Debates of Jan. 31st, 2020

Taxation

[Mona Fortier, Liberal, Minister of Middle Class Prosperity and Associate Minister of Finance]

Madam Speaker, I want to thank the member for Don Valley East for her tireless advocacy on behalf of her constituents.

Since day one, our government has been working hard to strengthen and grow the middle class. As our first order of business, we are lowering taxes for middle-class families and people working hard to join them, which means more money that can be used to do things like buy healthy food and send kids to camp.

This is just the next step in our plan to make life more affordable for middle-class Canadians.

Natural Resources

[Gerald Soroka, Conservative, Yellowhead, AB]

Madam Speaker, since the Liberals were first elected over $100 billion in energy projects has been lost, thousands of jobs are gone and national unity is damaged. The failure to approve the Teck mine would make this problem even worse. Canada's environmental assessment agency recommended this mine be approved. The project has signed agreements with all indigenous groups that live near it.

Will the government stop dividing the country and approve this science-based project?

[Terry Duguid, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages (Western Economic Diversification Canada) and to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change (Canada Water Agency)]

Madam Speaker, as I said before, the government will consider a range of factors when it makes a decision, including environmental impact, advancing reconciliation and, importantly, growing the economy.

Canadians also expect this government to oversee fair and thorough environmental assessments. That is what we are doing. We will have a decision at the end of February 2020.

[Tim Uppal, Conservative, Edmonton Mill Woods, AB]

Madam Speaker, Alberta's monthly economic activity index is at its lowest point since the recession. The government has overseen more than $100 billion in cancelled energy projects. Still, the government continues to delay the approval for the Teck frontier mine, which would create 7,000 much-needed jobs.

When will the Liberal government finally stand with energy workers, approve the Teck frontier mine, and show the world that Canada is open for business?

[Paul Lefebvre, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources]

Madam Speaker, when it comes to the energy sector, the one thing that we are always working toward is making sure that good projects move ahead. When it comes to LNG Canada, the largest private-sector investment in Canadian history, we have been supportive. On Line 3 we were supportive. On Keystone XL, we were supportive. We bought TMX to ensure that it moves forward.

We will work with the Province of Alberta and the B.C. government to make sure that good projects move forward in the right way.

[Ziad Aboultaif, Conservative, Edmonton Manning, AB]

Madam Speaker, the government wastes no opportunity to stand in the way of Alberta developing its resource sector. The $20.6-billion Teck Resources oil sands project will create thousands of jobs in Alberta when it is most needed. The Minister of Environment has announced that he will delay the government decision on this project until the end of this month. This is very concerning.

Can the minister please tell us when he will approve the Teck Resources frontier mine project?

[Terry Duguid, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages (Western Economic Diversification Canada) and to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change (Canada Water Agency)]

Madam Speaker, I would just remind the hon. member that according to the law under which this project is being assessed, the legislative timeline for cabinet to make a decision is the end of February. As with any project, cabinet can approve the project with conditions, reject the project or extend the legislative timeline. The project is being actively considered by our government and no decision has been made.

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

Madam Speaker, the Teck project is very important, and it is good for the Canadian economy. It represents over $20 billion in investments and 7,000 jobs that Canada needs.

Unfortunately, the government is taking its sweet time. People have been working on this project for 10 years. Everything has been done properly every step of the way. The proponents have the support of the 14 first nations directly affected by the project. All of the approvals have been given by the provincial government and the federal government. Basically, everything is ready except for the Liberal government.

Why is the Liberal government once again standing in the way of developing Canada's natural resources?

[Terry Duguid, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages (Western Economic Diversification Canada) and to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change (Canada Water Agency)]

Madam Speaker, I will repeat that this project is under active consideration by our government under the Canadian environmental assessment act. A decision must be made by the end of February 2020. We are going to consider a range of factors in that decision, including environmental impacts, advancing reconciliation, growing the economy and creating jobs.

Public Safety

[Andréanne Larouche, Bloc, Shefford, QC]

Madam Speaker, the Bloc Québécois extends our most sincere condolences to the loved ones of Marylène Levesque, whose murder deserves an explanation.

This woman died at the hands of a man who was known to be violent and had already committed violent crimes against women. This is the fifth femicide in Quebec since December. We need to ask ourselves whether violence against women is being taken seriously enough.

How could someone from the Parole Board of Canada have allowed this man to get anywhere near Marylène Levesque?

[Pablo Rodriguez, Liberal, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons]

Madam Speaker, there are no words to describe this tragedy. I offer my deepest condolences to the family. Our thoughts go out to them and we understand their pain. Our colleagues are asking how this possibly could have happened, and we are asking the same questions. A full investigation has been launched. We want to get answers and, more importantly, ensure that such a tragedy never happens again.

Foreign Affairs

[Stéphane Bergeron, Bloc, Montarville, QC]

Madam Speaker, on Saturday, Raif Badawi and his former attorney, political prisoners in Saudi Arabia since 2012, were rushed to the hospital. They had been on a hunger strike in protest of their mistreatment.

Mr. Badawi's current lawyer, Irwin Cotler, asked for urgent, immediate intervention by the UN in order to save the lives of these two men.

Does the government acknowledge, as the former Liberal justice minister does, that there is an urgent need for action?

Will it join its voice to that of Mr. Cotler in demanding urgent and immediate intervention by the UN to save the life of Mr. Badawi?

