House of Commons Hansard #422 of the 42nd Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was deal.

Topics

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

The Speaker Liberal Geoff Regan

It being Wednesday, we will now have the singing of O Canada led by the hon. member for Victoria.

[Members sang the national anthem]

Natural ResourcesStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Independent

Darshan Singh Kang Independent Calgary Skyview, AB

Mr. Speaker, this morning I awoke to more bad news for Alberta, and the forecast is foreboding.

The dark clouds of recession are on the horizon again, and Alberta's economy remains in a fragile state. While we have managed to bolster domestic oil prices through curtailment, we are losing out on millions, even billions, of dollars. Why? Because, as I have mentioned once or twice before, we are lacking the ability to move our oil.

I would be remiss if I did not spend these last weeks before the House rises reminding the government, and indeed members of the House, about our dire need for progress on this front, not only for Alberta but for all Canadians.

My constituents are worried, and they have good cause to be. Let us not play politics with Canadian lives and Canadian jobs. Once and for all, it is time to move forward.

I implore the government to approve the Trans Mountain pipeline by June 18 so we can have shovels in the ground by July 1. Let us get Alberta working again.

Vaudreuil-Dorion Heritage WeekendStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Peter Schiefke Liberal Vaudreuil—Soulanges, QC

Oyez, oyez, Mr. Speaker! Lords, ladies, nobles and the good folk of Vaudrueil-Dorion will gather on June 6, 7 and 8 for the 27th edition of the Seigneuriales. There, they will eat, drink, play and sing as they celebrate the rich cultural heritage of our community, Vaudreuil-Soulanges. We have a plethora of stories to share and celebrate.

I would invite all the lords and ladies of Vaudreuil-Soulanges to join me at the Musée régional de Vaudreuil-Soulanges to enjoy activities for the whole family, local artisans and everything our seigneury has to offer.

I hope everyone enjoys the Seigneuriales.

Victims and Survivors of Crime WeekStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Conservative

Dane Lloyd Conservative Sturgeon River—Parkland, AB

Mr. Speaker, this week is Victims and Survivors of Crime Week, dedicated to bringing awareness to victims.

Today, I reflect upon a terrible crime committed near my community.

On July 3, 2010, Lyle and Marie McCann of St. Albert left on a road trip. On July 5, their motorhome was seen engulfed in flames and their bodies were nowhere to be found. Their killer was arrested and following years in the courts, he was convicted. Now, nearly nine years later, we still do not know the whereabouts of Lyle and Marie.

That is why I introduced Bill C-437, known as McCann's law, hoping to encourage killers to reveal the location of their victims. The bill would make co-operation a factor in parole hearings and would give judges more authority to limit parole.

All parliamentarians should support legislation that seeks to return the remains of victims to their families. It is time to put victims and families first and pass McCann's Law.

Family Support Centre in Sainte-JulieStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Michel Picard Liberal Montarville, QC

Mr. Speaker, I want to tell you about the Maison de l’entraide, an organization in my riding that has been supporting families in Sainte-Julie for 40 years. The organization got its start with a fundraising drive organized by Denyse Labrecque in 1976 and was incorporated on July 4, 1979.

Today, the Maison de l’entraide continues to fulfill its founders' mission by supporting low-income families in Sainte-Julie and working in collaboration with local partners to improve their quality of life.

The organization's main source of funding is a thrift store that is open to the general public. The store generates roughly 80% of its revenue. The board of directors and volunteers are determined to keep overhead expenses as low as possible to ensure that all funds raised go directly to the recipients. This financial support represents about 75% of its expenditures.

Congratulations to the Maison de l’entraide for 40 wonderful years.

The EnvironmentStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

NDP

Niki Ashton NDP Churchill—Keewatinook Aski, MB

Mr. Speaker, climate change is a reality in our north. First nations and northern communities are feeling it.

This past week, the federal government made an announcement in my home community, committing $28 million to rebuild an airport in Thompson, which is sinking because of melting permafrost.

This is an important investment but it is not enough. It does not change the reality of the 18 communities in our north that are facing a crisis of climate change and isolation. These 18 communities depend on ice roads as their lifeline, and these are disappearing.

Where is the federal government when it comes to working with first nations to build all-weather roads? Just this month, York Factory came to Ottawa to get support for an all-weather road. Where is the federal government to work with Wasagamack and Pauingassi, which do not even have airports? Where is the federal government to work with first nations like St. Theresa Point and Berens River to build the all-weather road connection they have proposed? Where is the federal government to act urgently for communities trying to deal with the reality of climate change?

