Debates of Feb. 27th, 2020

Coldest Night of the Year

[Tony Van Bynen, Liberal, Newmarket—Aurora, ON]

Madam Speaker, this past Saturday, I was proud to join my community in Newmarket—Aurora on the Coldest Night of the Year fundraising walk. This year, we doubled our goal and raised over $86,000 to help Inn From the Cold, a local charity that assists homeless and at-risk individuals by providing shelter, training and transition to permanent solutions.

I would like to congratulate the walkers, volunteers, sponsors and charities of Newmarket—Aurora for making this year's Coldest Night of the Year walk a huge success. I thank them for their continuous commitment to help the vulnerable people in our community. I would also like to recognize that Canadians across 145 communities participated in this annual walk and raised over $6 million.

I congratulate my colleagues in the House who participated in the walk in their own ridings.

Rail Crisis

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

Mr. Speaker, yesterday we learned that Resolute Forest Products will have to close its Dolbeau-Mistassini mill temporarily. Why? Because of the Prime Minister's failure to deal with the rail blockade crisis.

People on the other side of the House go on and on about the middle class, but they clearly do not understand it. When a railway is blocked long enough to shut down a paper mill, that has an impact on the middle class.

Like everyone in my region, I am mad. I know what it feels like to be laid off. I worked in a paper mill until last September, and I have been through that. It is not easy. This is not just 167 people out of a job, it is 167 middle-class families facing instability. This crisis must end.

I hope the House will hear and heed the cries of the people of Lac-Saint-Jean. What the government needs to do is act on the Bloc Québécois' suggestions, just as it did for aluminum. Listening to us works.

NATO

[Julie Dzerowicz, Liberal, Davenport, ON]

Mr. Speaker, last week, I was part of the Canadian delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly in Brussels. NATO is a multilateral organization committed to global peace and freedom and to meeting the security challenges of terrorism and cyber-attacks.

Canada has participated in nearly every NATO mission since its founding in 1949 and is currently leading the following key initiatives: Forward Presence battlegroup in Latvia, led by Colonel Eric Laforest; NATO Defense College, led by Lieutenant-General Christine Whitecross; Standing NATO Maritime Group Two, until recently led by Commodore Josée Kurtz; and the NATO training mission in Iraq, led by Major-General Jennie Carignan. We are proud of Canada's excellent leadership and note that until the end of December 2019, three of our four operations were led by women.

I saw first-hand how vital an organization NATO is to ensuring peace and stability in the world. We can never waiver in our commitment to NATO and to supporting the amazing women and men who step up every day to defend our values, our liberty and our democracy.

Armenia

[Bob Saroya, Conservative, Markham—Unionville, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I stand today to join our Armenian community across Canada to commemorate the 32nd anniversary of the Sumgait pogrom and the 30th anniversary of the Baku pogrom.

During the waning days of the Soviet Union, Artsakh Armenians demanded reunification with Armenia and later the independence of Armenia. In response, Azeri nationalists carried out gross massacres in the city of Sumgait and the capital city of Baku. These massacres set a precedent for xenophobia, hatred and discrimination toward Armenians in Azerbaijan that unfortunately continues until today and impedes the Artsakh peace process.

These historic events should act as a strong reminder for Canada, that we must continue to defend human rights and stop crimes against humanity abroad.

Innovative Communities Fund

[Sean Casey, Liberal, Charlottetown, PE]

Mr. Speaker, the innovative communities fund focuses on investments that lead to long-term employment and economic capacity building in Atlantic Canadian communities.

There is an excellent example of that happening right now in the great riding of Charlottetown. Since 1981, our beloved Charlottetown farmers' market has been the city's go-to destination on a Saturday morning.

In politics, it is important to go out and meet people, and on Saturday mornings, there are lots of them at the market. All year long, over 65 vendors come to the market with the best local products, hospitality, cuisine, and arts and crafts Prince Edward Island has to offer. I think that says a lot.

The market is an essential driver for our economy, particularly for small business and agri-food entrepreneurs. This new investment will ensure that the market is able to not just survive, but to thrive as a place to buy local and meet neighbours.

