House of Commons Hansard #75 of the 43rd Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was offences.

Topics

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 Peace River—Westlock.

[Members sang the national anthem]

LexiStatements by Members

2:05 p.m.

Green

Jenica Atwin Green Fredericton, NB

Mr. Speaker, on February 24, Fredericton lost one of its precious lights. Lexi, at 16, was active, curious and kind. Her smile and her quick sense of humour were able to brighten any room she walked into.

Derived from Greek, Lexi means the one who protects humanity. Together with Lexi's family and our community, we will ensure her legacy does just that: keeps us safe.

We will continue to talk about her and everything that made her the person she was. We will continue to talk about the mental health services other young people so desperately need. We will not accept the status quo that we are living in a society where we turn away youth in their moment of greatest need.

We lost Lexi's light on this earth; now we have a guiding star. May it remind us to listen and support every spark so they may not fade out, that no darkness may overtake them.

Human TraffickingStatements by Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Ryan Turnbull Liberal Whitby, ON

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Victim Services of Durham Region for the critical role it plays in Whitby and across Durham Region in addressing human trafficking. Its efforts are focused on prevention and providing support for victims. We know that 90% of human trafficking victims in Durham Region are women and girls and 51% of survivors are indigenous females.

Every year, Victim Services of Durham Region raises awareness by giving hundreds of presentations at schools across the region. Over 50% of the presentations result in reported cases of human trafficking. It also works with families to educate parents to make them better able to recognize the signs of human trafficking.

Last year, “That’s Sus!”, a collaborative project between Victim Services of Durham Region and partners, received $330,000 in federal funding for an online tool to raise awareness of human trafficking among at-risk youth. I am proud to say that these funds were made possible by our government’s national strategy to combat human trafficking. We must do all we can to eradicate human trafficking.

A heartfelt thanks to Victim Services of Durham Region for its dedication and leadership toward realizing that vision.

Nuclear EnergyStatements by Members

2:05 p.m.

Conservative

Corey Tochor Conservative Saskatoon—University, SK

Mr. Speaker, nuclear is the future, and it goes beyond party lines. We are talking about the lowest greenhouse gas emitting, one of the most affordable, most scalable and frankly safest forms of energy out there. If one is not serious about nuclear, one is not serious about the economy or the environment.

Canada has been a pioneer in nuclear energy since the beginning. In fact, we were the second country in the world to produce nuclear energy.

One of the most promising forms of nuclear innovation is small-modular reactors, or SMRs. If people are not too familiar with them, they do not have to worry; they will be hearing a whole lot more about them in the years to come. These are not traditional reactors. They are of incredible value for remote communities and small communities throughout Canada, allowing them to meet their energy needs of the 21st century.

I trust all my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to hopefully support SMRs and recognize their value.

Madeleine MontesanoStatements by Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Francesco Sorbara Liberal Vaughan—Woodbridge, ON

Mr. Speaker, today I speak about generosity, kindness and advocacy to honour the passionate spirit of Madeleine Montesano.

Madeleine was not afraid of hard work or sacrifice. As a young French-Canadian nurse, she welcomed challenges as they came. Her motto was let us do what we have to do and can do; when we cannot, let us find those who can and allow them to assume the responsibility so we can all share the benefits. God has been good to us.

From parish involvement to active participation in democratic institutions, from cultural events to charitable organizations, Madeleine was unlimited in her passion and very generous in her philanthropic contributions to the community. When we care for someone deeply, their spirit lives forever in our hearts.

On behalf of the her beloved husband Danny Montesano, my colleagues from Humber River—Black Creek, King—Vaughan and Eglinton—Lawrence, and all who had the indelible pleasure of knowing Madeleine, her legacy continues through all she touched.

Riposa in pace. Rest in peace.

Awareness Week for the Elimination of Racial DiscriminationStatements by Members

2:05 p.m.

Bloc

Sylvie Bérubé Bloc Abitibi—Baie-James—Nunavik—Eeyou, QC

Mr. Speaker, this week, I invite everyone in Val-d'Or and the surrounding areas to participate in the 21st Awareness Week for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which is being held under the theme of “Together, united against racism”.

This year, because of COVID-19, partners had to replace the Gabriel Commanda walk, which has been an important event for many years, with an individual solidarity march of 1.5 kilometres. People are invited to post pictures of themselves doing the walk on social media and to sign the banners that have been hung in front of Val-d'Or city hall and at the Complexe culturel Marcel-Monette.

Gabriel Commanda, a strong advocate for indigenous rights, is a historic figure in my riding. Thanks to him, for many years now, we have been aware of the reality of racial discrimination in an area where various indigenous peoples and non-indigenous people live side by side. As we have seen in the news in recent months, there is no respite from racism, and so the fight against racial discrimination must go on.

