Debates of April 30th, 2021

Public Safety

[Joël Lightbound, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness]

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the hon. member for Markham—Stouffville for her tireless advocacy to promote safer communities in her part of the country and across the land.

Tomorrow marks the one-year anniversary since weapons designed for military use were prohibited, and since we moved past thoughts and prayers and acted. Of the Five Eyes countries that have prohibited these rifles, none have experienced mass shootings this year. The other countries are averaging one mass shooting per day.

Our plan to protect our communities is working, but we need to finish the job. With our new legislation, we will complete the prohibition and ensure that these rifles never re-enter our communities again.

Canadian Heritage

[Rob Moore, Conservative, Fundy Royal, NB]

Mr. Speaker, my office has heard from many New Brunswickers who are very concerned about the Liberal government's plan to censor Internet content. Bill C-10 will have a chilling effect on local content creation, something that is increasingly important in rural communities, where residents use social media to share news and their stories.

Will the minister do the right thing and abandon this Orwellian plan?

[Julie Dabrusin, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage]

Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives appear to have chosen to take the side of social media web giants over the interests of our artists. They are our neighbours who work in an important cultural and economic industry in our country. Individuals who post to social media are excluded. Content is not moderated.

The amendment to the Broadcasting Act would require social media companies that make money acting like a broadcaster to be treated like a broadcaster. If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it is treated like a duck.

Why do the Conservatives want special treatment for social media web giants?

[Jasraj Singh Hallan, Conservative, Calgary Forest Lawn, AB]

Mr. Speaker, Bill C-10 limits the freedom of speech of the Canadian people. Many immigrants and refugees come here to enjoy the freedom and liberty that they did not have the luxury of back home. This bill gives power to a big government institution that can use it to silence and oppress marginalized groups online.

Why will the Liberal government not stay out of the lives of consenting Canadians and let people live free from the hands of big government?

[Julie Dabrusin, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage]

Mr. Speaker, the Broadcasting Act regulates broadcasters, like CTV, the CBC and Corus, as we have known it for the past 30 years. The Conservatives are protesting that we are extending those same rules to web giants, including social media giants like Facebook, if they act like broadcasters. The Broadcasting Act does not moderate content. It did not before and it will not now. The act would require that any company acting in a similar manner as our Canadian broadcasters has to contribute similarly.

Why are the Conservatives seeking special treatment for foreign-owned web giants over our Canadian cultural sector and broadcasters?

Human Rights

[Marty Morantz, Conservative, Charleswood—St. James—Assiniboia—Headingley, MB]

Mr. Speaker, B’nai Brith Canada reports that over seven anti-Semitic incidents occurred every single day in Canada last year. Jews were shot at with pellet guns, and a student in Winnipeg was attacked and told that Jews should “go back to the ovens”.

The Prime Minister has said over and over again that he will stand up to anti-Semitism whenever and wherever it occurs, but this is the fifth consecutive year we have seen record numbers. When will he take action to end this disturbing rise of anti-Semitic attacks in Canada?

[Arif Virani, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada]

Mr. Speaker, our government takes anti-Semitism very seriously, and we have always stood up against it. We have put in place an anti-racism action plan that specifically outlines a definition that is internationally accepted with respect anti-Semitism. We have beefed up the funding for the security infrastructure program to protect synagogues and other places of Jewish cultural significance. We are also taking action to combat online hate.

Fisheries and Oceans

[Chris d'Entremont, Conservative, West Nova, NS]

Mr. Speaker, budget 2021 proposes to provide $300 million on a cash basis over the next two years to Fisheries and Oceans Canada to repair, renew and replace small craft harbours. This amount is ridiculous, as we know that in western Nova Scotia almost $500 million is needed to address deferred maintenance and safety upgrades.

Fishers across our country have worked and continue to work tirelessly to contribute directly to their communities. They deserve wharves that are safe and that respond to their modern needs.

Can the minister tell me how much will be allocated to the ports that need it in West Nova?

