Debates of Nov. 3rd, 2020

Opposition Motion—Consequences of the Pandemic on Canadian Workers and Businesses

[Cathy McLeod, Conservative, Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo, BC]

Mr. Speaker, that is another great point. We know many small businesses are struggling. The Liberals talk about flexibility with respect to small business owners who use their Visas and right now the expenses do not count toward the rental program. I understand some improvements will be made. Hopefully, it will be much more flexible and beneficial to the landlord-tenant relationship. That will help the people involved in social enterprises. Absolutely, it is another area that speaks to that need. Business is so diverse that to create a program to meet those very diverse needs can sometimes be a challenge, but the government needs to be responsive and adapt as we go.

[Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe, Bloc, Lac-Saint-Jean, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I enjoyed the speech by my colleague from the Conservative Party.

We agree on one thing, which is that we want to work to help as many Quebeckers and Canadians as possible who are facing the pandemic right now, especially businesses.

However, we need to pay attention what is being done with that money. At the moment, neither the Liberals nor the Conservatives will answer us. The wage subsidy used by the wealthiest parties in Canada has not been paid back, even though the Conservative Party leader said during his leadership campaign that he would pay back the money that the Conservative Party had received through the wage subsidy and put in its coffers.

Does my hon. colleague believe the Conservative Party intends to pay that money back?

[Cathy McLeod, Conservative, Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo, BC]

Mr. Speaker, I know the wage subsidy program was critically important for so many in Kamloops. We heard that it was one of the most protective programs out there. I know there were many commitments from the different political parties regarding what they were going to do about that wage subsidy. It is certainly appropriate for every party to reflect on what it will to do next.

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

Mr. Speaker, the last time we were in an economic crisis was in 2008. The Conservative government at the time bailed out big banks and big corporations. As a small business owner who was struggling through that period of time, I remember calling my Conservative MP and getting no response. The only response I got from the Government of Canada was auditors wanting to audit my company. Therefore, I am really glad to see the Conservatives have had a watershed moment and are enlightened about small business.

The member talked about bike shops and some of the businesses in her riding that have had success through the pandemic. Some other businesses that have had success through the pandemic are big banks, Amazon and Netflix, which have done well. The pressure and incentive of the Liberals is not working to get them to pay their fair share. Does she not agree they need to ante up and the government needs to force them to do their part and pay their fair share to help out with the pandemic?

[Cathy McLeod, Conservative, Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo, BC]

Mr. Speaker, I recall issues differently with respect to the global crisis. It was a very different kind of crisis than what we face right now, where businesses have been absolutely shuttered. I remember many measures regarding tax rates for small business, red tape reduction and the creation of My Account with the Canada Revenue Agency, where The agency stood by the decisions it gave online.

Certainly, as Conservatives, we need to respect all our engines. We do not pick and choose. Small businesses, large businesses, oil companies, all engines will have to be firing to get us out of the very difficult situation we are in because of this pandemic.

[Stephanie Kusie, Conservative, Calgary Midnapore, AB]

Mr. Speaker, during the pandemic, I am very proud to host the Calgary Midnapore economic recovery task force. I was very proud to have 25 small business members from my riding contribute to that as well as the MLA for Calgary-Fish Creek, Richard Gotfried. Out of this study came some very discouraging news. Forty-seven per cent of small business owners were concerned about financially sustaining themselves beyond one year. Thirty-eight per cent of businesses had to lay off staff during the pandemic. Forty-two per cent of small businesses within my riding were concerned about paying operating expenses.

I wonder if the hon. member can share if she has heard such disturbing numbers relating to small businesses laying off staff and struggling to meet their operating expenses during this difficult time.

[Cathy McLeod, Conservative, Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo, BC]

Mr. Speaker, I do not believe there is anywhere in the country where people have been immune, and, quite frankly, anywhere in the world, from the serious and significant impacts of this. We need support for our small businesses. Even in Ottawa, many of us have restaurants we go to sometimes. When we talk to the owners, the rent they pay is astronomical. Their ability to survive without necessary supports will be a real challenge for their future.

This motion is calling for that support.

