House of Commons Hansard #19 of the 43rd Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was assault.

Topics

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

The Speaker Liberal Anthony Rota

It being Wednesday, we will now have the singing of O Canada, led by the member for Kingston and the Islands.

[Members sang the national anthem]

I Read Canadian DayStatements by Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Lloyd Longfield Liberal Guelph, ON

Mr. Speaker, today is the first-ever I Read Canadian Day. This initiative was created as a collaboration between the Canadian Children's Book Centre; children's author and my good friend Eric Walters; the Canadian Society of Children's Authors, Illustrators and Performers; and the Ontario Library Association.

The goal is simple. We want people to buy, borrow, read and talk about Canadian books, whether they are in English, French or an indigenous language. They can be in print, e-format and accessible formats.

We are challenging the nation to read Canadian for 15 minutes today and to share their experience at their library, their school, with their family and friends and on social media with #IReadCanadian.

This celebration of Canadian literature for young people will have a lifelong impact on Canadian youth and help transform an entire generation into lifelong learners.

RCMP Heritage CentreStatements by Members

2:05 p.m.

Conservative

Michael Kram Conservative Regina—Wascana, SK

Mr. Speaker, I invite everyone to come visit the RCMP Heritage Centre in my home city of Regina, Saskatchewan, located on the front lawn of the RCMP Academy, the Mounties' historic training facility. The mission of the RCMP Heritage Centre is to bring to life one of Canada's oldest and most iconic stories, the story of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

This story of our Mounties is a national story. It belongs to everyone. Visitors to the RCMP Heritage Centre can explore a variety of interactive exhibits and rare historical artifacts that bring over a century of our RCMP history to life, from the formation of the North West Mounted Police in 1873 to the modern-day Mountie.

I would like to thank the many volunteers, donors and staff of the RCMP Heritage Centre whose work continues to shed light on this important chapter of our shared history.

Christie BlatchfordStatements by Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Yvan Baker Liberal Etobicoke Centre, ON

Mr. Speaker, just a few days ago, we lost Christie Blatchford, one of Canada's most prominent writers and journalists.

Born in the town of Rouyn-Noranda in northwestern Quebec, Christie wrote for the Toronto Star, the Toronto Sun, the National Post and the Globe and Mail. She broke down barriers for women in sports reporting. She became an award-winning author and a war and courtroom correspondent.

Christie always wrote with a unique balance of toughness and tenderness. From time to time, I had the privilege of debating the news of the day with Christie on Newstalk 1010 radio. She was relentless in her pursuit of the truth and the facts that would help us understand the issues we face every day. I respected that in her, but I also respected her courage to unabashedly share her point of view, even when it was controversial.

Maybe that is why Newstalk 1010 morning host John Moore recently said, “There are certain figures you turn to, to make sense of the world around you. She was one of those.” I could not agree more.

It will be a lot harder making sense of the world around us without Christie.

Hooked on School DaysStatements by Members

2:05 p.m.

Bloc

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

Mr. Speaker, this is the week we celebrate Hooked on School Days.

This year's theme for Hooked on School Days is “Our Actions, A + in Their Success”. This theme is meant to encourage everyone, including us parliamentarians, to do more to contribute to educational success.

I want to take this opportunity to salute the teachers and all school staff, including professionals and support staff, for the indispensable investment they put in day after day.

Having worked as a school principal for over 20 years, today I am thinking about the young students who sometimes struggle to make it through the school day.

Valentine's DayStatements by Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Fayçal El-Khoury Liberal Laval—Les Îles, QC

Mr. Speaker, on February 14, almost everyone here celebrated Valentine's Day in one way or another. Valentine's Day is not just for lovers. It is a time to share wishes of happiness, forgiveness and unity in order to bring joy, laughter and delight into the hearts of all human beings. Love is not looking at one another; it is looking together in the same direction.

It is an occasion to be reminded that to love is to care about each other, to be united and to make from our diversity a strong tie that holds us together forever and to make Canada even better, because better is always possible. No one is left behind in Canada, one for all and all for one.

Happy Valentine's Day to all Canadians and to all communities across Canada and throughout the world.

Canadian AcademicStatements by Members

2:05 p.m.

Conservative

Tom Kmiec Conservative Calgary Shepard, AB

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay respect to one of Canada's leading public intellectuals.

He is Edmonton-born and Fairview-raised, with an academic career spanning McGill, Harvard and finally the University of Toronto. He is a clinician by profession and, with over two million copies sold of his self-help book, one of Canada's best-selling authors.

