Debates of April 20th, 2020

Proceedings of the House and Committees

[Joël Godin, Conservative, Portneuf—Jacques-Cartier, QC]

Madam Speaker, I am very glad to be in the House of Commons in this limited-capacity Parliament, considering that we are facing a crisis caused by COVID-19. We are in the process of developing procedures. We realize that this is the first time that the Canadian government is confronted with this type of situation. Us Conservatives understand the situation and are working with the government to ensure that Canadians and businesses have the tools they need to get through this crisis.

I was there this morning when the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons moved his motion, the purpose of which is to muzzle parliamentarians, plain and simple. The motion asks us to be here once per week. To ask that question is to answer it.

The Prime Minister has decided to limit question period. Every day, this Prime Minister takes questions from journalists, whose job it is to report the news. Our job as parliamentarians is to ask questions in order to improve the situation. I am not saying that the government has only made wrong decisions over the course of this extraordinary situation. I am able to acknowledge that it had no frame of reference in the matter. The government had to act, readjust and I would even say improvise. What I am saying is not negative.

The thing is, the Canada Emergency Response Benefit is a combination of two programs: the support program for victims of COVID-19 and the assistance program. There is support and assistance. In short, they combined two programs together and created the CERB. That is fine, because some changes were made. We made suggestions in that and many other cases.

I have a list, which is not exhaustive, of some of the things our party proposed. The Conservative Party, the official opposition in the House of Commons, advanced measures and programs that the government put in place. We are being accused of being difficult and uncooperative.

Let us look at the facts. Our suggestions have helped volunteer firefighters meet the needs of their municipalities in this crisis without their CERB being reduced. It is a matter of public safety. The government listened to us and changed course. That is our job as the opposition.

This morning, the government House leader, with support from his Bloc friends, said that it was irresponsible to be here in the House of Commons to do our job and work together on finding the tools that will enable Canadians and businesses to receive support in this exceptional situation.

Let us look at what is happening on both sides of the House. We are respecting social distancing rules. If we did not want to co-operate, the opposition benches would be full. That is not what we did. We co-operated. Our leader is negotiating. He had originally proposed four meetings per week. The two other opposition parties, the independents and the government all rejected that proposal. So, we proposed three days, and we are still being called the bad guys.

The Conservative Party is responsible, and parliamentarians are important. Defending democracy is fundamental to parliamentarians. Of course, the Bloc Québécois is reducing Canadian parliamentary procedure to a simple expression: “tataouinage”, or dilly-dallying in English. The Bloc Québécois leader put on quite a show this morning as he described the term. Everyone knows his background and where he comes from, which certainly shone through this morning when he was talking about dilly-dallying. That said, the Bloc is another problem altogether.

For our part, we are here to work together. We want to help, but we want to ask questions. What is the incentive for this minority government—yes, I said “minority government”—to stay away from the House in order to limit the opportunities available to the opposition to challenge it? Is it because the government does not feel comfortable?

Canadians elected a minority government. As a parliamentarian, as an elected official, my interpretation of the word “minority” is that there are doubts about the government's effectiveness and the confidence people have in it. The people have agreed to give it power, but they also want a strong opposition that will protect the public purse and remind the government exactly what our citizens expect. In my case, it is the citizens of Portneuf—Jacques-Cartier, but I am speaking on behalf of all members, on both this side of the House as well as the other side, that is, the government.

Our job is to report the concerns of our constituents, and we need to be able to do that here in the Parliament of Canada, where the future is determined and where we implement programs that will improve the lives of Canadians.

It really bothers me when the Conservatives take the blame in news reports and are accused of being the bad guys. That is completely untrue and I would like that to be set right. These are facts. No one can contradict what I just said. We are willing to work together, but that does not mean that we are in bed with the Liberal Party. We are not the Bloc Québécois. We are the Conservative Party of Canada. We want to protect the Canadian federation. As a Quebecker, I am happy to be part of Canada because Canada is currently helping Quebec. I thank the government for its collaboration.

