House of Commons Hansard #42 of the 43rd Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was vaccine.

Topics

Opposition Motion—Status Update on COVID-19 VaccinesBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders

1:30 p.m.

Liberal

Kevin Lamoureux Liberal Winnipeg North, MB

It is a good thing we legalized it for you.

Opposition Motion—Status Update on COVID-19 VaccinesBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders

1:30 p.m.

Conservative

Mark Strahl Conservative Chilliwack—Hope, BC

He will get his chance. That member always does get a chance to speak, even though he wants to heckle when we are talking about something this important.

The Liberals want to be patted on the back when all we have seen is incompetence and failure. That failure, quite frankly, has a grave impact on some of our most vulnerable citizens. Twelve months ago, the military alerted the cabinet that this pandemic was occurring in China. Ten months ago, we had a major shutdown of our economy, because we did not really know much about COVID-19 and we needed to take that step at that time.

Now, we find ourselves, 10 months later, still facing the same restrictions. This is particularly acute in long-term care facilities. It is heartbreaking. It is tragic, what is happening to our seniors in long-term care. We saw this early on, the devastating impact that COVID-19 had in long-term care. The government has tried to react to it by locking seniors away in their own bedrooms for months at a time. This has been the response, locking seniors away from their loved ones.

This is why this is so critical, when we talk about the importance of rolling out a vaccine now, when other peer countries are doing it. It is because that will allow us access, once again, to our family members in long-term care, who have been locked away, who have been suffering mental anguish and physical suffering. They are being told that while people they know in the United States, Australia, Brazil, and going down the list, 2.7 billion in countries that will have access to a vaccine before we do.

Why does it matter? It matters that we are not getting it now, we will get it months from now. A lot of these people do not have a lot of time left. That is the tragic reality here. They are being locked away from their families and the people they love at a time when they need them the most. That is why I am upset about it. It is not because I am looking to score political points here. It is because we are 10 months past the start of this, and we are no further ahead. People are no closer to being able to go see their aged parents or grandparents. They are locked away.

Then an outbreak comes to their long-term care facility and maybe they die alone or can FaceTime their family, instead of their being able to hold their hands at the end. That is why every day matters. That is why this delay matters. That is why putting all of our eggs into one basket at the start of this matters. We are taking months and time away from people who do not have a lot of time left. That is unacceptable.

People can get money. We have supported the supports given to Canadians who have lost their incomes, business opportunities or have had to shut down again, and for much longer, because there will be no viable vaccine here in Canada after other countries get it. We cannot give people $2,000 a month and have it make up for lost time. We cannot put a price on lost time. That is what we are talking about here today.

The government wants us to believe it has a diverse portfolio of vaccines available, but just not now, while other countries are rolling out their vaccines. Other countries are being very open on the dates the vaccine will be available, how it will be deployed, who will get it first and how they will determine which people need it the most. What we get from the government is that we should trust it. It was going to be the most open and transparent government in Canadian history. It got an A for announcement and an F for delivery.

Time and time again, every opposition day motion that is brought to the House is a requirement for the government to share information with Canadians, because it will not give it to us. It is hard to believe the government is giving us good information when it is giving us no information. The Government of Australia published its distribution plan on its website for all of its citizens to see. The government loves to compare itself with Donald Trump, as though that is some sort of bar it is very proud to have beaten.

We want to be better than that. We should be looking to other countries that have done much better in similar situations to us, those that have responded in a way that will allow their senior citizens in long-term care facilities to see their kids and grandkids, that will allow their families to be reunited and that will allow people of faith to once again gather together in corporate worship, something that is so important and integral to who they are. We should be doing all of this, yet we delay month after month. By the government's own admission, the first quarter of this year will only see three million doses available. That does not even cover our over 70 population let alone other vulnerable Canadians.

Once again we are asking for information so Canadians will know when they can receive the vaccine if they want to get it. The government should have that information, although it seems like there is a bit of a back-of-the-napkin approach. We heard today that two weeks ago the military did not know it would be involved in this and now it has stood up a rapid deployment force. That is fantastic. The military will always do what it is called upon to do.

