Debates of Feb. 14th, 2022

Resuming Debate on Government Business No. 8—Proceedings on Bill C‑10

[Kevin Lamoureux, Liberal, Winnipeg North, MB]

Madam Speaker, I would just suggest that I should get a bonus two minutes because the member interrupted my speech.

At the end of the day I really believe that if members look at the legislative agenda that the Government of Canada has put on the table over the last couple of months, they will see that there is a very strong focus on the issue of the coronavirus and bringing in legislation to support Canadians in every way.

The very first piece of legislation we brought forward was Bill C-2, which dealt with issues such as the lockdown benefits, wage subsidy benefits, rent supplements and other supports for Canadians. Members will recall that the Conservatives back then attempted to divide the bill. They were already trying to slow down the legislation. Without the support that was provided from that legislation, there would have been a great deal more hardship over Christmas and going into the new year, as a direct result of Conservative negligence and not understanding what was important.

With respect to the motion we are debating today to put into process an amount of time to ensure that this bill passes, one only needs to look at the behaviour of the official opposition members to understand why it is so important that we put in a closure motion on the legislation. If we are not prepared to do that, we will see an ongoing display of the games, whether it is what was demonstrated with Bill C-2 or, as members will recall, last week's concurrence motion. There is a finite amount of time in the House of Commons. That is one of the reasons that, in order to be able to provide the support that Canadians need, we have to bring in this motion. We want to continue to have the backs of Canadians.

[The Speaker, Liberal, Anthony Rota]

The hon. member has 10 minutes and 20 seconds remaining in his speech. I am glad he cut it short.

Teachers

[Peter Schiefke, Liberal, Vaudreuil—Soulanges, QC]

Mr. Speaker, many members of Parliament remember teachers and support staff who made a positive impact on our lives.

Now these people are making a difference in the lives of the next generation. The work they are doing nurtures and strengthens our country's greatest resource: our children. I am grateful for the teachers in my riding, Vaudreuil—Soulanges, who give it their all every day under normal circumstances.

These are not normal circumstances. Teachers who have always gone above and beyond have had to reach even further and deeper for more strength, courage and patience, all the while putting on a brave face for their students.

Over the last two years, the resolve and strength of our teachers and school personnel have been tested. With most tests, there is a grade that comes with it. I want to let our teachers and support staff know, on behalf of the House and everyone who calls Vaudreuil—Soulanges home, that they have given their 100% and they have earned and deserve just that in return.

COVID-19 Protests

[Cathay Wagantall, Conservative, Yorkton—Melville, SK]

Mr. Speaker, as protesters mark their third weekend in downtown Ottawa, they are still waiting for an olive branch from the government. Personally, I would like to recognize the veterans expressing their love and commitment to our nation.

Veterans have been a constant presence in our capital since they began. They have stood alongside truckers and families with their medals proudly on display. They have recited the Lord's Prayer and sung O Canada with Canadians from all walks of life. No one can deny the patriotism and passion on display.

Soon we will vote on whether to end punitive federal mandates. Of even greater significance is whether our federal government will not only recognize but vow to cherish and uphold our fundamental freedoms: the freedom to speak, to believe and to make personal choices, protected by the rule of law, the charter and our Bill of Rights.

Our veterans demonstrate that Canadian voices for unity and freedom are growing louder. Is the Prime Minister ready to listen?

Macular Degeneration

[Judy Sgro, Liberal, Humber River—Black Creek, ON]

Mr. Speaker, February is age-related macular degeneration month, which is the leading cause of blindness for Canadians over the age of 50.

Close to two million Canadians and almost 200 million people globally suffer from macular degeneration, which is a progressive disease that, over time, takes the eyesight of those who suffer from it. It is very likely that everyone in this chamber knows someone who has suffered or will suffer from macular degeneration.

Macular degeneration first starts with blurriness and difficulty recognizing fine details in faces. In its later stages, it leaves the individual legally blind, unable to see because of significant dark spots in their vision. We recognize that one of the most critical issues affecting our Canadian seniors' quality of life is the ability to stay in their homes and continue to live independently longer.

