Debates of Oct. 17th, 2022

House of Commons Hansard #111 of the 44th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was need.

Topics

This summary is computer-generated. Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.

Pandemic Day Act Second reading of Bill S-209. The bill S-209 seeks to designate March 11 as a "Pandemic Observance Day" to commemorate those affected by COVID-19, reflect on the pandemic's impacts, and prepare for future health crises. Supporters, like the Liberal member for Vancouver Centre, argue it is crucial for learning from mistakes and building resilience. Conversely, the Conservative member for Cumberland—Colchester contends Canadians will not forget the pandemic and that the government should address systemic health care failures instead of creating an observance day. 8300 words, 1 hour.

Government Business No. 20—Proceedings on Bill C-31 Members debate a motion to fast-track Bill C-31, which proposes dental care for children and rental housing relief. Liberals and NDP support the motion, citing the urgent need to deliver benefits to families. Conservatives and Bloc Québécois oppose the motion, arguing it stifles democratic debate. They criticize the bill as costly, an infringement on provincial jurisdiction, and inadequate, particularly for Quebec's existing programs. 16700 words, 2 hours.

Statements by Members

Sam Merulla's Hamilton city service

Vladimir Kara-Murza's imprisonment in Russia

Women's History Month in Canada

Richard Perreault's service to Blainville

Sarkis Berejikian, shoemaker in Laval

Constables Northrup and Russell, fallen officers

Small businesses in Oakville, Burlington

Small business support in Fleetwood

Support for Canadian farmers

Conservative leader's anti-feminist hashtag

Inflation and carbon tax impact

Small businesses and carbon tax

The multidimensional crisis in Haiti

International Day for the Eradication

Poverty and old age pensions

Municipal election results in B.C.

Small Business Week in Sault Ste. Marie

Question Period

The Conservatives criticize the government's excessive spending and $500-billion deficit for fueling inflation and the cost of living crisis. They primarily focus on the planned tripling of the carbon tax, highlighting its impact on home heating, gas, and groceries. They also address rising violent crime and the struggles of small businesses due to payroll taxes.

The Liberals focus on making life more affordable for Canadians through doubling the GST credit, dental care for children, and disability benefits. They highlight their investments in climate action and clean energy transition, while also promoting small business support, gun control, and Canada's strong fiscal record and social programs like EI sickness benefits and affordable childcare.

The Bloc criticizes the government's new energy policy, arguing it promotes fossil fuel projects and sales, even bypassing environmental assessments, undermining the fight against climate change. They also demand the government assume the $26 billion EI debt from the pandemic.

The NDP address corporate greed and rising grocery prices, pushing for measures to help families. They demand accountability for the ArriveCAN app and question for-profit childcare. They also criticize the government's slow response in supporting Ukraine.

Federal Framework on Autism Spectrum Disorder Act First reading of Bill S-203. The bill provides for the development of a federal framework designed to support autistic Canadians, their families, and caregivers, building on previous efforts for a national autism strategy. 200 words.

Canada Disability Benefit Act Second reading of Bill C-22. Bill C-22 The bill establishes the Canada disability benefit to reduce poverty and support the financial security of working-age persons with disabilities. While there is unanimous consent in the House to advance the bill, many members express concerns that it is framework legislation lacking details on eligibility criteria, benefit amounts, and implementation timelines. Members also emphasize the need to ensure the benefit complements existing provincial programs without leading to clawbacks and supports access to employment. 20000 words, 2 hours.

Adjournment Debates

AEDs in RCMP cruisers Scott Reid advocates for AEDs in RCMP cruisers, citing potential lives saved. Pam Damoff acknowledges the importance but emphasizes consultation with provinces/territories due to cost-sharing agreements. Reid asks about provincial initiatives and overcoming RCMP resistance, and Damoff reiterates the need for consultation and welcomes private donations.

ArriveCAN app and travel mandates Brad Vis questions the scientific basis and timing of lifting travel mandates. He criticizes the ArriveCAN app's cost and design, and suggests a royal commission to examine COVID-19 spending. Pam Damoff defends ArriveCAN as a safety measure and says the government is working with the U.S. to restore NEXUS services.

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HealthAdjournment Proceedings

6:15 p.m.

Conservative

Brad Vis Conservative Mission—Matsqui—Fraser Canyon, BC

Mr. Speaker, I have no doubt that all members of the House, all 338 of us, care about the Charter of Rights and its application. What I am saying here today is that we have made so many consequential decisions, even on this side of the House, and have not properly examined the impact on our rights, the societal impact and the fiscal impact they are going to have on future generations in Canada.

I do not recall referencing NEXUS in my question for the minister, but I will take that in good faith from the member. I would simply ask, then, as my primary question in the minute I have left today, about the reason the American government has not decided to reconstitute offices in Canada. Is it related to the application of firearms for American officers on Canadian soil?

HealthAdjournment Proceedings

6:15 p.m.

Liberal

Pam Damoff Liberal Oakville North—Burlington, ON

Mr. Speaker, I know the Minister of Public Safety and his U.S. counterpart have been in discussions to get NEXUS back in Canada. I will reiterate that when our American counterparts are ready to deploy their officers to Canada, we will be ready to facilitate it.

Canadians want to get back to their lives and put the pandemic behind them, and I assure the hon. member that we continue to work with the United States to ensure that our American counterparts can deploy their officers in Canada again.

HealthAdjournment Proceedings

6:15 p.m.

The Speaker Anthony Rota

It being 6:20 p.m., the House stands adjourned until tomorrow at 10 a.m. pursuant to Standing Order 24(1).

(The House adjourned at 6:20 p.m.)