Debates of Feb. 26th, 2021

Black History Month

[Darren Fisher, Liberal, Dartmouth—Cole Harbour, NS]

Madam Speaker, this year marks the 25th official celebration of Black History Month in Canada and the 75th anniversary of Nova Scotia's Viola Desmond standing up against racial segregation. Today I honour another incredible and impactful Black Nova Scotian, Auburn Drive High School principal, Karen Hudson.

Beloved and known for making every student feel supported and cared for, Principal Hudson was named one of Canada's outstanding principals in 2019 for co-creating an Afrocentric education program for Black students at Auburn Drive. Bringing Afrocentric student content into academic courses such as higher level math and English has increased enrolment and achievement for her students. After working hard together since grade nine, the first cohort of this program will graduate high school this June.

I ask all members to join me in commending Dartmouth—Cole Harbour principal Karen Hudson for her efforts and achievements. I thank her for all that she does.

Opioids

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

Madam Speaker, last year Gord Portman saved two people in a house fire in Penticton. When he saw his picture in the local newspaper, he realized he needed help. Gord was addicted to opioids, so he turned to Discovery House, a local organization that helps men battle their addictions. Now he thanks Discovery House for saving his life.

There are 1,300 British Columbians who have died from COVID-19, but over the same period 1,700 have died because of the opioid crisis. These people were sons and fathers, daughters and mothers. They had a medical problem, not a criminal problem. Thousands are being poisoned by drugs laced with fentanyl. We must decriminalize these drugs and provide a safe supply so we can help people like Gord and go after the real criminals who are selling the poisoned drugs.

Gord was recently honoured with a bravery award by the Royal Canadian Humane Association. I thank him and the people at Discovery House who saved his life.

Francophone Community Centre in Ottawa

[Anita Vandenbeld, Liberal, Ottawa West—Nepean, ON]

Madam Speaker, in 2010, 11 years ago now, I sat down with leaders from the francophone community who wanted to create the Maison de la francophonie d'Ottawa, a place to promote services in French and French-language development for francophones and francophiles.

The Maison de la francophonie, a non-profit organization, is now up and running in my riding, Ottawa West—Nepean. Bilingualism defines us as a country. The Maison de la francophonie offers health services, sports programs, second language classes and many cultural activities.

I would like to thank everyone involved in the Maison de la francophonie for creating this welcoming and inclusive space where diversity is celebrated.

Telecommunications

[Dave Epp, Conservative, Chatham-Kent—Leamington, ON]

Madam Speaker, the Supreme Court of Canada has declined to hear an appeal by the big telecom companies of a CRTC order that could significantly lower wholesale Internet rates. This means that the Supreme Court now joins the Federal Court in rejecting these appeals. All eyes are now on the last remaining appeal, which is in front of the CRTC. This issue is, of course, vitally important for almost all Canadians, as wholesale rates effectively determine what everyone pays for Internet access regardless of provider.

In my riding of Chatham-Kent—Leamington, affordable and reliable Internet is critical to our future. This has only been accelerated by remote working and learning, and our need to access government programs. For remote communities such as Pelee Island, it can be their only lifeline. Internet users in my riding demand the immediate implementation of federal measures to deliver affordable Internet and wireless services.

Amedeo Nardone

[Judy Sgro, Liberal, Humber River—Black Creek, ON]

Madam Speaker, I rise today with a very heavy heart. Our community in Humber River—Black Creek has lost an important and influential individual, Father Amedeo Nardone, the beloved pastor of St. Jane Frances Church.

Father Nardone had a passion for life and a love for telling famous jokes to get a laugh. He will be remembered for the beautiful memories he has left behind, as well as his dedication, devout faith, hard work and goodwill in our community. He will never be forgotten.

I send my condolences to his family and loved ones from me, and from my husband, Sam. Father Nardone's wishes were, in lieu of flowers, for donations to St. Jane Frances Church roof repair fund. I know we will be successful in getting that roof repaired in honour of our dear friend who, even after his passing, is still looking out for his church.