However, this is something the government has been late on because it made bad decisions at the outset. Instead of focusing like a laser on this issue, it was focused on getting money to Liberal-connected firms. It was focused on the WE Charity scandal and getting money to people with connections to the Liberal Party. It has been focused the entire time on the wrong things and has given Canadians the wrong information.

The government does not like to hear that and wonders why it is helpful to be reminded of it. It is helpful because this is how we got here. This is why we are not where some of the other Commonwealth countries we would compare ourselves to are today. We are behind the eight ball. What do we do now? We need to get the information to the provinces, which will deploy the vaccine when they know how many doses they will get and who they will be giving the vaccine to.

For too long the government has taken the wrong approach. It is time it started to give Canadians the information they need so that we can get our lives back and get our families back together, something that we have been waiting for too long to do.

Opposition Motion—Status Update on COVID-19 VaccinesBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders

1:40 p.m.

Saint Boniface—Saint Vital Manitoba

Liberal

Dan Vandal LiberalMinister of Northern Affairs

Madam Speaker, the member does not seem to realize that it is Health Canada that actually licenses the vaccines. There are no vaccines to distribute as I speak.

From the beginning, we have invested billions of dollars in individuals and businesses to make sure they can cope through this very serious pandemic. We have provided testing, contact tracing and personal protective equipment to the provinces and territories. We are working very closely with Health Canada.

Unlike the party opposite, we are not going to politicize this decision. We believe in science. Yesterday, the member for Hastings—Lennox and Addington actually disputed the vaccine science. Does the member's party believe in science?

Opposition Motion—Status Update on COVID-19 VaccinesBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders

1:40 p.m.

Conservative

Mark Strahl Conservative Chilliwack—Hope, BC

Madam Speaker, of course we believe in science. That is why I talked about the Minister of Health saying that COVID-19 did not spread from person to person. Did she not believe in science? When Liberals said that the border should remain open and that anyone who wanted to close it was a racist, that was wrong advice. Did they not believe in the science there?

We will take no lessons from the Liberal government on believing in science. We will say that it is time to act. It is time to do so with data that is available to all Canadians and it is time to finally, for once, be open and transparent with Canadians.

Opposition Motion—Status Update on COVID-19 VaccinesBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders

1:40 p.m.

NDP

Don Davies NDP Vancouver Kingsway, BC

Madam Speaker, I note that the motion today essentially just calls for the government to provide an update to Canadians on December 16 of some very basic information. I want to contrast that with what is happening in the U.K.

The National Health Service has designated 1,250 local health clinics as vaccine sites, where staff will be on hand to administer the vaccine over 12-hour shifts, seven days a week, and it has specified that each clinic is expected to innoculate at least 975 people per week. They have already started booking vaccine appointments, designating blocks of priority groups and have identified the priority groups: those in long-term care homes, those over 80 years of age and health care and social care workers.

I am wondering if my hon. colleague can comment on that. Even though we do not have a vaccine approved here yet, is there any reason he can see that the government could not at least tell Canadians where the vaccine sites will be, what the target for vaccinations per week will be and what the priority groups will be?

Opposition Motion—Status Update on COVID-19 VaccinesBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders

1:40 p.m.

Conservative

Mark Strahl Conservative Chilliwack—Hope, BC

Madam Speaker, I agree with the member that the government has a responsibility to the provinces and all Canadians to provide this information so that they can be aware of what the plan is. The Conservatives have been calling for that for months. The government's plan is just for us to trust it, and it knows what is best for us. We have seen that it does not. It actually has not had a very good track record since last March or before.

We want to see the data, the information and a plan. That is all we are asking for, which is provoking such a visceral reaction from the government. It does not like to share its information with Canadians because it thinks it knows best.

Opposition Motion—Status Update on COVID-19 VaccinesBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders

1:40 p.m.

