House of Commons Hansard #111 of the 43rd Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was point.

Topics

Bill C-10—Time Allocation MotionBroadcasting ActGovernment Orders

10:55 a.m.

Liberal

Mark Gerretsen Liberal Kingston and the Islands, ON

How is that relevant?

Bill C-10—Time Allocation MotionBroadcasting ActGovernment Orders

10:55 a.m.

Conservative

Garnett Genuis Conservative Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, AB

The point is that it is a challenging job, and we acknowledge that it is a challenging job. The role of the Chair is crucial in defending the rights and prerogatives of the House.

To just respond briefly to the absurd heckles, even more absurd than the usual heckles from the member for Kingston and the Islands, I was not in any way implying that—

Bill C-10—Time Allocation MotionBroadcasting ActGovernment Orders

10:55 a.m.

Liberal

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

I think we have heard all the arguments. I am now ready to rule on the point of order raised by the hon. member for Lethbridge.

Bill C-10—Time Allocation MotionBroadcasting ActGovernment Orders

10:55 a.m.

Some hon. members

Oh, oh!

Bill C-10—Time Allocation MotionBroadcasting ActGovernment Orders

10:55 a.m.

Liberal

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

I am ruling on the point of order made by the hon. member for Lethbridge. I have started my ruling.

Bill C-10—Time Allocation MotionBroadcasting ActGovernment Orders

10:55 a.m.

Some hon. members

Oh, oh!

Bill C-10—Time Allocation MotionBroadcasting ActGovernment Orders

10:55 a.m.

Liberal

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

Yes, we are approaching eleven o'clock, when we will have to go to statements by members. I am ruling. I am going to rule on the hon. member's initial point of order.

Bill C-10—Time Allocation MotionBroadcasting ActGovernment Orders

10:55 a.m.

Some hon. members

Oh, oh!

Bill C-10—Time Allocation MotionBroadcasting ActGovernment Orders

10:55 a.m.

Liberal

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

I am going to rule on the hon. member for Lethbridge's point of order. We can go back to points of order after we deal with statements by members and Oral Questions.

Bill C-10—Time Allocation MotionBroadcasting ActGovernment Orders

11 a.m.

Conservative

Pierre Poilievre Conservative Carleton, ON

Madam Speaker, on a point order. For your ruling to have weight, members of the House must have had the opportunity to hear the debate that led to that ruling. In the middle of the speech by the member for Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, which is not in Saskatchewan but in Alberta, I could—

Bill C-10—Time Allocation MotionBroadcasting ActGovernment Orders

11 a.m.

Liberal

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

I think the member is going to tell me about the French and English interpretation, but it was available.

Bill C-10—Time Allocation MotionBroadcasting ActGovernment Orders

11 a.m.

Conservative

Pierre Poilievre Conservative Carleton, ON

Madam Speaker, it was not the issue of French and English, although that is a very important issue because we are a bilingual country. The issue was audibility.

The member for Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan was in the middle of speaking when the member for Kingston and the Islands began to yell and scream about kings and monarchs and other matters that are unrelated to the debate, which rendered the member for Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan inaudible to members of the House. Therefore, we are not able to judge whether or not your ruling, Madam Speaker, includes the comments that he has made in this debate.

Now, I think that the views of the member Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan are particularly important to this particular matter, because, of course, Edmontonians have a profound history of defending their freedoms and their freedoms of expression that goes back many generations, which is why I think this member has raised the point.

The role of the House of Commons is to raise issues on the floor of the chamber that reflect the values of their constituents, but if the member for Kingston and the Islands begins speaking with such volume that the member for Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan cannot be heard, it is not the member for Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan who is silenced, but the hundred thousand constituents who live in his riding whose voices do not resound in this august chamber.

This leaves you, Madam Speaker, in a position where you are expected to render a ruling without having heard the arguments because of the obnoxious behaviour of one particular member on the other side. I note that we have here a number of Conservative, Bloc and NDP members who are contributing to the debate, but one member in the Liberal caucus is making more noise than all of us combined, and that is rendering the debate inaudible.

Bill C-10—Time Allocation MotionBroadcasting ActGovernment Orders

11 a.m.

Liberal

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

I have been lenient in allowing this debate to proceed.

I see the hon. member for Elgin—Middlesex—London rising.

Bill C-10—Time Allocation MotionBroadcasting ActGovernment Orders

11 a.m.

