Debates of Dec. 6th, 2021

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

[Sean Fraser, Liberal, Central Nova, NS]

Mr. Speaker, I hope the hon. members opposite will take the occasion to allow all members to speak when it is their turn.

The opposition is asking questions about the timing of an election when we are dealing with the worst humanitarian crisis that could be happening in the world today. We have made one of the most substantial commitments to resettle 40,000 Afghan refugees in our country. More than 4,000 are here today. In the election the member referred to, he personally campaigned on a commitment to eliminate the government-assisted refugee stream.

With respect, during extraordinarily challenging circumstances last year, Canada resettled more than one-third of the global total of refugees settled anywhere on the planet. This is a good story. Our commitment will not waver.

Public Safety

[Emmanuella Lambropoulos, Liberal, Saint-Laurent, QC]

Mr. Speaker, gun violence is becoming more and more of a problem in Montreal, and women and youth are the victims.

We must reduce illegal access to firearms to improve public safety. As a government, we owe it to Canadians to implement measures to prevent firearms from being illegally diverted and to address all the ways in which that is happening. It takes investments and government collaboration to deal with theft, straw purchases and cross-border smuggling.

Can the Minister of Public Safety inform the House of the measures the government is taking to protect Quebeckers from illegally smuggled firearms?

[Marco Mendicino, Liberal, Minister of Public Safety]

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for her question. I stand with her against the gender-based violence and misogyny that led to the tragedy at École Polytechnique.

I recently spoke with members of PolySeSouvient, and I promised to continue to work closely with them.

The guns that we banned, like the one used at École Polytechnique, will be subject to a mandatory buyback or rendered inoperable. We cannot change the past, but we must learn from it.

Housing

[Adam Chambers, Conservative, Simcoe North, ON]

Mr. Speaker, over the weekend, the former CEO of CMHC claimed that the government should tax Canadians' primary residences to cool the housing market. This policy would devastate millions of Canadians and many in my riding who rely on their home equity to fund their retirement.

Will the Minister of Finance commit today in the House to Canadians that the government will not impose new taxes on primary residences to fund the government’s runaway spending?

[Chrystia Freeland, Liberal, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance]

Yes, I will, Mr. Speaker, and any suggestion otherwise is absolutely false.

Disaster Assistance

[Dane Lloyd, Conservative, Sturgeon River—Parkland, AB]

Mr. Speaker, Canadians were shocked to learn that the government failed to engage the Americans through the International Joint Commission to find a solution to repeated flooding in British Columbia. The flooding of the Nooksack River in Washington state has spilled over into Canada, resulting in billions in damages to British Columbians. Reports indicate that a mere $29-million investment could have prevented this damage.

Why did the Liberal government fail yet again to engage our closest ally to protect Canadians from this disaster?

[Bill Blair, Liberal, President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Emergency Preparedness]

Mr. Speaker, while I commend the member opposite for the clarity of his hindsight, the reality is that there are always ongoing important discussions between ourselves and our American partners with respect to keeping our communities safe.

With respect to the flooding of the Nooksack River, there have been and will continue to be ongoing discussions and work to ensure that water overflowing from the river does not impact upon our communities. That work is going on now.

Small Business

[Gerald Soroka, Conservative, Yellowhead, AB]

Mr. Speaker, there is a massive labour shortage across this country, especially in my riding. Local and small businesses in Edson and Hinton are challenged to fill positions in convenience, clothing and hardware stores, to name a few. Small businesses are major contributors to local employment and they are hurting. Some have closed; others have lost their business.

When will the Liberal government start making all local and small businesses a priority in our communities?

[Carla Qualtrough, Liberal, Minister of Employment]

Mr. Speaker, small businesses are absolutely a priority of our government. In fact, it is thanks to them that Canada gained 154,000 jobs last month. Our employment rate has gone down for the sixth consecutive month in a row, and in fact, we have gained 106% of the jobs lost during the pandemic.

