Debates of May 27th, 2021

Bloc

Stéphane Bergeron Bloc Montarville, QC

Mr. Speaker, in 1921, the Irish people were celebrating the end of the war of independence. That was the same year that some well-known Quebeckers, like Maurice Richard and Janine Sutto, were born.

It was also the same year that Guy Paquette, a lesser-known but equally exceptional Quebecker, was born in Montarville, a little closer to home. Mr. Paquette celebrated his 100th birthday on May 20.

I have had the huge privilege of meeting this extremely kind and sprightly man and hearing him talk about all of the things he has witnessed over the course of his very full life, such as the development of air travel, film, television and space exploration, to name just a few.

I envy his friends and the people who are around him regularly to hear the countless stories he has to tell. He has a real wealth of memories, having lived through nearly one-quarter of our people's history, which is truly remarkable.

Mr. Paquette, once again, thank you helping make Quebec what it is today.

Local FairsStatements By Members

Liberal

Francis Drouin Liberal Glengarry—Prescott—Russell, ON

Mr. Speaker, this week is Tourism Week.

In rural Canada, local fairs and exhibitions play an essential role as tourist attractions. I am thinking of the fairs back home, in Vankleek Hill, Maxville, Riceville, Russell and Navan.

I want to thank the Canadian Association of Fairs and Exhibitions, which plays an important role in promoting and supporting our local fairs across Canada. More than 17,000 events are hosted by fairs and contribute more than $2.9 billion to Canada's economy.

Although this year might be a bit different for some fairs, I want to thank the volunteers who are reimagining these events so that we can still enjoy them safely.

As a child, I rarely missed the Vankleek Hill Fair. We cannot say we have had the true fair experience unless we have eaten a pogo and a doughnut, followed by a ride in a spinning strawberry to aid digestion.

I invite all Canadians to visit their local fair this summer, be it in person or virtually, while staying safe, of course.

Conservative Party Recovery PlanStatements By Members

Conservative

Pierre Paul-Hus Conservative Charlesbourg—Haute-Saint-Charles, QC

Mr. Speaker, Canadians are well aware that the Prime Minister wants to call an election as soon as possible. That is why the Conservatives are offering Canadians a recovery plan now, since Canada has changed. We have watched as the government made all kinds of decisions without any transparency. By putting our country first and passing stricter accountability and transparency laws, we will deliver on that promise.

Our Conservative vision is to protect jobs and give entrepreneurs the means to rebuild their businesses, because our economy has suffered over the past year and many sectors have been affected. We need our entrepreneurs, because they are the ones who create our wealth. We need to protect this wealth and thereby reduce our dependence on foreign countries, like China, in order to face future threats.

It is imperative that Canadians have confidence in their government. That is why I am proud of our recovery plan for Canada, which will be implemented under a future Conservative government.

Hasmat Ali and Jatinder Singh RandhawaStatements By Members

Liberal

Sukh Dhaliwal Liberal Surrey—Newton, BC

Mr. Speaker, I want to pay my respects on the passing of the former president of the B.C. Muslim Association, Brother Hasmat Ali. His work since the 1960s was pioneering as he was instrumental in establishing the first B.C. Muslim school, constructing masjids across the province and serving in all facets in the operation, governance and development of the B.C. Muslim Association. Brother Hasmat Ali will always be remembered for his leadership and selfless service.

I also want to send my condolences to the parents and family of Jatinder Singh Randhawa. Jatinder was a passionate advocate for traditional Punjabi arts. Through his love of bhangra, he spread joy to everyone he met. He was a pillar of our community who inspired countless youth to help keep Punjabi culture and heritage alive.

Community Solidarity Against Racism in ConstructionStatements By Members

Liberal

Julie Dabrusin Liberal Toronto—Danforth, ON

Mr. Speaker, last summer, nooses were found on an EllisDon construction site at Michael Garron Hospital. Community members came together to show their support for Black construction workers and for the need to take action against anti-Black racism on construction sites. Out of this community response, a group was formed: Community Solidarity Against Racism in Construction, or CSARC.

