House of Commons Hansard #383 of the 42nd Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was language.
Bill Morneau LiberalMinister of Finance
Mr. Speaker, our government has made smart and responsible investments in the middle class, and Canadians are seeing concrete results.
It has had a significant impact. A typical middle-class family is $2,000 better off this year than in 2015. However, we know there is more to do.
That is why I am so pleased to announce that on March 19, we will be introducing budget 2019, the next steps in our plan to ensure middle-class optimism and an economy that works for all Canadians.
Andrew Scheer ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister has just expressed his confidence in the justice committee's work to get to the bottom of this very serious scandal. Last week the government instructed Liberal members of that committee to block Conservative and NDP attempts to get a full witness list in front of the committee. The members of the committee admitted that they received that list from government offices.
Therefore, if the Prime Minister has so much confidence in the justice committee's work, will he allow Gerald Butts to testify under oath at that very committee?
Justin Trudeau LiberalPrime Minister
Mr. Speaker, unlike what we saw under 10 years of Stephen Harper's government, we respect the independence of parliamentary committees. Parliamentarians on those committees get to make determinations on how they choose to move forward in their own way. On this side of the House, we will always respect the independence of committees.
Maxime Bernier Independent Beauce, QC
Mr. Speaker, after being lobbied by SNC-Lavalin, the government changed the Criminal Code and tried to cut a deal to avoid a trial. Two former SNC-Lavalin executives just had their corruption cases thrown out of court because of unrealistic delays, and we learned that SNC has received more than $2 billion in government aid since 2002.
Will the Prime Minister recognize that crony capitalism is an unjust system that must be eradicated?
Justin Trudeau LiberalPrime Minister
Mr. Speaker, we will always stand up for good jobs right across the country, including in companies like SNC-Lavalin. This is something Canadians expect of us and something we will continue to do. We will continue to recognize that government has an important role to play in making sure Canadians can find good jobs right across the country and in creating the conditions for success. We will continue to do that in a way that respects both our institutions and the rule of law.
The House resumed from February 19 consideration of the motion, and of the amendment.
Opposition Motion—Transparency and AccountabilityBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders
The Speaker Geoff Regan
It being 3:06 p.m., pursuant to order made Tuesday, February 19, 2019, the House will now proceed to the taking of the deferred recorded division on the amendment to the motion by the member for Timmins—James Bay relating to the business of supply.
Call in the members.
And the bells having rung:
Opposition Motion—Transparency and AccountabilityBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders
Opposition Motion—Transparency and AccountabilityBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders
Some hon. members
Agreed.
No.
Opposition Motion—Transparency and AccountabilityBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders
Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
The Speaker Geoff Regan
I declare the amendment defeated.
The member for Vancouver Granville is rising on a point of order.
Jody Wilson-Raybould Liberal Vancouver Granville, BC
Mr. Speaker, I would ask that the record show that I abstained from voting on that matter. The reason for my abstention is that the matter, in part, has to do with me personally, and I do not think it is appropriate for me to vote on a matter that has to do with me personally.
I have said that I am seeking counsel on this matter of what I can and cannot say. I understand fully that Canadians want to know the truth and want transparency. Privilege and confidentiality are not mine to waive, and I hope that I have the opportunity to speak my truth.
Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
The Speaker Geoff Regan
Order. I thank the hon. member for Vancouver Granville. Normally, of course, there is no counting of abstentions, but her comments are on the record.
The hon. member for Timmins—James Bay is rising on a point of order.
Charlie Angus NDP Timmins—James Bay, ON
Mr. Speaker, certainly I have enormous respect for the member for Vancouver Granville, who understands that the issues of conflict of interest in voting are fundamental in this House. Since she is not allowed to vote, I would ask that the Prime Minister abstain as well, because he is in a conflict of interest under this matter and he should similarly respect the rules of the House that the member—
Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
The Speaker Geoff Regan
Order. I think we are getting into debate.
I trust that the hon. member for Carleton will have something that is a point of order.
Pierre Poilievre Conservative Carleton, ON
Mr. Speaker, on the same point, the hon. member highlights the fact that the Prime Minister is involved directly in this matter as well. The member points out that the matter of privilege is something that she cannot waive. The one person who can waive it, of course, is the Prime Minister, and thus he—
Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
The Speaker Geoff Regan
Order. That is very clearly debate.
The next question is on the main motion. Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion?
Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Business of SupplyGovernment Orders