Debates of May 7th, 2021

Mental Health Week

[Rachel Bendayan, Liberal, Outremont, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I really want to draw everyone's attention to Mental Health Week, which is coming to a close.

We know that the pandemic has affected everyone's mental health and that our youth are among those who have been hit hardest. I know this because my community has lost several young people.

That is why it is more important than ever to make sure this message gets to the people of Outremont and everyone who needs to hear it. You are not alone. Do not hesitate to seek help, to talk about it with the people around you and to take care of yourself.

We will never say it enough: It is okay not to be okay. I have had my own ups and downs over the last year. We all have.

However, yesterday, I received my first dose of the vaccine and the light at the end of this long COVID tunnel shone brighter because I know that with each jab, with each vaccine administered in an arm, we are one step closer to this being over.

We will get through this, Canada, and we will do so together.

RCMP Heritage Centre

[Warren Steinley, Conservative, Regina—Lewvan, SK]

Mr. Speaker, on May 23, 2007, the RCMP Heritage Centre officially opened its doors in Regina. It brought to life the story, beginning in 1885, of the training of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Over the past 14 years, it has grown to be a premier tourist venue. However, my Conservative colleagues, board members, Chair Steve McLellan, countless volunteers and local MLAs could see the potential for growth.

Through everyone's tireless advocacy and letters of endorsement, the centre will now be turned into a Canadian RCMP national museum. With nine national museums across Canada, and only one in western Canada, this is of huge national significance for our city and province. Located in the heart of my riding of Regina—Lewvan, the new museum will serve as another piece of national pride. The timing of this designation is perfect, with the RCMP celebrating 150 years in 2023.

Let the salute begin to all those who wear the red serge. Let us commemorate and honour the work they do each and every day in the service of our country.

Farmers' Markets in Newmarket—Aurora

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

Mr. Speaker, I am happy to announce that summer is right around the corner. I know that because last weekend both the Newmarket Farmers Market and The Aurora Farmers Market opened for the season. Every weekend from May to October we can expect over 40 vendors to welcome us, from farmers and artisans to community groups. Every year, these markets provide our community with an opportunity to support local, eat fresh and catch up with friends and neighbours.

While we continue to fight this virus, I am proud of how both markets have adapted and implemented local public health guidelines to keep us all safe. I look forward to visiting both markets over the next few months and catching up with constituents, while masked and physically distanced, rain or shine.

John McCain Prize for Leadership in Public Service

[Judy Sgro, Liberal, Humber River—Black Creek, ON]

Mr. Speaker, as chair of the Canada-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Group, it gives me great pleasure to rise in the House today to recognize the President of Taiwan. President Tsai is this year's winner of the John McCain Prize for Leadership in Public Service from the Halifax International Security Forum.

Taiwan has been a world leader in the fight against COVID-19. As the coronavirus has upended lives and economies around the world, Taiwan has been a model that other countries, including Canada, continue to learn from. Through President Tsai's leadership and hard work, Taiwan has had continued success in containing the ongoing pandemic, proving that a united population can be a force for good around the world.

I would like to congratulate President Tsai once again for the well-deserved recognition in receiving this prestigious award.

Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada

[Stephanie Kusie, Conservative, Calgary Midnapore, AB]

Mr. Speaker, this is my last statement of this session and possibly before we go to the polls. I am grateful for the four years that the good people of Calgary Midnapore have allowed me to be their voice, so I cannot let this opportunity pass without expressing the following.

Mr. Prime Minister, you have failed the people of Calgary Midnapore. You have taken away their right to make a living. You implemented Bill C-48 and Bill C-69. You delayed Trans Mountain. You did not stand up for Keystone XL and Line 5. You cancelled energy east and the northern gateway. You have called my small business owners “tax cheats” and attacked their retirements and succession plans. This was all before 2020.

You failed to protect them. You squashed their ingenuity of therapeutics, rapid tests and pilot projects. It is you who has delayed their freedom with your horrific procurement of vaccinations, delaying their lives and dreams.

You may want to forget what you have done to the people of Calgary Midnapore, but I will not let you.

Alain Baudot

[Rob Oliphant, Liberal, Don Valley West, ON]

Mr. Speaker, it is my honour today to pay tribute to Alain Baudot, who passed away this week.

Professor emeritus in the Department of French Studies at Glendon College, a faculty of York University located in Don Valley West, Alain Baudot created and ran departments, programs and a publishing house at Glendon over the years. He also tirelessly promoted the French language in Ontario. He loved French, but more than that, he enjoyed sharing his love of language and culture with his students.

A fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and a resident of Leaside, he actively celebrated International Day of La Francophonie every year in Toronto. Alain Baudot leaves a permanent legacy in the hearts of those who knew him.

I offer my deepest condolences to his colleagues at Glendon, but especially to his wife Carla and their daughters Laure and Érica.

May he rest in peace.