That is what the Canadian federation is for. The principle behind it is that sometimes we need something and sometimes we give something. I am proud to rise today in the House of Commons as a Quebec MP to say thank you to our Canada for being there to help us. Now, however, we want Canada to do a better job of helping us, and what we want to do is give the government the opportunity to hear what we have to say. It is clear that it will be harder for the government to do that if we only meet once a week.

We are proud that the 338 MPs' constituency offices are much like Service Canada offices. People are worried and confused. As I was saying earlier, that is because the situation is brand new to us. We are at war with a microbe, a virus. That is why people are a little lost. Even the government is lost.

I want to emphasize that the government is only responding because the opposition is forcing it to think. However, we do not deserve all the credit, because the government is probably also working to make things better. I am also thinking of public service employees, who we know are under a lot of pressure, and I thank them for what they are doing under these unusual circumstances.

This morning, I heard the Green Party, the NDP and the Bloc Québécois say that it is alarming to see members from Quebec coming here to the House of Commons to sit in this reduced Parliament. However, I want to remind the House that construction sites are reopening today, that mechanics have been back in their garages changing winter tires since last Wednesday, and, better yet, that garden centres are open again. Canadians are adapting and practising social distancing. They are complying with guidelines. They are resilient.

I am very proud to represent the people of Portneuf—Jacques-Cartier. They are resilient, proud, and supportive of one another, and they follow public health instructions.

I have visited organizations that help those who cannot go to the grocery store. In my role as an MP, I personally delivered food baskets. I went to pick up orders at the grocery stores and delivered them to residents of Portneuf—Jacques-Cartier. We support one another and and we can be proud of that. I now invite the government to let us work together to strengthen its programs so they meet the needs of Canadians and entrepreneurs.

We have also been talking about a virtual Parliament. We are in a new building. I have had the opportunity to travel abroad. In many parliaments, the desks have integrated monitors and members can vote electronically. We are not there yet.

Mr. Speaker, our leader asked you directly if we have the technology needed to hold a virtual Parliament while respecting the rights of all parliamentarians. What was your answer? As far as I know, we are not yet ready.

As our leader said, when we receive confirmation that it can be done efficiently and with respect for parliamentarians' rights, we will reopen the discussion. In the meantime, we are asking the government to let us meet every day. First, there were going to be four sittings, then three sittings. Perhaps we could agree on two and a half sittings.

We are acting in good faith and we are working in the best interests of Canadians. We also want to get our businesses up and running again and give them the means, when possible, to kick-start the economy and once more create prosperity in Canada.

[The Speaker, Liberal, Anthony Rota]

We will now pause to proceed to statements by members and question period.

I want to inform the member for Portneuf—Jacques-Cartier that he will have seven minutes and 15 seconds remaining when we resume debate.

Front-Line Workers

[Paul Manly, Green, Nanaimo—Ladysmith, BC]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this time to thank all of the front-line workers in my community, across Canada and around the world. It is particularly sad to note today that a number of front-line workers were among the people who were killed in Nova Scotia: care aides, corrections officers, an RCMP officer and a firefighter.

Front-line workers are living apart from their loved ones during this pandemic. A friend who is a nurse in my community has two young boys. She has not been able to hug her sons or spend time with them in person for weeks. It is a situation that is echoed in thousands of homes across the country.

Front-line workers are making huge sacrifices to protect our communities and to keep essential services operating. That is why it is imperative that the rest of us, including those of us in the House, respect their sacrifices by continuing to follow the directives of health authorities that I called for in my question of privilege this morning.

Community Service in Dartmouth—Cole Harbour

[Ken Hardie, Liberal, Fleetwood—Port Kells, BC]

Mr. Speaker, we wish to join our colleague, the hon. member for Cumberland—Colchester, to offer our deepest condolences to all those touched by the senseless violence in Nova Scotia.