Conservative

Karen Vecchio Conservative Elgin—Middlesex—London, ON

Madam Speaker, I recognize that this is a very difficult topic, so I would ask that we actually move to statements of the day, go to question period, and then reconvene to this discussion.

Chantel MooreStatements by Members

11 a.m.

Green

Elizabeth May Green Saanich—Gulf Islands, BC

Madam Speaker, I rise this morning on a very sombre occasion. It is June 4, the first anniversary of the killing of a beautiful young mother and member of the community of the Nuu-chah-nulth. Chantel Moore was killed a year ago today. As I speak here, the hon. member for Fredericton is with Chantel Moore's mother at a memorial service in Fredericton.

It has been a year since Chantel Moore was killed. We know the name of her killer. He is a member of the Edmundston, New Brunswick police force. He killed her on the threshold of her home. She was shot five times. This was in the course of a wellness check.

I am wearing yellow. It was Chantel Moore's favourite colour. Her mother would like us to wear yellow for all of the indigenous people who have been shot, killed and injured by police forces across Canada.

Since Chantel's killing, two more members of the same indigenous nation have been shot by the RCMP. This must stop. Let us fight for Chantel Moore, her memory and the truth.

Pastor Ralph BensonStatements by Members

11:05 a.m.

Liberal

Scott Simms Liberal Coast of Bays—Central—Notre Dame, NL

Madam Speaker, I rise with great sadness today to honour Pastor Ralph Benson, who died tragically last month.

Pastor Benson faced many challenges as a young man, but through his relationship with our saviour he persevered to become a pillar in his church, his family and of all Newfoundland and Labrador. Known for his infectious energy and having a huge heart for people, he served Gander and the surrounding area in many ways. Pastor Benson was always there to support and love.

Serving with him through it all is Paulette his wife. They raised three wonderful children, Melissa, Adam and Melanie, and that brings us to perhaps his best role, as "Poppy". His love and pride for his grandchildren were limitless. Nick, Julia, Daniel, Gracie, Avery, Luke and Jesse will walk with his spirit for the rest of their lives.

The loss of Pastor Benson leaves a great hole in our lives and in our hearts. On behalf of all of us here in the House of Commons, I offer our condolences to the family. We will think of Pastor Benson often, until we see him again. God bless.

YellowheadStatements by Members

11:05 a.m.

Conservative

Gerald Soroka Conservative Yellowhead, AB

Madam Speaker, last month the community of Tomahawk faced a wildfire. Preparing for the worst-case scenario, certain areas of the community were evacuated. From the start of the fire, food and monetary donations poured in and there were numerous offers to help transport and board livestock.

I am in awe at the strength of Tomahawk and the surrounding area, and proud to represent a community so dedicated to helping one another in times of need. This crisis brought the community together and perfectly showcases what it means to be an Albertan.

I would also like to congratulate all the 2021 graduates in my riding of Yellowhead, who have supported each other while doing part of their school year online. These graduates worked through the challenges presented to them and succeeded. I send my congratulations to the class of 2021 on their hard work and dedication. They should remember that this is only the beginning of what they will accomplish.

Tony De SousaStatements by Members

June 4th, 2021 / 11:05 a.m.

Liberal

Julie Dzerowicz Liberal Davenport, ON

Madam Speaker, I rise in the House today to pay tribute to Tony De Sousa, a beloved member of the Portuguese community. Tony tragically passed away from cancer on May 26 at the age of 63.

An entrepreneur, born in Lourinha, Portugal, he made Canada his home in 1970. Throughout his life, he remained deeply connected to his roots and was dedicated to the continued success of the Portuguese community in Canada.

As president of the Portuguese Cultural Centre of Mississauga for six years, Tony was a leader who worked tirelessly to keep Portuguese traditions, culture and language alive. He was particularly committed to engaging youth and fostering the love of Portuguese music, dance and culture in the next generations.

One of the local Portuguese newspapers said that he died too young, with too much fado left to listen to, too much music to dance to, and many traditions and cultures still left to live. He will always be fondly remembered, and his contributions will be honoured and never forgotten.

I send our deepest condolences to his wife, Luisa, as well as to his daughter and son-in-law, Michelle and Bruno, and his granddaughter, Jessica.

Pandemic RecoveryStatements by Members

11:05 a.m.

NDP

Charlie Angus NDP Timmins—James Bay, ON

Madam Speaker, I have a dream. It is not a big dream. I dream of sitting on a patio with a cold beer and some friends.

I dream of seeing my mom, whom I have not seen in a year and a half. I dream of seeing my brother, my sister and my little nieces, who are growing like wild weeds.

