House of Commons Hansard #23 of the 44th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was housing.

Topics

Economic and Fiscal Update Implementation Act, 2021Government Orders

2 p.m.

Liberal

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

The hon. member will have two minutes after question period to finish her remarks and for questions from the other members.

HousingStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Liberal

Parm Bains Liberal Steveston—Richmond East, BC

Madam Speaker, last week the Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion participated in a round table with housing experts in my riding of Steveston—Richmond East. Together, we discussed the important initiatives from the federal government to develop affordable housing in B.C., such as the affordable housing innovation fund to encourage new funding models for affordable housing. The minister spoke about CMHC's call for ideas to develop a housing accelerator fund to help municipalities remove barriers to affordable housing and addressed the urgent need for skilled labour with Canada's leading immigration program.

Our government is working with the provinces and municipalities to ensure Canadian families have access to affordable housing, because every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable home.

Irvin GoodonStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Conservative

Larry Maguire Conservative Brandon—Souris, MB

Madam Speaker, west Manitoba lost a giant with the passing of Mr. Irvin Goodon on December 28. Mr. Goodon was a husband, father, grandfather, businessman, community builder, and writer, and a proud member of the Métis nation.

Growing up in the Turtle Mountains, Irvin was instantly connected to the land. From trapping to hunting and enjoying the bounty of his harvest, he was an ardent conservationist, which led him to founding the Goodon International Wildlife Museum in Boissevain, Manitoba. I will always remember Irvin as an entrepreneur who built a construction business that revolutionized the shed-building industry North America. From humble beginnings to becoming a nationally recognized business leader, such as being inducted into the Aboriginal Business Hall of Fame, Irvin was a pioneer in every sense of the word.

I was honoured to call him a friend all these years and I appreciated his sage advice on all things political. I thank his wife Marge and children Laurie, Will and Jo for lending their father to the world. He was a wealth of inspiration and a friend to all. May he rest in peace.

Anishnabeg OutreachStatements By Members

February 3rd, 2022 / 2 p.m.

Liberal

Valerie Bradford Liberal Kitchener South—Hespeler, ON

Madam Speaker, recently I met with Stephen Jackson of Anishnabeg Outreach, a non-profit organization for indigenous healing in my riding of Kitchener South—Hespeler. Over the past three years, under his leadership, this centre has grown from a staff of two to 30.

Using digital technologies, the outreach centre has transformed from a local organization providing service to the 50,000 indigenous people living in the region to a national organization providing healing and employment opportunities to friendship centres, reserves and urban centres. The processes and tools being used by this trail-blazing organization will position the current and future first nation, Métis and Inuit generations as prosperous leaders and strategic partners in Canada's future.

I encourage the members of this House to take a moment and join me in recognizing the remarkable work being done by the Anishnabeg Outreach centre.

Serge GuayStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Bloc

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

Mr. Speaker, I would like to tell the house about Serge Guay's invaluable contribution to the Site historique maritime de la Pointe‑au‑Père in Rimouski.

Mr. Guay was at the helm of this lower St. Lawrence museum for 31 years. During that time, the site blossomed into the must-see attraction it is today, bringing in tens of thousands of visitors every year.

Throughout his career, Mr. Guay was known for his passion, determination and creativity. Last May, the Canadian Museums Association awarded him a prize for his museum leadership skills and the important role he played at the Musée de la mer.

Among his numerous achievements is the ambitious acquisition of the Onondaga submarine in 2009, which became Canada's first publicly accessible submarine.

I am grateful to Mr. Guay for his contribution to building this top-notch historical tourist attraction that really puts our wonderful region on the map and makes us all so proud. I wish him a happy retirement.

Espoir Rosalie Community OrganizationStatements By Members

2 p.m.

Liberal

Steven MacKinnon Liberal Gatineau, QC

Mr. Speaker, on January 15, the Espoir Rosalie centre, an organization in Gatineau, celebrated 30 years of serving our community.

Espoir Rosalie helps single mothers and their children develop parental autonomy. Participants have access to respite services and can take various workshops to learn how to build their own support network.

I want to acknowledge the important work this organization does on a daily basis to ensure that we can live in a society where everyone has an equal chance.

I want to sincerely thank the team, the board, and all the volunteers at the Espoir Rosalie centre for their incredible work.

Réal GagnéStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Conservative

Jacques Gourde Conservative Lévis—Lotbinière, QC

Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to an extraordinary man who left us far too soon, Réal Gagné.