[Rob Oliphant, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs]

Madam Speaker, our hearts go out to Mr. Badawi and his family.

The Prime Minister has spoken directly to the Saudi Crown Prince and to the King of Saudi Arabia about this particular case. We have raised the case directly to the Saudi minister of foreign affairs. Our goal is to have Mr. Badawi reunited with his family.

International Trade

[Colin Carrie, Conservative, Oshawa, ON]

Madam Speaker, on December 12, 2019, Conservative members requested the release of the economic impact studies for the new NAFTA. It has now been over 50 days since that request was made. The government is asking us to ratify its agreement without even letting us see the economic impacts of the deal.

The Liberals are stonewalling members of the House. What, exactly, is the government hiding?

[Omar Alghabra, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister (Public Service Renewal) and to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs]

Madam Speaker, Global Affairs Canada's chief economist is preparing analysis based on the December amendments, which improved the deal for Canada. As the Deputy Prime Minister said previously, we absolutely intend to publish this analysis once it is finalized. I invite my hon. colleagues to put Canada and Canadians first and help us ratify this new NAFTA, without delay.

[Richard Lehoux, Conservative, Beauce, QC]

Madam Speaker, many businesses in my riding are worried about the impact of the new agreement. The government made significant concessions and the agriculture sector is among the hardest hit. We asked for studies and more information about the impacts these concessions may have on our industry several times but we have yet to receive anything.

When will this government take action and give us real answers?

[Omar Alghabra, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister (Public Service Renewal) and to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs]

Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for his question.

Global Affairs' chief economist is preparing an analysis, as I said. I would encourage my hon. colleague to actually speak with business owners in his riding. I know they are asking the government to ratify NAFTA as quickly as possible because Canadian businesses and workers depend on this important deal.

[The Assistant Deputy Speaker, NDP, Carol Hughes]

Order. I just want to remind members that there should not be conversations going back and forth while someone has the floor. It is not very respectful.

The hon. member for Chatham-Kent—Leamington.

[Dave Epp, Conservative, Chatham-Kent—Leamington, ON]

Madam Speaker, there is an aluminum extrusion and parts company in Chatham that has grown to over 250 employees in less than 10 years. We have all heard the government's talking points, saying that 70% aluminum content is better than 0%, ignoring the reality that 70% is far less than our present market share.

What we do not know is the real impact of the new NAFTA. Why does the government continue to refuse to release the economic analyses that we have requested? Release the documents.

[Omar Alghabra, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister (Public Service Renewal) and to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs]

Madam Speaker, again I want to thank aluminum workers and the aluminum business for the excellent products that we produce here in Canada. Our government stands by our workers and by our businesses and is ensuring that they benefit from the new NAFTA.

As my colleague said, this new deal offers a guaranteed minimum of 70% aluminum content. The previous deal did not contain that guarantee. Therefore, I encourage my colleague to work with us, to support us in ratifying this NAFTA because that aluminum plant in his riding is depending on it.

Ukraine International Flight 752

[Tim Louis, Liberal, Kitchener—Conestoga, ON]

Madam Speaker, on January 8, Canada was deeply shocked and saddened to learn that 57 Canadians and 29 permanent residents were among the 176 victims of the downed Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752. Following this tragic event, Canada sprang into action to support the families of the victims, and we work with our partners around the world to ensure a thorough investigation.

Can the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness update the House on the funding-matching program to support these families who have experienced such great loss?

[Bill Blair, Liberal, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness]

Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the member for this important question and the opportunity to inform Canadians of this important initiative.

Canadians across Canada continue to mourn the victims tragically killed in the plane crash in Iran. The Canada Strong campaign has crowdsourced more than half a million dollars to support the families. Our government will match donations to this fund up to one and a half million dollars. The funds will be used to support the families of the victims as they navigate through the long-term impacts of these tragic losses.

Canada Strong and other fundraising efforts show how Canadians come together in solidarity to help their neighbours in times of need. I would encourage all Canadians to consider offering their support.

Health

[Martin Shields, Conservative, Bow River, AB]

Madam Speaker, cystic fibrosis patients like Marten in Taber, Alberta, are eagerly awaiting approval of a new, potentially life-saving drug. It is approved in other countries like the United States, but Canada is falling behind. Even if it was approved, we need leadership from the government with the province to make sure it gets into the hands of the patients who need it.

What is the government doing to make our system work for those suffering from rare diseases like cystic fibrosis?

[Patty Hajdu, Liberal, Minister of Health]

Madam Speaker, I share the member opposite's deep concern for patients who cannot access medication that at many times can be very helpful for rare diseases. We have heard about this, whether it is at a member of Parliament level, in our constituencies or at the national level, through the work that we have been doing on more affordable medication for Canadians. That is why the work that we are doing to develop a rare disease strategy in partnership with provinces and territories is so critical. By working together, we will be able to accelerate access to medication that can support these patients all across Canada.

International Trade

[Tony Baldinelli, Conservative, Niagara Falls, ON]

Madam Speaker, in December, I asked the Prime Minister why he had not reached out to the Australian government to preserve our federal excise exemption for 100% Canadian-made wines. It has been nearly two months and still we are waiting for the government to act. We have about eight weeks until the World Trade Organization releases its interim report. Seven hundred wineries and 9,000 Canadian jobs are at risk because of the current government's indifference.

Why is the Liberal government risking the future of our Canadian wine industry by hesitating to act?