[Terry Beech, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries]

Mr. Speaker, our government understands how important small craft harbours are all across our great country, from the west coast to the east coast to the member's riding. That is why we have consistently contributed to and invested in our small craft harbours. The last government took that funding away, but we have contributed over $300 million in this budget, accumulating to more than $1 billion of investments to make sure that the people on the east coast, including in the member's riding, have safe access to wharves so that they can pursue their livelihoods.

Health

[Mario Beaulieu, Bloc, La Pointe-de-l'Île, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the government has stopped using Switch Health to manage testing for temporary foreign workers because it is not able to provide services in French, which is causing delays.

However, Switch Health is still responsible for serving everyone who crosses the border, and it is a disaster.

How could a company that is unable to serve 500 workers be capable of serving all of Quebec?

When will the Liberal government replace Switch Health in Quebec?

[Jennifer O'Connell, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health]

Mr. Speaker, we agree that delays or not being able to provide service in both official languages is unacceptable. That is precisely why Health Canada and the Public Health Agency have moved forward with a new provider.

We are going to continue to work with Switch Health to address any additional concerns, but make no mistake. We will not hesitate to act, and we are constantly looking for additional providers to provide this service in a timely and effective manner.

[Mario Beaulieu, Bloc, La Pointe-de-l'Île, QC]

Mr. Speaker, Quebeckers are having to quarantine for up to a month because of Switch Health. They are forced to use this company because it is the only authorized provider for testing.

Switch Health is unable to provide services in French and unable to collect the tests quickly. It does not operate on weekends or in rural areas. On top of that, it manages to lose tests, so people are forced to start all over.

Switch Health is not working for Quebec. When will the government replace it?

[Jennifer O'Connell, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health]

Mr. Speaker, the member opposite does not take yes for an answer.

We agree that service levels are expected. We attempted to work with Switch Health to rectify these issues. However, we decided to move forward with a new provider in Quebec. We want to ensure effective, fast testing in both official languages. That is precisely why we moved forward with making a change.

We are going to continue to make sure that all Canadians have access to safe and effective testing in the official language of their choice.

[Alex Ruff, Conservative, Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound, ON]

Mr. Speaker, among my constituents are Amish and Mennonite families. They need clarity on the hurdles they face returning to Canada after being in the U.S. for compassionate reasons or returning to Canada for a family illness. Nearly all aspects of travel into Canada require some sort of phone app or Internet access, which these Canadians do not have.

After being bounced from CBSA to PHAC to the federal COVID hotline to Ontario telehealth without answers, could someone tell me what procedures are in place for all Canadians to ensure that they have the necessary information to request quarantine exemptions for compassionate reasons without Internet or phone access?

[Jennifer O'Connell, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health]

Mr. Speaker, of course, we understand that there are some compassionate needs for travel. However, let me clarify that it is crucially important that during this time, Canadians do not travel. In the event that they do have to, there are supports available to clarify the rules, but it is very important that we follow public health guidelines, ensure strict measures at the border and stop the spread of this virus. Ultimately, our goal is to save lives.

We will continue to put in place communications and supports to make sure that all Canadians understand the rules, but our fundamental goal is to ensure that Canadians are safe and that we stop the spread of this virus.

Agriculture and Agri-Food

[Joël Godin, Conservative, Portneuf—Jacques-Cartier, QC]

Mr. Speaker, many agricultural producers and agribusinesses in my riding are anxiously awaiting the arrival of foreign workers.

Border security is paramount, and we need to be very careful about the variants.

However, essential workers must be able to enter the country quickly. Our farmers are very worried. They need these workers now. The production cycle for our fruits and vegetables cannot be put on hold.

Can the minister assure our business owners that they will be able to bring in their workers in the very near future?

[Irek Kusmierczyk, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Employment]

Mr. Speaker, our government recognizes the integral role foreign workers play in Canada's agriculture and seafood sector. We have streamlined requirements and introduced priority processing for applications and work permits in these sectors. We have also launched a temporary measure that allows workers already in Canada to start a new job while their work permit application is being processed.

While COVID-19 has presented unique challenges to Canada's job markets, we continue to support workers, employers and our provincial partners to ensure the continued strength of Canada's food sector and supply chain.

