House of Commons Hansard #40 of the 43rd Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was chair.

Topics

Supplementary Estimates (A), 2020-21Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

3:50 p.m.

Bloc

Stéphane Bergeron Bloc Montarville, QC

Madam Chair, I am very happy and honoured that the leader of the Bloc Québécois and hon. member for Beloeil—Chambly agreed to share his time with me. It is almost too great an honour, but, given that this is an opportunity to continue what I passionately started this afternoon, I will certainly not turn it down.

Like the leader of the Bloc Québécois, I pointed out yesterday that the government offered $14 billion to Quebec and the provinces to cover some of the expenses incurred as a result of the current pandemic. Beyond the obvious fact that this amount is hugely inadequate, there is also another issue: The $14 billion come with certain conditions.

Quebec and the provinces have rejected these conditions, and as a result, the money is not being paid. The funds were to be used to purchase masks, among other things. Meanwhile, the pandemic continues, and the masks have not been purchased because the federal government insists on imposing conditions. It does not manage any hospitals, long-term care facilities, child care networks or public transportation networks, but it claims to know all about them.

When we asked that the government provide money without strings attached, a genius across the aisle said we were asking for a blank cheque. It so happens that our friends across the aisle know all about blank cheques. Despite having a minority government, for weeks now the Liberals have been asking Parliament to give them blank cheques.

At first, realizing that we needed to help people, we decided to work in a spirit of collaboration to help our fellow citizens who have been sorely affected by the pandemic. We collaborated, because we believed that was our role, as parliamentarians.

Some people think that, because we are the opposition, we always have to oppose the government. Like my colleagues from Beloeil—Chambly and La Prairie, I once sat in an assembly where almost 80% of bills were passed unanimously. Contrary to what the government House leader says, the opposition is not only there to oppose and squabble. On the contrary, we have collaborated from the very beginning. However, when those with whom we have been collaborating do not keep their word and prefer to use the powers we gave them to do pretty much anything they want, regardless of the commitments they made to us, we are less inclined to keep on collaborating.

We did not close the door. Last week we proposed that we suspend the sitting so that the party leaders could agree on how to proceed with passing the bill to grant more money for people with disabilities. It was the Liberal Party that said no. The Liberals did not want to have to negotiate. They are acting as if they were a majority government that can demand blank cheques and they do not care about anyone else. If we do not give them a blank cheque, that is it. There is no negotiation.

In the end, all kinds of people, and especially people with disabilities, should have been getting more money, but they are not getting it. We ended up in this situation because the Liberal Party decided not to allow leaders to negotiate and because it shut down Parliament.

Since Parliament is not sitting, aside from the Special Committee on the COVID-19 Pandemic, we cannot pass legislation. The government cannot introduce a bill because Parliament has been shut down. That, right there, is the truth.

Today, the government is asking for yet another blank cheque. This time, the cheque is for the supplementary estimates, so that the government can continue its weeks-long spending spree. The way the process works is that we initially have to give the government permission to spend some funds before we finish considering the votes, so that government operations can continue.

Canada is not like the United States, where people get laid off for stretches of time until the budget is agreed upon.

That would be how the process works normally, but we are not proceeding normally. The debate on the supply bill, which we have to vote on, is happening under highly extraordinary circumstances.

As the Bloc Québécois leader said moments ago, the government seems to have once again negotiated support so that it can keep spending like it wants to and so the Prime Minister can keep putting on a show in front of his cottage every day without worrying about Parliament. He was given the power to spend, so he takes the money, talks it over with his ministers—

Supplementary Estimates (A), 2020-21Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

3:55 p.m.

NDP

The Deputy Chair NDP Carol Hughes

Pardon the interruption, but your time is up. You must ask your question now.

Supplementary Estimates (A), 2020-21Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

3:55 p.m.

Bloc

Stéphane Bergeron Bloc Montarville, QC

Madam Chair, someone has to ask our Liberal Party colleagues a few questions, so I will.

