Debates of April 29th, 2021

Opposition Motion—Access to COVID-19 vaccines

[Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe, Bloc, Lac-Saint-Jean, QC]

Madam Speaker, I agree with my colleague: There are several flaws in the Liberal plan. We have known this from the beginning.

The Conservatives wanted to implement a plan. However, I would remind the House that they tabled a motion calling for a reopening plan as recently as March 23, right before the start of the third wave. In terms of having a vision, we have to watch out for the Conservatives.

So far today, not one Conservative has been able to answer my question. Is the wording of the motion realistic?

Quebeckers are tired of empty Liberal promises; they do not need empty Conservative ones.

[James Cumming, Conservative, Edmonton Centre, AB]

Madam Speaker, the wording of the motion is that “the House call on the government to ensure that every Canadian adult has access to a vaccine by the May long weekend”. It says “access”. What we are encouraging the government to do is see if it can accelerate the delivery of vaccines into this country and get them to the provinces. I know for a fact the provinces are prepared to do the job. In my city of Edmonton, there are facilities available that are under-utilized because we do not have the vaccines. This encourages the government to get busy and get some vaccines in this country.

[Heather McPherson, NDP, Edmonton Strathcona, AB]

Madam Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague, my neighbour, from Edmonton Centre for his intervention today. We have worked together on many things. I enjoy collaborating with him and working with him on issues that are important to Albertans.

I have to say I am deeply disappointed that he did not bring up the challenges that are facing Alberta right now. He knows that in Alberta, we are facing some of the highest numbers in the country. In Northern Alberta, in Wood Buffalo, there is a real risk that populations will die, that people will get sicker, and that our hospitalizations will increase to the point where we cannot manage the capacity. However, I did not hear him call for the federal government to step in and help because our provincial government has failed the people of Wood Buffalo.

Will he join me to call on the federal government to help the people of Wood Buffalo?

[James Cumming, Conservative, Edmonton Centre, AB]

Madam Speaker, the situation in Alberta is drastic. I always look at the root issue. My call on the government is to get some vaccines into my province so that we can deal with those hot spots, deal with those people who have become infected and so we can ensure that there are second doses, particularly for those who are compromised. I agree with her wholeheartedly that we have an issue in Alberta, but the problem lies directly on the Prime Minister of this country.

[Mark Gerretsen, Liberal, Kingston and the Islands, ON]

Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak to this opposition motion and I will be sharing my time with the hon. member for Glengarry—Prescott—Russell.

There is a lot of talk today about failing Canadians. I would like to submit that it is actually the Conservatives who are failing Canadians. I will tell members why I say that, because 338 of us come from different parts of this country to represent our ridings. We come here to form Parliament. We come here to make policy. We come here to make policy and government programs better and all the Conservatives have a role to play. The role of the opposition is to push the government to do better, to come up with better ideas, to improve upon what the government is proposing, but they are failing to do that. Instead they bring forward this motion today that clearly, as pointed out by the NDP and the Bloc Québécois, just makes no sense.

We are all partisan in here and I do not run short on being partisan, but we know if there was an opportunity for the NDP and the Bloc to support a motion that would be partisan in nature but still somewhat meaningful, they would support it. However, they have indicated today they are not going to support it because it just does not make sense.

I say that the Conservatives are failing because they are not doing their job. They are not trying to make better policy. If they came here with a motion telling the government to work harder at reducing vaccine hesitancy that is out there, that would be meaningful. That would actually be contributing to the process here, but they have come forward with a motion that is so arbitrary in nature it is absolutely ridiculous. I will get to why I think they are doing that shortly.

First, I would like to draw attention some of the comments I have heard in the House today. When the member for Calgary Nose Hill was speaking, she said that the government keeps moving its goal posts. I am sorry, it has been the same goal posts since the beginning. Since the beginning, the government has said that everybody will be vaccinated by September. If the goal posts are being moved, they are only being moved closer. They are only increasing the speed at which people will be getting vaccinated. The goal posts have never changed.

I remember the member for Calgary Nose Hill asking me a couple of months ago about timelines and I asked, when should we expect people to be prepared? September. That has never changed. If it has changed, it is only because it looks like it will be done sooner than that. One of the Bloc members admitted that today, that the government is going to meet its target. It is quite clear and I think the Conservatives know it too and I will get to that in a second and why I believe they are presenting this motion today.

