House of Commons Hansard #90 of the 43rd Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was workers.

Topics

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

The Speaker Liberal Anthony Rota

Leading us today in the singing of the national anthem is the hon. member for Essex.

[Members sang the national anthem]

AutismStatements by Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Francesco Sorbara Liberal Vaughan—Woodbridge, ON

Mr. Speaker, April is World Autism Month, and I know we are all committed to creating a kinder, more inclusive world for individuals with autism.

Events such as Autism on the Hill and the annual unveiling of the Faces of Autism banner have been unfortunately postponed, and many other events are being held virtually. Autism organizations have had to adapt, but they nonetheless remain steadfast on calling for the creation of a national autism strategy, which I fully support.

I am proud to say that budget 2021 provides funding for the creation of a national autism strategy. Consultations will include autistic Canadians, families and stakeholders, such as Autism Speaks and the Shining Through Centre for children in my riding of Vaughan—Woodbridge. This broad and inclusive engagement process will help streamline diagnoses and treatment for Canadians with autism spectrum disorder.

I encourage Vaughan—Woodbridge constituents to find out more through the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences. Together we will build a country that is truly inclusive.

AgricultureStatements by Members

2:05 p.m.

Conservative

Jeremy Patzer Conservative Cypress Hills—Grasslands, SK

Mr. Speaker, I am sure every Canadian has been looking forward to brighter days and warmer weather. In Cypress Hills—Grasslands, we are starting to see another welcome sign of spring: Farmers are heading out to begin seeding their crops.

While driving in different parts of our rural riding, I am always happy to see their machinery out in the fields. It brings back fond memories of growing up and working on our family farm, and it is an encouraging display of their extraordinary effort.

Personally, I find it hard to give a better example of dependability than our farmers. In the second year of everyone feeling as though they are surrounded by uncertainty and instability, we can look to them for encouragement. These farmers know exactly how to get through good times and bad, having faced unpredictable seasons and conditions. One way or another, they always find a way to get the job done and make sure the rest of us have food on our table.

I wish all the best to the farmers in the southwest and across Canada. Here is to a bumper crop this year from plant 2021.

National Day of MourningStatements by Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Pam Damoff Liberal Oakville North—Burlington, ON

Mr. Speaker, every April 28, on the National Day of Mourning, we remember those who were injured or lost their lives on the job.

Every worker has the right to return home safely at the end of each of work day, and the last year has highlighted the need for safe workplaces more than ever. Working together to fight for improved workplace health and safety, we have seen injury rates decline in recent years, but workplace deaths still remain high.

In pre-pandemic days, in Oakville on the day of mourning, we would gather at the memorial on Navy Street at an event organized by the Oakville and District Labour Council, or at the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 793 memorial.

While we cannot gather in person, we will continue to work together to honour and reflect on the thousands of lives forever changed and renew our commitment to workplace health and safety.

Community OrganizationsStatements by Members

2:05 p.m.

Bloc

Alain Therrien Bloc La Prairie, QC

Mr. Speaker, the pandemic means that members cannot do all the things they would normally do in their ridings.

Nevertheless, thanks to some amazing organizations, I have been able to keep in touch with seniors in my riding. As we know, the pandemic has hit them harder than anyone else. They have been isolated for over a year. The death toll among seniors was the highest, and the federal government did very little to help them.

That is why organizations in the riding of La Prairie that work with seniors deserve proper recognition. Despite the pandemic, they have maintained close connections with their members to ensure their well-being despite isolation.

I want to thank the Maison des aînés, Café Liberté 50, Club Idéal, golden agers' clubs in Delson, La Prairie, Saint-Constant, Saint-Philippe and Sainte-Catherine, and FADOQ clubs in Candiac and Saint-Mathieu.

I very much look forward to seeing you all again during future events.

Long live these organizations and their members.

The BudgetStatements by Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Emmanuel Dubourg Liberal Bourassa, QC

Mr. Speaker, on April 19, the government presented a historic budget. It was historic because a female Minister of Finance did a great thing by breaking this glass ceiling for the first time in the history of Canada. This detailed budget is also historic because it sets out a plan to conquer the pandemic, punch our way out of the recession and build a better future.

Whether we are talking about Canadians, businesses or community organizations, there is good news for everyone in this budget. As the representative for the riding of Bourassa, I am particularly happy to see investments to combat domestic violence, build housing, support mental health, help our community organizations and provide significant support for Black Canadians.

Our budget is dead on. With our government, we are going to emerge stronger from this pandemic.

VolunteerismStatements by Members

2:05 p.m.

