Debates of Oct. 21st, 2020

[The Speaker, Liberal, Anthony Rota]

It being Wednesday, we will now have the singing of the national anthem led by the hon. member for Argenteuil—La Petite-Nation.

[Members sang the national anthem.]

Community Support in Surrey

[Randeep Sarai, Liberal, Surrey Centre, BC]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize some of the outstanding individuals and organizations in Surrey who have been helping members of our community get through these challenging times. I say thanks to all the front-line workers for their tireless work; to the staff at Surrey Memorial Hospital, with one of the busiest ERs in North America; to the unstoppable philanthropist Manjit Lit, who donated $100,000 to the Surrey Hospitals Foundation; to the SPARK Foundation for providing care packages; to SurreyCares for providing funding grants; to the Guru Nanak Food Bank for food boxes; to Bhupinder Hothi at Taco Del Mar, Goodrich transportation, Channel Punjabi and the Aria banquet hall for providing meals to front-line workers; and to all the volunteers who have sewn thousands of masks for the most vulnerable and needy.

Finally, I say thanks to the many, many others in our community I have not mentioned today who are selflessly helping to make the lives of others a little bit easier during these unprecedented times.

Government Consultation

[James Bezan, Conservative, Selkirk—Interlake—Eastman, MB]

Mr. Speaker, time and again business owners, community groups and first nations have demanded respectful consultations from the government. In Lockport, Manitoba, in my riding, the Minister of Public Services and Procurement made the unilateral decision to move forward with repairs to the St. Andrews Lock and Dam with little to no consultations with local government, businesses or the community.

In fact, my office reached out repeatedly to the minister and the minister's office for a month requesting a departmental briefing, but they would not even pick up the phone to give me a call. Instead, my office received a short description of the asset and a summary of ongoing work onsite. It was 600 words. That is all the government thinks Manitobans deserve: 600 words. This is an insult to me as an elected representative and the thousands of Manitobans who are directly impacted by this callous top-down approach.

The Liberal government needs to remember that its members work for Canadians, not the other way around. They should quit acting like dictators and just pick up the phone.

Human Rights

[Sameer Zuberi, Liberal, Pierrefonds—Dollard, QC]

Mr. Speaker, today at noon, the Subcommittee on International Human Rights released a statement on the situation of the Uighur people and other Turkic Muslims in Xinjiang, China. The statement was consensus-based. Members from all parties agreed to it.

We learned in two full days of deeply disturbing testimony that between one million and three million Uighur people are currently being held in concentration camps by the Government of China. This includes men, women and children, some as young as 13. We learned about inhumane and unspeakable treatments. Rape, torture, permanent sterilization and forced abortion are widespread. We learned that some products we use here in Canada are almost certainly tainted by forced labour.

Legal experts, including Irwin Cotler, said this amounts to crimes against humanity and genocide. Canada has a responsibility to protect. We must redouble our efforts in working with other countries to stop this unfolding genocide against the Uighur people.

Homelessness

[Claude DeBellefeuille, Bloc, Salaberry—Suroît, QC]

Mr. Speaker, with winter on its way, community organizations in Salaberry—Suroît and the CISSS de la Montérégie-Ouest integrated health and social services centre are working together to create a mobile heated unit to support people experiencing homelessness. The partners are adapting a bus that will drive around the streets of Salaberry—Suroît, giving people a place to have a coffee, warm up and attend to their basic needs. Support workers and volunteers will be aboard to provide an essential measure of human warmth.

I would like to applaud the hard work and leadership of Claude Théorêt from Pacte de rue; Marilou Carrier and André Couillard from the Maison d'hébergement dépannage de Valleyfield, an emergency housing organization; Roger Gagné and François Labossière of the Knights of Columbus; Steve Hickey of the social ministry services; Annie Jalbert-Desforges of the City of Salaberry-de-Valleyfield; and Louis-Philippe Boucher of the CISSS de la Montérégie-Ouest.

I thank them from the bottom of my heart and on behalf of the Bloc Québécois and everyone in Salaberry—Suroît.

Small Business Week

[Marie-France Lalonde, Liberal, Orléans, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to stand in the House today to recognize all the incredible small business owners in Orleans and across Canada for this year's Small Business Week.

I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to all small businesses from coast to coast to coast and to thank them for their resilience and strength during these trying times.

