Debates of Oct. 23rd, 2020

Small Business

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

Mr. Speaker, small businesses are the heartbeat of my community. They are lively social hubs, which bring my community together. They are the economic drivers and employers for my community, and they have been hard hit by this pandemic. I have spoken with so many local business owners and BIAs. I want to thank them for reaching out and sharing with me their insights, which have helped to shape our government's policies. I am committed to continuing to work with them.

I want to thank my community for stepping up and showing support for local businesses in this difficult time because together we will get through this. We will be stronger, and we will have lively, strong main streets in our community.

B.C. Wine Industry

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

Mr. Speaker, in my riding, the wine industry is an important part of the economy, and it has been directly affected by COVID. Most of the smaller wineries here rely on sales to restaurants, direct-to-consumer online sales and sales to visitors. When restaurants closed and tourists stopped coming, these wineries were significantly impacted. While online sales increased, the B.C. wine industry still faces interprovincial trade barriers that ban that practice. That must change.

In the middle of the pandemic, the federal government removed one of the most critical supports for the industry by cancelling the excise tax exemption for Canadian wines. It must quickly replace that with trade legal support, such as that proposed by Wine Growers Canada.

I want to close by mentioning the untimely passing of David Wilson, the former chair of the Canadian Vintners Association. Mr. Wilson always brought intelligent conversation and fine Okanagan wines to our meetings in Ottawa. He left us too soon, and he will be missed.

Fania "Fanny" Goose

[Peter Fragiskatos, Liberal, London North Centre, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honour the remarkable life of Fania “Fanny” Goose, a constituent and long-time business leader in London who passed away in her 99th year this April.

Fanny, or the first lady of downtown, as she was also known, was a remarkable woman who experienced the best and worst our world can offer. A Holocaust survivor who came to Canada in 1949, Fanny and her husband realized the Canadian dream by founding a retail business that became a pillar of London's downtown for over 50 years.

Fanny was sought out for her direct and savvy advice. Always politically engaged, she had her finger on the pulse of the community. Fanny was kind, confident and thoughtful, and always had a positive outlook. Predeceased by her husband Jerry, she was mother to Steve Goose Garrison and Martin Goose, and loving bubbie to three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

May Fanny rest in eternal peace. Her legacy will live on for generations to come.

Retirement Congratulations

[Richard Bragdon, Conservative, Tobique—Mactaquac, NB]

Mr. Speaker, today I would like to pay tribute and give congratulations to one of the most important individuals in my life, my father. My dad, Gary Bragdon, after more than 50 years of dedicated hard work, will be retiring from the Nackawic pulp mill this weekend. He worked tirelessly to provide for his wife and his four children.

His metal lunch bucket became an important symbol for me during my campaign to be a member of this House. It serves as a constant reminder of those I represent. They are the ones who carry the buckets, work in our mills and our factories, wait on our tables, truck our food, harvest our natural resources, run small businesses, fish our waters, grow our food, and literally keep our land. They are the people who in large part make Canada what it is, and the people who will drive Canada's economy into recovery and back into prosperity.

I keep my father's bucket in my office in Ottawa as a constant reminder of who sent me here as their representative.

I congratulate my dad on his retirement, and I assure him that on this side of the House we will remember those who carry the buckets.

Nuclear Industry

[Wayne Long, Liberal, Saint John—Rothesay, NB]

Mr. Speaker, the development of small modular reactor technology is key to building Atlantic Canada's economy back better. SMRs are safe, reliable, transportable and emissions-free, and the science is clear that we simply cannot achieve net-zero by 2050 without them.

Atlantic Canada's strategic geographic position, skills base and transportation infrastructure position it to become a world leader in SMR development and manufacturing. Our region's SMR sector, which is based in my riding of Saint John—Rothesay, has the potential to create thousands of highly skilled, well-paying and sustainable green jobs across our region.

That is why I am proud to be part of a federal government that is committed to making the investments necessary to fully leverage the economic potential of our SMR sector. It is also why I am working closely with my federal colleagues across Atlantic Canada, as well as my provincial counterparts in New Brunswick, to deliver the federal and provincial investments necessary to seize this historic opportunity for our region.

