House of Commons Hansard #117 of the 44th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was quebec.

Topics

Opposition Motion—Ties Between the Canadian State and the MonarchyBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders

1:50 p.m.

Conservative

The Deputy Speaker Conservative Chris d'Entremont

I just want to remind folks that as people are starting to come in, the noise outside the chamber seems to be a lot noisier than normal. Every time the door from the lobby opened, we could hear it bleed into the microphone. Let us make sure we keep the volume down as people are coming into the chamber to participate in question period.

Questions and comments, the hon. member for Sarnia—Lambton.

Opposition Motion—Ties Between the Canadian State and the MonarchyBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders

1:50 p.m.

Conservative

Marilyn Gladu Conservative Sarnia—Lambton, ON

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the member opposite for her tribute. I also had a book of condolences in my office and the response from the community was overwhelming. The Queen certainly was very revered.

All of us in this House were the Queen's reps and now we are the King's reps. I was very surprised when I called the Governor General's office to try to get pictures of the King for the airport and my office. I was told they were not going to do that.

Would the member agree that with the new King in place, we should be making sure his presence is spread throughout the land?

Opposition Motion—Ties Between the Canadian State and the MonarchyBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders

1:50 p.m.

Liberal

Joanne Thompson Liberal St. John's East, NL

Mr. Speaker, it is still early days in King Charles III reign, so there is much work that still needs to happen. However, we are a country of diversity, a country that is made up of so many different places with different cultures. We are able to come together to share ideals, but also to celebrate our differences. I look forward to that continuing in the future.

Opposition Motion—Ties Between the Canadian State and the MonarchyBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders

1:55 p.m.

Bloc

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

Mr. Speaker, during our esteemed colleague's speech, I heard words like “celebration”, "jubilee”, “recognize” “commemorative coin”, “stamp” “participating”, “visits” and so on. For me, that is just a smokescreen. It is deliberately turning a blind eye and denying our reality. The member should look back at our history, the history of French Canadians, and at what happened two or three centuries ago.

Perhaps kowtowing and being subject to the monarchy and this completely archaic institution works for them, but I am letting them know that it does not work for most Quebeckers. We want nothing to do with that.

Opposition Motion—Ties Between the Canadian State and the MonarchyBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders

1:55 p.m.

Liberal

Joanne Thompson Liberal St. John's East, NL

Mr. Speaker, it is very interesting. Newfoundland and Labrador, as members know, joined Canada in 1949. Prior to that, we were under British rule. Our ability to still maintain a unique culture that is quite diverse and interesting along very different opinions and ways of being has come about because of our past. We grow stronger as we move forward when we understand who we are and we take the best of who we are, move into the future and learn from mistakes in the past.

Opposition Motion—Ties Between the Canadian State and the MonarchyBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders

1:55 p.m.

Independent

Kevin Vuong Independent Spadina—Fort York, ON

Mr. Speaker, I agree a lot with what my colleague has said. When I first swore an oath of allegiance to what was then Her Majesty's Royal Canadian Navy, it was such a huge part in becoming part of my identity, being the first in my family to grow up in this country. Was I Chinese Canadian? Was I Canadian? What was I?

I am hoping my colleague could speak a bit about the royal family's connection to what Canadian identity is.

Opposition Motion—Ties Between the Canadian State and the MonarchyBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders

1:55 p.m.

Liberal

Joanne Thompson Liberal St. John's East, NL

Mr. Speaker, each province in Canada is incredibly unique. As I said a few moments ago, we carry our own cultures forward. What is really interesting about our shared past, with the monarchy as part of our Constitution, is that we also have shared space where we can come together and celebrate who we are as individual provinces, and then also lean into what we have in common. It is that shared value that really creates the strong Canada we know and love.

Opposition Motion—Ties Between the Canadian State and the MonarchyBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders

1:55 p.m.

Bloc

Xavier Barsalou-Duval Bloc Pierre-Boucher—Les Patriotes—Verchères, QC

Mr. Speaker, for me, being a royal subject is not part of my identity that I am proud of. In fact, I would say that it is almost shameful. I might add that, unlike others here, I did not have a book of condolences for the Queen on my desk for people to sign, although anyone who wanted to was quite free to do so. That said, I listened to the monarchical plea of my colleague across the way. I strongly disagree with her, as members might have guessed.

Perhaps this particular thought might elicit an interesting response from her. Monarchy is imposed. However, we live in a democracy. As people elected by the public, we have the power to decide to free ourselves from the monarchy and emancipate ourselves. A majority of the population, both in Quebec and in Canada, would like to see us cut ties with the monarchy.

