House of Commons Hansard #17 of the 43rd Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was pandemic.

Topics

Opposition Motion—Instruction to the Standing Committee on HealthBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders

1:55 p.m.

Bloc

Simon-Pierre Savard-Tremblay Bloc Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot, QC

Madam Speaker, in his speech the parliamentary secretary spoke about the vaccine. We know that, so far, Canada has signed six agreements to procure 282 million doses of a future vaccine.

With respect to the amounts committed by the Canadian government to reserve these millions of doses, the federal government explained that payment would be made to the drug companies contingent on successful clinical trials. There is a lack of transparency on the contracts because we do not know their value. Several members of the COVID-19 vaccine task force, comprised of 12 experts, have business ties to drug companies that have already signed contracts with the government.

We know that Ottawa bowed to pressure and created a registry of declared conflicts of interest. Since June, at least 23 conflicts of interest have been declared.

If this is not a transparency problem, then what is it?

Opposition Motion—Instruction to the Standing Committee on HealthBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders

1:55 p.m.

Liberal

Steven MacKinnon Liberal Gatineau, QC

Madam Speaker, I am going to talk to Canadians like they talk to us.

What do they expect? They expect Canada to be a leader. They expect us to support scientists, the best research and the best evidence to find the best possibilities and best potential vaccines in the world.

We have signed six agreements to obtain the most promising vaccines. We can therefore assure Canadians, health care professionals, teachers and bus drivers that as soon as vaccines are approved, they will be made available to protect them. Canada will be there for them.

Opposition Motion—Instruction to the Standing Committee on HealthBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders

1:55 p.m.

NDP

Lindsay Mathyssen NDP London—Fanshawe, ON

Madam Speaker, the Liberals claim that they are filibustering in the finance and ethics committees to maintain focus on the government's response to COVID-19, yet in the health committee they are filibustering to prevent a study of the government's response to COVID-19. Could the member explain that contradiction?

Opposition Motion—Instruction to the Standing Committee on HealthBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders

1:55 p.m.

Liberal

Steven MacKinnon Liberal Gatineau, QC

I am not sure I got all of the question, Madam Speaker, because there is a lot of noise coming from over there.

What I do discern from my hon. colleague is that the important work of committees absolutely must continue. The important work of reviewing the best practices, reviewing what the government is doing in responding to this pandemic and the procurement work that is associated with that absolutely must continue.

However, the people across the way would have our most senior officials, the people who work day and night, which I know because I represent many of them, scouring the world for this material, these vaccines and these tests, and review tens of thousands of documents within 15 days.

At the end of the day, I think Canadians support the work of our public service and Parliament, which is aimed at protecting Canadians and our citizens from COVID-19.

Opposition Motion—Instruction to the Standing Committee on HealthBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders

1:55 p.m.

Liberal

Lloyd Longfield Liberal Guelph, ON

Madam Speaker, looking at the motion before us today, it is really an exercise in micromanagement, which we often see from the Conservative Party. Our role as government is to have direction and oversight in the strategy and to bring people together. As the chair of the all-party Parliamentary Health Research Caucus, last night we had researchers from across Canada providing their research on vaccine development. Could the—

Opposition Motion—Instruction to the Standing Committee on HealthBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders

1:55 p.m.

Liberal

The Assistant Deputy Speaker (Mrs. Alexandra Mendès) Liberal Alexandra Mendes

I am sorry, but I have to allow for a very short comment from the parliamentary secretary.

Opposition Motion—Instruction to the Standing Committee on HealthBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders

1:55 p.m.

Liberal

Steven MacKinnon Liberal Gatineau, QC

Madam Speaker, my hon. colleague always takes a leadership role when it comes to science, evidence and academic research in the House and has this government support that very effort.

Members can be sure that we will continue to listen to the experts, the scientists and keep Canada in the front row when it comes to beating this disease.

Human RightsStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Liberal

Arif Virani Liberal Parkdale—High Park, ON

Madam Speaker, prior to my election I had the opportunity to work with the United Nations, prosecuting crimes against humanity and genocide at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. The legal standard for establishing genocide is a high one, as it must be for the most heinous crime known to humanity.

I am saddened to indicate that it is genocide that appears to be taking place today in China. A set of studies by the Subcommittee on International Human Rights demonstrates clearly that two million Uighur Muslims are being detained in modern-day concentration camps, unable to speak their language or practise their faith. This is the largest mass detention of a community since the Holocaust. What is more, Uighur Muslims are being subjected to horrific abuses, including forced sterilization and abortions.

The UN Genocide Convention is clear: Imposing measures intended to prevent births within a group is committing an act of genocide. This is happening in China right now under our watch. I will not stand for it, nor should any member of the House.

