House of Commons Hansard #24 of the 43rd Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was peoples.

Topics

Citizenship ActGovernment Orders

1:40 p.m.

NDP

Heather McPherson NDP Edmonton Strathcona, AB

Mr. Speaker, I also will be supporting this bill, and I am happy it is coming forward.

I wanted to thank the member opposite for his comments today and for some of the interventions we have seen from colleagues on both sides of the House. One thing I did want to highlight is that, as we have heard, there have only been 10 of the 94 calls to action implemented so far, and that all happened before 2018. Since 2018, zero have been accomplished.

We should look at the fact that even this small change, which is very important and which I am very supportive of, has taken an astonishing five years to make happen. The government continues to drag out reconciliation efforts. It continues to demonstrate its failure to establish a successful nation-to-nation relationship. I am wondering what the member can say about the fact that it has taken five years to do only this one piece of those 94 recommendations and how he would speak to indigenous populations, who obviously do not see this as a true meaningful relationship.

Citizenship ActGovernment Orders

1:40 p.m.

Liberal

Marco Mendicino Liberal Eglinton—Lawrence, ON

Mr. Speaker, my hon. colleague will get no resistance from me, nor from anybody on this side of the House, saying that there is still a long way to go. As part of my mandate I was asked to contribute to reconciliation by tabling this legislation. As I said, it had been introduced in the last Parliament, it was introduced in the last session and I hope that she will see, by my retabling it at this time, a genuine commitment to do my part, within the context of my portfolio, to take the step that is necessary to educate new Canadians.

I will say, having participated in many citizenship ceremonies, even virtually throughout COVID, that there is a real opportunity there to inculcate and to educate people, as they become part of the Canadian family, about the importance of our relationship with indigenous peoples. This law would achieve that objective.

Citizenship ActGovernment Orders

1:40 p.m.

Conservative

Marty Morantz Conservative Charleswood—St. James—Assiniboia—Headingley, MB

Mr. Speaker, the original TRC recommendation 94 was worded differently than the recommendation in the bill. Could the hon. member comment on why there is a difference? Why did he not just use the original wording from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report?

Citizenship ActGovernment Orders

1:40 p.m.

Liberal

Marco Mendicino Liberal Eglinton—Lawrence, ON

Mr. Speaker, as my friend will have heard throughout my remarks, we engaged in extensive consultations with indigenous leadership and communities, going back to 2016. We believe that the language that we have put forward in this bill is most inclusive of first nations, Inuit and Métis experiences. Of course, we are looking forward to having the committee study this bill, where I know there will be ongoing debate, but certainly the product of the language that has been put forward is very much consistent with the consultations, which were extensive leading up to this point.

Citizenship ActGovernment Orders

1:40 p.m.

NDP

Jenny Kwan NDP Vancouver East, BC

Mr. Speaker, this bill before us has been in the making for five years. Back in 2016 the former minister, John McCallum, introduced Bill C-6, and at that point I made an amendment to bring in this change to that act. It did not pass. It did not get through the system, and so here we are, five years later, and it has taken the government this long to get to this place.

So, given this is where we are, there is a real serious question as to how the Canadian public and newcomers can take the government seriously with respect to reconciliation for indigenous peoples. As well, I am wondering what the minister is doing to ensure that newcomers have access to information so that they can learn about the history and internalize that history, so they can fully respect the human rights of indigenous peoples.

Citizenship ActGovernment Orders

1:45 p.m.

Liberal

Marco Mendicino Liberal Eglinton—Lawrence, ON

Mr. Speaker, I want to begin by thanking my hon. colleague for her advocacy, which I have come to experience on a very frequent basis. I appreciate it very much.

Certainly, with regard to this bill, I agree with my hon. colleague that we hopefully will pass this legislation as quickly as possible. I would encourage her to urge all of her colleagues and all members on the opposite side to support it so that it can become law. We also do need a concurrent strategy to educate and to really create as much transparency about the reason for the change. I think that is work that she will find a willing partner in.