I would like to know if my colleague across the way, whose feelings for democracy must be quite strong, thinks it is important that the will of the people be reflected in the decisions of their elected representatives.

Opposition Motion—Ties Between the Canadian State and the MonarchyBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders

1:55 p.m.

Liberal

Joanne Thompson Liberal St. John's East, NL

Mr. Speaker, I can certainly tell the House that the constituents in my riding are very concerned with the cost of living, with the need to expand dental care and to work toward climate action.

Mayor of TorontoStatements by Members

1:55 p.m.

Liberal

Gary Anandasangaree Liberal Scarborough—Rouge Park, ON

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate His Worship John Tory, the mayor of the city of Toronto, on his decisive re-election last night.

Mayor Tory has been instrumental in bringing all the people of the city of Toronto together. He brilliantly manoeuvered the COVID-19 pandemic and ensured that the most vulnerable were supported.

Under Mayor Tory’s leadership, the City of Toronto is building an unprecedented level of transit, including the Scarborough subway extension. He is also committed to affordable housing and, in particular, transitional housing that has the proper supports for all.

Our government is fortunate to work with such a dynamic and accessible mayor, and we look forward to working to make Toronto an even better place to live, work and raise a family.

My heartfelt congratulations to the 25 city of Toronto councillors who were elected, including my municipal counterpart, Dr. Jennifer McKelvie, on her resounding re-election. I also want to welcome Jamaal Myers, the new councillor for Scarborough North.

Finally, I want to thank all those who put their names forward to serve their communities.

Nutrition InternationalStatements by Members

2 p.m.

Liberal

Arielle Kayabaga Liberal London West, ON

Mr. Speaker, today, marks three decades of Canadian global nutrition leadership. That is 30 years of Nutrition International being Canada’s flagship nutrition organization, whose work to eliminate malnutrition worldwide has saved over seven million lives.

Ensuring people have not only food but the right nutrition to allow them to survive and then thrive is more important than ever now. In this challenging global context, nutrition must continue to be a central pillar of Canada's efforts to tackle the food security crisis especially with the combined shocks of war, supply chain disruptions and droughts threaten our lives.

Nutrition International continues to work hand in hand with governments to support the most vulnerable communities and Canadians can be proud of this work. I wish Nutrition International a happy 30 years.

Marine IndustryStatements by Members

2 p.m.

Bloc

Maxime Blanchette-Joncas Bloc Rimouski-Neigette—Témiscouata—Les Basques, QC

Mr. Speaker, today is the 21st Quebec Marine Day, a day to recognize and celebrate the marine industry's many contributions to our collective well-being.

The marine industry is a true economic engine, directly and indirectly employing nearly 25,000 workers in Quebec. They work tirelessly from one end of the mighty St. Lawrence Seaway to the other, transporting the goods consumed by millions of North American households.

My riding is in the Lower St. Lawrence region, and the marine industry is a huge part of our daily lives and our culture. The seaway and its ships have shaped life in the Lower St. Lawrence for hundreds of years. Downtown Rimouski is also home to the Institut maritime du Québec, the largest marine training centre in the country, and the only francophone one.

Training the superior marine industry workforce of the future right in the heart of our region is a tremendous source of pride. May the marine industry continue to flourish, and I wish everyone an enjoyable Quebec Marine Day.

Canada-France Interparliamentary AssociationStatements by Members

2 p.m.

Liberal

Lena Metlege Diab Liberal Halifax West, NS

Mr. Speaker, the friendship between Canada and France is stronger than ever.

As a member of the Canada-France Interparliamentary Association, I helped strengthen our bilateral relations during our 48th annual meeting earlier this month. I would like to thank my colleagues from the association, our French counterparts, as well as the French senators and all those who welcomed us.

The week of exchange highlighted our common interests to protect the environment and promote cultural diversity. I learned a lot about the state of the francophonie in British Columbia, as well as about our relations with First Nations communities.

I also participated in the unveiling of the Amicitia France-Canada monument at Beechwood Cemetery in Ottawa, which commemorates our shared principles and the lasting historic connection between our countries. Vive le Canada! Vive la France!

The EconomyStatements by Members

2 p.m.

Conservative

Rosemarie Falk Conservative Battlefords—Lloydminster, SK

Mr. Speaker, activist policies drive the NDP-Liberal agenda, while economic management, transparency and basic government services fall by the wayside. Canadians still cannot get a passport. ArriveCAN contracts are being fabricated. Political interference is once again being covered up. The disappointments just keep coming.

Canadians are facing soaring costs, inflation at a 40-year high and a looming recession. They are watching the costs of everything go up and seeing the value of the dollar in their pockets shrink.

The cost of living is top of mind for my constituents and Canadians across the country, yet the NDP–Liberal coalition continues to tax, spend and pour fuel on the affordability crisis.