We do have labour shortages, but we have a plan to address them. We have made the largest investment in training, we are investing in child care, we are investing in youth employment and we are investing in bringing talented workers to Canada. We will not rest until we address this.

Women and Gender Equality

[Rechie Valdez, Liberal, Mississauga—Streetsville, ON]

Mr. Speaker, 32 years ago, 14 young lives were taken at École Polytechnique, and Canada was changed forever. My thoughts are with the families of each victim as we remember this sombre anniversary. Gender-based violence has devastating impacts, and the pandemic has increased existing challenges for women fleeing violence.

Can the Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Youth share with the House how we are addressing the rise of gender-based violence in Quebec and across Canada?

[Marci Ien, Liberal, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my hon. colleague for his hard work.

When the world shut down from COVID-19, front-line workers did not stop. They rolled up their sleeves and they got to work; they were there. That is why our government moved quickly, we saw what was happening in real time, to support more than 1,200 women's shelters and gender-based violence organizations, including sexual assault centres.

Through budget 2021, we are building on that work; $3 billion in five years to advance those initiatives.

Automobile Industry

[Brian Masse, NDP, Windsor West, ON]

Mr. Speaker, the Liberal government has spent years reacting to automotive announcements, like plant closures and job losses, after the decisions were already made. Here we go again, with the government reacting to news that the U.S. incentive on electric vehicles will effectively penalize our local workers and Canadian products.

While workers are left worrying about their futures, the Liberals are waiting to start a lengthy court case that will take years to resolve.

It is well past the time to protect Canadian workers and our auto industry. If the U.S. implements discriminatory policies, will the Prime Minister remove American vehicles from continuing to receive the currently publicly funded Canadian vehicle incentive program? Will the Prime Minister do that and stop the American incentives from Canadian taxpayers?

[Mary Ng, Liberal, Minister of International Trade]

Mr. Speaker, just a few days ago, I returned, along with colleagues on all sides of the House, to advocate in the U.S. on this issue, standing up for Canadian workers, standing up for Canadian businesses. This work continues.

I want to thank all my colleagues on all sides of the House for this advocacy. Over 50 meetings took place. We are going to continue to do this really important work for our workers and for our businesses.

Justice

[Mike Morrice, Green, Kitchener Centre, ON]

Mr. Speaker, last week, we had an overdose alert in Waterloo region.

In just three days, front-line workers responded to 42 suspected overdoses. So far this year, we have lost 120 community members to a poisoned drug supply. Each one was a preventable death.

Even the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police have joined calls to decriminalize simple possession of illicit drugs. They have recommended removing mandatory criminal sanctions, replacing them with harm reduction and treatment services.

When will the government move forward with decriminalization and save lives?

[Carolyn Bennett, Liberal, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health]

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the member on his election to the House.

Our government will do anything it takes to save lives and reduce the harms of the worsening toxic drug supply in opioid and overdose crisis. On the section 56 exemption from British Columbia, as well as Vancouver, we are reviewing them on an urgent basis. Our government knows that other jurisdictions are also looking at health-based approaches, and we are working with our partners to find innovated solutions.

We know there is much more to do, including addressing issues like safe supply, and we will remain engaged with the member and his community to advance these health-based approaches.

[Richard Cannings, NDP, South Okanagan—West Kootenay, BC]

Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order. There have been discussions among the parties and if you seek it, I hope you will find unanimous consent for the following motion: That given that entrepreneurs are the heart of the Canadian economy, creating jobs and supporting local economies and that poor program design has resulted in start-ups that opened at the beginning of the pandemic being unable to access most federal COVID supports, forcing them to struggle through the pandemic on their own—

[The Speaker, Anthony Rota]

One moment, please. The hon. member for La Prairie is rising on a point of order.

[Alain Therrien, Bloc, La Prairie, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the interpretation was not working and we did not hear the French version of my NDP colleague's comments.

[The Speaker, Anthony Rota]

I thank the member for his intervention. It was not a problem with the interpretation, but a problem with the system.