Canadian Cancer Society Relay for Life

[Todd Doherty, Conservative, Cariboo—Prince George, BC]

Mr. Speaker, nearly one in two Canadians is expected to be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. That means half of our family, friends and colleagues will hear the words “you have cancer” at some point in their lives. We all know someone whose life has been changed by this disease. Our family has been negatively impacted by cancer, and we have lost far too many friends and family members to this terrible disease.

The Canadian Cancer Society's Relay for Life takes place June 12. I will once again be walking the full 24 hours. At the Relay for Life, we show those we love that life is bigger than their diagnosis, and—

[The Deputy Speaker, Conservative, Bruce Stanton]

I am sorry to interrupt the member for Cariboo—Prince George, but it would appear that we are having an issue with sound. Does the hon. member have a headset he can use?

[Todd Doherty, Conservative, Cariboo—Prince George, BC]

Mr. Speaker, if you go to the next person, I will connect and then come back.

[The Deputy Speaker, Conservative, Bruce Stanton]

We will do that.

Let us go to the hon. member for Chicoutimi—Le Fjord.

Quebec at UNESCO

[Richard Martel, Conservative, Chicoutimi—Le Fjord, QC]

Mr. Speaker, 15 years ago, Quebec took a historic step that was celebrated this week by the National Assembly of Quebec, which voted to recognize the 15th anniversary of Quebec obtaining a seat at UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

Led by Stephen Harper in 2006, this project was and continues to be a major victory for Quebec. That should come as no surprise, as Conservatives have always taken this approach of openness towards Quebec. It is a recognition of our history, our culture and our people.

We are a proud nation in a united Canada, and this accomplishment underscores our importance and our contributions not only in Canada, but also around the world.

I am proud to be a Quebecker, and I feel that pride in my riding of Chicoutimi—Le Fjord and throughout our beautiful province. The recognition given to Quebec 15 years ago is a historic milestone and another reminder of what makes our province and our country so great.

[The Deputy Speaker, Conservative, Bruce Stanton]

We will go back to the hon. member for Cariboo—Prince George, and I will ask him to just pick it up from where he left off, if he can, and we will finish his statement.

The hon. member for Cariboo—Prince George.

[Todd Doherty, Conservative, Cariboo—Prince George, BC]

Mr. Speaker, at the Relay for Life, we show those we love that life is bigger than their diagnosis and that no matter where they live, they do not have to face cancer alone.

I relay for those we have lost. I relay for those who have fought cancer and won. I relay for those who are in the fight today. I relay for those left behind. I relay because I believe there will be a day when a cancer diagnosis is not a death sentence.

COVID-19 Support in New Westminster—Burnaby

[Peter Julian, NDP, New Westminster—Burnaby, BC]

Mr. Speaker, during the pandemic, as the third wave crashes on our shores, our hearts go out to the families of the more than 24,000 Canadians who have passed away. However, our hearts also go out to people making a difference in our communities.

In New Westminster and Burnaby we thank the nurses, doctors and health care workers at Royal Columbian Hospital and Burnaby Hospital. We thank the first responders: the New Westminster firefighters and Burnaby firefighters, who also organize events to help people struggling in our community; the Burnaby RCMP; the New Westminster police; and the B.C. Ambulance Service. We thank people in community organizations, like the New Westminster food bank, the Burnaby food bank, New West Helping Hands in New Westminster and Caring During Covid-19 Burnaby/New Westminster. We thank front-line workers, who are providing groceries, pharmaceutical products and essential services during the pandemic, and small business people.

We thank them all, and to thank them all, let us recommit to building back better and building a society where nobody is left behind.

Lion Electric

[Rhéal Fortin, Bloc, Rivière-du-Nord, QC]

Mr. Speaker, today at 4:00 p.m. sharp, the Lion Electric team will ring the closing bell on Wall Street to celebrate the listing of this jewel of our economy on the NYSE. We are going to be hearing a lot more about Lion Electric.

This great business, which manufactures zero-emission heavy vehicles, started out in Saint-Jérôme and has continued to grow. We are proud of its success and of the hundreds of high-quality jobs for the people living in the Laurentians and across Quebec, and we are proud of the company's reputation outside Canada.

Quebec is a leader in the electrification of transportation and the fight against climate change. The Bloc Québécois is and will remain a proud and reliable ally to all those who wish to help build a better and greener future focused on clean energy.

Congratulations and thank you to the entire Lion Electric team, its CEO, Marc Bédard, and its proud employees, suppliers and collaborators. Their outstanding success is a credit to the people of Rivière-du-Nord.

Natural Resources

[Damien Kurek, Conservative, Battle River—Crowfoot, AB]

Mr. Speaker, last night the House had an emergency debate on the pending shutdown of Enbridge's Line 5 pipeline. From the tens of thousands of jobs immediately affected to the energy insecurity that could lead to dangerous fuel shortages to the stress on the already limited market availability for western crude, this is an emergency.