Armenian Genocide

[Fayçal El-Khoury, Liberal, Laval—Les Îles, QC]

Mr. Speaker, Armenians in Laval—Les Îles and across Canada are commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Baku genocide and the 32nd anniversary of the Sumgait genocide. These heinous crimes against humanity took the lives of many people in those cities in Azerbaijan.

The horrific days that they went through are still fresh in the memory of those who survived. Today, let us take a moment to pay homage to each and every one affected directly or indirectly by this barbaric, senseless violence and to raise awareness so that history does not repeat itself.

As we commemorate this horrific tragedy, let it serve as a reminder of how lucky we are to live in a country like Canada, where the most basic human rights are upheld and common values like respect, tolerance and justice are shared.

Calgary Centre

[Greg McLean, Conservative, Calgary Centre, AB]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today and salute the volunteer organizations in Calgary Centre that have spent years promoting pride in Canada's working resource industries.

For years, workers in these sectors have contributed to Canada's growth, paying taxes while an army of foreign-funded activists mounted misinformation campaigns to discredit their work. These Canadians believed the governments would make good, common-sense decisions. Well, common sense is not always in abundance. Out of this noise arose a collection of volunteer voices, recognizing we needed better information on how our natural resource industries contribute to the essentials of life we all enjoy.

Canada Action, started by Cody Battershill, has become a highly regarded source of information and a purveyor of Canadian pride. There are many more: Terry Winnitoy, of Energy Now; Michael Binnion of Modern Miracle Network; Aaron Foyer and Alexandria Shrake of Energy Minute; and Chris Slubicki from Modern Resources.

Each of these organizations and people have undertaken their tasks as volunteers to make our country better—

[The Speaker, Liberal, Anthony Rota]

The hon. member for Mississauga East—Cooksville.

Community Living Mississauga

[Peter Fonseca, Liberal, Mississauga East—Cooksville, ON]

Mr. Speaker, today I would like to talk about an organization that is leading by example and showcasing to people in Mississauga and the country how warmth, kindness and empathy help us build an ideal community.

As a non-profit charitable organization, Community Living Mississauga supports individuals with intellectual disabilities, to ensure their social life is meaningfully improved. Over 3,000 Mississaugans have received opportunities through over 450 employers who provide support and care to individuals who need it most.

Community Living Mississauga will be hosting its annual tribute dinner. Frank Giannone will be honoured for his philanthropic efforts and contributions toward the city. The goal of this event, along with honouring Frank, will be to raise funds so that young people with intellectual disabilities can attend summer programming.

As a big supporter of Community Living Mississauga, I want to thank all the donors, volunteers, staff members and management for their great work.

Status of Women

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

Mr. Speaker, on March 8 we celebrate International Women's Day. Canadian women make vital contributions to communities across our country every day. For years women have stood up against sexism and inequality.

Women's contributions to our farms, our businesses and our homes make our communities vibrant and dynamic. While women have come a long way toward true gender equality, we know that issues such as gender-based violence, sex trafficking and unequal representation to disproportionately affect women.

Canada's Conservatives are hard at work to put forward constructive ideas that benefit Canadian women in every region of our country. We are committed to empowering women and girls to achieve their full potential. We know that women will succeed and all Canada will benefit.

Happy International Women's Day.

Battle of Paardeberg

[Alex Ruff, Conservative, Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute on the 120th anniversary of the battle of Paardeberg. The Boer War marked the first overseas deployment of the Canadian army, specifically the 2nd (Special Service) Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment of Infantry, which played an instrumental role in the victory of the battle of Paardeberg Drift.

During the early hours of the 27th of February, 1900, the battalion advanced by night toward the enemy lines, quietly digging trenches on high ground only 65 yards from the Boer lines. The Boers attempted to repel the Canadian advance and fierce fighting began. By 6 a.m. the Boers had surrendered, thus removing the enemy forces blocking the way to the Boer capital.

The colonel of the regiment, the Right Hon. David Johnson, said recently, “This battle represented a turning point in the South African conflict”. He continued, “historians acclaim that this battle, attributed internationally as a Canadian success, led to Canada's first true pangs of nationalism.”