He is comfortable quoting Jung, Nietzsche and Solzhenitsyn, and his Bible lectures have struck a nerve with a secular generation detached from its roots. It is said a nation's treasure is its scholars. Jordan B. Peterson is one of Canada's treasures.

Rule 10 is to “be precise in your speech”, so let me be judicious. During his talks, he used his words carefully, imparting wisdom for an introspective life.

His battle with depression reminds us that being sick does not mean one is weak. He went to rehab to treat his addiction to antianxiety medication after his wife Tammy's terminal cancer diagnosis. He spoke frankly of his autoimmune illness and the life changes he had to make. His most recent health setbacks are a reminder of our mortality, regardless of fame or fortune.

I invite all members to join me in wishing Dr. Jordan B. Peterson a speedy recovery.

Allan PaceStatements by Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Mike Kelloway Liberal Cape Breton—Canso, NS

Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise in this House today to remember Al Pace, a community leader Cape Breton lost last week at 81 years of age.

Al was known for many things, and being a committed and loving family man was one of them. Al was a founding member of Sydco Fuels and Scotia Propane. He knew the importance of giving back to community. His work ethic and dedication never ceased. In fact, even after his retirement, he showed up every day for work.

Al served on many community boards, including the Kiwanis Club, the Shriners, the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation and the United Way. He was the very embodiment of “a rising tide raises all ships”.

On behalf of Cape Breton—Canso constituents and members of this House, I wish to offer my sincere condolences to his four generations of family and his loved ones. Al was an inspiration to all and will be deeply missed.

It is my hope that we can carry forward Al's virtue of putting community first for the betterment of the province, the region and our country.

Marie LauzonStatements by Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Stéphane Lauzon Liberal Argenteuil—La Petite-Nation, QC

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to announce that Lachute artist Marie Lauzon has once again made her mark on the world stage.

Ms. Lauzon was awarded the bronze medal at the 50th international exhibit of the Cercle des artistes peintres et sculpteurs du Québec held last September at the Fontdouce abbey near Cognac, France.

Her abstract piece entitled Dévouement et détermination charmed the jury, which was made up of prominent figures from the French cultural community.

Four more of Ms. Lauzon's abstract pieces are currently on display at the Palais des congrès de Montréal.

The people of Argenteuil—La Petite-Nation and I are proud of her. We are also proud of the positive attention she draws to our community. She is now part of my riding's ambassadors' circle.

Congenital Heart DiseaseStatements by Members

2:10 p.m.

Conservative

Robert Gordon Kitchen Conservative Souris—Moose Mountain, SK

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Congenital Heart Disease Awareness Day in Canada, which took place last week on February 14.

Congenital heart disease, or CHD, affects over 250,000 Canadians across our country. It is the world's leading birth defect, with roughly one in 90 Canadian children being diagnosed with some form of it each year, including holes in the heart, valve defects, stenosis of arteries and veins, and much more.

Thankfully, with technological and medical advancements, today about 90% of these children survive to adulthood. There is no cure for CHD, which means access to specialized care is essential, particularly for Canadian adults. Research on adult CHD has not reached the same level as other areas of heart disease, even though it has the potential to have a huge impact.

I encourage all Canadians to follow the mission of the Canadian Congenital Heart Alliance. We need to spread the word about the growing population of survivors and help them get the care and support they need to live long and healthy lives.

Florynce KennedyStatements by Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Anju Dhillon Liberal Dorval—Lachine—LaSalle, QC

Mr. Speaker, in celebration of Black History Month, I wish to honour Florynce Kennedy, a lawyer and a pioneer in the women's movement.

Flo has been neglected by history, including her very important role in the legalization of abortion. There is no real acknowledgement of this black woman's extraordinary struggle in the fight for all women.

At a crucial time in the 1960s, using ideas from the Black Power movement, Flo shaped the feminist movement into what it is today. She organized protests, boycotts and fought pro bono for social justice issues in court.

Sixty years ago, Flo pinpointed what we only started speaking about recently: that the feminist movement cannot ignore interlocking forms of oppression. To no avail, Flo tried to organize interracial feminist organizations that would address these very critical issues.

She was one of the most vocal, blunt voices in the feminist and Black Power movements and once said:

There aren't too many people ready to die for racism. They'll kill for racism but they won't die for racism.

Joan CarrStatements by Members

2:15 p.m.

Conservative

Kelly McCauley Conservative Edmonton West, AB

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honour Joan Carr, Edmonton Catholic School superintendent, who we lost to cancer this month.

