House of Commons Hansard #10 of the 43rd Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was oversight.

Topics

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

The Speaker Liberal Anthony Rota

It being Wednesday, we will now have the singing of the national anthem, led by the member for Charlesbourg—Haute-Saint-Charles.

[Members sang the national anthem]

International Holocaust Remembrance DayStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Michael Levitt Liberal York Centre, ON

Mr. Speaker, this past Monday was International Holocaust Remembrance Day, when we remembered the murder of over six million Jews during World War II.

This year also marked the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz.

On Monday, at Auschwitz-Birkenau, I joined the Governor General, a multi-partisan group of MPs and over 200 holocaust survivors to mark this solemn day. The memory of the over one million Jews murdered there, relived on Monday through the testimony of those who survived, must never be forgotten.

On Monday, survivor Marian Turski urged the world to adopt an 11th commandment, “Thou shalt not be indifferent.”

For their legacy and ours, we must fight against a resurgence of anti-Semitism and xenophobia and ensure that our vow of “never again” is matched by our commitment to combat anti-Semitism and hatred in all its forms wherever it rears its ugly head.

Let us each pledge, this day and every day, to never be indifferent.

Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752Statements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Conservative

Kerry Diotte Conservative Edmonton Griesbach, AB

Mr. Speaker, I want to commemorate the victims of Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752.

One hundred and seventy-six innocent people lost their lives when this plane was shot down by the Iranian military. Fifty-seven were Canadians, of those, 13 were Edmontonians.

Loved ones of these victims deserve immediate answers. However, their grief has been compounded because they are not getting those answers. Instead, they have suffered through a cover-up since day one.

Iranian authorities must be transparent and fully co-operate with independent agencies investigating this horrific event. Families also deserve that the remains of their loved ones are allowed to be repatriated to Canada as soon as possible. Anything less is completely unacceptable. These loved ones have suffered enough.

Tamil Heritage MonthStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Jennifer O'Connell Liberal Pickering—Uxbridge, ON

Mr. Speaker, four years ago, the House unanimously approved Motion No. 24, designating January as Tamil Heritage Month.

Tamil Canadians have had a significant impact on the fabric of our society. Canada has been strengthened by the contributions of over 300,000 Tamil Canadians living in every province and territory across the country.

In my community, organizations like the Durham Tamil Association and the Tamil Cultural and Academic Society of Durham advocate tirelessly on behalf of the Tamil community with its continued fight for justice, accountability and reconciliation.

January is also the month Tamil Canadians celebrate the harvest festival, Thai Pongal, a time for friends and family to gather and celebrate a generous harvest.

I would like to thank my friend, the member for Scarborough—Rouge Park, for introducing Motion No. 24 and advocating for this important recognition.

Happy Tamil Heritage Month.

Religious FreedomStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Bloc

Andréanne Larouche Bloc Shefford, QC

Mr. Speaker, three years ago today, on January 29, 2017, everyone in our national capital and across Quebec was shaken by an unforgettable tragedy. We were shocked to learn that a man had opened fire at the Quebec City mosque. Six people were killed. Eight others were injured, and countless loved ones and witnesses are still living with the aftermath of this unspeakable attack. Three years later, we continue to stand in solidarity with our friends in the Muslim community.

On behalf of the Bloc Québécois, I want the families and loved ones of the victims, as well as the entire Muslim community in Quebec, to know that we are here to support them, listen to them and work with them. Every single one of us must be free to practice our religion with security and dignity.

Religious FreedomStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Emmanuella Lambropoulos Liberal Saint-Laurent, QC

Mr. Speaker, we all remember this day three years ago when a man walked into the great mosque in Quebec City and took the lives of six people, injured 19 others, and forever changed the lives of numerous families simply because they were Muslim. Today we commemorate the lives of the victims of this terrorist attack, including Azzedine Soufiane, who is seen as a hero by his community for having saved many lives by running at the shooter and trying to stop him.

What hurts the most about this attack is that it hit so close to home, that it happened in my home province of Quebec, that it happened to Canadians. An attack on one Canadian is an attack on all Canadians.

Each of these victims chose Canada for the opportunities available in this country to live a better, peaceful life. We must work together to build a better world where everyone feels safe, regardless of their race, religion or origin. Islamophobia and hate crimes of any kind have no place in Canada.

Two Honourees from Louis-Saint-LaurentStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Conservative

Gérard Deltell Conservative Louis-Saint-Laurent, QC

Mr. Speaker, I am extremely proud to represent the people of Louis-Saint-Laurent here in the House of Commons. I would like to draw the attention of the House to two of those people who distinguished themselves recently.

