House of Commons Hansard #55 of the 43rd Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was need.

Topics

HealthOral Questions

2:35 p.m.

Pontiac Québec

Liberal

William Amos LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation

Mr. Speaker, from the very beginning, our government has had the following objectives: one, secure access to vaccines and to the best vaccine candidates in the world; two, invest in the most promising Canadian vaccines and treatments; and three, invest strategically to rebuild Canada's biomanufacturing capacity.

That is exactly what we have done, and we have known all along that we must rely on the best advice of Canadian scientists. We are supporting biomanufacturing for Canadians. It is coming.

HealthOral Questions

2:35 p.m.

Bloc

Julie Vignola Bloc Beauport—Limoilou, QC

Mr. Speaker, those are three objectives, but will they be reached? I do not believe so.

Producing the Novavax vaccine in Montreal will help us in the future, but we need vaccines right now. We have been in the race for vaccines for 11 months. However, not until today did the government announce an agreement to manufacture the vaccine locally, which will not happen until 2022. The government should have negotiated this 11 months ago so we could start manufacturing vaccines the moment they were approved by Health Canada. Eleven months is a long time.

Why did the government wait so long?

HealthOral Questions

2:40 p.m.

Honoré-Mercier Québec

Liberal

Pablo Rodriguez LiberalLeader of the Government in the House of Commons

Mr. Speaker, I remember that a couple of months ago, the Bloc Québécois was saying that we would never be able to vaccinate anyone and that it would not happen. We are vaccinating Canadians. Once again, the Bloc is trying to scare Canadians.

Yes, there are challenges. Yes, the global demand for vaccines exceeds the supply. That is why we signed agreements with so many companies at the outset. The objectives remain the same. We will reach those objectives. I am talking about six million doses by the end of March, half of Quebeckers vaccinated by the end of June and then all Canadians who want to be vaccinated by the end of September.

Those are our objectives, and we will reach them.

Airline IndustryOral Questions

2:40 p.m.

Conservative

Stephanie Kusie Conservative Calgary Midnapore, AB

Mr. Speaker, the government asked Canadian carriers to suspend flights to both Mexico and the Caribbean, yet American carriers are still carrying Canadians to these sun destinations.

The airline sector in Canada has already been put through the wringer. Why is the Prime Minister putting American jobs first when he should be standing up for Canadian airline workers?

Airline IndustryOral Questions

2:40 p.m.

Mississauga Centre Ontario

Liberal

Omar Alghabra LiberalMinister of Transport

Mr. Speaker, our domestic airlines carry the vast majority of Canadians travelling to sun destinations on vacation. However, we are aware that some foreign carriers also operate between Canada and sun destinations. The government is working with foreign airlines on this issue.

For example, Aeroméxico already announced it was suspending flights between Canada and Mexico.

Airline IndustryOral Questions

2:40 p.m.

Conservative

Stephanie Kusie Conservative Calgary Midnapore, AB

Mr. Speaker, while American carriers continue to carry Canadians to sun destinations, Canadian carriers are parked right here at home.

The Canadian aviation sector has already lost significant market share as a result of the government's incompetence and inaction, while foreign carriers have received billions of dollars in sector-specific aid. When will the Prime Minister put Canadian jobs first and deliver a plan for the airline sector?

Airline IndustryOral Questions

2:40 p.m.

Mississauga Centre Ontario

Liberal

Omar Alghabra LiberalMinister of Transport

Mr. Speaker, the hon. member knows that a U.S. carrier cannot transport Canadians to a sun destination without first stopping in the U.S. She probably also knows that the Biden administration has already implemented new measures on all travellers coming to the U.S. By the way, there are additional measures we are working on coordinating with the U.S.

I ask my hon. colleague to join me in calling on all Canadians to suspend or postpone non-essential travel.

Airline IndustryOral Questions

2:40 p.m.

Conservative

Alain Rayes Conservative Richmond—Arthabaska, QC

Mr. Speaker, listen to this: while the Liberal government announces that Canadian airlines will no longer be flying south, we learn that U.S. airlines will continue to provide this service to Canadians for all-inclusive sunny destinations. This makes no sense. It is utterly ridiculous.

When will the government take responsibility and manage the border like it should?

Airline IndustryOral Questions

2:40 p.m.

Mississauga Centre Ontario

Liberal

Omar Alghabra LiberalMinister of Transport

Mr. Speaker, as I stated earlier, no U.S. carrier can carry a Canadian to a sun destination directly without stopping in the U.S. I also stated earlier that the Biden administration had implemented new measures on all travellers. I ask my colleagues to join me in calling on all Canadians to postpone non-essential travel.