Conservative

Chris d'Entremont Conservative West Nova, NS

Mr. Speaker, last week was National Volunteer Week. I would like to take a moment today to sincerely thank all of the incredible volunteers throughout West Nova. They have contributed their time, energy and talent over the past year to give back to those in need. Rain or shine, our local volunteers have always been very generous with their time. Whether it is lending a helping hand to seniors, at food banks, to people living with a disability or even to single parents, volunteers have always had their backs, no matter what.

As a public servant, it is important to me to recognize and honour the many volunteers in our communities, as they are essential and make a difference in our lives. I send a special congratulations to the provincial recipients in our riding: Daryl Crosby in Argyle; Mike Randall in Yarmouth; Tim MacKinnon in the town of Yarmouth; Joseanne Deveau in Clare; Megan Robinson in Digby; Al Dupuis in the town of Digby; Gini Proulx in Annapolis County; Sara White in the town of Berwick; and Heather Morris in Kings County.

While this is only a short list of volunteers honoured by our towns and municipalities, there are hundreds of folks who deserve our great admiration.

Marcel NigroStatements by Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Marcus Powlowski Liberal Thunder Bay—Rainy River, ON

Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to my friend, Marcel Nigro, who passed away a few weeks ago. Marcel used to work for the Children's Aid Society. He refused to go into administration, as he preferred to work with children on the street. Kids gravitated to him and trusted him. He was always sympathetic, always had time to listen and always tried to help those kids out, whether it was to help them get back together with their parents or find a place to live. He gave kids his cell number, and if they called him, even at 1:00 in the morning, and they needed his help, he would be out the door.

As a prominent member of Thunder Bay's great Italian community, Marcel really loved to entertain, cook, serve a good meal and perhaps enjoy a glass of wine with his guests afterward. Marcel, however, will best be remembered for the kind of person he was. He was an ocean of calm, always good natured and always more concerned about others than himself.

Marcel will sadly be missed by his wife, Lina, his brothers and many other people here in Thunder Bay. Although I have met wealthier Canadians and more prominent Canadians, I have to say that I wanted to speak about Marcel Nigro here in Parliament because I have seldom met a better or more decent Canadian.

Health Care ProfessionalsStatements by Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Gudie Hutchings Liberal Long Range Mountains, NL

Mr. Speaker, Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are no strangers to stepping up to help others in times of crisis, and this week is no different. I was so proud yesterday when I saw nine health care professionals step up and then step on a military aircraft to fly to Ontario to get to work supporting their stressed and over-worked colleagues in the Toronto University Health Network. That group included Bonnie Chaulk of Deer Lake, which is in my riding in the Long Range Mountains.

Our province and our residents have done a great job of keeping the COVID-19 pandemic under control. That now allows our health care heroes to help others in their time of need. This pandemic is pushing doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners and everyone involved in health care to their limits across the country. However, this is especially true in Ontario. It is clear that part of our Canadian family needed help and that is what these incredible individuals are doing. They are helping their colleagues in need.

To Bonnie and all the health care professionals who headed from my province to Ontario yesterday, on behalf of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, I send our thanks. I am sure I can speak on behalf of all members in this House in giving our thanks as well. I urge them to stay safe.

COVID-19 ResponseStatements by Members

2:10 p.m.

Conservative

Tako Van Popta Conservative Langley—Aldergrove, BC

Mr. Speaker, people in my riding of Langley—Aldergrove are tired of the pandemic, now more than a year old, which is too old, and they are ready to get life back to normal. They are ready to get back to work, back to school, back to family gatherings and back to church. Hopefully, after a summer vacation, they will be back to university on campus in September. As we look to turning the corner on COVID-19, Canada stands at a crossroads. We must choose a path to recovery. Will it be the security and stability offered by the Conservative Party or a reimagined Canada, an idea floated by the Liberals?

The Liberal government would use the opportunity of a crisis to try the social experiment of reshaping Canada in their own image. Conservatives, on the other hand, have the proven track record of steering Canada through the last recession. Today we stand ready, willing and able to roll up our sleeves, do the hard work of getting Canada back, securing our economy and getting life back to normal, which is what we all want.

Community Organization for Single MothersStatements by Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Steven MacKinnon Liberal Gatineau, QC

Mr. Speaker, this year, the Carrefour de la Miséricorde in Gatineau, which helps single mothers and their children, is celebrating its 40th anniversary.

This organization, which was founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1980, helps more than 60 mothers and their children every year. It is an open, welcoming place that is accessible to everyone. Whether through individual support or group activities, the organization provides mothers with parenting support and helps them to develop the mother-child bond.

