House of Commons Hansard #412 of the 42nd Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was animals.

Topics

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

The Speaker Liberal Geoff Regan

We will now have the singing of O Canada, led by the hon. member for Edmonton Centre.

[Members sang the national anthem]

ArvidaStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Bloc

Monique Pauzé Bloc Repentigny, QC

Mr. Speaker, Quebec has a hard time preserving its heritage. For years now, the City of Saguenay and Quebec City have been asking Ottawa to put Arvida on the list of proposed UNESCO world heritage sites.

Arvida's first 270 houses were built in just 135 days. It is a unique and very well-preserved world-famous model of urban design. It played a key role in the development of the Saguenay region, which, because of aluminum, has been integral to Canada-U.S. industrial relations for over a century. UNESCO asked countries to do more to showcase their industrial heritage and 20th-century architecture. Arvida checks both boxes. Enough dithering already.

When will the government put Arvida on UNESCO's world heritage list?

278 Cormorant SquadronStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Sukh Dhaliwal Liberal Surrey—Newton, BC

Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize the outstanding young men and women of the 278 Cormorant air cadets squadron. Led by commanding officer Captain Jagdeep Masoun and chairperson Rupinderjit Thind, the program aims to help young people become good citizens as well as develop an interest in the various activities of the Canadian Forces.

These young Canadians are learning valuable life skills such as leadership and teamwork. They are giving back to the community, which makes Surrey-Newton and all of Canada a better place.

I would like members to join me in thanking the B.C. Provincial Committee of the Air Cadet League of Canada and the 278 Cormorant air cadets, their parents, and volunteers for their dedicated commitment, service and hard work in helping others.

Special Olympics World Summer GamesStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Conservative

Tom Kmiec Conservative Calgary Shepard, AB

Mr. Speaker, I rise to mark the achievement of a great young Calgarian, Amber Harriman, from my riding of Calgary Shepard, who returned in March from Abu Dhabi, where she competed in the 2019 Special Olympics World Summer Games as part of Team Canada. Out of the 12 medals brought home by Calgarians, Amber earned seven gold medals in gymnastics. I would say that she did very, very well.

Did I mention that these were her first world games? She did it with her trademark hard work, a typical can-do Alberta attitude and an extraordinary love of the sport. She describes gymnastics as challenging but beautiful and graceful all at the same time. Athletes like Amber represent Alberta and their hometowns with pride, and they show off our talented sports enthusiasts.

I invite all members today to join me in congratulating Amber on this impressive achievement and for being an inspiration to other aspiring athletes in Alberta and across Canada.

Chair of the Conference for Advanced Life UnderwritingStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Andy Fillmore Liberal Halifax, NS

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Roger Sinclair, from my beautiful riding of Halifax, on his appointment as chair of the Conference for Advanced Life Underwriting, also known as CALU.

Roger is a founder and partner at SBW Wealth Management & Employee Benefits and has spent 37 years providing practical financial advice to clients throughout Atlantic Canada. He is recognized as a national industry leader. Mr. Sinclair is the first Nova Scotian to chair CALU.

Over 480 CALU members from across Canada are in Ottawa this week for CALU's annual general meeting, where Mr. Sinclair was confirmed as the new chair just this morning.

I congratulate Roger on this great achievement. I look forward to working with him in Halifax to help Nova Scotians and all Canadians navigate advanced planning issues to benefit their futures.

Suicide PreventionStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

NDP

Charlie Angus NDP Timmins—James Bay, ON

Mr. Speaker, tonight Parliament will vote on Motion No. 174 to establish a national suicide prevention action plan. Canada is the only G7 country without a plan, yet suicide cuts across all political, cultural and economic spectrums. We lose 4,000 people every year to suicide, and each one of those deaths hits communities and families like a shock wave of grief. Quebec established a plan and dropped youth suicide rates by 50%. It is time the Parliament of Canada stepped up.

I began this journey in the dark night of the northern suicide crisis, but I was inspired by the determination of youth leaders like Randall Crowe, of Treaty 9, who keep kicking at the darkness until it bleeds daylight. Since then I have met so many amazing activists, like Jack Hicks, Courtney Taylor and Lynne Sutcliffe, who are making hope a reality on the ground. It is time Parliament joined with them.

I am asking my colleagues to stand together tonight and vote for Motion No. 174 to establish a national suicide prevention action plan.