Green

Jenica Atwin Green Fredericton, NB

Madam Speaker, in thinking about vaccines, I looked at Canada's history. I think about what happened in our experience with polio, in particular. With the first child passing away in 1910, we had a vaccine from Salk in 1955 and again from Sabin in 1962. It resulted in continuous waves, until eventually it was brought under control in the 1970s.

There are three things we can learn from this experience. Number one is how incredible it is to have domestic production of vaccines in Canada. Number two is that the adoption of the vaccine was slow and uneven, so we do in fact need a plan and we need to combat misinformation. Number three is that the idea that we can call a vaccine a silver bullet needs to be combatted because, long after even the initial vaccine is given to our most vulnerable, there will still be the need for increased health protection measures for some time to come.

I would like to know what the member would say to these three points.

Opposition Motion—Status Update on COVID-19 VaccinesBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders

1:45 p.m.

Conservative

Mark Strahl Conservative Chilliwack—Hope, BC

Madam Speaker, they are excellent points from the member for Fredericton. They show that truthful information and trusting Canadians and the provinces to be able to interpret and act on that data is something we are asking the government to do. The member's points are well made. The government would be wise to listen and trust Canadians with the information that other countries around the world are providing to their citizens.

Opposition Motion—Status Update on COVID-19 VaccinesBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders

1:45 p.m.

Conservative

Rosemarie Falk Conservative Battlefords—Lloydminster, SK

Madam Speaker, this year Canadians have been faced with much adversity. Our seniors have been particularly hard hit, and today we are asking the Prime Minister and his government to give them confidence that their government has a plan. We are asking the government to be honest and clear with them and to demonstrate it has the competence to navigate them through this pandemic. They deserve as much.

This week's fall economic statement was an opportunity to do just that, but it did not offer Canadians a clear plan on vaccines or even a clear plan for testing in the meantime. In fact, the government has had the opportunity to offer Canadians that assurance every time it is asked for a plan. Instead, it responds every time with the same non-answers.

The Minister of Health was not pleased when I asked her if seniors would have to wait until September 2021 to see their grandchildren again. The reality is that the government has not provided Canadians with that answer. There is no readily available plan on when vulnerable populations will have access to a vaccine.

The Liberal government cannot expect us to offer it blind trust because it certainly has not earned it, not when the health minister allowed our pandemic early warning system to be shut down just months before the pandemic, not when the Prime Minister sent hundreds of thousands of personal protective equipment from our reserves to China only to leave our front-line health care workers without, and not when the government refused to close our borders, allowing the virus to spread, flip-flopped on mask use or delayed on approving rapid tests. These failures have not earned the government the trust of Canadians, so it should understand why we are asking for a vaccine rollout plan.

Still without adequate access to rapid tests, Canadians are missing an important tool to help mitigate the impact of COVID-19. Testing is crucial to treating and isolating COVID. The government delayed approvals to rapid testing and now Liberals proudly stand in the House to tell us they have delivered rapid tests to the provinces. Those numbers are wholly inadequate. Those numbers are not anywhere in the vicinity of what is needed to be effective. Regular and mass testing would be a game-changer for our seniors, vulnerable populations, front-line health care workers, essential workers and all Canadians. It has the potential to significantly safeguard our long-term care homes, which have been the hardest hit by this pandemic.

The Canadian Institute for Health Information did a comparison in the spring of the impact of COVID-19 in long-term care homes in OECD countries. In that report, Canada had the highest proportion of deaths occurring in long-term care. Fatalities in long-term care accounted for around 81% of COVID deaths in Canada compared with an OECD average of only 38%. Those numbers are shameful. We have to better protect our seniors in care.

Now well into the second wave, the majority of deaths in Canada continue to be in long-term care homes and outbreaks in care continue to be on the rise. It is absolutely shameful that we do not at least have adequate access to rapid tests in our tool belt. Rapid tests could help isolate COVID in these homes and even help prevent outbreaks in the first place. To do that effectively though, we need rapid tests to be readily available. We are just not there.