I also want to take a moment to thank the airlines for voluntarily agreeing to help prevent the spread of COVID. Our government is currently working on a support package to help airline carriers and their workers.

Airline IndustryOral Questions

2:40 p.m.

Conservative

Alain Rayes Conservative Richmond—Arthabaska, QC

Mr. Speaker, I would like to read to the minister what the president and CEO of the Air Transport Association of Canada said:

How can we not be frustrated at a situation like this? It is unbelievable that the government could not find a way to prevent American competitors from doing something here that it is prohibiting Canadian airlines from doing.

Our Prime Minister is always reacting to situations and is unable to make good decisions quickly.

When will he protect our border and Canadian jobs?

Airline IndustryOral Questions

2:45 p.m.

Mississauga Centre Ontario

Liberal

Omar Alghabra LiberalMinister of Transport

Mr. Speaker, the jobs in the airline sector are incredibly important for our country's safety and the economy. We are currently working with the airline sector on providing a support package for it.

I would ask my hon. colleague to join me in understanding the importance of these travel measures and in encouraging all Canadians to avoid non-essential travel.

Let us recognize and acknowledge the sacrifices made by the workers in the airline sector. We will stand by them.

HealthOral Questions

2:45 p.m.

NDP

Jack Harris NDP St. John's East, NL

Mr. Speaker, millions of Canadians do not have access to the dental care they need. More than one-third have no dental coverage at all, and the numbers have increased because of the pandemic. Young people, seniors, precarious workers and families with low incomes endure pain and suffer avoidable health and social consequences because they cannot afford dental care.

Last February the Liberals voted against a dental plan. Will they change their minds and support my private member's motion to implement a federal dental program now for all uninsured Canadians with a family income of less than $90,000?

HealthOral Questions

2:45 p.m.

Thunder Bay—Superior North Ontario

Liberal

Patty Hajdu LiberalMinister of Health

Mr. Speaker, I thank the member opposite for advocating for low-income families and for access to dental care. As I have said in the House, this seems like a worthy area to investigate and I certainly would be more than happy to review any recommendations that might come from the health committee or the committees that study the issue.

Canada Revenue AgencyOral Questions

2:45 p.m.

NDP

Lindsay Mathyssen NDP London—Fanshawe, ON

Mr. Speaker, Robert Major is a 62-year-old mechanic in my riding. He was unable to work because of health issues during the pandemic. Like thousands of Canadians, Robert was asked by the CRA to repay the CERB money he received in good faith.

Robert has worked for over 40 years, paid his taxes, paid into EI and yet he cannot get the help he needs. Robert and his wife cannot access other supports and they cannot afford to pay the clawback.

Why is it that when Robert needed help the most and the Liberals promised to have his back, he got a knife instead?

Canada Revenue AgencyOral Questions

2:45 p.m.

Delta B.C.

Liberal

Carla Qualtrough LiberalMinister of Employment

Mr. Speaker, when the pandemic hit, we quickly introduced the CERB, helping nine million Canadians put food on the table and keep a roof over their heads. We know this continues to be a difficult time for many and we will continue to be there.

No one is required to make repayments at this time and we are actively looking at options to support Canadians who may in fact be determined ineligible.

As the Prime Minister has said, we are going to work with Canadians who need to make repayments in a way that is flexible and understanding of their unique circumstances. There will not be penalties or interest for anyone who made good faith mistakes.

Government ProgramsOral Questions

February 2nd, 2021 / 2:45 p.m.

Liberal

Sukh Dhaliwal Liberal Surrey—Newton, BC

Mr. Speaker, the new highly affected sectors credit availability program was introduced yesterday. The program is being directed toward companies that have already qualified for and received the Canada emergency wage subsidy or the Canada emergency rent subsidy.

My question for the minister is on behalf of businesses throughout Canada that have not received either of the subsidies. Will their applications be at a disadvantage compared to the companies that have it?

Government ProgramsOral Questions

2:45 p.m.

Markham—Thornhill Ontario

Liberal

Mary Ng LiberalMinister of Small Business

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the hon. member for Surrey—Newton for his strong voice for small businesses.

We know many small businesses continue to be hard hit by this pandemic and continue to face restrictions, and are protecting the health and safety of their employees and their customers. HASCAP is another way our government is stepping up to provide this critical lifeline for Canada's hardest hit businesses. Applications are open at Canada's financial institutions and businesses that do not receive the wage subsidy nor the rent subsidy will not be affected. I would encourage them to please apply.

International TradeOral Questions

2:45 p.m.