Every year, countless seniors are forced to give up their homes and move into retirement or nursing homes because macular degeneration has stolen their vision and made independent living dangerous or outright impossible. Macular degeneration has no cure, but there are promising medical treatments currently on the horizon awaiting Health Canada approval.

I hope everyone will join me in recognizing the millions of Canadians who suffer from macular degeneration.

Hooked on School Days

[Yves Perron, Bloc, Berthier—Maskinongé, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate this opportunity to talk about Hooked on School Days.

For many young people, staying in school can be tough. They may be dealing with learning difficulties, social issues or serious challenges. That is why this week provides an important opportunity to offer encouragement and tell them we are proud of them. I would encourage my colleagues to express their support by doing something extra nice or even just wearing the green and white ribbon with pride.

It is also important to mention the invaluable contribution of all school staff who work hard every day to make learning fun and effective, thereby encouraging kids to stay in school.

Staying in school means becoming more knowledgeable, cultured, open-minded, successful and prosperous.

I encourage all young people to stay in school. We are proud of them.

Saint-Jean-Vianney Community Organization

[Sherry Romanado, Liberal, Longueuil—Charles-LeMoyne, QC]

Mr. Speaker, Ressources Saint-Jean-Vianney is a community organization in my riding that helps vulnerable people in the Saint-Jean-Vianney neighbourhood of Longueuil.

This year, this organization is celebrating its 20th anniversary, and I want to acknowledge what an important role it plays in our community. This organization helps young people by hosting sports activities and a summer camp. It supports low‑income people by organizing soup kitchens. It helps parents by providing them with support services and training. It brings immigrants out of isolation through intercultural, educational and social activities and so much more.

I congratulate its executive director, Lyes Chekal, for his dedication, and I salute his entire dynamic team, who are always giving the best of themselves to meet the needs of our community.

I wish them a happy 20th anniversary.

Olympic and Paralympic Athletes

[Joël Godin, Conservative, Portneuf—Jacques-Cartier, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the word “resilience” has been used many times since the beginning of this health crisis. I would like to mention an exceptional group of people: our Olympic and Paralympic athletes who are participating in the Olympic Winter Games in Beijing.

These athletes have had to overcome many challenges due to the pandemic. Getting to the Olympics is never easy even in normal times, so imagine the effort they had to make this year.

On behalf of all the citizens of our beautiful country, I congratulate the 215 Canadian athletes. Canada already has 15 medals, and the games are not over yet. We all stand behind these athletes, and we are proud of their performances. Let us not forget that starting on March 4, our inspiring Paralympic athletes will have their turn to shine.

I want to take this opportunity to congratulate our athletes from Portneuf—Jacques‑Cartier: Flavie Aumond in freestyle skiing, Miha Fontaine, who won bronze in mixed team aerials, and Laurie Blouin, who we will be watching this evening in the snowboard finals. We are proud of them.

Teaching Excellence in STEM

[Ya'ara Saks, Liberal, York Centre, ON]

Mr. Speaker, teachers are more than just educators; they hold the key to our future success. They instill central values and passion in our youth. Without them, we could not cultivate the next generations of scientists, engineers, artists and leaders.

I want to highlight an incredible teacher in my riding of York Centre, Ms. Cindy Law, who recently received the Prime Minister's award for Teaching Excellence in STEM. I had the pleasure of congratulating Ms. Law and learning about her unique teaching methods and passion for the success of her students.

As a mother to a high-schooler, I know how important it is to have a teacher who inspires our students to excel and grow. Ms. Law motivates her students to think critically, collaboratively and explore the natural world in an engaging way.

Both she and her students have won several awards and achievements, which can be attributed to her success with her students. To achieve this during the ongoing pandemic is truly remarkable and a testament to her incredible work as a teacher.

On behalf of our York Centre community, students and families, I thank and congratulate Ms. Law.