I will ask the hon. member for South Okanagan—West Kootenay to start from the top with his request for unanimous consent, and then we will go from there.

[Richard Cannings, NDP, South Okanagan—West Kootenay, BC]

Mr. Speaker, there have been discussions among the parties and if you seek it, I hope you will find unanimous consent for the following motion: That given that entrepreneurs are the heart of the Canadian economy, creating jobs and supporting local economies and that poor program design has resulted in start-ups that opened at the beginning of the pandemic being unable to access most federal COVID supports, forcing them to struggle through the pandemic on their own while facing competition from established businesses that had access to multiple supports, the House call on the government to provide supports for these start-up businesses that have been left out of the government help as the pandemic continues.

[The Speaker, Anthony Rota]

All those opposed to the hon. member moving the motion will please say nay.

[Some hon. members]

Nay.

École Polytechnique

[Marci Ien, Liberal, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth]

Mr. Speaker, on this day 32 years ago, an unspeakable tragedy shook Canada to its core. A gunman walked into a classroom at Polytechnique Montréal, separated the women from the men then opened fire on the women. Fourteen women were murdered, 13 more wounded and many communities shattered.

Today, we remember Geneviève Bergeron, Hélène Colgan, Nathalie Croteau, Barbara Daigneault, Anne‑Marie Edward, Maud Haviernick, Maryse Laganière, Maryse Leclair, Anne‑Marie Lemay, Sonia Pelletier, Michèle Richard, Annie St‑Arneault, Annie Turcotte and Barbara Klucznik‑Widajewicz.

My heart goes out to the families and friends who lost a loved one on December 6, to those who were wounded and to all those whose lives were turned upside down by this tragedy.

Today and every day, we pay tribute to the incredible courage of the survivors, who found the strength to keep on living.

All Canadians deserve to feel safe in their communities, but gun violence is on the rise in Canada's largest cities. We have taken strong action on gun control, but we recognize that there is still much work to do.

Nobody should have to face violence because of who they are, yet that is the terrifying reality for far too many women, youth and people of every gender identity and expression.

I stand in solidarity with all survivors and families of those impacted by gender-based violence.

As we reflect on the ongoing impact of gender-based violence, I want to acknowledge that some communities are impacted more than others. I think of women and girls, notably women and girls who are indigenous, Black, racialized, newcomers; women and girls living in northern, rural and remote communities; women with disabilities; seniors; and LGBTQ2 people. The devastating impacts of gender-based violence expand beyond those who directly experience it. Violence has long-lasting health, social and economic effects that can span across generations. This creates cycles of violence within families and sometimes among communities.

The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified the inequities in society and the urgency for a national action plan to end gender-based violence.

I want to inform Canadians that we are on track to getting it done. We have heard from survivors, advocates and experts across the country that we need to do more. That is why we swiftly supported Canadian organizations providing life-saving services for anyone experiencing violence during the pandemic. Our government committed to $300 million in funding to more than 1,200 organizations. This has meant that 1.3 million women, mothers and young children had a safer place to turn to. We supported women's shelters, indigenous off-reserve shelters, sexual assault centres, women's organizations and other organizations providing supports and services to those experiencing gender-based violence, and we are committed to doing more.

In the past few weeks, I have met with gender-based violence and equality-seeking organizations in Halifax, in Toronto, in Ottawa and more. I have listened to them. I have listened to the needs of partners right across the country, and I am determined to continue supporting survivors. These organizations have worked tirelessly to serve women and families in city centres and in rural and remote areas throughout the harshest months of this pandemic. They did not get a break. They rolled up their sleeves, put their masks on and went straight to work. I assured them, and I assure all members here today, that our government will be by their side. We will ensure they have the necessary resources to sustain strong, viable and inclusive services for survivors.

Our work does not stop here. After all, it is on all of us to be part of the solution, because everyone, in fact, has a responsibility to stand against misogyny, sexism and hate.

