House of Commons Hansard #31 of the 43rd Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was content.

Topics

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

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]

Orleans Youth CouncilStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Marie-France Lalonde Liberal Orléans, ON

Mr. Speaker, the Orléans Youth Council, which I co-chair with my provincial counterpart Stephen Blais, is made up of 25 dynamic young people. Our first virtual meeting took place on September 19.

I want to thank my colleague, the Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth, for agreeing to come and talk about the essential role that Canadian youth play in our country. The council has already demonstrated leadership in the community of Orléans, particularly by participating in the Orléans Legion poppy campaign and by writing letters to seniors to help combat social isolation as part of the Together, Let's Write initiative.

In preparation for our next meeting, which will be held on November 21, the council has invited Cumberland's new city councillor, Catherine Kitts, who was recently elected in a by-election, to come speak to us about her experience and knowledge regarding community involvement.

In closing, I would like to thank the members of the Orléans Youth Council for their involvement and leadership in our community.

Larry SpilakStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Conservative

John Barlow Conservative Foothills, AB

Mr. Speaker, Foothills is grieving the loss of a loving family man, a passionate community leader and long-time councillor who was dedicated to his community. Larry Spilak, the former reeve of Foothills County, passed away on November 6 after lengthy battle with cancer.

Larry never allowed his fight with cancer to slow him down. He remained committed to those things most important to him, being a good husband, a proud father and tirelessly supporting his community. Those who served alongside him on council or in the De Winton community would agree that Larry was a hard-working, respected and strong leader.

A champion for his constituents and certainly someone who knew the meaning of service, Larry was a mentor to me. When I entered politics, I looked to people I trusted and admired, people like Larry Spilak.

Our community has lost a friend and a great man. We extend our condolences to his wife Danielle, his son Ben, his friends, family and colleagues in Foothills County, all of whom Larry loved dearly.

Kids for a CureStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Kirsty Duncan Liberal Etobicoke North, ON

Mr. Speaker, insulin remains one of the most significant advances in the history of medicine and continues to save the lives of millions of people globally.

JDRF's Kids for a Cure is honouring Banting's and Best's gift to the world, and I had the privilege of meeting virtually with three of their amazing young leaders, each with big dreams for the future. They are 15-year-old Anne Pettigrew, nine-year-old Maya Webster and seven-year-old Kieran Palmer. They told me about their lives with type 1 diabetes.

While these young champions face challenges, they advocate for all the other children living with type 1 diabetes. They want members of Parliament to know the life-saving impact Canadian research and innovation has had and continues to have on the lives of young people with the disease.

Anne, Maya and Kieran are making a real difference. They are champions and superstars.

SenneterreStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Bloc

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

Mr. Speaker, this week, the Corporation des Fleurons du Québec released its 15th municipal horticultural rankings, a wonderful way to recognize communities' efforts to beautify their surroundings and enhance their residents' lives in a lasting way.

I am very proud to announce that Senneterre, one of the most beautiful towns in Abitibi, was awarded four “fleurons”, a sign that all the hard work that has been done to invest in and beautify the community is once again bearing fruit. Senneterre's accomplishments include the Forêt du 100e to mark the town's centennial, the Desjardins pavilion, and the decorative lighting and flowers.

In the years to come, the town will be developing a residential, commercial and institutional beautification strategy. I would like to congratulate the mayor of Senneterre, Jean-Maurice Matte, and everyone who contributed to beautifying the town.

KJ DesignersStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Ramesh Sangha Liberal Brampton Centre, ON

Mr. Speaker, our government recognizes that small businesses are the lifeblood of our communities and are vital for Canada's economic recovery.

I am honoured to speak today in recognition of a thriving small business in my riding of Brampton Centre.

Founded in 2001 by Dinesh Gautam, KJ Designers has served the greater Brampton community by providing high-quality Indian wedding fashion outfits throughout Canada. Unfortunately, the business has had some significant downfalls during the pandemic. However, with the help of our government's plans to support small businesses, KJ Designers continues to keep its doors open and the business ought to boom now.

I thank Dinesh, their family and staff and for their commitment to serve the communities. Their efforts never go unnoticed.

MefloquineStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Conservative

Cathay Wagantall Conservative Yorkton—Melville, SK

Mr. Speaker, racism in all its forms is unacceptable, including within the Canadian Armed Forces.