The federal government is not there. First nations and our north cannot afford to wait any longer.

National Health and Fitness DayStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Mona Fortier Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON

Mr. Speaker, we are honoured to have with us today senior officials from the Fitness Industry Council of Canada. Thanks to them, on Saturday, June 1, hundreds of Canadians will be taking part in National Health and Fitness Day.

With activities led by certified fitness professionals for people of all ages and abilities, National Health and Fitness Day will highlight the importance and impacts of a healthy lifestyle through fitness.

In Ottawa—Vanier, the Vanier Community Service Centre is organizing the Vanier VéloFest, an event aimed at getting young people on bikes.

I would like to thank the Fitness Industry Council of Canada for promoting public health and wellness for all ages and abilities across the country.

Here is the challenge for Canadians. I encourage them all to participate in and celebrate National Health and Fitness Day.

Scleroderma Awareness MonthStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Conservative

David Sweet Conservative Flamborough—Glanbrook, ON

Mr. Speaker, this Saturday marks the beginning of Scleroderma Awareness Month and while the past few years have seen advancements in treatments that can ease pain and slow the progression of the disease, researchers have yet to find the cause of scleroderma and are still looking for a cure.

As many in the House know, I have witnessed the terrible effects of this disease first-hand while I was forced to watch my mother Jean deteriorate under the awful effects of scleroderma, which ultimately took her life.

Scleroderma is a chronic autoimmune connective tissue disorder that can attack one's organs and shut them down one by one. This rare disease can also cause weeping ulcers, esophageal dysfunction, Raynaud's disease, skin deterioration and other symptoms. Almost 80% of those afflicted with scleroderma are women and most sufferers are diagnosed between the ages of 30 and 50.

We cannot settle until researchers find a cure. I urge all governments, the medical research community and academia to continue to advocate for more funding for scleroderma research so we can stem the tide of this disease and find a cure once and for all.

Long Service AwardStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

TJ Harvey Liberal Tobique—Mactaquac, NB

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great pride to recognize the hard work and dedication of someone I have worked with for only four years, but has given a great number of years to this place in more ways than I can share in a single statement.

Last night, she received her long service award for working for the House of Commons for 31 years.

Throughout her time on the Hill, she has not only worked with MPs and staff, but also developed long-standing relationships with the staff at the parliamentary restaurant, the custodial staff, all the security staff, the IT staff and across all party lines. She has gone above and beyond to advocate for necessary changes to benefit others.

Her character is that of honesty, courage and integrity. She never backs down from a challenge and represents the glue in my office. Some members may remember her for organizing the All Party Party some years back.

Although she does not do a single thing for the purpose of credit, when it comes to her substantive contribution to the lives of Canadians throughout her work with various governments and members of Parliament, recognition for her long service cannot go unnoticed.

Colleen Knight's outstanding reputation precedes her.

I thank Colleen for not only her unwavering devotion to my office, but for her commitment to working for so many years toward a better Canada.

Loran Scholars FoundationStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Raj Saini Liberal Kitchener Centre, ON

Mr. Speaker, the Loran Scholars Foundation awards outstanding young Canadians with a prestigious $100,000 scholarship for their post-secondary studies, helping them achieve their full potential.

Out of 5,000 talented applicants, only 35 high school students were successful after a rigorous selection process. One of these, Meena Waseem, is from my community and attends high school in my riding. She is not just the president of the Cameron Heights student council, but she is also a politically engaged youth who champions issues like mental health and diversity.

Meena immigrated to Canada from Pakistan only 10 years ago, yet through her hard work and strength of character, she has already had an incredible and lasting impact on our community.

I congratulate Meena and invite my colleagues to join me in wishing her well as she continues on her journey.

The EnvironmentStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Conservative

Rosemarie Falk Conservative Battlefords—Lloydminster, SK

Mr. Speaker, tackling climate change requires leadership, but under the Prime Minister's leadership, Canada continues to fall further behind its emissions targets.

The Prime Minister's personal choices, like flying between Ottawa and Florida four times in three days, are not helping. In fact, his carbon footprint is insulting to Canadians who are already struggling to get ahead and who have to pay the Liberal carbon tax just to drive to work.

The reality is that Canada will not meet the Paris emissions targets under the Prime Minister. That is because the Liberal carbon tax is not an environmental plan; it is a tax plan. It is a tax plan that dives deep into the pockets of Canadian taxpayers. It is a tax plan that punishes Canadians living in rural Canada.

The Conservatives will lay out a real plan to tackle environmental challenges. However, the real question is this. Where is the Liberal climate plan?

