Debates of Oct. 27th, 2020

Criminal Code

[Charlie Angus, NDP, Timmins—James Bay, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I want to pay tribute to the incredible team at Timmins Pride, Timmins Fierté, who have done such incredible work of being a voice for the LGBTQ community in the north. They also make Pride in Timmins a celebration, both of their rights and dignity and of the larger community, so that people feel this is an event that everyone can come out to participate in.

What is the importance of these celebrations we have in the north to affirm the rights and dignity of trans people, queer people and bisexual people?

[Paul Lefebvre, Liberal, Sudbury, ON]

Mr. Speaker, similar to Timmins Pride, we have Sudbury Pride, Fierté Sudbury. I participate each year. I am always there with them and I bring my whole family to celebrate who they are and who we are.

As a country, we have a lot of work to get done. Bills like this are indicative of the direction the country is going in: to be more inclusive and to be the most welcoming country in the world. It is important to have these events in small towns like Timmins and Sudbury, and across the country.

Yesterday, I heard my colleague from Spadina—Fort York talk about the Toronto Pride parade, and how transformative it is for people to participate. It is such an honour to participate and support the people organizing such activities.

[Martin Champoux, Bloc, Drummond, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I have a question for my colleague across the way.

It seems that the House unanimously agrees on the fact that we are going to legislate with respect to conversion therapy. However, some small religious groups are putting a lot of pressure on us to slow the process down. Some are even calling for disobedience; I would like to quote Georges Buscemi, president of Quebec Life Coalition, who said, “I cannot speak for the therapists themselves, but when you are doing good and the government says it is bad, I would tend to say you need to do good and face the consequences...even if it means breaking the law.”

I would like to know what my Liberal colleague thinks about statements like that and those types of groups that are considering defying the law by continuing to do something that would now be prohibited. Does he not feel that guidance should be provided to such groups through some form of education?

[Paul Lefebvre, Liberal, Sudbury, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for Drummond for this important question.

Some groups clearly oppose this bill. On the other hand, it is important that we keep the dialogue going with these groups.

The evidence provided to the House and the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights shows the destructive impact these therapies can have on young people.

We have a long way to go with those who do not understand that impact. However, that does not mean we should step back. Rather, it is very important that we move forward and educate. We cannot just sit back and wait for this bill to pass. We need to engage with all stakeholder groups across the country and keep the conversation going.

[Karen Vecchio, Conservative, Elgin—Middlesex—London, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to stand in the House and speak on the important issue of conversion therapy, and why this practice should be banned in Canada.

Across the country, we have seen many provinces and municipalities take appropriate measures to address this issue, as well as the steps taken by the federal government to introduce this into the Criminal Code.

I have had the honour to participate in multiple conversations with members of the LGBTQ+ community from coast to coast. I have participated in round tables, lectures and, of course, pride parades. Some of my encounters left a huge mark on me personally. Those encounters are what will live with me and have made me an ally of the LGBTQ2+ community.

One of the places I think about from my visits, and that I have spoken about multiple times, is the OK2BME program in Kitchener, Ontario. I was fortunate enough to visit this group, where all the youth are under the age of 19 and come from an area within an hour and a half of that region. They go there to talk about who they were, who they are and how they see their futures. Many go there for a safe place to have a conversation: to talk to people in similar situations to theirs and to rely on people. It is so important we have these types of organizations, opportunities and programs to allow youth to talk to people who are in the same situations they are. Many of them are going through times where they are not expressing who they are to their friends, families or teachers because they are not sure and have a lot of self-doubt. Open places like the OK2BME program are something I will continue to advocate for.

Like the deputy House leader for Parliament, who I see across the way, I grew up in different times. I think of growing up in the eighties and the number of friends I have now who have come out and said they are gay or lesbian. Back in the eighties, I did not know one of my best friends was a lesbian. When I think about it today, does it matter? I love her to the depths of who she is. She is one of the greatest women I know in this world. It does not matter who she loves, because at the end of the day, I love her for who she is. I look at the way her parents embraced her, and they love her for who she is.

However, I know when she goes out in the general public there is that fear of feeling shame. There is that fear of telling people. As I said, I grew up in the eighties, when one did not share that type of information with people. It was expected for girls to like boys. Things have changed, and we have become much more aware that we do not all have to fit in that little box and all be the same.

