Debates of May 26th, 2021

[The Speaker, Liberal, Anthony Rota]

It being Wednesday, we will now have the singing of the national anthem led by the hon. member for Provencher.

[Members sang the national anthem]

Auditor General of Canada

[The Speaker, Liberal, Anthony Rota]

It is my duty to lay upon the table, pursuant to subsection 8(2) of the Auditor General Act, two reports from the Auditor General of Canada.

Pursuant to Standing Order 108(3)(g), these reports are deemed permanently referred to the Standing Committee on Public Accounts.

Jim St. Clair

[Mike Kelloway, Liberal, Cape Breton—Canso, NS]

Mr. Speaker, I am speaking today in honour of Cape Breton historian and storyteller extraordinaire, Jim St. Clair, who passed away earlier this month.

For 30 years, we heard Jim's compelling stories of Cape Breton folklore and history across CBC Radio's Information Morning in Cape Breton.

Like many across my community, I loved listening to Jim on CBC, where his talent for storytelling taught us so much about our rich history in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia and the entire Atlantic region.

On behalf of Cape Breton—Canso constituents and members of the House, I offer my sincere condolences to his family and loved ones. I have no doubt that Jim's legacy will be a strong one in Cape Breton. He will be missed greatly by all who knew him and, of course, his listeners.

It is my hope that we can carry forward Jim's passion for storytelling and use it as a tool to learn from the past to better help today.

Cloverdale Wildfire

[Randy Hoback, Conservative, Prince Albert, SK]

Mr. Speaker, last week, a Cloverdale wildfire devastated over 5,000 hectares, or less than 14,000 acres, of my riding and it took three days to contain.

Without the swift response of our fire departments and the bravery of our firefighters in the face of very dry and windy conditions, the damage could have been much worse. Their excellent work undoubtedly saved lives and homes.

On behalf of the people in the riding of Prince Albert, I would like to thank all the first responders to the Cloverdale fire, the volunteers and supporting agencies, which all worked together to support our community during this uncertain and frightening time.

Heart of Orléans BIA

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

Mr. Speaker, last Wednesday, I had the pleasure of joining small business owners from the Heart of Orléans BIA to host a town hall and discuss the crucial measures our federal government was bringing in to spur growth.

During an engaging evening discussion, these local leaders shared their thoughts and enthusiasm for the future of Canada's small businesses as we look ahead to the end of the pandemic.

I was happy to discuss what the budget meant for Canada's main streets, how it would help them keep their employees on or hire new ones, and what digital adoption could do to help their businesses and Orléans continue to grow and thrive.

I would like to thank the Heart of Orléans BIA for its outstanding work as well as all the attending business owners for sharing their continuing strength as we approach the end of this crisis.

François Gendron

[Sébastien Lemire, Bloc, Abitibi—Témiscamingue, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the 45th edition of the Salon du livre de l'Abitibi-Témiscamingue kicked off yesterday. This year's event is 100% virtual.

For anyone wondering if the great François Gendron will be doing an interview next Saturday on the Salon du livre de l'Abitibi-Témiscamingue's Facebook page, the answer is yes.

Mr. Gendron will be talking about his book, 42 ans de passion pour le Québec et ses régions, written in collaboration with Samuel Larochelle, a prolific young writer from my region.

Members may recall that François Gendron was elected in 1976 and re-elected 10 times. He sat as a sovereignist MNA for 42 years, headed 11 ministries and held the prestigious titles of Deputy Premier of Quebec and Speaker of the National Assembly.

I would like to take advantage of my forum abroad to thank my mentor, François Gendron, for always speaking true, for being a straight talker and for being so passionate about this place and its people, known to this day as the “Gendronie”.

Thank you, François, for continuing to play such an active role in society.

Émilie Gagné

[Emmanuel Dubourg, Liberal, Bourassa, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to Ms. Émilie Gagné.

During the pandemic, the Sainte-Colette school, in the riding of Bourassa, called on Ms. Gagné. Some of the five- and six-year-old children were showing certain signs: They squinted and held their paper up close to their eyes. These children had vision problems.