[Karen McCrimmon, Liberal, Kanata—Carleton, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I will be sharing my time today with the member for Winnipeg North

I am happy to participate in the debate on the Conservative motion from the member for Calgary Rocky Ridge. I am heartened to hear the calls for collaborative effort and working together. That is absolutely key.

I am going to talk a little about what our different regional development agencies will be doing to support small and medium-sized enterprises from coast to coast to coast, which is just one of the layers of support out there for small businesses.

In six different specific regions of the country, agencies work closely with businesses and innovators to fuel economic growth that creates those well-paying, middle-class jobs for Canadians. They apply a place-based, location-based lens to the overall direction of the government, as outlined in the innovation and skills plan, to advance and diversify regional economies and help communities thrive.

Let me talk a bit about each RDA, or each regional development agency, and why their mandates are specific to the needs of the regions they serve and why this is so important when it comes to confronting the challenges brought about this pandemic.

ACOA, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, will help businesses become more competitive, innovative and productive.

In Quebec we have Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, or CED. It guides Quebec businesses and the province’s regions toward the economy of tomorrow.

In the north, the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, or CanNor, helps to develop a diversified, sustainable and dynamic economy across Canada's three territories.

Ontario is covered by two separate RDAs. The Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, or FedDev, provides programs and services to support innovation and economic growth in southern Ontario, while the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario, or FedNor, supports businesses and community partners to build a stronger northern Ontario.

Then there is the regional development agency that serves the west. Western Economic Diversification Canada promotes the development and diversification of western Canada's economy and advances the interests of the west in national economic policy, programs and projects.

We do understand that the path to economic prosperity varies from region to region. Strong regional economies are essential for Canada’s success and its sustainability.

Strong regional economies are essential for Canada’s success and its sustainability.

That is why our regional development agencies are there to help businesses and innovators grow, succeed and create good jobs for Canadians.

RDA programs provide funds to companies, not-for-profits and communities. The idea is to foster the right environment to enable businesses to grow and entrepreneurs and innovators to start businesses and then have them succeed. This creates an ideal condition for the development of strong, dynamic and inclusive regional economies throughout the country. That is exactly what we need.

We support regional innovation ecosystems and help businesses scale-up. Even during these times, some businesses are scaling up. Some businesses were in a position to take advantage of the challenges out there and have overcome it. We want to help them.

The rest of the world is looking at the kinds of solutions that we in Canada can actually create, and we are helping those companies do just that. We provide financial assistance. We bring together key players. We have talked about collaborative efforts and how we connect all the people who need to be on the same page to help people move forward together.

We are going to have the kind of growth strategies that eliminate the regional gaps. We want everyone in Canada to be able to thrive, to make it through these challenging, unprecedented times and be in a position that will allow us to come back gangbusters once the worst of this is over.

A good example of the approach we are taking by helping SMEs is what we are doing through this economic epidemic. We are taking a regionally based approach and delivering what is called the regional relief and recovery fund program. We believe we need a layered approach and those at the local and regional levels are going to be the ones who understand where the support is most desperately needed.

We have invested over $1.5 billion nationally in this one program for regional economic development and it has seen an incredible take-up. Demand has been especially high in western Canada. This result has been a lifeline to more than 12,000 businesses, which have protected 95,000 jobs, 20,000 jobs in western Canada alone.

Looking at just Alberta, Western Economic Diversification Canada has provided $96 million in relief to over 1,700 small and medium-sized enterprises in that province and has helped protect more than 6,900 jobs. On all accounts, this is by far the highest volume of activity for the regional relief and recovery fund of any province in western Canada and, indeed, one of the highest across the country on a per capital basis. The numbers do tell an important story. The immediate impact is that this funding is ensuring Alberta keeps firms operating and helps them retain their workers, and the government takes immense pride in that.

Another important part of the regional relief and recovery fund is the response in rural communities, delivered through our partners at Community Futures organizations. Another Alberta example is that over 800 loan applications have been approved through Community Futures, translating to more than 3,600 jobs protected in rural Alberta. I am really pleased to say that nearly 60% of that support has been directed to under-represented communities, including women-owned, youth-owned and indigenous-owned businesses.