Black History Month

[Salma Zahid, Liberal, Scarborough Centre, ON]

Mr. Speaker, February is Black History Month and this year we are focused on recognizing the daily contributions that Black Canadians make to Canada.

I would like to recognize one of my constituents who is making a difference in Scarborough. Reverend Denise Gillard is a powerhouse. She is the force behind the HopeWorks Connection, which brings arts to local youth through the Toronto Children's Concert Choir and Performing Arts Company. She is also the senior pastor at Kingdom City Church and an important part of our faith community.

She is proud of her history. Her father came to Canada from Jamaica and her mother's family came to Canada through the Black refugee and loyalist movements in Nova Scotia.

She has devoted herself to empowering children and the people who love them to work toward fulfilling their full potential in the light of faith, service and transformational living.

Denise's story is Canada's story. I am proud to celebrate her and everyone who is making a difference in our community.

Pegasus Project

[Kevin Waugh, Conservative, Saskatoon—Grasswood, SK]

Mr. Speaker, today I would like to salute those involved in the Pegasus project, led by a group of Saskatchewan automotive enthusiasts. It raised over $1 million at the recent Barrett-Jackson auction in Arizona to support the STARS air ambulance in my province of Saskatchewan.

A custom-built, one-of-a-kind 1968 Ford Mustang 427 Fastback was auctioned off in hopes of raising much-needed funds for the STARS' fleet renewal. This initiative was led by co-chairs Vaughn Wyant and Wayne Halabura, who brought Saskatoon actor Kim Coates and Humboldt Bronco bus crash survivor Kaleb Dahlgren on board.

I want to thank Barb and Gord Broda of Prince Albert for their passion in supporting STARS ambulance. May they enjoy the ride in their 1968 Ford Mustang.

COVID-19 Protests

[Mike Kelloway, Liberal, Cape Breton—Canso, NS]

Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House today to address the protests that have spread across the country.

Just last week, my constituency office received a suspicious package in the mail, as did many other Nova Scotia politicians from all levels of government and all different political stripes. Members of Parliament and their staff work hard in the service of their communities. Of course, we will take criticism from time to time. It is part of our job, and that is democracy.

From a package with an irritant to border blockades and the occupation of our nation's capital, these are not acceptable means of protest, but rather a disrespect of Canadian democracy that puts safety in jeopardy. Through you, I call on every member of the House to stand in solidarity against these unlawful acts. I stress that, as parliamentarians, these actions will not intimidate us or our staff from doing our jobs.

All Canadians are frustrated, but as my father would have said if he were here, the point has been made and now it is time for them to go back to their homes.

Congenital Heart Disease

[Ryan Williams, Conservative, Bay of Quinte, ON]

Mr. Speaker, happy Valentine's Day.

In addition to Valentine's Day, today is another day relating to matters of the heart: congenital heart awareness day. Every year, over 260,000 Canadians are born with congenital heart disease. It is the leading birth defect in Canada, affecting one in every 100 births.

In 2015, my son Teddy was born with a congenital heart defect. We lost him to heart failure just 22 minutes after his birth. There are not many days that go by when we do not think of what could have been. My wife Allyson has been a tireless advocate for women who experience the terror of infant loss and miscarriage. Her motto is always to choose love, and she has a blog by the same name.

We could all choose love a little more. Please join me in bringing awareness and love to the hundreds and thousands of Canadians suffering each year from congenital heart disease as we work on a cure.

COVID-19 Emergency Measures Timeline

[Kelly Block, Conservative, Carlton Trail—Eagle Creek, SK]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate Premier Scott Moe for being the first Canadian leader to announce the end of vaccine mandates. Today in Saskatchewan, anyone who wants to will be able to go to a restaurant and celebrate Valentine's Day with their loved ones, with no proof of vaccination required.

When making the announcement, Premier Moe stated, “The benefits no longer outweigh the costs.” ... “It's time for proof of vaccination requirements to end.”

I am pleased to see other premiers following suit. Unfortunately, the Prime Minister is refusing to do the same. Canada was founded on the principles of peace, order and good government. When we do not have good government, peace and order become harder to maintain.