[Richard Lehoux, Conservative, Beauce, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the government continues to parrot the same talking points on the temporary foreign worker file.

Border security is paramount, and flights coming in from hotspot areas must be limited.

Many businesses in my riding have provided accommodations to quarantine their workers, and they are awaiting test results that are slow to arrive. This results in additional costs for businesses and farmers.

When will the three relevant departments work together to come up with a real solution?

Who is going to pay for the additional cost burden being put on these business owners?

[Irek Kusmierczyk, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Employment]

Mr. Speaker, our government has taken a number of important steps to ensure the safe arrival and well-being of temporary foreign workers. Along with the mandatory 14-day quarantine, we have introduced more stringent pre- and post-travel requirements. The mandatory isolation support for temporary foreign workers program is an important part of our efforts to protect the health and safety of workers, employers and communities. With $84.4 million invested in this program, employers are receiving support to manage the costs associated with the mandatory quarantines.

We remain committed to ensuring the health and safety of temporary foreign workers, employers and communities. We are committed to making sure that temporary foreign workers arrive safely and in a timely fashion.

Women and Gender Equality

[Hedy Fry, Liberal, Vancouver Centre, BC]

Mr. Speaker, COVID-19 containment led to an increase in gender-based violence across the country. From the start of the pandemic, frontline organizations have struggled to meet the increased demand for services. I was glad to see that budget 2021 increased funding to support these groups, but to be effective in ending gender-based violence, we must consider men and boys.

Can the Minister for Women and Gender Equality tell us what supports are available for them?

[Maryam Monsef, Liberal, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development]

Mr. Speaker, I thank my hon. colleague for her advocacy for women and LGBTQ2 folks here at home and around the world.

The budget includes more than $3 billion to address and prevent gender-based violence in all of its forms. We have the partnerships across the country to move forward.

Consider the Rowan House Society in Alberta. With a grant from our government, it has created a shelter for men who have harmed the women in their lives. Men leave the home, so women and children do not have to. Through this voluntary program, men learn to accept responsibility for their behaviour and build healthier relationships.

Increased investments for women's organizations and additional funds to engage men and boys will save lives.

Canadian Heritage

[Michael Cooper, Conservative, St. Albert—Edmonton, AB]

Mr. Speaker, in what has been characterized as a full-blow assault on freedom of expression, the Liberals amended Bill C-10 to give the government the power to control the social media content of everyday Canadians to ensure that it matched “the government's vision”. This is nothing short of Orwellian.

Why is it that when it comes to freedom of expression, the government's approach is that it can be damned?

[Julie Dabrusin, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage]

Mr. Speaker, let me be clear that the Broadcasting Act does not moderate content. It is about how broadcasters contribute to the creation of Canadian content, the discoverability of that content and the rules of that nature. People who post to social media are specifically excluded from being considered broadcasters. Social media companies that make money by acting like a broadcaster are not excluded.

May I ask why the Conservatives want to create an exemption to protect social media web giants from contributing their fair share?

Health

[Bob Zimmer, Conservative, Prince George—Peace River—Northern Rockies, BC]

Mr. Speaker, last week, I had a disturbing phone call from Ben who just returned to Canada after doing paramedic work overseas. Gabriela, his pregnant wife, and 11-month-old daughter had to stay at one of the government's quarantine hotels.

After paying thousands of dollars, the hotel refused to provide food for their baby daughter only offering her oatmeal and then suggesting his wife share the deep-fried food they gave her. Thankfully, friends were able to drop off some baby food.

Why is the government treating returning Canadians so poorly?

[Jennifer O'Connell, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health]

Mr. Speaker, let me acknowledge and thank the member for raising the work that his constituent has done.

When it comes to quarantine hotels, we expect the hotel providers to provide an adequate level of service. I take the comments that have been raised back. We will continue to work with these providers to ensure they provide this level of service.

Again, the reasons for the mandatory quarantine are to ensure that Canadians are safe, we stop the spread of this virus and we save lives. However, I will raise these concerns and ensure—