House of Commons Hansard #27 of the 43rd Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was impact.
Richard Martel Conservative Chicoutimi—Le Fjord, QC
Mr. Speaker, GNL Québec is yet another project the Government of Canada sabotaged, even though it is a green project that fits right into the global energy transition. The project could produce $807 million in economic spinoffs annually, $110 million in tax revenue and 1,100 direct and indirect jobs.
What does the Prime Minister have to say to the people of Saguenay—Lac-Saint-Jean and elsewhere, the majority of whom support this project?
Peter Schiefke LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change
Mr. Speaker, that project is currently undergoing a federal assessment by the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada in accordance with the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012, which is the system set up by my colleague's party when it was in power.
I am sure that the outcome of this rigorous process will make it clear to all Canadians whether the project should go ahead or not. Cabinet will make a decision in due time.
Stephanie Kusie Conservative Calgary Midnapore, AB
Mr. Speaker, another major investor has had enough of the Liberals' job-killing policies.
Warren Buffett withdrew his promised $4-billion investment in a natural gas pipeline in Quebec. As one media outlet stated, Buffett realizes “he can't rely on a stable investment or regulatory environment, so he is walking away. He won’t be alone, and...regular Canadians will be hurt by a lack of jobs.”
Will the Liberals finally admit that they are the problem or will they continue to kill jobs and investment in Canada that we so desperately need?
Peter Schiefke LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change
Mr. Speaker, our government is committed to working with the resource sector to ensure jobs are created for Canadians from coast to coast to coast, while at the same time protecting our environment. It is what Canadians expect from our government.
We know that investors all around the world are looking for projects that find that balance between economic growth and giving them return on their investment, while also putting in place sustainable methods by which to do that. We have also heard the good news that the evaluation will move forward while GNL Quebec looks for other investors.
Kristina Michaud Bloc Avignon—La Mitis—Matane—Matapédia, QC
Mr. Speaker, the rail crisis has had a huge impact on the economy in eastern Quebec. The Société du chemin de fer de la Gaspésie is still taking stock, but we already know that losses exceed half a million dollars.
The Baie-des-Chaleurs chamber of commerce has sounded the alarm and is worried that it will take months for the economy to recover. The chamber asked the federal government for assistance last Thursday. The lack of federal leadership is what caused the rail crisis to drag on.
Will the government compensate companies for their losses?
Marc Garneau LiberalMinister of Transport
Mr. Speaker, in this government, we believe it is important to follow a process for reconciliation. That is what we have done. The rail blockades were unfortunate, but we worked very hard, around the clock, to resolve the crisis. I am pleased to see that trains are moving again on rail lines across the country.
Luc Thériault Bloc Montcalm, QC
Mr. Speaker, the coronavirus is spreading across Asia, Europe and North America, and the government must be prepared to face a global crisis. It is good that the government set up a war room, but we have to piece together information bit by bit to get an overview of the situation.
Will the government be transparent and share its action plan in its entirety once and for all?
Patty Hajdu LiberalMinister of Health
Mr. Speaker, as the member knows, we have been working on this issue since Dr. Tam identified the very small cluster in Wuhan in late December.
We have been working with all members in the House, offering briefings as they are available. We will continue to make ourselves available so they can understand the rapidly changing situation with COVID-19.
I will reassure the member that we are also working at all levels, with provinces, territories and other jurisdictions, including the local public health unit level, to make sure that our systems are prepared, that we know what we need and that we can handle any surge that we may face.
Luc Thériault Bloc Montcalm, QC
Mr. Speaker, the coronavirus is spreading ever more quickly, and the word “pandemic”, which seemed premature just a few days ago, is fast becoming the correct word. In just a few weeks' time, the number of cases in Europe increased by 19,000%. It takes leadership from the Prime Minister to reassure the public. It takes transparency and an action plan.
How many cases will it take before we have a contingency plan?
Patty Hajdu LiberalMinister of Health
Mr. Speaker, as the member knows, we have been working on this since we first identified those small clusters of atypical pneumonia in Wuhan in late December.
As the member opposite notes, we have formed a special committee on COVID-19 to make sure that we are fully apprised of the whole-of-government approach. We have scenario planning that is under way, so we can understand how it will impact the various different components that, as we can see around the world, are being impacted by disruption.
The health and safety of Canadians is of top priority for us. We will do everything in our power to keep them safe and well.
Alain Rayes Conservative Richmond—Arthabaska, QC
Mr. Speaker, many countries are starting to talk about COVID-19 as a global pandemic. As of today, the vast majority of developed countries have already implemented measures for travellers. Here in Canada, there are no restrictions on or monitoring of people entering the country.
My question is for the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness. Does he intend to ban travellers from countries such as China, Iran or Italy from entering Canada?
Patty Hajdu LiberalMinister of Health
Mr. Speaker, that question indicates that more briefing is required for that member, to let him know exactly what is happening at the borders.
We have been carefully screening travellers from a variety of countries, based on expert advice from the World Health Organization and many other medical professionals that have indicated to us that the best effort is to ensure we are asking travellers at the border to identify themselves, if they have travelled from specific regions. There are special questions on the kiosks. If a traveller is unwell, he or she is referred to public health and the local public health authorities.
