Debates of Feb. 8th, 2019

Voyageur Festival

[Dan Vandal, Liberal, Saint Boniface—Saint Vital, MB]

Mr. Speaker, the organizers of the Festival du Voyageur encourage everyone to come out and celebrate the festival's bicentennial from February 15 to 24.

For the past 50 years, the festival has been the best place to celebrate winter and beat this cold weather we have had recently.

Every year the francophone community in Manitoba invites people to experience the spirit of Festival du Voyageur.

The francophone community invites everyone to warm up to winter by participating in the world's biggest kitchen party and becoming a “HéHo” hero.

On February 15, I will be delighted to join the Minister of Canadian Heritage and the Minister of Tourism in kicking off our wonderful winter festival.

From February 15 to 24, people should not hibernate, but celebrate and join us in the heart of Winnipeg for western Canada's largest winter festival, Festival du Voyageur. “Hey, ho!”

Marcel R. Plamondon

[Joël Godin, Conservative, Portneuf—Jacques-Cartier, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the loss of any leader always leaves a great void.

I rise today to pay tribute to Marcel R. Plamondon, a man who was integral to the development of the city of Saint-Raymond and our beautiful riding, Portneuf—Jacques-Cartier. He passed away on February 5, 2019.

He served as the member for Portneuf in the National Assembly and was the founding president of our community television station, the president of the Caisse d'entraide économique de Portneuf, the president of the Insurance Brokers Association of Quebec, and a member of the Tribunal d'appel en matière de protection du territoire agricole.

In a tête-à-tête I once had with him, he told me that it is important for elected officials to stay connected to the people. I follow that advice every day.

I want to extend my deepest condolences to his wife, Aline Girard; his children, Pierre, Vincent, Marielle and Patrick; his grandchildren, Marie-Christine, Xavier, Charles, Pénélope, Marianne, Elisabeth, Félix, Loïc and Miko; and his great-grandchildren, Livia and Louis-Alexandre. They have every reason to be proud of their patriarch.

Mr. Plamondon, thank you for everything you did for our beautiful region.

Thomas McGrath

[Nick Whalen, Liberal, St. John's East, NL]

Mr. Speaker, I rise with a heavy heart to speak on a different topic than planned, one that has rocked our community.

Tom McGrath, a pillar of the St. John's community, died suddenly last night. Just last year, Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas McGrath was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal at Rideau Hall for his 40 years of leadership with the 2415 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps Gonzaga.

The high school at which he taught for many years before becoming principal and president of St. Bon's school, one of the oldest educational institutions in our province, and the Minister of Indigenous Services' alma mater, is just two blocks from my home.

He was one of the nicest people. From the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, which he championed, to the thousands of students and cadets he taught and mentored over the years, our community is heartbroken at his passing. Tom was also a good Liberal, but as Twitter can attest, there is an overwhelming outpouring of support for Tom, his family and his legacy from all political stripes.

May Tom rest in peace. He will be sorely missed.

Montreal Climate Coalition

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

Mr. Speaker, on February 23, the Montreal Climate Coalition will be celebrating its fourth anniversary. The coalition actively encourages everyone to take bold and concrete steps to become carbon neutral.

Considering the findings in the latest IPCC report, grassroots initiatives like this one are absolutely crucial. Essentially, we have 12 years to avoid irreparable damage to our ecosystems, our communities and our economy.

There is ample evidence that Quebeckers and Canadians want a greener future, a green new deal. They want to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.

The City of Montreal is targeting an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

The Montreal Climate Coalition is calling for concrete, ambitious, feasible measures, a transition to clean energy and production and consumption practices that generate less carbon. The NDP shares those goals, and we will continue to fight for them leading up to the election.

Park Bench Players

[Sean Fraser, Liberal, Central Nova, NS]

Mr. Speaker, the Park Bench Players from Antigonish, Nova Scotia, are an award-winning theatre troupe that have received national recognition for their incredible efforts to reduce the stigma around individuals living with mental illness. They are educating the community and our country about the distinction between mental illness, mental wellness and mental health.

Every cast member lives with chronic mental illness, and their best-known play With a Little Help from my Friend is based on their own lived experiences. The production is funny, heartwarming and eye-opening. One cast member, who lives with schizophrenia, described the impact of taking part in the production on his life when he told me that he no longer feels invisible in his own community and that makes him feel good.

Their extraordinary effort demonstrates that many people living with mental illness can live full and joyful lives while they contribute to their communities and engage in dialogues of national importance.