Made in Canada WeekStatements by Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Élisabeth Brière Liberal Sherbrooke, QC

Mr. Speaker, during made in Canada week, I had the opportunity to meet with Sherbrooke businesses that contributed to the fight against COVID-19.

Today I would like to applaud their efforts. MI Integration supplies N99 masks to 15 hospitals across Quebec, as demand steadily rises. SOS Odours, E2metrix and Laboratoire M2 are producing disinfectant and antiseptic cleaner. I want to say a huge thanks to American Biltrite for producing medical equipment, such as its antibacterial flooring for hospitals. We also have Immune Biosolutions, which is making a significant contribution to Canadian research into treatment for COVID-19 and its variants.

I am proud to represent the city of Sherbrooke, which has really stepped up to meet everyone's public health needs.

National UnityStatements by Members

2:10 p.m.

Conservative

Jeremy Patzer Conservative Cypress Hills—Grasslands, SK

Mr. Speaker, we should always focus on national unity in the House. One of the biggest divides in Canada is between urban and rural areas.

Rural Canadians are part of team Canada, but too often they are picked last and get sidelined. It is more than just slow Internet and cell service. The Liberal plan for a clean fuel standard is exactly the opposite of a team Canada approach. It is nothing but a penalty.

The government's own review of regulation openly states that it will disproportionately impact vulnerable people with low incomes. It also says that rural areas, especially in the Atlantic provinces, along with those of us out west, will suffer from higher fuel and production costs. Heating costs are already going up, but now our workforce and job opportunities will be left out in the cold. Rinks and rural facilities at the heart of our towns and villages will take yet another hit.

Rural Canada, with its people and its communities, should not be punished for their way of life even if the Liberal government does not understand it. These great Canadians, as much as any other, deserve a lot better from their government.

World Tuberculosis DayStatements by Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Yvonne Jones Liberal Labrador, NL

Mr. Speaker, today, marks World Tuberculosis Day and a day to draw awareness about the effects of TB, a disease with significant health, social and economic consequences. This year’s theme is “The Clock is Ticking”, and TB is an urgent matter.

In 2019, there were 1.4 million TB-related deaths around the world. The incidence of tuberculosis in Inuit Nunangat is more than 300 times higher than that in the non-indigenous, Canadian-born population.

That is why we are actively working in partnership with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami across all four Inuit regions, investing more than $27 million to reduce and eradicate this disease by 2030

We know that through rapid diagnostics and better tests, we are treating active TB sooner and preventing transmission to families and communities.

I ask my colleagues today to raise the awareness to end the stigma and discrimination associated with tuberculosis. It is time for a Canada and world without TB. I ask that we all work together to end this epidemic.

Spectrum Works Job FairStatements by Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Salma Zahid Liberal Scarborough Centre, ON

Mr. Speaker, in 2017, I had the pleasure of hosting a job fair in my riding focused specifically on people with autism that was organized by Substance Cares. This event was not only the first of its kind in Canada but in the world. As we enter World Autism Awareness Month in April, I would like to highlight the reason for this initiative and its success.

Autism spectrum disorder currently affects one in 60 children nationally, and those with the disorder experience an 80% unemployment rate. Services and opportunities are limited, if not non-existent, for autistic people once they finish high school. In just five years, this event has attracted some of Canada's top employers and has garnered international media attention.

Prior to COVID, Substance Cares had expanded its job fair to Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver. This year this initiative will be held virtually on April 8 and is open to every province and territory in Canada.

I would like to applaud the co-founders and organizers of Substance Cares for their determination in working to bring about change through the Spectrum Works Job Fair.

COVID-19 Emergency ResponseStatements by Members

2:10 p.m.

Conservative

Tim Uppal Conservative Edmonton Mill Woods, AB

Mr. Speaker, Canadians are frustrated with the failure of the Liberals to manage this pandemic. The Prime Minister’s failures on rapid tests and vaccines have had an immeasurable impact on our small businesses, health care system and Canadian families. Over the last year, we have seen a dramatic rise in mental health issues, and addictions and overdoses, which has become a shadow pandemic.

Things must change. The new normal is not okay. The Liberals cannot keep asking Canadians to sacrifice more without being clear about when restrictions will be eased. That is why we are asking for a clear, data-driven plan to support the gradual, safe and permanent lifting of COVID-19 restrictions.

The Prime Minister has been slow on the border and rapid tests, and he is behind the entire developed world on vaccines. The U.K. and U.S. have data-driven plans for lifting restrictions and reopening the economy. Why does Canada not have one?

Violence against WomenStatements by Members

2:15 p.m.