Disability Awareness WeekStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Liberal

Wayne Long Liberal Saint John—Rothesay, NB

Mr. Speaker, on Sunday I was honoured to help kick off Disability Awareness Week celebrations at key industries in Saint John.

Disability Awareness Week is a time for all of us to promote accessibility and inclusion, and to celebrate the incredible social and economic contributions that Canadians with disabilities make to our communities. It is also a time for us to redouble our commitment to the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities.

Our government is doing this by advancing Bill C-81, which represents the most significant advancement of rights of persons with disabilities in Canada since the advent of the charter. I was thrilled to be able to contribute to the strengthening of this historic legislation at committee, and I look forward to standing up for the rights of persons with disabilities by standing up for this legislation later this week.

I will always stand up for the rights of persons with disabilities in Saint John—Rothesay.

Pride TorontoStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Liberal

Adam Vaughan Liberal Spadina—Fort York, ON

Mr. Speaker, I am here to spill the tea.

Pride season in Toronto is coming up and our city's very own Brooke Lynn Hytes has made it to the final four in RuPaul's Drag Race, the reality TV show. This Canadian has done us proud in the competition, which has been the starting point for a lot of important conversations about trans rights, not just in Canada but around the world.

Conversations about the effects of homophobia, transphobia and biphobia are critical to building resiliency in these communities. Our government knows that it is our role to support them more. In fact, this week our government announced an investment of $4.3 million through the national housing strategy for the Egale Centre, Canada's first housing facility exclusively dedicated to homeless LGBTIQ2S youth.

The theme for Toronto Pride this year is “Freedom”, and it builds on having a safe place to call home because that is the foundation for all forms of freedom and free expression.

I look forward to marching this year in the Pride Parade. I look forward to seeing Brooke Lynn in Toronto and I look forward to making sure that our community is safe, housed and that the youth, in particular, are thriving.

The EnvironmentStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Conservative

Joël Godin Conservative Portneuf—Jacques-Cartier, QC

Mr. Speaker, firstly, I would like to reiterate to the Liberal government that we, as Conservatives, recognize that climate change exists, that it affects the entire planet and that human activity has repercussions on the changing climate.

Sadly, the Liberal government has been in power for more than three and a half years and the only solution it came up with is a new tax to achieve the Paris Agreement targets. That does not work.

The Liberals declare a climate emergency on the eve of an election after buying a pipeline from the Americans for over $4 billion.

There is no consistency. This Liberal government says one thing and does the opposite. It has lost control on several files. It is high time to get rid of this government.

I want to assure Canadians that we will introduce a real environmental plan to achieve the Paris Agreement targets. Indeed, we the Conservatives will be responsible, we will contribute to the global collective effort for the environment and we will reach our targets.

Soccer Camps in AttawapiskatStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Liberal

Arif Virani Liberal Parkdale—High Park, ON

Mr. Speaker, four years ago, when students at Bishop Marrocco Secondary School in my riding of Parkdale—High Park saw the youth suicide crisis in Attawapiskat unfolding before their very eyes, they turned to their soccer coaches, Paolo and Dan, and asked what they could do. Together they hatched an idea to fundraise and send their team to Attawapiskat to run a soccer camp, and then they did it again and again.

For the last four years, these young people have been building bridges, developing trust and learning from their indigenous brothers and sisters in Attawapiskat. What started as a soccer camp is now a sports, dance and multimedia initiative that connects two schools in Toronto, Bishop Marrocco and St. Elizabeth, with the very school in Attawapiskat founded by Shannen Koostachin.

The story of Canada is truly about ordinary people doing extraordinary things. This project is one such shining example. I salute these youth in Toronto and Attawapiskat for their incredible efforts to address youth mental health and to advance reconciliation.

Funding for Women's OrganizationsStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

NDP

Irene Mathyssen NDP London—Fanshawe, ON

Mr. Speaker, Women Deliver will take place next week in Vancouver. This month, at the status of women committee, the Minister for Women and Gender Equality described this conference as the feminist Olympics, an unfortunate comparison given the corruption there.

The minister also stated that the Government of Canada is not and never has been in the business of providing core funding for capacity building to women's organizations. Allow me to correct her. In fact, women's organizations suffered tremendously under the 2007 cuts made by Stephen Harper, and they have been struggling to stay above water ever since.

The World Economic Forum's annual gender gap ranking places Canada 16th when it comes to economic, educational, health and political equity for women. Without core funding, capacity building is impossible. By continuing to starve women of funding, team Canada will never make the podium. Women's organizations need stable and sustainable core funding to achieve equal status on the field.