The school teaches students whose parents are asylum seekers who have not yet received their health cards. Ms. Gagné, who is a trained optician and whose two children go to Sainte-Colette school, gathered together professionals, volunteers and sponsors, and gave the children eye exams.

Over 20% of the students needed glasses. Ms. Gagné offered free glasses to 21 students to help them learn and succeed at school.

On behalf of the parents, the school, and on my own behalf, I congratulate Ms. Émilie Gagné for her extraordinary initiative.

Petronella Peach

[Mel Arnold, Conservative, North Okanagan—Shuswap, BC]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life of one of the most upbeat advocates I have ever known.

Petronella Peach, or Nel, as most knew her, immigrated from Holland. Nel was born during World War II and often spoke of her love of Canada and our role in liberating the Netherlands in 1945. Throughout her lifetime, Nel took on many challenges with a positive attitude and a strong voice for all those facing similar challenges.

Nel was a breast cancer survivor and, as she put it, a person living with diabetes. For almost 40 years, Nel met diabetes head on and became one of Canada's strongest advocates for diabetics. Whether talking to people on the streets or participating in international Team Diabetes marathons, Nel continuously worked to raise the awareness of diabetes. Nel was a volunteer extraordinaire and will be remembered for how much she cared for people and for her community.

Our thoughts go out to Nel's husband, Gordon, and to her family and friends. Nel will be missed.

Metro Dry Cleaners

[David McGuinty, Liberal, Ottawa South, ON]

Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to congratulate my constituent and a true community builder, Mrs. Lamia Dib, on the 50th anniversary of her outstanding local business, Metro Dry Cleaners.

In 1958, Lamia came from Lebanon to join her siblings in Canada. In 1962, she married Maurice Dib and, together, they saved every penny to purchase a dry cleaning machine. They worked very hard to establish themselves as leaders in the industry in Ottawa. Since Maurice's passing in 2001, Lamia and her family continue to provide exceptional service to a multitude of clients.

Metro Dry Cleaners has served three prime ministers, MPs, MPPs, our mayor and countless local residents looking for consistent high-quality work and always a friendly smile at the counter.

I congratulate Lamia and her family on 50 years of excellence.

Dave Sopha

[Bryan May, Liberal, Cambridge, ON]

Mr. Speaker, this month, Cambridge has lost a great Canadian, Dave Sopha.

Dave was an incredible artist who memorialized the 158 Canadian Forces personnel who lost their lives in Afghanistan, through his iconic painting Portraits of Honour.

Dave was a community builder, teacher and a dedicated volunteer. He wanted to share his art and spread a message of love in commemoration for our troops, and he succeeded. His artwork took him all across Canada.

Dave was recently honoured with a Governor General Meritorious Service Medal. He received a Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation, the Kinsmen's Hal Rogers Fellow, the Rotary's Paul Harris Fellow and the Kiwanis Walter Zeller Fellow.

Dave has left a lasting impact on our community and Canadians across the country.

As chair of veterans affairs and as a friend, I thank Dave. We will miss him.

Johnson Su-sing Chow

[Alice Wong, Conservative, Richmond Centre, BC]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honour a well-respected, world-renowned Chinese Canadian artist, Professor Johnson Su-sing Chow, who contributed significantly to the cultural fabric of Canada. He just passed away at the age of 98.

I have known Professor Chow for many years. In fact, his calligraphy of a Chinese classical piece on governance is still hanging in my office as a constant reminder of his kindness, talents and humbleness.

As the founder of the Chinese Canadian Artists Federation and a dedicated educator at UBC and overseas, he donated generously his artwork to many charities.

Professor Chow's passion in the classics, calligraphy and landscape won him many awards.

He once said, “Since I moved to Canada [in 1980]...I refuse to do anything else such as making a fortune. My aspiration for life is to promote the traditional Chinese art and culture to the world.”

Our condolences to Frank, Jackie and the Chow family. Professor Chow will be greatly missed.

Moisson Estrie

[Élisabeth Brière, Liberal, Sherbrooke, QC]

Mr. Speaker, this past long weekend was a very busy one for Sherbrooke and for Moisson Estrie, an organization that redistributes food and helps people experiencing financial vulnerability.