I have twice had the opportunity to be the honorary president at the organization's annual lobster supper fundraiser. This year, the lobster supper will be a box lunch event that will take place on May 28 and 29. Box lunches are still available at the cost of $70 each.

I greatly admire the important work that the Carrefour does, and I want to take this opportunity to thank the volunteers and staff who do such an incredible job.

Thank you and good luck.

The BudgetStatements by Members

2:10 p.m.

Conservative

Rosemarie Falk Conservative Battlefords—Lloydminster, SK

Mr. Speaker, two years in the making, the long-awaited Liberal budget is a serious letdown. Seniors have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and for those seniors who were already struggling to make ends meet, this pandemic has added financial constraint.

Conservatives called for increased financial supports for low-income seniors in the budget. Unfortunately, the proposed OAS increase does nothing to support low-income seniors under the age of 75. I share in the disappointment of those seniors who were excluded. It is time that the government made them a priority.

What is even more concerning is the Liberal budget’s failure to deliver a real plan to open up our economy. Without it, their massive deficit spending threatens the long-term viability of important social programs such as OAS and GIS. Only Conservatives have a plan to secure jobs and secure a future for all Canadians.

National Day of MourningStatements by Members

2:15 p.m.

Conservative

Marilyn Gladu Conservative Sarnia—Lambton, ON

Mr. Speaker, today is the National Day of Mourning for all those who have died or suffered illness or injury in the workplace. In a year when so many have been deeply affected by workplace tragedy because of the pandemic, commemorating this day is more important than ever.

From our health care workers who have battled COVID-19 in their patients and among themselves, to long-term care workers who have suffered along with those for whom they care, we mourn with them. Their service cannot be appreciated enough. For all those families suffering due to any workplace tragedy, we carry their grief in our hearts.

In Sarnia—Lambton and across the country, Steps for Life is raising funds and awareness for families suffering from workplace tragedies. I want to commend it for all the work it is doing to provide support for those who have been affected by injuries in the workplace.

Today is a day to remember those we have lost and keep them in our thoughts as we strive to make the future safer for workers across Canada.

National Day of MourningStatements by Members

2:15 p.m.

NDP

Heather McPherson NDP Edmonton Strathcona, AB

Mr. Speaker, women in Canada are on the front lines of the COVID-19 battle. In the care economy and as essential workers, women have had to bear the brunt of both the disease and the economic impacts of public health measures. Women are more likely to get sick and more likely to lose their income because of the pandemic.

Universal child care will contribute to women's recovery, but it is not enough. We also need strong workplace protections including paid sick leave, elder care, the right to refuse unsafe work and, finally, a national pharmacare plan.

On this National Day of Mourning, we remember those whom we have lost and we fight for those who are still here on the front lines, in schools and hospitals, in care homes, in stores and in restaurants. Anything less is a betrayal of working women in Canada. One life lost at work is one too many.

National Day of MourningStatements by Members

2:15 p.m.

Bloc

Louise Chabot Bloc Thérèse-De Blainville, QC

Mr. Speaker, April 28 is the National Day of Mourning to remember workers who have lost their lives or been injured as a result of workplace accidents.

Every week, one Quebecker dies at work. There have been nearly 95,000 accident victims this year. Even one victim is one too many, and considering the current health crisis, my thoughts go out especially to health care workers.

On behalf of the Bloc Québécois, I rise today to honour the memory of workers who have lost their lives while trying to save the lives of others. I want to salute the dedication of these women, mainly, but men too, who fell ill while protecting our loved ones from COVID-19.

When we finally get through this crisis together, Quebeckers will remember that, for over a year, these individuals put themselves in harm's way every day to protect us all. I cannot thank them enough.

Mental HealthStatements by Members

2:15 p.m.

Conservative

Eric Melillo Conservative Kenora, ON

Mr. Speaker, without question this pandemic has been difficult for constituents in my riding of Kenora, and indeed all Canadians.

This past year has made clear the mental health crisis that we face. That is why, as we work to secure our future, Canada’s Conservatives will ensure that supporting mental health would be a key pillar of our recovery from COVID-19. We would restructure how we support and fund mental health by enacting a national action plan. This would include boosting funding to the provinces and territories for mental health care, providing incentives to employers to provide mental health coverage and creating a nationwide three-digit suicide prevention hotline.

It is time we treat mental health with the seriousness it deserves and provide Canadians with the support they deserve. That is what Canadians need, and that is exactly what my party will deliver.

Danish MemonStatements by Members

2:20 p.m.

Liberal

Gary Anandasangaree Liberal Scarborough—Rouge Park, ON

Mr. Speaker, during this holy month of Ramadan, I rise today to pay tribute to a trailblazer from Scarborough: the late Danish Memon.

