House of Commons Hansard #45 of the 43rd Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was chair.
Tracy Gray Conservative Kelowna—Lake Country, BC
Mr. Chair, when the government announced the internal Canada free trade agreement in 2017, it was stated that this would bring $25 billion in economic activity to Canada. That was three years ago.
Can the government please disclose what this $25 billion in economic activity has brought into Canada's engine of economy during the last three years since this was implemented?
Bill Morneau Liberal Toronto Centre, ON
Mr. Chair, the challenge around getting rid of interprovincial trade barriers is a long-term challenge. It has been the challenge of this government and governments before us.
We made enormous strides with that agreement, and of course it has had a positive impact on our economy, but we do know there is more work to be done in this regard. We look forward to working together with provinces in order to ensure our economy is buttressed because of the effective ability to bring down barriers within our country.
Corey Tochor Conservative Saskatoon—University, SK
Mr. Chair, in late-breaking news today we have learned that the Liberals are now asking for proposals for a company to design their firearms gun grab program, a program designed to steal our freedoms under the cover of darkness with an order in council, a law that has not even been debated in the House of Commons. It is a shame, but the Liberals have no problem targeting law-abiding firearms owners. They should be spending their time and money targeting illegal guns being brought over the border for use in the drug-dealing gangster world.
Why do the Liberals not leave legal firearm owners alone and target the real criminals?
Bill Blair LiberalMinister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
Mr. Chair, I want to be very clear. First of all, the prohibitions we have put in place are intended entirely to remove weapons from Canadian society that have no place in society. These weapons are designed to and intended to be used to kill people.
I want to acknowledge the member's advocacy on behalf of the gun industry, and certainly he has garnered the support of the National Rifle Association. At the same time, our focus is always on the safety of Canadians. We have heard from police leaders, community leaders, mayors and victim advocacy groups across Canada who strongly support stronger gun control.
I understand how difficult it is for a Conservative to talk about gun control, but it is not difficult for Canadians. Canadians know that it is—
Corey Tochor Conservative Saskatoon—University, SK
Mr. Chair, I have a follow-up question about this proposed gun grab through a registry through a third-party program. Does the minister think that it will be less costly than the long-gun registry, or will it be more affordable?
Bill Blair Liberal Scarborough Southwest, ON
Mr. Chair, our intent is to ensure that no more of these weapons proliferate in our country, and at the same time we are demonstrating a very responsible approach to strong gun control measures, which are necessary and are supported by the overwhelming majority of Canadians. As we go forward on this, we are consulting broadly with Canadians to ensure that it is done—
The Chair Conservative Bruce Stanton
We have time for one short question, 15 seconds, and we will have time for a response.
Corey Tochor Conservative Saskatoon—University, SK
Mr. Chair, the Conservative estimate for this program is over $10 billion. If you seriously want to reduce crime in Canada, you would not be spending $10 billion to buy back guns from law-abiding citizens. It makes no sense, Liberals. Wake up. This is an insane program that needs to be scrapped.
Bill Blair Liberal Scarborough Southwest, ON
Mr. Chair, I am grateful to hear the perspective of the National Rifle Association from the member opposite, but let us listen to the people who actually are responsible for keeping our Canadian citizens and cities safe.
The Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police said that military-style assault rifles were produced for the sole purpose of killing people and called upon the government to ban them. The incoming president of the CACP said that he believes our program finds a balance and ensures the safety of our members when they respond to calls for service.
We are doing what is necessary.
The Chair Conservative Bruce Stanton
Pursuant to an order made on Tuesday, May 26, it is my duty to interrupt the proceedings. The committee will now study Government Business No. 10.
Before we begin the debate, I would like to remind hon. members of how this next part of the debate will unfold.
Our proceedings for the next two hours and 20 minutes will be conducted pursuant to the terms of Standing Order 53.1, which is for take-note debates. Each member speaking will be allotted 10 minutes for debate, followed by 10 minutes for questions and comments.
Members participating via video conference who wish to ask a question or make a comment at the end of the speech may so indicate to the Chair by using the “raise hand” feature on the video conference platform.
However, members participating in the chamber may rise as they normally would.
The debate will end, as I mentioned earlier, after two hours and 20 minutes or when no member rises to speak.
We will now begin the take-note debate.
The Leader of the Government in the House of Commons has moved that the House take note of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and measures taken by the government to respond to it.
