Debates of Jan. 31st, 2020

Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement Implementation Act

[Richard Cannings, NDP, South Okanagan—West Kootenay, BC]

Madam Speaker, I would like to ask the member the same question that I put to the previous speaker.

We are finally debating this new NAFTA deal in the House, yet we should have been debating our priorities and what we were going to be negotiating for before we started negotiating the deal. That is what happens in the United States. It is what happens in the European Union. It seems to be a very backward thing to present Canadians and Parliament with a signed deal and then ask what everyone thinks. When we say there are problems with it and that things could be better, they say it is too late.

What does the member think about having a new process, for future deals, that would let parliamentarians and Canadians join the debate on how to go about negotiating and setting our priorities?

[Yasmin Ratansi, Liberal, Don Valley East, ON]

Madam Speaker, I am wondering where the hon. member was, because this deal has been in negotiation since 2018. We have worked so hard, going back and forth with all the issues we had with our neighbours. That is important to understand. We should not make statements that do not resonate logically.

[Luc Berthold, Conservative, Mégantic—L'Érable, QC]

Madam Speaker, my colleague praised the free trade agreement and all of the gains that Canada supposedly made with it.

I would like to know what she thinks about what the chair of the U.S House ways and means committee said. He stated that the former foreign affairs minister and the Prime Minister conceded on just about every point for one reason, and that was enforceability, enforceability, enforceability.

What concessions did Canada make to elicit such a reaction from the chair of the ways and means committee?

[Yasmin Ratansi, Liberal, Don Valley East, ON]

Madam Speaker, we did not make any concessions. We eliminated 232 tariffs, we got our environmental protection and we got our content requirement, so I do not know what he is talking about.

[The Assistant Deputy Speaker, NDP, Carol Hughes]

The hon. member will have two minutes and 15 seconds remaining for questions and comments when this debate resumes after question period.

Public Transit

[Julie Dabrusin, Liberal, Toronto—Danforth, ON]

Madam Speaker, public transit is an important part of city building. It is also a critical part of our plan to transition to a low-carbon economy. I am proud of the commitment our government has made to support communities across the country to build public transit, especially in my city of Toronto.

Just over a year ago, the mayor of Toronto announced that a critical piece of our public transit, the downtown relief line, was shovel ready. This was a plan that was supported by the community, and the federal government had provided support in designing this plan.

Unfortunately, these plans were thrown out by Doug Ford. He imposed a new proposal on the community, one that would impact parks, a community centre and a seniors home, raising serious concerns in the community about safety and quality of life. Over 800 residents attended a meeting this week to raise these concerns.

I applaud the members of the EastEnd Transit Alliance for making sure these community voices are heard and that there is meaningful consultation. Let us build safe transit, and let us build it right.

Trinity Western University

[Tako Van Popta, Conservative, Langley—Aldergrove, BC]

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Canada's leading faith-based post-secondary institution, which is located in my riding in Langley, British Columbia. Trinity Western University is a truly global university with campuses in Langley, Richmond and Washington state, and with university partnerships in Africa, India, China and Southeast Asia.

Trinity also continues to have a positive, significant impact here on Parliament Hill through its Ottawa campus, the Laurentian Leadership Centre.

Trinity has earned a reputation for excellence in academics, research and sports. It holds three Canadian research chairs and regularly has its alumni on Canadian Olympic teams. As of today, Trinity has the number one ranked teams in Canada for both men's and women's volleyball. Go Spartans.

Gatineau Homeless Shelter

[Greg Fergus, Liberal, Hull—Aylmer, QC]

Madam Speaker, a month ago, there was a fire at Gîte Ami, a temporary community homeless shelter working with people struggling with the hardships of social exclusion and homelessness.

The social and economic impacts of homelessness are obvious. We are determined to help those in need, and we believe that even one homeless Canadian is one too many.

Those affected by the fire will receive support thanks to the hard work of Gîte Ami, the Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de l'Outaouais, the Soupe populaire de Hull and the City of Gatineau. What is more, the building will be inhabitable again as of mid-February.

As I always say, the people of Hull—Aylmer are resilient. It is not what happens to us that matters but how we react to it.

Arlette Girard

[Marilène Gill, Bloc, Manicouagan, QC]

Madam Speaker, I am deeply moved to pay tribute today to Arlette Girard, a woman who played a hugely influential role in the political life of Manicouagan.