On November 25, I presented the Sacrifice Medal to Patrice Cardin. Mr. Cardin served in the Canadian Armed Forces with honour and dignity for many years. He also volunteers with the cadet movement and is involved in causes that support CF members with post-traumatic stress disorder.

A week ago, Jean-Philippe Payer, a teacher at École l'Odyssée de Val-Bélair, received the prestigious Governor General's History Award for Excellence in Teaching. Mr. Payer uses new technologies to capture the attention of his students. He set up a travelling exhibit project with the support of the Huron-Wendat Nation. The award was presented at Rideau Hall by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette.

The people of Louis-Saint-Laurent give me a lot to be proud of.

Maya ZibaieStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Rob Oliphant Liberal Don Valley West, ON

Mr. Speaker, on January 8, travelling back to Canada after spending time with her family in Iran, Maya Zibaie tragically died, along with 175 others, when flight PS752 was shot down out of the skies over Tehran.

Maya was a grade 10 student at Northern Secondary School in Don Valley West.

Maya was brilliant, ambitious and always ready to help her friends.

She was an eager learner who quickly moved from ESL classes to grade 10 English, while helping her friends with their academic work.

Maya was looking forward to going to university in a few years and often discussed her future with everyone. Her teachers and friends described her as a kind, happy and caring person who always had a smile on her face.

Don Valley West and Northern Secondary School have lost a wonderful neighbour, friend and student. This tragedy has gripped all of us in our entire country.

Our thoughts are with Maya, her family and friends, and Northern Secondary School. She will be greatly missed.

2017 Shooting in Quebec CityStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Arif Virani Liberal Parkdale—High Park, ON

Mr. Speaker, this weekend, I was at an Ismaili Muslim mosque with my two sons. As I struggled to keep my restless sons focused, I realized actually how lucky I was that my biggest challenge that day was quieting my kids.

Three years ago, Muslim parents in Quebec City were not so lucky.

On January 29, 2017, parents at the Centre culturel islamique did not have the chance to discipline their children because they were trying to protect them from a terrorist who was so consumed by hate that he fired on Muslims who were praying. While trying to protect their children, six innocent men lost their lives simply because they were Muslims.

Recognizing this as a murderous Islamophobic act is critical. However, equally critical is ensuring that Muslim Canadians, indeed that every Canadian, can feel safe in their place of worship.

Those six heroes will have died in vain if we do not as parliamentarians redouble our efforts to combat the hatred that spawned this act of terror. That is the work I am committed to do, and I invite every member of the House to join me.

Bell Let's TalkStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Conservative

Robert Gordon Kitchen Conservative Souris—Moose Mountain, SK

Mr. Speaker, when it comes to mental health, we need to reduce the stigma and raise awareness.

Canadians from coast to coast to coast struggle with mental health issues, and the Bell Let's Talk campaign has done and continues to do incredible work addressing the stigma surrounding it.

Talking openly about mental health can be difficult, yet many Canadians from all walks of life are affected. One of the main goals of Bell Let's Talk Day is to open up that conversation without judgment or stigma, while also raising funds for Canadian mental health organizations.

The theme of the 2020 campaign is “Mental Health: Every Action Counts”. Not only is Bell focused on removing the stigma associated with mental health, it also expands its strategy to include supporting world-class research, improving access to care and leading by example in workplace mental health.

With 5¢ being donated to Canadian mental health organizations for every view, I encourage all Canadians to share the Bell Let's Talk Day video on their social media channels or by sending a message through their Bell carrier.

Let us join the conversation and help create positive change now and into the future.

Sport in MiltonStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Liberal

Adam van Koeverden Liberal Milton, ON

Mr. Speaker, last week I got to show off Milton's amazing velodrome facility to the Minister of Canadian Heritage. This was a great reminder that Milton has such a strong culture of active living, something I hope to highlight as the parliamentary secretary for sport.

Recently, the Sherwood Community Centre also opened its doors to the public in Milton. With an amazing library, pool, fitness studio and two rinks, this new community centre is exactly the sort of space that will allow for families and young people to learn, grow and play.

Just this month two young athletes, Maddie Schizas and Lia Pereira, who trained at the Milton Skating Club, finished on the podium at the Canadian Tire National Skating Championships.

In the spirit of my riding's commitment to active living, I am happy to announce that on February 2, between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., I will be hosting a free skate at that Sherwood Community Centre. I have heard there is a little football game going on that night, but for those who would rather participate in a sport than watch it, they are welcome to come and join us at Sherwood.