With regard to the other parts of her question, we have made progress with regard to ensuring that indigenous peoples get access to safe water, as well as education and health services, and that work will continue.

Citizenship ActGovernment Orders

1:45 p.m.

Conservative

Raquel Dancho Conservative Kildonan—St. Paul, MB

Mr. Speaker, I have a question about the wording of the new proposed oath. When I was consulting with indigenous leaders in Manitoba, they raised some questions about why the word “aboriginal” was used in the Liberal proposed oath, whereas the Truth and Reconciliation Commission used the word “indigenous”.

I am looking for some clarity there and about the more appropriate terms we use today versus yesterday, so to speak.

Citizenship ActGovernment Orders

1:45 p.m.

Liberal

Marco Mendicino Liberal Eglinton—Lawrence, ON

Mr. Speaker, a variation of the same question was asked earlier. As I mentioned, this language is the product of extensive consultation with indigenous leaders and communities that goes back to 2016. We believe it reflects the spirit of those consultations. This bill will go to committee to be studied, where I am sure it will hear additional evidence, and afterward we will look forward to receiving a report back from committee.

The most important thing is that we pass this legislation into law as quickly as possible. I certainly hope that my colleague posing the question will see fit to support it.

Citizenship ActGovernment Orders

1:45 p.m.

Conservative

The Deputy Speaker Conservative Bruce Stanton

Before we go to the hon. member for Kildonan—St. Paul to resume debate, I will let her know there are only about 11 to 12 minutes remaining in the time for Government Orders before we get to the time for members' statements and question period, so I will interrupt her in the usual way. Of course, she will have the remaining time when the House next gets back to debate on the question.

Resuming debate, the hon. member for Kildonan—St. Paul.

Citizenship ActGovernment Orders

1:45 p.m.

Conservative

Raquel Dancho Conservative Kildonan—St. Paul, MB

Mr. Speaker, I would like to begin by stating I am delivering my remarks on Treaty No. 1 territory and in the homeland of the Métis nation here in Manitoba.

As a Canadian and as a member of Parliament, I deeply respect the oath of citizenship of Canada. The proposed Liberal amendment to the Citizenship Act is something to which Conservatives have given much thought and consideration. The amendment under debate today represents a historic step forward in Canada’s relationship with its indigenous peoples and an important component of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's calls to action.

In my remarks, I will discuss my personal experiences with indigenous history and the Canadian oath of citizenship. I will also highlight the profound significance of the purpose of the words in the oath of citizenship and the equally profound significance of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. I will also include discussions on the contrasting Conservative and Liberal positions on these important matters. In conclusion, I believe Bill C-8 importantly and necessarily elevates the recognition of the rights of indigenous peoples and our treaties with them to the institutionally symbolic affirmation of patriotism and loyalty that is our oath of citizenship.

I want to begin by sharing that my personal journey of understanding the realities faced by indigenous peoples and their history in Canada did not really begin in a fulsome way until later in my life, whereas today children are learning about indigenous history much earlier in their education. Frankly, the only learning experience I had before adulthood about indigenous history came in high school when I first learned of Helen Betty Osborne, the 19-year-old Cree woman who lived in The Pas, Manitoba, where she was abducted, beaten, stabbed over 50 times with a screwdriver and killed. It took 16 years to solve her case and it was later found that racism, sexism and indifference from those who had power over her case were the cause of the 16-year delay in justice. The provincial government of Manitoba formally apologized for this injustice in 2000.

Following this experience, I went on to study political science at McGill University and the University of Manitoba. During that time, my understanding of Canadian indigenous history was further expanded. I was fortunate to study under Professor Niigaan Sinclair, who happens to be the son of Senator Murray Sinclair, the chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Although our policies and politics do not always align, I learned a great deal from Professor Sinclair about indigenous history and took advantage of Canada’s largest native studies faculty located at the University of Manitoba.

Shortly before the completion of my undergraduate degree, I realized I had sufficient credits to graduate with a Canadian history minor, save for one issue. The McGill criteria for Canadian history did not permit the inclusion of native studies as part of the Canadian history minor requirements. I felt that this was an injustice considering native studies is, of course, the study of Canadian history. As a result, I made the formal request to McGill University to change its requirements to consider native studies as Canadian history. It agreed, and I graduated with a Canadian history minor, and it is my expectation that McGill students have been permitted to do the same ever since.

