House of Commons Hansard #414 of the 42nd Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was senate.

Topics

JusticeOral Questions

11:25 a.m.

Argenteuil—La Petite-Nation Québec

Liberal

Stéphane Lauzon LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence

Madam Speaker, based on this week's decision, the deputy minister has received the policy in place regarding Vice-Admiral Norman's request to have his legal fees paid as they relate to this case. We agreed with that advice.

JusticeOral Questions

11:25 a.m.

Conservative

Martin Shields Conservative Bow River, AB

Madam Speaker, it is increasingly clear that the Prime Minister and his government politically interfered in Mark Norman's case, just as it did in SNC-Lavalin's.

The government withheld documents and blackened pages totally out. It used code names to hide its actions. It coached witnesses. Mr. Norman's lawyer was clear that the documents should have been handed over to the RCMP and to the prosecution.

Why would the Liberals not release the documents to Mr. Norman's defence team, and unredacted? What is the Prime Minister trying to hide here?

JusticeOral Questions

11:25 a.m.

LaSalle—Émard—Verdun Québec

Liberal

David Lametti LiberalMinister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada

Madam Speaker, I would like to remind the House that the Department of Justice co-operated with the court for the production of documents. We are talking about over 8,000 documents from seven different government agencies. The decision to redact is made independently of political bodies.

As counsel for Vice-Admiral Norman said, our justice system is “truly unassailable”. It has proven itself, our institutions have proven themselves and there was no interference from the government in this case.

JusticeOral Questions

11:25 a.m.

Conservative

Richard Martel Conservative Chicoutimi—Le Fjord, QC

Madam Speaker, for months the government made every attempt to withhold all documents necessary to Vice-Admiral Norman's defence. In fact, the government still has these documents, which led to the stay of proceedings. Vice-Admiral Norman was not even allowed access to his own emails.

What is the government trying to hide?

JusticeOral Questions

11:25 a.m.

LaSalle—Émard—Verdun Québec

Liberal

David Lametti LiberalMinister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada

Madam Speaker, as I just said, we are talking about over 8,000 documents from seven different government agencies. We co-operated with the court. We produced the documents in question. The decision to redact is made independently of political bodies.

In short, we co-operated, the system worked and we are proud of Canada's judicial system.

JusticeOral Questions

11:30 a.m.

Conservative

Richard Martel Conservative Chicoutimi—Le Fjord, QC

Madam Speaker, the government politicized military procurement by putting its partisan interests first. The Asterix was a resounding success in the world of military procurement. It was delivered by Davie on time and on budget. It is a success that all Canadians and Vice-Admiral Norman can be proud of.

When will the Prime Minister apologize to Vide-Admiral Norman?

JusticeOral Questions

11:30 a.m.

Argenteuil—La Petite-Nation Québec

Liberal

Stéphane Lauzon LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence

Madam Speaker, on the basis of this week's decision, the charge against Vice-Admiral Norman has been stayed. As confirmed by the Public Prosecution Service of Canada this week, every decision was made completely independently. No other factors were considered in this decision, nor was there any contact or influence from outside the PPSC, including political influence in either the initial decision to prosecute Mr. Norman or in the decision to stay the charge. Any accusation to the contrary is absurd.

JusticeOral Questions

11:30 a.m.

Conservative

Marilyn Gladu Conservative Sarnia—Lambton, ON

Madam Speaker, first the Prime Minister said Vice-Admiral Norman would be charged before the investigation was even complete. Then the Prime Minister's Office did not provide the requested documents for two years, nearly bankrupting Mark Norman and putting his family through hell. Then, just as the Liberal MP for Orléans was going to testify against the government, suddenly the charges were dropped. Clearly this was another attack by the Prime Minister on someone who was standing up for what was right.

Will the Prime Minister apologize to Vice-Admiral Mark Norman and reinstate him as vice-chief of the defence staff?

JusticeOral Questions

11:30 a.m.

Spadina—Fort York Ontario

Liberal

Adam Vaughan LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Families

Madam Speaker, I am really glad that the Conservative Party is now seized with the idea of having independent civil service provide advice to government. It is important. I am also glad that it is talking about people's jobs because that is important too. We received some other independent advice today from Stats Canada, an organization whose independence the previous government had a lot of trouble dealing with, and that is that 106,000 jobs were created in the last month in this country.

Let me put that into context the Conservatives might understand. In Stephen Harper's last year, they celebrated 72,000 jobs in one year; 106,000 jobs in one month is independent advice they should listen to and take note of.

JusticeOral Questions

11:30 a.m.