I rise now on behalf of the hon. member for Dartmouth—Cole Harbour to commend Nova Scotians helping to feed others, like The Canteen restaurant in Dartmouth. When the owners were forced to close their dining room due to COVID-19, they transformed their restaurant into a community kitchen to help feed others throughout the pandemic. Owners Renée and Doug are working with incredible organizations like the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre and Margaret's House, run by Feeding Others of Dartmouth, to provide hundreds of meals per week to those in need.

I ask all members in the House to thank businesses and organizations across Canada, like The Canteen, for stepping up to help their communities. I encourage all people to lend a hand if they are able, from six feet apart of course, to help others in need.

Wine Industry

[Tony Baldinelli, Conservative, Niagara Falls, ON]

Mr. Speaker, while the government's response to COVID-19 has demanded much of Parliament's attention, as it so deserves, we need to remember there are other important issues playing on in the background that also deserve Parliament's attention.

In my riding, one of these is Australia's World Trade Organization challenge against the excise tax exemption for 100% Canadian-made wines. This challenge was a major threat to our domestic wine industry before COVID-19. It is an even bigger threat now as the impacts against our wine industry could be compounded if a ruling is made this summer in Australia's favour. If that happens, our Canadian wine industry will be devastated. More than 700 wineries and 9,000 Canadian jobs are at stake.

While we are focused on responding to COVID-19 and flattening the curve, the countdown to the WTO ruling on this case continues and it requires Parliament's attention. Should the WTO rule against Canada, I sincerely hope the government will act soon to establish a trade-legal program of equal or greater value to replace the existing excise tax exemption. Our Canadian wineries need the support. I am proud to stand in the House today and bring attention to this most important matter.

Front-Line Workers

[Steven MacKinnon, Liberal, Gatineau, QC]

Mr. Speaker, a number of us will be speaking on behalf of some of our colleagues who cannot be with us today. This statement is on behalf of my colleague, the member for Brampton West:

I rise in the House today to show our gratitude and appreciation to all our front-line heroes. Millions of Canadians are risking their health and safety to fight the pandemic and to serve their community as they continue to provide essential services. A front-line hero is a mother who is providing critical care in the ICU as a doctor, or a nurse who is working over-12-hour-long night shifts and testing and caring for our seniors. The heroes are support and maintenance staff. They are truck drivers and grocery store workers. This pandemic has revealed just how essential their work is and we owe them a huge debt of gratitude.

As someone who has experienced COVID-19 first-hand, I can truly say that we have the best health care in the world, and an outstanding health care workforce. I would like to take an opportunity to thank our public health doctors and nurses, and especially Peel Public Health, for the care and support they have provided me during these challenging times.

As our front-line heroes continue to risk their lives for us, let us all do our part and thank them by continuing to stay at home.

National Volunteer Week

[Claude DeBellefeuille, Bloc, Salaberry—Suroît, QC]

Mr. Speaker, during these extraordinary times, I want to acknowledge National Volunteer Week.

On behalf of the Bloc Québécois, I thank all of the volunteers in Quebec, who work in the shadows. They were essential before COVID-19 shook Quebec, and they are even more essential now, as they are on the front lines to help their communities.

I thank all those who are the backbone of essential organizations in all of our regions. They make sure that people living in precarious situations have access to food, shelter, crisis lines and other types of support. Most importantly, they provide a sympathetic ear to people everywhere who are isolated.

During this crisis, I want to thank the 26,000 new individuals who heeded the Government of Quebec's call by offering their time.

We will get through this, in large part thanks to them, and once this is over, their help will still be just as valued.

Orléans Business Community

[Marie-France Lalonde, Liberal, Orléans, ON]

Mr. Speaker, since the beginning of the pandemic, I have been listening to the Orléans business community, and I am proud of the actions taken by the government to date.

Thanks to the business emergency fund and, more importantly, its expansion, an audiology company with a payroll of $46,000 or a ventilation company with a payroll of $1.3 million is now eligible for an interest-free emergency loan.

I also welcome the Canada emergency wage subsidy initiative, which will help many employers retain or rehire their employees. The subsidy covers 75% of an employee’s pay.