I also think of the great work being done by PFLAG. A couple of years ago, I went to Richmond Hill and sat down with the PFLAG organization. There were children in the process of transitioning, and children who had just come out to their parents had come to PFLAG with them to have these discussions. We sat down together, ate pizza and celebrated somebody's birthday. It was such an incredible place, where everybody felt safe and that they were part of something.

It made me ask myself whether there was ever a time I felt I was not included. I have been very fortunate, because I am able to go into places and say, “I am Karen,” and that is all good with me. However, a lot of people have self-doubt, which is caused by not being supported for who they are. I think of those people who have to walk alone in the world, and how we can do better. For me, it is important to make sure those safe spaces are available: places like PFLAG, where people can talk in groups and where parents can talk with their children. It is not a mediation, just a place someone can go to listen, talk and hear the stories of other families and the challenges they have gone through.

As a government, it is important we look at continuing to support those types of programs. If we are looking at more actions we need to do after the conversion therapy ban is passed, we need to look at what the next steps are in order to make sure we can get this work done. I say this because we need to look at the mental health component of this issue.

Mental Health Awareness Month is going on right now, and we have to understand the correlation between mental health and the LGBTQ community. I looked at some of the statistics, and I sat back and thought about how that was not me. According to statistics, one in four members of the LGBTQ community who are students has been physically harassed, and six in 10 have been verbally abused. That means over half of the people have been victimized at some time just because of their sexuality. There is no place for that.

We have to look at the fact that people in this community have been body shamed. They feel isolated. Discrimination and bullying occur. There is a lack of support from some families. We know that not every family is 100% on board, and that comes with time as well. I am very hopeful. I am that Pollyanna who believes that we can do better and that we can have hope, so I believe in helping families go through these challenging times together. We have to be realistic: these things happen. We also have to look at the predisposition toward mental health challenges as well. I think that, if people are already uncomfortable with who they are, it is just adding onto it regarding their sexuality. There is a double prong here that is attacking them.

I also think of a couple of friends I sat down with about a month ago. We were talking about sexuality. My two friends are partners, Rick and Lee, and they do not know I am talking about them today. Rick and Lee and I have these really open discussions, and it is great, because we are in the same generation. I love to talk to them about music and cooking and everything, but after a really broad discussion I asked them how it was, growing up in the eighties. My one friend, Rick, said that he would not be here if he had come out in the eighties. He would not have been able to survive. He stated he would have taken his own life.

I think about where we are in 2020. How can people feel that they would have to take their own lives because of being members of the LGBTQ community? How could someone feel so lost and isolated that life was not worth living, just because of their sexuality? This has to be moved out of that frame. That is, not for me, a place that we can be in. This is where we have to understand that love is love, and I will continue to advocate on that.

I look at Lee, who is Rick's partner. They have been married for a number of years, and he said to me that he dated lots of girls, but as soon as he was done high school he went on and actually was himself. I think we have to understand, especially if we are looking at our teens, that when people are in high school, they are in a fish bowl. I went to a school of about 800 students in St. Thomas, Ontario, and everybody knew everybody's business. Once people are able to get into the real world, where there are not 800 people walking by and seeing what their business is, it may be a bit easier for them to live their lives with freedom, but we know, especially in those teenage years, that it is really difficult.

It is such a hard time to fit in, as it is. Everybody is on Twitter. Everybody is on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. I have watched it a couple of times, but everybody is on there. Life is cycling so quickly now for our youth, and there are already so many mental health challenges that they are coming across, so adding sexual orientation is something that should not have to be part of that conversation any longer. They should be accepted, and they should be loved for who they are.

Do I have two minutes? I could talk for 20. It is really bad when my friends on their side are trying to quiet me up, because they think I talk so much. Regardless, I think that is what makes me a good advocate: if one is willing to talk and have these conversations, that is what it is.

I think when we talk about conversion therapy, there has been a lot of discussion on what that actually is. For myself, talk therapy is what I do. I talk things out. Some people may say that talking is conversion therapy, or that it is something else. For me the ability to talk and work through my problems with the people I love and respect the most is important, regardless of how difficult those topics are. As a parent, I have had multiple difficult situations brought upon me or that I have had to discuss, and we all need that person and that support group around us. Being able to talk is really important.