In January, the Town of Antigonish announced it will be installing a new bench on Main Street with a plaque dedicated to the Park Bench Players. I thank every member of the cast, from the bottom of my heart, for sharing their stories of hope, courage and resilience. Together, we can erase the stigma.

Michael Ferguson

[Kevin Sorenson, Conservative, Battle River—Crowfoot, AB]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with an extremely heavy heart to pay tribute to the late Michael Ferguson, the 14th Auditor General of Canada. It has been an honour as chair of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts to have had the opportunity to work closely with this remarkable and highly respected gentleman.

Our committee truly treasured and appreciated the calibre of his reports, his candour, his passion and his dedication to holding government departments and agencies accountable for their spending and for meeting the objectives of their programs and policies.

This past week, many accolades have been bestowed on Michael in the House and all across the country. As my colleague from Hamilton Centre pointed out, our Auditor General was recognized internationally and held in high esteem. Knowing Michael Ferguson professionally, this admirable recognition for such an exemplary life of public service was expected.

What really touched me was having the opportunity yesterday, at his celebration of life, to have but a small glimpse into the personal life of Michael Ferguson. He was truly loved by his wife Georgina, sons Malcolm and Geoffrey, his brothers and other family members, and many, many friends. To them, I send my deepest sympathies. To my dear friend, I say, “Until we meet again”.

Impaired Driving

[Peter Schiefke, Liberal, Vaudreuil—Soulanges, QC]

Mr. Speaker, in 2017, more than 69,000 Canadians were involved in accidents caused by impaired driving. Every accident involving alcohol or drugs is one accident too many.

While I am incredibly proud of the ambitious measures our government introduced to curb impaired driving accidents, including Bill C-46 that will reduce significantly DUI-related deaths in Canada, I am even prouder to be representing leaders in my community, like Tina Adams who joins us in Ottawa today, who are working to keep our roads safe.

In 2015, Tina was hit by an impaired driver while jogging on the streets of Hudson. After years of recovery and 19 operations, Tina is turning this incredibly challenging experience into an opportunity to give back to our community. She is now sharing her story in schools and before the end of this year, may even be joined by the driver convicted in the accident to talk about the experience and to highlight to the next generation the real consequences of impaired driving.

On behalf of the entire House, I want to thank her for her leadership and for helping to keep our community of Vaudreuil—Soulanges and so many others safe for all.

Saint-Eustache Kiwanis Club

[Linda Lapointe, Liberal, Rivière-des-Mille-Îles, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the Saint-Eustache Kiwanis Club is hosting its famous Choco-Vin fundraiser this evening.

This fine-dining experience is one of the events the Kiwanis club organizes to raise money to support our community. Choco-Vin brings together nearly 300 people to enjoy a delectable meal of chocolate and wine. It is going to be absolutely delicious.

In past years, the club has raised $35,000 annually at this event. The wonderful thing about the Kiwanis club is its values of mutual support and solidarity. Its mission is to benefit the community in as many ways as it can.

Through its fundraising activities, the club has raised nearly $80,000 that will go back into the community to help young people, seniors and everyone in the Lower Laurentians community.

This year, the Kiwanis club is celebrating its 50th anniversary. It is a pillar in the riding of Rivière-des-Mille-Îles.

I congratulate its members and thank them for their tremendous work.

Public Safety

[Todd Doherty, Conservative, Cariboo—Prince George, BC]

Mr. Speaker, for far too long the Liberal government has put the wants of criminals ahead of victims' rights.

I want to read some headlines from around B.C.: “Five people dead in the Lower Mainland gang war”, “Surrey man 'targeted for murder'”, “17-year-old shot after confrontation” and “SkyTrain shooting: Suspect arrested in 'scary' pre-dawn raid”.

The residents of Fleetwood—Port Kells and all British Columbians deserve safe communities. They deserve better government. After four long years of this weak-on-crime Liberal government, we finally have an opportunity to restore balance to our public safety and justice systems.

On Monday, October 21, all Canadians can stop paying for Liberal mistakes and choose Conservative leadership for safe communities.

40th Anniversary of Women's Shelter

[James Maloney, Liberal, Etobicoke—Lakeshore, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark a special anniversary in Etobicoke—Lakeshore. For 40 years, Women's Habitat has provided valuable support and a safe refuge to women and children who are fleeing violence.

Entering a shelter cannot be an easy step to take, but is the right choice for women and their children in order to remove themselves from abusive situations. Women's Habitat makes that choice easier by providing the support that survivors need in order to rebuild their lives. On top of providing a safe haven, the Women's Habitat program offers women training and key daily-living tools, such as nutrition counselling and cooking schools, that survivors need to move forward with their lives and live lives that are happier and healthier.