Long-term care residents, their families and the workers who care for them deserve better. Supports for them are needed in the immediate term. Staff in long-term care need access to PPE and resources to do their jobs. As well, the staffing crisis in long-term care needs serious attention and not just a band-aid solution. We need a plan for family reunification. Some of our seniors have been physically and socially isolated for months on end, separated from their loved ones, friends and in some cases from their neighbours down the hall.

Last night during the debate on the government's bill on medically assisted death, I talked about Nancy Russell, a senior who reportedly opted for medically assisted death instead of facing another lonely and isolated lockdown in her care home. Her story is truly heartbreaking. I have no doubt that she is not the only Canadian to experience feelings of loneliness in the face of COVID. We cannot expect our seniors and our vulnerable populations to endlessly isolate from their loved ones. They have already missed birthdays, holidays and many important gatherings. We have to be aware of the serious mental health toll this pandemic is having on our seniors, our vulnerable populations and, in essence, all Canadians. We need to offer our seniors hope. All Canadians need hope.

At the outset of this pandemic, the government talked about temporary restrictions and lockdowns to help buy time. Now, more than 11 months after we first heard about COVID, there has to be a better response. We know that mass testing is key to isolating COVID infections, and that the delivery of a safe and effective vaccine will be the real light at the end of the tunnel. We know that a safe and effective vaccine will also be vital to our economic recovery. It is certainly not unreasonable for us to expect the government to have a plan, to tell Canadians who want a vaccine when they can expect to receive one that is safe and effective, and how many doses each province will be receiving, or to be clear on the details of negotiated contracts.

We are hearing reports and details from other countries on their vaccine delivery plans and timelines. Other countries are starting to roll out a vaccine in the coming weeks, and we still do not even have a clear plan, or have not heard of a clear plan. The United States and Britain are talking about mass access to the vaccine in December and January. December is here, and now our Prime Minister is throwing around September. He needs to tell Canadians why this is, and what the plan is between now and then. It is not just opposition members asking for clarity. Team Canada is asking. Canadians are asking.

The provincial premiers, who will be tasked with delivering the vaccine, are asking for clarity. Premier Scott Moe, from my home province of Saskatchewan, has said that he is concerned and troubled to hear that Canada is at the back of the line when it comes to receiving a vaccine. The premier has said that he has not received confirmation from the federal government that a vaccine will be distributed on a per-capita basis, nor has he received clarity on when it will be received by the provinces. He is not the only premier asking questions.

Earlier this week, Premier Doug Ford of Ontario said:

I have to get answers. I've been asking the federal government. We need to know when we're getting it, how much we're getting and what we're getting. There's different vaccines out there so, to be perfectly frank, I'm not any more comfortable than I was last week.

Premier Sandy Silver of Yukon is asking for a national distribution strategy.

Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia's chief medical officer, has said he is waiting on federal guidance on issues ranging from priority groups to transportation and logistics.

The provinces cannot move ahead with their planning without clarity from the government, and the more it protests against providing details, the more concerning it is. It is even more concerning when we hear conflicting dates and timelines from those front benches. Canadians want their lives back, and their jobs and businesses. More important than that, human life hangs in the balance of the government's response to this pandemic.

We are now into December and the Christmas holidays are fast approaching. Canadians do not need more empty promises. They are worried about their loved ones and their livelihoods. They need a real team Canada approach. They need a timeline. They need a plan for distribution. They need to know who will get first access. They need answers. They need a clear path forward.

That is what Conservatives are asking for today: a clear path forward. We are asking that the Liberal government give Canadians the certainty, the clarity and the competence that they deserve from their government.

Opposition Motion—Status Update on COVID-19 VaccinesBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders

1:55 p.m.

Winnipeg North Manitoba

Liberal

Kevin Lamoureux LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada and to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons

Madam Speaker, I find the debate interesting thus far. I do not know to what degree the Conservatives are prepared to acknowledge that the provinces administer health care. When they are critical of personal care home facilities and the high rates of deaths in our personal care homes, the member needs to recognize there are limitations that Ottawa has. We sent in the forces and the Canadian Red Cross to assist with the issues related to home care services. It is the same thing in terms of distribution. The federal government, using science, experts and civil servants, is getting this country ready.