Climate ChangeStatements By Members

2:20 p.m.

Conservative

Mark Strahl Conservative Chilliwack—Hope, BC

Mr. Speaker, following a recent by-election in B.C., the Prime Minister said that Canadians are voting with climate change at the top of their minds. How did he do in that by-election? Voters on Vancouver Island rejected his Liberals, ranking them behind the Greens, the Conservatives and even the NDP.

Canadians recognize that the Liberal carbon tax will not even come close to achieving Canada's emissions targets under the Paris accord. That is because his carbon tax is not a plan to lower emissions. It is just a plan to raise taxes. Meanwhile, he is giving large industrial emitters a special deal that will exempt them from the tax while making Canadian families pay more to drive to work, heat their homes and put food on the table.

In the coming weeks, Conservatives will present Canadians with a real environmental plan that will lower global emissions without making Canadians pay a punitive carbon tax.

Until October, we are stuck with the Liberals, but help is on the horizon. Very soon a Conservative government will implement its plan to protect the environment and protect the pocketbooks of Canadians.

The EconomyStatements By Members

2:20 p.m.

Liberal

Rachel Bendayan Liberal Outremont, QC

Mr. Speaker, the Canadian economy is thriving and we are breaking all of the growth records. Why? Because we are investing in Canadians.

The economy is doing well because we are investing in innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly in our young entrepreneurs at the HEC and the University of Montreal in my riding of Outremont.

We are helping Montreal become a world leader in AI and we are helping Quebec become a leader in green technology.

Foreign direct investment is up 60% this past year, exceeding all expectations. April set a new record for job growth in this country. We have created over one million jobs since 2015.

After years of economic stagnation under the Conservatives, the Canadian economy is back and it is even better than advertised.

International TradeOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Regina—Qu'Appelle Saskatchewan

Conservative

Andrew Scheer ConservativeLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, this Prime Minister is the best thing that has happened to Donald Trump. He abandoned access to markets for our main exports. He relinquished our influence and gave Mr. Trump all the power. He makes concessions every time he is at the table. President Trump is in charge and thanks to the Prime Minister, Canada can only stand by and watch.

Why is the Prime Minister so proud of this historic humiliation?

International TradeOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Papineau Québec

Liberal

Justin Trudeau LiberalPrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, under our government, the Canada-U.S. trade relationship faced its greatest threat. We worked hard to get a good deal for Canadians.

The Conservatives cannot make up their minds. In the beginning, they absolutely wanted to abdicate, at all costs, to get any old deal. Then they opposed the good deal that we signed. Now they are in favour of this good deal and have committed to ratifying it. They are all over the place.

Our government is committed to standing up for Canadian workers, protecting jobs and always being there for Canadians.

International TradeOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Regina—Qu'Appelle Saskatchewan

Conservative

Andrew Scheer ConservativeLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, let us remember that the Prime Minister promised a better NAFTA deal. Then he volunteered to renegotiate Canada's trading arrangement and not only did he come back with concession after concession, with no win at all, but he even signed a deal that still had steel and aluminum tariffs in place. Now we learn that there is language in the new agreement that suggests that Canada now has a quota by another name.

Will the Prime Minister finally admit that this deal on steel tariffs is just not as advertised?

International TradeOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Papineau Québec

Liberal

Justin Trudeau LiberalPrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, under our government, the United States trading relationship faced its greatest threats, but we worked hard to get a good deal for Canadians. Conservatives cannot make up their minds. In the beginning, they were in favour of our signing any old deal just to get things done and abdicating on it all, the way Stephen Harper told them to. Then they opposed the good deal that we signed, which we negotiated with the help of all Canadians, and now they are in favour of the deal and they commit to ratifying it. They are all over the place. We are staying focused on supporting Canadians, on fighting for workers—

International TradeOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Some hon. members

Oh, oh!

International TradeOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

Liberal

The Speaker Liberal Geoff Regan

Order, please.

The hon. Leader of the Opposition.

International TradeOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

Regina—Qu'Appelle Saskatchewan

Conservative

Andrew Scheer ConservativeLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, the greatest threat to Canada's trading relationship with the United States is the weakness of the Prime Minister. Any old deal would have been better than the deal that he came home with. Concession after concession on dairy, on autos, on pharmaceuticals and now, in order to get steel tariffs lifted, he had to give away the only piece of leverage that Canada had. He has actually agreed not to put strategic tariffs on other U.S. industries.

Once again, why did the Prime Minister give Donald Trump—