House of Commons Hansard #123 of the 44th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was wrongdoing.

Topics

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

The Speaker Liberal Anthony Rota

It being Wednesday, we will now have the singing of the national anthem led by the hon. member for Argenteuil—La Petite‑Nation.

[Members sang the national anthem]

Human Rights in IranStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Patrick Weiler Liberal West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country, BC

Mr. Speaker, the inexplicable actions of the Iranian regime that led to the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini and the brutal violence it has perpetrated on its people have led to a watershed moment in history. People in Iran have said that enough is enough. Iranians protested and rallied in B.C., across Canada and around the world to demand change. They are demanding freedom, they are demanding justice and they are demanding that women's rights be respected. Canada has answered.

The individuals who are responsible for this tyranny will find no safe harbour in Canada, and non-Canadians will be expelled. Ill-gotten gains of these individuals in Canada will be seized and frozen.

Canada will continue to stand with the Iranian Canadian community and to do everything we can to keep them safe, as they and the brave children, women and men in Iran and around the world courageously stand up for basic human rights.

Zan, Zendegi, Azadi.

Leader in Indigenous Fiscal ManagementStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Conservative

Frank Caputo Conservative Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo, BC

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Mr. Manny Jules, a community member and incredibly distinguished leader.

He has dedicated his life to public service and the economic and social advancement of indigenous peoples across Canada. Mr. Jules served as Kukpi7, or chief, of Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc for 16 years, and in 1988 led the amendment to the Indian Act so that first nations could levy taxes on property on reserve.

He also helped create, and served as the chair of, the Indian Taxation Advisory Board, and was a visionary behind the current first nation property tax system. He was instrumental in the First Nations Fiscal Management Act, and he was the initial first nations chief commissioner since 2006.

I admired Mr. Jules, as I watched him from a distance as a young man. Getting to know him has been my honour as an MP. Receiving a blanket from him is something that I will not soon forget.

Black Military HistoryStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Pam Damoff Liberal Oakville North—Burlington, ON

Mr. Speaker, Honour Before Glory is a moving documentary and important piece of Canadian history directed by Anthony Sherwood regarding our nation’s one and only all-Black military battalion that was formed during World War I. The plot is based on the diary of Captain William White, sharing the story of the segregated battalion that allowed Black men who had previously been turned away by recruiters to enlist in the military.

In honour of Remembrance Day and in partnership with my friends and colleagues, the Minister of National Defence and Oakville Councillor Jeff Knoll, as well as Film.Ca Cinemas, we will be screening the documentary in Oakville on November 9 at 6:30 p.m.

I am thrilled to be joined by the director and the Minister of National Defence for conversation following the screening. There is no cost to attend this event, but space is limited. People may visit the link tree in my social media to reserve tickets.

Léandre DionStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Bloc

Simon-Pierre Savard-Tremblay Bloc Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot, QC

Mr. Speaker, Léandre Dion, a proud Quebecker and proud Maskoutan, passed away on October 29. He served as the PQ MNA for Saint‑Hyacinthe in the Quebec National Assembly from 1994 to 2007. He worked with important people in Quebec's political history during the 1995 referendum, a very pivotal time.

Léandre was definitely what one would call a man of the people who made an extraordinary contribution to his riding. His greatest legacy is the major role he played in the creation of Saint‑Hyacinthe's City of agri-food, veterinary and agri-environmental biotechnology.

It is no coincidence that he was awarded the Prix de la Technopole in 2018 for his commitment to the agri-food industry in the Saint‑Hyacinthe region.

On behalf of the Bloc Québécois, I extend my sincere condolences to his loved ones. An entire region is in mourning. He left us before he was able to make his dream come true. It is up to us to continue the work so that his dream becomes a reality and Quebec finally becomes a country.

Carbon PricingStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Sophie Chatel Liberal Pontiac, QC

Mr. Speaker, I have spoken to farmers and other people in my riding who are concerned about flooding and prolonged drought caused by the climate crisis because it will permanently increase grocery prices.

Quebeckers want to see action and co‑operation here in Canada and internationally. Federal carbon pricing does not apply to provinces that have their own systems, such as Quebec, British Columbia and Newfoundland, but it ensures a level playing field and ensures that together we will fulfill our obligations to our children.

Do the Conservatives in those provinces understand that when they argue against federal legislation, they are arguing against the interests of their own citizens?

A responsible federal government adopts a pricing approach that will ensure fairness across the country.