We have helped dozens of small businesses, even in the member's hometown. This is through direct and indirect support.

Here is a case in point. The University of Calgary is using a $250,000 regional relief and recovery fund contribution from Western Diversification. It is using it to enable Creative Destruction Lab-Rockies to help businesses mitigate the impacts of the pandemic and access capital to adapt their business models and develop innovative COVID-19 solutions.

We have the talent, the skills and what it takes to help businesses. The world is looking for solutions, and it is looking at us. For every one of the 95,000 jobs that has been preserved across Canada through this one program, we have saved many more, and who knows where those people would be tomorrow.

The RDAs are delivering other creative programs to support business people who are under-represented. Our message to companies and communities in regions across Canada is clear. We are here for them now and we will get through this together.

[Pat Kelly, Conservative, Calgary Rocky Ridge, AB]

Mr. Speaker, the member said quite a number of things that were, only by extension maybe, connected to the motion, which did have three specific points to it.

I would ask the member if she thinks that now, while small businesses are in an absolute fight for survival and are hanging on by a thread, is the appropriate time for onerous audits on the wage subsidy and if she sees how small businesses could take this as an implication that the government considers them to be tax cheats.

[Karen McCrimmon, Liberal, Kanata—Carleton, ON]

Mr. Speaker, it is a very challenging situation; there is no doubt about it in my mind. CRA is an arm's length kind of agency. We want it to do its work independently, and we think it is important that sometimes CRA can be supportive and helpful.

We could probably say to the CRA to try to be supportive and helpful instead of onerous, as the member suggested, but there are businesses out there that could use that kind of expertise to make sure they are on the path they really want to be on. I understand the feeling behind the motion. There is a way of making sure the work the CRA does is indeed helpful.

[Leah Gazan, NDP, Winnipeg Centre, MB]

Mr. Speaker, my hon. colleague praised the innovation of small businesses and how Canada is leading the way, yet the Liberal government continues not to provide small businesses with the funding they need to survive the pandemic.

I refer back to my earlier comments about Mandel Hitzer, who actually hosted the Prime Minister at his restaurant deer + almond. He is an award-winning chef and his business is in jeopardy. People are struggling. The government is not doing its part for small businesses, certainly not in Winnipeg Centre.

Beyond mere rhetoric, what is the hon. member's government going to do immediately to save small businesses now?

[Karen McCrimmon, Liberal, Kanata—Carleton, ON]

Mr. Speaker, this is one of those times when we have to say that we need to get control of the virus. We need to conquer the pandemic and give people the confidence to go out and frequent restaurants. This is absolutely key. People need to go to restaurants and feel safe, and travel and feel safe. That has to be our first priority. If we can get control of the pandemic and protect people's lives, then we can protect their livelihoods. We tried to take a layered approach to help as many people as we possibly could.

[Paul Manly, Green, Nanaimo—Ladysmith, BC]

Mr. Speaker, the Green Party will be supporting the motion. We have been asking for more flexibility for small businesses for quite a while. In my riding, I have been working with a lot of small businesses that have been dealing with issues with the emergency response benefit, the small business account and the banks, and constantly dealing with technicalities for their applications. We need more flexibility in the system.

Our small businesses need to survive this pandemic. Otherwise, they are going to be taken over by these large corporations like Amazon that are able to supplant them. What does the hon. member think about taxing some of these large multinational corporations like Amazon that are taking advantage of this pandemic?

[Karen McCrimmon, Liberal, Kanata—Carleton, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I agree with the hon. member wholeheartedly. We want to see our small and medium-sized businesses survive through this. I heard someone express it as “we're all in the same storm but we're not all in the same boat”. I thought that was really effective, because this storm is going to affect some people more than others. As a government, we recognize that and we will make the effort to make it survivable for as many as possible.

Ignat Kaneff

[Yvan Baker, Liberal, Etobicoke Centre, ON]

Mr. Speaker, it is said, “To whom much is given, much is expected”. Today, I rise to honour someone to whom nothing was given and yet gave so much.

This past summer, Canada lost Ignat Kaneff.