Conservative

Glen Motz Conservative Medicine Hat—Cardston—Warner, AB

Madam Speaker, it is evident that the jobs the Liberals are talking about had nothing to do with Vice-Admiral Norman because they cared nothing about his job. There appears to be overwhelming evidence that the Prime Minister and his Liberal government went to incredible lengths to try to keep truth hidden, deliberately suppressing information that would eventually exonerate Vice-Admiral Norman. This political interference is a damning indictment of the current government and Canadians deserve answers.

Will the Prime Minister apologize to Vice-Admiral Norman and reinstate him as vice-chief of staff?

JusticeOral Questions

11:30 a.m.

LaSalle—Émard—Verdun Québec

Liberal

David Lametti LiberalMinister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada

Madam Speaker, the premise of that question is entirely false. As the director of public prosecutions has said on at least two occasions, as the prosecutor in question has said, there was no political interference in this case; there was no political interference in the decision to lay charges; there was no political interference in the decision to stay charges; and there was no political interference over the course of the trial.

This government produced documents as it was supposed to in accordance with the court orders. We did so in good faith. There are systems of governance in Canada; our judicial systems function well.

SeniorsOral Questions

11:30 a.m.

NDP

Sheri Benson NDP Saskatoon West, SK

Madam Speaker, this week the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance was bragging about all the support for seniors coming from the government, but here is a reality check. Seniors living on fixed income and in affordable housing in Saskatchewan do not see this help. When their GIS or OAS increases, their rent goes up. If their CPP increases with inflation, their GIS goes down.

Will the government pass my bill, Bill C-353, and end these clawbacks to ensure that when seniors on low income see their pension payments increase, so does their quality of life?

SeniorsOral Questions

11:35 a.m.

Spadina—Fort York Ontario

Liberal

Adam Vaughan LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Families

Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the member opposite for raising an important issue. Yes, we do have challenges when provincial governments claw back the benefits that we deliver to seniors, especially when it comes to circumstances involving housing. We also understand that there is much to do for seniors. That is why our government has invested so heavily in reducing poverty, because when we reduce poverty, we do not create low-income seniors; we create seniors who have a chance to succeed.

Our investments, including the GIS improvements, including CPP reform, including investments in affordable housing, are all aimed at making sure seniors get the quality of life they deserve as they move into retirement. We will not stop working hard to make sure that all seniors in this country are given the services they need.

InfrastructureOral Questions

11:35 a.m.

NDP

Pierre Nantel NDP Longueuil—Saint-Hubert, QC

Madam Speaker, the Quebec City tramway would reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide a quality service to residents.

A recent survey showed that most residents of Quebec City hope the tramway will be added to their public transit offering. Obviously, in public, the Liberal government says that it hopes the project will begin this summer. However, it is not answering the Quebec government's call for help to make up the $800-million shortfall for the tramway. This is not the first time infrastructure funding has been slow to make its way down the pipe.

Speaking of pipes, rather than buying an old pipeline, why does the government not switch to solution mode and fund the tramway that Quebec City residents want?

InfrastructureOral Questions

11:35 a.m.

Louis-Hébert Québec

Liberal

Joël Lightbound LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance

Madam Speaker, I am pleased to remind my colleague that the $1.2 billion that the federal government set aside in 2018 for the Quebec City tramway project is still there and always will be. If the CAQ does not want to make the Quebec City tramway a priority, than it will have to deal with me. This is an important project for Quebec City.

If I may, I would like to remind my colleague of one little thing, which is that, since 2015, we have approved 673 infrastructure projects in Quebec. Since the CAQ took office, we have only managed to get six approved. It is time to get things moving. The government is there for the people of Quebec.

Democratic ReformOral Questions

11:35 a.m.

Conservative

Stephanie Kusie Conservative Calgary Midnapore, AB

Madam Speaker, we told the Liberals time and time again that they were irresponsibly rushing through changes to Canada's election laws. Now major social media platforms, such as Google, confirm that they were not consulted on significant changes to legislation. Although the Prime Minister claims to believe in consulting with stakeholders, clearly he only wants to hear from those who agree with the way he wants things done. Why did the Prime Minister force through changes to our electoral system instead of taking the time to get it right?

Democratic ReformOral Questions

11:35 a.m.

Parkdale—High Park Ontario

Liberal

Arif Virani LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and to the Minister of Democratic Institutions

Madam Speaker, in all fairness, we will take no lessons from the other side about making changes to the electoral system. The legacy of the unfair elections act has been long, and we heard about it extensively in 2015. We acted promptly to deal with it.

With respect to the social media platforms and the position they are taking today, we find that disappointing. We know these social media platforms have the resources and the ability to take action, and to take action now. We know that Bill C-76 was given first reading well over a year ago and its long endurance within this Parliament is largely due to the blockage of that legislation by the Conservative Party at PROC.