On a point of order, the hon. opposition House leader.
Candice Bergen Conservative Portage—Lisgar, MB
Mr. Chair, the government House leader is not in the House of Commons, and so I think the government may want to repropose the motion with the minister who is actually here.
The Deputy Speaker Conservative Bruce Stanton
I thank the hon. opposition House leader for bringing that to my attention. It occurred to me as I read his name, actually. I will indicate then that the motion will be proposed by the hon. Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth on behalf of the hon. government House leader. I think that should take care of it.
We will proceed with the debate with the hon. Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade.
Bardish Chagger LiberalMinister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth
moved:
That the House take note of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and measures taken by the government to respond to it.
Rachel Bendayan LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Small Business
Mr. Chair, the COVID-19 pandemic is the worst public health crisis we have seen in generations.
It is a major threat to the well-being and prosperity of Canadians and people around the world. As a nation, we have done an amazing job of banding together from coast to coast to coast over the past few months to collectively address this unprecedented challenge.
Canada's intrinsic spirit can be seen in our essential and front-line workers and their staunch dedication to their communities. We owe them our deepest gratitude and, in some cases, our lives. We must also do our best to honour the many unsung heroes of these times.
Today, I am proud to shine a light on the innovative, tireless efforts of Canadian health care scientists and the important role that research plays in our response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Canada is lucky enough to have produced some brilliant minds, valuable assets that are sometimes underestimated.
In Quebec, in Montreal, I am thinking of all the researchers and scientists at the University of Montreal, McGill University, the Montreal Heart Institute, CHUM, Sainte-Justine Hospital and many others, who are working every day to develop innovative solutions for keeping everyone healthy.
Before this crisis, it is possible that we may have taken for granted our medical researchers who so often toil behind the scenes, but no longer. When the threat of COVID-19 first bore upon us, Canada's health research community stepped up without hesitation when we needed it most, and Canadians are forever grateful.
Even before the first cases were diagnosed in Canada, our government engaged with academic, industry, provincial and international partners to swiftly implement a research response to the pandemic. In February, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research was the first agency globally to launch an open call for COVID-19 research. Working closely with federal and provincial partners, the institutes sought to accelerate the development, testing and implementation of medical and social countermeasures to mitigate the rapid spread of COVID-19. Within a few short weeks of the initial launch, our Canadian Institutes of Health Research awarded peer-reviewed grants to 100 meritorious Canadian projects, a process that normally takes over a year.
Since then, bolstered by the $1.1-billion national medical research strategy that our government announced through our Prime Minister in April, the CIHR has already committed approximately $170 million and leveraged $25 million in partner funds for research on COVID-19. This very impressive outcome is a testament to the calibre of our health scientists and their commitment to protecting and improving the health of Canadians.
I am pleased to report that coordinated investment and mobilization through our Canadian Institutes of Health Research and other federal partners is advancing a broad and balanced portfolio of COVID-19 research.
We are advancing knowledge in fundamental research, new clinical guidelines and the assessment of the expected and unexpected effects of public health measures. We are advancing research aligned with Canadian and international priorities in the fields of therapeutics, transmission dynamics, diagnostics, public health measures and more. We are supporting clinical trials across Canada, as they are the best mechanism for offering Canadians experimental treatments while ensuring effectiveness. We are fast-tracking collaborative efforts to develop a made-in-Canada vaccine.
Federal investment through our Canadian Institutes of Health Research is enabling leading vaccine centres in Saskatchewan and Nova Scotia to join forces and pool their expertise and resources. To date, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research's COVID-19 rapid research competitions have awarded funding to 14 promising vaccine development studies. These investments complement the significant federal investment in vaccine research through Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada's strategic innovation fund. We are also fostering critical partnerships between academia and the medical industry for vaccine development.
The work that is being done on the ground is absolutely incredible. A Quebec company called Medicago is using its technology platform to develop antibodies against the virus in co-operation with Laval University. Of course, the goal of this research is to protect the health of Canadians. We need to ensure that we are putting enough focus on the Canadian context and the specific needs of various populations. That means investing in strategic, targeted research to help our most vulnerable groups.
In addition to increasing anxiety about our health and safety, this pandemic has disrupted many aspects of our personal lives. Job insecurity, isolation and the loss of a loved one all have significant impacts on our mental health. To address this, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research is leading an initiative to provide urgent data to support decision-making on mental health responses to this pandemic. Guided by an external expert advisory panel, the initiative will inform the rapid deployment of psychological supports for mental health and substance use.