I know that many Orléans businesspeople are anxiously awaiting to hear about the next measure that will be brought in to help them, namely the Canada emergency commercial rent assistance program for small business.

I want to say to those businesses that are still concerned that I will continue to work with the government and to raise their concerns.

Finally, I would like to salute all those in Orléans working in essential services. We salute them and we say thank you.

Small Business Support

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

Mr. Speaker, a small business owner from my riding used to employ seven part-time and full-time employees. She hopes to rehire all of them once the pandemic ends, if she is able to reopen at all. She has been able to keep two employees on payroll and has maintained a small amount of business by utilizing online sales. Any revenue goes directly back into the business to keep the lights on and her two employees paid. The emergency wage subsidy will eventually help keep those two employees hired. However, because of this, her accountant advised her that she is unable to access financial assistance for herself and her family. She would be better off to close her shop and risk losing everything.

Small businesses and job creators are the backbone of our economy. If that is true, we have to ask why this government's plan would leave a mother of three in a position where she is working harder than ever just to keep her business going without receiving any necessary support for her and her family.

Front-line Workers

[Steven MacKinnon, Liberal, Gatineau, QC]

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my hon. colleague, the member for Alfred-Pellan, I want to express the gratitude and appreciation of all Canadians for our front-line workers and all those who deliver our essential services.

Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, health care workers, paramedics, firefighters, police officers, truckers, bus drivers, farmers, grocery store, pharmacy and restaurant staff, day care workers, volunteers and so many other essential workers are our infantry in the fight against COVID-19.

These people are on the front lines every day and put themselves in harm’s way to serve their communities. They are guardian angels and we are fortunate to have them. Their devotion and dedication is remarkable and their courage is inspiring. I thank them from the bottom of my heart.

Small Business Support

[Ken Hardie, Liberal, Fleetwood—Port Kells, BC]

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my colleague, the hon. member of Parliament for Vaughan—Woodbridge, I would like to offer our heartfelt condolences to the 14 families in the city of Vaughan who have lost loved ones due to COVID-19. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

COVID-19 has brought vast challenges, but our government has responded, and we are here to support workers and businesses across the country. The Canada emergency business account has helped, to date, over 200,000 businesses across Canada, including businesses such as family-owned Menchie's in Vaughan—Woodbridge which, with a $40,000 interest-free loan, will be able to reopen for the summer.

Through such programs as the CERB, CEBA and now the Canada emergency wage subsidy, our government will ensure that Canadian families and businesses will weather the challenges as we confront the issues facing us as a country due to COVID-19. Together we will emerge stronger.

World Health Organization

[Michael Cooper, Conservative, St. Albert—Edmonton, AB]

Mr. Speaker, last week the government signed a statement expressing full support and confidence in the WHO. In the face of COVID-19, Canadians should ask why. This, after all, is the same WHO that ignored Taiwan's early warnings about human-to-human transmission. This is the same WHO that has repeatedly praised China. This is the same WHO that criticized early travel restrictions from COVID hot spots that saved countless lives, and this is the same WHO that waited until March 11 to declare a global pandemic after COVID had spread to 114 countries.

Instead of lavishing praise on the WHO, the government should be demanding answers.

Tri-Cities Community

[Ken Hardie, Liberal, Fleetwood—Port Kells, BC]

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my friend and colleague, the hon. member for Coquitlam—Port Coquitlam, I rise to convey his message to his community.

COVID-19 has challenged us as a world, as businesses, as neighbours and as families, but what comes through most vividly is the essential resilience of our Tri-Cities community as we each do our part, big or small, to flatten the curve. As member of Parliament for Coquitlam—Port Coquitlam, he is here to support and advocate for his constituents. He hears their concerns and continues to work hard for them every day as we adapt and respond to the problems facing us. Whether they are front-line or essential workers, restructuring their business or simply staying at home, he recognizes every individual who has stepped up, appreciates all the efforts made and admires how so many have adapted to meet the challenges head-on. We are truly all in this together. Together, we are going to prevail by staying safe and staying healthy.