Danish was a community builder, a dedicated community leader, entrepreneur and mentor to countless young people in Scarborough and beyond. Sadly, Danish struggled with mental health and ultimately took his own life.

Recently, Ahmed Ismail and Ginella Massa, two Scarborough trailblazers, hosted a virtual online event seen all around the world to acknowledge Danish’s work and his impact in our community. They highlighted the necessity of challenging the stigma of mental health and ensuring proper mental health supports are available to all, especially to those from marginalized communities.

I want to thank his wife, Yasmin Merchant, and his children, Usama, Mariam, Safiyyah and Aaminah, for their extraordinary courage in sharing their story so publicly. I thank Brother Danish for his inspiring work. We miss him and we honour him, his legacy and his family today.

National DefenceOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Durham Ontario

Conservative

Erin O'Toole ConservativeLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister said yesterday that no one in his office was aware of a #MeToo complaint against General Vance, but that was not true. In fact, a number of emails confirm the opposite.

Did the Prime Minister misspeak?

National DefenceOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Papineau Québec

Liberal

Justin Trudeau LiberalPrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, the harassment, intimidation and assault faced by too many women and men serving in our Canadian Armed Forces is absolutely unacceptable. As a government, we have taken steps to provide greater support to anyone who comes forward. In budget 2021, we announced an investment of more than $236 million to eliminate sexual misconduct and gender-based violence in the the Canadian Armed Forces. Our priority is to eliminate all forms of misconduct and create a safe work environment. We will have more to announce soon.

National DefenceOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Durham Ontario

Conservative

Erin O'Toole ConservativeLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, in 2014, the Prime Minister said, “I am aware of how difficult it is for people to come forward. I believe strongly that those of us in positions of authority have a duty to act upon allegations of this nature.” He said that before firing two of his MPs for sexual misconduct allegations. He acted then, but has not acted for three years after direct allegations were brought forward by a woman serving her country in uniform.

Why did the Prime Minister fail in his duty to her?

National DefenceOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Papineau Québec

Liberal

Justin Trudeau LiberalPrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, every step of the way, this government has always taken seriously the responsibility to support, provide resources to and follow up with anyone who comes forward with allegations of sexual misconduct or assault in the armed forces or otherwise. In budget 2021, we announced over $236 million to eliminate sexual misconduct and gender-based violence in the CAF, including money to enhance internal support services to survivors and to implement new external oversight mechanisms. This builds on work we were already doing, including a strategy for long-term culture change to eliminate sexual misconduct and an implementation of the Declaration of Victims Rights.

National DefenceOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Durham Ontario

Conservative

Erin O'Toole ConservativeLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister is talking about work he is going to do. What about the work he failed to do for three years? He said he did not know the specific nature of the allegations, yet his office, on multiple occasions in March 2018, described the complaint as one of sexual harassment. His chief of staff knew. The clerk of the Privy Council knew. Everyone around the Prime Minister knew, but he suggested he did not know it was a #MeToo-style complaint.

Is the Prime Minister going to stand in the House and tell the women of this country that he does not think sexual harassment is a #MeToo complaint?

National DefenceOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Papineau Québec

Liberal

Justin Trudeau LiberalPrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, the leader of the official opposition is decrying the process that we followed in this case back in 2018, but it was exactly the same process followed in 2015 by the then Conservative government. The leader of the official opposition, who was then the associate minister of defence, heard a rumour of misconduct and told his staff, who then told the PMO and the Privy Council Office. The job of politicians and their staff is to ensure any allegation is given to the appropriate authorities. It is a little rich that the leader of the official opposition continues to decry a process that he undertook himself when he was in government.

National DefenceOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

Durham Ontario

Conservative

Erin O'Toole ConservativeLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, none of that is true and it is sad to see the Prime Minister trying to shirk his responsibility, which he said in 2014 was his duty before he fired two of his own MPs with just an allegation. In fact, a month before the ombudsman's allegation, he had to fire his top Quebec lieutenant in his office, his personal adviser, for sexual misconduct allegations. His office was even looking at further allegations with respect to sexual misconduct.

Did the fact that his office was preoccupied with allegations about his own team lead him to give General Vance a pass?

National DefenceOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

Papineau Québec

Liberal

Justin Trudeau LiberalPrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, the examples highlighted by the Leader of the Opposition go to demonstrate the very point we have been making as a government over the past five years. We always take allegations of misconduct, harassment, intimidation or assault extremely seriously. We follow proper processes, and ensure support and resources for anyone who comes forward. We know that within the Canadian Armed Forces there is much work still to do to support the women and men who step forward, and we will continue to do just that.