Jean VanierStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Mona Fortier Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, we lost an inspiring philanthropist who championed the rights of persons with disabilities. Jean Vanier worked tirelessly to help the most vulnerable Canadians have an equal chance of reaching their full potential.

After visiting a psychiatric hospital, Jean Vanier made it his mission to foster communities where those with developmental disabilities could participate fully, free of any barriers.

Since founding L'Arche in 1964, the charity has established communities that house thousands of people with and without disabilities in more than 35 countries.

Mr. Vanier also contributed to society in many other ways, always striving to make our world fairer and more inclusive for all. His legacy should inspire all Canadians to work to build a fairer, friendlier world. The world has certainly lost an extraordinary leader.

InfrastructureStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Conservative

Cheryl Gallant Conservative Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke, ON

Mr. Speaker, the bad policy of the Liberal leader to go into massive debt on so-called social infrastructure, the controversial giveaways, such as the hundreds of millions of dollars given to the China-controlled Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, and the money given to Hillary's Clinton's foundation are all hitting home in Canada with the Prime Minister's lack of climate change preparedness that the carbon tax is supposed to fund. It is all talk and no action.

What taxpayers want is for a responsible government to be investing in physical infrastructure, such as the main bridge into Garrison Petawawa, Canada's largest army base. That bridge was in danger of being swept away in the flood and had to be closed last week. The new Conservative government of Doug Ford has signed off on the Petawawa bridge, when the old, tired Liberal Party of Ontario would not.

The biggest scandal of the last three and a half years has been the total neglect of Canada's physical infrastructure. Only by electing a responsible Conservative government that respects private property will homeowners see meaningful investment to protect roads and bridges.

Hélène Sentenne FoundationStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Jean-Claude Poissant Liberal La Prairie, QC

Mr. Speaker, the Fondation Hélène-Sentenne will be celebrating its 30th anniversary on May 16. This arts and culture organization was named after the Town of Candiac's first secretary, who served for 30 years before retiring.

The foundation operates out of the Maison Hélène-Sentenne, formerly known as Maison Melançon. Over the years, this building has become an arts hub for Candiac and the surrounding community, hosting no less than 20 national festivals, 28 juried art shows, 20 solo exhibitions, six art symposiums, over 40 classical music concerts, and 30 Son et brioches concerts, not to mention countless Christmas and Valentine's Day concerts.

Today, I join all the people of Candiac in thanking and congratulating the foundation's president, Ghislaine Nivose, and her entire team for all their hard work in promoting arts and culture in the riding of La Prairie.

Long live the Fondation Hélène-Sentenne.

Brampton Cricket LeagueStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Sonia Sidhu Liberal Brampton South, ON

Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House today to recognize the work of a wonderful organization in Brampton, the Brampton Cricket League. The league promotes the game of cricket at the grassroots level. Last month it celebrated its 10th anniversary.

I am proud of the work of its president, Faraz Saleem, vice-president, Mukesh Rawat, and the entire team. Sports teach us discipline, grace and dignity. That is why I will always remain committed to supporting organizations like the Brampton Cricket League, as they work tirelessly to spread sports in our community and engage youth.

Today the reason I am wearing BCL's jersey is to promote cricket and BCL's work. As it is about to start its 2019 summer games season this weekend, I send my best wishes to the players, volunteers, supporters and the organization. I congratulate the Brampton Cricket League.

Government PrioritiesStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Conservative

John Barlow Conservative Foothills, AB

Mr. Speaker, the big promises and sunny ways promised to Canadians in 2015 have led to four years of cloudy skies and broken promises by the Liberal government.

The Prime Minister claimed that he would strengthen the middle class, improve Canada's presence on the world stage and run an open, transparent and ethical government. He has failed on each and every count. He has failed on pipelines, on taxes, on immigration, certainly on ethics and transparency and also on trade.

Canadians are not buying what the Prime Minister is selling, and neither are our trusted trading partners around the world. Unfortunately, they are also not buying our peas, lentils, wheat, pork or canola.

The Prime Minister promised that he would have the backs of our farmers, and he has not. Our farmers have asked for a WTO challenge of China. He will not do this. The Prime Minister promised he would fight for jobs in our energy sector. He has not. Clearly, the Prime Minister is not as advertised.

Canadians have had enough, and in October, they will change the channel.

AstrophysicsStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Raj Saini Liberal Kitchener Centre, ON

Mr. Speaker, space: the final frontier. Thanks in part to Canada's own Captain Kirk, Professor Avery Broderick, a theoretical astrophysicist from the University of Waterloo, we are one step closer to where no one has gone before.

Using the event horizon telescope, a team of over 200 scientists were finally able to photograph a black hole. Black holes are so dense and have such strong gravity that anything that crosses their threshold is sucked in, never to return. The discovery allows us to test long-held theories about black holes and their effects on surrounding space.

Professor Broderick declares that we truly are standing at the threshold of a new era of astrophysics.

May the team behind this discovery live long and prosper.

Indigenous Nurses DayStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Liberal

Dan Vandal Liberal Saint Boniface—Saint Vital, MB

Mr. Speaker, on this National Nursing Week, I rise today to pay special tribute to the exceptional work of the indigenous nurses who provide care to all Canadians from coast to coast to coast and to celebrate Indigenous Nurses Day.

The over 9,700 strong and skilled indigenous nurses are invaluable in the promotion, development and practice of indigenous health and nursing. Due to their unique perspective and understanding of the specific needs of indigenous communities, they are able to combine traditional indigenous practices with western medical practices. These nurses know all too well the barriers that indigenous people face when accessing health care and are perfectly placed to help tear these barriers down.

Please help me in welcoming the Canadian Indigenous Nursing Association to Parliament Hill and in congratulating it on the celebration of its 45th year.

Bravo.

Liberal Party of CanadaStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Conservative

Bernard Généreux Conservative Montmagny—L'Islet—Kamouraska—Rivière-du-Loup, QC

Mr. Speaker, after four deficit budgets and no plan to put an end to this reckless debt load, the Liberals continue to demonstrate that they are incapable of governing.

Yesterday the Auditor General called out the government for its inability to manage the migrant crisis at our borders. He also noted that the RCMP is lacking the resources it needs to keep us safe.

Call centres are swamped, and the government is incapable of responding adequately to the millions of Canadians who just want information on how to pay their taxes or get the old age benefits to which they are entitled.

Quebeckers asked for a single tax return to make life easier for them, but the Liberals said no.

Trade disputes have been blocking trade with the U.S. and China for months now, and the government keeps sending letters instead of taking action.

However, when it comes to political interference, in not just one but two legal matters involving their buddies, they are quick to do whatever it takes to find a solution.

Quebeckers deserve a lot better—

Liberal Party of CanadaStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Liberal

The Speaker Liberal Geoff Regan

The hon. member for Vimy.

World Ovarian Cancer DayStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Liberal

Eva Nassif Liberal Vimy, QC

Mr. Speaker, today is World Ovarian Cancer Day, a sad day for anyone who has lost a mother, daughter or loved one to this silent, little-known disease that is often only discovered in its advanced stages.

Research on ovarian cancer is essential and has been overlooked, but our government is taking action. Budget 2019 allocates $10 million for ovarian cancer research.

Last Sunday, I participated in the shaved head challenge organized by Leucan in my riding. I would like to thank the participants and donors for their remarkable work. I would also like to thank all those who support cancer research in some way. Thank you for being such a bright light.

Waving GrannyStatements By Members

May 8th, 2019 / 2:15 p.m.

NDP

Rachel Blaney NDP North Island—Powell River, BC

Mr. Speaker, a woman from my riding has made the national news for her dedication to the young people in the community. They call her the “Waving Granny”.

Tinney Davidson has been spreading joy in the town of Comox. Every morning, Tinney is at the window, waving to all Highland Secondary School students who walk by. She became such a part of the students' lives that they would worry when they did not see her when she was away on vacation.

After 11 years of sharing smiles and making people happy, she sadly will be moving away.

Her impact was so positive that to honour her, 400 students from the school showed up on her lawn recently to give her handmade hearts, blow her a kiss and wave a final goodbye.

Tinney is a female leader in the community who followed her calling to spread joy and happiness among students in the Comox Valley. Women like Tinney deserve to be recognized for their loving hearts and ability to share the most important commodity we have, kindness.

My riding is a better place because of Tinney and I want to thank her and honour her here today.

National SecurityStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Conservative

Leona Alleslev Conservative Aurora—Oak Ridges—Richmond Hill, ON

Mr. Speaker, this week the Macdonald-Laurier Institute issued a scathing assessment of the Liberal government's record, stating that the prime minister “holds the security of Canadian citizens and the country’s sovereignty in near total disregard.” This is the most severe of criticisms, for there is no greater responsibility of a prime minister than to protect its citizens and uphold the sovereignty of the nation.

The Liberals tell us that Canada is back, but a disastrous trip to India, an escalating diplomatic and trade crisis with China, a worse deal on NAFTA, compounded by punishing national security tariffs show that the Prime Minister has devastated our reputation on the world stage.

Canada has never been more alone, and the Prime Minister is not as advertised.

Canada needs a strong prime minister who understands the complexity of these turbulent times, is honest about the threats we face and will vigorously defend the sovereignty of our nation, and that would be the current leader of the opposition, a Conservative prime minister in 2019.

National Nursing WeekStatements By Members

2:20 p.m.

Liberal

Kamal Khera Liberal Brampton West, ON

Mr. Speaker, as a registered nurse, it is an honour to recognize the leadership role nurses play in our society during National Nursing Week.

The theme for this year is, “Nurses: A Voice to Lead – Health for All.” According to the International Council of Nurses, this theme reflects that every nurse has a story and every story has the potential to improve the lives of individuals and communities. I could not agree more. I have seen this first-hand during my experiences as a nurse and during visits to Brampton Civic Hospital in our community.

At a time when our health care is under attack through the cuts imposed by Doug Ford and the Conservatives, our government will continue to stand together with nurses and health care providers to ensure healthy communities for all Canadians.

I encourage everyone to join me in thanking the nurses in our communities for their tireless service, advocacy and leadership.

JusticeOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Regina—Qu'Appelle Saskatchewan

Conservative

Andrew Scheer ConservativeLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister tried to interfere in a shipbuilding contract and when he was caught, he tried to destroy the reputation and career of the person who stood up to him. We have seen this before and it is a dangerous pattern with the government.

Why is it that anyone who says “no” to the Prime Minister ends up with a target on his or her back?

JusticeOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

LaSalle—Émard—Verdun Québec

Liberal

David Lametti LiberalMinister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada

Mr. Speaker, the prosecution in question was handled by the Public Prosecution Service of Canada, which operates independently from the Department of Justice and independently from my office. My office had no role whatsoever in the decision to seek a stay of proceedings. The decision belongs to the director of public prosecutions alone.

The director of public prosecutions stated in February and repeated today that there was no contact or influence from outside the PPSC on either the initial decision to prosecute or the decision to stay the charge.

JusticeOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Regina—Qu'Appelle Saskatchewan

Conservative

Andrew Scheer ConservativeLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, however, the lawyer for Mark Norman was quite clear that the government did impede this investigation by withholding important documents and facts.

When it looked like the truth was going to try to come out in the SNC-Lavalin corruption scandal, the Prime Minister shut down the investigations. When it looked like the truth in this scandal was going to come out, the Prime Minister tried to prevent a fair trial by withholding evidence and using delay tactics.

What is in those documents that the Prime Minister is so afraid of?

JusticeOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

LaSalle—Émard—Verdun Québec

Liberal

David Lametti LiberalMinister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada

Mr. Speaker, as I have stated a number of times in the House, the government has met all of its obligations with respect to third party records applications during the course of the trial. All documents and priority individuals identified by the defence in February had already been provided to the court.

As I have said, it is the Public Prosecution Service of Canada that has undertaken the evaluation of the evidence of this case and the prosecution of this trial. It is its decision and its decision alone to stay the proceedings.

JusticeOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Regina—Qu'Appelle Saskatchewan

Conservative

Andrew Scheer ConservativeLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, the Privy Council Office's investigation into the matter led nowhere, but the Prime Minister needed a scapegoat so he set his sights on a respected vice-admiral from the Canadian Armed Forces.

Why did the Prime Minister say that this matter would end up in court even before the RCMP laid any charges?

JusticeOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

LaSalle—Émard—Verdun Québec

Liberal

David Lametti LiberalMinister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada

Mr. Speaker, as I already told the House, the government followed all the rules in this case. The prosecution was handled by the Public Prosecution Service of Canada. The PPSC is the one that decided to launch this investigation and to prosecute, and it was the PPSC's decision to stay the proceedings.