Remembrance DayStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Conservative

Colin Carrie Conservative Oshawa, ON

Mr. Speaker, next week is Veterans' Week and on Friday, November 11, we will finally be able to meet in person to honour our veterans at Memorial Park in downtown Oshawa. Hundreds of my friends and neighbours will be in attendance as we get back to our regular services.

I want to thank my local Royal Canadian Legion branches 43 and 637, our military service clubs and the City of Oshawa for their coordinated efforts in organizing this year's ceremony.

I can proudly say that, in Oshawa, Remembrance Day is like none other across Canada. We welcome all to join us for this spectacular event as we will even have tanks on parade from our very own Ontario Regiment Museum.

This is the time we stand together, humbled, and reflect upon the sacrifices of those who laid down their lives so that we can live free. As we know, freedom is not free.

I am thankful for the work of our great community leaders in organizing this ceremony, and I look forward to paying my respects.

Lest we forget.

Remembrance DayStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Jenica Atwin Liberal Fredericton, NB

Mr. Speaker, for the town of Oromocto, my hometown, Remembrance Day is more than just one day in November, it is a way of life.

Our town is home to the second-largest military base in our nation and has one of the highest concentrations of veterans and service members in Canada. For us, honouring the people who have given their lives in service to Canada is a constant commitment. It is the fabric of our community.

Today, walking the streets of Oromocto, we will see banners hanging from the streetlights that share the names and stories of men and women who have served our country. We are extremely privileged to be able to call this glorious land home, while so many people across the world are still fighting to keep and protect theirs.

I invite all Canadians to reflect on the service of the ones who sacrificed their lives, who fought for our collective and individual freedom, for the rights that we hold so dear and for this beautiful country.

Lest we forget.

Indigenous Disability Awareness MonthStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Jaime Battiste Liberal Sydney—Victoria, NS

Mr. Speaker, November is Indigenous Disability Awareness Month. Many may be surprised to know that indigenous people have rates of disabilities three times higher than the average Canadian, many times without the support that many Canadians enjoy. However, they are some of the most resilient, kind and humble people in our communities.

One particular constituent comes to mind, and I would like to acknowledge Keenan Denny, fondly known in the Mi'kmaw community of Eskasoni as “Jinko”.

Despite having been diagnosed with BBS at the age of 15, Jinko has never let his disability stand in the way of his daily walk with the use of a cane to pick up the mail, or a visit with neighbours while fundraising for the National Institute for the Blind. From time to time, Jinko may fall, but he always gets up. He knows that he has a community that supports him, and so will the government that I am proud to stand with as we put forward the first-ever federal disability benefit in Canadian history with Bill C-22.

For all of the resilient indigenous people with disabilities in Canada, November is our time to recognize them, appreciate them and ensure that we take the necessary steps to help them.

TaxationStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Conservative

Larry Brock Conservative Brantford—Brant, ON

Mr. Speaker, the Liberals and the NDP coalition placed the financial well-being of Canadians on hold when they chose to vote against our Conservative motion to cancel the carbon tax on home heating. However, the leader of the NDP posted the following: “A cold Canadian Winter is coming. And this year, home heating costs could go up by 50 to 100% for Canadian families.”

This is hypocrisy at its finest. The NDP leader collects signatures to allegedly make life more affordable for families, but votes with the Liberal government to triple taxes, including those on home heating.

We said it before and I repeat it again: Canadians cannot afford the costly coalition between the Liberals and the NDP. Enough of two-faced politics. They must stop printing money while claiming to fight the cost of living crisis in this country. To keep Canadians warm this winter, the Prime Minister and his NDP caucus must commit to no new taxes and no more spending.

Maisonneuve Community CentreStatements By Members

November 2nd, 2022 / 2:15 p.m.

Liberal

Soraya Martinez Ferrada Liberal Hochelaga, QC

Mr. Speaker, today I want to mark the 50th anniversary of a fixture in the Hochelaga-Maisonneuve community, the Centre Communautaire culturel social et éducatif Maisonneuve, or CCSE.

Since its inception, the CCSE has been involved in the cultural, social, educational and even physical development of our entire community. In its early days, it was one of the first to understand that cultural and social factors affect individual well-being. Economic challenges put recreational activities out of some people's reach.

All these years, the CCSE has enriched the lives of young and old alike through activities such as dance, sports and the arts. It is there for people from early childhood through the golden years.

Last week, I had the pleasure of awarding the organization a commemorative medal and certificate. I want to thank the executive director, Nadia Bourassa; Réal Ménard, former MP and chair of the board; all the volunteers; and everyone who, throughout the organization's 50-year history, has worked for the community.