Democratic ReformOral Questions

11:35 a.m.

Conservative

John Nater Conservative Perth—Wellington, ON

Madam Speaker, in its efforts to rush its flawed elections bill through the House, the government failed to consult with those to whom the law would apply. Yesterday, at committee, Google and YouTube confirmed that they cannot implement the changes in time for the election. They were not consulted on the changes, and the changes themselves were unclear. How can Canadians have any faith in the Liberals when even Google is saying that their changes are unclear? What are the Liberals trying to do?

Democratic ReformOral Questions

11:35 a.m.

Parkdale—High Park Ontario

Liberal

Arif Virani LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and to the Minister of Democratic Institutions

Madam Speaker, we categorically reject the premise of that entire question.

First, Bill C-76 was fundamental to ensuring the stability of the democracy in this country in response to the unfair elections act.

Second, when we are talking about elections and electoral fairness, we need to talk about online platforms, including social media companies.

Third, regarding notice to those companies, they have had adequate and ample notice.

Fourth, the resources of those companies are larger than those of most nations on this planet, for goodness' sake. To purport that they have not had the ability to address these issues is absolutely and categorically false.

Veterans AffairsOral Questions

11:35 a.m.

Conservative

Dane Lloyd Conservative Sturgeon River—Parkland, AB

Madam Speaker, this year Canada commemorates 74 years of victory in Europe, a day to remember the defeat of the Nazi empire. This is a day to honour those who gave their lives.

However, after carelessness on the minister's part, Canadians were shocked to see German soldiers on ads to celebrate our Canadian warriors. How many levels of vetting did these ads go through? How could the minister and his office allow these careless and offensive ads to go forward?

Veterans AffairsOral Questions

11:40 a.m.

Cardigan P.E.I.

Liberal

Lawrence MacAulay LiberalMinister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence

Madam Speaker, this was a completely unacceptable mistake and the video was removed immediately. I can assure members that I and the people involved are very concerned, and we are taking steps to make sure this does not happen again.

What we want to do is make sure it does not detract from the message that 74 years ago this week our soldiers liberated Europe. That is the important message.

We will make sure that what happened with this ad never happens again.

Veterans AffairsOral Questions

11:40 a.m.

Conservative

Michael Barrett Conservative Leeds—Grenville—Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, ON

Madam Speaker, Wednesday was the 74th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. This is a day when we mark the sacrifice that allied nations made to win the Second World War, especially the tens of thousands of Canadians who gave their lives.

The Liberals marked VE Day by thanking Nazis for their sacrifice, complete with an online video featuring German troops and a voice-over by the veterans minister.

Our veterans, their families and all Canadians deserve better. Saying that it will not happen again is one thing. Will the minister stand and apologize to veterans?

Veterans AffairsOral Questions

11:40 a.m.

Cardigan P.E.I.

Liberal

Lawrence MacAulay LiberalMinister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence

Madam Speaker, of course I would do anything I could for our veterans, including apologizing for the likes of what happened. It is totally unacceptable. As I said, we will make sure that this does not happen again. I have instructed my deputy minister to find out what took place and what was missed.

As I indicated previously, it is very important that we do not miss the true meaning of what happened 74 years ago this week and what our troops did to provide life for the European people. To liberate Europe was so important. That is what the message is all about.

Automotive IndustryOral Questions

11:40 a.m.

NDP

Cheryl Hardcastle NDP Windsor—Tecumseh, ON

Madam Speaker, this week I asked the government if it would adopt a national auto strategy before more people lose their livelihoods. This issue hits close to home in Windsor—Tecumseh. First it was Chrysler; now it is the Ford Essex Engine plant that is eliminating shifts.

The government scrambles to react, but there needs to be a master plan. The NDP and experts have been calling for a national auto strategy for years, and the government has a plan waiting on the shelf.

Will the Liberals stop ignoring Windsor, and southwestern Ontario for that matter, and commit to a national auto strategy?

Automotive IndustryOral Questions

11:40 a.m.

Avignon—La Mitis—Matane—Matapédia Québec

Liberal

Rémi Massé LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation

Madam Speaker, we do have a plan, and it is working very well. Canada's auto sector remains strong and is well positioned to design and build the cars of today and tomorrow.

In total, we have invested more than $6 billion in the auto sector, creating and safeguarding tens of thousands of jobs since we took office.

Since 2015, 11,500 new jobs have been created. Our investments included $110 million in Toyota facilities in Cambridge, $89 million in Linamar facilities in Guelph, $41.8 million in Honda facilities in Alliston, and the list goes on.

Our government is firmly committed to supporting Canada's auto industry.