Debates of Dec. 10th, 2019

International Trade

[Andrew Scheer, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, when it comes to standing up to the Government of China, on many issues the Liberal government's reaction is costing Canadians. In fact, when it comes to protecting our canola exporters, the Liberal government dragged its feet on raising the Chinese blocking of our exports to the World Trade Organization, and as a result, the industry lost billions. The Liberals waited over six months just to file that complaint.

Why did the government wait so long to take any action on behalf of Canada's agricultural sector?

[Marie-Claude Bibeau, Liberal, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food]

Mr. Speaker, I can tell you that our government has always stood shoulder to shoulder with our farmers. We take this issue very seriously. We have always worked very closely with the industry and take its advice into consideration. We have started the discussion at the WTO, and there have been technical discussions between the CFIA and Chinese officials. Ambassador Barton is working hard in China, and we work as well to diversify our markets.

[Andrew Scheer, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

The trouble is, Mr. Speaker, that just is not the case. The Government of China is illegally detaining two Canadian citizens. It has blocked billions of dollars in agriculture exports. It is now starting to take aggressive actions in the Arctic, calling for a “polar silk road”. Now, not only is the government not standing up for Canada: it is actually borrowing hundreds of millions of dollars from taxpayers to send to the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.

Why is the government subsidizing the Government of China during this diplomatic crisis?

[Bill Morneau, Liberal, Minister of Finance]

Mr. Speaker, we have been pleased to be part of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. We know that it is important to develop the entire region. It is an important way for Canadian organizations to get opportunities in that part of the country. Obviously, over the long term, what we want is a global economy that works, which not only helps us internationally but also helps us back at home with our own economy.

[Alain Rayes, Conservative, Richmond—Arthabaska, QC]

Mr. Speaker, we all know that, because of his antics, the Prime Minister is not taken very seriously on the international scene.

Is he effectively managing foreign threats here, in Canada? It is a valid question. The Chinese government has clearly indicated that it wants to become established in the Arctic and gain influence over this territory.

Does the Prime Minister recognize this threat, yes or no?

[Karina Gould, Liberal, Minister of International Development]

Mr. Speaker, Canada will always defend its sovereignty.

That has nothing to do with our government. It is clear that we will always defend Canada's rights and territory.

[Alain Rayes, Conservative, Richmond—Arthabaska, QC]

Mr. Speaker, it is obvious that this government is misreading the Canada-China relationship.

The Prime Minister has no intention of defending human rights in China, protecting Canadians against security threats or working on guaranteed access to markets for Canadian farmers.

In 2013, the Prime Minister said that he admired the Chinese dictatorship. Does he still?

[Karina Gould, Liberal, Minister of International Development]

Mr. Speaker, our absolute priority is the well-being and safety of the Canadians detained in China.

The best interests of Canadians are at the heart of all of our decisions. Canadians need a united front defending their interests, not petty politics. We have assembled an international coalition in support of Canada's position, and we thank our many allies who have spoken on our behalf.

[Yves-François Blanchet, Bloc, Beloeil—Chambly, QC]

Mr. Speaker, my question was for the Prime Minister, but oh well. I will still ask it. Wherever he is, he will hear it.

[The Speaker, Liberal, Anthony Rota]

Order. There are a lot of new members in the House, and this is a good learning opportunity. I want to remind the member and everyone that they must not draw attention to the presence or absence of a member in the House.

The hon. member for Beloeil—Chambly.

[Yves-François Blanchet, Bloc, Beloeil—Chambly, QC]

Mr. Speaker, please rest assured that I am most compliant.

That said, I understand that the Liberal members and ministers have been instructed to express great joy today and to celebrate the likely ratification of a new free trade agreement with the United States and Mexico.

[Some hon. members]

Hear, hear!

[Yves-François Blanchet, Bloc, Beloeil—Chambly, QC]

Mr. Speaker, they can carry on like that, I have more along the same lines.

However, we know that Mexico does primary processing of aluminum, which will come largely from China, an aluminum producer and recycler. We are being told with great concern that aluminum would not be protected in this new version of the free trade agreement.

Is that—

[The Speaker, Liberal, Anthony Rota]

The hon. Minister of International Development.