Here is the reality. The Conservatives are critical and they keep going back to the January and February mix-up and temporary slowdown because it is the only thing they have to grasp onto now. They want to make Canadians believe that we are so incredibly behind in vaccine delivery, when the reality is that the provinces were told in late fall that this is the timeline for which they will receive their vaccines. If we measure the first quarter, we were well ahead of that. We exceeded the timelines in that first quarter.

The reality is that the government has now committed in the schedule that there would be 29 million doses of vaccine in Canada for the provinces to administer by the end of June, but now, realizing the numbers, it looks like it is going to be closer to 50 million.

Breaking news today, the Government of Ontario is now saying by May 24, anybody 18 years of age and older can get a vaccine. Why is it saying that? Because it is expecting a massive increase in supply.

The Government of Ontario officials know the supply is coming down the pipe; they are getting ready for it and they are telling people. It is in Quebec too. I believe Quebec is saying a week earlier, if I am not mistaken.

What are the Conservatives trying to do with this motion? They are trying to capitalize off the success of the government. All they are doing is trying to bring in this ridiculously crafted motion so that they can tell everybody later on that they did it, that they told the government to do it; that they passed this motion and what happened was everybody got vaccinated, because the Conservatives know that we are going to exceed the targets. They know that, in the coming weeks, vaccines are going to come into this country at a rate so incredibly quick that this whole narrative that they have now is going to be gone. It will not mean anything and the Conservatives will lose their entire credibility on this whole issue.

What they are doing is they are trying to take credit for it now. They are trying to lay the groundwork so that later on they can say they did it, that they went into Parliament and passed this motion. Unfortunately, they will not pass it because the two opposing parties see through it. They want to say that they passed this motion and that as a result of this incredibly worded, arbitrary-in-nature motion they have successfully gotten Canadians the vaccines that they needed.

It is absolutely crazy when we take the time to look at this motion and consider what the Conservatives are actually asking for in it. I always like to take motions and strip away the preamble because a motion should be able to stand on its own without the preamble. It is just the resolve clause that gives direction. The motion says that, “the House call on the government to ensure that every Canadian adult has access to a vaccine by the May long weekend.” That is it. That is the only part of this motion that gives direction, and it is the resolve clause in this motion.

Who would not vote for this if they actually thought they could do this? Nobody would not vote for this if they did not realize that it was possible. It is as if they are saying the government has the ability to deliver on this but is refusing to do it. Who would not vote for this? Everybody would vote for it, if it were a reality and they could actually do it.

It is fascinating how the Conservatives play these games. In my opinion, it shows weakness. It shows that they do not realize what their role is in this House, and I go back to where I started. The Conservatives' role here is to challenge the government to do better, not to make up arbitrary motions so that they can somehow try to claim victory later. The Conservatives need to push this government to do better. That is their job. That is what they have been elected to do and they are not doing it. What the Conservatives need to do is come here with something meaningful, not these ridiculous motions.

[Earl Dreeshen, Conservative, Red Deer—Mountain View, AB]

Madam Speaker, as the member indicated earlier, with 140 members I am sure there are 20 members from the Liberal Party who would be happy to be on this side rather than with the top-down government, but we will wait for that.

The Liberal government has categorically failed to keep the COVID variants out of Canada, failed to keep our border under control and failed to secure vaccines in January and February. In fact, Canada is now so far behind the rest of the developed world in its vaccination rollout that it is generating international headlines. Canada is now behind more than 40 countries in terms of COVID-19 vaccines. What other countries have advocated for the four-month delay between the first two shots?

[Mark Gerretsen, Liberal, Kingston and the Islands, ON]

Madam Speaker, the United Kingdom is doing the same thing. However, let us just put that aside for a second; I really want to go back to the member's first comment. I can assure this member that when 54% of the membership of the Conservative Party of Canada does not believe in climate change, there is not a member on this side of the House who wants—

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

The hon. member will have four minutes to answer questions after Oral Questions.

Tamil Community

[Marci Ien, Liberal, Toronto Centre, ON]

Madam Speaker, the Tamil community in my riding of Toronto Centre and across Canada is excited to acknowledge the historic accomplishment of reaching $3 million in fundraising to establish a chair in Tamil studies at the University of Toronto Scarborough. It is a first in Canada.

Generously supported by the SJV and EJ Chelvanayakam Charitable Foundation and more than 3,800 supporters from right around the world, including community organizations, private corporations, artists, village and alumni associations, the dream has become reality.

With more than 300,000 Tamils in Canada, we are home to the largest diaspora outside of the Indian subcontinent. It is a rich and storied culture.

