House of Commons Hansard #60 of the 43rd Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was peoples.
2:05 p.m.
Liberal
The Speaker Liberal Anthony Rota
It being Wednesday, we will now have the singing of the national anthem led by the hon. member for Calgary Midnapore.
[Members sang the national anthem]
Black Cultural Centre for Nova ScotiaStatements by Members
2:05 p.m.
Liberal
Darrell Samson Liberal Sackville—Preston—Chezzetcook, NS
Mr. Speaker, as Black History Month continues, I would like to recognize the hard work and resilience of the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia during COVID-19.
Led by Russell Grosse, executive director, the centre has been finding innovative ways to continue to work to protect, to preserve and to promote the history of African Nova Scotian communities. The centre has been there to lend a hand to other African Nova Scotian organizations and has helped them adjust to COVID-19 and thrive in the digital environment. The centre is working toward being designated as a national museum and I am proud to help it achieve this goal in any way I can.
Throughout my time as a member of Parliament for Sackville—Preston—Chezzetcook, it has been inspiring to see the incredible impact the centre has had on the African Nova Scotian communities and I cannot wait to see what it can do on the national scene and see our Prime Minister there to cut the ribbon on opening day.
Graeme CraigStatements by Members
2:10 p.m.
Conservative
Ben Lobb Conservative Huron—Bruce, ON
Mr. Speaker, Huron County lost one of its great residents February 8.
Graeme Craig was a lifelong resident on a century farm in Walton. His first passion in life was music. Graeme entertained many people, singing and playing guitar at numerous events. He was a graduate of Ridgetown College and had a very successful career with United Breeders and McKillop Insurance.
Graeme was a federal returning officer for Huron—Bruce for five elections. He ran as a LIberal candidate in 1979-80 and was trustee and chair on the Huron County Board of Education for 12 years. Graeme did a term as president of the Ontario Plowmen's Association. He was the chair of the 1999 International Plowing Match in Dashwood and was the current treasurer in the Canadian Plowing Match. He made a positive impact on everyone he knew.
My condolences to Graeme's family, wife Helen, Michael, Shannon and Dave. May Graeme rest in peace on a life well lived.
I Read Canadian DayStatements by Members
2:10 p.m.
Liberal
Lloyd Longfield Liberal Guelph, ON
Mr. Speaker, today is I Read Canadian Day. This year more than ever, we have turned to reading as a way to escape, to learn and to experience new ideas. I love reading to our four grandkids remotely, to Michael and Anna in Guelph, and to Jack and our new granddaughter Frankie in Toronto.
Started by Guelph author Eric Walters as a collaboration between the Canadian Children's Book Centre, the Canadian Society of Children's Authors, Illustrators and Performers and the Ontario Library Association, and this year joined by Communication-Jeunesse and Canadian School Libraries, we will reach many more readers in both our official languages.
Today, we challenge all Canadians to read for 15 minutes, whether it is English, French or indigenous languages, to their young ones around them to show their ongoing support to our wonderfully talented Canadian authors and illustrators. Use #IReadCanadian and share in the love of reading Canadian stories.
MediaStatements by Members
February 17th, 2021 / 2:10 p.m.
Bloc
Martin Champoux Bloc Drummond, QC
Mr. Speaker, for years, people have been using the term “media crisis” to describe the challenges our newspapers are facing because of the web giants. In times of crisis, we need urgent action, but the federal government is doing nothing.
Today, all Quebec publishers are demanding that Ottawa correct the serious inequity between web giants and our media when it comes to advertising revenues generated from sharing the work of our content creators on digital platforms. Without the work of journalists, there would be no stories to share on social media. The content is coming from our media, not from Facebook or Google.
If we do not protect content creators, we will lose a pillar of public and democratic life. Ottawa has to take action to ensure that the work of our media benefits our media. Ottawa needs to make web giants pay taxes on the profits they are making here and put that money into a fund to support our media and culture.
Now is the time to act, and quickly.
Georges El KhouryStatements by Members
2:10 p.m.
Liberal
Fayçal El-Khoury Liberal Laval—Les Îles, QC
Mr. Speaker, in 1976, I was welcomed to Canada by a pioneering member of the Lebanese community, Georges El Khoury.
We lost Mr. El Khoury three weeks ago. He was a noble and generous person who gave so much to Canadians of Lebanese origin and contributed to the growth of jobs and investment with the Middle East as well as to the education of many young people. He helped everyone who needed help regardless of their faith or background. In fact, I owe the first two years of my university studies to him.