As my hon. colleagues know, we are nearing the end of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, which runs until Human Rights Day on December 10. This year's theme, “16 Days and Beyond”, challenges every single person in Canada to step up, to speak out and to take action against acts of gender-based violence, not just during the 16 days of activism but each and every day. Gender equality benefits all of us and everyone has an important role to play in advancing it.

Across Canada, thousands of men and boys are joining the causes for gender equality and we must continue to grow their ranks by calling men into the movement and by having these important conversations with our sons. Men and boys are an important part of this conversation, not just as allies in the struggle for gender equality but because they too are impacted by gender-based violence. We need positive role models to ensure a culture of respect, a culture that values every individual and every community.

The 14 young women who died at École Polytechnique 32 years ago will be always in our thoughts, always in our hearts. They will live on as a constant reminder of what misogyny and hate can do. Everyone has the right to live free from violence and we will continue to work with Canadians to end it in all its forms.

[Dominique Vien, Conservative, Bellechasse—Les Etchemins—Lévis, QC]

Mr. Speaker, on December 6, 1989, a horrific event took place at Montreal's École Polytechnique. On that day, 32 years ago, 14 women were murdered because they were women.

The victims of the tragedy were Geneviève Bergeron, Hélène Colgan, Nathalie Croteau, Barbara Daigneault, Anne‑Marie Edward, Maud Haviernick, Barbara Klucznik‑Widajewicz, Maryse Laganière, Maryse Leclair, Anne‑Marie Lemay, Sonia Pelletier, Michèle Richard, Annie St‑Arneault and Annie Turcotte.

I cannot help but think of the horror, the violence and the fear those women experienced. It is our duty to remember.

These young women, many in their twenties, had their whole lives ahead of them, but hatred and misogyny shattered their dreams and stole their lives. On this day, we remember those women. We also commemorate women in Canada and around the world who have been victims of hate and violence in all its forms: domestic violence, harassment and sexual assault.

On December 6, 1989, the Polytechnique massacre shook the entire country, wounding it to the core. That day, Canadians realized that gender equality was far from a given. That tragic event also showed us how fragile progress can be. It is a daily battle. We must fight that battle on behalf of the victims, their families and their colleagues, as well as the women who are even now victims of violence.

The memory of the Polytechnique victims is alive and well. It lives on in ambitious girls and young women who are not afraid to move ahead in their lives, to overcome obstacles, and who strive to make their dreams come true. It also lives on in the female students who graduate from college or university and succeed in having the engineering or professional career they have always wanted.

Their memory also lives on in the women who are here in the House today, those who chose to enter politics to stand up for people, to protect the most vulnerable or to advance just causes. It lives on in indigenous women who are not afraid to speak out against racism and prejudice and who are building safe communities. Their memory lives on in the front-line workers who assist victims and help them find a new home.

Their memory also lives on in the hearts of their parents, families, colleagues and activists who fight every day for greater social equality. Their memory lives on here, today, in Parliament in Ottawa.

For the past two years, our country has been going through an unprecedented health crisis. In many households, the pandemic has exacerbated mental health issues. It is more important than ever that we be there to help victims. We must continue to take action to fight another pandemic, the shadow pandemic. The shadow pandemic is the rising violence against women and the increasing rate of femicide across the country. Too many women continue to be bullied by their abusers every day. This spring, Senator Boisvenu and the member for Lévis—Lotbinière introduced a bill to better monitor men accused of domestic violence. Everything we do contributes to making our society more just, more equal and more humane. That is our mission.

The memory of the victims of the Polytechnique massacre is a reminder that we must not give up. Thirty-two years ago, 14 women were murdered because they were women, but on this dark day, let us continue this fight in their names. We must unite, act and replace words with action. Together, let us put an end to misogyny. Together, let us ensure that no one else is left in distress. Together, let us ensure that violence against women is never again tolerated, whether it is online, in schools or in the workplace.