Sri Lanka

[Helena Jaczek, Liberal, Markham—Stouffville, ON]

Madam Speaker, a new UN report on Sri Lanka expresses concern about clear warning signs of a deteriorating human rights situation. The report warns that the current trajectory sets the scene for the recurrence of the policies and practices that gave rise to grave human rights violations.

These concerns are shared by the Tamil Canadian community in my riding of Markham—Stouffville. Groups such as PEARL have suggested actions we can take, which include: encouraging Global Affairs Canada to support a strong, principled position at the UNHRC; supporting the creation of a special rapporteur for Sri Lanka at the HRC; calling for a study on Sri Lanka by the Subcommittee on International Human Rights; and operationalizing a motion passed by the House calling on the UN to establish an international independent investigation into allegations of genocide.

I support these recommendations.

Lunar New Year

[Bob Saroya, Conservative, Markham—Unionville, ON]

Madam Speaker, I would like to wish everyone celebrating lunar new year a happy new year. Today, communities around the world are celebrating the final day of the traditional lunar new year, the Year of the Ox, which represents hard work, resiliency and courage.

This year, instead of the usual festivities shared with family, friends and neighbours, we are celebrating the new year virtually. Tonight Markham—Unionville MPP Billy Pang and I will be hosting one of these events, with the Leader of the Opposition and Premier Ford in attendance.

On behalf of the Conservative Party, I would like to wish everyone in my riding and across Canada a very happy lunar new year. I hope the Year of the Ox will be filled with joy, peace and prosperity for everyone.

Xi nian kuai le, shen ti jian kang, gong hai fat choy, niu nian da ji.

Harry Jerome

[Patrick Weiler, Liberal, West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country, BC]

Madam Speaker, this week the West Vancouver Place for Sport dedicated its track in honour of Canadian hero and homegrown athlete Harry Jerome.

Harry Jerome was a renowned track and field sprinter, but although his achievements, including an Olympic medal and seven world records, are outstanding, he faced significant prejudice and racial injustice as a Black man.

Harry's persistence in the face of discrimination and devastating injuries to achieve at the highest level is an example to us all. This Black History Month, Harry Jerome is getting the reverence he deserves, but while his legacy continues to inspire young athletes, we must also recognize that the cruelty and racism he faced persists today.

This is why our government is taking action on the recommendations identified by the Parliamentary Black Caucus to address anti-Black racism, among which is recognizing the contributions of Black Canadian culture and heritage. The unveiling of Harry Jerome Oval will provide the community with a safe haven where athletes can compete free from discrimination in the future, just as it did for Harry in the past. I invite members to learn about Harry's incredible story in this Black History Month.

John Ware

[Martin Shields, Conservative, Bow River, AB]

Madam Speaker, in February we celebrate Black History Month, and in my riding of Bow River, Black Canadians have been making history for well over 100 years. This history includes the story of the famous cowboy named John Ware.

John Ware was born in slavery in South Carolina. After the Civil War, he journeyed west into Texas and north with the cattle herds through the interior of the U.S. until he settled in southern Alberta.

He persevered through hardship and adversity while rising to prominence and ownership of a ranch. He became one of the first ranchers in Alberta after settling in the Bow River area. He was known for his exceptional horsemanship and is said to have popularized steer wrestling, which is still an event in rodeos today.

Bow River is a vastly diverse riding, with cities like Brooks, known as the city of 100 hellos for its ethnic diversity.

Stories about amazing Canadians like John Ware make us proud to celebrate Canada's diversity of culture and peoples, all while sharing our love for this great country.

Brian Fraser

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Carleton, ON]

Madam Speaker, I want to start with the words “genius”, “savant” and “lightning-quick”. These were the words that legendary Ottawa broadcaster Bill Carroll used to describe 26-year-old Brian Fraser. Brian was known for lighting up the newsroom over at CFRA. As the technical producer, he always knew how to intersperse exactly the right jingle, clip or piece of music to bring laughter to the thousands of listeners who enjoyed the show across the city and beyond.

When he was diagnosed with leukemia, instead of feeling sorry for himself, he used it as an occasion to spread the message that all Canadians should give blood in order to help those suffering with the disease. He reached hundreds of thousands of people on social media with his pleas.