I would like to extend my sincere condolences to his wife, Thérèse, his daughters, Sylvana, Denise and Barbara, and his sons, Maroun and Michel. May his soul rest in peace, may his life be an inspiration to others of Lebanese origin, and may his legacy live on.
[Member spoke in Arabic.]
May his memory be eternal. Rest in peace.
Public SafetyStatements by Members
2:10 p.m.
Independent
Ramesh Sangha Independent Brampton Centre, ON
Mr. Speaker, I am a proud Sikh by birth. Like Sikhs in Canada, I am not a Khalistani extremist or a sympathizer. However, there are a few Sikhs in Canada as well as in the House.
On December 13, 2018, the minister of public safety removed religion Sikh words from the “Terrorist Threat to Canada” report, 2018, and the Sikh community was grateful. However, a few unsatisfied Sikh members of parliament stood against their own government, used all the tools and ulterior motives and pressurized the government and got Khalistani extremism removed from the report. Their hidden agenda was to camouflage all the names long-time linked to the movement, even their own near and dear ones.
The security of Canada is paramount, but they compromised it. Shame on them for pandering to extremism in Canada. History will not forgive them.
Statements by MembersPoints of OrderStatements by Members
2:15 p.m.
Scarborough—Rouge Park Ontario
Liberal
Gary Anandasangaree LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order. The last S.O. 31 was out of line with respect to the decorum that is expected in this House. A number of comments were made by the previous speaker that clearly impugned on the reputation of many of our members, and I take particular offence to them.
I would ask, for the record, that the S.O. 31 be struck from the record of this House.
Statements by MembersPoints of OrderStatements by Members
2:15 p.m.
Liberal
The Speaker Liberal Anthony Rota
I would like to point out that normally the Chair does not take points of order during statements by members, or S.O. 31s, but we will review it and see where it goes from there.
Sexual ExploitationStatements By Members
2:15 p.m.
Conservative
Pierre Paul-Hus Conservative Charlesbourg—Haute-Saint-Charles, QC
Mr. Speaker, I recently moved Motion No. 63 in the House of Commons. The motion calls on the government to recognize the urgent need to pass legislation to combat the sexual exploitation of minors in order to better protect our children.
In my previous role as shadow minister for public safety and emergency preparedness, I worked closely with the elected members of the Quebec National Assembly to support them in regard to the Criminal Code changes that were being requested. I also continue to support the Deputy Premier of Quebec, Geneviève Guilbault, in order to achieve that goal.
Now I would like the federal government to make this a priority so that our young people who are being sexually exploited are not just numbers in a report. It is high time we protected our children.
National Flag of Canada DayStatements By Members
2:15 p.m.
Liberal
Steven MacKinnon Liberal Gatineau, QC
Mr. Speaker, on February 15, 1965, Canada's red and white maple leaf flag was raised for the very first time on Parliament Hill. On the same day in 1996, National Flag of Canada Day was declared.
Some 56 years ago, an audience of 10,000 enthusiastically applauded Gaétan Secours. He was a 26-year old RCMP officer when he raised Canada's new flag for the first time over the Peace Tower on Parliament Hill.
In order to celebrate National Flag of Canada Day, in honour and recognition of Mr. Secours's years of service and to commemorate the inauguration of the national flag of Canada, Mr. Secours will receive the maple leaf flag that flew over the Peace Tower on Parliament Hill.
February 15 is a part of Mr. Secours' unique history as well as those of all Canadians. Our national flag is a symbol that unites us all and reflects the shared values we hold so dear: equality, diversity and inclusion.
I send my thanks to Mr. Secours.
I wish him a happy National Flag of Canada Day.
OpioidsStatements By Members
2:15 p.m.
Liberal
Marie-France Lalonde Liberal Orléans, ON
Mr. Speaker, last week I was proud to present a petition calling on the federal government to collaborate with the provinces and territories to establish a pan-Canadian action plan to end overdose deaths and overdose injuries.
With a death taking place roughly every two hours, and a death toll of 15,400 people in the last four years alone, the opioid crisis is one of the deadliest public health emergencies of our lifetime. Canadians in every corner of our country are affected by this crisis, and it is being made even worse by the ongoing pandemic.
The petition was organized by Katherine Steinhoff, an activist with Moms Stop the Harm, and a mother who lost her son, Simon, to the crisis. It was signed by citizens across the city of Ottawa, and I want to thank her for her tireless advocacy for action on this issue.
COVID-19 Emergency ResponseStatements By Members
2:20 p.m.
Conservative
Kerry-Lynne Findlay Conservative South Surrey—White Rock, BC
Mr. Speaker, fewer than 1% of Canadians have received their second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. Forty-second is where Canada ranks on the world stage in terms of vaccines administered per capita. This is not the team Canada I know. This means more loved ones getting sick and more restrictions keeping us apart. It means more difficulty for the many sectors that continue to struggle.