While the Prime Minister might go to great lengths to tell Canadians that he has their backs, the reality is that the NDP-Liberal costly coalition costs them the shirt off their backs.

Diwali and Bandi Chhor DivasStatements by Members

October 25th, 2022 / 2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Rechie Valdez Liberal Mississauga—Streetsville, ON

Mr. Speaker, October 24 is an important day of celebration for the Sikh, Hindu, Jain and Buddhist communities across Canada and all around the world. These communities will gather with friends and family to celebrate Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas.

The core values of Diwali celebrate that spiritual victory, knowledge, light and good will triumph over ignorance, evil and darkness.

Throughout this month, I had the honour of celebrating Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas with a multitude of groups and constituents in my riding. These celebrations remind us that diversity is our strength and they recognize the significant contributions that the Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist and Jain faiths make in Canada.

I would like to wish everyone who is celebrating, a happy Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas.

Municipal ElectionsStatements by Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Jenna Sudds Liberal Kanata—Carleton, ON

Mr. Speaker, yesterday was an exciting day in Ottawa, municipal election day. Today, we woke up with a new mayor-elect and new city council, including 11 new councillors.

I am incredibly proud of my friend Mark Sutcliffe, who is our new mayor for Ottawa, with his vision, his campaign and his dedication to making our city the best possible place. The energy of countless volunteers who rallied around Mark and his vision was contagious. Our city came out in large numbers, showing their confidence in his leadership and his vision.

For the three west Ottawa city councillors who serve in my riding of Kanata—Carleton, Cathy, Allan and Clarke, I look forward to working alongside them in our amazing community. For all the candidates who stepped up and had the courage to put their name on the ballot, our city is better because of them.

Lastly, I offer a special thanks to outgoing mayor Jim Watson for his steadfast leadership over the years. He has served us incredibly well and I hope he gets a much-deserved vacation.

Capital ExperienceStatements by Members

2:05 p.m.

Conservative

Jamie Schmale Conservative Haliburton—Kawartha Lakes—Brock, ON

Mr. Speaker, each year, two students from each of my riding's seven secondary schools are selected to participate in a program called the “Capital Experience”. During their three-day trip to Ottawa, they will learn about various career opportunities that await them following their graduation from post-secondary education.

I would like to introduce this year's participants: Brody Bolger and Veronica Baynon from Haliburton Highlands Secondary; Ella Voliotis and Jacob Partridge from Crestwood Secondary School; Logan MacInnis and Sophie Kaloudas from Fenelon Falls Secondary School; Olivia Rodd and Kayla Ryan from LCVI; Olivia Kylau and Jocelyn Kennedy from I.E. Weldon Secondary; Brodi Gorrill and Zoe Hannah from Brock High School; and, of course, Megan Rodd and Sarah Hawkins from St. Thomas Aquinas Secondary School.

This trip is only possible because of the generosity and kindness of local sponsors, such as Lions and Rotary clubs, Royal Canadian legions and small businesses.

It is my hope that these students will be inspired as they consider future opportunities. I would like to invite my colleagues to welcome these students to Ottawa.

HousingStatements by Members

2:05 p.m.

Conservative

Larry Brock Conservative Brantford—Brant, ON

Mr. Speaker, Canadians cannot afford the costly coalition between the Liberal Party and the NDP. While the government acknowledges that there is a housing affordability crisis, it has done nothing to address it. Instead, its massive chaotic spending drives ownership costs to record high levels.

Since the beginning of this year, the Bank of Canada's rate hikes have added hundreds of dollars to mortgage payments every single month. This is in addition to record high taxes, grocery prices and “just inflation”.

RBC's national aggregate housing affordability measure surpassed the previous worst-ever point in 1990. This is the verdict on the Prime Minister, who prioritizes his own political interests over the well-being of millions of Canadians and the future of our next generations.

In contrast, our new Conservative leader has a plan to restore the hope of home ownership in Canada. A Conservative government would stop this never-ending random spending by the NDP-Liberal—

HousingStatements by Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

The Speaker Liberal Anthony Rota

The hon. member for Nepean.

Prime Minister of the United KingdomStatements by Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Chandra Arya Liberal Nepean, ON

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of all Canadians, in particular Indo-Canadians, I wish to congratulate Rishi Sunak on becoming the first person of colour and the first Hindu to become the prime minister of the United Kingdom.

His achievement is a proud moment for over 1.2 billion people of Indian heritage all across the world, including in Canada. It is a Diwali gift to about 700,000 Hindu Canadians. For me, another matter of interest is that his wife, Akshata Murty, comes from Bangalore, the same place I come from, and speaks the same language, Kannada.