For approximately two decades afterwards, on February 27 Canadians would gather around memorials of the South African War to say prayers and honour veterans. This tradition continued until the day was replaced by Remembrance Day following World War I.

I invite all members of the House to join me in honouring our veterans and celebrating Paardeberg Day. Pro patria.

Opioids

[Charlie Angus, NDP, Timmins—James Bay, ON]

Mr. Speaker, the opioid crisis is causing havoc and heartbreak.

Back in 2009, my office helped establish the first OxyContin task force in Timmins. Those front-line groups were doing incredible work, and then we got hit with a new generation of nightmare drugs such as fentanyl, carfentanil and purple heroin. There is now an unprecedented medical emergency across North America.

In Timmins, I would like to thank the work of the situation table, the front-line workers in police and in medical and mental health, and the Living Space. In Kirkland Lake, my office is working with the opioid task force. In James Bay, we have states of emergency that have been declared, but we need the federal government at the table.

We need more services for harm reduction. We need a commitment to start going after the illicit trade in fentanyl on the dark net. We need to have a gut readiness of the government to go after big pharma to make them pay for the damage that they have done. We need to declare a national medical emergency because this crisis is affecting us all.

Cat Café

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

Mr. Speaker, on February 13, during my visit to Quebec's wonderful national capital, I stopped in at an original and unique café that is home to 16 cats and one dog. It is called Café félin Ma langue aux chats.

The purpose of this enterprise is to bring veterans out of isolation. It was launched by two veterans who were struggling with PTSD and other issues. I want to recognize the dedication and courage of Marie-Pier Tremblay and Lisa Cyr. Their goal is to provide veterans with a space that is free of judgment and labels, where they can get together and interact with complete peace of mind. Basically, it is a refuge.

With this initiative, these two women are changing perceptions, preventing suicide and reducing the stigma associated with mental health.

I salute Marie-Pier and Lisa.

Defacing of RCMP Monument

[Larry Maguire, Conservative, Brandon—Souris, MB]

Mr. Speaker, one of the worst acts of vandalism in Canadian history occurred two nights ago in Winnipeg when someone defaced a monument honouring RCMP officers who died in the line of duty. These brave men and women of the RCMP died in the line of duty in service to our nation. They died upholding the rule of law and for answering the call when we needed them the most.

I can think of nothing more despicable than this cowardly act of vandalism. Instead of peaceful protests, these vandals have resorted to radical acts. They stooped to the lowest levels in their attempt to advance their cause.

In Canada, when we disagree, we do it through peaceful means and not spray painting vulgarities on monuments. If these vandals thought their actions would garner support for their cause, they were wrong. These vandals have unfairly tarnished those who are engaging in peaceful dialogue. They should be ashamed of themselves and immediately apologize.

I call on all members to denounce these illegal and appalling acts of vandalism.

David P. Smith

[James Maloney, Liberal, Etobicoke—Lakeshore, ON]

Mr. Speaker, Canada has lost a giant. The Honourable David P. Smith, husband, father, grandfather, former cabinet minister, senator and a genuine political legend, passed away yesterday.

“Brother Smith”, as he was known by everyone, was honest, funny and decent. He was called home, but far too soon. He was deeply religious. Yesterday was Ash Wednesday, which is perhaps fitting, and it was his time, but the rest of us were not ready.

His humour, his demeanour and his gregarious personality transcended all political boundaries. He was respected and loved by all that knew him regardless of their political stripe.

However, make no mistake. He was a Liberal. He was also a brilliant strategist. He was the man behind many successful campaigns. In 1993 he ran the Ontario campaign and the Liberals won every seat but one. I am told that prime minister Chrétien still has not forgiven him.

There are many people in the chamber who would not be here but for him. He was a mentor, a role model and an inspiration. He represented all good things about this profession.

A minute is not enough time to reflect, so I ask that we pause and we learn from his legacy.

[The Speaker, Liberal, Anthony Rota]

Before we go on, I want to remind hon. members that when it is time to speak and you have to get up, if you do not mind doing so before your name is called. Most of you know when you are going to be getting up, so if hon. members can rise before their name is called, that would be good.

