House of Commons Hansard #25 of the 43rd Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was medical.
Bill Blair Liberal Scarborough Southwest, ON
Mr. Speaker, let me assure the members opposite that our government remains committed to doing the hard work of going to the table and engaging in the negotiations to resolve the outstanding issues and to get that project built.
At the same time, we have real confidence in law enforcement across this country to do the job of restoring order and taking those barricades down.
Mel Arnold Conservative North Okanagan—Shuswap, BC
Mr. Speaker, 300,000 chickens: That is how many birds will go hungry on one farm in Salmon Arm in a few days. This family farm's existence is being threatened by the rail blockades. The farmers have the trucks ready to pick up the grain from the railcars, but they cannot get the railcars moved.
The livestock and the livelihoods of farmers are at risk. When will the Prime Minister remove these blockades?
Bill Blair LiberalMinister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
Mr. Speaker, let me be very clear. The Prime Minister and our government have been crystal clear. These barricades are having an unacceptable impact on Canadians across the country, and they must come down.
At the same time, we have confidence in law enforcement's ability to do their job and to uphold the law while we engage in the important work of negotiations to reconcile the issues giving rise to these barricades.
Rachael Thomas Conservative Lethbridge, AB
Mr. Speaker, Canada is in a crisis. Roads, railways and ports have been shut down. Thousands of Canadians are unable to get to work and small businesses and farmers cannot get their products to market. Workers are being laid off. A few radical activists and those who break the law, who hate energy progress, are literally being allowed to hold our country hostage.
When will the Prime Minister do his job, take leadership and put an end to this lawlessness?
Marc Garneau LiberalMinister of Transport
Mr. Speaker, it is very hard to resolve the problem. I should point out that trains are beginning to move again, not only moving freight across this country but also moving passengers, so the situation is improving. It is not where we want it to be, and we are going to continue to work very hard.
We are extremely happy with the dialogue that is going to start today with the Wet'suwet'en hereditary chiefs. We are working with a very sensible approach to solve this problem.
Julie Vignola Bloc Beauport—Limoilou, QC
Mr. Speaker, today is the fourth anniversary of Phoenix, the black hole that has swallowed up three-quarters of federal public servants at one time or another. Some are not being paid, while others are being forced to repay tens of thousands of dollars they received, and they are required to repay the gross amount, not the net amount. Some have lost their homes. One public servant even took her own life. These are but a few of the figures we know. Four years later, we still have nothing to celebrate. There is a protest in Montreal.
Will the President of the Treasury Board—
Public Services and ProcurementOral Questions
February 27th, 2020 / 2:55 p.m.
Oakville Ontario
Liberal
Anita Anand LiberalMinister of Public Services and Procurement
Mr. Speaker, I offer my condolences to Ms. Deschâtelets' family. We recognize that pay issues are stressful and create hardships for employees and their families, and we are committed to fixing this.
Over the past two years, we have reduced the backlog by 39%. During the same period, the number of pending transactions with financial implications was reduced by 50%. We continue to—
Julie Vignola Bloc Beauport—Limoilou, QC
Mr. Speaker, I understand that the minister wants to be reassuring, and yet, nearly 4,000 RCMP employees are still being forced into the black hole that is Phoenix. They are told that all the tests are conclusive and that Phoenix is working perfectly.
Tell that to the 100,000 public servants who have had problems in the past year. It makes absolutely no sense to enter new workers into Phoenix at this stage of the disaster. We know that the system does not work. We know that the government is working on replacing it.
Why not wait for the new system?
Jean-Yves Duclos LiberalPresident of the Treasury Board
Mr. Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to thank my colleague for that very important question. The work of RCMP employees is absolutely essential to Canadians' safety and their working conditions are absolutely an essential part of my mandate. That is why no RCMP employee will be moved to Phoenix or the public service as long as there is any risk involved.
Robert Gordon Kitchen Conservative Souris—Moose Mountain, SK
Mr. Speaker, Saskatchewan grain farmers are facing serious financial hardships after a difficult harvest season.
The Liberals have failed to resolve trade disputes with China. The carbon tax is making everything more expensive. Now illegal blockades are shutting down the rail system. The Liberals must act to help our struggling farmers.
The deadline for loan repayment through the advance payments program is fast approaching. Will the minister agree today to waive the interest on the loans and extend the repayment deadline?