Government SpendingStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Conservative

Ben Lobb Conservative Huron—Bruce, ON

Mr. Speaker, when the Liberals spend, it is Canadians who pay. Hard-working Canadians pay through crushing inflation when they are buying groceries, filling up their vehicles and heating their homes. The Liberals have added more to Canada's debt in seven years than all the other governments combined in its 150 plus years of history.

With all this Liberal spending, is our country further ahead? No, it is not. It seems everything the Liberals are responsible for is broken. Instead of investing, the Liberals have wasted Canadians' hard-earned dollars. For example, they spent $54 million on the ArriveCAN app, which should have cost $250,000.

The next time someone goes in for an overtime shift or to work an extra shift on the weekend, or the next time someone feels like they are working seven days a week to get ahead, I want them to remember one thing: Canadians deserve better. They deserve a government that will cut government waste and respect our hard-earned taxpayer dollars.

TaxationStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Conservative

Chris Lewis Conservative Essex, ON

Mr. Speaker, if the government had actually managed its accounts, maybe it would not need to triple the carbon tax on Canadian people. The NDP leader, in the government's costly coalition, is attempting to cover up the mistake he has made by supporting the government tripling the carbon tax. Now he is asking for the government to remove the GST from home heating bills.

The government continues to bring Canadians to their knees as it increases taxes. The cost of living is through the roof. Credit card debt is through the roof. Mortgage interest rates and the cost of food are through the roof. This is a record-breaking government for all the wrong reasons, not to mention the $54 million the government wasted on the ArriveCAN scam.

The NDP cannot do one thing and then do another. Their blatant hypocrisy is unbelievable. If they want to cut taxes, why not start with the carbon tax?

Breast CancerStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Liberal

Ya'ara Saks Liberal York Centre, ON

Mr. Speaker, it is often said that 50 is the new 40. However, when it comes to safe standardized breast cancer screening, starting at age 50 for Canadian women is simply too late. Current screening standards are not meeting the reality of what Canadian women need when it comes to early detection.

A recent report by Statistics Canada showed that growing rates of women are facing late-stage breast cancer when screening is only accessible at 50. Numbers jump again for women who are racialized, marginalized, or from rural and remote communities. As federal members, we can be leaders in empowering women to access early detection, no matter what province there are in across the country.

We all know someone, whether she is our mother, daughter, sister or aunt, who has bravely faced breast cancer head on. For me it is my constituent and friend Shira Farber. She has been an incredible advocate for our York Centre community and now she is one for women from coast to coast to coast facing breast cancer, as she battles for her own life with three children at home and an entire community behind her.

I ask women across the country to stand up for women to meet standards at the age of 40 to be screened safely, for their health and for the health of all Canadian women.

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and GirlsStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

NDP

Jenny Kwan NDP Vancouver East, BC

Mr. Speaker, the missing and murdered indigenous women and girls inquiry declared that Canada carried out a genocide three years ago. The lack of progress in the 231 calls for justice is beyond shocking. At a recent coalition of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls meeting, the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations acknowledged that the process needs to be indigenous-led, but he admitted that he does not know how to proceed.

The coalition has been advocating for inclusion and a seat at the decision-making table from the outset. Not only have they been excluded, they have also been forced to create their own action plan without any government support or resources. Frontline workers who work closely supporting vulnerable indigenous women have also been ignored. Communication with these stakeholders ranged from non-existent to sporadic.

It is time that the minister listened to these women to ensure they are included in the development and execution of the federal pathway plan. The NDP is also calling for independent oversight of government bodies and repercussions for negligence in meeting timeline and targets. Enough is enough.

Michel LepageStatements By Members

2:20 p.m.

Bloc

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

Mr. Speaker, Michel Lepage passed away on October 25, 2022, just before his 75th birthday. Mr. Lepage was an expert pollster who worked for the Parti Québécois for 30 years and served under five premiers from René Lévesque to Bernard Landry. He could predict the outcome of an election within a hair's breadth.

Michel Lepage dedicated his entire life to Quebec's independence. He was always cheerful and never missed a gathering or an election. He was there for every battle, always present and ready to fight for the cause. When he offered to help out with my Bloc Québécois nomination, I was deeply honoured. Having Michel in my corner was a guaranteed win.

He was also passionate about heritage, and it is thanks to him that many churches are still standing today. He was often more interested in financing churches than in winning elections. Michel was the kind of guy who worked behind the scenes, putting all his energy into every project without asking for anything in return. He was an outstanding activist, a pillar of advocacy.

