House of Commons Hansard #7 of the 43rd Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was housing.
Jagmeet Singh NDP Burnaby South, BC
Mr. Speaker, last night the Liberals, Conservatives and the Bloc voted against making life better for Canadians. They voted against affordable housing. They voted against a real fight against the climate crisis. They voted against national universal pharmacare for all. These are all things that Canadians desperately need and want.
How are people to believe the Liberals when they say one thing and do another?
Darren Fisher LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health
Mr. Speaker, we all know that no Canadian should have to choose between paying for prescriptions and putting food on the table. We have already done more than any other government in a generation to lower drug prices. Now it is time to take that final step, sitting down with provinces and territories to implement pharmacare guided by the Hoskins report. This will build on steps we have already taken, including new rules on patented drugs that will save Canadians close to $13 billion.
We will not rest until Canadians can get and afford the medication they need.
Jagmeet Singh NDP Burnaby South, BC
Mr. Speaker, those are fine words, but as people saw yesterday, there is no action.
The secret agreement with Volkswagen illustrates how the Liberals are prepared to hide their climate inaction.
After six meetings with various government departments, including the Prime Minister's Office, Volkswagen got a special deal. No other accused gets to speak with the government before striking its plea deal.
Why did the Liberal government and the Prime Minister's Office give such special treatment to this massive corporate fraud?
Navdeep Bains LiberalMinister of Innovation
Mr. Speaker, the leader of the NDP is asking about our government's agenda. It is focused on the middle class. Since 2015, we have seen over one million jobs created and that is because we are building partnerships with the private sector to bring in foreign direct investment.
That is why we are also addressing the concerns of middle-class Canadians by investing in measures like the Canada child benefit. It has helped lift 300,000 kids out of poverty and overall we have seen a reduction and 900,000 individuals have lifted themselves out of poverty. That is our track record.
Richard Martel Conservative Chicoutimi—Le Fjord, QC
Mr. Speaker, the Deputy Prime Minister did not manage to reassure aluminum workers when she met with Mr. Maltais yesterday.
As long as Mexico is allowed to use aluminum that was not produced by electrolysis and cast in North America, and as long as Mexico does not enforce strict import guidelines like we do, Canadian aluminum workers will have concerns.
Can the government clarify how the new agreement will affect our workers in the regions and propose some concrete solutions?
Mélanie Joly LiberalMinister of Economic Development and Official Languages
Mr. Speaker, naturally, we understand that aluminum workers are important to the economy in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean and particularly in Quebec, and that is why we have always been there for them.
We were there when the Americans imposed tariffs. We were there to stand up for them and advocate for removing the tariffs. We were also there to compensate them for the losses associated with the tariffs, and we are there now to ensure that they can access the American market.
Aluminum workers in Quebec can count on our government, and we will continue our meaningful talks with them.
Pierre Poilievre Conservative Carleton, ON
Mr. Speaker, I asked the finance minister to bring forward a fall economic update to respond to the 71,000 job losses in November. He said no. I asked the finance minister to bring in an action plan to help relieve the burden for the half of Canadians who are $200 away from insolvency. He said no, again. I asked him to take any action to salvage Canada's declining economy. He said no. We wanted more yes and we got more no.
When will the finance minister tell Canadians what he will do to get this economy back on track?
Mona Fortier LiberalMinister of Middle Class Prosperity and Associate Minister of Finance
Mr. Speaker, on October 21, Canadians chose to continue moving forward with an economic plan focused on investing in them and rejected a short-sighted Conservative vision of cuts and austerity. Criticizing the state of Canada's economy is not a plan. It does not help people or build resilience in communities across the country.
While we will always remain vigilant to any potential risks to our economy, Canada has a stable and resilient financial sector and we will continue to work on the economy.
Pierre Poilievre Conservative Carleton, ON
Mr. Speaker, the Liberals talk about investment. The people who are out of work now would like to know how they can invest for their own future, the people who are $200 away from financial insolvency. There is a 13% increase in the number of Canadians who have claimed insolvency. All of these people are asking how they will not just invest, but actually pay their bills.
How can the government in good conscience go on Christmas vacation while so many are suffering so much?
Mona Fortier LiberalMinister of Middle Class Prosperity and Associate Minister of Finance
Mr. Speaker, since day one, our government has been working to strengthen and grow the middle class. People want an affordable place to call home. They want a good education for their kids. They want an ability to save for a secure and dignified retirement. That is who we are focused on and it is why our very first act this mandate is to lower their taxes.
I look forward to working with the member opposite as we make life more affordable for middle-class Canadians.
Pierre Poilievre Conservative Carleton, ON
Mr. Speaker, some of the most frightening data to come out recently came out this week with regard to the seven-year high in non-mortgage credit defaults. In simple terms, that means people cannot pay their credit card bills. They are up to their eyeballs. They cannot pay their bills, so they are putting them on their credit card. Then they cannot pay the credit card bill. Then they cannot pay the interest. This problem compounds on top of itself.
We would expect the government to take urgent action to unleash our private sector to create jobs and relieve the burden of our workers. Why did it not do that just in time for Christmas?
Mona Fortier LiberalMinister of Middle Class Prosperity and Associate Minister of Finance
Mr. Speaker, although there is growing uncertainty around the world, Canada's economy remains strong.
We are focused on building an economy that works for everyone, and as a result, middle-class Canadians have more money in their pockets. We will continue to fund services that support Canadians.
Canada's economy has one of the highest levels of growth and investments in the G7. We know that there is still a lot to do, and we will continue to work to make life more affordable and to create good, better-paying jobs for middle-class Canadians.