The government thinks it can tell provincial governments and the Government of Quebec what to do even though it cannot even pay its own employees properly without making all kinds of mistakes on their paycheques.

Should the government not start by paying attention to its own responsibilities and try to do its work properly before telling others how to do theirs?

Supplementary Estimates (A), 2020-21Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

3:55 p.m.

Honoré-Mercier Québec

Liberal

Pablo Rodriguez LiberalLeader of the Government in the House of Commons

Madam Chair, that reminds me of the lyrics of the song Paroles, paroles by Alain Delon and Dalida: “just words, always words”.

The Government of Canada is working closely with the Government of Quebec. We are not collaborating just once a week, but rather every day and on a number of files. We are very pleased to do so. We will continue to work with the Government of Quebec.

Supplementary Estimates (A), 2020-21Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

3:55 p.m.

Bloc

Stéphane Bergeron Bloc Montarville, QC

Madam Chair, I get the feeling that the government House leader's Latin roots are coming out in the House. We keep being reminded that the government is negotiating, talking and discussing things with the Government of Quebec, but nothing ever comes of it.

As I said yesterday, it is almost July, and the construction season has begun.

When will you finally give Quebec the $1.4 billion intended for social housing? Work has not yet started, the needs are there—

Supplementary Estimates (A), 2020-21Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

4 p.m.

NDP

The Deputy Chair NDP Carol Hughes

Order. I remind the hon. member to address his comments through the Chair.

Also, since he is out of time, I call on the hon. government House leader to reply.

Supplementary Estimates (A), 2020-21Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

4 p.m.

Liberal

Pablo Rodriguez Liberal Honoré-Mercier, QC

Madam Chair, despite my Latin roots, I am going to remain very calm.

I would simply point out to my hon. colleague that the Bloc Québécois has spent its entire existence telling Quebeckers that they should say yes, but now all the Bloc can say is no.

Supplementary Estimates (A), 2020-21Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

4 p.m.

NDP

Alexandre Boulerice NDP Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie, QC

Madam Chair, I will be sharing my time with my hon. colleague from London—Fanshawe.

I will make a brief introduction and then I will ask some questions.

As New Democrats, as a progressive party, we have worked constructively on finding solutions to help people from the start of the pandemic. We proposed an emergency benefit of $2,000 and successfully made it happen. Initially, self-employed workers, students and freelancers were excluded, but we pushed to have them included. This really helped people.

In light of the current situation, we asked that the CERB be extended for people who still need help, including those who work in tourism, arts and entertainment and hospitality. The government partially answered our call. At least we made progress and managed to get eight more weeks.

We have come to realize that our social safety net is full of holes. At the beginning of the crisis, employment insurance was inadequate for meeting the needs of people who were losing their jobs. The emergency benefit was launched. However, some day we will have to consider improving the social safety net so that no one slips through the cracks. We have to look at having a broader, more robust employment insurance system that would cover more workers.

At the beginning of the pandemic, only 40% of workers who contribute to employment insurance were getting enough hours to collect employment insurance benefits.

I would like the government to say a few words about its intention to expand the program to make it far more inclusive and target all sectors as well as every worker who needs help when they lose their job.

Supplementary Estimates (A), 2020-21Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

4 p.m.

Delta B.C.

Liberal

Carla Qualtrough LiberalMinister of Employment

Madam Chair, as we tried to help all workers it became very clear that the employment insurance system was not set up to handle a pandemic situation. It obviously does not help those who do not pay into EI, but also people who cannot work because of child care responsibilities or people who are sick because of a national pandemic virus. When we took all of the workers out of EI for the period of the CERB, we did so knowing that eventually everybody would have to transition back into the EI system and that, at that point, we would have to tackle the very real challenges associated with getting millions of people back into a system that does not cover millions of other people.

Absolutely, we are looking at ways to transition those people back into the EI system who are EI-eligible and to continue to support workers who do not currently fall within the EI system as we look to a September date when, for many people, their CERB will have run out.