Members of CSARC are taking on the larger issue of racism on construction sites across our country, because the nooses in our community were not an isolated event. The group started a petition calling for the creation of a national task force on racial violence, and requiring recipients of any federal construction contract to conduct anti-racism training and have an anti-racism strategy. The group's activism is having an impact. Our most recent Ontario transit funding announcement included a condition requiring that contractors have in place an anti-racism strategy.

We thank CSARC.

ChinaStatements By Members

Conservative

Garnett Genuis Conservative Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, AB

Mr. Speaker, this is the global week of prayer for China, initiated by Cardinal Bo and marked by Catholics and other Christians throughout the world who wish to see the advance of justice, human rights and, in particular, religious freedom in China. This week falls within Asian Heritage Month when, here in Canada, we celebrate the immense contributions of Canadians of Asian ancestry.

During this week and this month, we must stand with Chinese Canadians, and people of Chinese origin all over the world, in opposing all forms of racism and all actions by governments that deny fundamental human rights. We must recognize in this context the racist policies of the Xi Jinping regime, attacking ethnic minorities at home and threatening Chinese diaspora communities abroad.

People of Chinese ancestry, like all people, are individuals with their own beliefs, preferences and hopes. They are not extensions of a state, as the Chinese government claims. Essentializing any group of people in this way, ascribing attributes, connections, opinions or obligations that deny their individuality, is a form of racism. Therefore, to be truly anti-racist one must, by necessity, be highly critical of the Chinese government while also always standing with its victims.

Collège BoréalStatements By Members

Liberal

Paul Lefebvre Liberal Sudbury, ON

Mr. Speaker, in July 1993, it was announced that a new French-language college would be created in London, Ontario. Two years later, College Boréal opened its doors.

The youngest of 24 colleges in Ontario, Collège Boréal is a vital force that anchors the French-speaking community everywhere it has a campus. Collège Boréal trains and prepares students for the workforce, which eagerly welcomes them every year.

For the 19th time in 20 years, Collège Boréal achieved the highest graduation rate in the province as well as a 100% satisfaction rate from employers, also the highest rate in the province. Its motto, “nurturing knowledge and invigorating culture” is central to everything it does. It not only offers exceptional post-secondary education, but it also excels at applied research, settlement services and customized training.

This year we are celebrating 25 years of excellence at Collège Boréal. I choose Boréal.

HousingStatements By Members

May 27th, 2021 / 2:10 p.m.

Conservative

Brad Vis Conservative Mission—Matsqui—Fraser Canyon, BC

Mr. Speaker, greater Vancouver, Toronto and Hamilton have the dubious honour of being some of the least affordable housing markets in North America. It is cheaper to buy a house in Los Angeles or New York City. The Liberals continue to fail to take real action and address the overwhelming housing affordability crisis in Canada.

The finance minister admits Canada's lack of housing supply is a serious problem right after releasing a budget that does nothing to address it. The recent increase to the mortgage stress test proves the Liberals are choosing to push the dream of home ownership further out of reach for regular Canadians.

The national housing strategy is behind schedule. Last night, the finance minister could not even tell me how many units the government had built. The first-time home buyer program is a complete failure, reaching fewer than 10% of the people promised.

Canadians cannot afford more inaction. Only Canada's Conservatives are focused on securing Canada's housing future.

Comments by the Prime MinisterStatements By Members

Conservative

Kenny Chiu Conservative Steveston—Richmond East, BC

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister suggested that asking questions about the threat from China's government is anti-Asian racism. I am an Asian-Canadian and I am deeply offended by this. How dare the wearer of blackface and brownface use the painful experience of racism to shield this government's callous dereliction to protect Canada from hostile foreign regimes?

Pointing that out is not racism. Suggesting otherwise plays into the propaganda effort of our opponent. That is something of great concern in my home of Richmond. To see our national leadership downplay these concerns is simply shameful. Many critics of the CPP are of Asian descent themselves, either born as equal partners in Canada or having joined the equal partnership as immigrants.