Born in Bulgaria, Mr. Kaneff arrived in Canada in 1951 with not a dollar to his name, but he was exceptionally hard-working. He started supporting himself by washing cars, floors and dishes. Eventually he saved enough money to build a house, and eventually he went on to develop subdivisions, apartments and public buildings that have shaped Toronto, Mississauga and Brampton.

Iggy and his wife Didi have donated generously to a range of causes across Canada, and for this community and philanthropic work, Mr. Kaneff has received many awards, including the Order of Canada. I came to know Mr. Kaneff as I went to school with his daughters, Anna-Maria and Kristina. This past year, Kristina got married. During his speech at the wedding, Mr. Kaneff said something very telling. He said, “Canada is the greatest country in the world...but you have to earn it.”

Mr. Kaneff not only earned it, but gave back generously to those around him and to Canada. In so doing, he made the greatest country in the world even better.

Veterans in Canada

[Eric Melillo, Conservative, Kenora, ON]

Mr. Speaker, next week, Canadians will be observing both Remembrance Day and Indigenous Veterans Day. Many members of the armed forces have left the comforts of home behind to serve our country here and abroad by participating in disaster relief, rescue missions, armed conflicts and more. Their courage is an example to all of us, and we strive to remember the sacrifices and honour the legacies of the brave women and men who have fought for freedom, democracy and human rights.

On behalf of residents in the Kenora riding, I thank them for their service.

However, right now they need our help. This year will be difficult for Legions across the country, which are struggling financially due to the pandemic. We can support and honour our veterans by ensuring Legions get through this trying time and can continue operating. I would like to take this opportunity to ask each Canadian to please do what they can to support our Legions and the amazing work they do to improve the lives of veterans.

Remembrance Day

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise to give thanks to our veterans and those currently serving. In my riding, Quinte West is home to CFB Trenton, the largest air force base in Canada. We also have one of the largest veteran populations across the country. My riding is also home to the storied Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment, famed for winning more battle honours than any other Canadian regiment in World War II.

As the son of a veteran of the Second World War, and having hired a veteran to help the men and women who have served, I recognize the importance of supporting our veterans. This year our Remembrance Day ceremonies across the Bay of Quinte and Canada will be a little different. Because of the changes brought on by the pandemic, communities are having to adapt their traditional ceremonies, for example, by going virtual. However, COVID-19 does not stop us from recognizing the sacrifices our veterans have made.

This November 11, we should not forget to stop and take a moment to give thanks for all they have given. Lest we forget.

Michel Auger

[Martin Champoux, Bloc, Drummond, QC]

Mr. Speaker, Quebec lost a journalism giant over the weekend. Michel Auger died at the age of 76. On behalf of the Bloc Québécois, I offer my sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of this legendary crime reporter.

Mr. Auger spent four decades in journalism and won the Judith Jasmin award and the medal of the National Assembly of Quebec, but he was best known for his reporting on organized crime for the Journal de Montréal. Michel Auger's outstanding coverage of the rivalries between criminal motorcycle gangs is a part of Quebec's history.

No one can forget when he was shot in the back six times in the Journal's parking lot on September 13, 2000, in an attempt to silence him. Just three months later, he courageously returned to work with his head held high and continued to cover organized crime.

We have lost a proud champion of free speech at a time when that very freedom is under debate.

Thank you, Michel Auger.

Automotive Industry

[Pam Damoff, Liberal, Oakville North—Burlington, ON]

Mr. Speaker, Ford of Canada, headquartered in my community, has a long history in Oakville and operates at the leading edge of innovation and excellence.

Last month, I joined the Prime Minister, Ford president and CEO Dean Stoneley, Unifor president Jerry Dias, the premier and MPs and MPPs to announce $600 million in joint federal and provincial funding to help Ford's Oakville facility upgrade its assembly plant to mass-produce zero-emission electric vehicles and the batteries that power them.

The partnership between both governments and Ford will save more than 3,000 jobs at Ford and create new, high-paying jobs at the plant and across Canada. This marks the first large-scale production of battery-electric vehicles made in Canada by an auto maker for Canadians and the export market.