We have had a few incidents where people have been overlooked and we have gone somewhere else. It is not usually during question period but during the day. Even during question period, if you know your time is coming, please do not wait until it is time to speak before you get up.

This is just a little reminder to help the process go better.

Natural Resources

[Andrew Scheer, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, the Teck Frontier mine would have been a big benefit to Canada's economy, creating 7,000 construction jobs and 2,500 long-term jobs. Fourteen indigenous communities signed partnership agreements and they were looking forward to benefiting from the jobs this project would have created. Therefore, the decision to cancel Teck Frontier should have been a massive disappointment to any government, but the Prime Minister has refused to tell us how he personally feels about this decision.

Can the Prime Minister tell us how he feels about Teck Frontier being cancelled?

[Chrystia Freeland, Liberal, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs]

Mr. Speaker, I know this was a very difficult decision for the company and a very difficult decision for our country.

Let me say how I feel about our country's oil and gas sector. We secured the largest investment in Canada's history with LNG Canada. We approved the Line 3 replacement. We approved TMX, and we will get it built.

Our government understands that Canada is one of the world's leading producers of oil and gas and that the sector is the source of hundreds of thousands of great jobs across the country. We support the sector.

[Andrew Scheer, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

The problem with that answer, Mr. Speaker, is that almost $200 billion of investment in our energy sector has left Canada for other countries that can actually get projects approved and built by the private sector.

The Prime Minister is trying to blame Teck Frontier's decision on the polarized debate around it. In other words, he is saying that the only way big projects can get built in this country now is if nobody notices that they are happening because he does not have the strength to stare down radical activists who just want to leave the oil and gas in the ground.

Can the Prime Minister tell us what he is going to do to make sure that future projects do not get hijacked by these types of tactics?

[Chrystia Freeland, Liberal, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs]

Mr. Speaker, let me tell the Leader of the Opposition what we all need to do.

We all need to recognize that reconciling ambitious climate action and getting energy projects built in Canada is complex and it presents complex challenges. It is not good for our country to have this debate be dominated by extremes on either side. We need to work sincerely together to find common ground and our government is committed to doing just that.

[Andrew Scheer, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, it was the Prime Minister who praised the protesters when he said they were out defending their community in the cold. Those were his words.

It is very complicated to get a project approved, but it is actually very simple once the independent regulator gives a recommendation, and that recommendation had been sitting on the Prime Minister's desk since July. The Prime Minister could have approved this project in July, but he refused to do so. He refused to approve it in August, September, October, November, December and January.

What I would like to know is what information the Prime Minister was waiting for that he could not approve this project back in July.

[Chrystia Freeland, Liberal, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs]

Mr. Speaker, I do not agree with the members opposite about everything, but I think we can all agree that our country needs to find a path forward on getting big energy projects built and on acting ambitiously when it comes to climate change. It is simply untrue and false to suggest to Canadians that the path is simple. It is complicated. It is going to take all of us working together and that is what we are going to do.

Public Safety

[Alain Rayes, Conservative, Richmond—Arthabaska, QC]

Mr. Speaker, every time Canada has gone through a difficult situation in the past five years, our Prime Minister has shown no leadership. Look at his trip to the Aga Khan's island, his trip to India, SNC-Lavalin, the coronavirus, the CN strike, the energy projects in western Canada and now the rail blockades.

Running a country when things are going well is easy, but when there is adversity, it is much harder.

When will the Prime Minister show leadership and deal with the rail blockades once and for all?

[Chrystia Freeland, Liberal, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister showed leadership last week when he clearly said that the injunction must be obeyed, the law must be upheld and the barricades must come down.

I want to congratulate the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, who is in British Columbia today to work with her provincial counterpart and with Wet'suwet'en representatives.

[Alain Rayes, Conservative, Richmond—Arthabaska, QC]

Mr. Speaker, this is week four of the rail blockades, and no progress has been made. One day, the Prime Minister blames the Conservatives. The next, he blames Stephen Harper. It is the UN's fault, the provinces' fault, everyone's fault except the Prime Minister's. However, he has been in power for five years. The reality is that Canadians are fed up. They want a Prime Minister who shows leadership.

When will he be able to give us a date when all the railways will reopen?