Public Service TributeStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Conservative

Dave Epp Conservative Chatham-Kent—Leamington, ON

Madam Speaker, 338 members of Parliament have the honour, privilege and responsibility of representing Canadians in this chamber. This work would not be possible without the capable support we receive from staff.

Especially since the outbreak of COVID-19, our staff have been essential in delivering services to our constituents. I pay particular tribute to George Paisiovich who, since beginning work on the Hill in 1976, has served nine MPs and MPPs in more than 40 years of experience. He has dedicated a career to serving others by amplifying constituents' voices through the din and maze of democracy. His innate political acumen provides wise counsel to his employer, and I am just the latest member of Parliament to benefit from his experience.

George is also passionate about kites and kite history, and he is an avid collector. He enthusiastically shares his joy of flying kites with the community through hosting free events like the recent Southpoint Kites & Lights Weekend.

We thank George for his community service in so many different ways.

Small Business WeekStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Liberal

Patrick Weiler Liberal West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country, BC

Madam Speaker, during this year's Small Business Week, we recognize the resilience small business has shown through this pandemic.

Small businesses are the heart of our communities and the backbone of the Canadian economy. This year, they have stepped up more than ever.

Bruinwood Estate Distillery in Roberts Creek is one of many distilleries in my riding that started making hand sanitizer to help keep us safe. When tourism bus travel stopped, Squamish Connector partnered with Poparide to help commuters travel, and Whistler Connection pivoted its business to deliver food to the most vulnerable.

As we look to build back better, our chambers and BIAs are providing leadership. The Ambleside and Dundarave Business Improvement Association, in particular, is helping to provide the vision that will make our community of West Vancouver thrive going forward.

This is why it is so important to shop local. Our communities go as our small businesses go, and our government will continue to be there to support them through the wage subsidy, rental assistance and no-interest loans, just as small businesses have been there to support us.

Josette PelletierStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Bloc

Sylvie Bérubé Bloc Abitibi—Baie-James—Nunavik—Eeyou, QC

Madam Speaker, I would like to congratulate Josette Pelletier, who has received the Ordre de Val-d'Or, the city's highest honour for citizens.

Ms. Pelletier is a well-known volunteer back home. Over the years, she has been involved in many organizations, such as the Marché public de la Vallée-de-l'Or, the Centre de musique et de danse de Val-d'Or and the Val-d'Or chamber of commerce. She is known for her active business and community engagement in Val-d'Or.

For over 20 years, she has been working on initiatives like the Corporation Rues principales, which has helped bring a wind of change to the downtown core. The revitalization of 3e Avenue remains one of the greatest sources of pride in her volunteer work, as well as improvements along Boulevard Lamaque and the creation of Albert-Dumais Park.

On behalf of myself and all my Bloc Québécois colleagues, I would like to thank Ms. Pelletier for her volunteer work. Without her, Val-d'Or would not look the same.

Small Business WeekStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Liberal

Francis Drouin Liberal Glengarry—Prescott—Russell, ON

Madam Speaker, 2020 did not really turn out like any of us imagined.

This week is Small Business Week, and I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the Canadians who make a choice every day to buy local and support small businesses.

I want to recognize the people of Glengarry—Prescott—Russell for their dedication to the local economy and commend the Prescott-Russell Chamber of Commerce for coming up with the Chamberdollars program, a new type of gift card that can be used at local businesses. This ensures that our money is spent in our community to help our businesses.

One last thing: I want to encourage all residents of Glengarry—Prescott—Russell to support our local businesses and shop local.

Cystic FibrosisStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Conservative

Randy Hoback Conservative Prince Albert, SK

Madam Speaker, over 4,200 Canadians have cystic fibrosis. Unfortunately, one of the most promising treatments for CF is not available in Canada because of the regulatory uncertainty that the current Liberal government has introduced into Canada's patented drug market. Trikafta is a drug that has the potential to treat 90% of CF patients. It is a lifeline that is available in the U.S. and U.K. but not here in Canada.

I recently met with a mother in my riding who suffers from CF. She is terrified because she is at risk of severe COVID-related complications. Her doctor believes she would greatly benefit from Trikafta.

On behalf of my constituents and all Canadians with CF, I am asking the Minister of Health to take to heart the plight of these people, and do what needs to be done to bring Trikafta here to Canada.

Small Business WeekStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Terry Beech Liberal Burnaby North—Seymour, BC

Mr. Speaker, this year, we are celebrating Small Business Week a little differently, by focusing on the tremendous strength and resilience that small business owners have shown throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. When the pandemic hit, our government needed to act like an entrepreneur, rolling out innovative new programs to save millions of jobs and protect household budgets across the country, and we had to do it in record time. Programs like the Canada emergency wage subsidy have been successful because of the engagement and feedback from business people across the country.

