Debates of Feb. 8th, 2022

Opposition Motion—Amendment to the Constitution of Canada (The Saskatchewan Act)

[Robert Gordon Kitchen, Conservative, Souris—Moose Mountain, SK]

Madam Speaker, I am so glad to hear that my colleague is from Saskatoon originally, that she has been to rural Saskatchewan to see exactly where things are, and that she truly understands the rural challenges that rural Canadians have. I appreciate that.

The member's comment is good. The issue is on big businesses, etc., and how we need to look at that. However, again, it comes down to the same discussion. We need to have that conversation. We need to discuss it and come up with ideas and work together to make this happen. That is what is expected by Canadians at this time. They want to hear that throughout Canada from every one of us. They want to hear us talking together. They want to hear us expressing that to everybody, and they want to see it here in the House. I ask, and implore, that this continue.

[Francesco Sorbara, Liberal, Vaughan—Woodbridge, ON]

Madam Speaker, it is great to be here with all my colleagues, both physically here in the House and virtually. I am honoured to take part in this debate, as a westerner by birth and someone who lives in Ontario now. It is always great to support my colleagues in the beautiful province of Saskatchewan.

Today we are considering a request from Saskatchewan to amend a part of the Canadian Constitution. It is a small part, it is true, but such a request deserves our immediate attention because it is long overdue. Parliamentarians who wish to do so should have a say. We are having this debate because on November 29 of last year, the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan unanimously passed a resolution to repeal a section of the Saskatchewan Act.

History buffs, and I know there are many in the House, will know this act received royal assent in 1905. It is best know for having created the province of Saskatchewan, and it was adopted at the same time as the Alberta Act, creating the province of Alberta. Both were created from parts of the Northwest Territories. Alberta and Saskatchewan became the eight and ninth provinces of Canada on September 1, 1905. Both acts were enshrined in the Canadian Constitution in 1982, and this why the change requested by Saskatchewan requires an amendment to the Canadian Constitution.

The resolution passed by the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan specifically calls for the repeal of section 24 of the Saskatchewan Act. This section relates to the clause of a contract signed in 1880 between the Government of Canada and the founders of the Canadian Pacific Railway company.

I want to note that I will be sharing my time with the hon. member for Winnipeg South Centre.

At the time, Saskatchewan was not yet a province and Sir John A. Macdonald was the Prime Minister. In a nutshell, the clause exempted the CPR from certain federal, provincial and municipal taxes.

As noted in Saskatchewan's resolution, a large corporation should not be exempt from paying provincial taxes. I agree with this assessment. Our government has been very clear that everyone should pay their fair share of taxes, and that certainly includes corporations.

We are focused on strengthening the middle class and building an economy that works for everyone. To do that, Canadians need a tax system that is fair and equitable. It is why we cut taxes for the middle class and asked the wealthiest 1% to pay a little more. It is also why we want to make sure companies, including large digital corporations, pay their fair share of tax in Canada.

Corporations need to pay a fair share of tax in the jurisdiction where their users and customers are located. Whatever the historical context, there is no reason in this day and age the CPR should get the benefit of a tax exemption that no on else receives. It is not consistent with Canada's current tax policies, nor with its fiscal policies.

If the Government of Saskatchewan wants to make the tax system fair, it will wholeheartedly find support on this side of the House. It is great to see collaboration among the parties. It is what Canadians sent us here for: to work for their interests and make this country a better place.

The COVID-19 pandemic has shed new light on the importance of delivering services to Canadians in a timely and efficient manner. Our economic response plan has helped Canadians and businesses weather the storm, including the wonderful and kind people of Saskatchewan. Let me share some of the specifics with the House.

Thus far, the federal government has allocated more than three million doses of COVID vaccines to Saskatchewan. Several million rapid tests have also been shipped to the province. All of that was free of charge.

The Canada emergency wage subsidy has protected more than 100,000 jobs in Saskatchewan. About 30,000 loans totalling $1.6 billion have been made to Saskatchewan businesses through the Canada emergency business account. More than 240,000 Saskatchewan residents received support through the Canada emergency response benefit at some point. Out of a population of 1.1 million, that is more than one in five people, or over 20%. In addition to this, in 2021-22, Saskatchewan is receiving $1.3 billion through the Canada health transfer and an additional $478 million through the Canada social transfer.

Canada works best when governments work collaboratively in the interest of Canadians. In this regard, I would like to point out that the “land of living skies” is one of the jurisdictions with which the federal government has entered into an agreement to build a Canada-wide early learning and child care system.