Expressing dissent is not hatred. Iranians disapprove of the Ayatollah, Russians of the state kleptocracy and Hong Kongers of the SAR government. Even today, I am expressing disapproval of my government. This is not out of hate for, but rather my deep love of, Canada.

Immigration and RefugeesStatements By Members

NDP

Alexandre Boulerice NDP Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie, QC

Mr. Speaker, at this very moment, thousands of people who want to come live here are in distress because of unacceptable delays at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

Here are three people in my riding who want to share their story so they will no longer be invisible to the Liberal government.

Othniel Bernardin is a Haitian refugee who cannot wait 39 months to be reunited with his children, who are on their own in Haiti. Brice Biampandou has been waiting to be reunited with his family since 2017. That is four years. His financial situation is precarious, and he has to pay another $5,000 to have his medical exams redone because the first ones expired before his application was processed. Céline Magontier has been living and working in Quebec for 13 years. She is worried she will be forced to go back to France because IRCC has not acknowledged receipt of her application to extend her work permit.

The government is tearing lives and families apart. We need a concrete reunification plan and a courageous minister who is committed to going ahead with it.

John GomeryStatements By Members

Bloc

Claude DeBellefeuille Bloc Salaberry—Suroît, QC

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Bloc Québécois, I would like to offer my condolences to the family and friends of John Gomery, who passed away last week at the age of 88.

He was originally from Montreal but had been living in Havelock, which is in my riding, for the past few years. Simplicity, humanity and sincerity were his hallmarks, but history will remember him most for heading the commission of inquiry into the sponsorship program. The commission exposed the turpitude of the Liberal Party, which was diverting public funds to friends of the party on condition that they make donations to it and undermine Quebec's sovereignty.

I was fortunate enough to meet him a few times, and I will remember him more for his intrinsic honesty than for his aversion to corruption. His lengthy career as a lawyer and judge dedicated to noble causes made him a prime example of a citizen who is engaged, free and determined to live in a society that honours the principles of justice. May he rest in peace.

Comments by the Prime MinisterStatements By Members

Conservative

Nelly Shin Conservative Port Moody—Coquitlam, BC

Mr. Speaker, yesterday Conservatives asked the Prime Minister about the infiltration of scientists from the Chinese Communist regime's military into high-security Canadian labs. This breach of security is serious and deserves a serious response.

To my shock, the Prime Minister conflated our legitimate concerns about national security with racism against Asian-Canadians. He spun an inflammatory narrative that implies Conservatives are stoking intolerance. By using this false narrative, he has cheapened and undermined the ongoing efforts to combat the rise of anti-Asian racism.

All members should call out racism wherever it exists, but no member, especially the Prime Minister, should ever use this kind of hatred as a tool to distract from his own incompetence. As an Asian-Canadian MP who has combatted racism my whole life, I am appalled by the Prime Minister's audacity to belittle the seriousness and sensitivity of anti-Asian racism.

I call on the Prime Minister to make a public apology and retract these unacceptable statements.

Italian CanadiansStatements By Members

Liberal

Judy Sgro Liberal Humber River—Black Creek, ON

Mr. Speaker, I have had the honour of being a member of Parliament in the House for over 20 years, even though it seems like yesterday, but today is a very special day. It is something I have worked toward for some time.

To hear an official apology given by the Prime Minister of Canada in the House of Commons is a historical event. A black mark on the government has finally been removed through an apology to the families of the Italian internees of World War II.

May 27 will surely be a day that all Italian Canadians, especially those watching from my riding of Humber River—Black Creek, will always remember as I will. I know we cannot undo what has been done, but this apology will bring closure for the families I have heard from for many years.

I am proud of the Prime Minister and our government, and on behalf of myself, my wonderful husband, Sam Sgro, all those from Humber River—Black Creek and all those impacted, I say “Thank you, grazie, mille grazie.”

HealthOral Questions

Durham Ontario

Conservative

Erin O'Toole ConservativeLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, 15 months into a pandemic and Canada still does not have a national rapid testing regime, even for areas of federal jurisdiction.