Marie-Claude Bibeau LiberalMinister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
Mr. Speaker, we understand the pressure our farmers are facing following this tough year. That is why we have improved the advance payments program. We are in close contact with the APP administrator to monitor the evolving needs of farmers.
I can assure the member that I will duly evaluate a request when it comes.
John Nater Conservative Perth—Wellington, ON
Mr. Speaker, farmers are facing their challenges now and the deadline is fast approaching for the advance payments repayments.
Farmers are facing challenges. A wet harvest meant the money for crops stayed in the ground. Those who did get their crops off are now facing delays because of a CN Rail strike and illegal blockades. When we asked the Prime Minister this question yesterday, it appeared as though he did not even know what this program was.
Therefore, my question is for the Minister of Agriculture. Will she extend the deadline for the advance payments program and will she waive the interest charges, yes or no?
Marie-Claude Bibeau LiberalMinister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
Mr. Speaker, we made significant modifications to the advance payments program last year. It is an important program for our farmers. I can assure the member that we are working closely with the APP administrator. If they come to me and ask for such a request, I will take it very seriously.
Rosemarie Falk Conservative Battlefords—Lloydminster, SK
Mr. Speaker, Canada's farmers have been hit with blow after blow by the Liberal government.
Last fall's early snowfall left so many crops buried under the snow. Rail strikes and illegal blockades are preventing crops that are in the bins from even getting to the market. The Liberal carbon tax and crumbling trade relationships only compound this crisis.
Advance payments program loans are coming due, but with so many hardships beyond their control, farmers are strapped for cash. Our farmers are in desperate need for more than just empty platitudes.
When will the Prime Minister commit to extending the advance payments program deadline and waiving the interest on its loans?
Marie-Claude Bibeau LiberalMinister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
Mr. Speaker, I will be very pleased and open to evaluate such a request when it comes to me.
I have already told the House many times that I am also very committed to improving the business risk management programs. Should I remind my colleagues that they cut $400 million from these programs?
Iqra Khalid Liberal Mississauga—Erin Mills, ON
Mr. Speaker, everyone has the right to a safe workplace, with fair treatment for all, no matter their gender or their gender identity.
Sexual harassment impacts the health and the well-being of those involved, as well as their ability to perform their jobs to the best of their ability.
Will the Minister of Justice please share with the House what action our Liberal government is taking to address the issue of workplace sexual harassment?
David Lametti LiberalMinister of Justice
Mr. Speaker, I agree with the hon. member that everyone has the right to feel safe and secure in their workplace.
Our government has invested $50 million over five years in funding to address sexual harassment in the workplace. Half of this funding will increase organizations' capacity to provide legal advice to complainants and half will enable them to provide public legal education and information to workers.
We all have important roles to play in creating and maintaining workplaces where everyone can feel safe and respected.
James Bezan Conservative Selkirk—Interlake—Eastman, MB
Mr. Speaker, the Liberals' fighter jet fiasco has turned into a complete circus.
First the Liberals manufactured a fake capability gap to justify their ridiculous plan to buy a bunch of old, rusted out Aussie jets. Now they delayed the competition to buy new jets for another three months. To top it all off, they are only upgrading the fighting capabilities on half our old jets.
How have the Liberals managed to waste $3 billion taxpayer dollars without buying a single, not one, new fighter jet?
Anita Anand LiberalMinister of Public Services and Procurement
Mr. Speaker, our government has been strong and consistent in delivering on its promise to replace the existing fighter jets. Unlike the previous Conservative government, which procured no jets, we are delivering real progress in purchasing 88—
The Speaker Liberal Anthony Rota
Anita Anand Liberal Oakville, ON
Mr. Speaker, at the request of industry, the deadline for preliminary proposals has been extended until June 30. This will not affect the timeline for contract award and delivery.
Our objective remains clear, and that is getting the best plane for the RCAF at the right price, with the most economic benefit for Canadians.
Stephanie Kusie Conservative Calgary Midnapore, AB
Mr. Speaker, families in Toronto are struggling to find a home. The first-time home buyer incentive provided a glimmer of hope before the details were actually known.
One cannot buy half a home in Toronto under the current incentive, leaving families with little option for home ownership under this plan.
When will the Liberals put forward a real plan for families that are just trying to buy their first home in Toronto?