Once again this year, Dr. Sébastien Roulier ran as part of the “Avançons tous en cœur” fundraising campaign for Moisson Estrie. The course, in the shape of a four-hearted cloverleaf, had him running 420 kilometres over four days across the length and breadth of the Eastern Townships. I was there to see him off Friday morning, and he was on fire.

I want to congratulate the organization on the success of its non-perishable food drive. My team and I took part and distributed 100 bags that will be filled by generous donors.

Tourism Week

[Blake Richards, Conservative, Banff—Airdrie, AB]

Mr. Speaker, this week is Tourism Week.

It is a time to celebrate one of Canada's leading industries, tourism.

Unfortunately, it is not to celebrate significant milestones like in the past, such as record-breaking visitor numbers or another new award. Instead, we celebrate the spirit this great industry has to survive and persist, despite the great challenges that the pandemic and the lackluster government response have placed upon it. Tourism was one of the first hit by the pandemic and will likely be the last to recover, but when it does, I know it will be better than ever, showcasing Canada's breathtaking sights and great attractions. Prior to the pandemic, it was one of the fastest-growing industries, making up 2% of Canada's GDP and one of every 11 jobs, and I know that post-recovery those numbers will only continue to grow.

As we mark Tourism Week, we all need to show our tangible support for the employees and small business owners who make up this important sector.

I wish everyone a happy Tourism Week.

Anti-Semitism

[Nelly Shin, Conservative, Port Moody—Coquitlam, BC]

Mr. Speaker, throughout history, Jews have experienced ongoing anti-Semitism with waves of pogroms, expulsions and genocide around the world. There are intergenerational sensibilities that this history carries. Canada, too, once added to their plight, when on the eve of World War II, 907 Jewish refugees aboard the MS St. Louis were refused entry into Canada. Later, 254 would face death and the atrocities of Nazi concentration camps.

Lately, our country has seen a spike of hate and intimidation against Jewish communities. There is no place in Canada for vandalism of synagogues, violence or threats against people just because of their race or religion. No one should have to live in fear because of their cultural identity. “Never again” means standing against anti-Semitism whenever it rears its ugly head, starting in our own backyard, right here in Canada.

Women Veterans

[Rachel Blaney, NDP, North Island—Powell River, BC]

Mr. Speaker, in Canada, women veterans who are unhoused are invisible. A report from Canada in 2015 noted that veteran women experience much higher rates of homelessness. Women who served our country deserve much better than this. One of the biggest gaps is the lack of investment in Canadian-specific research. The voices of these veterans must be heard, and the support should better reflect their needs. One woman veteran said she never thought she would be living in a van.

We look at what is happening to the women in our military today. We look at the fact that this government still supports the gold-digger clause, sexist legislation from the early 1900s that was created to protect old male veterans from predatory young women who were marrying them for their pensions. Now, this results in spouses, largely women, who have married veterans over 60, living with them well over 20 years, not receiving a penny when their loved one passes.

Women who serve deserve better in Canada. Today, I acknowledge the silenced voices of our women veterans. The government must do better.

Centennial of the Town of Deux-Montagnes

[Luc Desilets, Bloc, Rivière-des-Mille-Îles, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased today to mark the centennial of Deux-Montagnes, a town in my riding. Formerly known as Saint-Eustache-sur-le-Lac, Deux-Montagnes was founded in August 1921.

The town gets its name from the two mountains that the coureurs des bois, the voyageurs and the first nations would see from the Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue portage. One of them is the Calvaire d'Oka hill and the other, its twin, is the Saint-Joseph-du-Lac hill.

Back in the day, I was the principal at the Polyvalente Deux-Montagnes and for 30 years I soaked in the dynamic and beautiful community spirit of that town.

Today, economic and residential development in Deux-Montagnes is exploding. Well located, welcoming and full of green space, this commuter town is ideal for families.

Happy centennial.

John Gomery

[Michael Barrett, Conservative, Leeds—Grenville—Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, ON]

Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to rise today and pay tribute to the late and lamented Justice John Gomery.