We thank Ford of Canada for its leadership.

Margaret Birch

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

Mr. Speaker, last week, Ontario lost a great Canadian: Margaret Birch.

A proud Ontarian, Margaret was born in Leamington and spent much of her life in service to her community. She volunteered at the Scarborough General Hospital and eventually went on to become the chair of the Scarborough board of health. Her community activism earned her Scarborough's citizen of the year, awarded in 1970, and she achieved political success, winning a seat on Ontario's legislature in 1971.

In 1973, Margaret made history by becoming Ontario's first female cabinet minister, launching an incredible political career that lasted until her retirement in 1985. During her time in politics, she became the first woman member of the Albany Club in Toronto and passionately advocated for mental health care for vulnerable populations.

Margaret's inspirational career has impacted countless Ontarians, and she has left a legacy worth remembering.

May Margaret rest in peace.

Anita Stewart

[Lloyd Longfield, Liberal, Guelph, ON]

Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I inform the House of the passing of Anita Stewart, the University of Guelph's food laureate.

Anita was the soul behind Canada's local food movement and received the Order of Canada for her contributions to our understanding of what food means to us as Canadians. She spoke just as passionately about indigenous diet as about the food prepared by chefs in our cities, but her legacy is Food Day Canada where each year she encouraged Canadians to share what Canadian fare was on the barbeque on the August long weekend.

There is a missing place at the table now, but Anita's memory and passion will live on.

Bourassa Youth

[Emmanuel Dubourg, Liberal, Bourassa, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in the House to speak about the youth in my riding of Bourassa. We know that our youth are the present and future of our country. Our role as adults is to support their development and growth as citizens.

Today, I want to congratulate present and former students of École Henri-Bourassa, the school I attended in my youth. They had the courage to file a formal complaint with their school about the racist and unacceptable behaviour of a teacher in a position of authority.

Like all youth of Quebec and Canada, the youth of Montreal North are the builders of our future society. Thanks to their courage, actions and determination, they are assuming their civic responsibilities and paving the way for a stronger and more inclusive Canada. Well done. I am proud of them.

Foreign Affairs

[James Bezan, Conservative, Selkirk—Interlake—Eastman, MB]

Mr. Speaker, last year the government suspended arms exports to Turkey because it was not upholding its international obligations. However, in April of this year, seven drone systems were approved for export from Canada to Turkey after the Prime Minister spoke with Turkish President Erdogan.

My colleague, the hon. member for Wellington—Halton Hills, tried to get answers about whether the Prime Minister or the Minister of Foreign Affairs overrode the recommendations of their own Global Affairs officials. He asked four times if ministerial interference was used to approve the export of these Canadian-made drone targeting systems to Turkey. Four questions were asked and still no one on the other side of the House could give him a straight answer.

It is time for the government to stop dodging questions, provide actual answers and tell Canadians whether its weak leadership on the international stage is putting civilian lives at risk.

Halloween in Kitchener—Conestoga

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

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to say that we showed our Halloween spirit in some creative ways in Kitchener—Conestoga. It was certainly different this year, but the delight of Halloween proved that communities could still come together and find safe ways to celebrate.

In Wilmot Township, I enjoyed every minute of the drive-through event in New Hamburg. There were decorations and surprises, while children safely held their bags out of car windows and volunteers filled them with sweet treats.

I thank the Wilmot Family Resource Centre and all the volunteers for their hard work, and thank Fall Harvest Farm and Shantz Family Farm for donating the pumpkins, which at the end of the event were further donated to a pig farm.

I was then off to Woolwich Township, where Max's Sports World put on a free event in support of Habitat for Humanity Waterloo Region. I thank Kacee Vasudeva and all the volunteers and donors.

Because of the generosity of so many people, kids had a safe Halloween they will long remember. Seeing the smiles on their faces was all the treat I needed.

[The Speaker, Liberal, Anthony Rota]

I remind all members joining us virtually to please turn off their mikes. It is not really fair to the member speaking when a voice comes barrelling in and interrupts their speech. We want to make sure there are no interruptions in the House. It is just courtesy, and I know everyone in this room is very courteous.