I see that many members, and I have heard members of the government also, indicate there is that concern about religion. I will be honest: I was mad at my husband about six years ago, and the first person I turned to was my pastor. Members would not see me as a really strong religious person, but the pastor was the person who knew me. He knew me and my family sitting in the benches, where we sat as a family all the time, and I was able to speak to him as a confidant. I think sometimes that is where the confusion will come from, in this discussion. He was not trying to convert me: he was a confidant because he knew who I was. He has seen me actively participate in the church, youth groups and a variety of things like that, so I am proud to speak on this. I think we should all have this really important discussion, because at the end of the day, every life matters, especially those of the LGBTQ community.

[The Deputy Speaker, Conservative, Bruce Stanton]

I see there are members interested in posing questions and comments, but we will have to wait until after question period and members' statements for that.

Now we are going to statements by members. The hon. member for Bay of Quinte has the floor.

Bay of Quinte

[Neil Ellis, Liberal, Bay of Quinte, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and thank our front-line and essential services, the residents of the Bay of Quinte who have kept us safe and well during this pandemic. Our community has come together to find accommodations for workers and to donate PPE, food and personal care products to staff and residents of long-term care facilities and retirement homes affected by COVID-19.

In Trenton, a group of sewers got together. They made close to 25,000 masks and raised nearly $25,000 to purchase medical grade PPE for Trenton Memorial Hospital. To date, over 5,000 surgical masks have been donated to Trenton Memorial Hospital, VON and Hastings Manor. Another $5,000 has also been collected from the sale of poppy masks to support the work of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 110 in Trenton.

Ongoing generosity like this is helping to boost the morale in our community, especially among our front-line workers, where it is needed the most.

David Braley

[Earl Dreeshen, Conservative, Red Deer—Mountain View, AB]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday our nation lost a truly iconic leader, the Hon. David Braley.

I was fortunate to interact with Senator Braley not just through his Senate duties, but over many hours of interesting discussions during which he spoke of his main loves, the Canadian Football League, its players and its fans. I was also honoured to attend his induction into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 2012. As a fan, I have attended many Grey Cup events over the last few years, and it became so obvious at those events how important David Braley was to the CFL and how important the CFL was to David Braley.

The Tiger-Cats, the Argonauts and the BC Lions all felt David Braley’s touch, but he was so much more than just a CFL owner. He was a successful businessman and, along with his wife Nancy, did so much for his beloved city of Hamilton. The Health Sciences Centre at McMaster, the research centre at Hamilton General Hospital and the athletic centre are but a few examples.

He was a leader who led with his heart. We owe him so much for what he did for our country and for a life well lived. May he rest in peace.

Racism

[Maninder Sidhu, Liberal, Brampton East, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to highlight the importance now more than ever to stand up against racism and hate in our communities.

Recently, I received a call from a mosque in my riding of Brampton East fearing for their congregation. On the news, I watched a Brampton resident have racial slurs thrown at him while on a golf course. Here in Ottawa, hate has taken the form of threats to someone's life, and there many more incidents of hate and racism.

This is not okay. These cowardly acts, threats of violence and blatant discrimination against racialized people have no place in Canada. I still remember, as a kid in grade school 25 years ago, being told to go back to my country. To think that this is still going on is beyond belief. As we collectively face challenges such as the pandemic, we must remind ourselves of the strength our country can and must leverage from our diversity.

It is on all of us in this chamber to come together and stand together against all forms of hate and racism.

Jacques Godin

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

Mr. Speaker, when the great actor Jacques Godin left us yesterday at the age of 90, it was the end of an era in Quebec.

His passing sparked a flurry of tributes as eloquent and complimentary as his talent was strong, sincere and impressively modern. Jacques Godin brought hundreds of characters to life in the theatre, in television and in film on projects such as Cap-aux-Sorciers, Les belles histoires des pays d'en haut, Toute la vérité, Love Project, Les forges de Saint-Maurice, Des souris et des hommes, Sous le signe du Lion and La charge de l'orignal épormyable. This gave his collaborators and fans a deep appreciation for his tremendous talent, great human qualities and commitment, as evidenced by the many awards and honours he received, including the Prix Méritas for best lead actor, the Chevalier de l'Ordre national du Québec, four Gemini awards, and the Association québécoise des critiques de théâtre award.