Ms. Girard passed away in November following a courageous battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

She was the first female mayor of Chute-aux-Outardes and Manicouagan's first female reeve. She was a forward-thinking feminist, a dynamo when it came to bettering the lives of women, children and seniors.

As a professional, a volunteer, an activist and a politician, she championed many causes and brought many projects to fruition in her community and all along the North Shore.

I would like to take this opportunity to say the following words to her:

“Arlette, you are among the truly inspiring, dedicated, strong, generous and brilliant women who have paved the way for other women in politics. I am deeply grateful to you. I want you to know that your legacy lives on and will continue to live on through me and through the women who follow in our footsteps.”

Apollo Restaurant

[Paul Lefebvre, Liberal, Sudbury, ON]

Madam Speaker, Sudbury's Apollo Restaurant celebrates its 50th anniversary in March 2020. It was established on the Kingsway in 1970 by George and Toula Sakellaris, who immigrated to Canada from small villages in southern Greece.

The Apollo introduced Sudburians to Greek cuisine, something that was somewhat exotic in the early 1970s.

Unfortunately, George, who enjoyed golfing at Cedar Green, watching the Montreal Canadiens and playing cards with friends, left us in 2007. Nevertheless, the Apollo is still owned and operated by Toula and her family.

The next time members are in Sudbury they can come and visit this famous restaurant.

[Member spoke in Greek]

Chatham-Kent—Leamington

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

Madam Speaker, I wish to dedicate my first member's statement in this House to the residents of Chatham-Kent—Leamington.

They proudly live in Canada's most southerly riding, farming some of Canada's most productive soils and adding value to our farm products and our food sector. It is the people in our vibrant greenhouse industry, the entrepreneurs and employees in the manufacturing, health care, education and retail sectors, and our veterans and first responders who anchor Canada's most southerly points. Their families include youth, whose future we want to keep local, and seniors, whose contributions to our country we never want to forget.

They live in our two larger centres, Chatham and Leamington, as well as the towns of Wheatley, Ridgetown, Comber, Blenheim, Merlin, Tilbury, Stoney Point, Highgate and Erieau, along with many others.

It is an honour for me to bring their voice to this chamber, and represent their interests in this House.

Tropical Diseases

[Scott Simms, Liberal, Coast of Bays—Central—Notre Dame, NL]

Madam Speaker, over one billion people around the world suffer from neglected tropical diseases, or NTDs.

They are diseases that we as Canadians do not always think about, but they have a major impact on some of the world's poorest and most vulnerable people. NTDs are complex and not always easily overcome. They can cause additional illnesses, disability, disfigurement, stigma and social isolation, and these can lead to lost opportunities for development in children and socio-economic problems for those infected and their families.

However, there is hope. Thanks to co-ordinated global efforts, progress is being made. Medicines and partnerships are available and advancements continue. Yesterday was World NTD Day. I would like to commend the devoted Canadians who are working diligently on behalf of those suffering from NTDs.

I know that Canada, and everyone in this House, will continue to play a leadership role in health policy around the world to end neglected tropical diseases and bring hope and health to everyone.

Ukrainian Students Visiting Argenteuil—La Petite-Nation

[Stéphane Lauzon, Liberal, Argenteuil—La Petite-Nation, QC]

Madam Speaker, the Séminaire du Sacré-Cœur, a private high school in my riding, Argenteuil—La Petite-Nation, hosted a group of 10 Ukrainian students for two weeks last fall. The group included eight teenage students who attend the Zaporijia high school in Ukraine.

The Ukrainian youth were paired with Sacré-Cœur students and stayed with their families. During their stay, the young people had a chance to visit the Argenteuil and Petite-Nation regions, explore our beautiful natural spaces and visit local artisans. The students also visited our nation's capital, Ottawa. This was an opportunity for the Ukrainian students to build friendships while also learning our beautiful French language. At the end of their stay, our guests even prepared a few days of meetings and activities.

The international student hosting program at the Séminaire du Sacré-Cœur aims to help our young people learn and develop through these encounters. It was a resounding success for my riding.

Sasakatoon's Sikh Community

[Brad Redekopp, Conservative, Saskatoon West, SK]

Madam Speaker, the Sikh community is an integral thread in the fabric of my riding of Saskatoon West.