I mention these events because they had a profound impact on me as a young woman. They laid bare just how far Canada and its institutions must travel on this journey of reconciliation. The inclusion of 19 additional words through Bill C-8 to our country’s short but profound oath of citizenship is another important step on this important journey.

That is why Conservatives will be supporting this bill. I have had very positive experiences with the oath of citizenship. In fact, those experiences stand out in memory with their deeply historic Canadian traditions and all the pomp and circumstance that comes with them.

I will never forget the first citizenship ceremony I ever witnessed. It was a very hot summer day in Manitoba, and I was attending the ceremony as the head aide for the Manitoba minister of culture. The ceremony was officiated by Dwight MacAulay, the former chief of protocol of the Manitoba legislature. He spoke so eloquently to the soon-to-be Canadian citizens about the significance of Canadian citizenship and the hope it provided to all of them in their new role as citizens of Canada.

The people there were of many different ages, races and religions, and they were absolutely beaming with pride to be there on this very special day. Some even shed tears of joy after they had taken the oath of citizenship. I remember feeling very patriotic in that moment. To that point, citizenship was something I had really taken for granted, having always had it, but I felt very fortunate I was able to witness such a profound moment in the lives of those new Canadian citizens.

As we debate changing the oath of citizenship today, I believe it is important for us to recognize the rich history of Canada’s Westminster-style democracy to provide context to its sanctity of the oath and the profound importance it has on Canadian culture. It is deeply symbolic and rooted in customs and traditions that have evolved since the first English Parliament was convened in 1215 with the creation and signing of the Magna Carta. Canadian democracy and the freedoms and stability we enjoy are a result of over 800 years of development of our governing institutions. As a result, our customs and traditions are deeply embedded in the fabric of what it means to be Canadian.

That is why the second reading debate today on BillC-8,, an act to amend the Citizenship Act, Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's call to action number 94, is so important.

The oath of allegiance makes up the first portion of our oath of citizenship. The oath of allegiance is taken by all those who wish to become judges, policemen and women, members of the Canadian Armed Forces, people who have been elected to serve in Parliament and provincial legislatures and others.

What is the oath of allegiance? It is a powerful, historical, solemn declaration of fealty to the Canadian monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, who is the personification of the Canadian state. The oath we use in Canada has roots in the oath taken in the United Kingdom, which was first implemented in 1689 by King William II.

I recently took the oath of allegiance to the Queen as part of the process to be officially sworn in as a Canadian member of Parliament. It was a short, but hugely symbolic phrase that reminded me of the serious obligations and responsibilities I was about to assume. I rested my hand on a bible and swore under my name, “that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second.” When Members of Parliament swear these words, we are swearing allegiance to the institutions the Queen represents, which includes our Westminster-style democracy and when we swear the oath, we are pledging to conduct ourselves in the best interests of Canada. Our obligation as MPs to swear this oath of allegiance dates back to the Constitution Act of 1867.

However, the oath of citizenship, which was adapted from the oath of allegiance, came as a mandatory requirement for citizens many years later. It was not until 1946 that Canada’s House of Commons passed the Canadian Citizenship Act, which officially established the creation of Canadian citizenship. Interestingly, the oath of citizenship in Canada only became law when the Citizenship Act was amended in 1977, which was 110 years after Confederation, and it marked the introduction of the symbolic affirmation of patriotism and loyalty into our oath of citizenship.

Bill C-8 represents the first change to our oath of citizenship in over 40 years. Given the history and symbolic significance I have just highlighted, this amendment to the citizenship oath is, to put it plainly, a very big deal. In sum, the oath of citizenship connects new Canadians to our constitutional monarch, who embodies our governing institutions in a timeless way and by doing so, it brings people into the historic Canadian identity.