The member should apprise himself of the measures that are—
Matt Jeneroux Conservative Edmonton Riverbend, AB
Mr. Speaker, hospitals across the country have been warning the government that there is a shortage of masks, protective equipment and beds.
However, according to the minister's health officials, the health system is well-prepared to deal with the growing number of COVID-19 cases in Canada. Now, finally, six weeks after the first confirmed case and now just after the first death in British Columbia, the Prime Minister has asked provinces for their state of readiness.
Why is the minister saying the government is well prepared, when she is only asking provinces for their state of readiness today?
Patty Hajdu LiberalMinister of Health
Mr. Speaker, it is deeply saddening to hear the news out of British Columbia, where the first patient of coronavirus has passed away in Canada. I know we all send our condolences to the family.
The Prime Minister's letter follows the one I sent to my counterparts not long ago, also requesting they put on paper exactly where they thought they were going to have shortages. We have received several responses from provinces and territories in terms of what kinds of needs they might have.
We are working very closely with them to make sure we can provide them with the resources, whether it is equipment or whether it is financial resources. We will be there for provinces and territories.
Matt Jeneroux Conservative Edmonton Riverbend, AB
Mr. Speaker, ensuring our hospitals are well equipped in the case of a COVID-19 pandemic is a Canadian issue. We know that almost all confirmed cases have been from those entering Canada from high-risk areas, yet the government continues to claim that the problem is not at our borders.
Is the minister prepared to enforce the Quarantine Act and issue measures such as mandatory quarantine for those entering from high-risk areas?
Patty Hajdu LiberalMinister of Health
Mr. Speaker, I encourage the member opposite to review the Quarantine Act. He will see that in fact we have been using it extensively. When we ask people from affected regions to self-isolate for 14 days, it requires a mandatory check-in with public health, which then continues to confirm the person is complying with the self-isolation practices that are necessary.
This virus knows no borders. We are very aware and alive to the supports we need to provide at the local levels so they can continue their excellent work in containing this illness and mitigating the effects on Canadians.
Don Davies NDP Vancouver Kingsway, BC
Mr. Speaker, the government assured Canadians our health system was well-prepared to deal with the COVID-19 outbreak.
However, HealthCareCAN, the advocacy group for Canada's hospitals, is warning our system is stretched too thin, with dangerous shortages of critical care beds and protective equipment. It is calling for increased federal funding and much more testing.
Today, the first death from the virus in BC was confirmed and we know things will get worse before they get better.
Will the Liberals ensure hospitals have the resources they need to respond to COVID-19?
Patty Hajdu LiberalMinister of Health
Mr. Speaker, the simple answer is yes. This is the work we are conducting right now with provinces and territories to make sure they have the capacity should they see a surge of illness in their communities that require increased hospitalization.
Leah Gazan NDP Winnipeg Centre, MB
Mr. Speaker, the Liberals keep saying they care about a nation-to-nation relationship, but as we face a potential coronavirus outbreak, they have turned their backs on first nations and Inuit again.
When the H1N1 crisis hit, indigenous nations asked for help, but the government sent body bags instead.
Lives are at risk.
Will the Prime Minister admit he was wrong and reverse his decision to exclude the Minister of Indigenous Services from the COVID-19 committee?
Marc Miller LiberalMinister of Indigenous Services
Mr. Speaker, as the Minister of Indigenous Services, I can confirm that I am on the committee.
I will reassure the member opposite that regional offices are working with first nations leadership and communities on awareness. To assure that necessary resources are in place, we are actively engaged with the Public Health Agency of Canada, other departments and provincial and territorial counterparts to protect the health and safety of first nations and Inuit people.
Emmanuella Lambropoulos Liberal Saint-Laurent, QC
Mr. Speaker, yesterday was International Women's Day, a day to recognize the contributions of all women and an opportunity to promote and support gender equality. This year's theme, #BecauseOfYou, celebrates the generations of advocates, activists and other agents of change who are working to advance gender equality, such as the Centre des femmes de Saint-Laurent in my riding.
Can the Minister for Women and Gender Equality tell the House how we can celebrate Canada's progress toward greater equality for women and people of all genders?
Maryam Monsef LiberalMinister of Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development
Mr. Speaker, thanks to the courage and hard work of those who came before us, women like my colleague from Saint-Laurent and I are able to put our names on a ballot. We have made a lot of progress, particularly over the past five years, and we are committed to doing much more.
While there is push-back to every step we take forward, we owe it to those who have come before us to make things better for those who will come after us.
Pierre Paul-Hus Conservative Charlesbourg—Haute-Saint-Charles, QC
Mr. Speaker, Canada is the only Five Eyes ally that has not yet made a decision about Huawei's participation in our 5G network. In defence of the government's lack of action, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry stated, and I quote, that Canada “won’t get bullied by any other jurisdiction”.
However, this is not the time to be picking fights with our allies.
What is the Prime Minister waiting for to ban Huawei from our 5G network and to protect Canadian businesses and citizens?
Bill Blair LiberalMinister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
Mr. Speaker, we are going to make sure Canadians have access to the most beneficial 5G technology.
The safety and security of our digital environment is a paramount consideration and we will make sure that Canadians are safe and that their systems are not compromised. We are doing the work that is required to ensure all scientific and security factors are taken into account from our allies, including the United States officials with whom I met this morning, and all our security agencies.
We are doing the work necessary to make sure the decision is the right one for Canadians.