I salute my friend, who will forever live in our hearts.

FinanceStatements By Members

2:20 p.m.

Conservative

Jasraj Singh Hallan Conservative Calgary Forest Lawn, AB

Mr. Speaker, another day, another $100,000 of new debt, all on the backs of Canadians. The costly coalition has added more to Canada’s debt than every prime minister who came before him combined. The result is record-high, Liberal-made inflation and six consecutive interest rate hikes.

The Conservative Leader has been warning for years that out-of-control Liberal spending would cause inflation to balloon. More Liberal spending means the Bank of Canada had to increase the money supply, meaning the printers kept rolling. This led to record Canadian credit card debt and food bank usage.

The finance minister wants us to believe she has had an epiphany about spending, even getting her future predecessor from Papineau to utter the words “fiscally responsible”, but these are the arsonists who lit the inflationary fire in the first place.

Tomorrow, the finance minister has an opportunity to stop her inflationary spending, stop new taxes, stop punishing Canadians and stop plans to triple the carbon tax.

UkraineStatements By Members

2:20 p.m.

Liberal

Jim Carr Liberal Winnipeg South Centre, MB

Mr Speaker, last weekend in Winnipeg, hundreds of delegates gathered for the meeting of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress. I was pleased to host Ukraine’s ambassador to Canada, Yuliya Kovaliv, to hear her assessment of the situation, both on the ground now and looking forward to the next steps. The civilized world is using its resources, of which there must be more, to fight Putin’s aggression and prepare Ukraine for the rebuilding job, which will be necessary, we hope, very soon.

Remarkably, it came to pass that the ambassador and my daughter-in-law, who was born in Ukraine, come from the same place. Across 7,000 kilometres, the ambassador and a member of my family found out they grew up within 500 metres of each other. This is not just a “small world” story. It demonstrates how families have connected through the tragedy of this brutal war.

I want to reassure all members of the community, especially those living in my home province of Manitoba, that we will be unwavering in our support of Ukraine. We will prevail.

HealthOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Carleton Ontario

Conservative

Pierre Poilievre ConservativeLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, a month ago, the Conservatives warned the Prime Minister that there was a shortage of pain medication for children. This medication is widely available in the United States, but here in Canada parents are scrambling to find it.

Widely available in drugstores in the United States, pain medication for small children cannot be found here in Canada, leaving mothers and fathers scrambling to help their suffering children.

The Prime Minister has had a month since we warned him about this problem. He said he would fix the supply chain issues in our medical system. Why has he not solved this problem?

HealthOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

Papineau Québec

Liberal

Justin Trudeau LiberalPrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, we have heard from parents who are struggling to get pain medication for their kids. They are heartbreaking stories, and that is why Health Canada is taking concrete action to accelerate the flow of pain medication for children.

We are working closely with provinces and territories as they work to support and resupply as well. We know this is something that is part of the global disruptions we are facing because of climate change, and the pandemic has left—

HealthOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

Some hon. members

Oh, oh!

HealthOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

Liberal

The Speaker Liberal Anthony Rota

Order, please. We are starting off on the wrong foot. I think the hon. Leader of the Opposition wants to hear the answer.

The right. hon. Prime Minister may finish off.

HealthOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

Liberal

Justin Trudeau Liberal Papineau, QC

Mr. Speaker, we recognize that the pandemic has left challenges in our supply chains around the world, which is why we are continuing to work with partners to ensure we can get the things parents need to take care of their kids.

The EconomyOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

Carleton Ontario

Conservative

Pierre Poilievre ConservativeLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, I guess in the meantime Canadians will need to continue to drive to the United States, where these medications are widely available for parents.

Back here at home, the Prime Minister's half a trillion dollars of inflationary deficits have given us a 40-year high in inflation. Now they are driving up interest rates. Inflationary taxes, including the Prime Minister and NDP's plan to triple the carbon tax, threaten to force Canadians to turn off the heat during winter.

Tomorrow is the fall economic update. Will the government commit today to freezing spending and freezing taxes?

The EconomyOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

Papineau Québec

Liberal

Justin Trudeau LiberalPrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, through the difficult times of the pandemic and now as families are faced with rising prices on so many different things, we have been there to support them. As of Friday, the cheques will start rolling out to 11 million households for a doubling of the GST rebate, which is going to help people in meaningful ways.

We are also moving forward on rental supports, as well as dental supports for children across the country. Unfortunately, the Conservatives, despite their supposed preoccupation with the cost of living for Canadians, are opposing our support for families who need dental care for their kids and our support for low-income renters.