Known for his patience, Justice Gomery had served as a lawyer and judge for 50 years when his name rose to national prominence after his appointment as commissioner for the inquiry into the sponsorship scandal. The months-long inquiry looked into allegations of fraud related to Liberal-friendly advertising firms being paid millions of dollars for little to no work. In the face of constant attacks from the Liberal government and its supporters, Justice Gomery stood unwavering and resolved to seek the truth in the name of the public interest. His findings of clear political involvement, secrecy, subversion and insufficient oversight demonstrated that the government had betrayed Canadians' trust. Because of his commitment to truth and justice, Canadians now expect the bar of accountability and ethics in government to be held to a high standard.

On behalf of Conservatives, I wish to express my condolences to the family and to thank Justice Gomery for his unquestionable legacy and protecting the public's confidence in their democratic institutions.

Gaelic Nova Scotia Month

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

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to call Nova Scotia home.

[Member spoke in Gaelic]

[English]

The month of May is Mìos nan Gàidheal, and to recognize it, I wanted to ensure that this historic chamber can hear the language once again, even if for only one minute.

Alba Nuadh is the only region outside of Scotland where Gaelic language and traditions are passed down within families and communities. Hard-working community members, dedicated volunteers, local institutions and our tradition-bearers continue to ensure that the language and the Gaels as a unique ethnic, cultural group continue to contribute to the life of our province.

At the time of Confederation, Gaelic was the largest non-official language spoken in the country, and there have been several MPs who have spoken fluent Gaelic in the House, including a relative of mine, MP Samuel McDonnell, whose father was raised in Kings—Hants.

To all those who are working hard to ensure that Gaels, their language and culture continue to contribute to Canadian society, I would like to say this:

[Member spoke in Gaelic]

Public Safety

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

Mr. Speaker, in order to work at the National Microbiology Lab in Winnipeg, one needs a security clearance. In order to work with human pathogens like Ebola in that lab, one needs a higher level of security clearance.

Can the Prime Minister tell this House how a person with deep connections to the Chinese military obtained a high-level Canadian security clearance?

[Justin Trudeau, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, the two scientists in question are no longer employed by the Public Health Agency of Canada. We cannot disclose additional information or comment further for privacy reasons and confidentiality, but the National Microbiology Laboratory continues to play a critical role in protecting the health and safety of Canadians.

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

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister cannot comment on his failure to keep our country safe. For years, Canada's security services have been warning the government and universities about the risks of research co-operation with communist China. The government needed to escort two scientists it had approved to work at our most senior lab in the country.

Will the Prime Minister today rise in this House and commit to ending all partnerships with China's Academy of Military Medical Sciences?

[Justin Trudeau, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, we are committed to supporting open, collaborative research, while also protecting our research, our national security and our economic interests. In March, we announced that we would be taking further steps to better integrate national security considerations into the evaluation of federally funded research projects, which builds on the work of our research security working group. This will protect Canadian knowledge and intellectual property and ensure that international research partnerships are always beneficial to Canada and Canadians.

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

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister's research security working group is not working. International experts have warned about China's developing capacity in bioweapons. They have also warned that any academic working in China is available to the state for military and defence purposes. This would include the scientists that his government approved to work at our high-security lab in Winnipeg.

Will the Prime Minister commit today to increasing security at the National Microbiology Lab, yes or no?

[Justin Trudeau, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, espionage and foreign interference pose real threats to Canadian research security, intellectual property and business interests. This is a threat that our government has always taken seriously. In March, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry requested the development of specific rules that integrate national security considerations into research partnerships. Public Safety and CSIS are leading outreach to universities to help them keep research safe. Canadian universities and research organizations must remain vigilant to protect their IP, and we have not hesitated to support them.

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

Mr. Speaker, this is an “always takes our security seriously” from a Prime Minister who was caught in cash-for-access fundraisers with Chinese leaders in his first year as Prime Minister, a Prime Minister who reversed a decision to block a sale to O-Net Communications of a firm that had contracts with the Pentagon and our closest allies; a Prime Minister who refuses to take a stand on Huawei, the only Five Eyes country that has not acted, and how many days have the two Michaels been in prison?

I will ask the Prime Minister again. After this serious breach of our security at the National Microbiology Lab in Winnipeg, will he commit to ending all partnerships with the Chinese national military medical institute?