From the White Rock Promenade to The Shops at Morgan Crossing, businesses in my riding are hurting. In January, the unemployment rate in B.C. hit 8%, up 3.4% from a year ago.
Access to vaccines would help us all get back to our friends, families, and work. It would help new businesses, such as the Eggcetra Breakfast Cafe in Surrey, thrive. We need to get the vaccine rollout right in order to secure jobs and secure our economic future.
I will leave the House with one final number: 701 is the number of days since the last federal budget.
Lunar New YearStatements By Members
2:20 p.m.
Liberal
Ali Ehsassi Liberal Willowdale, ON
Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to mark the commencement of the lunar new year by recognizing the spring festival in China, Seollal in Korea and the Tet festival in Vietnam.
Many across our country have been marking the arrival of the Year of the Ox, a symbol of honesty, hard work and perseverance, which are indeed fitting qualities to guide us all in the year ahead. Lunar new year is an opportunity for many Canadians to reflect on the immense and extraordinary challenges of the past year and to focus our gaze on ushering in new beginnings. It is also a time to connect with the elderly, relatives and friends.
On behalf of my riding of Willowdale, I wish all those marking this festive occasion a year filled with good health and also much happiness and success. While most have graciously avoided gatherings this year, I have no doubt that we will more than make up for it by celebrating bigger and brighter next year.
Gung hai fat choy; gong xi, gong xi; shi nian kuai le; seh heh mahn hee bah deux sayo.
Kenora Front-Line WorkersStatements By Members
2:20 p.m.
Conservative
Eric Melillo Conservative Kenora, ON
Mr. Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to thank all of the front-line workers across the riding of Kenora and all of northwestern Ontario who have stepped up to keep us safe during this pandemic.
As we approach the one-year mark of COVID-19 lockdowns, we are all greatly appreciative of their work and their sacrifice. They have truly done an amazing job. Unfortunately, the federal government has not done its job to ensure that these workers have the tools they need to combat the virus. Its failure to procure vaccines, distribute rapid tests and provide clear information has hindered Canada's response to this crisis.
As we move into the spring, it is my hope that all Canadians who want a vaccine will have access in a timely manner. It is something that our Conservative team will continue to fight for, because we know a robust vaccine plan is key to overcoming COVID-19 once and for all and getting our economy back on track.
Our mission is to secure vaccines, to secure jobs and secure our future.
HousingStatements By Members
2:20 p.m.
Conservative
Brad Vis Conservative Mission—Matsqui—Fraser Canyon, BC
Mr. Speaker, this government’s newest housing program gave half a billion dollars to big cities but left Canada’s small and medium-sized municipalities, non-profits and indigenous governing bodies to compete for the rest. Many of these communities simply lack the capacity to submit an application during normal operations, never mind the current circumstances.
A disproportionate number of these communities are rural, remote, indigenous, or all three. There are communities like Lillooet, B.C., which put forward an application but had it disqualified. Urban centres should not automatically be first in line for government services. Once-vibrant small communities are emptied out as vulnerable people leave their hometowns in search of housing and other supports.
We know that housing is an essential component of our economic recovery and necessary to secure our future. Canada’s Conservatives have heard and are heeding the calls to improve the national housing strategy. We are focused on increasing affordable rental stock, improving fairness in the mortgage market and ensuring the current generation is not left behind.
Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and GirlsStatements By Members
2:25 p.m.
NDP
Jenny Kwan NDP Vancouver East, BC
Mr. Speaker, the community continues to march yearly on February 14 to honour the lives of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls and to demand action and justice. This year is the 30th anniversary of the Memorial March. It truly shows that the issues faced by indigenous women and girls are not new but are part of Canada's colonial history.
Issues of housing, food and income security have all become exponentially more precarious. Systemic racism in the health care system is real, and violence against women is on a steep rise. The pandemic is precisely why we need bold, urgent action to implement the calls to justice from the national inquiry. There is no time to waste.
To start, implementing safe and affordable housing for all, universal pharmacare and child care, and culturally aware and trauma-informed support services is just a short list of actions that would make an immediate difference. No more delays, no more inaction, no more stolen sisters: We need justice for missing and murdered indigenous women and girls now.
Yvon MajorStatements By Members
2:25 p.m.
Bloc
Stéphane Bergeron Bloc Montarville, QC
Mr. Speaker, we were sad and shocked to learn that a great citizen of Sainte-Julie, Yvon Major, passed away during the night of January 18. He was mayor of Sainte-Julie for more than 10 years.