In Taiwan, rapid testing has been in place for over a year. In the U.K., teenagers administer rapid tests themselves. However, the government's contract with Switch Health has been a complete failure.

After 15 months, why has the government failed on national rapid testing?

HealthOral Questions

Thunder Bay—Superior North Ontario

Liberal

Patty Hajdu LiberalMinister of Health

Mr. Speaker, there is a lot mixed into that question. On rapid testing, as the member opposite knows, we have sent millions and millions of tests to provinces and territories so they can deploy them quickly. We encourage the provinces and territories to do so.

We have also been working with many corporate partners to ensure that rapid tests are available to corporations and to small and medium-sized businesses. I have to thank the Minister of International Trade for her work in this department, and the Minister of Small Business. There is a lot of work going on to ensure that rapid tests are deployed across the country.

I would encourage the member opposite to check in with his premier colleagues to understand how these tests could be further deployed.

HealthOral Questions

Durham Ontario

Conservative

Erin O'Toole ConservativeLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, I would encourage the minister to check in with her top corporate partner, Switch Health.

One in six of its tests have failed to deliver a test result within the 14 day quarantine period. Since a test is needed to get out of quarantine, that failure rate is unacceptable. Switch Health has also had almost 5,000 tests that were unable to be processed and it could not have the people back to be retested.

The minister's corporate partner that she just talked about, its top one, its exclusive one, Switch Health, is failing. What is she going to do about it?

HealthOral Questions

Thunder Bay—Superior North Ontario

Liberal

Patty Hajdu LiberalMinister of Health

Mr. Speaker, we have been working with Switch Health and other partners, including adding partners, to testing at the border. I will remind the member opposite, however, that those tests are indeed PCR tests and they do take longer than a rapid test, which is turned around in 15 minutes or so.

As the member opposite knows, there are many different testing technologies in play in Canada and that is because of the federal government providing millions upon millions of resources to provinces, territories, businesses and corporate partners.

Yes, this is a team Canada approach. Testing is important and so are vaccinations. We will get the job done.

HealthOral Questions

Durham Ontario

Conservative

Erin O'Toole ConservativeLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, the minister has talked about her top corporate partner, Switch Health. Well, it has a 17% failure rate, which means thousands of Canadians have been stuck in quarantine longer than the 14 days. These tests were conducted on the 10th day after a return to Canada. It did not need 15 minutes; it had many days and it could not make it. It was clear that Switch Health messed up the process, so the Liberals actually changed the law to accommodate it.

Why did the federal government change its own program rather than change the company?

HealthOral Questions

Thunder Bay—Superior North Ontario

Liberal

Patty Hajdu LiberalMinister of Health

Mr. Speaker, those allegations are incorrect. As the member opposite knows, every step of the way we have been guided by science and evidence in regard to protection at the border. Switch Health has been improving its services. We have been working with it. We have added additional providers at the border to ensure that Canadians can get prompt results on day eight testing.

We will stop at nothing to ensure we do full due diligence to ensure travel is safe and Canadians are protected.

HealthOral Questions

Durham Ontario

Conservative

Erin O'Toole ConservativeLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, it is good to see that after 15 months, they are starting to improve.

Fifteen months into this pandemic, Canada still does not have a national testing regime.

In Taiwan, rapid testing has been in place for a year. In the United Kingdom, teens can administer the tests themselves. The contract with Switch Health has been a complete failure.

After 15 months, why has the government failed on rapid testing?

HealthOral Questions

Thunder Bay—Superior North Ontario

Liberal

Patty Hajdu LiberalMinister of Health

Mr. Speaker, yet again, the member opposite is conflating two different kinds of testing; one a PCR test that is deployed at the border through partners like Switch Health and DynaLIFE; and, second, rapid testing that can be deployed by trained volunteers. In fact, we have seen, for example, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, exactly that use by volunteers testing residents before they go into bars, pubs and restaurants.

We urge all provinces and territories to use the millions upon millions of rapid tests that we have shipped to them. We have provided guidance. We have provided best practices. We will continue to work to ensure that all forms of testing are deployed to protect Canadians.

HealthOral Questions