Sadly, we lost Brian just last night. He passed away just after his beloved Senators won another game and he went on to be with his maker.

On behalf of all of our residents, I send my condolences to his family, to his loved ones, to his many friends and fans. May he rest in peace.

Canada-U.S. Relations

[Brian Masse, NDP, Windsor West, ON]

Madam Speaker, a new Prime Minister's directive on the land border between Canada and the United States is creating chaos, grief, disorder and disbelief. Workers who were formerly declared essential are now being denied re-entry to Canada, their home, at the Windsor-Detroit border, and face having to remain in the United States, away from their families, with little direction, support or respect from this Prime Minister.

This week my office has received numerous calls from members of the cross-border community in Windsor-Essex County who are denied re-entry to Canada. Nurses, engineers, teachers, business owners and workers in social services, for example, are now penalized. It is rumoured that there is a grid to determine eligibility, but little has been shared or is accountable from the minister's office. How can people plan or be expected to comply when they do not have a directive from the minister?

This situation needs to be altered. These former essential workers have saved lives of Americans and Canadians, and they, as well as people with cancer treatments and other medical appointments in the United States, need to have the support of the Prime Minister and the cabinet and not be denied these life-saving and life-important measures.

This is unacceptable. It has to be resolved—

[The Assistant Deputy Speaker (Mrs. Alexandra Mendès), Liberal, Alexandra Mendes]

The hon. member for Manicouagan.

Postal Service on the Lower North Shore

[Marilène Gill, Bloc, Manicouagan, QC]

Madam Speaker, last week, I met with elected officials from the lower north shore, a huge portion of my riding that is not connected by road, in order to present the disastrous results of a survey that my office conducted on people's satisfaction with Canada Post. We learned that 80% of the population has complaints about this Crown corporation.

I was heartbroken to tell them the story of a woman who was expecting her chemotherapy drugs to arrive by mail on December 25 but did not receive them until January 6. That extremely vital package was 12 days late, and there was no other way it could be delivered. That is not only unacceptable, it is inhumane.

That is just one of countless examples. We have proposed solutions, such as colour coding, the supply ship Bella Desgagnés, or a local air carrier. We have made those suggestions to Canada Post many times, but nothing has changed.

The government needs to demand that Canada Post do everything in its power to immediately make its postal service on the lower north shore accessible, efficient, affordable and, of course, reliable.

Maurice Tanguay

[Steven Blaney, Conservative, Bellechasse—Les Etchemins—Lévis, QC]

Madam Speaker, today Lévis is mourning the loss of one of its most illustrious citizens, Maurice Tanguay.

Originally from Saint-Philémon, in Bellechasse, Mr. Tanguay's passion for hockey grew during his time at Collège de Lévis. It was in Lévis in 1961 that he opened the first store under the banner that would become so well known: Ameublements Tanguay.

In 1995, he founded the Rimouski Océanic Hockey Club, fuelling Quebec's passion for major junior hockey. He also became an architect of the Rouge et Or at Université Laval, a prestigious part of Quebec football.

However, his true passion was helping children who were underprivileged, sick or living with disabilities. Thirty years ago he founded the Fondation Maurice Tanguay and was honoured many times for his compassion for human suffering. He and his family created a true dynasty of generosity.

For his exceptional involvement and his human values, we thank Maurice Tanguay and offer our condolences to his loving and devoted wife Madeleine, their children Jacques, Hélène and France, and the entire extended Tanguay family.

Jagan Nath Dhawan

[Sven Spengemann, Liberal, Mississauga—Lakeshore, ON]

Madam Speaker, last December 11, Mississauga lost one of its community builders when Jagan Nath Dhawan passed away.

Jagan immigrated to Canada in 1969 at the age of 38 and lived in what was then the Town of Port Credit, becoming a schoolteacher in science and mathematics. His life journey is one of community service as a beloved educator and as someone who worked to forge and strengthen the multicultural community that Mississauga is today and the Canadian values that it exemplifies.