Pioneering early learning programs, improving indigenous learning and helping new Canadians enter the school system were all part of Joan's 14 years as the head of Edmonton Catholic schools.

In 2017, Joan was recognized as Canada's top school superintendent. An elegant and attentive person, Joan never lost the heart of a teacher despite her exacting responsibilities as superintendent of more than 44,000 students. She modelled servant leadership to an extraordinary degree, empowering all those who worked for her to realize their talents, and focused always on supporting parents in their role as the primary educators of their children.

Joan was gifted with the support of her husband, Kevin Carr, himself a legend in educational leadership. She was the loving face of Jesus the teacher for all those she served. Well done, good and faithful servant. May she enter the glory of God.

Mining IndustryStatements by Members

2:15 p.m.

Conservative

Warren Steinley Conservative Regina—Lewvan, SK

Mr. Speaker, over 100,000 men and women in Alberta and Saskatchewan remain out of work. This crisis was created by the government's malicious indifference towards the energy sector.

However, there is hope on the horizon, in the name of a $20-billion mining project that would see 7,000 direct jobs created and countless more in spinoff and support work. That is why it is so confusing that members of the Prime Minister's own caucus, and I will just point out two, the member for Kingston and the Islands and the member for Toronto—Danforth, are actively promoting a petition calling for the cancellation of this job-creating project.

These reckless actions will not only cost our country thousands of jobs, but will tarnish our country's reputation, again, as a place unwilling to move projects forward.

People in my riding of Regina—Lewvan are looking to the Prime Minister, hoping he will stand in his place today and promise thousands of western Canadians that his government will approve this job-creating project. The Teck Frontier project needs to be approved now. We are hoping the Prime Minister will not show the same weak leadership he showed in the House yesterday.

Human RightsStatements by Members

February 19th, 2020 / 2:15 p.m.

NDP

Rachel Blaney NDP North Island—Powell River, BC

Mr. Speaker, I am scared.

History has shown us, too many times, that when change happens, people all too often target who they see as “other”. When anyone defines a person or a group of people as “other than”, we forget the connection of our human family.

All people want an environment that sustains us. All people want safety for their community and their loved ones. All people want to be heard and seen for the realities they are experiencing. In my riding and across Canada, pressure is rising to address indigenous rights and title, to build an economy that will provide living wages while protecting the environment.

I am calling on all Canadians to put down the weapons of racist language. I am calling on all people to not be silent but to remind one another we can have a difference of opinion, but we should not spread hate.

As the mother of indigenous children and grandchildren, they are precious to me. I am calling on all of us to keep all of us safe.

ExporailStatements by Members

2:20 p.m.

Bloc

Alain Therrien Bloc La Prairie, QC

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister gave the Minister of Canadian Heritage the mandate to review our national museums policy to ensure that people can access history.

My riding is home to Exporail, the only museum that specializes in railways. The Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage recommended granting this museum national museum status in 2007, but nothing has happened since then.

A review of the legislation would be the perfect opportunity to pay tribute to everyone who worked on building our railways in Quebec and Canada.

The first meeting of that committee is taking place today, very soon in fact, and I wish the members a constructive first meeting. Above all, I hope they will remember that their country was built on its railroads.

As we have seen these past few days, rail transportation is still very important.

Human RightsStatements by Members

2:20 p.m.

Conservative

Joël Godin Conservative Portneuf—Jacques-Cartier, QC

Mr. Speaker, while Canada was grappling with a crisis that, unfortunately, is only getting worse, the Prime Minister was off conducting a charm offensive to secure an African president's vote.

I would like to remind our Prime Minister that the foreign leader he met with is in favour of criminalizing homosexuality. Existing laws have been used to arrest members of the LGBTQ community visiting their loved ones in hospital, perpetrate severe local police brutality and justify denying access to medical treatment.

Our Prime Minister is prepared to use human rights as a bargaining chip in his bid to get a UN seat. That is alarming. He does not have a plan to resolve the ongoing rail transportation crisis.

He is supporting a foreign leader who violates LGBTQ rights. This is pure hypocrisy on the part of a two-faced man who does everything for show. Inconsistency is the Liberal government's trademark. It does not respect the environment, it wastes money and it sells LGBTQ rights.

Kin CanadaStatements by Members

2:20 p.m.

Liberal

Andy Fillmore Liberal Halifax, NS

Mr. Speaker, this year marks the 100th anniversary of Kin Canada, the nation's largest all-Canadian service club organization. Over 6,000 members belong to more than 400 Kinsmen, Kinette and Kin clubs across Canada, dedicating themselves to serving the community's greatest need.