It is time to focus on the victims. There have been too many tragedies and too much violence, and it is our duty to put a stop to it. Today, Canadians and Quebeckers remember the victims of the École Polytechnique massacre. This type of tragedy must never happen again. We owe it to the victims.

In closing, I want to highlight the determination of one young woman, Willow Dew, a student at the University of Alberta, who received the Order of the White Rose, created in memory of the École Polytechnique victims. This order is given to a Canadian engineering student who chooses to pursue graduate studies. Like her mother before her, who is also an engineer, she has overcome obstacles and proven that women have a place anywhere and that they can realize their dreams.

[Andréanne Larouche, Bloc, Shefford, QC]

Mr. Speaker, what goes through a man's mind when he pulls out a gun to kill a woman simply because she is a woman? What goes through a man's mind when he orders young women who are strangers to him to line up against the wall, simply because they are women?

We have been asking the same questions for the past 32 years. The questions pile up, but we still have no answers. What goes through a man's mind today when he puts his hands around the neck of a woman he once loved? What is going on in his head? How did he get to the point of killing a woman? I do not understand. What goes through the minds of all these men when they read a newspaper or watch television and see that there have been 18 femicides in 2021? Do they feel the same fear, shame and anger that I do, that we do? Do they also feel like screaming, crying and vomiting? I think so. I do not understand.

A total of 14 women were killed by one man at Polytechnique in 1989. In 2021, 18 women have been killed by men. Are things getting any better? Does anyone think things are better? What lessons have we learned from Polytechnique? Honestly, what have we learned?

Geneviève Bergeron, Hélène Colgan, Nathalie Croteau, Barbara Daigneault, Anne-Marie Edward, Maud Haviernick, Barbara Klucznik-Widajewicz, Maryse Laganière, Maryse Leclair, Anne-Marie Lemay, Sonia Pelletier, Michèle Richard, Annie St-Arneault and Annie Turcotte: how many times will we have to name these young women before things change? Nothing changes. The tragedies continue, and the deaths, the candlelight vigils, the commemorations and the lists keep growing. Elisapee, Marly, Nancy, Myriam, Carolyne, Nadège, Rebekah, Kataluk, Dyann, Zoleikha, Lisette, Nathalie, Elle, Andréanne, Anna, Romane and Elle: every name is a tragedy, every name reminds us of pain, suffering, and our responsibility.

When a person, an individual, does something once, then it is their personal responsibility and we do not need to shoulder the burden of a one-time incident. However, when that thing keeps happening over and over, once, twice, 10 times, 18 times, ad infinitum, and we anticipate the inevitable next occurrence that will come every year, without fail, then the responsibility for these hundreds or thousands of individual acts is no longer individual, but collective. We owe it to these women to do something about this. We have an obligation.

As parliamentarians, we all have individual responsibility. We have a duty to take action, because we are in a position to take action.

Not many people have this power, but we do. I do not believe in unicorns, and I am not saying that if the House took action, that would be the end of violence against women. I am not naive. However, if we restrict access to guns, if we better protect victims from their assailants, if we take the situation of women in the army and indigenous women seriously, if we put our minds to it, maybe we could save one woman, then two, then 10, then 18, or maybe not, but we will have really tried.

I do not know what goes through a man's mind when he takes out a gun to shoot women because they are women, but I do know that we need to limit access to guns.

I do not know what goes on in a violent man's mind, but I do know that we must do everything we can to help a woman who feels threatened by him get away from him. I know that there are millions of men who read the papers or watch the news and feel ashamed. They fear that men will kill, hurt or break women simply because they are women. There are men who want to scream, cry and vomit out of fear for their sisters, their daughters, their mothers, out of fear for all women.

All of us, men and women, must come together to take action on behalf of the young women of École Polytechnique and all of the women who have died since. We can and must do something.

On behalf of the Bloc Québécois and, I would think, all members in this House, I want to say to the young women of École Polytechnique: “We will not forget you. We will not forget our obligation and our responsibility to you.”

Now is the time for action.