Throughout my time as a home builder and a community volunteer, and now as a member of Parliament, I have made many great Sikh friends. One of them is my campaign manager, Gurpartap Kals, who we call Sunny. Without his involvement and help I would not be standing in this House today. I owe a special debt of gratitude to Sunny and my entire campaign team.

I also want to thank Balvir Singh, a wonderful leader of Sikh Society Saskatoon. His work and leadership is invaluable to the people we all serve.

Indeed, I have many Sikh friends like Manmeet Singh Sadhra, or Manny as many of us know him. Manny has recently won the Saskatchewan Party nomination as the candidate in the riding of Saskatoon Fairview.

Please help me thank the Sikh community in Saskatoon and wish Manny the best of luck in the upcoming provincial election.

Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752

[Salma Zahid, Liberal, Scarborough Centre, ON]

Madam Speaker, it was a viral photo that touched so many hearts. A selfie of a mother and daughter in their airplane seats sent to the family they were on their way to see. Unfortunately, Sahar and Elsa would never make it home. Their flight out of Tehran was shot down shortly after takeoff.

I asked Habib to reflect on their loss. His daughter, Sahar, had a kind and loving heart. She dedicated much of her time spreading positive energy and helping those in the community who needed a hand. His eight-year-old granddaughter, Elsa, was a carbon copy of her mother. She was an old soul and a natural leader who sought to protect the weak and make new students feel welcome, a future politician, her family thought.

Sahar and Elsa did finally make it home. They were laid to rest on Sunday. We grieve with their family, and all the lives they touched. Sahar and Elsa will be deeply missed.

Picture Butte Citizen of the Year 2020

[Rachael Thomas, Conservative, Lethbridge, AB]

Madam Speaker, it is an honour for me to rise in the House today to pay tribute to Picture Butte's Citizen of the Year 2020. His name is Mr. Cor Van Raay. Though he is currently one of Canada's top producers in the beef industry, that was not always the case. By casting a vision, taking risks, building partnerships, and with good old-fashioned hard work, he became one of the nation's very best in the industry.

As an immigrant to Canada, Cor came with very little. He started off as a simple farm labourer, but eventually bought some land. Throughout his journey there were many ups and downs, but his resilience served him well. Cor is not only esteemed for his success in agriculture, but also for his tremendously big heart.

Cor has generously supported the establishment of three community swimming pools and has contributed millions to the university and college in my community. He recently gave $3.75 million to the YMCA. When asked about his philanthropy, he said, “I believe in sharing. I made good money farming, so I share it.”

Cor is the salt of the earth. I thank him for selflessly investing in our community and congratulate him.

Laurent Duvernay-Tardif

[Alain Rayes, Conservative, Richmond—Arthabaska, QC]

Madam Speaker, on Sunday, over one hundred million North Americans will get together to watch the fabled Super Bowl. All eyes will be on the Chiefs and the 49ers as they battle for the Vince Lombardi trophy in Miami.

Like many Canadians and Quebeckers, I will be cheering on our local favourite, Laurent Duvernay-Tardif. This 28-year old Quebecker is a star guard for the Chiefs and will be playing a pivotal role in this match. Not only has he reached the top of a sport that has practically become a religion in the United States and North America, but he is also the first medical doctor in the history of the NFL to play in the Super Bowl.

Dr. Duvernay-Tardif, an exceptional student athlete, is inspiring an entire generation to pursue higher learning, follow their passion and embrace life with a steely determination. At six foot five inches and weighing 321 pounds, Laurent Duvernay-Tardif is also the friend everyone dreams of having. We wish him an excellent Super Bowl.

Winnipeg Centre Fire

[Leah Gazan, NDP, Winnipeg Centre, MB]

Madam Speaker, on December 26, 2019, a fire broke out in Winnipeg Centre, burning an affordable apartment complex to the ground and, in turn, displacing almost 40 individuals, including children. They lost everything. The holiday season is a difficult time of the year for so many and the very worst time for such an event to occur, but our wonderful community of Winnipeg Centre came together.

We opened my office and donations for the fire victims started pouring in. Local community organizations and service providers opened their doors, in spite of having limited services over the holidays.

I give special thanks to my colleagues, city councillor Cindy Gilroy and MLA Lisa Naylor, as well as their staff. I also thank our superb team members at my office. They go beyond the call of duty for Winnipeg Centre.