Réal was a proud farmer all his life, a loving husband to his wife Thérèse, an attentive father of five daughters, Stéphanie, Marilyne, Joannie, Danielle and Mélanie, and a wise grandfather of nine grandchildren. He also leaves a void in the lives of his brothers and sisters, his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, and his friends, who shared his zest for life and his passion for maple syrup farming. Without question, he was the heart and soul of his entire family.

Réal served his community with sound advice, and he was also involved in marketing maple syrup at the provincial level.

Personally, I have lost more than a good friend. He was my neighbour, and every year at harvest time, we would take the time to stop our tractors and share funny stories that only Réal had the gift to tell. His presence was always a source of great comfort.

To my neighbour Réal, rest in peace.

SportStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Adam van Koeverden Liberal Milton, ON

Mr. Speaker, tomorrow Team Canada will march into the opening ceremony of the Olympic winter games.

The Canadian delegation will be led by three-time Olympic champion and two-time gold medallist Marie‑Philip Poulin, the captain of the women's hockey team, and by five-time Olympic short-track speed skating champion Charles Hamelin.

I encourage every Canadian and indeed every member in this House to cheer on Team Canada, celebrate the victories and triumphs, get to know our athletes and enjoy the inspiring stories of their Olympic journeys. Nothing brings our country together quite like the Olympics, and I think we could all use something to cheer for right now.

Physical activity and recreation are essential for our communities and for our collective mental and physical health. That is why I am so proud that this week we announced our new initiative, called “community sport for all”. That is $80 million over the next two years to ensure that everyone in Canada can access quality, barrier-free sport and play.

Playground to podium, Canada is proud to support our athletes.

Go, Canada, go.

Mark ClarkeStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Kody Blois Liberal Kings—Hants, NS

Mr. Speaker, it is with a great deal of sadness that I rise to recognize the passing of a dedicated community volunteer and loyal friend from my riding of Kings—Hants.

Mark Clarke passed away suddenly yesterday while waiting for delayed heart surgery. He retired from Michelin after 31 years, but as the saying goes, he was busier in retirement than ever during his active working life.

He was a devoted volunteer with a lengthy record of service to the Kentville Lions Club, where he served as president and could often be found on Saturday mornings serving pancake breakfast. He was also a talented musician and would often perform jam sessions in the community, frequently doing shows for seniors. He was passionate about public affairs. In fact, the first meeting I had with individuals to discuss my candidacy to become a member of Parliament took place in his living room. He relished talking to people on their doorsteps during election campaigns. He was well known, well liked and well respected.

To the love of his life, Gay, and to their entire family, I extend my heartfelt sympathy. I was lucky to have known Mark and to have known him as a friend.

COVID-19 ProtestStatements By Members

2:05 p.m.

Conservative

Lianne Rood Conservative Lambton—Kent—Middlesex, ON

Mr. Speaker, forcing people's backs against a wall by imposing unreasonable mandates and demonizing those who seek to create a dialogue and ask to be heard by their government is wrong. We need to safely and responsibly learn to live with the virus, and the government needs to accept that there are many ways forward to give people hope.

Hope is the message we have been hearing, and many are spreading this message of freedom, unity and patriotism across this country. It is shameful that the government continues to divide Canadians.

With this many Canadians from across the country of all races and faiths coming together to seek hope to end the mandates, they deserve to be listened to. So many people I have met are thankful for the polite conversation, because they want to be heard.

I encourage the Liberal members to listen and give hope a chance to be heard.

Child CareStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Maninder Sidhu Liberal Brampton East, ON

Mr. Speaker, our government has put forth a national child care strategy to help families save thousands of dollars in child care costs and help grow our economy. Almost every province and territory has signed on to a child care agreement with our federal government, except for the Province of Ontario.

In Brampton East, families have consistently expressed the need for affordable child care and what it would mean for them. Over the weekend, my friend Ajit in Calgary reached out to thank me and our Liberal government for a national child care strategy and shared what it will mean for his family. For his family, that means child care costs going from $1,300 a month to $680 a month, That is over $7,000 in savings in the first year alone.

Our federal government has $10.2 billion on the table and stands ready to work with the Province of Ontario so that Ajit's reality in Calgary can become a reality for families in Brampton and across Ontario. It is high time for the Province of Ontario to do its part in making affordable child care a reality.

High-Speed InternetStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Conservative

Dan Muys Conservative Flamborough—Glanbrook, ON

Mr. Speaker, families in Flamborough—Glanbrook are desperate for reliable high-speed Internet. On a regular basis, I receive calls and emails from constituents who struggle with overpriced, unreliable Internet. Take Ryan in Flamborough, for example, who lives just 15 minutes from the city but has no reliable broadband. Last month, to ensure his two kids would have access to online schooling, he had to pay over $500 in charges for a wireless hot spot.