I send special congratulations to the Canadian Tamil Congress, Tamil Chair Inc. and U of T Scarborough, which worked so hard on this. What a tremendous example of a grassroots effort and the power of what people can do when they work together.

Volunteerism

[Michael Chong, Conservative, Wellington—Halton Hills, ON]

Madam Speaker, volunteers are the backbone of our communities. Earlier this month was National Volunteer Week, when we pay tribute to the important work of volunteers.

From church groups to service clubs to individuals looking to make a difference, I am always impressed by the volunteers in Wellington—Halton Hills. Especially this year, during a pandemic, their work does not go unnoticed.

I would like to highlight one volunteer, Marilyn Serjeantson, who was named Georgetown Lions Citizen of the Year.

Over the years, Marilyn has contributed so much to our community. From volunteering at George Kennedy Public School to serving on various boards to being part of the Bruce Trail organization, Marilyn was also elected as the first female town councillor and mayor of Halton Hills, a groundbreaking accomplishment.

I thank Marilyn Serjeantson and all the other volunteers for their service to our local communities. They are helping to build a better Canada.

Retirement Congratulations

[Tony Van Bynen, Liberal, Newmarket—Aurora, ON]

Mr. Speaker, in March, Pat Noble, a remarkable individual who I had the pleasure of working with for 12 years, retired from her position as the executive assistant to the mayor of the town of Newmarket.

Pat was a consummate professional, admired and respected by her colleagues and a tireless champion for the community. Her commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others showed through the numerous community projects she was involved in while representing the office of the mayor of the town of Newmarket. Arts and culture, Belinda's Place, the Margaret Bahen Hospice, Oasis Bereavement, a centre for bereavement and healing, numerous golf tournaments and raising funds to benefit community projects are just a few of the initiatives that Pat helped lead.

I congratulate Pat on her retirement. I thank her on behalf of the residents of Newmarket for making our town a better place to live.

Claude Chapdelaine

[Marie-Hélène Gaudreau, Bloc, Laurentides—Labelle, QC]

Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to honour Claude Chapdelaine, a trail mapper from Sainte-Adèle in the wonderful Pays-d'en-Haut RCM.

Over the past 15 years, he has mapped some 20 cross-country ski trails and six road biking routes. He began his career in Sainte-Adèle in the Pays-d'en-Haut RCM in my beautiful riding. What is more, he is one of the co-founders of the new Mont Loup-Garou park, an amazing tourism and holiday attraction designed exclusively for non-motorized sports.

I wish Mr. Chapdelaine the best of health. He is 80 years old, and his community involvement is an example to us all. As he often says, Laurentides—Labelle is his beautiful playground.

On behalf of all outdoor enthusiasts in my riding, I want to thank Mr. Chapdelaine and wish him many more years of enjoying nature.

Canada Summer Jobs

[Annie Koutrakis, Liberal, Vimy, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the Canada summer jobs program provides an opportunity for our youth to get real work experience and develop job skills by working for local businesses and organizations. Our government's expansion of the program will create up to 120,000 jobs across the country this summer.

The program has always been popular in my riding, and this year is no exception. In fact, I am proud to say that over 100 employers will be participating and nearly 500 jobs will be created in Vimy. This year, the number of jobs has doubled compared to last year.

I want to thank and commend the employers who are participating in the Canada summer jobs program in order to give our youth valuable career opportunities and life experience.

Recreational Travel

[Chris Lewis, Conservative, Essex, ON]

Mr. Speaker, Judy is a travel adviser in my riding, one of 12,000 across Canada. Today, I tell their story in her words.

“Imagine building a Travel Business for over 25 years, building relationships with your clients, year after year planning amazing trips and great memories.

Now imagine…the world shuts its doors, you are busy getting frantic clients back home, processing hundreds of cancellations, issuing travel credits and assisting with insurance claims, all the while, not qualifying for the “one size fits all” small business funding…relying on CRB as the only means of support.

How much longer can we hang on with no revenue from our businesses and no sector specific aid from our government? And when travel reopens, who will guide our customers through all the rules of the “new normal” and help start creating new memories?”

COVID brought recreational travel to half and left travel advisers fighting for their livelihoods. They need our support.

India

[Randeep Sarai, Liberal, Surrey Centre, BC]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to acknowledge the heartbreaking news we are hearing from India in its fight against the coronavirus. India has seen a critical increase in the number of coronavirus cases in the last few weeks with upward of 350,000 cases a day and around 3,000 deaths recently due to the virus.