I call on the Prime Minister to stop using the pandemic to divide Canadians for political purposes. I call on the federal government to follow Saskatchewan's lead and end all federal mandates.

Valérie Grenier

[Francis Drouin, Liberal, Glengarry—Prescott—Russell, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievements of a young athlete from my riding.

Valérie Grenier, who hails from Saint‑Isidore, is a member of the Olympic alpine ski team. The people of Glengarry—Prescott—Russell are proud to stand behind her.

Valérie Grenier is an inspiration to all Canadians. During these unpredictable and unprecedented times, she has shown courage and resilience. Her journey will inspire a new generation of athletes in our region.

We are proud to see her at the Olympic Games and we will continue to cheer her on. She has dedicated herself to her sport for a long time now, and her hard work certainly points to her success.

I encourage all athletes proudly representing the maple leaf to savour every second of this unique experience. Canada is so proud of them.

Congratulations, Valérie Grenier.

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women

[Niki Ashton, NDP, Churchill—Keewatinook Aski, MB]

Mr. Speaker, today, February 14, marks the annual memorial march in honour of missing and murdered indigenous women and 2SLGBTQQIA people.

Every single first nation, Métis and urban community in our region has been devastated by the loss of a loved one who was brutally murdered or forcibly disappeared.

As the inquiry into missing and murdered indigenous women pointed out, this is genocide. Two hundred and thirty-one calls to justice must be realized, from ending poverty to providing housing. These are actions rooted in the absolute need for decolonization.

At a time when much attention has been given to the illegal occupation of our capital, we are clear that the systems of settler colonialism, including policing, are part of the problem when it comes to violence against indigenous women.

Today we remember and honour them, and we recommit to pushing for action now. We cannot rest until no indigenous woman, girl or two-spirited person goes missing or is murdered again. There must be justice now.

100th Anniversary of Saint-Narcisse-de-Rimouski

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

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise today in honour of the 100th anniversary of Saint‑Narcisse‑de‑Rimouski.

On February 13, 1922, a section of Haut‑Pays‑de‑la‑Neigette split from Sainte‑Blandine, giving rise to the municipality of Saint‑Narcisse‑de‑Rimouski. At the time, the first residents of Saint‑Narcisse‑de‑Rimouski were determined to live on and work the hinterland, clearing the land, working with their hands, and raising their families. One hundred years later, the community of Saint‑Narcisse‑de‑Rimouski is proud of its roots but firmly focused on the future.

The central importance of agriculture and forestry to this community is a testament to the legacy of these builders, while the municipality's tourism sector and many cultural activities help it thrive and showcase its festive spirit all year long. Both the Festival de la fenaison agricultural festival and the popular snow blowing races at the Carnaval d'hiver winter festival attest to the life and energy of this community, making it clear that Saint‑Narcisse‑de‑Rimouski is a great place to live.

I wish the people of Saint‑Narcisse‑de‑Rimouski a happy 100th anniversary.

COVID-19 Emergency Measures Timeline

[Eric Duncan, Conservative, Stormont—Dundas—South Glengarry, ON]

Mr. Speaker, today Canadians are awaiting the vote on our Conservative motion calling for a plan and timeline to end all federal mandates and restrictions in Canada.

For over two years, Canadians have done what is asked of them. They followed the rules. They did what it took to get us to a point where we can finally see the end of this pandemic. Other similar countries around the world have given hope and provided leadership by releasing their plans.

Canada is one of the most vaccinated countries in the entire world. That should be celebrated, and we should be celebrating where the science and data by medical experts is headed. Instead, our country has never been more divided, angry and pessimistic.

The Prime Minister created this mess by his tone and unacceptable language when attacking those who disagree with him. Today Parliament has a choice: to provide hope and optimism with a clear plan and timeline to end federal mandates or to plunge us into further chaos and division at a time when the opposite is needed.

The country is watching. Will the Liberals join us and answer the call for a plan today?

