Debates of June 13th, 2018

Carbon Pricing

[Justin Trudeau, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, after 10 years of the Harper Conservatives not doing anything on the environment, the Conservatives show that they still do not get it.

While our plan to put a price on carbon pollution will reduce emissions and drive innovation at the same time, the Conservatives double down on the failed Stephen Harper approach. In 2015, Canadians told the Conservatives that the Harper approach was wrong. However, now it is obvious that, as usual, the Conservatives have not been listening.

We will continue to invest in clean growth to ensure a prosperous future for all our kids right across the country.

[Andrew Scheer, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, the Liberals are not listening. They are not listening to the fact that the people of Ontario rejected Kathleen Wynne's approach, which damaged the economy and did nothing to reduce emissions.

The Prime Minister is following the exact same playbook that Ontario has rejected. Saskatchewan opposed the carbon tax, and soon Alberta will join the fight against the carbon tax.

If the Prime Minister is so sure that Canadians will support his carbon tax, why can he not tell them how much it will cost?

[Justin Trudeau, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, to follow on the same thinking as the member opposite, let me highlight that two and a half years ago Canadians rejected the Stephen Harper approach on the economy and the environment. Not only for 10 years did the Conservatives do nothing to protect the environment, they also did not have much in the way of economic growth to show for it.

On top of demonstrating that we understand that the environment and the economy go together, we have created economic growth in our country, the best in the G7 last year; 600,000 new jobs; and the lowest unemployment rate in a generation. These are the choices we have made for Canadians.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

[Andrew Scheer, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, up to 400 people per day are expected to cross the Quebec border illegally this summer.

The Prime Minister has turned Roxham Road into a welcoming haven, with lots of staff. It is hard to blame asylum seekers for thinking they can cross the border in that area.

When will the Prime Minister take decisive action to address the root of the problem, instead of spending millions of dollars of taxpayer money on temporary solutions?

[Justin Trudeau, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, we continue to assure Canadians that our immigration system is working. We have the capacity to review all of these cases. We are making sure that all of the rules and measures of our immigration and refugee system are being followed. I do not want people to be afraid just because the Conservatives are engaging in fearmongering and divisive tactics for partisan purposes.

If the Conservatives seriously wanted to show respect for our border services workers, they would not have cut nearly $400 million from their—

[The Speaker, Liberal, Geoff Regan]

Order. The hon. Leader of the Opposition.

[Andrew Scheer, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, Canadians expect our immigration system to operate in an orderly, safe, and compassionate manner. It is unacceptable to millions of Canadians, including the groups of refugees and immigrants I met in Toronto over the last few days who came here legally, who have family members facing persecution even today, who have loved ones in camps in dangerous places all over the world. They are frustrated that the Prime Minister is pitting one group of asylum seekers against another. They are frustrated at the idea that people can cross over illegally from a safe country while their friends and family have to wait.

Why does the Prime Minister—

[Some hon. members]

Oh, oh!

[Justin Trudeau, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, that question was a perfect example of how the Conservatives are using misinformation to create fear and division within Canadians. Pitting groups of Canadians against one another is entirely irresponsible.

On this side of the House, we are committed to a compassionate asylum system, all the while ensuring that only those who should be in Canada are allowed to stay. In contrast, the former Conservative government cut $390 million from the CBSA and cut refugee health care. They created massive backlogs and processing delays, which we are still working to fix.

Natural Resources

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

Mr. Speaker, “The Crown failed to meaningfully consult in relation to title, governance rights and use rights. Instead, it dodged, deferred, delegated....” These are the words of Upper Nicola Band counsel Elin Sigurdson. This is the same Upper Nicola band that wants to build the largest solar energy project in British Columbia.

For a climate leader, the choice between green energy and buying a pipeline should be obvious. A leader in reconciliation with indigenous peoples should respect and empower first nations and their choices. Why cannot the Prime Minister do either?

[Justin Trudeau, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, we understand the importance of listening to all voices when it comes to major projects. We know there are a variety of opinions, including within indigenous communities. Some oppose this project, while others strongly support it.

While the NDP only listens to those who share their opinion, we ensure that all voices are respected and heard. We completed the deepest consultations with rights holders ever for a major project in this country, and we established a co-developed monitoring committee with indigenous communities, including representation from the Nicola band. We have listened, and we will continue to listen.

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

Mr. Speaker, that is the point. The government did not listen.

Again, Upper Nicola band counsel had these harsh words for the government: the Crown failed to meaningfully consult in relation to title, governance rights and use rights. Instead, it dodged, deferred, and delegated.

The Upper Nicola community wants to build the largest solar energy project in British Columbia, a project that could light 5,000 homes. Instead the government wants to impose a pipeline that the community does not want.

How can a Prime Minister who claims to be a leader in both climate change and reconciliation with indigenous peoples act in such a way?

[Justin Trudeau, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, we understand the importance of listening to all voices. We know there are a variety of opinions, including within indigenous communities. Some oppose this project, while others strongly support it. While the New Democrats only listen to those who share their views, we make sure that all voices are respected and heard.