My sincere condolences go out to everyone impacted by the virus, to those struggling for survival and all those who have lost loved ones. Canadians across the country are sending their prayers to them.

Our government has announced that we will be donating $10 million to the Indian Red Cross as well as PPE equipment and ventilators. Canadians can also donate to the cause through the Canadian Red Cross.

For everyone in India, we are there for them, we care for them and we pray for them. Take care and stay safe.

Do More Ag Foundation

[Kody Blois, Liberal, Kings—Hants, NS]

Mr. Speaker, it has been a difficult year for the mental health of Canadians across the country because of COVID-19, and that includes the men and women who work in our agriculture sector.

Last week, I had the opportunity to speak with Kim Keller, a canola farmer from Melfort, Saskatchewan, and Amy VanderHeide, a farmer from my riding in Kings—Hants, about the Do More Ag Foundation and its work to ensure there are mental health supports in place for Canadian farmers and their families.

The initiative began in 2017 with a conversation about the need to have specific supports in place for farmers. Ms. Keller, other co-founders and supporters have worked tirelessly to build the organization, which began in western Canada and now has 70 different partners across the country, including in my home province of Nova Scotia.

I would ask that all members in the House join me in recognizing the work of the Do More Ag Foundation, and as spring planting is happening across the country, a tip of the cap to our farmers who are working tirelessly to put food on our table. We appreciate their work, and if they need support, it is only a phone call away.

CANZUK

[Kerry-Lynne Findlay, Conservative, South Surrey—White Rock, BC]

Mr. Speaker, imagine a world where Canadians can more easily work in London, professional and trades credentials from B.C. are recognized in Sydney and snowbirds could choose between New Zealand's north and south islands.

Freer movement and labour mobility are part of several pillars of the visionary CANZUK initiative, a deeper geopolitical alliance between Canada and three of our most like-minded allies, Australia, New Zealand and the U.K.; a partnership that could include foreign policy coordination, pooled procurement, closer defence and security ties and expanded trade, fostering a new era of opportunity and prosperity for Canadians.

CANZUK could give our nations outsized influence on the world stage. Together, we can amplify our shared values of multiculturalism, respect for human rights and the rule of law and counter-threats posed by increasingly hostile regimes.

We have fought wars and today share high-level intelligence alongside our CANZUK sisters and brothers. Our ties are both current and historic. As we look to embrace measures that will see Canada thrive in a post-pandemic world, I would advocate that a CANZUK future is a brighter future.

Women's Entrepreneurship

[Marie-France Lalonde, Liberal, Orléans, ON]

Mr. Speaker, on Friday, I was thrilled to take part in a panel discussion as part of the Inspiration conference series presented by the University of Ottawa, along with my colleague from Ottawa—Vanier. The theme was “Getting Things Done on the Hill...au féminin!”.

I want to thank the entire organization for the invitation and for this great initiative. It is important for women to encourage one another and share our diverse experiences and journeys to show what is possible. We have extraordinary potential, expertise to share, and a sense of leadership to demonstrate, and nothing should stop us from achieving our dreams.

That is why the federal budget tabled on April 19 has a focus on women's entrepreneurship and gender equality. The budget proposes several investments, including funding for child care, in order to support women and affirm the government's commitment to ensuring the well-being of women in Canada.

Allegations of Sexual Misconduct in the Canadian Armed Forces

[Raquel Dancho, Conservative, Kildonan—St. Paul, MB]

Mr. Speaker, we know that in 2018, a woman in the Canadian Armed Forces came forward with allegations of sexual misconduct against the highest-ranking officer in the military. The Prime Minister says that his office took those allegations seriously, and yet we know that the Minister of National Defence, the Clerk of the Privy Council and the Prime Minister's chief of staff were aware but did nothing. The Prime Minister is trying to claim that he did not know, but that is very hard to believe.

When a woman files a sexual harassment complaint, there should be no “wrong door” for her to knock on. She should be listened to, and she should feel safe. The Prime Minister and the Liberal government have failed women. This has been a nightmare for women.

The Prime Minister and his government keep saying, with a straight face, that sexual harassment is not tolerated, and yet they gave General Vance a pay raise after the allegations were made. It would appear that the old boys' club is alive and well with this government, despite the feminist rhetoric it spews. As a woman, I find that very disappointing.

Canadian Armed Forces

[Leona Alleslev, Conservative, Aurora—Oak Ridges—Richmond Hill, ON]

Mr. Speaker, under the Prime Minister, abuse of power at the highest levels in Canada's military continues unchecked. Former chief of the defence staff General Vance and other general officers are under investigation for sexual assault and misconduct, and more senior officers are complicit through their actions or their silence.