Liberal

Hedy Fry Liberal Vancouver Centre, BC

Mr. Speaker, I want to bring to the attention of this House that COVID-19 is not a gender-neutral crisis. It has exposed an alarming rise in domestic and societal violence against women, especially ethnic, racial, and LGBTQ2+ minorities, nowhere more so than on social media platforms and nowhere more so than against women politicians and journalists.

Globally, 41% of women MPs, and 52% in Europe, have been the target of abusive, sexual or violent contact online, which often threatens death, rape or violence against their families. Online threats have real consequences, such as the assassination of U.K. MP Jo Cox in 2016. In 2019, this event caused 18 women in the U.K. alone to quit as MPs or not run again for Parliament.

It is urgent that parliaments join together with information and communications-based technologies to eradicate online violence and ensure gender safety on the Internet before it undermines democracy and good governance. The time to act is now.

World Autism Awareness DayStatements by Members

2:15 p.m.

Conservative

Mike Lake Conservative Edmonton—Wetaskiwin, AB

Mr. Speaker, April 2 is World Autism Awareness Day, and it has been 23 years since my son Jaden was diagnosed. Jaden often needs help to navigate the world around him. Let us face it. We all need help sometimes.

Jaden also has many things the world needs right now. Surrounded by unrelenting noise, the world needs some quiet, and Jaden challenges us to slow down to wait for his thoughts to find expression in their own time and form. When we just pause and tune in to him, there is so much we can learn.

The world needs grace, and no matter what mistakes or poor choices I have made and will make, Jaden's love for me is almost impossibly pure and unconditional. The world also needs encouragement. Rest assured, Jaden stands ready with an enthusiastic high-five for quite literally everyone when we are able to come together again.

Finally, the world needs gratitude. I am so thankful for the tens of millions of people around the world with autism whose unique abilities and perspectives would benefit all of us if were to build societies that better included them.

COVID-19 Emergency ResponseStatements by Members

2:15 p.m.

Conservative

Candice Bergen Conservative Portage—Lisgar, MB

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of Portage—Lisgar, I rise to say it is time to have a plan to see an end to the lockdowns, a plan to give back to the people the God-given freedoms our country guarantees them: the freedom to visit family and friends, the freedom to worship together, the freedom to allow children to play sports, even the freedom to plan a holiday, and the freedom to talk, hug, laugh and play.

It is time to reopen our economy and get our businesses and Canadians back to work. While other countries are making use of tools such as rapid tests, vaccines and treatments, Canada is behind. The U.S. and the U.K. have presented a plan to their citizens to safely reopen. The Liberal government here in Canada has no plan, and it refuses to provide any answers on a path forward.

Conservatives have a plan, a plan to secure jobs, secure mental health and secure the future. It is time to end the lockdowns and safely get back to normal. With Conservatives, Canadians will have a plan to do just that.

Hardy Bay Senior Citizens' SocietyStatements by Members

2:20 p.m.

NDP

Rachel Blaney NDP North Island—Powell River, BC

Mr. Speaker, the name Rosaline Glynn is synonymous with the Hardy Bay Seniors. Rosaline was recently elected as chair, and I celebrate her dedication and hard work for seniors. She is an inspiration.

For example, at the end of 2020, Rosaline was a recipient of a certificate of appreciation from B.C. premier John Horgan for the work the society has done during COVID-19. The society used grants from the United Way to provide continuous food delivery to vulnerable seniors, offering more than 50 meals every two weeks. More recently, the Port Hardy council unanimously nominated Rosaline for the Order of British Columbia.

I also want to thank the amazing folks who are always there working with her, Kris, Donna and Candy, just to name a few. I also deeply appreciate the members of the board, Don, Ev, Ann, Bud and Pat.

I have been a member of the Hardy Bay Senior Citizens' Society for years, and I am so grateful for the amazing women who lead the way. I thank Rosaline for her leadership and her activism.

Solange DrouinStatements by Members

2:20 p.m.

Bloc

Yves-François Blanchet Bloc Beloeil—Chambly, QC

Mr. Speaker, our cultural and musical institutions have been shaken to their foundations.

Solange Drouin, the executive director of the ADISQ, is stepping down after 29 years. This is difficult for me, because she and I experienced the golden age of Quebec's recording industry together in the late 1990s and early 2000s, when I was president of the ADISQ. This was also when the fight against piracy began, including illegal piracy and the sometimes legal, sanctioned piracy.

She was an extraordinary collaborator who was appreciated, respected, perhaps even a bit feared, but still loved by the entire arts and culture community. Her resilience was apparent, as she remained at the helm in a time of immense upheaval in the music industry. Some of her battles have yet to be won.

I would like to point out to the government that if it wants to give her a parting gift, it has the perfect opportunity to do so in the budget on April 19, by finally keeping its promise to force the digital giants to contribute to Quebec culture. This would be a meaningful way to honour three decades of commitment.