On behalf of Quebec and the Bloc Québécois, it is with a heavy but grateful heart that we offer our deepest condolences to Mr. Godin's family and friends.

He will live on through his work. Bravo and thank you to Jacques Godin.

A Canadian vaccine

[Rachel Bendayan, Liberal, Outremont, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I do not need to remind anyone that we are right in the middle of the second wave of this pandemic.

Back home in Côte-des-Neiges, the Plateau, Mile End and Outremont, we still have an extremely high number of cases. Despite the current crisis, I want to share some hope with my colleagues: hope for our scientists' work, hope for a better world, a post-COVID world.

For example, at the University of Montreal, I was able to announce funding for a new research project with a truly incredible team.

Whether it is the researchers working under the direction of Kate Zinszer at the University of Montreal, or our Prime Minister's recent announcement regarding a made-in-Canada vaccine, investments in our country's capacity to produce our own vaccines with our own scientists give us reason to hope for the future. Our government is investing in that very future.

I find hope in this, and I hope that Canadians do too.

Joey Moss

[Matt Jeneroux, Conservative, Edmonton Riverbend, AB]

Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House today to remember Joey Moss, an Edmonton legend who sadly passed away yesterday. Joey was a fixture in the dressing rooms of the Edmonton Oilers and the Edmonton football team. He sang O Canada proudly from the stands of the game, inspiring others to join along.

Joey was as much loved and respected by Edmonton's hockey community as the players themselves, though he always remained modest and humble. He also did much to help our community. During his 35-year tenure with the Edmonton Oilers and the Edmonton football team, he was presented with an NHL all-star award and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal. He was also inducted into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame. He leaves a big legacy with his kindness and dedication to our community, as we continue to recognize the contributions people with developmental disabilities make to our society, thanks to Joey's passion.

My thoughts today are with Joey's family, friends and the entire Edmonton sports community.

Leaside High School

[Rob Oliphant, Liberal, Don Valley West, ON]

Mr. Speaker, today I mark the 75th anniversary of Leaside High School and the way it has forged academic excellence and shown prowess in sports while fostering a strong sense of community spirit.

This anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate generations of fine leaders, leaders such as David Stickney, a math teacher, coach and friend, who demonstrated community service as a way of life. It is an opportunity to celebrate the Leaside Lancers, champions in hockey, football, cross-country, track and field, skiing, and archery. It is also an opportunity to celebrate the school's exceptional alumni, such as Paul Cadario and his work at the World Bank, Canadian Music Hall of Fame inductee Phil Levitt, iconic novelist Margaret Atwood, writer and humorist Terry Fallis, and 2020 graduate Sarah Jordan, whose annual food drive has helped over half a million Torontonians.

I express my thanks to the 75th anniversary committee for their hard work. Unfortunately, plans have changed due to the pandemic, but Leaside High School spirit is strong. We will find new ways to remember and celebrate.

Nagorno-Karabakh

[Yves Robillard, Liberal, Marc-Aurèle-Fortin, QC]

Mr. Speaker, on October 22, I attended a virtual meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and some of my colleagues.

The purpose of the meeting was to hear the concerns of the Armenian Canadian community about the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh. For nearly an hour, we heard the fears of this community currently struggling in a conflict with the Republic of Azerbaijan. After several attempts at a ceasefire, it seems the situation is still volatile and there is a high risk of regional escalation.

I am proud of Canada's role as a mediator. I would like to reiterate how important it is that both parties in the conflict remain open to peaceful resolution, including through talks.

I am proud of the steps the government has taken to enable de-escalation and a peaceful resolution to this conflict.

Women

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

Mr. Speaker, they worked hard all their lives. They rose at six o'clock seven days a week. They were expected to multitask and master many jobs: cooking, sewing, housekeeping and even knitting to keep their family members warm. They had no free time because they also had to raise children.