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

I will interrupt the hon. member for Statements by Members. He will have five minutes after question period to conclude and take questions.

Leonard Braithwaite

[Michael Coteau, Liberal, Don Valley East, ON]

Madam Speaker, I am so proud to stand here in the House of Commons today during Black History Month to recognize Canada's first Black parliamentarian. Mr. Leonard Braithwaite passed away in March 2012, but his legacy lives on, and I am personally grateful for the path he paved for me and many others.

Mr. Braithwaite's career and commitment to this country were extraordinary. He served in World War II in the Canadian air force, graduated from Harvard Business School, obtained a law degree from Osgoode Hall, practised law, was elected as a school board trustee and city councillor, received the Order of Canada, served as a bencher in the Law Society of Upper Canada, and in 1963 broke barriers when he became the first elected Black person and parliamentarian serving at the Ontario legislature. However, he will be remembered most for ending the segregation of schools in Ontario and for welcoming women to serve as pages in the Ontario legislature.

I thank Mr. Braithwaite for his commitment to building a better country and for inspiring so many Black Canadians who have followed his path to serve.

Gold Medal Congratulations

[Doug Shipley, Conservative, Barrie—Springwater—Oro-Medonte, ON]

Madam Speaker, I am rising today to celebrate the accomplishment of a local hero in Barrie, Alex “Ali” Massie. Ali, at the age of 16, and in the prime of his athletics, was in a horrific wakeboarding accident that left his left leg amputated from the knee down. Ali was in the hospital for 13 weeks. During this recovery time, he was informed that he would no longer be able to pursue his much-loved sporting activities. Ali's determination and willpower did not allow him to accept this outcome. With the full and unwavering support of a loving and caring family, Ali persevered to continue with his sporting pursuits. He showed incredible perseverance and determination over many years, which has culminated in great success.

On January 22 of this year, Ali and his teammate Tyler Turner won the gold at the World Para Snow Sports Championships in Lillehammer, Norway, in the snowboard cross team event. I hope this good-news story encourages everyone, regardless of their abilities, to learn from Ali's example of what can be accomplished with determination, courage, hard work and a positive outlook.

What a great job by Ali. We will be cheering for him in the Paralympics. He is a true hero and inspiration to all.

Joan King

[Han Dong, Liberal, Don Valley North, ON]

Mr. Speaker, late last month, our North Shore community lost someone very special. Joan King was a community builder, an ardent supporter of local organizations and an early champion for the environment, spearheading issues like biodegradable bags.

Joan was very engaging. She knew exactly how to bring people together and rally them behind an important issue. She never let politics get in the way of what was best for her community.

Joan served the people of North Shore tirelessly for over 20 years, first as a school board trustee and then as a city councillor beginning back in 1985. Even after leaving city council in 2000, Joan remained very involved and continued to advocate for our community.

Joan has had a lasting impact on our community, and I know her memory will continue to inspire many of us for years to come. I am very proud to have known her.

Denis Villeneuve and Jean-Marc Vallée

[Martin Champoux, Bloc, Drummond, QC]

Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to recognize the absolutely outstanding work of Denis Villeneuve, an extraordinary filmmaker whose most recent film received no less than 10 Ocscar nominations.

Dune: Part 1 is nominated for best picture, best adapted screenplay and best production design, overseen by Patrice Vermette. We are once again amazed at the extent of Villeneuve's genius, and we wish him and his team the best of luck at the Oscars.

While one of our great filmmakers is being honoured in Hollywood, I cannot help but think about Jean-Marc Vallée, who passed away less than two months ago. This brilliant filmmaker who brought us C.R.A.Z.Y, Dallas Buyers Club and Big Little Lies was a master at portraying human nature. He was clearly one of the artists who contributed to the incredible development of Quebec cinema and the international recognition it has achieved. He would certainly be proud to see his friend Denis Villeneuve's success today.

Teacher Appreciation Week

[Angelo Iacono, Liberal, Alfred-Pellan, QC]

Mr. Speaker, 40 years ago, one of my high school teachers organized a field trip to visit Parliament in Ottawa. Little did she know what a profound influence this visit would have on my life. This visit sparked my passion for politics, and it put me on the right track to proudly represent the people of Alfred–Pellan today.

My admiration for the teaching profession knows no bounds. I tip my hat to this noble profession, for teachers are artists who sculp the minds of our youth to shape our future.

As we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, I tip my hat to these talent makers who are dedicated to shaping our leaders of tomorrow.