I also want to extend well wishes to the fire victims as they rebuild their homes. Their courage and grace during this difficult time was moving. This is what community at the centre looks like and we show it best in Winnipeg Centre.

Riding of La Pointe-de-l'Île

[Mario Beaulieu, Bloc, La Pointe-de-l'Île, QC]

Madam Speaker, I first want to thank the citizens of La Pointe-de-l'Île for again placing their trust in me.

La Pointe-de-l'Île has exceptional potential for economic development. The last available large sites for major projects are on the Island of Montreal. However, most of this land must be decontaminated, and there is no infrastructure in place.

Quebec and the City of Montreal are committed to making massive investments to deal with this and to put in place transit infrastructure. We know that Quebec did not receive its share of infrastructure funding during the government's last term. It received $97 per capita, while the Canadian average per capita was $703, according to the Parliamentary Budget Officer.

The Bloc Québécois is asking Ottawa to match the funding invested by Quebec and the municipality in these projects, which are crucial for the east end of Montreal. I hope that we will have the support of the government and opposition parties.

Shelter Point Distillery

[Rachel Blaney, NDP, North Island—Powell River, BC]

Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to respectfully congratulate the Shelter Point Distillery. This amazing distillery in my riding produces an amazing array of whisky. It took home best all-rye whisky at the 2020 Canadian Whisky Awards, gold medals for single cask rye and smoke point single grain whisky, and several silver medals.

I congratulate the distillery for all its contributions to our community and for its great reputation for whisky in Canada.

Coronavirus

[Michelle Rempel, Conservative, Calgary Nose Hill, AB]

Madam Speaker, this past Sunday a CTV reporter tweeted a photo of himself next to an Asian barber wearing a surgical mask. He has now deleted and apologized for a tweet that read, “Hopefully ALL I got today was a haircut”.

Yesterday, walking down the street here in Ottawa, I heard a conversation in passing. One man said to another, “Yeah, we're going to a restaurant in Chinatown for lunch”, and the other guy said in response, “You mean coronavirustown.”

I gave him an earful. At a time when many Chinese Canadians are struggling with these concerns for the welfare of friends and family in China, we must stand against the normalization of xenophobic mores against people of Asian descent. They are our brothers and sisters and they deserve nothing other than support, compassion and understanding.

Today I call upon all of us here to stand in solidarity with Chinese Canadians and to all those around the world affected by the coronavirus.

Franca Damiani Carella

[Francesco Sorbara, Liberal, Vaughan—Woodbridge, ON]

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an immeasurably compassionate person, someone who made a real difference for decades in assisting those battling against addiction and mental health issues.

Madam Speaker, Franca Damiani Carella, the Countess of Vergada, passed away on January 17. Franca, as she was known to her friends, survived refugee camps, worked as a nurse and was the founder and executive director of the Vitanova Foundation.

Vitanova has been providing shelter to people struggling with addiction since 1987. All it asks in return is that the individual be committed to change.

I was proud to call Franca a friend. Being in her presence with her wonderful, contagious smile and passion to assist others was inspiring. She was truly a trailblazer.

Franca will be dearly missed by her family and all those she touched, but her legacy will continue through Vitanova. May we all emulate her warmheartedness and the difference she made to individuals reaching for a hand.

Riposa in pace.

Health

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

Madam Speaker, yesterday the member for Cumberland—Colchester appeared on national television to outline the government's response plan for coronavirus. As the government's representative, she said people going through airports should buy gloves, buy masks and try not to touch anything. Is this the message the government is sending to Canadians?

If the minister cannot tell Canadians her plan, can she at least stop the Liberal backbench from spreading fear and panic?

[Patty Hajdu, Liberal, Minister of Health]

Madam Speaker, I would like to first thank the member for Calgary Nose Hill for her exceptionally eloquent reminder to all of us that there is a very real risk in terms of spreading misinformation and fear.

We are working diligently to make sure that all members of the House have accurate information, including members on our side, and members of the public as well as our health care ally professionals. We will continue to do that and correct misinformation as it arises.

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

Madam Speaker, I think it is the Liberal backbench that needs to be reminded not to spread fear and panic.

The World Health Organisation has declared the coronavirus epidemic an international emergency. The government is unable to answer some simple questions about its plan. Canadians in China are worried. The government needs to take this seriously.

Can the minister tell us when she will be finalizing the plan to bring these people back to Canada?