Make no mistake, they certainly worked very hard. There were even courses and manuals to help them learn the job. The Good Wife's Guide was their duty and their reality.

I am sure my colleagues have guessed that I am talking about our mothers and grandmothers. What has happened to these women, most of them widows and empty-nesters? They are in long-term care homes or little furnished one-bedroom apartments. They never got paid, so they had no money saved up. They worked hard but were not paid accordingly. Judging from everyone here today, they did a great job, but now they are not entitled to a fair retirement income. After all, let's not forget that their husbands were the ones with the “real” jobs.

Esteemed colleagues, today we must think of those women. Together, we must commit to treating them better in return for everything they gave us.

Hochelaga

[Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Liberal, Hochelaga, QC]

Mr. Speaker, last week was Small Business Week. To help SMEs, our government has provided financial assistance through things like the Canada emergency business account, the Canada emergency wage subsidy, the Canada united small business relief fund, which offers grants of up to $5,000 across the country, and recently, the Canada emergency rent subsidy.

In Hochelaga, SMEs are at the heart of our neighbourhoods. Much like in Montreal East, our businesses and organizations have always led the way in social innovation, especially when it comes to the social economy. In 2016, Quebec was home to more than 11,000 social economy enterprises, and examples of such businesses in Hochelaga include Boulot vers, Distributions l'Escalier and Bistro Le Ste-Cath.

I want to take this opportunity to congratulate the winners of the 2020 Gala ESTim awards who proudly represent Hochelaga: Cuisine collective Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, Coop Couturières Pop and Dermadry.

In closing, I wish all the young people in Hochelaga a happy Halloween and I ask everyone to celebrate in a safe and responsible manner.

Suicide Prevention

[Damien Kurek, Conservative, Battle River—Crowfoot, AB]

Mr. Speaker, the challenges we face have been tough emotionally, financially and physically on Albertans and Canadians. Job losses, social isolation and uncertainty are some of the pressures that we are all facing. We all need to take it seriously that, as community leaders, we need to address difficult issues, and today I want to talk about suicide.

Over the last year, it seems like every week I hear that a friend, a family member or a member of my community has decided to take their own life by suicide. Today I want to share a simple message. If people are struggling, there is hope. I know that they can be brave. They can ask for help, whether that means talking or even texting a friend, a family member, a pastor, a health professional or one of the anonymous services that exist. There are folks out there who can help them get through those tough moments.

Lastly, if people see others struggling, they should be a good neighbour and talk to their friends or family members. Give them a call, invite them out for a coffee and ask them what is troubling them. That simple act can save a life.

Fundraising for Veterans

[Tracy Gray, Conservative, Kelowna—Lake Country, BC]

Mr. Speaker, Remembrance Day is soon and we remember those who are serving or who have honourably served and sacrificed for our country.

My community has the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 26 in downtown Kelowna and Branch 189 in Oyama. This summer we learned that one in 10 legion branches across the country were facing imminent closure and over 350 more were in financial difficulty. Army, Navy & Air Force Veterans Kelowna Unit 76 clubhouse recently closed due to its building being sold. There is certainly a gap in Rutland while it finds a new location.

This year, legions have new challenges with the launch of their annual poppy campaign, a critical fundraising initiative. There will be fewer in-person sales. These veteran service groups also serve the families, providing support, advocacy and financial assistance free of charge. As well, they offer social interaction and well-being support at a time when many feel isolated.

People do not need to be a veteran to be a member of a local legion or Army, Navy & Air Force Veterans organization. They can join, volunteer or make a donation, if they are able.

Small Business

[Gord Johns, NDP, Courtenay—Alberni, BC]

Mr. Speaker, while big companies like Amazon have made billions of dollars in profits during this pandemic, small Canadian businesses have been struggling to survive. These small businesses are job creators and supporters of local charities; they drive our local economies. The Liberal government has a responsibility to support these entrepreneurs and their workers who are facing crushing debt and the possibility of going out of business.

Though some programs to get businesses through this difficult time have been developed, many of them remain inaccessible or do not go far enough to help those hit hardest by the pandemic. The government keeps promising support, but small businesses are saying it has failed to deliver. As the second wave hits, help is needed now more than ever. It is crucial that the Liberals fix the flawed commercial rent program and backdate it to April so small businesses finally get the help they desperately need.