Chris d'Entremont Conservative West Nova, NS
Mr. Speaker, one of the biggest issues for proud Atlantic Canadians is realizing that we are constantly being forgotten. It happened yet again when the Liberals across the way appointed someone from Montreal as the minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, apparently forgetting that Montreal is not part of my region. Not once since coming to power have they given someone from my region that portfolio.
When will the government show some respect for the Atlantic provinces and give them the representation they deserve?
Mélanie Joly LiberalMinister of Economic Development and Official Languages
Mr. Speaker, I was in Moncton and Halifax just a week ago for a quick meeting with people at the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. I will also have the support of a parliamentary secretary who is from the region to ensure that we make the right investments.
I would like to remind my colleague that, even though his government had a minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, the fact is that the Conservatives cut ACOA's budget by $50 million. Not being from the region does not mean the minister responsible cannot support the region. We will be there for the people of Atlantic Canada.
Chris d'Entremont Conservative West Nova, NS
Mr. Speaker, this government's failed economic policies have led to the recent news of 71,000 jobs lost nationwide. This will hit home in my riding, where the jobs for 200 people at Web.com centre in Yarmouth will be lost as a result of the company's departure. Being so close to Christmas, this, of course, is devastating.
What will the government do to reassure those workers?
Mélanie Joly LiberalMinister of Economic Development and Official Languages
Mr. Speaker, I will be supported by the great MP for Madawaska—Restigouche who comes from the region to make sure that we make the right investments.
Of course, our hearts and thoughts are with the families of the people affected. We want to make sure that we create opportunities for them and that we are there while some parts of the country are facing economic downturns. I will be willing to work with my colleague to make sure that we can find solutions for people affected by this decision.
Louise Chabot Bloc Thérèse-De Blainville, QC
Mr. Speaker, in anticipation of the meeting between the Prime Minister and the Premier of Quebec, I think it is important to remind members that Mr. Legault has asked that federally regulated businesses, such as banks, interprovincial transportation companies and airports, be subject to the Charter of the French Language when they do business in Quebec. The Bloc Québécois has been calling for that for a long time. French is important to Quebeckers.
Will the government listen to Quebec and subject federally regulated businesses to the rights and obligations of Bill 101?
Mélanie Joly LiberalMinister of Economic Development and Official Languages
Mr. Speaker, of course, we recognize the importance of French in Canada and particularly in Quebec, but we also recognize that we have to play a role in protecting our language minorities both inside and outside Quebec. In light of that, I will be pleased to work with the House on the modernization of the Official Languages Act in order to protect our two official languages and always ensure access to an important bilingualism policy that is rooted in the very heart of our values and our vision for the country.
Stéphane Bergeron Bloc Montarville, QC
Mr. Speaker, the Quebec National Assembly is unanimous: Quebec wants a single tax return.
This is achievable, and without any job losses. Premier Legault even made a formal request during the recent election campaign. This afternoon's meeting with the Premier of Quebec is an excellent opportunity for this government to respect the will of the Quebec National Assembly—for once.
Will the Prime Minister commit to implementing a single tax return administered by Quebec, as Quebeckers want?
Diane Lebouthillier LiberalMinister of National Revenue
Mr. Speaker, the Canada Revenue Agency employs nearly 6,000 people across Quebec and is an important economic driver in Quebec's regions.
Whether we are talking about Rimouski, Abitibi, Shawinigan or Jonquière, we have always been very clear: We will never put those jobs at risk. That said, we continue to work with Revenu Québec to make it easier for Quebeckers to file their tax returns. Our government is constantly improving the services provided by the Canada Revenue Agency in order to make a real difference in the lives of Quebeckers.
Michelle Rempel Conservative Calgary Nose Hill, AB
Mr. Speaker, three years ago the Liberals offered up the welfare of residents of British Columbia seniors homes to a Chinese company with no experience in seniors care, perhaps as an offering ahead of a free trade agreement that never happened. Since then, that company has been seized by the Chinese government and today a third Anbang-owned seniors home has had to have its operations taken over because of deplorable living conditions.
How much do these seniors have to suffer before the Liberals will act?
Navdeep Bains LiberalMinister of Innovation
Mr. Speaker, this is obviously a very important issue and the safety and well-being of seniors is of the utmost priority. As the member knows, the provincial government in British Columbia is responsible for health care, and it has put forward a rigorous standard of care on all operators.
With respect to the Investment Canada Act, which I am responsible for, we are monitoring and making sure that those obligations are met and we will take swift actions if those obligations are not met.
Michelle Rempel Conservative Calgary Nose Hill, AB
Mr. Speaker, I would suggest that neglect, abuse, hygiene issues and everything that has led to this takeover is an action that requires some sort of review under the act that the minister is responsible for. Come on; abdicating responsibility to the provincial government when seniors are suffering is ridiculous. When will the minister take his responsibility under the act, review this transaction and make sure that these seniors have a better life?
Navdeep Bains LiberalMinister of Innovation
Mr. Speaker, again, we understand this is very difficult and challenging for the seniors and we want to make sure that their well-being is of the utmost priority. However, with respect to health care, the rigorous standards are applied by the provincial government. It is overseeing the operator and will make sure those obligations are met.
With respect to jobs and the footprint with regard to Cedar Tree, those are legal obligations under the Investment Canada Act, and we will make sure that it follows through on those obligations.
Cathay Wagantall Conservative Yorkton—Melville, SK
Mr. Speaker, Veterans Affairs is shutting down mental health services for veterans' families while it creates new criteria. Family members are going to have to reapply and they are terrified because they know that right now Veterans Affairs has a backlog of over 40,000 cases.
The Liberal government in its throne speech promised better mental health care for our veterans and their families, so why are veterans' spouses and their children being punished when the Minister of Veterans Affairs allowed VAC to fund a criminal who was incarcerated for the murder of a policewoman?