Shootings in Nova Scotia

[Glen Motz, Conservative, Medicine Hat—Cardston—Warner, AB]

Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart and great sorrow that I rise on behalf of my colleagues in the House to mourn the tragic loss of RCMP Constable Heidi Stevenson and the many victims taken from us this weekend in Nova Scotia. As one voice, we condemn this violence and offer our support. These are difficult and already overwhelming times, as we deal with and struggle through the challenges of the COVID crisis, and now we face this devastation.

Constable Stevenson gave her life protecting her fellow Canadians, a sacrifice that will not be forgotten. I thank all of those working on the front lines, who risk their lives every day to serve and protect us. Our hearts and prayers go out to the families, friends and colleagues who will feel this loss the most. They have our deepest sympathies and condolences. May the loved ones and communities of these victims find comfort in knowing that our entire country grieves with them.

May God give them, and all of us, strength during this difficult time.

Nova Scotia Shootings

[Joël Godin, Conservative, Portneuf—Jacques-Cartier, QC]

Mr. Speaker, as a Canadian, I am proud of the solidarity people demonstrate during times of crisis and in response to ordeals like the one we experienced yesterday.

In the wake of the unprecedented killing spree in Nova Scotia, in which many people lost their loved ones in the most unfair way possible, I would like to take a moment to express my condolences to the friends and loved ones affected by this tragedy and to all Nova Scotians. I want to commend law enforcement agencies for their work, and I salute those courageous individuals who risk their lives every day to protect us.

Among the victims was Constable Heidi Stevenson, a 23-year veteran of the RCMP. She died in the line of duty. Heidi had a 13-year-old son and an 11-year-old daughter. This tragedy has changed the lives of many children, parents, spouses and friends, who are all going through an ordeal we cannot imagine.

In closing, let me share the words of Darcy Dobson, whose mother tragically lost her life during the incident: Let our memories define the victims, not the horrible way they died.

Long-Term Care System

[Lindsay Mathyssen, NDP, London—Fanshawe, ON]

Mr. Speaker, COVID-19 has hit our seniors and elders particularly hard, especially those in long-term care. We know seniors are more at risk, and many of us are doing everything we can to protect our parents and grandparents. All of us have watched the heartbreaking scenes of loved ones standing outside long-term care homes, trying to let their elders know they are not alone. We have all seen dedicated staff overwhelmed by it all, as well. For many years, federal and provincial governments have created cracks within our long-term care system, to the point that it cannot fully serve residents in a safe and dignified manner.

This crisis has shown us what must finally be done to properly support our long-term care system. We need national standards and the funding necessary to enact them. Our vulnerable seniors and their loved ones deserve nothing less.

COVID-19

[Alain Therrien, Bloc, La Prairie, QC]

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Bloc Québécois, there are several people I want to thank today.

First and foremost, from the bottom of my heart, I want to thank the health care professionals and caregivers in our hospitals and long-term care centres, as well as everyone on the front lines helping our seniors and those who are sick.

I want to thank our workers in essential services: truck drivers, farmers, and workers in grocery stores, pharmacies and public services, to name a few.

I want to thank our artists who are using their creativity to make a name for themselves and make our situation a little brighter.

I want to thank all Quebeckers for their daily sacrifices, whether they are workers or business owners pausing their employment or a business, parents who are trying to juggle telework with their little monsters, their kids who miss their friends and their activities, grandparents who, in some cases, have not been able to meet a newborn grandchild, or families who are grieving and were not able to say a proper good-bye to a loved one.

Thank you, everyone. We must not give up.

Shootings in Nova Scotia

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

Mr. Speaker, the Bluenose province, like my home in neighbouring New Brunswick, is a place where small rural communities share a special bond. Our communities are an extension of our families, and when tragedy strikes one community it is felt by us all.