I am wondering if the Conservatives truly understand the provincial role in this matter.

Opposition Motion—Status Update on COVID-19 VaccinesBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders

1:55 p.m.

Conservative

Rosemarie Falk Conservative Battlefords—Lloydminster, SK

Madam Speaker, I really do not need mansplaining from the member opposite. If he was listening to what I said, I absolutely understand and we, on these benches, understand that health care is a provincial issue and it is distributed.

Premier Scott Moe, Premier Doug Ford, Premier Sandy Silver and Dr. Robert Strang have all been asking and asking, and not getting answers. They feel the government is hiding the plan and not keeping them informed. The government needs to do a better job.

Opposition Motion—Status Update on COVID-19 VaccinesBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders

1:55 p.m.

NDP

Heather McPherson NDP Edmonton Strathcona, AB

Madam Speaker, like the member, I am very concerned about the care our seniors are receiving across the country, and certainly would welcome national standards that ensured that all seniors across the country receive the care that we know they deserve. One of the things that I think would provide the hope that she so desperately would like our seniors to have is knowing that, going into another pandemic, we would not be in this situation.

Would the member opposite agree that the federal government should establish a Crown corporation to manufacture vaccines and medicines for Canadians for future pandemics that we know are coming?

Opposition Motion—Status Update on COVID-19 VaccinesBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders

1:55 p.m.

Conservative

Rosemarie Falk Conservative Battlefords—Lloydminster, SK

Madam Speaker, at this moment in time, what we need is transparency and accountability. We need the Liberal government to be transparent. We should not have had a prorogation for six weeks. We lost six valuable weeks knowing that we were going into a second wave.

We need the Liberals to come forward. When they are asked for help by the provinces, they need to step up. At a minimum, they need to listen to what they are saying and give the information to the premiers that they are asking for.

Opposition Motion—Status Update on COVID-19 VaccinesBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders

1:55 p.m.

Conservative

John Barlow Conservative Foothills, AB

Madam Speaker, I want to focus on one part of the member's speech. A report from the Canadian Mental Health Association that came out this morning had stats that I think all of us in this room would agree are soaring. More than 40% of Canadians surveyed have said that their mental health has deteriorated since March, while 18% of Canadians have had suicidal thoughts and 13% of parents have said they are worried about domestic violence and abuse. These are frightening numbers. A lot of that mental health deterioration is because Canadians do not have answers to important questions. They want to know. They want hope.

Would my colleague agree that having access and knowledge of the numbers of, and dates when, vaccines would be available would help in the mental health recovery of Canadians?

Opposition Motion—Status Update on COVID-19 VaccinesBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders

1:55 p.m.

Conservative

Rosemarie Falk Conservative Battlefords—Lloydminster, SK

Madam Speaker, mental health is actually something that is definitely being overlooked, especially when we tell people they need to stay in their homes. I just spoke about Nancy Russell, who wanted to die. She died. She followed through with her MAID because she did not want to be lonely. She did not want to be locked alone in her long-term care facility in her residence with nobody.

Humans were created for relationships and interaction with other humans. The government said it needed everybody to lockdown so we could have time. We needed to buy time, and then we saw some six weeks thrown away because there was a scandal that government was a part of, which was absolutely ridiculous. The government needs to be transparent with Canadians so they feel less anxious and have less anxiety.

VeteransStatements by Members

2 p.m.

Liberal

Darrell Samson Liberal Sackville—Preston—Chezzetcook, NS

Madam Speaker, as a government, we are responsible for protecting our most vulnerable citizens while we continue to fight the pandemic.

That is why our government proposed measures to support our veterans in the fall economic statement. During the pandemic, the veterans emergency fund has been a lifeline for those at risk due to an urgent or unexpected situation. The additional funding that was announced will let us continue to provide financial support to cover things like food, rent and many other expenses. The statement also contains additional investments in health, skills training and the fight against homelessness.

We know that much more needs to be done. The contributions of veterans have made Canada a great country. We will continue to support our veterans.

Judy GordonStatements by Members

2 p.m.