The oath of citizenship, in its current form, is as follows:

I swear (or affirm)
That I will be faithful
And bear true allegiance
To Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second
Queen of Canada
Her Heirs and Successors
And that I will faithfully observe
The laws of Canada
And fulfil my duties
As a Canadian citizen.

Bill C-8 would add 19 words to our oath. Should the bill pass, the oath of citizenship will be as follows, “I swear (or affirm) that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, Queen of Canada, Her Heirs and Successors, and that I will faithfully observe the laws of Canada, including the Constitution, which recognizes and affirms the Aboriginal and treaty rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples, and fulfil my duties as a Canadian citizen.”

By including the historic amendment to include indigenous and treaty rights in our oath of citizenship, it elevates and signifies the inherent dignity of Indigenous peoples and the agreements that were made with them. It informs newcomers of the Canadian commitment to both our national duty and allegiance to the Queen of Canada as well as our commitment to truth and reconciliation with indigenous peoples.

Given our discussion today on Bill C-8, it is of course important that we include mention of the purpose of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, which was activated by former prime minister Stephen Harper and organized by those involved with the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement.

The purpose of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission was to document the historical impact and the lasting legacy of the Canadian Indian residential school system on the indigenous peoples of Canada. There were more than 130 residential schools in Canada and 150,000 first nations, Métis and Inuit children were subjected to them. Seven generations of indigenous Canadians were impacted by residential schools.

More than 6000 witnesses were interviewed during the commission. Their stories shared the horrors and abuse, including sexual abuse, that was inflicted on them during their time in residential schools. We have learned that 3,200 children died of tuberculosis, malnutrition and other diseases while attending these schools. Many indigenous parents were never informed of the deaths of their children. For those parents, their children were simply taken from them, never to be seen again. The last residential school in Canada closed in 1996.

The mandate of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission was as its name is: telling the truth about what happened to indigenous peoples in Canada, notably the horrific abuse and forced cultural assimilation of indigenous children in residential schools as well as the failure of over 150 years of federal governments to fulfill treaties rights that were agreed to in partnership with indigenous peoples in good faith.

Senator Murray Sinclair has said that the process of reconciliation follows and involves educating the broader Canadian public on that truth and asking the public to accept that there are more things that need to be done to reconcile with Indigenous peoples. Through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, we understand that residential schools are one of the defining factors of why indigenous people continue to suffer disproportionately in Canada. One in four indigenous persons lives in poverty and 40% of indigenous children live in poverty.

The 2016 Canadian census found that over 33% of indigenous Canadians did not have a high school education or equivalent certificate compared to 18% of the rest of Canada's population. Further, indigenous people have historically faced much higher unemployment rates than non-indigenous Canadians. Moreover, the number of indigenous people in federal prisons has never been higher, with more than 30% of all federal inmates identifying as indigenous despite making up only 4.3% of the Canadian population.

Tragically, suicide rates are five to seven times higher for first nations youth compared to non-indigenous youth and the situation is even more dire for Inuit youth, who have the highest suicide rates in the world, 11 times higher than the Canadian national average. It is unbelievable, actually. In fact, suicide and self-inflicted injuries are the leading cause of death for first nations youth and adults up to 44 years old. Shamefully, in Canada, women and girls are twelve times more likely to go missing or be murdered than other Canadian women.

When considering these statistics and many others, it is clear that the policies put forth by centuries of governments have failed indigenous Canadians. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission is a significant, symbolic and historic effort to move past the “Ottawa knows best” approach, to speak and hear directly from survivors of failed government policies and to learn about their experiences and implement their solutions for building a better Canada for all.

Citizenship ActGovernment Orders

2 p.m.

Conservative

The Deputy Speaker Conservative Bruce Stanton

The hon. member for Kildonan—St. Paul has about eight and a half minutes remaining for her remarks. Then she will have the usual 10 minutes for questions and comments thereafter.

Nuclear WeaponsStatements by Members

2 p.m.

Green

Elizabeth May Green Saanich—Gulf Islands, BC

Mr. Speaker, we achieved a historic milestone last month on the road to global peace and security. The 50th nation ratified and tabled its documents for the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. With the 50th ratification from the state of Honduras, the treaty will enter into force legally on January 22.