I am very happy to report that in the month of June a preliminary body of rapid knowledge syntheses was shared with decision-makers and partners within just 30 days of the funding allocation. These reports synthesize current evidence on mental health and substance use services, delivery guidelines and practices, and related issues placed in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Another very critical area of study pertains to the sex differences in the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and associated immune responses. A government-funded team has already published results highlighting how different sex responses and the mechanisms behind them may help inform novel therapeutic approaches to COVID-19.
Research efforts are also focused on Canadian seniors. As we saw in many provinces, Canada's aging population is particularly vulnerable to the pandemic, as are residents of long-term care facilities, such as Quebec's CHSLDs.
A team funded by the Dalhousie University research institute recently published a paper on the impact of the virus on these care facilities, which proposed that biomarkers could help predict disease severity and explain why some residents are more severely affected than others.
Research on indigenous health also remains a priority for our government. We know that Canada's indigenous people were disproportionately affected by the pandemic. The COVID-19 response lacked culturally appropriate, distinctions-based interventions grounded in sound evidence and indigenous knowledge. Consequently, we created a funding opportunity to address these deficiencies through bold and innovative strengths-based, solution-focused research led by the community.
While our foremost priority is the health of Canadians, we must recognize that a virus knows no borders. This is a global threat that requires a collaborative global response. This is why we are working in close concert with international partners, such as the World Health Organization, the Global Research Collaboration for Infectious Disease Preparedness and others. Through our international engagement in scientific research, we can leverage every opportunity to bring innovations home to Canadians while promoting homegrown expertise and leadership.
It is also extremely important to have evidence-based policy. As we work diligently to protect Canadians, we continue to base our decisions on the evolving body of evidence that exists in the research community, and we continue to learn more about the virus every day. We are connecting policy-making with science, for instance, through knowledge mobilization activities, and with supports for COVID-19 vaccine and therapeutic task forces.
Investments in health research and in our researchers ultimately pays dividends in saved lives. We are heartened by the remarkable dedication and talent of our scientists, and our government has acknowledged its obligation to sustain Canada's research excellence. This means supporting our researchers now and into the post-pandemic recovery. I invite the members of this House to join me in recognizing the invaluable efforts of Canada's research community.
Michael Barrett Conservative Leeds—Grenville—Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, ON
Mr. Chair, we have not had the opportunity to hear from the Prime Minister on a few issues, and I would like to invite the member to comment on them. The most pressing of these today are the ongoing scandals that have engulfed the government. We have a tremendous number of unanswered questions.
We have issued an invitation, which has not yet been responded to, for the Prime Minister to appear at the ethics committee. We have issued an invitation to the finance minister to attend that committee as well. Parliamentarians have questions for the government. Canadians have questions for the government. We do not have all of the answers with respect to this WE scandal. We have new news breaking every day.
Can the member tell us if we can expect to see the Prime Minister and the finance minister appear at committee, as they have been requested to do so?
Rachel Bendayan Liberal Outremont, QC
Mr. Chair, I believe that both the Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance have appeared before a committee. They have appeared before a committee in order to answer questions from opposition members such as the member opposite. That opportunity was provided in order to be as transparent as possible.
I believe that the government, throughout this crisis, has shown itself to be available to answer questions, even more questions than government members would normally answer if the House were sitting. I would also note that it is unprecedented in Canadian parliamentary history for a prime minister to appear before a committee, and our Prime Minister did.
Mario Simard Bloc Jonquière, QC
Mr. Chair, I listened closely to my colleague. As the research and innovation critic, I was also interested in the Medicago file. Let me reiterate what happened.
The government launched several calls for proposals, three or four. A firm called AbCellera received its funding in short order. Medicago received a letter from the government in mid-April, I believe, stating that the firm would soon receive a letter outlining the terms and conditions. There was a lot of back and forth, and Medicago did not receive the letter until early July, if memory serves. AbCellera managed to get its letter very quickly, while Medicago had to wait three or four months. Investors were nervous.
I still wonder what could explain the government's unacceptable delay in responding to Medicago.
Rachel Bendayan Liberal Outremont, QC
Mr. Chair, I thank the hon. member for the question, and I would be happy to get more details on this case to provide him with an answer.