Just last week, the Prime Minister and I sat down with people at Steve's Poké Bar. These outstanding local business people shared their thoughts about how our government's support programs have worked for small businesses. We incorporated feedback from meetings like these into our most recent changes to the wage subsidy, the rent subsidy and the emergency business account.

Small businesses create jobs and support families right across the country. It is important to acknowledge the people and the families behind these businesses, and to let them know that Canada has their backs during this crisis.

Canadian Centre for Women's EmpowermentStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Anita Vandenbeld Liberal Ottawa West—Nepean, ON

Mr. Speaker, I recently met with the Canadian Centre for Women's Empowerment, a volunteer-led organization focused on the issue of economic abuse against women in domestic relationships. While many people understand the impact of physical violence and verbal and psychological abuse, what is less often discussed is economic abuse. While 95% of women who experience domestic abuse also experience economic abuse, it can also occur on its own.

Examples of economic abuse can include denying access to a bank account, forcing someone into debt without their knowledge, or preventing someone from working or going to school. Economic abuse makes it hard for women to leave violent relationships and may continue for a long time after the relationship. As we see far too often, women in marginalized groups are disproportionately affected.

I want to thank the Canadian Centre for Women's Empowerment for its hard work in raising awareness about this very important issue.

Veterans AffairsStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Conservative

Cathay Wagantall Conservative Yorkton—Melville, SK

Mr. Speaker, for over seven months our country has been gripped by this global pandemic and we have done our best to help the government provide the compassionate support Canadians need to take care of their families, but there is a problem. We have not seen that same compassion for Canada’s veterans from the Liberal government.

Shawn Dean devoted nearly three decades of his life to service for our country. He applied for his veteran’s pension over a year ago and was recently informed that his application was now in a 64-week “decision phase”. That is at least two years of waiting to receive the pension he earned and deserves.

Thousands of veterans are waiting for help with physical injuries and need mental health care for themselves and loved ones. The benefits backlog now stands at 50,000: an increase of 60% within the last three years. The PBO has said that VAC can dig itself out of its hole by doubling its current hiring plans and implementing the simplified, online application that this Liberal government announced five years ago.

Our veterans deserve better.

Secret Path WeekStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Michael McLeod Liberal Northwest Territories, NT

Mr. Speaker, Secret Path Week marks the dates that both Chanie Wenjack and Gord Downie passed away.

Chanie Wenjack was a 12-year-old boy who died of exposure while attempting to get back home to his family from residential school.

Secret Path Week is about creating a national platform to have conversations, learn about indigenous culture and create awareness of a true history regarding residential schools. The Downie and Wenjack fund has implemented legacy school programs in over 1,300 schools in every province and territory in Canada.

We urge all parliamentarians, and all Canadians, to answer Gord Downie's call to action to do something by supporting reconciliation to further the conversation about the history of residential schools.

CancerStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Conservative

Mark Strahl Conservative Chilliwack—Hope, BC

Mr. Speaker, Jacob Bredenhof is a childhood cancer survivor. Two years ago, he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma. He endured a painful leg amputation and 17 difficult rounds of chemo, but neither cancer nor COVID could keep Jacob down.

Last month, he and his family organized a “Pedal for Hope” team to raise funds for the Terry Fox Foundation, completing a 105-kilometre bike ride through my riding of Chilliwack—Hope with Jacob leading the way. He started out with the goal to raise $20,000, but vastly underestimated the impact that his courage to come back would have on the people who know him and who have followed his story. To date, Jacob's team has raised over $110,000.

Jacob and his family have seen many kids that they knew and loved die from this beast of a disease, and they want to do what they can to raise money and awareness in the hope that fewer children will lose their lives to cancer. To them I say well done. We are all on Jacob's team.

Order of CanadaStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Conservative

Stephanie Kusie Conservative Calgary Midnapore, AB

Mr. Speaker, when the government was elected in 2015 it claimed gender parity was important to them, yet, as is true with all of the Prime Minister's promises to women, he has failed to deliver.

Analysis shows that over 70% of Canadians appointed to the Order of Canada last year were men. In comparison, in 2015, under the previous Conservative government, the balance was almost fifty-fifty.

On this side of the House, we truly recognize the value and experience women bring to the table. As someone who personally nominated a strong, smart, well-qualified female for the Order of Canada and received no response from the government, I am very much aware it had worthy women to consider.