In particular, I am thinking of Beachcomber Hot Tubs in Orleans, which has shown incredible adaptability. The business pivoted well by creating an online store to sell their product. They are not the only ones who have shined in Orleans this year. The Orleans School of Rock has been amazing in spreading the love of music in Orleans and offering classes despite the pandemic.

The government recently announced new support measures for businesses, and we will continue to do whatever it takes to support our small businesses across the country. I thank them for their strength.

Hats off. This incredible work must go on.

Fight Against COVID-19 in Lévis—Lotbinière

[Jacques Gourde, Conservative, Lévis—Lotbinière, QC]

Mr. Speaker, in my riding of Lévis—Lotbinière, most people take very seriously the preventive measures to fight against COVID-19. I wish to personally congratulate my constituents and thank them for all the sacrifices that most of them have made so far, whether it be by wearing a mask, limiting visits with family and friends or celebrating important events and holidays differently. I also want to thank them for all the sacrifices they have made in their workplaces and schools. Every meaningful act taken by each individual is noteworthy and makes a difference.

It is all these small acts that will lead us to victory in the battle we are waging. In these difficult times, we have a duty to give the best of ourselves, to work together to win this final battle. Let us all be patient, resilient and united. Together we will see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Fundraising for Rare Disease

[Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, Liberal, Beaches—East York, ON]

Mr. Speaker, Beaches—East York constituents, Terry and Georgia Pirovolakis are committed to saving their toddler Michael, who suffers from an ultra-rare neurodegenerative disease known as SPG50. Among many other devastating outcomes of this disease, Michael's life will be cut incredibly short without a cure.

Our east-end community has stood beside Terry and Georgia as they have worked tirelessly to raise funds with the hope of finding a cure. Most recently, Terry trained intensely and biked from Toronto to Ottawa, where he met the Prime Minister, to help raise awareness and funds. The goal is to raise $3 million for experimental gene therapy, and they have raised an impressive $1.6 million to date. Those who want to help can go to curespg50.org.

So that those in the House, in particular, can understand the scale of community support, there were more “curespg50” lawn signs in some parts of East York than political signs in the last election. I ask the House to join me in recognizing Terry and Georgia's tireless devotion on the journey to cure Michael. I ask our federal government to support both them and our east-end community here in Toronto in that journey as well.

Small Business Week

[Rachel Bendayan, Liberal, Outremont, QC]

Mr. Speaker, this is Small Business Week, a time to recognize the exceptional contribution of our SMEs. Whether we are talking about our cafés, corner stores or family restaurants, they all are an integral part of our communities and our daily lives.

Small business owners continue to make enormous sacrifices during the second wave of the pandemic. I do not know when the pandemic will end, but I can guarantee that our federal government will stand by them for as long as it takes.

This Small Business Week, I am particularly proud of the collaboration between our business community and our federal government. Whether it is with respect to the wage subsidy, the emergency loans or our new rent program, all of these historic measures are thanks to their input and collaboration. I thank those who worked with us for their commitment to create the jobs and growth that will ensure that the Canadian economy comes roaring back.

Navratri

[Bob Saroya, Conservative, Markham—Unionville, ON]

Mr. Speaker, this week, Hindus across Canada and around the world are celebrating Navratri. This nine-night festival takes place every year in the fall as a celebration of the victory of good over evil. When Navratri concludes on the 10th day, people in northern India celebrate Dussehra by distributing sweets and setting off firecrackers. The festival is also marked by painting one's home and wearing new clothes.

I hope that everyone observing Navratri over the next several days has a joyful and safe festival season. On behalf of Canada's Conservatives, I would like to extend my best wishes to the Canadian Hindu community. May good always prevail over evil, and may light always triumph over darkness.

Happy Navratri.

Parkinson's Disease

[Adam van Koeverden, Liberal, Milton, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to be a voice in Parliament today for the over 100,000 Canadians living with Parkinson's disease and the 10,000 or so Canadians that will diagnosed this year.

I recall Muhammad Ali lighting the Olympic flame in Atlanta after his Parkinson's diagnosis and watching Michael J. Fox on TV while he fought his symptoms. Parkinson's hits close to home for me as well, because my dad, Joe, was diagnosed about eight years ago. Since then, my dad has been an active volunteer and organizer with Parkinson Canada and its annual SuperWalk.

When it became apparent that the SuperWalk would be changing this year due to COVID-19, my dad, Joe, got walking. He set an incredible goal of walking one million steps this summer. Amazingly, he completed those steps in his home town of Peterborough with his small but mighty Peterborough Parkinson community, and they raised a lot of money too.