Conservative

Blaine Calkins Conservative Red Deer—Lacombe, AB

Madam Speaker, it is with profound sadness that I rise in the House today to announce the passing of Judy Gordon. Judy was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, mayor and MLA, and an incredible woman.

She loved politics and for more than 20 years she dutifully served the people of Central Alberta. She was passionate about her community and worked tirelessly to improve the lives of the people she served. Her accomplishments would take far longer than the 60 seconds I have today. Needless to say, they were many, they were vast and they were impactful.

Most of all Judy loved, as we all do, the small victories: the opportunity to be a champion and get results for the people she represented. I had the privilege of serving with Mayor Gordon. She was tough but fair, and I will forever be grateful for her counsel and her friendship.

According to her son, Greg, it was not about the title. She just wanted to serve people and be in a position to help them. She was very proud of the work that she did. While Judy has left us here, the actions of her servant heart live on in her accomplishments, in the people she touched and in her family.

Rest in peace, Judy.

London North Centre Honour RollStatements by Members

2 p.m.

Liberal

Peter Fragiskatos Liberal London North Centre, ON

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in the House to recognize the recipients of the 4th Annual London North Centre honour roll. This initiative highlights individuals who inspire us to build a strong, supportive and inclusive community.

A remarkable number of nominations were received from a wide variety of individuals, and our volunteer selection committee completed a comprehensive review. Many of our honourees helped Londoners during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Congratulations to the following individuals who make up this year's extraordinary class: Major Jay Hancock, Charles Knott and Emily Jackson, Bev Zaifman, Lieutenant-Colonel (Retired) John William Pattison Cook, Cheryl Miller, Susan Toth, Troy Leishman, Dr. Adam Dukelow, Maissae El-Sayegh, Leroy Hibbert, Father Michael Bechard, Ken Sewchand and Nazih Elmasri, Mario Circelli, Constable Evan Harrison, Karen Perkin, Dan Flaherty and Yola Ventresca.

Congratulations again to them all. They are an outstanding example of what Londoners can do.

Saint-EustacheStatements by Members

2 p.m.

Bloc

Luc Desilets Bloc Rivière-des-Mille-Îles, QC

Mr. Speaker, 2020 marks the 175th anniversary of Saint-Eustache, a city I am proud to represent in the House.

The first settlers arrived in 1739, and in 1768, the parish of Saint-Eustache was officially established. This city was the backdrop of major battles during the patriots' rebellions in 1837 and 1838, and it was partially destroyed in a clash between the patriots, led by Jean-Olivier Chénier, and British troops on December 14, 1837. Traces of that battle can still be seen on the facade of the Saint-Eustache church, where many dying patriots took refuge. We will never forget them.

Today, this beautiful city, known for its architecture, history and culture, is home to more than 45,000 people. I urge my colleagues to come for a visit.

Happy 175th anniversary to my dear Saint-Eustache.

Etobicoke North Community SupportStatements by Members

December 3rd, 2020 / 2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Kirsty Duncan Liberal Etobicoke North, ON

Mr. Speaker, thanks to the wonderful people of Etobicoke who work in heath care, essential services and everyone who is doing their part to stop the spread of COVID-19. Thanks to the William Osler Health System and the Rexdale Community Health Centre for their lifesaving and life-changing work. Thanks also to the Rexdale Community Hub, Ernestine's Women's Shelter and Youth Without Shelter, as well as our churches, gudwaras, mandirs and mosques and our many community organizations for the care they provide during these difficult times. We are a compassionate and kind community. Our neighbours help neighbours. We lift each other up and we are generous with our time, skills and volunteering.

Let me wish everyone the joy of the holiday season, a very merry Christmas, happy Hanukkah and a happy Kwanzaa, and let us give thanks for everything that unites us. I wish much love to all, and here is to a brighter, happier, healthier and more prosperous new year.

Persons with DisabilitiesStatements by Members

2:05 p.m.