Shamefully, it enters into force without Canada. I so hope that our country will step up as we did on the Ottawa land mines process and stand up against weapons of mass destruction, sign and ratify, so Canada can join New Zealand, Costa Rica and many other countries in standing up for world peace in this 75th anniversary year since Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

I thank the people at the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons. We support their work.

Albert LevyStatements by Members

2 p.m.

Liberal

Pat Finnigan Liberal Miramichi—Grand Lake, NB

Mr. Speaker, wela'lin. It is with great sadness that I rise to mark the peaceful passing of Albert Levy. Albert not only served as chief of Elsipogtog First Nation for 26 years, but was also a loving husband and father, an advocate for education, a successful entrepreneur and an avid sportsman.

In the 1960s, he became a professional wrestler, under the name of Chief Young Eagle, and went on to be a well-known hockey and baseball coach. He was a recipient of the Order of Canada and he received an honorary law degree from Mount Allison University.

Albert advanced his community in many ways, and is responsible for much of the infrastructure that exists there today. I am sure his community will never forget his important legacy.

I want to express my deepest sympathy to Albert's family and the community of Elsipogtog.

RouleauvilleStatements by Members

2 p.m.

Conservative

Greg McLean Conservative Calgary Centre, AB

Mr. Speaker, the history book Rouleauville, the Cradle of Calgary (1899-1907) is being launched today on the 121st anniversary of the incorporation of the village of Rouleauville.

The book launch is taking place right now at Rouleau Residence. I would like to recognize the hard work put in by Suzanne de Courville Nicol and her team on this book.

A few weeks ago, on September 14, the City of Calgary designated Rouleau Residence a historic resource. The village of Rouleau is named after Judge Charles-Borromée Rouleau and his brother, Dr. Édouard-Hector Rouleau. Dr. Rouleau's youngest son, Henry Joseph Rouleau, fought at Passchendaele and Vimy in World War I. He was killed in action on September 13, 1917, and is buried in Calais.

Lest we forget.

James ChoiStatements by Members

2 p.m.

Liberal

Ken Hardie Liberal Fleetwood—Port Kells, BC

Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that we learned over the weekend of the death of Corporal James Choi in an accident during a training exercise at CFB Wainwright in Alberta.

Corporal Choi served with the Royal Westminster Regiment, part of the 3rd Canadian Division, 39 Canadian Brigade Group based in New Westminster. He joined the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry for the training exercise.

When tragedies like this happen and our armed forces mourn one of their own, we are reminded of the perils always faced by the men and women like Corporal Choi, skilled and dedicated, who serve Canada. In war time and in peace, they put themselves in harm's way and risk the ultimate sacrifice.

Let us all embrace Corporal Choi's family and loved ones in their time of immeasurable loss and grief. On behalf of all Canadians, we will be there for them today and always in care, in support and in gratitude.

Freedom of SpeechStatements by Members

2 p.m.

Bloc

Yves-François Blanchet Bloc Beloeil—Chambly, QC

Mr. Speaker, this message is for Emmanuel Macron, the President of the French Republic.

Mr. President, by virtue of the privilege entrusted to me by the voters of Quebec, I want to say know that we stand in solidarity with you, and we wish you courage in the face of the attacks that Islamic terrorism continues to inflict on our sister country, France.

I do not claim to speak on behalf of all Quebeckers within the Canadian Parliament, but I do speak on behalf of most of my fellow citizens when I encourage you to remain brave and faithful to your values of liberty, fraternity and equality.

The Quebec National Assembly, meanwhile, has voted unanimously to unequivocally support the cause you are defending despite the major conflicts threatening you, while respecting the traditions of generous hospitality that characterize both of our respective nations. The party I represent wants to unequivocally distance itself from the renunciation of our values of freedom and secularism and from the serious lack of courage expressed by the Prime Minister of Canada regarding the scope of free speech.