Better treatments and a cure for Parkinson's are out there. I want to thank Parkinson Canada, Dr. Anthony Lang, the Michael J. Fox Foundation, and David Spinney for doing so much for people with Parkinson's. I encourage everyone to support their local SuperWalk next year.

I am proud of my dad.

Aviation Industry

[Stephanie Kusie, Conservative, Calgary Midnapore, AB]

Mr. Speaker, for months the Trudeau government has been promising to support the airline industry for Canadians, and they continue to see nothing. Flight attendants and baggage handlers have been furloughed, and pilots are struggling to get flight hours. Passengers' flights have been cancelled. Air traffic controllers have been laid off, and service jobs in airports have become virtually non-existent.

Air Canada has cancelled dozens of regional routes. WestJet is no longer flying to Atlantic Canada or Quebec City, and both Sunwing and Porter Airlines have not operated flights since March.

How much more adversity does this sector have to face before the government will act? To get our economy back up and running, we need to safely fly people and goods across our country, as well as abroad.

We need to see rapid testing at airports. We need to see our regional routes restored. Finally, we need to see a plan from the Liberal government that keeps Canadians safe, protects jobs and does not leave the future of Canada's airline sector up in the air.

[The Speaker, Liberal, Anthony Rota]

I just want to remind the hon. members that, when making statements, asking questions or talking at all in the House, they are to refer to other members by their title or the riding they represent, not by their proper name.

The hon. member for Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo.

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls

[Cathy McLeod, Conservative, Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo, BC]

Mr. Speaker, the Liberals have failed to deliver an action plan to address violence against indigenous women and girls. It has been 16 months, and the government has been sitting on the result of the national inquiry’s final report. The government sure loves process, but again fails to deliver action.

Last week, Canada’s Ombudsman for Victims of Crime released a letter to the government indicating the time to act is now. She wrote, “We can no longer only talk about what we should do. We need to take action NOW, because Indigenous lives are at risk every day.”

The Native Women’s Association issued a report card last spring, giving the Liberals a resounding fail.

In the last election, Conservatives pledged to develop an action plan that would advance reconciliation, address violence and achieve measurable improvements for indigenous women and girls, but from the Liberals there has been nothing but talk.

Indigenous women and their families are wondering when the Liberals will deliver a plan. Will it be this year, next year, or never?

Health Care in Alberta

[Heather McPherson, NDP, Edmonton Strathcona, AB]

Mr. Speaker, as Canadians, we value equity and fairness, and our health system reflects those values, guaranteeing that all Canadians, no matter where they live, will get quality, publicly delivered, universally accessible health care. However, in Alberta our cherished public health system is under attack. This attack is affecting women's lives and livelihoods disproportionately.

This week, we learned that due to the cuts Jason Kenney has made to health care, the maternity clinic in Medicine Hat is closing its doors. This clinic provides 9,000 prenatal visits per year. In addition, it was announced that 11,000 Alberta health service jobs, primarily in laboratories, housekeeping, food services and laundry, will be cut. These positions are predominantly held by women. In March, we called these workers “essential”, and now they are just another casualty in our premier's war on public health care.

Will the minister commit to protecting women in Alberta and the rest of Canada? Will she withhold transfer payments if Jason Kenney refuses to adhere to the Canada Health Act?

Marie-Paule Gaudreau

[Kristina Michaud, Bloc, Avignon—La Mitis—Matane—Matapédia, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to send birthday greetings to Marie-Paule Gaudreau, better known as Madame Boulianne or “grand-maman Bou”, a remarkable woman who will celebrate her 103rd birthday on October 23.

Madame Boulianne is a fighter. She had 14 children and now has 41 grandchildren and nearly 90 great-grandchildren. She has brought some exceptional individuals into this world, people who have always dedicated themselves to the development of our region, whether through hockey or politics.

As well as being in perfect health, Madame Boulianne has a sense of humour like no one else. The fact that she and I are of different political stripes gave her a good laugh. Today I want her to know that her positive attitude and her faith are inspiring.

This woman has seen it all—as she put it so well—and refuses to let the current crisis bring her down. In accordance with current public health measures, she is willing to celebrate her 103rd birthday quietly this year, but definitely plans to organize a big party with her loved ones for her 104th next year.

The world needs more positive women like you, Madame Boulianne. Thank you for everything and happy birthday.