It is very important for the government to do things right, as everyone in the House knows. In this specific case, it may have taken a few extra weeks to properly draft and understand this contract, and I think it is very important and perfectly normal to take the time to do that.
Charlie Angus NDP Timmins—James Bay, ON
Mr. Chair, what really needs to be pointed out is the incredible social solidarity Canadians from coast to coast to coast have shown in response to the unprecedented economic and medical catastrophe that has befallen us. It is really important to also state that we are not out of the first phase yet. We could be plunged back into a crisis. If we are plunged back in, it will be a catastrophe for families who have already suffered enormous economic losses, for small businesses and for students who have had their lives upended.
We are just over two weeks away from CERB's ending. Many people in my riding have no jobs to go back to, or they are only going back to partial or insecure work. We need to be there for them to get them through this crisis. If we leave people behind at this time, it will take years for our nation to recover economically and socially.
I would like to ask the member about the efforts that need to be taken between now and the beginning of September to make sure that we have a plan to get us through what may be a very difficult fall and a very difficult winter, particularly if COVID hits us again the way people expect it may.
Rachel Bendayan Liberal Outremont, QC
Mr. Chair, I would like to echo the comments of my hon. colleague with respect to the solidarity with which Canadians have come together during this pandemic. I would also to express my wish for the continued solidarity of all parties in this chamber in order for us to continue working for the benefit of Canadians as we continue to fight COVID-19. We need to continue to come together to get to the other side of this crisis.
With respect to the specific question regarding the CERB program, I must admit that it is a program I hear of so much in my community, as I am sure I would in the communities of everybody in this House. I believe that there are over 8 million Canadians who have been helped by this extremely valuable program. It has allowed families to put food on the table, and pay for rent and housing.
As the Minister of Employment has indicated several times now, we are in the process of transitioning from CERB to employment insurance. However, this is not the previous employment insurance. It is a modernized, changed employment insurance, which will ensure that all Canadians receive the support and help that they need.
Dan Albas Conservative Central Okanagan—Similkameen—Nicola, BC
Mr. Chair, I am going to ask a question of the parliamentary secretary in her capacity as the member of Parliament for her area.
Obviously, we all have constituents. I have heard from my constituents, as well as from other members of Parliament, who have an issue with the government giving no certainty to parents in regard to employment insurance parental benefits. Even today, the minister gave it zero attention, other than to say that they are working on something.
What does the member tell her own constituents? Is she comfortable with the government delivering zero certainty to those families?
Rachel Bendayan Liberal Outremont, QC
Mr. Chair, the question of child care is extremely important. As a mother of a young toddler, I know how important it is for mothers and fathers to have child care in order to go back to work and in order to resume activities.
We have committed, as a federal government, to substantial transfers for child care to our provinces. As the member opposite knows, we need to work in conjunction with the provinces on this issue, and we are working hand in hand with the provinces to ensure that all families have the child care that they need and deserve.
Kevin Lamoureux LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada and to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
Mr. Chair, the way Canada has responded to the coronavirus has really been inspiring.
The different levels of government, the non-profit organizations, and Canadians in general, all responded. There is so much more to talk about with each those sectors. We could talk about the federal programs, whether it is the wage subsidy, the CERB program, or the billions of dollars being spent. We could also talk about the literally millions of Canadians who have been assisted and the tens of thousands of businesses that have been saved. So much has been done in a relatively short period of time as a result of a lot of hard work by Canadians from coast to coast to coast.
We are now in a better position to be able to deal with a second wave coming. We are in fact in a much better position. I am wondering if my colleague and friend could provide her thoughts on why it was so important that governments, non-profits and Canadians as a whole come together in order to minimize the negative impacts of the coronavirus.
Rachel Bendayan Liberal Outremont, QC
Mr. Chair, as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade, I have been working in close collaboration with colleagues on numerous programs throughout the crisis. I must say that small businesses in my community and in communities across the country have been extremely grateful for the programs and supports that we have put in place.
I am thinking in particular of the emergency business account. Over 715,000 small businesses are benefiting from this interest-free loan, which includes a grant. I am also thinking of the wage subsidy, which provided 75% subsidies on businesses' wages. This has allowed employees to continue to be paid while they, in order to stay safe, stayed home.
There are numerous other programs that are allowing our economy to bounce back. As I am sure the members of this House know, we have had several consecutive months of job growth in this country, far more than other countries around the world, and we are on track for an economic recovery.