[Iqra Khalid, Liberal, Mississauga—Erin Mills, ON]

Mr. Speaker, “I am Canadian and I am triple vaxxed. For my family, my neighbours, my co-workers, our healthcare workers, for my country. I will not be bullied.”

These words, written by Ms. Jean Yoon and countless Canadians over the past few days, have become a rallying cry. Make no mistake: After two years, we are all tired of this pandemic. We are tired of not being with our loved ones, tired of seeing small businesses and communities struggle, tired of this illegal blockade that has terrorized Canadians and attacked our supply chains. We have sacrificed so much to be where we are today, and we will not back down. It is our obligation to one another to do what is necessary to protect Canadians.

It is time for the members of this House to start putting first their obligations to the citizens who elected us to serve, to put petty politics aside and to work together. Together let us show an effective plan to see us through to the end of this pandemic. Let us show what Canadians have proven: that we are united.

COVID-19 Protests

[Candice Bergen, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, it has been reported that the Prime Minister is planning to invoke the Emergencies Act to deal with the current protests in Ottawa and in some parts of the country. We know the protests continue here in Ottawa. We know the Windsor border has been reopened. We know that last night there were arrests in Coutts.

Section 16 of the Emergencies Act refers to “threats to the security of Canada”. Given this context, does the Prime Minister think that these protests constitute threats to the security of Canada, and if not, does he think that with this news he could be escalating rather than de-escalating an already inflamed situation?

[Marco Mendicino, Liberal, Minister of Public Safety]

Mr. Speaker, these illegal blockades are hurting Canadians. We have seen borders closed, our economy crippled and Canadians losing their jobs. That is why, since the beginning, this federal government has provided law enforcement with all of the resources that they have needed.

In Windsor, the RCMP and Windsor police have reopened the Ambassador Bridge; in Alberta, the RCMP made 11 arrests and seized guns at the Coutts border crossing; and in Ottawa, the RCMP and the OPP have established an integrated command centre with the Ottawa Police Service.

Our number one priority is to end the illegal blockades, uphold the law and allow Canadians to get their lives back.

Health

[Candice Bergen, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, we have been asking the Prime Minister to stop dividing, stigmatizing and name-calling people he disagrees with and let them know that he listens and that he hears them, but he refuses to do that.

Today we are voting on a Conservative motion, a reasonable motion that asks the government to present a plan for a reopening by the end of the month. This should be a time of optimism and joy for Canadians, not division and fear.

Can Canadians count on the Prime Minister to do the right thing and today stand up with us, support our motion and give Canadians the hope that they deserve so much?

[Bill Blair, Liberal, President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Emergency Preparedness]

Mr. Speaker, it does not really matter whether members of the opposition have been merely irresponsible or recklessly complicit, but what this country is facing is a largely foreign-funded, targeted and coordinated attack on critical infrastructure and our democratic institutions. The illegal border closings are clearly intended to harm Canada and hurt Canadians, and our government is prepared to do whatever is necessary to restore order and to protect Canadian interests.

[Candice Bergen, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, it is clear the Prime Minister and these Liberals are still big fans of polarization, division and negativity. Two years into the pandemic, Canadians deserve, in this moment, some optimism and some hope for the future, and they deserve leadership from their government. They need to know when the federal mandates and the restrictions will be lifted. That is not an unreasonable ask.

Again, will the Liberals, will their Prime Minister, will their ministers, will their backbenchers stand up for their constituents, and vote with us to present some optimism and some hope for Canadians?

[Mark Holland, Liberal, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons]

Mr. Speaker, at every turn in this crisis, the Conservatives had an opportunity to de-escalate and talk to those who were outside about dispersing and moving on. Instead we saw the interim leader of the Conservatives come out saying that they should continue this for political purposes. The member for Carleton, who is currently a leadership candidate, came out saying that he is proud and stands with the illegal activity that is happening outside. The member for Yorkton—Melville was saying that ripping down barricades protecting the war memorial was an act of profound patriotism. This is their failing leadership here.

What this—