I dream of watching the very first match of the Cochrane Cricket Club in the Northern Ontario Cricket League, and I do not even know if I like cricket.

I dream of ICU wards that are not full of people desperately trying to stay alive.

I dream that the state of emergency in Fort Albany, Timmins and Moosonee will be lifted so people can travel and see their loved ones.

To make this dream a reality, I am willing to do my part. I am going to get that second dose. I am going to limit contact and break the chain of transmission.

I dream that this nation will come out of these very terrible times a better nation, a more compassionate nation, that we will learn the lessons from these very, very hard months and come together to build a country that leaves no one behind.

That is my dream, and I am looking forward to that beer.

Infrastructure Projects in OrléansStatements by Members

11:05 a.m.

Liberal

Marie-France Lalonde Liberal Orléans, ON

Madam Speaker, yesterday, June 3, was World Bicycle Day, a day to highlight road safety awareness and the importance of active transportation for our communities.

I am taking this opportunity to commend the government for its active transportation policies, and also for its support to our municipalities, which allows us to revitalize and improve our neighbourhoods.

On Monday, I joined my colleague, municipal councillor Matthew Luloff, to announce the construction of a picnic area at Queenswood Ridge Park in Orléans. This was made possible by an investment in our community of more than $1 million as part of the municipal component of Infrastructure Canada's investing in Canada infrastructure program: COVID-19 resilience stream.

Pavilions, pedestrian walkways and multi-use paths that will allow cyclists to ride safely are among the projects approved in our community.

Maternity BenefitsStatements by Members

11:10 a.m.

Conservative

Chris Lewis Conservative Essex, ON

Madam Speaker, at the outset of the pandemic, Canadians facing hardships were promised the support they needed.

Today, I stand with the MP for Kildonan—St. Paul to bring attention to a maternity benefit issue that needs urgent action. Many mothers have lost their jobs during the pandemic. Those still working have reduced hours and may not qualify. Some Chrysler workers from my riding may face layoffs until the fall.

New mothers and pregnant women currently receiving EI benefits may be forced back to work within weeks of giving birth. They will need to file a new claim, requiring new insurable hours to qualify. These moms should not have to cut short precious time with their newborn children. As a temporary measure, Conservatives are calling on the government to allow expectant mothers and new mothers on EI to receive their full maternity benefits regardless of insurable hours.

Time is running out for these mothers. To quote my colleague, “Protecting maternity benefits is something all parliamentarians can support.”

Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752Statements by Members

11:10 a.m.

Liberal

Majid Jowhari Liberal Richmond Hill, ON

Madam Speaker, the downing of flight PS752 has struck a chord with my constituents and the Iranian Canadian community.

The long road to have full accountability, justice and reparation has been challenging, with little transparency on the part of the government of Iran. Throughout this painful journey, the Canadian government and the strong community voices continue to lead on this fight. On May 20, 2021, the Ontario Superior Court joined this fight and ruled that the downing of flight PS752 was an act of terrorism.

In addition to the steps taken by our government to date, a path to permanent residency for families of the victims and the appointment of Mr. Payam Akhavan as a senior adviser on the PS752 case are other key steps—

Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752Statements by Members

11:10 a.m.

Liberal

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

I have to interrupt the hon. member.

The hon. member for Berthier—Maskinongé.

Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752Statements by Members

11:10 a.m.

Bloc

Yves Perron Bloc Berthier—Maskinongé, QC

Madam Speaker, I rise on a point of order. There is no interpretation.

Would the member start again with interpretation?

Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752Statements by Members

11:10 a.m.

Liberal

Majid Jowhari Liberal Richmond Hill, ON

Madam Speaker, the downing of flight PS752 has struck a chord with my constituents and the Iranian Canadian community.

The long road to have full accountably, justice and reparation has been challenging, with little transparency on the part of the Government of Iran. Throughout this painful journey, the Canadian government and the strong community voices continue to lead on this fight. On May 20, 2021, the Ontario Superior Court joined this fight and ruled that the downing of flight PS752 was an act of terrorism.

In addition to the steps taken by our government today, a path to permanent residency for families of victims and the appointment of Mr. Payam Akhavan as a senior adviser on the PS752 case are other key steps in continuing an approach of support and to strive for just closure.

Let there be no mistake. Those who were involved will be held responsible through all means and tools available in both courts of law and people. I would like to thank the Government of Canada for its ongoing leadership and support for all who have been impacted—