Supplementary Estimates (A), 2020-21Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

4 p.m.

NDP

Alexandre Boulerice NDP Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie, QC

Madam Chair, many freelancers and self-employed workers are both their own employees and employers, which means that they are not eligible for employment insurance.

Does the government intend to expand the program to cover self-employed workers?

Given the circumstances, does the government also intend to extend sickness benefits from 15 to 50 weeks?

Supplementary Estimates (A), 2020-21Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

4 p.m.

Liberal

Carla Qualtrough Liberal Delta, BC

Madam Chair, we committed to extend the EI sickness benefits from the current 15 weeks to 26 weeks.

With respect to self-employed individuals, we know that there is an option currently within the EI system for self-employed workers to contribute to and get special benefits, like maternity and parental leave, but not regular benefits. Of course, as we look to transition workers and continue to support workers—

Supplementary Estimates (A), 2020-21Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

4 p.m.

NDP

The Deputy Chair NDP Carol Hughes

The hon. member for Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie.

Supplementary Estimates (A), 2020-21Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

4 p.m.

NDP

Alexandre Boulerice NDP Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie, QC

Madam Chair, I would like to share with the government a message that I received yesterday from a dozen community groups in the Montreal area.

It seems many people are unhappy with the emergency community support fund. Here is what they are saying: The structure of the program is complex, the eligibility criteria are unclear, the application forms and accountability requirements are too onerous, and private foundations are refusing to establish consultation processes. The program does not meet the needs of groups that help vulnerable populations.

What does the government intend to do to make the necessary changes to meet the needs of these groups that take care of the most vulnerable?

Supplementary Estimates (A), 2020-21Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

4:05 p.m.

York South—Weston Ontario

Liberal

Ahmed Hussen LiberalMinister of Families

Madam Chair, we set up the emergency response fund to do precisely that: to help the most vulnerable, to increase the capacity of non-profits and charitable organizations to continue to deliver the services that are needed now more than ever to vulnerable Canadians, but in fact also to increase their capacity to deliver even more services to more people. We have used the services of three national, well-respected and well-trusted organizations to act as intermediaries to disburse that money. We have sought disaggregated data up front, not after the fact, in order to see what gaps were missed and to ensure that we address those gaps. We are getting the job done.

Supplementary Estimates (A), 2020-21Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

4:05 p.m.

NDP

Alexandre Boulerice NDP Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie, QC

There is sand in the gears, Madam Chair.

Even though the minister's words are meant to be reassuring, I do not think that they will reassure these groups.

Will changes be made?

If so, when exactly will that happen?

Supplementary Estimates (A), 2020-21Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

4:05 p.m.

Liberal

Ahmed Hussen Liberal York South—Weston, ON

Madam Chair, the fact of the matter is this fund is not only going to the big groups. It is also going to small community-based organizations. We know that because we will have rolling reports. We will be able to see what gaps emerge and we have the capacity to address and fill those gaps.

Supplementary Estimates (A), 2020-21Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

4:05 p.m.

NDP

Alexandre Boulerice NDP Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie, QC

Madam Chair, last week the government introduced Bill C-17, which included assistance for people with disabilities.

Unfortunately, this assistance required that recipients be entitled to the disability tax credit. However, one must pay taxes to be entitled to the tax credit. This automatically excluded the vast majority, or 60% of people living with a disability in Canada. That is completely unacceptable to the NDP.

Will the government take action to help people with disabilities, that is to say all people living with disabilities, and not just a minority?

Supplementary Estimates (A), 2020-21Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

4:05 p.m.

Liberal

Carla Qualtrough Liberal Delta, BC

Madam Chair, I can assure every Canadian and everyone in the House that, as we looked at all the measures we were delivering for Canadians, we made sure that we put a disability inclusion lens not only on what specific help we would give to people with disabilities but on every single measure. I can say that the result in the student benefit was an additional $750 a month for students with disabilities and students with dependants.