There are over 8,000 rural households in Flamborough—Glanbrook, the majority with bad Internet, including my own. Yet, last week the government made an announcement to connect just 47 of them. That is less than 1%.

In 2022, the pandemic has taught us that access to reliable high-speed Internet is no longer a privilege for some but a necessity for all. The people of my riding cannot wait until 2025. They need action now.

Human TraffickingStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Conservative

Brad Redekopp Conservative Saskatoon West, SK

Mr. Speaker, my heart was saddened to hear the news of four people from India losing their lives last month after becoming lost in -35°C weather during a blizzard. This is a tragedy made worse by the news that it was allegedly human traffickers who put these people in harm’s way. Human trafficking causes real harm. No matter what someone may say, it is never safe to cross the border illegally. Human smugglers are only concerned about money and have no regard for the lives lost. They are responsible for over 40 million victims worldwide, often leading to forced labour, prostitution and death.

There is a substantial need among some individuals to get to another country like Canada, but this is not the way. Canada’s Conservatives are calling on the government to ensure that our immigration system is fair, efficient and compassionate to prevent future tragedies like these events. We issue our collective condolences to the victims of this horrendous tragedy and to all fleeing their countries in search of a better life.

Public SafetyStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Rachel Bendayan Liberal Outremont, QC

Mr. Speaker, I was in Quebec City last Saturday to take part in a ceremony commemorating the fifth anniversary of the tragic attack on the great mosque.

I rise today to once again pay tribute to the six men who were taken from us on January 29, 2017: Ibrahima, Mamadou, Khaled, Abdelkrim, Azzedine, and Aboubaker. They were all Quebeckers and were all shot by a murderer who entered their mosque carrying a handgun and five 10‑round magazines.

The weapon in question, a Glock 17, was acquired legally, and, in less than two minutes, it was used to extinguish the lives of our fellow citizens.

There is no doubt that more needs to be done to combat violence involving guns, including handguns. Survivors, young people, and Canadians across the country are urging us to act, and I will continue to speak up for them.

Athletes from Port Moody—CoquitlamStatements By Members

2:10 p.m.

NDP

Bonita Zarrillo NDP Port Moody—Coquitlam, BC

Mr. Speaker, today I want to highlight three athletes from my riding of Port Moody—Coquitlam who will be competing for Canada at the Special Olympics World Winter Games next year. They are Lindsey Aarstad, Ariel Taylor and Fiona Hall. Lindsey and Ariel will compete in snowshoeing and Fiona will compete in alpine skiing. I had the opportunity to meet Ariel recently, and she told me how important her friends at the Special Olympics are for her social and physical well-being. For all three women, these are their first World Games and they are training year-round. Lindsey and Ariel even have grass “snowshoes” so they can train during the summer months.

I want to give a shout-out to Special Olympics B.C., with over 4,000 volunteers and coaches who deliver year-round, high-quality programs to people with intellectual disabilities through sport.

Congratulations again to Lindsey, Ariel and Fiona, along with the other Canadian Special Olympics athletes. The residents of Port Moody—Coquitlam are cheering them on.

Citizen Advocacy in DrummondStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Bloc

Martin Champoux Bloc Drummond, QC

Mr. Speaker, today is the 40th anniversary of Parrainage civique Drummond, a citizen advocacy group that provides services for adults living with an intellectual disability, a physical disability or other disorders that may affect functional autonomy.

Parrainage civique Drummond was the initiative of a group of individuals looking for ways to provide specific, tailored support to this clientele. Needless to say, since the beginning of the pandemic, Parrainage civique Drummond has played an essential role in helping these people stay in touch with their community.

I am thinking in particular of Joey, a 27-year-old man with a passion for politics, who was able to do a one-day internship in my constituency office thanks to Parrainage civique Drummond. He is a nice guy and full of energy. His great need for interaction could not be fulfilled without thsi organization's initiatives.

I really want to commend the valuable contributions made by the volunteers and the remarkable work done by the Parrainage civique Drummond team. They bring happiness to the lives of these wonderful people and help them stay in their own homes, while also providing respite for their loved ones.

In closing, I would like to congratulate the executive director, Michel Gouin, who has been at the helm of this valuable organization for 20 years now.

Queen's Platinum JubileeStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Conservative

John Nater Conservative Perth—Wellington, ON

Mr. Speaker, on her 21st birthday, Princess Elizabeth declared, “my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service”, and what a record of service that has been, through 12 Canadian Prime Ministers and 14 Governors General, including the first Canadian-born Governor General and, today, the first indigenous person to serve as Governor General. During her reign, the Queen has visited Canada more often than any other country, endearing herself to generations of Canadians.