For three years, the defence minister knew of serious allegations against General Vance. Key officials in the Prime Minister's Office and the Privy Council Office knew and they all did nothing.

Rather than standing for women, the Prime Minister has re-enforced and entrenched a toxic military culture. His inaction has emboldened the “old boys club” and denied women the opportunity to be believed.

Lasting change will come when those who have failed are held accountable. Women in the military have earned the right to serve equally and with respect. Why will the Prime Minister not stand with them?

Ian Waddell

[Don Davies, NDP, Vancouver Kingsway, BC]

Mr. Speaker, I rise to mark the passing of a great parliamentarian and outstanding Canadian, Ian Waddell.

Ian was an MP, MLA and cabinet minister, a lawyer, author, film producer, social democrat and an infatigable proponent of a more prosperous and just Canada. He served 14 years in this place, elected three times by the people of Vancouver Kingsway, and once in Port Moody—Coquitlam. After he was elected to the British Columbia legislature, representing Vancouver-Fraserview.

Ian had a storied career. He was particularly proud of his work on the Berger Commission and the key role he played to include indigenous rights in our Constitution. He was the lead minister responsible for the 2010 winter Olympics winning bid and was instrumental in fostering B.C.'s film industry. He even chatted with the Queen.

Ian had a rare ability to work across party lines and seek practical outcomes, always with good humour.

On behalf of my colleagues and the people of Vancouver Kingsway, we express our deepest appreciation for his public service and admiration for a life well live.

Shefford

[Andréanne Larouche, Bloc, Shefford, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I too have something to boast about, if I may. I am particularly proud to be able to tell the House today that the municipality of Shefford, in my riding of the same name, was awarded the prestigious title of happiest city. Shefford's green spaces, proximity to major cities and slow pace of living earned it the top spot on Leger marketing's happiness index of the 100 happiest cities in Quebec. Drum roll, please: Shefford scored an 81.88 in its first headline-making and noteworthy year on the list.

Nestled in between peaks and valleys, Shefford has started to attract many artists. Everyone there has a great energy, from residents to elected officials. As the member of Parliament for Shefford, I am delighted to proclaim that the town of Shefford is the perfect example of the superlative quality of life and happiness found throughout the riding.

Status of Women

[Michelle Rempel, Conservative, Calgary Nose Hill, AB]

Mr. Speaker, systemic misogyny grows when people with power use their privilege to protect those who perpetuate it.

The member for Pickering—Uxbridge was silent when the Prime Minister's groping allegations came to light and she was silent when the Prime Minister expelled the member for Vancouver Granville from cabinet and caucus for speaking truth to power. She was silent on revelations that the Prime Minister allowed the member for Kitchener South—Hespeler to run as a Liberal, while knowing he was the subject of substantiated harassment allegations. Today, she is silent about those from her own party who have turned a blind eye to gross sexual misconduct in Canada's military.

Nothing will change for women if men of privilege are allowed to get away with misogyny through silence or deflected blame. Jane Philpott had the courage to publicly call out misogyny in her tent and I have done the same. Today, I call upon the member for Pickering—Uxbridge and all Liberal MPs to find some courage, do the same and stand up for the women in the Canadian Armed Forces.

Sikh Heritage Month

[Kirsty Duncan, Liberal, Etobicoke North, ON]

Mr. Speaker, April is Sikh Heritage Month, a time to recognize and highlight the important contributions that Sikh communities have made, and continue to make, to our country's cultural, economic, political and social life.

The first Sikh immigrants arrived in Canada in the late 19th century, and today our country is home to more than 500,000 Sikh Canadians, making it one of the largest Sikh diasporas in the world.

During these unprecedented times, we thank Sikh communities for the many contributions to our country since the pandemic began, from the Rexdale Sikh Spiritual Centre providing food to the community to our seniors checking in on one another to people working on the health care and essential front lines. These are just a few instances of Sikhism's core principles of equality, compassion and generosity at work.

Sikh Canadians make our communities stronger. I wish everyone a very happy Sikh Heritage Month.

Public Services and Procurement

[Erin O'Toole, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, the third wave is devastating this country. New restrictions are in place from coast to coast. The United States of America has administered 220 million doses of vaccines. Canada has administered less than 6% of that number.

The government knew that it would not have enough vaccines in place to prevent a third wave, so why did it not secure the border to keep out the dangerous variants?