We know that last week we hit a major hiccup, without the unanimous consent of the House, in delivering a benefit we promised to people with disabilities. Rest assured, we are still going to deliver for Canadians with disabilities. We are looking at alternate means and we hope to eventually find a different path forward that does not require the legislative changes—

Supplementary Estimates (A), 2020-21Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

4:05 p.m.

NDP

The Deputy Chair NDP Carol Hughes

The hon. member for Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie has 15 seconds to ask his question.

Supplementary Estimates (A), 2020-21Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

4:05 p.m.

NDP

Alexandre Boulerice NDP Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie, QC

That is perfect, Madam Chair.

There is a tremendous need for social housing in Quebec. The federal government has come to an agreement with all provinces except Quebec. There is a terrific program called AccèsLogis Québec.

When will the $1.4 billion owed Quebec be invested so we can build social housing?

Supplementary Estimates (A), 2020-21Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

4:05 p.m.

Honoré-Mercier Québec

Liberal

Pablo Rodriguez LiberalLeader of the Government in the House of Commons

Madam Chair, we are currently having discussions with the Government of Quebec.

This is an absolute priority for both governments.

Supplementary Estimates (A), 2020-21Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

4:05 p.m.

NDP

Lindsay Mathyssen NDP London—Fanshawe, ON

Madam Chair, I would like to begin by saying that in every promise that is made by the House, there are people behind it. There are families. There are seniors. There are students. There are parents desperately trying to keep roofs over their heads and food on the table. I urge government members to remember that when they talk about people falling through the cracks. There are people at the base of it. When we push for these programs we are pushing for more, because there are so many people I hear from every day who are being left behind.

Something that we were pushing for, that we got a commitment from the government on, was paid sick leave. Many of those in low-wage, precarious jobs are the most affected by this pandemic. Those jobs do not come with benefits, and they do not come with the security that people need. There is a worry that, in a second wave of COVID-19, those workers will return to work sick.

When will the government deliver on providing paid sick leave as it promised?

Supplementary Estimates (A), 2020-21Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

4:05 p.m.

University—Rosedale Ontario

Liberal

Chrystia Freeland LiberalDeputy Prime Minister and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs

Madam Chair, I would like to thank the member for London—Fanshawe for that important question and for pointing out that we are talking about real people. We are talking about Canadians who are really suffering and struggling in what is the deepest economic crisis since the Great Depression.

Our government is absolutely committed to providing 10 days of paid sick leave to every single Canadian. That will be paid for fully by the federal government, and that is part of the safe restart discussion we are having with the provinces right now.

Clearly, it would be helpful for workers to have a provincial commitment to ensure that they do not lose their jobs as a consequence of taking this sick leave, which we are prepared to provide. Having that effective conversation with the provinces and territories is very much in the interest of the workers, who I think all of us in the House believe we need to support.

Supplementary Estimates (A), 2020-21Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

June 17th, 2020 / 4:10 p.m.

NDP

Lindsay Mathyssen NDP London—Fanshawe, ON

Madam Chair, I was glad that the minister spoke about students. Certainly, we are working hard to put forward better benefits for students who have been left behind by the CERB.

On April 22, the government announced supports for students. Two months later, details about the student service grant are still unknown. Community organizations have been reaching out to me and a lot of other MPs. They have been given no indication about the hours they can give for this grant. Students do not know if their volunteering counts, and we are well into the summer. The government has dropped the ball on this rollout.

The minister bragged about this program. When will the government actually deliver on it?

Supplementary Estimates (A), 2020-21Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

4:10 p.m.

Delta B.C.

Liberal

Carla Qualtrough LiberalMinister of Employment

Madam Chair, a big part of our $9 billion commitment to students was, in fact, the establishment of the Canada student service grant. I am excited to inform the House that, within days, the “I Want to Help” platform will be available for students to connect to service opportunities. This will allow them to accumulate hours toward the service grant, which they will get from the government at the end of their summer service. We know that this is all coming fast and furious, but students were very clear to us that they wanted meaningful service opportunities, and we will be happy to provide them.