Thank you to all educators.

I thank them for caring for our children.

Freedom of Speech

[Gerald Soroka, Conservative, Yellowhead, AB]

Mr. Speaker, prior to my time in Parliament, I served in municipal government. I was encouraged to speak up on behalf of the people who put their trust in me.

I am concerned I do not have the same freedom to ask legitimate questions about the government or popular narratives of society. In the past two years, many of the people in my riding have expressed concerns about their rights and freedoms. We say every Canadian has individual rights and freedoms, but our right to free speech is under attack. I am not talking about hate speech, but about having one's own opinion or questioning the government or society's popular narrative. For me, it seems that if someone asks questions about or does not agree with this narrative, their voice is shut down by hateful rhetoric, labelling them racist, misogynistic or a conspiracy theorist.

What has happened to our freedom of speech? I hope we can all work to re-establish this core principle in our democratic society.

Global Vaccine Equity

[Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, Liberal, Beaches—East York, ON]

Mr. Speaker, we need to vaccinate the world to save lives, protect our economic recovery and prevent the next variant. As it stands, of the 10 billion doses administered to date, only 10% have been administered in low-income countries. This not only falls short of our moral obligation to those who have less. It also means continued supply chain disruptions and the potential for a dangerous variant that could undo all of our sacrifice.

We know that the best way to prevent the next variant is to stop unconstrained spread, and that requires vaccine equity. That is why I have introduced Motion No. 43 to call on our government to expedite its committed donation of 200 million doses, provide at least an additional $1.1 billion in the coming budget towards the ACT-Accelerator and contribute to global manufacturing capacity, including support for the TRIPS waiver.

When we look back at this time in history, we should see that Canada played a leading role in addressing global vaccine equity, the most important intervention to end the greatest crisis in our lifetimes. Having spent hundreds of billions on our own domestic pandemic response, we should spend a fraction of that to save lives around the world and to prevent the next variant.

Foreign Orphanages

[Brendan Hanley, Liberal, Yukon, YT]

Mr. Speaker, a unique collaboration between two remarkable Yukon women, Morgan Wienberg and Kelly Milner, is poised to change how the world looks at international orphanages and child exploitation.

In 2010 after a devastating earthquake struck Haiti, a young high school graduate called Morgan Wienberg travelled to help. Ten years later, Morgan has slowly unravelled the story of corruption in many child orphanages, not just in Haiti but around the world. While helping to reunite children with their rightful families, Morgan founded a small organization called Little Footprints Big Steps that aims to protect children coerced into so-called orphanages and reunite them with their families.

This journey and Morgan’s call to action to stop voluntourism and address human trafficking in orphanages around the world is explored in Yukon filmmaker Kelly Milner’s documentary film, Not About Me.

As Morgan and Kelly continue to raise this critical issue, it is time for us to rethink and reform our support for foreign orphanages.

Heart Month

[Robert Gordon Kitchen, Conservative, Souris—Moose Mountain, SK]

Mr. Speaker, February is Heart Month in Canada, and the Heart and Stroke Foundation is running its annual fundraising campaign.

Approximately 750,000 Canadians face a daily struggle with heart failure, and last November following a heart attack, I became one of them. I encourage everyone listening to learn and regularly review the signs and symptoms of a cardiac episode. Swift action and diagnosis could be the difference between life and death. I personally thought my symptoms were minimal, but I got checked out anyway and thank goodness I did.

I must recognize my doctors at Estevan, Dr. Sheikh and Dr. Tsoi, for their quick action and continued care. I would like to thank the staff of Regina General Hospital cardiac care unit, including the doctors, nursing staff and technicians, for their commitment to providing quality care for their patients. I would like to specifically mention my cardiologist, Dr. Lavoie, and my angioplasty specialist, Dr. Booker. These incredible doctors are the reason I am still here speaking to the House today, and I cannot thank them enough.

Finally, to those who say politicians do not have a heart, I now have surgical proof I do.

Child Care

[Julie Dzerowicz, Liberal, Davenport, ON]

Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to rise in the House today on an issue that is important to the residents of my riding of Davenport: child care.

Located in the downtown west part of Toronto, Davenport is still largely a working-class to middle-class riding with many households struggling to make ends meet. Since the Government of Canada announced its ambition for a $10-a-day early learning and child care plan across the country, the federal government has signed agreements with every single province and territory except for Ontario. Indeed, in some provinces, families are seeing a reduction of overall child care fees of 20% or more.

