House of Commons Hansard #146 of the 44th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was inadmissibility.
This summary is computer-generated. Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.
Employment Insurance Act Report stage of Bill C-215. The bill seeks to increase Employment Insurance sickness benefits from 15 to 52 weeks. While the Liberal government recently extended benefits to 26 weeks, it opposes the bill, citing cost and the program's intent. Conservative, NDP, and Bloc members support the 52-week extension, arguing it is necessary for severe illnesses, especially for workers without private insurance, and is affordable. A royal recommendation is required for the bill to proceed. 7600 words, 1 hour.
Immigration and Refugee Protection Act Second reading of Bill S-8. The bill S-8] aims to [align Canada's immigration inadmissibility rules with economic sanctions, making individuals sanctioned under the Special Economic Measures Act (SEMA) for grave breaches of international peace and security automatically inadmissible. This includes those from Russia and Iran, and their immediate family members. Members express concerns about delays in bringing the bill forward and the lack of parliamentary oversight. The Bloc Québécois raises concerns about wealthy individuals using legal challenges to delay removal. The NDP suggests it's a "small piece" and calls for broader reforms to the sanctions regime. 16000 words, 2 hours.
Arnold Viersen Conservative Peace River—Westlock, AB
Mr. Speaker, I would like to point out to the hon. member that the NDP actually voted against listing the IRGC as a terrorist organization back in 2018. Has her party's position changed on that?
Heather McPherson NDP Edmonton Strathcona, AB
Mr. Speaker, I will repeat myself, as I have said it many times already, but it is very important that the members of the IRGC who are responsible for the human rights abuses against their citizens be held accountable and that they be sanctioned. It is also important that we do everything we can to ensure they cannot come to Canada, that their assets are seized and that they be expelled from Canada.
I am very concerned as well about the potential for innocent people to be harmed by sanctions. We have seen that happen in Iran before and I, for one, will do everything I can to ensure those who are guilty are held accountable and those who are innocent do not have to pay that price.
Marilyn Gladu Conservative Sarnia—Lambton, ON
Mr. Speaker, I know the member opposite wanted a few things for Christmas. She wanted pharmacare; 10 sick days, which has not happened; and dental care for everybody who does not have it, which has not really happened either. However, she is forced to support a government that is raising the price of gas, groceries and home heating. For Christmas, does the member want Santa to give her a way out?
Heather McPherson NDP Edmonton Strathcona, AB
Mr. Speaker, the member perhaps did not listen to my speech and does not know that we were debating Bill S-8 today, which is about sanctions, our sanction regime and how to strengthen our sanction regime. It is not really about my Christmas wish list, although I will say that dental care, pharmacare and sick days for workers are super important to me, and I am glad that she brought them up.
Alistair MacGregor NDP Cowichan—Malahat—Langford, BC
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my hon. colleague from Edmonton Strathcona, who has done incredible work on this file.
Throughout the debate today, I have heard issues raised about the lack of clarity in this bill and the fact that there is not enough parliamentary oversight into the sanctions regime. I am just wondering if my hon. colleague could tell the House if that would inform her committee strategy. Does she see that there might be opportunities amongst the government and opposition sides to reach a compromise to make sure that the important aspect of parliamentary oversight is there?
I have noticed that, in public safety bills introduced earlier in this session, notably in Bill C-20 and in Bill C-26, there was a clear lack of parliamentary oversight specified. That will inform our strategy going forward. I am just wondering if the member could add some further comments on that.
Heather McPherson NDP Edmonton Strathcona, AB
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague for the important work he has been doing in the committee on public safety as well.
Realistically, one of the key ways we ensure the legislation we pass in the House is as strong as possible is by hearing from experts, by inviting experts who know more about the topics we are legislating upon than perhaps some of us may know. The idea that this has to come forward, that we need to take that time and do that due diligence, is very important. It will, of course, inform my strategy.
Kevin Lamoureux Liberal Winnipeg North, MB
Mr. Speaker, I do not know how appropriate this is, but I would ask my colleagues if we could have a moment of silence. Our colleague Jim Carr just passed away. I think it would be an appropriate thing if we could just have a moment of silence and a prayer.
Hon. Jim CarrGovernment Orders
The Deputy Speaker Chris d'Entremont
We will stand for a moment of silence for the passing of the Hon. Jim Carr.
[A moment of silence observed]
Hon. Jim CarrGovernment Orders
The Deputy Speaker Chris d'Entremont
If people want to speak quickly to this, maybe we will allow that for a few moments, just to pass on our deepest condolences to the constituents of Winnipeg South Centre and, of course, to Mr. Carr's family and friends on his passing. He was in here last week passing his bill. It just shows how quickly things can changes in our lives, and then we lose friends and family in that way.
Does the hon. member for Winnipeg North have something to quickly add before we move on?
Kevin Lamoureux LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
Mr. Speaker, I realize it is a very sensitive time and there are no doubt other members who would like to be able to contribute at a more appropriate time in giving our condolences to the family and friends. We all know Jim's passion for his country. We saw that in the speech he delivered just last week.
For now, with the support of the House, we could take a two-minute recess and then get back into S.O. 31s at that point, if it is deemed appropriate by you as Speaker.
Sitting SuspendedHon. Jim CarrGovernment Orders
The Deputy Speaker Chris d'Entremont
The House will suspend for two minutes.
(The sitting of the House was suspended at 2 p.m.)
(The House resumed at 2:12 p.m.)
Mark Holland LiberalLeader of the Government in the House of Commons
Mr. Speaker, this is a very sad day for our parliamentary family. As has been announced to the House, our dear friend and colleague, the Hon. Jim Carr, has died. Given that news, I move:
That the House do now adjourn.
(Motion agreed to)
Sitting ResumedHon. Jim CarrGovernment Orders
The Speaker Anthony Rota
By unanimous consent, the House adjourns out of respect for the late Hon. Jim Carr, member of Parliament for Winnipeg South Centre.
The House stands adjourned until tomorrow at 10 a.m. pursuant to Standing Order 24(1).
(The House adjourned at 2:12 p.m.)