Jagan believed that if we truly understand each other's cultures and traditions, it would help to bring about acceptance, inclusion and unity. He led the way through his many tireless efforts, including the Peel District School Board's heritage language program, the Carassauga Festival of Cultures and the Mississauga Santa Claus Parade. He also helped newcomers to find work and housing and to overcome difficult circumstances.

Jagan Nath Dhawan lived a life of purpose and compassion, deeply rooted in a selfless concern for the well-being of others. He will be profoundly missed.

[Dave Epp, Conservative, Chatham-Kent—Leamington, ON]

Madam Speaker, on a point of order, my statement was interrupted with an order to close the door that I can assure you did not come from my office. I request that I have the opportunity to deliver my statement again.

[The Assistant Deputy Speaker (Mrs. Alexandra Mendès), Liberal, Alexandra Mendes]

There was indeed a comment during the hon. member's statement. Does the hon. member have the unanimous consent to reissue his statement?

[Some hon. members]

Agreed.

[The Assistant Deputy Speaker (Mrs. Alexandra Mendès), Liberal, Alexandra Mendes]

The hon. member for Chatham-Kent—Leamington, please go ahead.

[Dave Epp, Conservative, Chatham-Kent—Leamington, ON]

Madam Speaker, the Supreme Court of Canada has declined to hear an appeal by the big telecom companies of a CRTC order that could significantly lower wholesale Internet rates. This means that the Supreme Court now joins the federal court in rejecting these appeals. All eyes are now on the last remaining appeal, which is in front of the CRTC. This issue is, of course, vitally important to almost all Canadians, as wholesale rates effectively determine what everyone pays for Internet access regardless of provider.

In my riding of Chatham-Kent—Leamington, affordable and reliable Internet is critical to our future. This has only been accelerated by remote working and learning, and our need to access government programs. For remote communities such as Pelee Island, it can be their only lifeline. Internet users in my riding demand the immediate implementation of federal measures to deliver affordable Internet and wireless services.

Health

[Gérard Deltell, Conservative, Louis-Saint-Laurent, QC]

Madam Speaker, millions of Canadians want to know why Canada is not able to manufacture vaccines. Yesterday, the Standing Committee on Industry heard some very interesting testimony from witnesses, including Dr. Gary Kobinger, a microbiologist at Université Laval's faculty of medicine. He said that at least two platforms, maybe three, in Canada could have been online by now, if there had been the right amount of support behind them.

Why has the government not provided the right amount of support for our scientists?

[William Amos, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation]

Madam Speaker, at the beginning of the pandemic we announced some significant investments in the most promising Canadian candidates. Dr. Kobinger said that Medicago was the first vaccine candidate he would look at. We agree, which is why we invested up to $173 million to help Medicago move forward with its vaccine candidate and to restore a large-scale biomanufacturing facility in Quebec City. We invested $1 million in Dr. Kobinger's research, through an independent, peer-reviewed process. We are very pleased that the Government of Quebec has announced it also plans to support this research.

[Gérard Deltell, Conservative, Louis-Saint-Laurent, QC]

Madam Speaker, he failed to mention that that was not exactly the amount that Dr. Kobinger was looking for. The Government of Quebec had to come to this scientist's aid.

It is not just scientists, but industry too, that are complaining about the federal government's inaction on vaccine production. The president and managing director of Merck Canada criticized the climate of mistrust and the absence of constructive dialogue, stating that it is hard to understand why her industry is not even mentioned as a priority sector.

Why did the government ignore the industry and scientists?

[William Amos, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation]

Madam Speaker, let us get the facts straight.

We knew from the start that we had to rely on the best scientists to determine which vaccines could be used in Canada and what investments we needed to make to have a biomanufacturing industry in Canada.

That is why we established the COVID-19 vaccine task force and therapeutics task force, which are made up of of scientific experts and industry leaders, to guide our decision-making. They made vital recommendations about the international vaccines we should select, resulting in advance purchase agreements with several companies and investments—

[The Assistant Deputy Speaker (Mrs. Alexandra Mendès), Liberal, Alexandra Mendes]

The hon. member for Louis-Saint-Laurent.