Recently in The Globe and Mail, former defence minister David Pratt was right to call it out. However, his assertion that racism was solely to blame for the Somali affair misleads Canadians about what truly happened in Somali.

Members of the Canadian Airborne Regiment were poisoned with illegal use of the anti-malaria drug mefloquine. Shamefully, the Liberals shut down the Somali inquiry just before the misuse and impact of mefloquine toxicity was to be exposed. As a result, the airborne was disbanded. Mefloquine became DND's preferred anti-malaria drug until 2107. Families have been destroyed. Lives have been upended and lost to suicide.

The impact of the mefloquine Somali affair should have been investigated. While our allies have shown compassion and support for their soldiers impacted by this drug, the Liberal government prefers to meet our veterans in court.

The Somali affair is a painful chapter of our history. Our veterans all Canadians deserve to know the truth. This is one apology for which the Liberals refuse to take responsibility.

Hull Volunteer CentreStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Greg Fergus Liberal Hull—Aylmer, QC

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the excellent work done by the Centre d'action bénévole de Hull, which is celebrating 25 years of service in my riding, Hull—Aylmer.

Delivering meals to people's homes, driving them to appointments and hosting tax clinics are just a few of the ways this organization is improving the lives of thousands of residents. The centre has always found ways to innovate to meet people's needs. Through its work on the ground with vulnerable seniors, the centre helps combat social isolation and the loneliness felt by too many seniors.

Above all, I want to thank the centre for promoting volunteerism in our community and across Quebec. We are inspired and empowered by its enthusiasm.

Best wishes and happy anniversary to the centre.

Global Entrepreneurship WeekStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Ali Ehsassi Liberal Willowdale, ON

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate Global Entrepreneurship Week. This initiative is hosted by Futurpreneur, a uniquely Canadian success story that has supported the creation of well over 11,000 Canadian businesses since its inception. Global Entrepreneurship Week celebrates entrepreneurs as the backbone of the Canadian economy. They are a driving force for innovation, job creation and prosperity from coast to coast to coast.

We know that our entrepreneurs have been particularly hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, but we also know that they will prove instrumental in our mission to build back better. The entrepreneurial spirit of Canadians remains unflappable, contributing to our culture, economy and local identity. In small towns and big cities across the country, entrepreneurs are still launching new businesses, revitalizing main streets and creating jobs and economic opportunity.

I invite all colleagues to join me in recognizing Global Entrepreneurship Week and thanking Futurpreneur Canada for its peerless work in supporting innovators and risk takers throughout our beautiful country.

TourismStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Conservative

Tony Baldinelli Conservative Niagara Falls, ON

Mr. Speaker, yesterday I was able to attend virtually the Annual Tourism Congress hosted by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada. Over 2,400 travel and tourism professionals registered to take part, and much of what was discussed centred on the need for additional and tailored supports from the federal government.

Since the start of this pandemic, our Conservative opposition has been asking the Liberal government to present a sector-specific travel and tourism recovery plan. Nine months later, the government has still not taken any action. The absence of a dedicated sector-specific tourism recovery plan is an abject failure of the Liberal government.

Destination Canada's own state of the industry report from October stated: “We need to help provide a light at the end of the tunnel.” This is a call for action. The tourism sector and, more importantly, Canada's travel and tourism workers want to get back to work and do so safely. They are looking to Parliament for timely and critical solutions. Now is the time to deliver.

TourismStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Liberal

The Speaker Liberal Anthony Rota

Before continuing, I want to remind the hon. members that statements are being made. It is nice to see that social distancing is taking place, but it does not mean they have to talk loudly and drown out the person who is trying to speak. I just want to remind them and the people I am speaking to are not listening, so I am going to say it again and hopefully someone will point them out. Thank you.

The hon. member for Winnipeg North.

COVID-19 Emergency ResponseStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Liberal

Kevin Lamoureux Liberal Winnipeg North, MB

Mr. Speaker, the Government of Canada is focused on minimizing the negative impact of the coronavirus. The second wave is upon us here in Canada, and the government continues to work together with many different stakeholders, whether provinces, territories, indigenous leaders or many others who are making a difference. That is how we are going to ensure that we minimize the impact of the coronavirus.

In the Senate, we have legislation that is about to pass that would deal with an extension of the wage subsidy program, which continues to protect millions of jobs. There are so many things that we can still be doing. We are looking for all interested parties to get on board to be a part of a team Canada approach to defeating the coronavirus.

FirearmsStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Conservative

Bob Saroya Conservative Markham—Unionville, ON

Mr. Speaker, gun crimes in the GTA are out of control. Dante Andreatta, a 12-year-old boy, was caught in the crossfire of a gang-related shooting. He lost his life walking home from the grocery store with his mother.

The number of criminals with total disregard for human life is growing. The Toronto Police are reporting more shooting deaths this year. They are six incidents away from an all-time high. The time to act on gun crime is now.

My bill, Bill C-238, is one of the ways we can fight gun crime fuelled by smuggled guns. It would keep dangerous criminals behind bars for longer, and make it more difficult to get bail. That is just part of the solution. Unfortunately, statistics on victims of shootings are not part of the Liberal government's agenda.

Solidarity in Richmond—ArthabaskaStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Conservative

Alain Rayes Conservative Richmond—Arthabaska, QC

Mr. Speaker, today I want to take a moment to commend the sense of unity in my riding during this very difficult time.

The Bois-Francs—Érable chamber of commerce and industry and the Des Sources chamber of commerce and entrepreneurship, among others, have launched a gift certificate fundraiser for local businesses in partnership with Desjardins. Another massive campaign has been launched on social media to encourage local restaurant owners.

In Saint-Camille a crowdfunding campaign was held to support the cultural sector and seniors in the Des Sources RCM and Bas-Saint-François.

There are hundreds of initiatives like these in my region, and across the country, I am sure.

I applaud everyone who is rolling up their sleeves and being so generous and supportive during this difficult time. I want to thank them from the bottom of my heart.

CorrectionsStatements By Members

2:20 p.m.

NDP

Leah Gazan NDP Winnipeg Centre, MB

Mr. Speaker, carceral institutions with populations primarily from BIPOC communities violate the fundamental human rights of incarcerated persons, and the pandemic has made it even worse. Federal and provincial institutions in Manitoba are in a public health crisis, dealing with multiple COVID-19 outbreaks, including 27 cases reported yesterday at a women's correctional centre.

The Elizabeth Fry Society of Manitoba has been calling on governments to improve access for families and outside supports and to release youths, individuals who are immunocompromised, those on remand or those imprisoned for administrative reasons.

The right to adequate conditions for health and well-being is recognized in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Incarcerated women have the right to health, safety and security of the person. This guarantee is enshrined in our Charter. Women currently being housed in these institutions are grandmothers, mothers, sisters and aunties. The government needs to listen to families and organizations to ensure their safety.

Social Economy Organization in Salaberry—SuroîtStatements By Members

2:20 p.m.

Bloc

Claude DeBellefeuille Bloc Salaberry—Suroît, QC

Mr. Speaker, I want to highlight the 50th anniversary of the Centre du partage, a social enterprise that is very important to the community of Salaberry—Suroît.

In 1970, Sister Jeanne Laperle, with the support of Sisters Claire and Blandine, devoted her efforts to the mission of sharing. They believed that people's generosity would generate mutual support and solidarity.

By managing a large thrift store, the Centre du partage helps others while also promoting the environmental objective of reusing our goods. In 2019 alone, almost $200,000 was donated to other local organizations by the Centre du partage.

I also commend the contribution of Lucie Hallé Lévesque, who managed the organization for more than 20 years, and the entire management team, including Francine Leith Miron and Johanne Viger, as well as the many volunteers carrying on the work of the Sisters of Our Lady of Good Counsel.

Long live the Centre du partage.

Foreign AffairsStatements By Members

2:20 p.m.

Conservative

Jeremy Patzer Conservative Cypress Hills—Grasslands, SK

The decision to ban Huawei from deploying 5G should be an easy one for the government. Our closest allies in the Five Eyes have all banned Huawei from their networks. We are the only ones who have not. Next door, the U.S., our most important trading partner and military ally, banned Huawei for national defence and security reasons, yet the Liberals are holding out as if they are buying time.

First, they were going to decide before the election, and then it was after the election. Over a year has gone by, and there is still no decision, but we have seen their delaying tactics before. If the Liberals do not want to take responsibility or stand up for something, they choose death by delay: energy projects, the Teck Frontier mine and illegal train blockades that held industry hostage are examples.

If the Liberals hope to deal with the Chinese government by using a weak tactic that causes suffering here at home, they need a reality check. This ruthless regime has a long record of breaching security and stealing intellectual property, and that was before 5G. The Prime Minister needs to stop wasting time, take a firm stance and say no to Huawei.