Conservative

Cheryl Gallant Conservative Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke, ON

Mr. Speaker, December 3 is recognized as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

Canadians living with disabilities know that it is has been over seven years since I introduced private member's bill, Bill C-462, restricting the fees charged by promoters of the disability tax credit.

Canadians with disabilities should not have to pay huge fees to some third party to access a federal government program I am proud to say Conservative members of Parliament provide for free. These fees can be as high as 40% of the tax credit.

The Liberals have refused to enact my bill to protect those living with disabilities. The fact is that the Prime Minister, as an opposition MP on the WE charity speaker circuit, voted in support of my legislation, as did all members of Parliament.

On International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we are reminded of our responsibility to better understand issues facing people living with disabilities.

I call on the government to bring Bill C-462 into force and have its virtue-signalling mean something.

CP Holiday TrainStatements by Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Bob Bratina Liberal Hamilton East—Stoney Creek, ON

Mr. Speaker, for over 20 years, communities across Canada and the United States have welcomed the CP Holiday Train. It is 1,000 feet long, with every car and locomotive brightly decorated with seasonal symbols.

The train has travelled across our two countries, bringing the holiday spirit and supporting local food banks. At every stop, people enjoy the train and its live music show on a specially designed rail car stage. They bring food and cash donations and the railway presents a large cheque to the local food bank, over the years, raising almost $18 million and 4.8 million pounds of food.

The president and CEO, Keith Creel, promises that the tradition will continue virtually this year, with a holiday train concert online on December 12, and CP will donate $1.24 million to the 201 food banks along the route. When it is safe to do so, the train will get rolling again.

Hamilton has proudly welcomed the train with huge crowds and so many needy families have had a better Christmas. We thank CP Rail.

Bravery and HeroismStatements by Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Judy Sgro Liberal Humber River—Black Creek, ON

Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize an outstanding display of bravery and heroism that occurred at the Coca-Cola bottling facility in my riding of Humber River—Black Creek.

After a team member suffered a serious heart attack, rendering him unconscious and unable to breathe, four of his colleagues bravely jumped to his aid. They jumped into the situation without hesitation, administering CPR to the individual and stabilizing him before the first responders arrived on the scene. Without the courageous actions of these employees, this man would not be alive today.

I want to recognize these brave individuals and thank them for their heroics: Ernest Ashwood, David Murray, Inhuoma Onuoha and Shirlene Peddie.

On behalf of the House, the people of Humber River—Black Creek and myself, we thank them for their courage and life-saving actions. They are truly heroes. I also want to give my best wishes to the family of the patient and offer my prayers for his speedy recovery.

Small BusinessStatements by Members

2:05 p.m.

Conservative

Mel Arnold Conservative North Okanagan—Shuswap, BC

Mr. Speaker, small businesses are the backbone of our economy. They provide communities with the goods and services we need in good times and bad.

I recently hosted a round table with business owners from across North Okanagan—Shuswap and heard how the current government had failed small businesses, hurting business owners. One business operator shared how she spent more than three hours on the phone with CRA, but still could not access the CEBA program, and she is not the only one.

Small businesses do not need the government's “please hold” messages or the mounting debt. They need programs and services that they can actually access. We know the government listens to Bay Street, but it is time it started to listen to main street.

During this giving season and, indeed, all year long, we can give back to our local small businesses by choosing to shop local. I hope all Canadians will make that choice to support their local small businesses now and throughout the year.

Violence against WomenStatements by Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Ginette Petitpas Taylor Liberal Moncton—Riverview—Dieppe, NB

Mr. Speaker, this Sunday marks the 31st anniversary of the tragic events at École Polytechnique in Montreal.

Although the events of that day were a wake-up call for Canada, we have not yet been able to end violence against women. Efforts to raise awareness must continue on a daily basis, and the support of our allies is still just as vital in this struggle.

In spite of the challenges posed by this pandemic, many organizations back home in Moncton—Riverview—Dieppe and across Canada have continued to offer a lifeline and an escape route to so many women looking to escape the nightmare of daily violence. I commend these organizations for this important work, because as a former social worker and advocate for victims of violence, I know how much they sacrifice to bring eternal salvation to these women.