Éduc'alcool Organization

[Richard Martel, Conservative, Chicoutimi—Le Fjord, QC]

Mr. Speaker, this month Éduc'alcool is celebrating its 30th anniversary.

Thirty years ago, five people of vision had the grand idea of creating an alcohol “user's manual” for Quebeckers who choose to drink. What a success story this has been. It is hard to find a Quebecker these days who has not heard the slogan “Moderation is always in good taste”. The Société des alcools du Québec, or SAQ, purchased that slogan for the symbolic sum of $1. In my opinion, that is one of the best deals Quebec ever made.

Éduc'alcool has made a notable contribution to the progress Quebeckers have made when it comes to drinking. Awareness and prevention campaigns have had a real impact. Now Éduc'alcool is much more than an awareness raising organization. It is a partner known and respected by Quebec authorities.

The work continues. We know that excessive drinking still results in too many unfortunate incidents. That is why I invite my colleagues, Quebeckers and Canadians to participate in Éduc'alcool's contest in October, which encourages people to count their drinks and stick to the limits.

Businesses in Vaudreuil-Soulanges

[Peter Schiefke, Liberal, Vaudreuil—Soulanges, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today, during Small Business Week, to commend small businesses back home in Vaudreuil—Soulanges for their hard work.

The past eight months have really tested the resilience of small business owners, but they worked hard and found creative ways to meet this challenge. I would also like to commend Joanne Brunet, Philippe Roy and Marie-Eve Ménard, from Développement Vaudreuil—Soulanges, as well as Pierjean Savard, Jean-François Blanchard, Mathieu Miljours, Nadine Lachance and their team at the Chambre de commerce et d'industrie de Vaudreuil—Soulanges. They have been supporting the economy in our region since March through several programs, including the Achat local VS campaign.

Finally, during Small Business Week, I wish to thank all those in my community of Vaudreuil—Soulanges who continue to support our small business owners and our local economy. It has never been more important to shop local, and I encourage our entire community of Vaudreuil—Soulanges to do so leading up to the critically important holiday season.

Public Safety

[Erin O'Toole, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, first the Prime Minister said he was going to make a decision on Huawei before the last election, and he did not. Then he said he was going to listen to our allies before he made a decision, then he did not. Our Five Eyes allies have all decided that Huawei cannot be in our 5G infrastructure.

Will the Prime Minister come clean with Canadians and admit he wants Huawei to be part of Canada's 5G network?

[Justin Trudeau, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, emerging 5G technologies have the potential to meet an explosion in consumer and industrial demand for faster and higher-capacity networks. We want to ensure that Canadians benefit from the latest 5G innovations. At the same time, the safety and security of Canadians will always be our number one priority. We will never compromise on issues of national security. That is why we are working with our allies, and with our experts in intelligence and security services, to take the right decision for Canadians.

[Erin O'Toole, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

And he will never make a decision, Mr. Speaker.

Sweden has a long history of human rights advocacy. This week it went a step further and banned Huawei from its 5G networks, describing China as a threat to its national security. The Liberals often like to point to Sweden as a model, but not this time.

Why is the Prime Minister afraid to put public safety and security ahead of a Chinese company?

[Justin Trudeau, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, the safety and security of Canadians and our communities will always be our number one priority.

At the same time, we will continue to work with our allies, our partners and security and intelligence agencies to make the best decision for Canada. We will continue to do what is in the best interests of Canadians.

Ethics

[Erin O'Toole, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, the more things change, the more they stay the same.

Investigative journalists have revealed that the Prime Minister gave a large contract for ventilators to a Liberal friend. Frank Baylis was a Liberal MP just six months before obtaining the contract. He is now a ventilator manufacturer. What a coincidence. He was awarded a contract worth more than $200 billion.

Is the Prime Minister talking about calling an election to cover up his role in corruption scandals?

[Justin Trudeau, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, from day one we have taken action to ensure we have the supplies needed to keep Canadians safe and healthy. An important part of our strategy consists of establishing partnerships with industry to guarantee a safe supply of ventilators.

I would not want my hon. colleague to mislead the House. There is no contract for ventilators between Public Services and Procurement and Baylis Medical.

Canada is well equipped. We are using a little less than 10% of our current ventilator capacity.

[Erin O'Toole, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, that is interesting.

FTI was created only seven days before being awarded a contract worth more than $200 million. In May, the Prime Minister said that we would receive 30,000 ventilators by the end of the year. The most recent public figures indicate that we have only received 2%.

Does the Prime Minister award contracts to professionals or to friends?