Small Business Week

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

Mr. Speaker, I want to talk about Small Business Week, which ends tomorrow. This week is an opportunity to show our support for small businesses across Canada, especially those in my riding of Argenteuil—La Petite-Nation.

Things have been particularly tough for small businesses lately, but owners have responded with resilience, determination and innovation. Our government is here to support them. We introduced various measures, such as the Canada emergency rent subsidy, we extended the Canada emergency wage subsidy, and we expanded the Canada emergency business account.

I want to acknowledge the business owners in my riding, including Félix Marcoux, the owner of La boulangerie du P'tit chef; Alain Boyer, the owner of Fromagerie Montebello; Charles-Alain Carrière, the owner of Orientech; and Carole and Martin Lajeunesse, the owners of Lala Bistrot.

I encourage everyone to support the local businesses that help our communities thrive.

Commander of 2 Canadian Forces Flying Training School

[John Barlow, Conservative, Foothills, AB]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honour a trailblazer, a role model and an inspiring leader who has achieved heights never reached before. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Lieutenant-Colonel Riel Erickson from my riding of Foothills for being named the commander of the Canadian Forces Flying Training School in Moose Jaw.

A farm girl raised in Millarville, Erickson is the first woman to take command of 2 Canadian Forces Flying Training School, the centre of pilot training in the country. Erickson was inspired to join the military by her uncle, who was a fighter pilot in the Gulf War.

A graduate of Oilfields High School, Riel earned her wings in 2005 and became just the fifth woman in the history of the Royal Canadian Air Force to become a CF-18 pilot. In her impressive career, she has faced many obstacles, including Russian bombers, but in doing so, she earned the nickname “Guns”.

From her humble roots in southern Alberta, she has turned into a strong leader and a fierce pilot. She has proven the sky is the limit. Her parents, her husband, her sons and her community are extremely proud. She has said, “I can't wait until we run out of firsts”. Through her leadership, she is proving that to be true.

Global Polio Eradication Initiative

[Larry Bagnell, Liberal, Yukon, YT]

Mr. Speaker, tomorrow is World Polio Day, a day to celebrate the world's progress against polio and our resolve to end this horrible disease once and for all. Recently, Africa was certified as free of the wild polio virus, which is a big milestone, but COVID-19 has caused 50 million children to miss their polio vaccinations, so sustained action is critical to protect global health. If we stop now, 200,000 children a year could be paralyzed.

In May, Canada committed $190 million to the global polio eradication initiative, building on past contributions. It is something all Canadians can be proud of.

Please join me in marking World Polio Day by thanking all who contribute to polio eradication, including rotary clubs across Canada and the Whitehorse Rotary Club, which sponsored polio survivor Ramesh Ferris' epic fundraising hand-cycling tour of 7,140 kilometres across Canada.

It is because of all these actions that 18 million people, who could otherwise have been paralyzed, are now walking. Let us keep it up.

Recovery of World War II Bomber

[Tony Baldinelli, Conservative, Niagara Falls, ON]

Mr. Speaker, as Remembrance Day and the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain approach, it is important that we recognize, remember and honour the contributions of all who have served and continue to serve this nation as members of our Canadian Armed Forces.

This November 11, we will remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. We will not, nor shall we ever, forget the contributions of those heroes who never made it home.

As such, I would like to bring attention to the important recovery work of a World War II bomber, a British Short Stirling, which is now happening in the Netherlands. That bomber was lost in 1943 returning from a raid over Germany. On board was a crew of seven, including two Canadians: Sergeant John Francis James McCaw, 20, the youngest crew member, from Belleville, Ontario; and Flying Officer Harry Gregory Farrington, 24, from Niagara Falls, Ontario.

We must and we will continue to remember them. They sacrificed their tomorrows so that we could enjoy the peace and freedoms of today.

Fundraising for Veterans

[Brad Vis, Conservative, Mission—Matsqui—Fraser Canyon, BC]

Mr. Speaker, it is Small Business Month, and I want to give a shout-out to a business in my riding: Bear Country Bakery in Mission, British Columbia.

I am highlighting Bear Country Bakery because the owners, the Potma family, heard that our Royal Canadian Legions were hurting this year and wanted to do something about it. The Potma family stepped up and held a doughnut fundraiser on October 17, which saw over $1,100 in doughnut sales plus individual donations going to Legion Branch #57.