I hope Rishi Sunak will be an inspiration for the next generation of Hindu Canadians and will motivate them to step forward for a more active role in public service.

The EconomyStatements by Members

2:10 p.m.

Conservative

Joël Godin Conservative Portneuf—Jacques-Cartier, QC

Mr. Speaker, I would like to share my pessimism about the economic future of our country. The people of Portneuf—Jacques-Cartier, like all citizens of Canada, are worried about inflation on a daily basis, which tells us that we are heading full speed into a recession.

Everything costs more. The cost of food is going up. Every week, the grocery bill goes up. The cost of transportation cannot be circumvented as it affects all consumer goods. Winter is coming. Workers and their families will have to choose between putting food on the table and heating their homes, both of which are vital.

Meanwhile, the Liberals, along with their NDP accomplices want to raise taxes. With a recession approaching, now is not the time to raise taxes. Other countries have figured that out. Why is this Liberal-NDP coalition so out of touch? It is just basic common sense.

Will the government come to its senses and cancel all tax increases to bring hope and breathing space to all Canadians?

Agriculture and Agri-FoodStatements by Members

2:10 p.m.

Conservative

Warren Steinley Conservative Regina—Lewvan, SK

Mr. Speaker, Canadians have had enough of this government's reckless, punitive tax scheme. Farmers across Saskatchewan and the country feel ignored and mistreated by this government, and it just keeps getting worse. As we learned recently, the government will be tripling its carbon tax. The “Ottawa knows best” approach from Liberals keeps hamstringing our farmers as they try to dry their grain, heat their barns and export their first-class agriculture products around the world to help feed it.

A government led by our leader will respect farmers, listen to their concerns and work together to remove the gatekeepers in our country. Most importantly, we will scrap the carbon tax and finally give the respect to Canadian farmers that they have been missing for the past seven years.

Canadians and our farmers cannot afford the costly coalition between the NDP and the Liberals. A Canadian government should value and promote our agriculture sector, not try to tax it out of existence.

WarriorsStatements by Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Sherry Romanado Liberal Longueuil—Charles-LeMoyne, QC

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise to highlight the achievements of four Longueuil residents, members of the Warriors, who reached the podium at the obstacle course racing world championships held in Vermont in September. The team representing Canada at the competition won three medals, including a gold medal.

Léa Latour won the silver medal in the women's 13 to 19 age group in the 15-kilometre race. Chantal Castonguay, Émilie Chagnon and Léa Latour finished third with a bronze medal in the women's team race. Shawn Michel won the gold medal in the 3-kilometre race for men aged 20 to 29.

In all, 29 Warriors athletes participated in this event. The Warriors train every weekend at the Gérard-Filion school in Longueuil, in my riding.

Congratulations to all the participants and the winners.

AffordabilityStatements by Members

2:10 p.m.

NDP

Charlie Angus NDP Timmins—James Bay, ON

Mr. Speaker, winter is coming, Canadians are feeling the pressure of rising heating bills, and New Democrats are calling on this government to take the GST off home heating in order to give people some relief. Taking the GST off heating has been a long-standing policy of New Democrats, because it makes it easier for seniors and working-class families who are feeling the pressure of rising costs.

We attempted to work with the Conservatives on taking the GST off heating, but they refused, which is not surprising, because the Conservative Party is about the politics of division, while we are here about getting things done. We look at how they rail on about inflation while putting nothing on the table that is credible. We negotiated a doubling of the GST tax credit; we pushed for the investigation into gouging by grocery giants, and we are pushing forward with a national dental care strategy, while the Conservatives stand on the sidelines and howl in outrage.

When it comes to getting relief on heating bills, New Democrats will continue to put forward solutions that help the working class and seniors.

Electrification of TransportationStatements by Members

2:15 p.m.

Bloc

Rhéal Fortin Bloc Rivière-du-Nord, QC

Mr. Speaker, every day, dozens of my constituents are working on developing the transportation of tomorrow. With the presence of players such as Lion Electric, the Innovative Vehicle Institute, and the Composites Development Center of Quebec, Rivière-du-Nord is en route to the future, an innovative, clean and profitable route.

This is possible because our community, first and foremost with Marc Bourcier, the mayor of Saint-Jérôme, is fully invested. Together, we will continue to position Rivière-du-Nord as the hub of innovation in transportation and the electrification of transportation.

Today, in fact, the Innovative Vehicle Institute is holding a major event in Mirabel tied to the electrification of heavy transport, which is responsible for 37% of Quebec's greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector. I commend the people at the Innovative Vehicle Institute for their work. The Block Québécois and I support them.

The electrification of transportation is good for Rivière-du-Nord, good for Quebec and good for the planet.