I would like to recognize and thank the staff, the board of directors and the volunteers for their commitment and dedication. I wish them success in the years ahead as they continue to provide this vital service in our community, helping women and children rebuild their lives.

Winnipeg General Strike of 1919

[Kevin Lamoureux, Liberal, Winnipeg North, MB]

Mr. Speaker, 100 years ago, tens of thousands of people took to the streets of Winnipeg's downtown. It was all about fighting for a living wage, working conditions and collective bargaining. The Winnipeg General Strike of 1919 was historic as it laid the groundwork for the union movement that we have today. Our unions today advocate for workers and for strong socially progressive policies. They have made a real difference in the lives of every Canadian from coast to coast to coast.

I am calling upon people to recognize, 100 years ago, the Winnipeg General Strike, maybe do a bit of a Google search or watch the movie, Stand! This is an opportunity to appreciate the fine work that our union movement has done for all Canadians over the last 100 years.

The People of Pontiac

[Pierre Paul-Hus, Conservative, Charlesbourg—Haute-Saint-Charles, QC]

Mr. Speaker, two weeks ago I had the pleasure of visiting the riding of Pontiac. As part of my trip I went to Maniwaki, where I participated in a round table with members of the chamber of commerce. I then had the opportunity to meet with people in the community.

I must say that I really enjoyed my visit, and the people of Maniwaki gave me a warm welcome. Throughout the day we kept hearing that people were disappointed in the collapse of the softwood lumber industry and in the current government's lack of interest in finding solutions to simulate the local economy.

At Tim Hortons and at the mall, people wanted to talk about filing a single tax return. Everyone thinks that it is an excellent idea and that it would make things easier for them and save them money. The people of Pontiac do not understand why the Liberal government is so stubborn. They expect the government to make life easier for them and leave more money in their pockets.

I want to thank the people of Pontiac for their warm welcome, and I promise them that a Conservative government will listen to them.

RTL Longueuil and Agropur

[Sherry Romanado, Liberal, Longueuil—Charles-LeMoyne, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I am very proud to rise today to congratulate two businesses in my riding of Longueuil—Charles-LeMoyne that have just been recognized as being among Canada's best employers.

Not only did RTL Longueuil and Agropur capture a spot on Forbes Magazine's list of top 300 employers, but they also made the top 100.

These two exceptional businesses recognize that happy employees are productive employees. Congratulations to the management teams of RTL and Agropur for creating a healthy and stimulating professional environment and a great place to work.

Child Care

[Irene Mathyssen, NDP, London—Fanshawe, ON]

Mr. Speaker, the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives' annual report on the cost of child care in Canadian cities is out, and it is not good.

Since 2017, child care costs have risen faster than the rate of inflation in 61 Canadian cities, and in some cases the wait-lists for infant care are longer than the nine months it takes to create an infant. Child care is the second-largest expense for families, after paying the rent or mortgage.

It is especially distressing since the solution lies right before us in the province of Quebec, where in all age categories the cost of child care to families living there is less than $200 per month. If we cannot make child care fully accessible by making it free, we can at least know that set-fee child care programs like the ones used in Quebec, Manitoba and Prince Edward Island make child care more affordable for families.

An NDP government will ensure safe, accessible, affordable child care right across Canada, after the next election.

Taxation

[Mel Arnold, Conservative, North Okanagan—Shuswap, BC]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister does not understand the damage being caused by his mistakes. He cannot or will not balance the budget. He cannot or will not follow his own ethics rules. Now he has increased taxes and created new taxes so Canadians pay more for his mistakes.

The Prime Minister now says that low-income Canadians do not benefit from tax cuts, because they do not pay taxes. Under the failing Prime Minister, they are paying higher payroll taxes and a new carbon tax that is making life less affordable at a time when Canadians can least afford it.

Our leader understands the struggles Canadians face. He has faced them himself. He has earned everything he has. He cares about Canadians getting ahead and not just getting by.

It is time for a Conservative government that manages spending properly and lowers taxes. Rather than pay for a Liberal failure, Canadians can choose a Conservative government and leadership to get ahead.

Lunar New Year

[John Oliver, Liberal, Oakville, ON]

Mr. Speaker, this week marked the beginning of the spring festival or lunar new year. I am pleased to join with the many Canadians who are celebrating the lunar new year, which offers a great occasion to acknowledge the important role of Chinese-Canadian communities in my riding of Oakville and across the country. From coast to coast to coast, Chinese Canadians are helping build a stronger, more inclusive Canada.