They continue to raise funds, and their next outdoor fundraiser for veterans is on Saturday, November 7. I encourage everyone in Mission—Matsqui—Fraser Canyon to buy a box of doughnuts and support Bear Country Bakery and our Royal Canadian Legion. It is community-minded businesses like these whose contributions make a real difference and keep our towns and cities strong.

I thank the people at Bear Country Bakery. I thank our veterans and committed members of our legions across Mission—Matsqui—Fraser Canyon.

Nobel Prize Winner

[Heather McPherson, NDP, Edmonton Strathcona, AB]

Mr. Speaker, as a proud Albertan and an alumnus of the University of Alberta, it is my great honour to rise in recognition of University of Alberta virologist Dr. Michael Houghton. Earlier this month, Dr. Houghton was awarded the 2020 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his discovery of the hepatitis C virus.

Hepatitis C is a global pandemic, but now, thanks to Dr. Houghton and his subsequent work developing blood tests and therapeutics for the disease, millions of people have a new lease on life and our blood supply is safer. It is an incredible achievement and a wonderful story, and it does not end there. Dr. Houghton has created a vaccine against hepatitis C, which is now being tested, and he is leading efforts to create a COVID-19 vaccine.

I congratulate Dr. Houghton. He has made us all proud. We are very thankful for his work.

Culture

[Caroline Desbiens, Bloc, Beauport—Côte-de-Beaupré—Île d’Orléans—Charlevoix, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the myriad professions in the cultural industry have been honoured during the 24th edition of Journées de la culture au Québec, which runs from September 25 to October 25. This month-long celebration is devoted to showcasing the big, beautiful arts community, which provides our people with inspiration, identity, prestige and meaning and earns us global recognition and renown.

All too long ago, a large part of the cultural world was abruptly shut down. The entire creative industry has demonstrated remarkable resilience. I commend all those sustaining Quebec's magnificent culture and keeping it alive. I thank the artists and creators from all fields who continue to create stories, dreams and beauty for us. I know they are very worried. I want them to know that, now more than ever, they are an essential source of social and economic strength for Quebec.

On behalf of myself and all my Bloc Québécois colleagues, I send this message to this great group of wonderful human beings who are making life beautiful: Our happiness depends on you, the cultural industry.

Closing of Bank Branch

[Cheryl Gallant, Conservative, Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke, ON]

Mr. Speaker, since the Prime Minister was slow to act back in January, the virus was allowed to infiltrate and spread across Canada for several months unchecked. While the government focused on cases and deaths, it completely ignored other types of casualties.

TD Bank, while declared an essential service, used the pandemic as an excuse to close its branch in Petawawa. Petawawa is home to Canada's largest community of veterans and their widows. Seniors, careful to avoid being defrauded by electronic banking, prefer to deal with human tellers. The tellers are predominately women, so those who worked at the Petawawa branch have lost their postings at that location.

Whether groping a reporter, elbowing a female MP in the chest, firing female cabinet members and now this failure in dealing with the pandemic, costly symbolic gestures aside, this self-proclaimed feminist Prime Minister has failed Canadian women at every turn.

Local Journalism

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

Mr. Speaker, I would like to highlight that just before Thanksgiving, a new local newspaper joined Kitchener—Conestoga. The Wilmot Post was started and is run by a group of active members in our community who volunteer their time to deliver local news, family milestones, local sports and more, sharing stories with our community and amplifying our voices. I want to extend a warm welcome to The Wilmot Post, and I look forward to seeing the paper grow in the coming months.

I would like to share that Radio Television Digital News Association has offered Kitchener's 570 News with the prestigious Edward R. Murrow Award for outstanding newscast in small market radio. I congratulate them. I look forward to supporting local journalism, whether reading, watching, listening at home or standing in the House of Commons and advocating its merits for our community in Kitchener—Conestoga and communities throughout Canada.

Health

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

Mr. Speaker, a COVID-19 testing centre recently had to close due to staff burnout in Coquitlam. This left residents in the area waiting for days for results to their COVID-19 test.