Retirement CongratulationsStatements By Members

2:20 p.m.

Liberal

Francis Scarpaleggia Liberal Lac-Saint-Louis, QC

Mr. Speaker, I have rarely met an elected representative at any level of government as attuned to the interests and concerns of her constituents as Maria Tutino.

Last week, Maria embarked on a well-deserved retirement from public life after serving the good people of Baie-D'Urfé for a decade and a half. Maria led this picturesque and volunteer-driven community with an inspiring combination of vision, energy and personal connection to her fellow citizens.

Maria's leadership also extended well beyond the town. She helped defend the interests of the wider collection of West Island municipalities in the transition period following the 2004 municipal demergers in Quebec. She also poured her trademark dedication into the Train de l'Ouest campaign for better commuter rail service to downtown Montreal that eventually led to the REM light rail project.

We thank Maria and congratulate her on a job well done.

HealthOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

Durham Ontario

Conservative

Erin O'Toole ConservativeLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, experts are raising alarms about the government's plan to distribute a COVID vaccine. We do not have the freezer capacity. We have signed deals that mean other nations, like the United States, will receive millions of doses before a single Canadian does.

When can Canadians expect to see a real plan for COVID vaccine distribution from the government?

HealthOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

Papineau Québec

Liberal

Justin Trudeau LiberalPrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, Canadians know that the best way to get through this COVID crisis is with vaccines. That is why we have been working since the summer on signing deals with a record number of companies around the world to ensure that wherever or however someone gets the right vaccine, it will be available in Canada.

We are actually positioned better than just about any other country in the world in terms of access to a robust portfolio of vaccines because we took leadership as a government and got it done. We are also ensuring that we are going to be able to distribute those vaccines as they become available across Canada. Canadians can count on us.

HealthOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

Durham Ontario

Conservative

Erin O'Toole ConservativeLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister said they have signed a record number of deals. The minister told the committee that they have signed freezer contracts, but she will not say who got the contracts or how much. Maybe Frank Baylis makes freezers.

Officials said that the Public Health Agency would be responsible for the logistics of handling and distributing the vaccine, but we cannot get a clear answer on that either.

Why is the Prime Minister refusing to reveal key information to Canadians, who need to know about the availability and distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine?

HealthOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

Papineau Québec

Liberal

Justin Trudeau LiberalPrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, the number one question I get from Canadians these days, and actually over the past nine or 10 months, has been this: When is this all going to be over? How much longer are we going to have to go through this? That is what Canadians want to know.

Of course, now that we see there are vaccines on the horizon, people are very excited about it. What I can tell the House is that we are in for a number of more months of needing to do the right things before these vaccines start landing anywhere around the world.

That is why we are working very hard to make sure that Canadians get those vaccines the right way and properly. We are working very hard on a range of different vaccine delivery methods, and we will be there to support Canadians.

HealthOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

Durham Ontario

Conservative

Erin O'Toole ConservativeLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, after obfuscation and after prorogation, the number one question I get when I travel around Canada is this: When will the Prime Minister finally answer a question and be transparent with Canadians? The distribution, he said, would be by the military. The government's distribution story keeps changing. Perhaps it has hired a storyteller.

The Minister of Public Services and Procurement said that she is waiting on Health Canada's approval for any vaccine. Pfizer applied for emergency approvals in the United States. We know that Health Canada's delays on rapid tests led to problems.

Will the Prime Minister commit today to rapid vaccine approval?

HealthOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

Papineau Québec

Liberal

Justin Trudeau LiberalPrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, I can tell the House that when I speak with Canadians from coast to coast to coast, they are not asking me about QP. They are asking me about COVID. That is continuing to be what we are working on as our entire focus.

Every step of the way, whether it has been in stepping up on PPE or stepping up on testing and, indeed, on rapid testing, which we have delivered to the provinces, with the provinces now evaluating how they want to deploy it, we have been there to deliver all of these things that Canadians need. We will be there to deliver on vaccines, as we have had their backs in every other way during this pandemic.

Official LanguagesOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

Durham Ontario

Conservative

Erin O'Toole ConservativeLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, Chelsea Craig is the Quebec president of the Liberal Party of Canada.

Ms. Craig recently called Bill 101 oppressive. The Liberals continue to flout Bill 101, 43 years after it was adopted. Why do Liberal leaders continue to undermine French in Quebec?