Debates of Dec. 8th, 2022

House of Commons Hansard #144 of the 44th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was farmers.

Topics

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

Income Tax Act First reading of Bill C-310. The bill proposes to increase the income tax credit for volunteer firefighters and search and rescue responders from $3,000 to $10,000, aiming to support recruitment, retention, and recognize their essential service. 300 words.

Petitions

Hazara community genocide recognition

Recognize Hazara genocide

Recognize the Hazara genocide

National brain and mind health week

Stop organ harvesting of Falun Gong

Canada Post rural service closures

Stop styrofoam pollution of marine environment

List IRGC as terrorist organization

Suspend excise and carbon tax

Increase firefighter tax credit

Support for Ukrainian children in Canada

Opposition Motion—Carbon Tax Members debate a Conservative motion to cancel the carbon tax on food inputs and production to address rising grocery costs and support farmers. Conservatives argue the tax significantly increases expenses for farms and families, contributing to record food bank usage and inflation. Liberals defend carbon pricing as an essential climate tool, citing global factors for inflation, and highlight affordability measures and rebates. The Bloc Québécois and NDP criticize both parties' climate records, support targeted farmer relief like Bill C-234, and call for an excess profits tax on large corporations. 45100 words, 5 hours in 2 segments: 1 2.

Statements by Members

Death of Liz Byrd, community leader

Concerns about medical assistance in dying

Cape Breton police 'Shop of Class'

Support for striking Océan Remorquage workers

Hunting in rural Franco-Ontarian communities

Recognition of Sindhi language requested

Congratulations to Roberto Luongo on HOF induction

$25M investment in Vancouver Jewish Centre

Regina hosts Grey Cup, Agribition

Sherbrooke CEGEP Volontaires win Bol d'Or

Rising food prices and carbon tax

China's restrictions on Canadian pet food

Death of circus leader Jan Achard

Border communities issues and the pandemic

World Climate Day and climate action

Cost of living crisis in Canada

Recognition of former Whitby mayor

Question Period

The Conservatives criticize the Liberal government's inflationary spending, rising interest rates, and the carbon tax's impact on Canadians' ability to afford food and heating. They also highlight wasted COVID funds, condemn Bill C-21 for targeting hunters and Indigenous rights, and raise alarms about national security risks from Beijing-controlled company contracts.

The Liberals defend their investments in affordability measures like child care, dental care, and rental support, while highlighting their economic management and poverty reduction. They emphasize efforts on national security, gun control (targeting assault weapons, not hunting guns), and an ambitious climate plan for a clean economy.

The Bloc expresses national security concerns over a Chinese-owned company's contract. They criticize banks' fossil fuel investments and the unclear definition of protected areas. They also oppose federal interference and identity-based research chair criteria in Quebec.

The NDP urges action on the children's healthcare crisis as hospitals are overwhelmed. They condemn Bill C-21 amendments for affecting hunters and rural areas, while also addressing rising interest rates and the high cost of rent.

Supplementary Estimates (B), 2022-23 First reading of Bill C-36. The bill grants money for the federal public administration for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2023, undergoing first, second, and third readings, and committee review in the House. 500 words, 15 minutes.

Anti-Asian Racism Members debate Liberal MP Shaun Chen's motion to condemn anti-Asian hate and ensure government policies address historical and present-day racism. The motion also calls for a committee review of hate crimes. Speakers from all parties acknowledge the surge in anti-Asian racism, particularly during COVID-19, and Canada's history of discriminatory policies. The NDP criticizes the lack of concrete government action from previous motions. 7500 words, 1 hour.

Adjournment Debates

Fossil fuel subsidies and adaptation Richard Cannings asks if the government will stop subsidizing the fossil fuel industry and redirect funds to help communities prepare for climate change. Francis Drouin responds by describing the government's plan to phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies. Cannings argues that adaptation funding is insufficient.

Salish Sea anchorages Elizabeth May raises concerns about freighters using the Salish Sea as free parking lots, damaging the ecosystem and disrupting grain shipments. Kevin Lamoureux acknowledges the issue and seeks solutions, inviting further dialogue. May suggests banning coal exports and improving grain export facilitation.

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Bill C-36 Supplementary Estimates (B), 2022-23Government Orders