fourth annual Journey to Freedom Day. Enacted under our former Conservative government, it is a national day of commemoration of the exodus of Vietnamese refugees from their war-torn country after the fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975. As one who witnessed the first boats leaving on the Saigon River from a marine helicopter flying out of the U.S. embassy that night, it is an honour to recognize the refugees, known as the “boat people”, who fled their homes and communist rule to make the perilous journey to freedom. Many thousands perished at sea, but for over 60,000 people, Canada proved to be a safe haven.

In marking this year's Journey to Freedom Day, I am proud to recognize the many contributions of Vietnamese Canadians and their descendants, who came to Canada in search of freedom and a better life.

[Judy Sgro, Liberal, Humber River—Black Creek, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I too stand to recognize the significant number of Vietnamese Canadians who have chosen to make this great country of Canada their home. Vietnamese Canadians have contributed to the Canadian mosaic with such pride and admiration, and it is important that we recognize them on this important day of remembrance. Canada is now home to a vibrant community of close to 300,000 Vietnamese Canadians, many of whom reside in my riding of Humber River—Black Creek.

The Vietnamese Canadian community has made a substantial contribution to our cultural, religious, political, and business life, and I am tremendously proud to know many as friends, colleagues, and supporters.

Today, I am delighted to wish the Vietnamese community great success in the future for all of those who mark this occasion in history.

Tania Rancourt

[Christine Moore, NDP, Abitibi—Témiscamingue, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I want to talk about a woman who was not a fan of gym class in high school, like many young girls. This woman had two beautiful children, but she became discouraged by her pregnancy-related weight gain, like many women in this situation.

With the support of her family and the help of her father, this woman started to run. Little by little, she ran longer distances, up until she ran in her first marathon. She qualified for the prestigious Boston Marathon and also completed the Défi 117 run.

This woman's name is Tania Rancourt, and she is originally from Sainte-Germaine-Boulé, a village in Abitibi West. She now runs in the winter and the summer. Tania Rancourt just achieved an extraordinary feat when she completed the Zion Ultra Marathon, a 100-mile, or 160-kilometre, race in the Utah desert, in 27 hours and 37 minutes, which ranks her among the top 10 women to run this prestigious international race.

I wanted to pay tribute to courageous, determined women like Tania Rancourt, who are a source of inspiration to many women, including me. Many congratulations.

Iran

[David Anderson, Conservative, Cypress Hills—Grasslands, SK]

Mr. Speaker, today marks the start of Iran Accountability Week. The week has become an annual tradition on Parliament Hill. It is an opportunity to educate Canadians about the Iranian regime's complete disregard for the human rights of its citizens, its proxy campaigns of hatred and division, and its implicit support of international terrorism.

The cradle-to-grave persecution of the Baha'i religious minority continues unabated. Six of the Baha'i Seven have served out their 10-year sentences for nothing but living out their faith within their communities. One remains in prison. I join international voices calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Afif Naeimi.

The Iranian regime's hatred for the Baha'i extends beyond its borders. Directed by the regime, Houthi rebels in Yemen have intensified the rhetoric of Baha'i discrimination and genocide. Iran must cease its support of this inflammatory speech.

This week, I encourage Canadians across the country to join us in examining the ugly reality of the regime for Iran's people and persecuted minorities around the world.

Paramedics

[Bill Blair, Liberal, Scarborough Southwest, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I am honoured to rise today to acknowledge the outstanding public service of paramedics from across Canada, many of whom have joined us on the Hill today.

In every community in every part of Canada, these expertly trained and dedicated professionals are a critically important pillar of first response to crises, as they selflessly rush to provide expert medical care with skill and compassion. We also know that as they rush to the aid of others, they do so in the certain knowledge that they will face danger, unspeakable trauma, and tragedy.

As the country mourns and recovers from the recent tragic events in Humboldt and Toronto, this is an excellent opportunity to acknowledge and express our gratitude for the exemplary service of our paramedics. They are true heroes in the public service.

Taxation

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

Mr. Speaker, over the weekend there were yet more reports of just how severely Canada's competitiveness is suffering. One CEO said that there is a real, genuine, honest, non-partisan concern that Canada is so completely out of touch with the real world. While the Prime Minister ignores the facts, this is in part a direct result of the Liberal carbon tax.

What about Canadian families? They too are going to suffer. What is the cost of the carbon tax on Canadian families?

[Bill Morneau, Liberal, Minister of Finance]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to address the issue of Canadian competitiveness. We know that Canada has done exceptionally well over the last two and a half years. Over the last year and a half, we have had the fastest growth among G7 countries. Canadians have created over 600,000 new jobs. We have one of the lowest rates of unemployment we have seen in 40 years.

We know that Canadians are competitive because we know that Canada can compete around the world. We will continue to focus on how to improve that competitiveness, working together on issues of importance, considering how we can make sure that for the long run these positive results continue.

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

Mr. Speaker, $80 billion of investment has left this country in the last two years. Nothing the Minister of Finance tries to say will change that fact, and the carbon tax is contributing to it. The Liberals would have us believe that the carbon tax is going to magically fix all. It will put an end to floods, draughts, and forest fires, apparently. They will not tell us how much it is going to cost, but just with a wish, a prayer, a little pixie dust, and a new tax on Canadians, all that is wrong in the world will be made right. What a joke. Nobody believes it.

How much is this bad joke going to cost everyday Canadian families?

[Jim Carr, Liberal, Minister of Natural Resources]

Mr. Speaker, for decades people have been talking about taking action on climate change, but nothing has been done.

We have taken action. We have put forward a world-class oceans protection plan. We have strengthened our environmental assessments, and we have put in place a price on carbon pollution to grow the economy in cleaner ways.

The only idea the Conservatives have is the Harper Conservative approach of doing nothing yet claiming they will achieve our targets. It is clear the Harper Conservative approach is alive and well in the party opposite.

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

Mr. Speaker, even Michael Ignatieff said the Liberals did not get it done on climate change, but here is what the Liberals are really good at: cover-ups. According to the Oxford dictionary, a cover-up is an “attempt to prevent people from discovering the truth about a serious mistake...”. When the Liberals literally black out the numbers around how much a carbon tax is going to cost Canadians, they are covering up this cost to Canadians who deserve to know.

The Liberals know. They have the numbers. How much is the carbon tax going to cost? Will one of them answer, please?

[Jim Carr, Liberal, Minister of Natural Resources]

Mr. Speaker, Canadians asked us to plan for a better and safer future. They asked us to take concrete and thoughtful actions to tackle climate change. We listened and we heard Canadians. Our plan would cut pollution equivalent to closing 20 coal plants, while the economy and the GDP continue to grow in cleaner ways. That is the plan Canadians asked for, and we will continue to deliver.

[Gérard Deltell, Conservative, Louis-Saint-Laurent, QC]

Mr. Speaker, Canada's energy sector is crucial to our economy. Businesses in every province and region of the country are active in this sector. In my riding, for instance, CO2 Solutions has been working on reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Alberta for about a decade, and it is working. What is this government doing to applaud and thank them? It is imposing the Liberal carbon tax, which will have a $10-billion dampening effect on our economy.

The question is, how much is this going to cost Canadians?

The government knows, but refuses to say. Stop covering up the cost of the carbon tax.

[The Speaker, Liberal, Geoff Regan]

I would remind the hon. member to direct his comments to the Chair.

The hon. Minister of Natural Resources.