Debates of Dec. 6th, 2022

House of Commons Hansard #142 of the 44th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was spending.

Topics

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

École polytechnique de Montréal Members commemorate the 33rd anniversary of the École Polytechnique massacre, remembering the 14 women murdered. They condemn gender-based violence, discussing rising violence, especially against Indigenous women and girls. The Liberal Minister highlights government action to combat this, while Conservatives emphasize addressing root causes of misogyny, and the NDP urges immediate funding to stop the genocide of Indigenous women. 3200 words, 30 minutes.

Petitions

Block attempts to legalize infanticide

Ban forced organ harvesting, trafficking

Religious freedom in Canadian Armed Forces

Recognize Hazara genocide in Afghanistan

Charitable status, values test, abortion

Block attempts to legalize infanticide

Proportional representation electoral system

Stop the killing of children

Bill C-32—Time Allocation Motion Members debate a Liberal motion to impose time allocation on Bill C-32, which implements provisions of the fall economic statement and budget. Liberals argue closure is needed to pass essential support for Canadians and the economy due to Conservative delay tactics. Opposition parties condemn the use of gag orders as undemocratic, stressing the right to debate, and question the government's urgency given existing support for the bill. 4800 words, 35 minutes.

Fall Economic Statement Implementation Act, 2022 Report stage of Bill C-32. The bill, which implements provisions of the fall economic statement and budget, faces debate over its approach to inflation and spending. Conservatives argue the bill includes "reckless spending" and "new tax hikes," like the carbon tax, which they claim worsen the cost of living and negatively impact seniors and businesses. Liberals contend Canada's economic recovery is strong, with lower inflation than many G7 countries, and the bill provides targeted supports to Canadians, such as doubling the GST tax credit and eliminating student loan interest. Bloc Québécois members criticize the bill for not adequately addressing health transfers, EI reform, and support for seniors aged 65-74. 41500 words, 5 hours in 2 segments: 1 2.

Statements by Members

Happy birthday to his mother

Giving generously to food banks

National Day of Remembrance: Violence against women

Ideological agenda at National Gallery

Death of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar

Children represent the best of humanity

Tribute to Mary Long, Hamilton Tax Help

Hunters donate wild game meat

Christmas poem and freedom message

Meaning of the Holiday Season

Halifax explosion remembered

École Polytechnique massacre remembrance

Polytechnique remembrance: Violence against women

École Polytechnique: Violence against women

Polytechnique Massacre and Gun Control

Canadians are sick and tired

Firefighters and cancer prevention framework

Question Period

The Conservatives heavily criticize the government's wasteful spending confirmed by the Auditor General's report, highlighting $32 billion in overpayments for COVID benefits, including CERB to inmates. They link this to the affordability crisis and rising grocery costs. Members also demand an apology for attacking the Auditor General's integrity and a minister's WW2 comparison.

The Liberals defend their COVID-19 benefits as effective, preventing poverty and helping the economy rebound, while respecting the Auditor General's report. They also emphasize tackling gender-based violence and advancing gun control. Other focuses include improving health care, making child care affordable, addressing the cost of living, protecting nature, and promoting official languages.

The Bloc demands expert review for gun control changes, increased health transfers for provinces, and an end to oil exploration ahead of COP15. They also seek an apology for a minister's attack on the Auditor General.

The NDP demand the Prime Minister address the health care crisis by calling an emergency meeting, criticizing the government for downloading health care costs onto municipalities. They also press for national child care legislation, a plan to eliminate chronic homelessness, and a health-based response to the drug supply crisis.

Building a Green Prairie Economy Act Third reading of Bill C-235. The bill establishes a framework for greening the Prairie economy, requiring federal ministers to consult with provinces, Indigenous peoples, and municipalities. Supporters view it as a necessary step for collaboration and fostering new economic opportunities. Opponents argue it is federal overreach into provincial jurisdiction and unwanted by the provinces, potentially harming the existing energy sector. 6200 words, 45 minutes.

Adjournment Debates

Government spending and hypocrisy Garnett Genuis criticizes the Prime Minister's travel expenses and the ArriveCAN app's cost and ineffectiveness. Adam van Koeverden defends the government's actions by citing Conservative support for carbon pricing, and touting measures to fight inflation. Genuis insists the government is wasting taxpayer money.

Foreign interference in elections Kevin Vuong asks if the 2021 election was compromised by foreign interference. Adam van Koeverden says the government takes these threats very seriously. Vuong accuses the government of a lackadaisical attitude. Van Koeverden rejects this, saying that the government is committed to combatting foreign interference.

Rural health care access Rachel Blaney raises concerns about health care shortages in rural communities, citing ER closures and lack of access. Adam van Koeverden responds, noting government investments in foreign credential recognition and student loan forgiveness for rural doctors and nurses. Blaney criticizes the government's lack of action.

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HealthAdjournment Proceedings

7:25 p.m.

Liberal

Adam van Koeverden Liberal Milton, ON

Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for raising this very important issue.

Rural areas are indeed facing an unacceptable shortage of health workers. Our government will continue working on addressing the shortage as well as improving health care in rural areas generally. The needs of Canadians in rural and remote areas are foremost in our minds, and we will work with provinces and territories in the coming weeks and months to improve our health care system.

However, we must not cherry-pick from the list of things that I mentioned tonight. We are creating solutions across the board in staffing, in health care transfers, for the pipeline and for education. No stone has been left unturned.

Our health system needs further investment. We also want to make sure that our tax dollars are being spent in the most effective way possible. Throwing more money into a broken system is not the best path forward, and we can improve the way that we deliver health care to eliminate inefficiencies and get better health outcomes for all Canadians.

HealthAdjournment Proceedings

7:25 p.m.

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

The motion to adjourn the House is now deemed to have been adopted. Accordingly, this House stands adjourned until tomorrow at 2 p.m. pursuant to Standing Order 24(1).

(The House adjourned at 7:27 p.m.)