Debates of Feb. 21st, 2020

Public Safety

[Joël Lightbound, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness]

Mr. Speaker, over time, we have become accustomed to the Conservative Party offering simple solutions to extremely complex problems, but I think this is taking things to a whole new level.

In this case, we are working with our provincial counterparts. Everyone agrees that dialogue is the way to go to resolve this situation peacefully but that dialogue has its limits. We recognize the effects that these blockades are having on our country's economy, on workers and on the movement of goods and people in Canada.

The solution involves continued dialogue.

The Economy

[Andréanne Larouche, Bloc, Shefford, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the problem is that we are out of time.

The Union des producteurs agricoles is sounding the alarm. A crisis is upon us. If the rail blockades are not lifted and if rail service does not resume within the next few hours, we will have a full-on propane shortage. Farmers use propane to heat their buildings in the middle of February. Their livestock herds are in jeopardy. Farmers back home are worried.

What specific action will the government take to resolve this crisis over the weekend?

[Joël Lightbound, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness]

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for her question. I can assure her that all members of Parliament from Quebec on this side of the House are very concerned about the rail blockades in Quebec and Ontario.

However, this is a complex problem and there is no easy solution. Dialogue is key to finding a solution. Dialogue has begun and we are giving it a chance. Yesterday, provincial premiers acknowledged that we need to give dialogue some more time. Dialogue does, however, have its limits. It cannot go on forever because of the serious impacts this situation is having on the Canadian economy, farmers and business owners.

[Louise Charbonneau, Bloc, Trois-Rivières, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the rail blockade crisis has already had a serious impact on Mauricie. Our farmers and their animals are facing a propane shortage. Two Resolute Forest Products sawmills are hours away from laying off all their employees. At the port of Trois-Rivières, more than 200 rail cars are delayed.

What concrete action is the government going to take to ensure that the blockades are removed this weekend?

[Joël Lightbound, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness]

Mr. Speaker, I share the concerns of the hon. opposition member. I think the situation is worrisome from the point of view of the economy and the transportation of goods and people. This is having very serious repercussions on the lives of thousands of Canadians and on the Canadian economy.

In terms of actions, the Prime Minister is meeting with his ministers and the incident management centre as we speak. Yesterday, there was a positive move when the RCMP in British Columbia decided to withdraw from Wet'suwet'en territory. Now, we are open to dialogue and that is the preferred approach of the provincial premiers. As I was saying in my previous response, in light of the economic consequences of the current situation, dialogue has its limits.

[Colin Carrie, Conservative, Oshawa, ON]

Mr. Speaker, Gerdau, a large steel producer near my riding of Oshawa, is being negatively affected by these illegal blockades and the Prime Minister's inability to end them.

The blockades are affecting the company's ability to transport goods and receive manufacturing supplies and its steel-making operations are now under threat. Hundreds of manufacturing jobs in my community could be at risk, and so are thousands across Ontario.

If the Prime Minister never wants to end the illegal blockades, when can we expect to see his plan to support affected workers?

[Chris Bittle, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport]

Mr. Speaker, as I represent a manufacturing community, I understand the question, the concerns and the significant impacts manufacturers are facing.

We understand that the path forward to a sustainable resolution of blockades is through dialogue, and that is the approach we are using. We are hoping for a swift resolution to ensure that Canadians impacted by these blockades can return to work and that businesses can get their goods to market.

[Tracy Gray, Conservative, Kelowna—Lake Country, BC]

Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, 34 Canadian organizations, representing multiple sectors from across the country employing millions of Canadians, wrote the Prime Minister. They expressed how the activist blockades were creating serious problems for interprovincial trade, public service, businesses, workers and families. They said that for every day the rail lines were down, it would take at least four days to just catch up.

Will the Prime Minister create plan for our economy to catch up if these blockades are ever dismantled?

[Chris Bittle, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport]

Mr. Speaker, as I have said, we understand the impact of these blockades. They are potentially devastating for many communities, industries and farmers. However, the path forward to a sustainable and lasting resolution is through dialogue, and that is the approach we are taking.

We are looking forward to a swift resolution to ensure that all Canadians who are impacted by these blockades can return to work and that businesses can get their goods to market.

Rail Transportation

[John Williamson, Conservative, New Brunswick Southwest, NB]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the Minister of Transport told the House that VIA Rail service was now operating between Ottawa and Montreal. The minister also said that he was a frequent VIA Rail traveller, which is very convenient for him and fellow Montreal area MPs.

I was surprised to learn that VIA Rail is not operating to Atlantic Canada. In fact, VIA is not running any services between Montreal and Halifax.

These illegal blockades are located in western and central Canada, not down east. Therefore, why is VIA Rail not running in Atlantic Canada?

[Chris Bittle, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport]

Mr. Speaker, we know how disruptive some of the blockades have been for the travelling public. VIA Rail is a very important service that connects our communities. VIA Rail has removed some service in the corridor.

We understand that the path forward to a sustainable solution is through dialogue, and that is the approach we are using. We are working tirelessly to end the blockades and resume rail passenger service as quickly as we can.

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

Mr. Speaker, given that VIA Rail is a Crown corporation, subsidized to the tune of nearly $400 million annually by taxpayers, what has the cost been to VIA Rail due to the illegal blockades across the country and when will the Crown be initiating legal action for damages for the millions of dollars in lost revenue against the organizers of these illegal blockades?

[Chris Bittle, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport]

Mr. Speaker, we know the importance of VIA Rail to Canadians across the country and the importance of connecting travellers, families and our communities.

However, the way to resolve this blockade in an effective manner is through dialogue, and that is the approach we are taking. We want to ensure that these blockades end and resume passenger rail as quickly as possible.