We wholeheartedly believe that great nations know how to use the voices and bodies of their people as a shield to ensure the equality, liberty and security of every citizen.

The future will prove you right. Quebec will stand by you.

Diabetes Awareness MonthStatements by Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Sonia Sidhu Liberal Brampton South, ON

Mr. Speaker, this November is the first-ever Diabetes Awareness Month in Canada. Eleven million Canadians have diabetes or prediabetes, and many have had a challenging time during COVID-19.

Diabetes has serious consequences and impacts on our health care system. I want to recognize organizations, like Diabetes Canada, JDRF, CNA and CINA, who do the great work for diabetes.

Not only is it Diabetes Awareness Month, but next year marks the 100th anniversary of the discovery of insulin in Canada. We must do better, and we need a national framework. We brought insulin to the world. Why can we not be a global leader in diabetes treatment as well?

In the previous Parliament, I was proud to bring forward a motion to mark November as Diabetes Awareness Month. I hope all members will join me in raising awareness for diabetes. Together we can extinguish the torch at Banting House in London and defeat diabetes.

Westend Seniors Activity CentreStatements by Members

2:05 p.m.

Conservative

Kelly McCauley Conservative Edmonton West, AB

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize the incredible work of the Westend Seniors Activity Centre located in my riding. Led by Dr. Haidong Liang, the centre's dedicated staff and volunteers serve over 3,200 seniors across the city. Always a centre of excellence for serving seniors, it has been their work during the pandemic that has placed them head and shoulders above the rest.

Moving quickly from in-house to online and outreach, Haidong himself hosted an eight-week fitness program for seniors among the 40 courses offered online. They obtained bulk PPE and made it available for sale at cost. They made over 7,000 calls to shut-ins to ensure that those in isolation heard a friendly voice. They started a frozen meal program, making healthy low-cost meals for delivery right to seniors' homes.

I have always said the Westend Seniors is the best seniors centre in western Canada. Haidong and his team make it very easy to fact-check that this is true.

Lieutenant-General William Keir CarrStatements by Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Karen McCrimmon Liberal Kanata—Carleton, ON

Mr. Speaker, it is with both honour and sadness that I rise in the House today to inform my fellow parliamentarians and all Canadians about the passing of Lieutenant-General William Keir Carr.

With a list of accomplishments and sacrifices far too long to list today, General Carr was a true Canadian hero. In World War II, he flew Spitfires out of both the United Kingdom and Malta, and ultimately earned the Distinguished Flying Cross.

A commander of the Order of Military Merit and a member of Canada's Aviation Hall of Fame, he has been and will remain an inspiration to many, including me.

On behalf of all Canadians, I want to pay tribute to General Carr for his service and outstanding leadership.

I offer my heartfelt condolences to family and friends. May General Carr rest in peace.

Canadians of African DescentStatements by Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Andy Fillmore Liberal Halifax, NS

Mr. Speaker, Canada's participation in the transatlantic slave trade and enslavement of African people is a stain on our country's history, the effects of which persist today as systemic racism in our society and in our institutions continues to harm Black Canadians.

In 2016, during an official visit to Canada, the United Nations working group of experts on people of African descent recommended that the Government of Canada “recognize African Canadians as a distinct group who have made and continue to make profound economic, political, social, cultural, and spiritual contributions to Canada” and “Issue an apology and consider reparations for enslavement and historical injustices”.

Later today, I will be presenting a petition to the House initiated by the African Nova Scotian Decade for People of African Descent Coalition, calling on the government to act on these recommendations and to recognize August 1 as emancipation day annually. It is my sincere hope that all hon. members will support these important measures.

Canada's VeteransStatements by Members

2:10 p.m.

Conservative

Lianne Rood Conservative Lambton—Kent—Middlesex, ON

Mr. Speaker, 80 years ago, Canada was at war. Canadian soldiers, sailors and air crew fought to guarantee that Canada would remain strong and free.

My grandmother, Helen Jamrozinski, fled Poland with her parents and siblings to seek refuge from Communist Stalin and the Russians. Because Canadians fought, she survived to find freedom and make a home in Canada. She has been telling her story to generations of schoolchildren. In the Netherlands, my dad's family was liberated from Nazi occupation by Canadians. Later, they also made their home here in Canada.