Mr. Major began his career in municipal politics as a councillor in 1984 and became mayor in October 1993, an office he held until 2005. He also became reeve of the Lajemmerais RCM in 2000. I had the pleasure and the honour, during my first term in this House, of working with him during his time in office as the chief executive of the town of Sainte-Julie.
He was well known as a likeable, available, energetic, conscientious and visionary man. He brought major environmental advancements to the RCM, such as wheeled bins for recycling, household waste and, eventually, organics.
Thank you for everything, Mr. Major. We already miss you.
Human RightsStatements By Members
2:25 p.m.
Conservative
Alain Rayes Conservative Richmond—Arthabaska, QC
Mr. Speaker, today is the 800th day the two Michaels have been detained by Chinese authorities. For 800 days, the two Michaels have languished behind bars while our Prime Minister keeps saying it is a priority to get them released. As we see once again, those are only words with no real substance. In fact, in many respects the Prime Minister seems weak and ineffective in his dealings with China.
Today, the Conservative Party is calling for action to free our Canadians and to prevent the 2022 Olympics from being held in China. Our party demands that Canada ask the International Olympic Committee to relocate the Olympics, as Brian Mulroney did in 1985. For once, the Prime Minister must show leadership and stand up and defend human rights on behalf of Canada, on behalf of Canadians, on behalf of the two Michaels.
Black History MonthStatements By Members
2:25 p.m.
Liberal
Brenda Shanahan Liberal Châteauguay—Lacolle, QC
Mr. Speaker, Black History Month is commemorated in many ways across Canada. This year, in light of the Black Lives Matter movement and the fight against systemic racism, we are seeing a call to action as well.
In my riding, Black community leaders joined me in meeting with the Minister of Justice to discuss the issue of police profiling and discrimination, while members of our youth council produced an educational video entitled “Youth Translate Racism”.
This video features young people from various communities in my riding speaking about racism. I was very moved by all of their stories. This initiative gives us hope for a more inclusive world.
I also want to once again thank my colleague from LaSalle—Émard—Verdun, who took the time to participate in a round table with representatives from Châteauguay's Black community.
Foreign AffairsOral Questions
2:25 p.m.
Durham Ontario
Conservative
Erin O'Toole ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister is out of step with the Biden administration on China. The Prime Minister is out of step with our Five Eyes allies on China. The Prime Minister is even out of step with his own caucus on China. The experienced Liberal finance chair says that he needs to wake up and smell the roses.
Will the Prime Minister wake up and remove Canada from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank?
Foreign AffairsOral Questions
2:30 p.m.
Papineau Québec
Liberal
Justin Trudeau LiberalPrime Minister
Mr. Speaker, over the past number of years we have always been very clear with China when we disagreed on human rights. We have real concerns about the treatment of the Uighurs in Xinjiang and the situation in Hong Kong. We have continued to express our concern and demonstrate our solidarity with the two Michaels and expect them to be returned home from arbitrary detention, while at the same time we continue to work with partners around the world in holding China to account and improving opportunities for our workers and businesses across the country and around the world. These are things we will continue to work on, including tomorrow in our virtual G7 meeting.
EmploymentOral Questions
2:30 p.m.
Durham Ontario
Conservative
Erin O'Toole ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, we lost 213,000 jobs in January, most of them in Ontario and Quebec. That is 213,000 families looking for a paycheque amidst a pandemic. The Prime Minister is funding the Asian infrastructure bank while his Liberal insider-friendly Canadian infrastructure bank has completed zero projects in Canada.
When will the Prime Minister start prioritizing Canadian workers?
EmploymentOral Questions
2:30 p.m.
Papineau Québec
Liberal
Justin Trudeau LiberalPrime Minister
Mr. Speaker, as a part of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, Canada joins countries such as Australia, France, Germany, India, Italy, South Korea and the U.K. in promoting growth around the world.
Indeed, when the Leader of the Opposition brings up support for workers, let me point out that the Conservative Party has consistently said we have done too much when we gave 380,000 unique applicants sickness benefit support, supported the wage subsidy with over five million jobs and provided over $64 billion in support for workers. We have had Canadians' backs and we will continue to.
HealthOral Questions
2:30 p.m.
Durham Ontario
Conservative
Erin O'Toole ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, yesterday experts spent hours telling committee about the conflicts of interest, the late planning and the end run around Canadian manufacturers that defined the government's vaccine plan. By the end of last week, two million Americans a day were being vaccinated. We need two million Canadians a week to get vaccinated to meet the Prime Minister's vaunted September deadline.
Why are Canadians paying the price for the Prime Minister's planning failures?