Conservative

James Cumming Conservative Edmonton Centre, AB

Mr. Speaker, the buy America rules announced by the Biden administration allow exceptions only under limited circumstances where there is an overwhelming security, humanitarian or emergency needed in America. Canadian businesses could be shut out of U.S. government procurement.

In 2010, the Conservative government dealt with buy America requirements by signing an agreement with the Obama administration to allow Canadian companies to participate in the U.S. infrastructure projects?

Why has the government done so little on a file that means so much to Canadian businesses?

International TradeOral Questions

2:50 p.m.

Markham—Thornhill Ontario

Liberal

Mary Ng LiberalMinister of Small Business

Mr. Speaker, I want Canadian businesses and workers to know that we are actively engaging with our American partners at all levels and we will always stand up for the interests of Canadians.

The Prime Minister raised this in his call to President Biden, that workers in both our countries benefit from the integrated resilient supply chains. The Prime Minister also spoke to Vice-President Harris this week about strengthening our trade relationship and avoiding unintended consequences of the buy American policies for the benefit of people in both countries.

We are always going to take a team Canada approach, working with Canadian businesses and exporters, manufacturers and industries, just as we have done in the last five years.

International TradeOral Questions

2:50 p.m.

Conservative

James Cumming Conservative Edmonton Centre, AB

Mr. Speaker, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce says that the new buy America rules will make it more difficult for Canadian business to secure contracts in the U.S. This will put a significant chill on investment at a critical time when the Canadian economy is very fragile. The government cannot blame its trade problems on the previous administration in the United States anymore.

What is the plan to ensure Canadian businesses can participate in U.S. government contracts?

International TradeOral Questions

2:50 p.m.

Markham—Thornhill Ontario

Liberal

Mary Ng LiberalMinister of Small Business

Mr. Speaker, we will always stand up for the interests of Canadians. The Prime Minister spoke with the U.S. President and Vice-President and emphasized that workers must benefit from our integrated supply chains. The Prime Minister and the President agreed to consult closely to avoid any measures that may constrain trade between our two countries. We will work together to support a sustainable economic recovery.

Public SafetyOral Questions

2:50 p.m.

Conservative

Shannon Stubbs Conservative Lakeland, AB

Mr. Speaker, last year gun seizures at Canada's borders spiked. Eighty percent of guns seized by Toronto police came from the U.S., while shootings went up.

Yesterday, the Prime Minister talked to the U.S. VP about gun trafficking, but last week the exact same Prime Minister defeated a Conservative bill to crack down on illegal gun smuggling. As usual, the PM is all talk and no action. Why does he target law-abiding firearms owners and retailers, but rejects solutions for criminals and gangs that terrorize Canadians?

Public SafetyOral Questions

2:50 p.m.

Scarborough Southwest Ontario

Liberal

Bill Blair LiberalMinister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness

Mr. Speaker, we are moving forward to strengthen gun control, including addressing all of the ways in which criminals gain access to guns. We have promised Canadians that we will strengthen gun control, while the Conservatives have promised the gun lobby that they will weaken it.

It is important to listen to police chiefs, like the police chief in Edmonton who advises that only 5% to 10% of the guns in his city come from across the border. The rest are obtained illegally through straw purchases or are stolen.

We are committed to doing the whole job of keeping communities safe.

Public SafetyOral Questions

2:50 p.m.

Conservative

Glen Motz Conservative Medicine Hat—Cardston—Warner, AB

Mr. Speaker, police across Canada have been very clear that smuggled firearms, illegal firearms and criminals are the real problem in this country, not legal gun owners. If the Liberals actually took gun crimes seriously, they would have demonstrated that last week on Bill C-238, but what did they do? The Liberals voted against one of the root causes of gun violence in Canada, which are illegal firearms smuggled into this country from the United States. They did not even want to study the issue at committee.

The government continues to fail Canadians at every turn. Why?

Public SafetyOral Questions

2:50 p.m.

Scarborough Southwest Ontario

Liberal

Bill Blair LiberalMinister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness

Mr. Speaker, I would remind the member that we have made a commitment to deal with all of the ways in which criminals gain access to guns, including by strengthening our response at the border and by dealing with guns that are stolen and illegally diverted into the hands of criminals.

Let us listen to the police chiefs. The police chief in Saskatoon told us that guns used in crimes in his city come primarily from theft. The police chief in Regina said that they are not being brought across the border, but are coming from break and enters in his city. As I have already said, the chief in Edmonton has said that only 5% to 10% come from across the border.

It is important for us to address all of the ways criminals can get access to guns, and that is the work we are doing.