My family owes its very existence to Canadians who fought in World War II. Some 45,000 made the ultimate sacrifice. We remember them as we remember all of those who gave up their lives for our freedoms in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Gulf War, in Afghanistan and across the world keeping the peace.

On behalf of myself, my family and my constituents of Lambton—Kent—Middlesex to the legionnaires and all Canadian veterans, we say a very grateful thanks.

Status of WomenStatements by Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Hedy Fry Liberal Vancouver Centre, BC

Mr. Speaker, it has recently come to public attention that the Conservative Party is paying for anti-abortion advertising on Vancouver public transit. Women's History Month ended on Saturday. It is disheartening to see the official opposition actively attempt to limit the reproductive rights of Canadian women.

The Leader of the Opposition claims to be a defender of the rights of Canadians, yet he continues to support the member for Hastings—Lennox and Addington and many others in his caucus who deny a woman's right to choose what happens to her body. The opposition leader must remove these ads today and defend the rights of Canadian women.

Canada's VeteransStatements by Members

2:10 p.m.

Conservative

Glen Motz Conservative Medicine Hat—Cardston—Warner, AB

Mr. Speaker, November is a month for veterans and many veterans organizations like the Legions are struggling.

I am reminded of the poem “The Veteran”, which speaks this truth: “It is the veteran, not the preacher who has given us freedom of religion. It is the veteran, not the reporter who has given us freedom of the press. It is the veteran, not the poet who has given us freedom of speech. It is the veteran, not the campus organizer who has given us freedom to assemble. It is the veteran, not the lawyer who has given us the right to a fair trial. It is the veteran, not the politician who has given us the right to vote”.

We owe a debt that can never be repaid to veterans whose sacrifices and courage gave us our freedoms. I encourage Canadians from coast to coast to coast to give what they can to support our veterans and to support our Legions. Please buy and wear a poppy to remember and honour our veterans, and buy a mask from the Legions as well.

Lest we forget.

Human TraffickingStatements by Members

2:10 p.m.

Conservative

Rachael Thomas Conservative Lethbridge, AB

Mr. Speaker, 93% of Canada's trafficking victims come from right here within our country, and 50% of those are indigenous. Human trafficking is a gendered crime impacting women more than men. The perpetrators, in fact, are often men.

These victims are real people who have had their lives tragically altered. In 2012, the Conservative government launched a four-year national action plan to combat human trafficking. Instead of renewing federal funding to support victims of human trafficking by furthering this program, the so-called feminist Prime Minister, who sits across from me, decided that there are better places to spend money, like, for example, giving $200 million to a failing casino firm.

The Liberals' failure to adequately combat human trafficking, especially given how the pandemic has made it extremely difficult for these victims to find help, is absolutely disgraceful. These women and girls deserve to be seen. They deserve to have a voice. They deserve action.

My question is simple. When will the Prime Minister do the right thing and renew funding for this anti-trafficking program?

COVID-19 at Keeyask Generating StationStatements by Members

2:15 p.m.

NDP

Niki Ashton NDP Churchill—Keewatinook Aski, MB

Mr. Speaker, the COVID-19 pandemic is getting serious in Manitoba. Of major concern is the outbreak at the Keeyask work camp. Let us be clear. Manitoba Hydro had ample warning this could happen but ignored first nations, who have been calling for decisive action for months.

Manitoba Hydro has chosen to put its business decisions ahead of the health of their workers and the most vulnerable communities in this country. Manitoba Hydro must accept full responsibility for this outbreak. It must ensure the shutdown is done in full consultation with its partners and with full transparency for workers and their communities. Manitoba Hydro must pick up the costs of self-isolation for the many workers who have nowhere to safely self-isolate as they leave the camp not knowing whether they have COVID-19. Workers must be compensated.

The federal government must support first nations, hold Manitoba Hydro to account and work with first nations to fight this outbreak. There is no time to waste. Lives are at risk.