[Karina Gould, Liberal, Minister of International Development]

Mr. Speaker, as my colleague said, we are very proud of the new free trade agreement between Canada, the United States and Mexico. We have always stood up for Canada's aluminum workers. The new NAFTA contains strict requirements for the domestic content of this North American industry, which helps create a more level playing field for our workers. We will continue to protect aluminum workers here in Quebec and in Canada.

[Yves-François Blanchet, Bloc, Beloeil—Chambly, QC]

Mr. Speaker, they cannot say one thing and do another. When the content of this agreement is presented to the people of Quebec, to the workers of the eight aluminum smelters in Quebec, they may see things differently and in a much harsher light. I caution the government—and the other political parties can tell me what they think—that if anyone is under the impression that the Bloc Québécois will vote in favour of an agreement that sacrifices Quebec aluminum, the Bloc's answer is no.

[Karina Gould, Liberal, Minister of International Development]

Mr. Speaker, I am not sure whether there was a question in there.

In any case, we are very proud of the agreement between Canada, Mexico and the United States that will be signed. It is a good deal for Canada, it is a good deal for Canadian workers and it is a good deal for industry across the country. We are very proud of it and we will continue to defend the rights and access of Canadians to North American markets.

Health

[Jagmeet Singh, NDP, Burnaby South, BC]

Mr. Speaker, the Liberal tax plan does not help 47% of people, but if this measure is targeted to help those who need it most, we can also implement a national dental care program. This will help 4.3 million people.

If the Prime Minister really wants to help people, is he committed to implementing a national dental care program?

[Patty Hajdu, Liberal, Minister of Health]

Mr. Speaker, as I have mentioned before, Canadians are incredibly proud of our health care system here in Canada. We are making important investments to protect it and to expand health care access across the country.

As we mentioned in the throne speech, the universal dental care idea is one that is worth exploring. I look forward to working with all members in this House to do exactly that.

[Jagmeet Singh, NDP, Burnaby South, BC]

Mr. Speaker, there is a difference between saying the right things and doing the right things. Twenty per cent of Canadians cannot access dental services because they just cannot afford it. If we had a national dental care program right now, it would save families at least $1,200 a year. That is a concrete way to help out families, keep them healthy and save money, and the Liberals could still continue with their proposed tax changes.

If the Liberal government really wants to help people, will the Prime Minister commit to a national dental care program?

[Patty Hajdu, Liberal, Minister of Health]

Mr. Speaker, as the member opposite knows, health care delivery, including a potential dental care plan, would be in delivered in partnership with provinces and territories. That is why it is not as easy as just delivering it now. It would be something that would be worthy of exploring, though, and I look forward to working with all members of the House on how we can actually move forward in ensuring that all Canadians have excellent access to quality medical care.

Foreign Affairs

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

Mr. Speaker, today the House is debating the most challenging foreign policy relationship Canada has at present: China. The government has made serious missteps on security and trade issues with the Chinese government and is avoiding tough decisions when it comes to Huawei and other issues.

Will the Prime Minister agree to a specialized all-party committee to review all aspects of the Canada-China relationship?

[Karina Gould, Liberal, Minister of International Development]

Mr. Speaker, I thank my hon. colleague for raising a very important issue in this House today, which I think is resulting in some really important debate on all sides.

We all agree that the Canada-China relationship is incredibly important, and we are exploring all of those issues when it comes to human rights, when it comes to democracy, when it comes to trade and when it comes to our security. Of course, the House and Parliament have many standing committees that deal with all of these issues, and we look forward to seeing how the committees decide to manage their own business.

International Trade

[Randy Hoback, Conservative, Prince Albert, SK]

Mr. Speaker, nearly half of Canada's canola seed exports, worth some $2.5 billion, have been lost due to Chinese non-tariff trade barriers. Canadian farmers want to know what the Liberal government's plan B is, because plan A is obviously not working for them.

Can the minister answer what the Liberal government is doing to regain the market access that it lost in China for our canola farmers?

[Marie-Claude Bibeau, Liberal, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food]

Mr. Speaker, our government will keep standing with our farmers and ranchers. This is very important to us. We have been working with them, with the industry and with the provinces to find the best solutions. We have started the conversation at the WTO, CFIA is having discussions with Chinese officials, Ambassador Barton is working hard, and obviously we are working on diversifying our markets as well.