I do not believe that retirement would appeal to Solange, so my message to her is this: I look forward to seeing what you do next.

The EconomyStatements by Members

2:20 p.m.

Conservative

John Williamson Conservative New Brunswick Southwest, NB

Mr. Speaker, the government last tabled a federal budget two years ago. That is two long years without a fiscal plan. We see the results. Canada has one of the highest unemployment rates in the G7 and record economic decline.

On our side of the House, Conservatives have a plan to secure jobs and secure the future. We believe that every Canadian deserves the security of a well-paying job. That is why our top economic priority is to enact a jobs plan to get Canadians back to work. We will take immediate action to help the hardest hit sectors to help those, especially those women and young Canadians, who have suffered and lost the most; rebuild main streets by assisting small businesses and providing incentives to invest, rebuild and start new businesses; and create opportunities for all Canadians across this country.

We know Canada's recovery will begin by helping working Canadians. The Liberals are unable to improve Canada's economic fortunes, but Canadians can count on Conservatives to secure jobs, the economy and our future.

International Trade in Wild AnimalsStatements by Members

2:20 p.m.

Liberal

Alexandra Mendes Liberal Brossard—Saint-Lambert, QC

Mr. Speaker, today an event is being held for parliamentarians to raise awareness of the scourge of the international trade in wild animals.

I would have hoped there would be no need to address the need to curb the global commercial trade in wild animals, but unfortunately, too much money is still being made on the suffering and slaughter of wild animals. As an animal lover and a strong supporter for animal rights, I believe Canada needs to play an active role in developing a global solution to the wildlife trade.

It is our responsibility to invest in a sustainable environment free from cruelty so that animals may live in harmony with Mother Nature. I urge members to commit to abolishing trade in wild animals.

Animals, like humans, are sentient. They feel both pain and pleasure, and governments should take this into account in regulations governing their use and trade.

Canadians are concerned about the health and well-being of animals. I am sure that the majority of Canadians will join us in calling for an end to this shameful practice.

Violence Against WomenOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Durham Ontario

Conservative

Erin O'Toole ConservativeLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, the pandemic and lockdown have resulted in a mental health crisis. There has also been a wave of domestic violence across the country, including in Quebec. Yesterday, a seventh woman battered by her husband succumbed to her injuries. Existing programs do not work. What do we need to do right now to end this violence?

Violence Against WomenOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Papineau Québec

Liberal

Justin Trudeau LiberalPrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, for the past five years, our government has been addressing the scourge of gender-based violence and we will continue to do so with record investments in opportunities for women and in the fight against domestic violence. We have brought forward measures against guns that include components against domestic violence. We have been working on the issue of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls for a long time. We will continue to work with all members of the House to fight against domestic violence and gender-based violence.

HealthOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

Durham Ontario

Conservative

Erin O'Toole ConservativeLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister's chief science adviser is warning against the government extending the second vaccine dose to four months. The scientists and physicians on the Prime Minister's immunization panel confirmed the only reason they are moving to four months is because the Liberal government has failed to secure vaccine supply.

Will the Prime Minister admit he has a supply problem, not a science problem?

HealthOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

Papineau Québec

Liberal

Justin Trudeau LiberalPrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, we now have safe and effective vaccines available in Canada. We need to vaccinate as many Canadians as possible, as quickly as possible. To maximize resistance in Canada to COVID-19, NACI has recommended that second doses can be safely delayed by up to four months. We will continue working with provinces and territories to ensure that communities are protected and that they are supported by science in the decisions that they make around spacing of vaccines.

National DefenceOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

Durham Ontario

Conservative

Erin O'Toole ConservativeLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, did the Prime Minister or his office task the national security adviser with investigating allegations of sexual misconduct against General Vance in 2018?

National DefenceOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

Papineau Québec

Liberal

Justin Trudeau LiberalPrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, when the ombudsperson came forward with allegations, the minister quite rightly directed him to the Privy Council Office to follow up on those investigations. We know that allegations of sexual misconduct need to be taken extremely seriously and need to be followed up on by appropriate authorities, not by politicians. That is something that Ray Novak emphasized in his appearance at committee. We will always take very seriously allegations of sexual assault. We will always stand up for the women and men who step forward while they serve.

National DefenceOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

Durham Ontario

Conservative

Erin O'Toole ConservativeLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, Ray Novak consulted appropriate authorities. I have an email from the Prime Minister's former national security adviser saying that these serious allegations were never brought to his attention. He was the appropriate person the Prime Minister should have raised these serious allegations to, but he was never told an investigation was needed.

Why did the Prime Minister sit on serious allegations about sexual misconduct against the Chief of the Defence Staff for three years?