Since its founding by Hal Rogers in 1920, the association has contributed more than $1 billion to Canadian causes, communities and individuals in need, as well as to disaster relief efforts beyond our borders.

Kin Canada's repertoire of good deeds includes supporting the fight against cystic fibrosis, having raised more $47.6 million for research and patient care since 1964; awarding bursaries to Canadian students from coast to coast to coast; and spreading cheer on its national day of kindness.

I invite all members to join me in expressing our heartfelt gratitude to all of the inspiring individuals who uplift their communities in a spirit of co-operation, inclusiveness and compassion. I say thanks to Kin Canada.

Public SafetyOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Regina—Qu'Appelle Saskatchewan

Conservative

Andrew Scheer ConservativeLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, “we must have coordinated action if we are going to call in police. There must be coordination with every province. A deadline must be set. I am not talking about weeks, but days. ...it is time for this to end. It has been two weeks.” Who said that? Quebec's premier, François Legault.

Did Mr. Legault disqualify himself with these comments from participating in future federal-provincial meetings?

Public SafetyOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Papineau Québec

Liberal

Justin Trudeau LiberalPrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, we take this crisis very seriously. It is unacceptable that so many Canadians are facing shortages or layoffs, as we have seen today. We know that we must do absolutely everything we can to resolve this worrisome issue peacefully. That is exactly what we will continue to do.

Public SafetyOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Regina—Qu'Appelle Saskatchewan

Conservative

Andrew Scheer ConservativeLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, if it is an unacceptable situation, he should do something about it. After two weeks of the Prime Minister's inaction and weakness, CN Rail and VIA Rail have announced that they are laying off nearly 1,500 workers because of these non-stop blockades across Canada. There are 1,500 men and women who have to look their families in the eye and tell them that they were laid off. They still have bills to pay.

Can the Prime Minister tell them on what day will the blockades come down?

Public SafetyOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Papineau Québec

Liberal

Justin Trudeau LiberalPrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, we are working extremely hard, doing absolutely everything we can to resolve these situations peacefully. We know that an overly aggressive approach, like the one proposed by the leader of the official opposition, will only lead to more challenges down the road.

However, I do agree with the Leader of the Opposition on one thing. This situation is unacceptable in the fact that it is hitting Canadians so hard, facing layoffs and shortages. That is why we are doing everything we can to resolve this peacefully. We will exhaust every effort to resolve this peacefully.

Public SafetyOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Regina—Qu'Appelle Saskatchewan

Conservative

Andrew Scheer ConservativeLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister still refuses to take any kind of action. These radical activists have erected these blockades because they want to shut down our resource centre. Protesters 4,000 kilometres away want to cancel billions of dollars' worth of resource projects, ones supported by the elected council of the Wet'suwet'en and even the British Columbia NDP government. This is not a way to grow the economy.

The Prime Minister is showing incredible weakness in refusing to do anything about this. Once again, can he tell people who were just laid off on what day they can get back to work?

Public SafetyOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

Papineau Québec

Liberal

Justin Trudeau LiberalPrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, we are continuing to do everything we can to resolve this situation peacefully. That is what Canadians expect of their government.

We understand how difficult this is for so many people who are facing shortages and layoffs right now, but we know we need to resolve this in a way that will not create more problems months from now and over the coming years. That is why we are taking every step necessary to resolve this constructively, peacefully and rapidly.

Public SafetyOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

Regina—Qu'Appelle Saskatchewan

Conservative

Andrew Scheer ConservativeLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, they are not doing everything. They could actually be moving to take these blockades down.

The reality is that the Prime Minister is trying to make a link between reconciliation and a group of radical protesters who have nothing to do with the first nations affected by this decision. These are groups whose self-professed goals are to shut down all development in our energy sector. They are anti-free market and they are ignoring the science of these approvals.

Once again, will the Prime Minister take action and tell these out-of-work Canadians on what day they can return to work?

Public SafetyOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

Papineau Québec

Liberal

Justin Trudeau LiberalPrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, we understand this is an unacceptable situation. Canadians are hurting. Canadians are facing layoffs. This is something we need to resolve and we need to resolve it not just for today and tomorrow, but we need to resolve it for the weeks and months to come.

Unfortunately, the approach that the Leader of the Opposition is proposing would not ensure jobs and stability for Canadians in the future. That is why we, on this side of the aisle, are focused on resolving it peacefully. That is what we will do.