Darren McClellandStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Conservative

Jeremy Patzer Conservative Cypress Hills—Grasslands, SK

Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House today with a heavy heart to pay tribute to the late Darren McClelland, fire chief of my hometown of Swift Current, who passed away on January 20 at the young age of 48 following a three-year battle with cancer. Darren is survived by his loving wife Nicole, his daughters Ashley and Hayley, as well as by his parents Jim and Brenda, brother Derek and sister Kimbrin.

All of us in Swift Current have been incredibly blessed to have had Darren's many years of service. We are grateful for all he has contributed to our community in his roles as firefighter, deputy and chief. I would also like to thank the firefighters who voluntarily travelled from Saskatoon and Regina to relieve our crews from their duty so that every member of the Swift Current Fire Department was able to put their work aside and join with Darren's loved ones in grieving his loss.

I thank Darren for his faithful service to our community. I have no doubt that his legacy will live on in Swift Current and beyond for years to come.

Mental HealthStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Conservative

Todd Doherty Conservative Cariboo—Prince George, BC

Mr. Speaker, today is Bell Let's Talk Day, a day when we are all encouraged to talk about mental health. Mental health affects us all. Two out of three people suffer in silence, fearing judgment and rejection, and far too often this leads to suicide. It is on all of us as leaders to break this silence, to build an environment of acceptance and understanding, where those who are suffering silently can come out of the shadows and know they will be believed and they are not weak.

My best friend committed suicide when I was 14. Since that time, I have attended far too many funerals and sat with far too many families who are left behind to pick up the pieces because of suicide. Therefore, on this day, my message to those who are suffering is this. They are not weak; they are loved. It is okay not to be okay. Our world is a better place because they are in it.

I urge my colleagues in the House to talk about mental health not just today but every day. I ask them to take a moment to ask these three words of a friend, a loved one, a colleague or even a neighbour: “Are you okay?” I ask them to take a moment to listen as they may just save a life.

Religious FreedomStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

NDP

Jagmeet Singh NDP Burnaby South, BC

Mr. Speaker, three years ago, the Centre culturel islamique de Québec was the site of a tragic crime motivated by Islamophobia.

An armed man became so mired in hate that he walked into a mosque, in the middle of peaceful prayers, and killed six men while wounding many others. This tragedy, which became known as the Quebec City mosque massacre, was no accident. It was the consequence of a frightening rise in extremism, white supremacy and anti-Muslim views in Canada.

Since that tragic moment three years ago, we have seen hatred continue to rise. Families of the victims continue to struggle and political leaders across the globe endorse messages of hate directed toward Muslims.

We know that if we do not confront hate, it spreads like wildfire. When one of us gets hurt, we all get hurt. We are all connected.

That is why I am wearing this green square today. I wear it for the six widows and the 17 fatherless children, and for the courage shown by the community. In our schools, in our streets and online, we need to send the clear message that racism and Islamophobia are not welcome here.

Institut maritime du QuébecStatements By Members

2:20 p.m.

Bloc

Maxime Blanchette-Joncas Bloc Rimouski-Neigette—Témiscouata—Les Basques, QC

Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to the Institut maritime du Québec in Rimouski, which celebrated its 75th anniversary by hosting a dinner that I had the privilege of attending.

The Institut maritime du Québec is the largest francophone marine training institute in Canada. It is well-known for its facilities, which are unique in North America, its innovation and its participation in the development of marine technology.

The Institut maritime du Québec trains a highly skilled workforce in the areas of naval architecture, navigation, marine engineering, professional diving and transportation logistics.

I am therefore proud to acknowledge and congratulate the Institut maritime du Québec, its staff, its partners and all those who make this institution an enviable source of regional pride.

Religious FreedomStatements By Members

2:20 p.m.

Conservative

Scott Reid Conservative Lanark—Frontenac—Kingston, ON

Mr. Speaker, today, January 29, is a sad day. It marks the third anniversary of a terrorist act so horrendous that it serves as a metaphor for every act of hate against any religious group across the country. I am talking about the attack on the Centre culturel islamique de Québec in Sainte-Foy. Three years ago today, six of our fellow citizens were killed simply because of their Islamic faith.

January 29 is a day that will live in infamy. This act of terror was a betrayal of every one of our country's most sacred values: freedom of religion; welcoming newcomers and making them our friends, neighbours and equals; and treating others as we hope we would be treated by them.

To those who feel a pain that can never be healed except by the infinite compassion of the Almighty, I say, today, we all, all of us on all sides of this House, stand with them.

Religious FreedomStatements By Members

2:20 p.m.