This year, we celebrate the Year of the Pig, an animal symbolizing wealth and good fortune. During this time of new beginnings, I encourage everyone to reflect on the successes of the past year and look toward new opportunities.

Over the past week, I have joined in the celebrations with the Oakville Chinese network Society, the Oakville Jiu-Jiu Senior Association, and I wish the best of luck to the Halton Region Chinese Canadian Association for its gala tomorrow evening. I look forward to celebrating with the Oakville Chinese Residents Association later this weekend.

I wish everyone a year filled with peace, happiness, good health and great prosperity.

Gong hey fat choy. Gong xi fa cai

Justice

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Carleton, ON]

Mr. Speaker, The Globe and Mail alleges that the Prime Minister's Office interfered in order to try to get charges dropped in a massive fraud and bribery case. The corporation in question discussed law enforcement and justice with the Prime Minister's Office 14 times, including with PMO boss Gerald Butts.

Did Mr. Butts ever discuss with SNC-Lavalin lobbyists the idea of giving the company a deal to avoid criminal prosecution?

[Arif Virani, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and to the Minister of Democratic Institutions, Lib.]

Mr. Speaker, at no point has the current Minister of Justice or the former minister of justice been directed or pressured by the Prime Minister or the Prime Minister's Office to make any decision on this or any other matter.

The Attorney General of Canada is the chief law officer of the Crown and provides legal advice to the government, with a responsibility to act in the public interest. He takes those responsibilities very seriously.

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Carleton, ON]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister told his caucus that any word coming from Gerald Butts should be considered as coming directly from the Prime Minister.

The Globe and Mail reports, “In December, Mr. Butts spoke to [the former attorney general] about the SNC-Lavalin remediation case, according to [the Prime Minister's] deputy communications director.” Apparently, it did not go well. A month later, the Prime Minister fired his attorney general.

What did Mr. Butts say to the former attorney general in that conversation?

[Arif Virani, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and to the Minister of Democratic Institutions, Lib.]

Mr. Speaker, at no point has the current Minister of Justice or the former minister of justice been pressured or directed by the Prime Minister or anyone else in the Prime Minister's Office, and let me reiterate that, or anyone else in the Prime Minister's Office, to make any decision on this or any other matter.

The Attorney General of Canada is the chief law officer of the Crown and provides legal advice to the entire Government of Canada. He has the responsibility to act in the public interest and that responsibility is one he takes very seriously.

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Carleton, ON]

Mr. Speaker, that was not the question.

Gerald Butts is the boss at the PMO. The Prime Minister has told his caucus that anything that comes from Gerald Butts comes from the Prime Minister. In December, Mr. Butts talked about SNC-Lavalin's charges with the former attorney general.

Again my question is very clear. What exactly did Gerald Butts say to the former attorney general in that December conversation?

[Arif Virani, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and to the Minister of Democratic Institutions, Lib.]

Mr. Speaker, at no point has the current Minister of Justice or the former minister of justice been pressured or directed by the Prime Minister or anyone in the Prime Minister's Office, including the individual just mentioned by the member for Carleton, to make any decision on this or any other matter.

The Attorney General is the chief law officer of the Crown and provides legal advice to the government, with a responsibility to act in the public interest. The Attorney General takes this issue very seriously.

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

Mr. Speaker, one day after the Globe and Mail broke the scandal involving the Prime Minister's Office potential interference in a criminal case, Canadians have not been reassured by what the government is telling them. The government is playing with words. Canadians want the facts.

The question we are asking and will continue to ask until Canadians get an answer is very simple: Did the Prime Minister's Office have discussions with the former attorney general about SNC-Lavalin, yes or no?

[Arif Virani, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and to the Minister of Democratic Institutions, Lib.]

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the question. At no point has the current Minister of Justice or his predecessor been directed or pressured by the Prime Minister or the Prime Minister's Office to make a decision on this or any other matter. The Attorney General of Canada is the chief law officer of the Crown and provides legal advice to the government, with a responsibility to act in the public interest. He takes his responsibilities very seriously.

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

Mr. Speaker, I thank the parliamentary secretary, and I commend him on his French, but he did not answer my question.

My question was perfectly simple, especially since the Globe and Mail published an added detail today. It seems that the Prime Minister's principal secretary, the infamous Gerald Butts, had a conversation with the former attorney general of Canada in December, and a month later, she got the boot from that important post.

I will repeat the question that is on all Canadians' minds and that they want a clear answer to. Were there discussions between the Prime Minister's Office and the former attorney general regarding the SNC-Lavalin scandal? Yes or no?