Indigenous Affairs

[Mumilaaq Qaqqaq, NDP, Nunavut, NU]

Mr. Speaker, meeting with the Wet'suwet'en chiefs would be a step in the right direction for reconciliation, but what we are seeing again is the Prime Minister failing. His broken promises to the people in my riding are seen every day, with a lack of and poor health care, mental health care, housing, education and transportation.

The Liberals supported our motion on suicide prevention, but when it comes to action, we see broken promises.

Why are the Liberals so committed to denying basic human rights for indigenous peoples?

[Dan Vandal, Liberal, Minister of Northern Affairs]

Mr. Speaker, nothing could be further from the truth. Our government is committed to improving the quality of life for northerners.

In the last few years, we have invested $40 million over five years to support options for post-secondary education in the north, in the Arctic. Through our national housing strategy, we are helping more than 3,000 northerners find a place to call home. We have signed 10-year agreements with the three territories, which will invest over $550 million in housing for the north. We have signed a 10-year agreement with ITK, which will invest $400 million for housing in the north.

We know there is a lot of work to do, and we are committed to getting it done in partnership.

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

Mr. Speaker, in my riding, 11 years after the Supreme Court reaffirmed the rights of five Nuu-chah-nulth nations to catch and sell fish in their territory, the government has still not negotiated an agreement. Instead, it has spent over $19 million fighting these nations and their rights in court.

We can look across the country today and it is clear the Prime Minister's words of nation-to-nation relationships fall flat. That is why the Wet'suwet'en hereditary chiefs are asking for a face-to-face meeting. When will the Prime Minister answer their call?

[Bernadette Jordan, Liberal, Minister of Fisheries]

Mr. Speaker, the Government of Canada is working collaboratively with the five Nuu-chah-nulth first nations to advance reconciliation with regard to their right to fish and sell fish.

An incremental reconciliation agreement for fisheries resources concluded in September 2019, and subsequently, we moved forward collaboratively with more comprehensive reconciliation negotiations for fisheries resources.

At the same time, our government is working closely in collaboration with B.C. first nations and stakeholders towards a renewed salmon allocation policy that is in line with the court's decision and respects indigenous rights.

Infrastructure

[Jean Yip, Liberal, Scarborough—Agincourt, ON]

Mr. Speaker, communities across Canada are benefiting from projects under the green municipal fund, a billion dollar program funded by the Government of Canada and delivered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.

Cities are terrific partners in pioneering practical climate solutions. By supporting municipalities in their efforts to build more resilient communities, we are helping Canadians across the country mitigate the worst impacts of climate change.

Would the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities tell this House how we can work together to create good middle-class jobs, protect the environment and grow the economy?

[Catherine McKenna, Liberal, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities]

Mr. Speaker, it was great to sit down recently with big city mayors and with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities to discuss our common priorities, from public transit to green infrastructure.

We announced 10 new projects under the green municipal fund, such as a pilot project for Saskatoon to test electric buses, funding for Calgary to study fuel alternatives for its waste and recycle services fleet, and a stormwater project for the Fort York region and Lake Simcoe.

Local leaders know what is right for their communities. We are committed to working with them.

Rail Transportation

[Dane Lloyd, Conservative, Sturgeon River—Parkland, AB]

Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, Alberta experienced its first blockade in my riding of Sturgeon River—Parkland. A critical CN Rail line that moves over $100 million a day in goods was blocked. Many of these goods are hazardous materials.

These blockades pose a threat to public safety. Counter-protesters removed the barricades. Canadians are frustrated and concerned that there will be violence. When will the Liberal government take strong action, restore the rule of law and end these blockades?

[Joël Lightbound, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness]

Mr. Speaker, we recognize the hardships that these blockades have caused for millions of Canadians and the Canadian economy.

It is our undertaking to see an end to this situation and to see the blockades go down. We are working with the RCMP and with our provincial counterparts who favour the same approach we are taking, which is to give a chance for dialogue. However, dialogue has its limits. The blockades must come down, but I would warn that it is very irresponsible for citizens to take the matter into their own hands. Law enforcement is the proper way to do it. I suggest the member opposite tell Peter MacKay that.

[Randy Hoback, Conservative, Prince Albert, SK]

Mr. Speaker, last night I received an email from Kevin, a farmer from the Shellbrook area in my riding. Kevin has half a million dollars' worth of undeliverable contracts that he cannot deliver on.

A month from now, road bans are going to hit. Grain elevators are saying they need at least two weeks to clear the backlog.

When can I tell Kevin the barricades will be taken down, and in the meantime, where can Kevin send his bills?

[Chris Bittle, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport]

Mr. Speaker, we understand the pain that this blockade is causing farmers and businesses across the country, but a pathway to a lasting resolution of this is through open and respectful dialogue. That is the path we are taking. That is the path that will resolve this situation peacefully, and that is the path we are taking.

[Jeremy Patzer, Conservative, Cypress Hills—Grasslands, SK]

Mr. Speaker, farmers are feeling the damaging effects of the illegal rail blockades. They are not getting paid because the elevators are either full or will not accept any more grains or pulse crops. Eighty-five ships are in the Vancouver harbour waiting to be loaded. If the shipments do not arrive on time, farmers will also have to pay demurrage charges.

One farmer from my riding named Doug shared with me that he even had to start withdrawing his RRSPs just to pay the bills. There is no more time to wait.

When will the Prime Minister support farmers and stand up against the illegal blockades?

[Chris Bittle, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport]

Mr. Speaker, we understand the significant impacts across the country on farmers, on small businesses, on manufacturers and on employees who work in these industries, but we understand clearly that the path forward to a sustainable and lasting resolution is through dialogue. We are hoping for a swift resolution to ensure that Canadians affected by these blockades can return to work and businesses can get their goods to market.