I do not have the words to properly express how the shooting rampage in Portapique and its surroundings has shaken our nation, as has the death of Constable Heidi Stevenson, a 23-year RCMP veteran and mother of two.

It is with deep gratitude that I pay tribute to those who answered the call to protect our communities.

As to the families and colleagues who lost loved ones, we share their anguish. We will work together to get through this. They are not alone. Our nation, our country stands with them.

[Steven MacKinnon, Liberal, Gatineau, QC]

Mr. Speaker, as a son of the Maritimes it is hard to imagine the unspeakable horror that is coursing through the small communities of Nova Scotia today.

I would like to finish by reading the following statement on behalf of my colleague, the member for Cumberland—Colchester.

“In the early hours of April 19th, 2020, Cumberland—Colchester woke up to find a devastating tragedy had played out in our peaceful little corner of the world, in northern Nova Scotia. Words cannot express my sorrow for the families, friends, fellow workers and communities who have suddenly lost a loved one. My heart goes out to everyone affected by this selfish act of violence, in short all of us.

“Meanwhile, we northern Nova Scotians are strong. We will rise again to fight another day.”

Public Safety

[Andrew Scheer, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, I know that I speak for all members of the House when I say that we are all devastated by the shocking news out of Nova Scotia. A killer has taken the lives of at least 19 people, each one of them a tragic loss for families and friends. As the RCMP uncover the details of this senseless loss, our thoughts, prayers and support are with the communities reeling from the fallout of these tragic events.

We thank the first responders and medical professionals who responded to the victims, as well as the RCMP, which lost Constable Heidi Stevenson. I cannot imagine the grief and heartache that families are going through.

Could the Prime Minister update the House as to the current situation in Nova Scotia?

[Justin Trudeau, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday we were all shaken by the senseless violence and evil in Nova Scotia. As we learn more about what happened, it is important that we come together to support each other.

I have spoken with Premier McNeil, RCMP Commissioner Lucki, the minister of public safety and many Nova Scotians, including our Nova Scotia caucus. I know that people have a lot of questions. This is an ongoing investigation, but I can assure them that the RCMP will keep us updated even as they themselves grieve their own loss of Constable Heidi Stevenson.

Today, all Canadians are Nova Scotians.

Health

[Andrew Scheer, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, I thank the Prime Minister for his response and certainly echo his sentiments.

On March 12, in this chamber, I asked the government how many ventilators it had procured to prepare for the wave of COVID-19 cases that were coming. In response, the Deputy Prime Minister said, “We are already leading a bulk national procurement effort to ensure Canadians have the necessary medical equipment.” A month later, I asked how many new ventilators the government had obtained under this strategy. The Prime Minister answered, “It will be still a few weeks before they are able to arrive.”

Today is April 20, and again I would like to ask this. How many new ventilators has the government been able to obtain under the national procurement strategy?

[Justin Trudeau, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, we have sent 400 ventilators to provinces and territories, and have contracts with three Canadian companies that will supply 30,000 ventilators starting in May.

[Andrew Scheer, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, our intelligence partners continue to raise serious concerns about the accuracy of information coming out of China. The advice and direction from the WHO depend on the honesty and transparency of its member countries.

The government has ignored Canadian experts who were calling for swift and decisive action much sooner. The government chose to continue air travel between China and Canada and waited weeks to impose travel restrictions, yet the Prime Minister and his health minister continue to vouch for the Government of China.

Going forward, will the government continue to trust information coming from the communist government of China?

[Justin Trudeau, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, from the very beginning we followed the best public health advice. We engaged early to keep Canadians safe and prevent the spread of the virus.

On January 2, the Public Health Agency of Canada alerted all provincial health authorities. On January 14, Dr. Theresa Tam and the Public Health Agency of Canada convened a meeting of the Canadian Council of Chief Medical Officers of Health. We convened the incident response group in January. We enhanced airport screening measures in January and increased them as the situation evolved.

We will continue to respond to the situation as it evolves, and we will continue to base our decisions on the best available facts and evidence.