We held the broadest consultations with rights holders ever, and we established a monitoring committee with indigenous communities, including the Upper Nicola band community. We have listened, and we will continue to listen.

[Alexandre Boulerice, NDP, Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie, QC]

Mr. Speaker, according to a study by Cambridge University, a foreseeable and inevitable drop in global demand for oil will burst the carbon bubble. This will happen between 2030 and 2050.

In one fell swoop, oil infrastructure will become worthless. So, what did the Prime Minister do? He bought an old pipeline with $4.5 billion of our money. What timing. What a vision for the future. It is like someone investing in VHS players in 1990.

Why not take the billions of dollars and invest them in sustainable energy and lasting jobs?

[Justin Trudeau, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, the NDP still believes that we have to choose between the economy and the environment. We all know that we can create jobs and protect the environment at the same time. That is why we are putting a price on pollution, protecting our coasts and oceans, and investing in clean technology. That is why we are also diversifying our export markets, since 70% of Canada's exports go to the U.S.

In light of recent events, it is surprising that the NDP continues to oppose economic diversification projects that are in the national interest.

[Murray Rankin, NDP, Victoria, BC]

Mr. Speaker, Canada should be investing in clean, renewable energy sources that create good quality, long-lasting jobs for today's workers and future generations.

Instead of looking to the future and eliminating fossil fuel subsidies as they promised, the Liberals have become huge supporters and investors in the oil industry. If they vote against the NDP motion, the Liberals will undermine Canada's commitment we made to the world in Paris and ignore the transition that we need to renewables.

Will the Liberals support our motion and ensure real climate leadership?

[Justin Trudeau, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, the NDP continue to believe that there is a choice to be made between the environment and the economy. What we have demonstrated is a pan-Canadian climate plan that features a national price on carbon, that features protecting our oceans and coasts, and yes, does include a pipeline to new markets other than the United States.

Why the NDP continues to think, given all the recent events, that it is not a good idea to diversify our resource markets is beyond me. There is no question that those members simply do not get it.

International Trade

[Andrew Scheer, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, steel workers reiterated their call for immediate steel and aluminum countermeasures. Revenue is being lost. This situation is affecting Canadian steel and aluminum producers, employees, and their families.

The United States has been imposing unreasonable tariffs for nearly two weeks now. Mexico reacted almost immediately, but we are still waiting.

Will the Prime Minister do the right thing and impose tariffs on American steel and aluminum today?

[Justin Trudeau, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, we have been unequivocal. The tariffs are completely unacceptable. The Canadian and American economies are so closely linked that these tariffs will also harm American workers.

We will defend our industries and Canadian workers. We will impose up to $16.6 billion in trade restrictions on American imports.

The American decision goes against NAFTA and the WTO rules, and we will do everything we can to dispute it. We want Canadian workers to know that they can count on their government.

[Andrew Scheer, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, when it comes to the state of the current negotiations to preserve NAFTA, there is obviously a great deal of confusion. Yesterday, the Prime Minister had a chance to come clean and be clear about one aspect though.

On Sunday, the CBC reported that the U.S. administration had “waved away”and finally dropped its demand for a five-year sunset clause, something the Prime Minister had said was a major sticking point.

Can the Prime Minister clearly state whether or not that report was in fact accurate?

[Justin Trudeau, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, I can state without equivocation, that the United States has not yet waived its demand for a NAFTA sunset clause.

[Andrew Scheer, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, can the Prime Minister confirm or deny that the waiving of the sunset clause was at least offered during his talks with the U.S. President?

[Justin Trudeau, Liberal, Prime Minister]

No, Mr. Speaker. With the American President, as is regularly, we engaged on a broad range of subjects, including in which I reiterated that the sunset clause on NAFTA would be absolutely unacceptable, that Canada could never sign a NAFTA with a sunset clause in it, and he did not immediately back down.

[Andrew Scheer, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, we all know that a protracted trade disruption will have a devastating impact on Canada's economy, workers, and their families. But there are a lot of things a government could do to protect Canada's economy.

We knew that the U.S. administration would have a new relationship with Canada as soon as the U.S. election was over, yet in last spring's budget the Prime Minister failed to have a single contingency plan set aside, and that is with an $18-billion deficit.

In addition, the Liberals have been dragging their feet on implementing the TPP. The TPP could open up new markets and diversify our trading relationship.

Why has the Prime Minister waited so long to implement the TPP?

[Justin Trudeau, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, I am going to return to the previous question, because I want everyone to be very clear on this. I do not know exactly where the Conservatives are going with it, but I am going to give them the benefit of the doubt.

The sunset clause has been something that I have said without equivocation from the beginning would be unacceptable in a NAFTA. I have said that many times to the President. The President has not, so far, as far as we know, and we have seen his tweets, responded to or withdrawn his offer, his demand, for a sunset clause in NAFTA. Let us be very clear about that.