The Liberals say a lot of the right things, but their actions show a different story, and I have observed a typical tactic that they employ when they have failed. They claim to need a team Canada approach, and to avoid questions they simply accuse the opposition of playing politics. We see through that charade. In this case, the evidence the evidence shows that they did not take it seriously, and they set a precedent with how they handled KXL. The result is that Canadians could be left in the dark.

This is not about Conservatives versus Liberals or left versus right. This is about standing up for Canadians, and the government, after six years, has shown it is not capable of that. Canadians deserve better.

Mother's Day

[Sonia Sidhu, Liberal, Brampton South, ON]

Mr. Speaker, as Mother’s Day is this Sunday, I want to highlight the contributions that mothers make every day. Although they often go without credit, mothers are the real heroes. A mother can take the place of all others, but nobody can take a mother's place.

I want to thank my own mother, who taught me the value of helping those in need. She is fighting a battle against cancer. Her strength inspires me. I know how much you are going through, mom. I am because of your values, resilience and strength, which only a mother could teach.

My message to all mothers is to take care of yourselves. We are often too busy taking care of our children, parents and families. We often forget about our own health, including mental health. You deserve to take care of yourselves.

Happy Mother’s Day to all of you.

[The Deputy Speaker, Conservative, Bruce Stanton]

Before we go to Oral Questions, I want to make a brief comment.

One of today's statements by members made ample use of “you” and “your” references. This style of speech is not accepted in the House. I remind hon. members, as the Speaker has done routinely, to direct their comments and their speeches to the Chair. There is a reason for that. I ask members to oblige and follow that practice.

Canadian Heritage

[Candice Bergen, Conservative, Portage—Lisgar, MB]

Mr. Speaker, with Bill C-10, the fact is that the Prime Minister is taking away Canadians' freedoms. However, instead of admitting how bad the bill is and scrapping it, he would rather insult people and accuse those who oppose it of wearing tinfoil hats.

The Liberals' amendments to Bill C-10 do not even come close to their promise to protect free speech, and that is according to Canada's leading Internet law expert.

Why is the Prime Minister so fixated on trying to control online speech?

[Steven Guilbeault, Liberal, Minister of Canadian Heritage]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday at committee, it was made clear that we want to focus on a few things. We want social media platforms to fairly financially contribute to our cultural industry, just like Canadian companies do, and make our Canadian artists discoverable like suggested playlists on YouTube.

We continue to stand with our artists and creators. It pains me to see the Conservatives work for the interests of foreign tech companies. I call on the Conservative Party of Canada to let the Canadian heritage committee pursue its work later today.

[Candice Bergen, Conservative, Portage—Lisgar, MB]

Mr. Speaker, let me let the minister know that two past commissioners of the CRTC have warned of significant problems with Bill C-10. They say that it is a threat to free speech. They say that it is actually going to suppress investment in the creative sector. It is going to stifle innovation by cultural entrepreneurs.

Free expression on the Internet is essential to Canadian free speech rights. Why do the Liberals want to control what Canadians say and hear online?

[Steven Guilbeault, Liberal, Minister of Canadian Heritage]

Mr. Speaker, we have been saying this from the beginning, and confirmed it last night. Bill C-10 is about fairness, not about what we can or cannot post online. Bill C-10 does not remove anything from Canadians. What it would do is give them more opportunities to meet with their artists and creators. How are we going to do this? By by making big streaming companies pay their fair share to our cultural institutions and ensure Canadian artists are discoverable on their platforms.

I invite the Conservative Party to join me in this important task and get Bill C-10 adopted. Our creators cannot afford to wait any longer.

[Candice Bergen, Conservative, Portage—Lisgar, MB]

Mr. Speaker, it is interesting to hear the Liberals talk about how awful web giants are in their defence of Bill C-10. Guess who is promoting a big interview with the web giant YouTube? That is right; it is the Prime Minister. Apparently, YouTube is okay as long as it is giving the Prime Minister what he wants. We cannot help Canadians from being awfully cynical when it comes to the government.

Why does the Prime Minister think that speech should only be free if it agrees with and helps him?

[Steven Guilbeault, Liberal, Minister of Canadian Heritage]

Mr. Speaker, if the Conservative Party members truly cared about freedom of speech, then it would let our democracy continue its work freely.

Again, this bill is not about what anyone can or cannot post online. Freedom of speech is not negotiable for our government. It is explicitly protected under this act and in our Charter of Rights and Freedoms. If the member opposite actually read the bill, she would see article 2(3). We will continue to abide by these rules and we should let the committee pursue its work. If it means a charter review. then it will be done at the end of the process.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

[Gérard Deltell, Conservative, Louis-Saint-Laurent, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the Premier of Quebec is getting impatient, and for good reason. Ottawa is dragging its feet on immigration files.

The QMI Agency reported this morning that Ottawa has a backlog of 51,446 immigration applications. This means that more than 51,000 people around the world are hoping and dreaming of living in Quebec, but Ottawa is dragging its feet.

Even though Quebec has more than 100,000 positions available, these people have to wait.

Why is Ottawa dragging its feet on applications for immigration to Quebec?