Liberal

Sameer Zuberi Liberal Pierrefonds—Dollard, QC

Mr. Speaker, three years ago today, thousands of Quebeckers mourned together after six men were murdered and 19 others were injured.

Six men were gunned down at the Centre culturel islamique de Québec in Sainte-Foy, only because they were Muslim: Azzedine Soufiane, Ibrahima Barry, Mamadou Tanou Barry, Khaled Belkacemi, Aboubaker Thabti, and Abdelkrim Hassane.

This happened three years ago, but their families still live without their fathers, brothers and sons every single day. I am a father of two young girls who sometimes accompany me to mosque and the fact that I and others have to look behind our backs means we have a lot more work to do.

In this House, we wear the green square today in memory of the lives lost. We owe it to the victims to confront hate and Islamophobia clearly, unequivocally and together, wherever we see it .

Religious FreedomStatements By Members

2:20 p.m.

Liberal

The Speaker Liberal Anthony Rota

Following discussions among representatives of all parties in the House, I understand that there is an agreement to observe a moment of silence in memory of the victims of the attack on the Centre culturel islamique de Québec that happened three years ago today.

I invite hon. members to rise.

[A moment of silence observed]

FinanceOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Regina—Qu'Appelle Saskatchewan

Conservative

Andrew Scheer ConservativeLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister has said that his government is not going to worry about economic data points like GDP. Instead, it is going to focus on people's feelings.

The Prime Minister has a track record of making wealthy CEOs of profitable companies very happy. We remember when he gave BlackBerry a grant that its CEO said it did not even need. There was $12 million for Loblaws, and now we find out that he has given $50 million of taxpayers' money to Mastercard.

Why did the Prime Minister make taxpayers so sad by giving $50 million to a company that made $16 billion off the backs of hard-working Canadians who cannot afford to pay their full balances?

FinanceOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

Papineau Québec

Liberal

Justin Trudeau LiberalPrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, over the past five years we have been focused on growing the middle class and supporting those working hard to join it. That is exactly what we have done.

We have seen over a million new jobs created over the past years. We have seen almost a million Canadians lifted out of poverty. We have seen investments that have led to better jobs and outcomes for Canadians right across the country.

We are going to keep looking at investing in a better future for Canadians, while Conservatives continue to talk about cuts and austerity.

FinanceOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

Regina—Qu'Appelle Saskatchewan

Conservative

Andrew Scheer ConservativeLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, I understand that the Prime Minister is having trouble defining who qualifies to be in the middle class. I can assure him that the CEO and wealthy executives of Mastercard do not fall into that category.

The government's press release says that the company that got this money is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mastercard Incorporated. Mastercard is a credit card company that makes money off of people who cannot afford to pay their full balances.

Why did the Prime Minister think that they needed a handout?

FinanceOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

Papineau Québec

Liberal

Justin Trudeau LiberalPrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, we continue to invest in things that are going to create jobs for Canadians and support hard-working families right across the country.

We recognize that investing in different sectors of the economy allows us to move forward in a positive way for Canadians. Everything this government does is focused on growing the middle class and helping people working hard to join it, like the tax cut we are moving forward with. It is putting more money in the pockets of 20 million Canadians and lifting close to a million people off of the federal tax roll.

These are the kinds of things that make a difference in people's lives.

FinanceOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

Liberal

The Speaker Liberal Anthony Rota

I just want to remind the hon. members that the Leader of the Opposition asked a question of the Prime Minister and he wants to hear an answer. I just want to make sure that he does get something back and he can hear what is being said.

The hon. Leader of the Opposition.

Natural ResourcesOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

Regina—Qu'Appelle Saskatchewan

Conservative

Andrew Scheer ConservativeLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, having a wasteful government that believes in corporate welfare may not be priceless. It turns out it is worth $50 million.

If the Prime Minister really wanted to worry about the feelings of Canadians, he could make out-of-work Canadians in the energy sector happy by approving the Teck Frontier mine. This project has gone through all the approvals and now there are signals that the Prime Minister is waffling on it.

Will he show Canadians that he believes in Canada's energy sector and side with those who have lost their jobs, not with the activists and celebrities?

Natural ResourcesOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

Papineau Québec

Liberal

Justin Trudeau LiberalPrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, 10 years of Conservatives railing against activists, celebrities or ordinary Canadians with concerns did not help the energy sector.

What has helped the energy sector is a responsible approach that recognizes environmental stewardship, partnership with indigenous peoples and moving forward in a thoughtful way toward a lower-carbon future is the right path for Canadians. The way we do that needs to be in partnership with all sectors in this country. That is why we are focusing on making the right decisions for all Canadians and that is what we will continue to do.