February 6 marks the 70th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's accession to the throne as head of the Commonwealth and Queen of Canada following the death of her father, King George VI. As she enters her platinum jubilee year, Her Majesty's loyal opposition extends our best wishes for continued health and happiness. God save the Queen.

Guelph Black Heritage SocietyStatements By Members

2:15 p.m.

Liberal

Lloyd Longfield Liberal Guelph, ON

Mr. Speaker, the Guelph Black Heritage Society has begun its Black Heritage Month celebrations and continues to preserve the historical significance of Heritage Hall, a former church that was built in 1880 by former slaves who arrived in southern Ontario through the Underground Railroad. This building continues to serve as the cultural, historical and social centre within Guelph and Wellington County, and is the headquarters of the Guelph Black Heritage Society, which continues to work toward a more equitable society. It is a rich resource empowering Black Canadians and educating all around on anti-racism and discrimination while promoting cultural diversity, giving a leg up to Black entrepreneurs, running mental health workshops and bringing important lived experiences to our community.

The Government of Canada is proud to support the Guelph Black Heritage Society in my riding, and I look forward to joining it for events in Guelph celebrating Guelph Black Heritage Month.

COVID-19 ProtestsOral Questions

2:15 p.m.

Portage—Lisgar Manitoba

Conservative

Candice Bergen ConservativeLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, the protesters and, to be more accurate, the trucks have been parked outside in Ottawa for almost a week now, and instead of presenting a plan, which is what I think a lot of people in this country would like to see, to work with the people who are out there to help them feel they have been listened to, the Prime Minister is threatening Canadians with more vaccine mandates for interprovincial trade and travel. This is not helpful.

Can the Prime Minister please tell Canadians what role he feels the government can play and what it can do to help solve the impasse?

COVID-19 ProtestsOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

University—Rosedale Ontario

Liberal

Chrystia Freeland LiberalDeputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance

Mr. Speaker, allow me to first congratulate the member for Portage—Lisgar on her election as interim leader of her party. It is great to see another strong western woman leading the official opposition. As well, allow me to thank the member for Durham and his family for their public service. I got to know him during his time as the official opposition's critic for foreign affairs, and I know he is a strong advocate for his community and for Canada.

When it comes to the ongoing protests, all of our government and I clearly condemn the desecration of national monuments and the display of hateful symbols that this protest has tolerated.

COVID-19 ProtestsOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Portage—Lisgar Manitoba

Conservative

Candice Bergen ConservativeLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the Deputy Prime Minister's kind words.

Maybe all the horns affected her hearing, because I do not know if she heard my question, so I am going to ask it again. Where is the olive branch? I ask this because Canadians are looking for an olive branch. I appreciate the olive branch she just extended to me right now, and I think that is what Canadians are looking for. The government does not have to agree. Its members do not even have to like the protesters and the trucks that are parked outside, but they need to provide a solution.

Could they please tell Canadians what the solution is to get past this impasse?

COVID-19 ProtestsOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

University—Rosedale Ontario

Liberal

Chrystia Freeland LiberalDeputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance

Mr. Speaker, my hearing is just fine, and yesterday I heard very clearly my colleague from Hull—Aylmer, who explained what it means for a Black Canadian to see swastikas and the Confederate flag displayed at a protest in our nation's capital. He told us that this horrible emblem makes Black Canadians question who else among us would infringe on their equality and freedom. His words are a powerful reminder that every member of the House has a responsibility to speak out against a movement that tolerates such—

COVID-19 ProtestsOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Liberal

The Speaker Liberal Anthony Rota

The hon. Leader of the Opposition.

COVID-19 ProtestsOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Portage—Lisgar Manitoba

Conservative

Candice Bergen ConservativeLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, that, I am afraid, is classic gaslighting, and it is very disappointing to see the deputy leader do that when we are in the middle of what is going on in the streets right now in Ottawa. There is nobody in the House who tolerates racism, like wearing blackface. We do not need to go through the litany of racist things that have been done by people who clearly have very poor judgment. That is not what we are talking about. We are talking about an impasse on Parliament Hill. We need to have some solutions.

There needs to be an olive branch. Where is it?

COVID-19 ProtestsOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

University—Rosedale Ontario

Liberal

Chrystia Freeland LiberalDeputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance

Mr. Speaker, the member opposite has just used the “bad apple” excuse. She has excused the desecration of the national monuments and the display of the swastika and the Confederate flag on the grounds that these are just the actions of a few. We tell our children that when they see a bully, even if that bully is their friend, their job is to speak out. It is our job as members of the House to speak out against these hateful actions.