Claiming to believe in equality is nothing more than condescension if claims are not backed up with action. Canadian women deserve equal treatment from their government. They deserve this because it is 2020.

Guaranteed Liveable Basic IncomeStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

NDP

Leah Gazan NDP Winnipeg Centre, MB

Mr. Speaker, more than 40,000 Canadians have signed a petition to support Motion No. 46, which calls on the federal government to replace CERB with a permanent guaranteed liveable basic income while strengthening our current and future government public services and programs. If there was ever a time to do this, it is now.

Support for Motion No. 46 crosses party lines. Many colleagues in the House have supported Motion No. 46, along with senators, PTOs and organizations from across the country. Income guarantees are not a new concept in Canada. OAS is an example, but it is not liveable and leaves many behind, including students, disabled persons, refugees, temporary foreign workers, and people dealing with serious mental health and trauma issues. We must uphold our Canadian charter and ensure all people are able to live with dignity and human rights in Canada.

Governing is about choices. We cannot afford to not care for people at this critical juncture. We must divest from corporate welfare and invest in people. It is time to support Motion No. 46.

Multiple SclerosisStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Bloc

Louise Chabot Bloc Thérèse-De Blainville, QC

Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to draw attention to the situation of people suffering from multiple sclerosis. Two of my constituents, Mr. Beauséjour and Mr. Lanctôt, taught me about the daily reality of those with this disease, which sometimes prevents them from holding down a job.

Over 60% of people with multiple sclerosis will sooner or later end up unemployed, and Canada has one of the highest rates of MS in the world.

Must I remind the government that the House adopted a Bloc Québécois motion to increase employment insurance sickness benefits from 15 to 50 weeks?

It is high time that the government took action by helping workers with serious chronic diseases by increasing sickness benefits.

Patrice Vincent and Nathan CirilloStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Conservative

Steven Blaney Conservative Bellechasse—Les Etchemins—Lévis, QC

Mr. Speaker, six years ago, Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent was killed in a parking lot in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu simply because he was wearing his Canadian military uniform.

Corporal Nathan Cirillo, a 24-year-old father, was gunned down while standing guard at the foot of the Canadian National War Memorial, which pays tribute to our brave veterans. The killer would then enter Parliament to sow terror, but was very courageously neutralized by our security officers, for which we are eternally grateful.

These vicious attacks perpetrated by people who were radicalized by Islamic extremism remind us of how vulnerable we are. Canadians showed remarkable resilience in the face of those attacks. The next day, all parliamentarians were in the House to get on with business and keep our democracy alive. Today, let us pay tribute to these two Canadian heroes and let us continue to proudly uphold their values of freedom, commitment and duty, which are pillars of our Canadian identity.

Small Business WeekStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Liberal

Joël Lightbound Liberal Louis-Hébert, QC

Mr. Speaker, Small Business Week ends on Saturday, October 24, but I would like to take a moment to highlight the ingenuity and resilience of entrepreneurs across the country and especially those in my riding from Chemin Sainte-Foy to Chemin Saint-Louis, from Boulevard Laurier to Boulevard De la Chaudière, from Route Jean-Gauvin to Rue du Campanile, from Avenue Myrand to Avenue Maguire. A special shout out to Pizza Mag, which I may be supporting a little too much for my own good.

I was proud to see our government support SMEs through what is doubtless the toughest time they have ever faced, the toughest time we have ever faced. Our government has stepped up at every turn with the wage subsidy, the emergency account, the GST deferral and rent assistance. This is going to take more than government action though. Solidarity matters now more than ever. We must stand together. The holidays are around the corner, and we need to do whatever we can to support our local businesses so they survive the pandemic. As an added benefit, doing so will help us all adopt better buying habits.

HealthOral Questions

2:15 p.m.

Durham Ontario

Conservative

Erin O'Toole ConservativeLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, after weeks of Conservatives demanding the government develop a strategy for rapid COVID-19 testing, some tests finally arrived yesterday. The problem is that 100,000 tests is more of a sample than a supply. They will be used up in three days. Other countries have had access to millions of rapid tests for months.

Will the Prime Minister let the health committee find out why Canada is at the back of the line when it comes to rapid tests?

HealthOral Questions

2:15 p.m.

University—Rosedale Ontario

Liberal

Chrystia Freeland LiberalDeputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance

Mr. Speaker, Canada is not at the back of the line.

Let me refresh the memories of the members opposite on the five rapid tests that we have already authorized: the bKIT virus finder from Hyris; the BD Veritor System from Becton, Dickinson and Company; the Abbott ID NOW; the Abbott Panbio; and the Xpert Xpress from Cepheid.

More tests are being looked at by our regulators every single day, and they are arriving in Canada every day.