It is unfortunate that the member for Coquitlam—Port Coquitlam spent the week trying to prevent Canadians from getting answers on COVID-19 rapid tests, as he did in his speech to the House yesterday and as he did in the health committee when he oversaw Liberals trying to gut our motion on the same.

I have a very simple question, because I do not think any Liberal has raised this in the House yet. When will COVID-19 rapid tests be widely available in Coquitlam?

[Darren Fisher, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health]

Mr. Speaker, we have said from day one that testing is one of the most important tools we have to respond to COVID-19. We are working around the clock to review and approve new testing technologies every day.

We have already approved several of these tests, and we can expect more as the technology develops. Rapid tests have arrived, and rapid tests will be disseminated throughout the provinces and the rest of the country very soon.

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

Mr. Speaker, “very soon”, that is great. That is that guy.

This week, in Richmond Hill, people were being prevented from travelling to reunite with family members abroad because they do not have access to COVID-19 rapid tests. Rapid tests are now often needed to board flights to international destinations, especially for family reunification, but people cannot get their results because the Liberals have failed to get rapid tests. They are not widely available.

I have a very simple question for the residents in Richmond Hill. When will rapid tests be widely available to them?

[Darren Fisher, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health]

Mr. Speaker, as we have said, we know the importance of having quick access to test results. We are fast-tracking the review of COVID-19 tests across the country, including rapid response test kits.

We will continue to work with the provinces and territories to ensure that the people who need to be tested are able to be tested and will get these rapid tests.

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

Mr. Speaker, I believe it is the member for Gatineau who is actually responsible for helping to procure rapid tests, and yet in Gatineau there are some of the longest lines for COVID-19 tests. People are waiting for days for this.

I believe the member for Gatineau also has some role in procurement, which means that he would have known that plum Liberal insider Frank Baylis would have gotten this great contract instead of getting rapid tests for the people of Gatineau.

I have a question for the member's colleague. When will rapid tests be widely available to the people of Gatineau?

[Darren Fisher, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health]

Mr. Speaker, early diagnosis is critical to slowing and reducing the spread of COVID-19 in Canada.

We have made emergency changes to allow faster access to COVID-19 tests in Canada. Through the safe restart program, we have provided billions to provinces to help them build their capacity.

We are on this.

Justice

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

Mr. Speaker, “we are on this”, okay.

Okay. Let us see if the government is telling the truth. Is it being honest, yes or no?

This government got elected five years ago by saying that it was going to make the judicial appointment process cleaner than clean, but obviously there are still some red Liberal spots that did not come out.

My question is very simple. In three days, the minister has not given a clear and honest answer. Can the Minister of Justice, who is an honourable man and an esteemed academic, assure the House that the Liberal Party has never interfered with the judicial appointment process in any way, yes or no?

[Arif Virani, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada]

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his question.

I can assure the member opposite that, as the minister himself said, he has never experienced any political pressure with regard to the appointment of judges. Judges are appointed on a strong, merit-based process designed to increase diversity among Canada's judges. We made changes to the process, good changes that are taking us in the right direction.

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

Mr. Speaker, Radio-Canada's sources contradict the parliamentary secretary's claim.

A former employee in the PMO said that the infamous Liberalist database was used. This database held the names of Liberal Party friends and indicated whether they had put up lawn signs during election campaigns or donated money to the Liberal Party.

Can the Minister of Justice assure Canadians that the Liberalist database was not used in any step of the process, yes or no?

[Arif Virani, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada]

Mr. Speaker, I can tell the member opposite that partisan pressure was in no way involved in the appointment of a judge by the Minister of Justice.

As I said, we take this situation very seriously. We base appointments on merit and qualifications. The objective is to diversify the judiciary, and we have been successful in that regard. For example, more than 50% of judges appointed by our government were women. That figure is much higher than the Conservative Party's record.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

[Christine Normandin, Bloc, Saint-Jean, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the Bloc Québécois is deeply grateful to the guardian angels who are saving lives in our long-term care facilities. Among them are hundreds of refugee protection claimants who have risked their lives for Quebec's seniors.

The Bloc Québécois supports the will of the government and that of Quebec to grant them permanent resident status for exceptional services rendered. Two months after it was announced, the program is still not in place and the department is suggesting that it could still take months.

When will the guardian angels be able to apply?