Join me and the thousands of hardest-hit businesses across the country in calling on the Liberals to immediately table the legislation needed to save small business in Canada.

Quebec Marine Day

[Maxime Blanchette-Joncas, Bloc, Rimouski-Neigette—Témiscouata—Les Basques, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to rise to mark this 20th Quebec Marine Day. This year's theme is “All in the Same Boat”. This is a special day back home in the Lower St. Lawrence since we are North America's maritime gateway and one of the longest waterways in the world.

We are “all in the same boat” because the St. Lawrence Seaway is vital in bringing supplies to tens of millions of people on the entire continent. It is all the more striking during this health crisis.

We are “all in the same boat” because the marine industry represents no less than $2.3 billion of Quebec's gross domestic product.

We are “all in the same boat” because in Quebec nearly 400 businesses generate 16,000 direct jobs both on land and sea. That is $1 billion in annual salaries.

We are “all in the same boat” because our river is the cradle of the Quebec nation, made clear by the marine industry's contribution to our economy.

We are indeed “all in the same boat”, and so I say anchors away, full speed ahead and happy Quebec Marine Day.

Saskatchewan Elections

[Corey Tochor, Conservative, Saskatoon—University, SK]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to talk about my home province of Saskatchewan, especially a big shout-out to all my friends and colleagues in the Saskatchewan Party. As many would know, we had our set election yesterday. Our election laws made it possible for Elections Saskatchewan to hold elections during these challenging times.

What did the voters say? They rejected the carbon tax. They rejected higher taxes. They rejected big government and big debt and they voted for a strong Saskatchewan. People in Saskatchewan are angry with the government in Ottawa right now. They need to know that Ottawa cares rather than take our money and cancelling our industries. Right now the Liberals are offering us nothing.

I would like to once again congratulate my home province for voting for a strong Saskatchewan.

2020 By-Elections

[Sven Spengemann, Liberal, Mississauga—Lakeshore, ON]

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Liberal caucus, our warmest congratulations to the two new members on their election wins in Toronto Centre and York Centre. They are deeply connected to their communities and have put kindness and compassion at the core of their service. They shared important messages with residents and the results speak for themselves.

Last night, the Conservatives did worse in both ridings than under Stephen Harper in 2015. Our government will continue to support Canadians throughout the pandemic and unlike the Conservatives, we will continue to invest in Canada.

We will continue to fight for an inclusive policy and always strongly oppose fear, division and hate.

Last night's results are significant. For the very first time in Canadian history, 100 women will take their seats together as members of Parliament, an extraordinary moment not only for Canadian women but for all of Canada.

Welcome to the new members of the House of Commons. Together we will build back better.

COVID-19 Emergency Response

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

Mr. Speaker, in the last month, we learned that the Liberal government allowed two different American billionaires to enter Canada, and it waived quarantine rules. Both times, the public safety minister said he had no knowledge of what happened, but he is just one of five ministers who can approve such waivers. Since the public safety minister did not do it, it must have been the Prime Minister, so my question is for him. Why is there one set of rules for the rich friends of the government and one set of rules for everyone else?

[Justin Trudeau, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, the member opposite knows well that it was a decision taken on the border by locals on the ground, that was made in error and the situation was fixed afterward.

I want to take this moment to thank all the volunteers, voters, organizers and election workers who participated in by-elections in both Toronto Centre and York Centre yesterday. We showed that during a pandemic, Canadians continue to believe strongly in the strength of our democratic institutions.

I want to congratulate Marci Ien and Ya’ara Saks on being elected as the Liberal members of Parliament for Toronto Centre and York Centre. We look forward to having these two strong women join our House.

Public Safety

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

Mr. Speaker, after weeks of being pushed by families of the victims and by my colleague from Lakeland, the government finally relented and announced the beginning of the public inquiry into the worst mass shooting in Nova Scotia in Canada's history.

This was after the Liberals had to backtrack on their decision to refuse to even hold an inquiry, a decision that was panned by every Nova Scotian in this House, including members of the Prime Minister's own caucus. Why did the Prime Minister delay delivering justice to the families in Nova Scotia?