At a time when the Canadian economy is struggling with higher costs largely due to the global supply chain, every additional dollar makes a big difference. Our federal government has been and is willing, ready and able to sign a deal with Ontario. On behalf of the residents of Davenport, I am asking the Province of Ontario to not waste any more time and step up to sign the child care agreement that would deliver much-needed savings for the hard-working families of Davenport.

COVID-19 Response Measures

[Kyle Seeback, Conservative, Dufferin—Caledon, ON]

Mr. Speaker, COVID-19 has been absolutely devastating for Canadians. During the last election, the Prime Minister ran an extremely divisive campaign and, since that election, I have heard from so many Canadians and people in my riding, people who lost their jobs due to vaccine mandates and people who had to have their children vaccinated to play hockey. They are hurt. They are exhausted. They deserve better.

Conservatives have been calling for a plan, a plan to stop dividing Canadians and a plan to lift restrictions and get us back to normal. I am so proud that the member for Louis-Hébert has shown so much leadership, recognizing the devastating consequences of lockdowns and the lack of a plan to move forward. If only the Prime Minister had the courage and the leadership shown by the member for Louis-Hébert.

Unfortunately, our country and Canadians will continue to suffer from the Prime Minister's lack of leadership and his divisive attitude.

[Jasraj Singh Hallan, Conservative, Calgary Forest Lawn, AB]

Mr. Speaker, I applaud the courage of the member for Louis-Hébert, who stood up to the tone-deaf Prime Minister, calling on his government to stop politicizing the pandemic and stop dividing Canadians. Those speaking out against the mandates and restrictions are not white supremacists or extremists like the Prime Minister tries to label. They are everyday Canadians who just want a clear path forward out of this pandemic so they can get on with their lives.

Canadians' lives, businesses and mental health have all been devastated and our Conservative team has been asking for this clear path forward for the last year. True leadership unites people no matter their views, but the Prime Minister demonizes anyone who does not agree with his ideologies, calling people racist, even though he did blackface and kicked strong ethnic women out of his caucus who stood up against his corruption.

It is time for the Prime Minister to stop politicizing the pandemic and start listening to Canadians who have suffered enough. Canadians need hope. They need leadership and they need action now for a path forward out of the mandates and restrictions. We all owe it to Canadians to keep our land united, strong and free.

Small Business

[Sonia Sidhu, Liberal, Brampton South, ON]

Mr. Speaker, supporting small businesses is very important, especially during COVID-19. Last month, my city received a grant of $945,000 from the “My Main Street” local business accelerator program. This will go toward supporting and improving six main street business communities in Brampton.

Residents of Brampton know how important our small businesses are to our city. People go to them for a cup of coffee, to shop for new clothes and to gather with their families for meals, but like so many businesses, they were hit hard by the pandemic. This is why this grant will help to rebuild them across the city.

Our government recognizes how uncertainty and COVID have impacted small businesses, which is why programs like “My Main Street” and others have been developed to help owners support and grow their businesses in Brampton and across the country.

Seniors

[Lisa Marie Barron, NDP, Nanaimo—Ladysmith, BC]

Mr. Speaker, Pat, a senior in Nanaimo—Ladysmith, is one of many seniors being punished for rightfully accessing CERB. As a result of GIS clawbacks, she is now left with a budget of only $70 a week for groceries. Since the clawbacks, she has barely been able to keep food in her fridge.

Organizations in my riding of Nanaimo—Ladysmith, such as Nanaimo Family Life, are working tirelessly to support vulnerable seniors throughout the pandemic. One of their frontline staff recently told me the GIS clawbacks were like pouring gasoline on an already dire situation for low-income seniors who are struggling with the affordability crisis. Pat and others like her should not be held responsible for the government's mistakes.

It is time for the government to do what is right and put this much-needed income back into the pockets of seniors now.

Agreement between the Cree Nation and Quebec

[Marilène Gill, Bloc, Manicouagan, QC]

Mr. Speaker, 20 years ago, Grand Chief Ted Moses and Premier Bernard Landry signed the Paix des braves, an historic agreement between the Cree Nation and the Government of Quebec.

Twenty years ago, the Cree Nation and Quebec entered into a crucial economic partnership that helped both of our nations. More importantly, it marked the official beginning of a genuine nation-to-nation relationship, a relationship based on respect.

Twenty years later, the relationship between the Cree Nation and Quebec is not perfect. It must be maintained. The Paix des braves is not universally embraced, does not erase history, and cannot take the place of reconciliation. However, it is clear that this agreement marked an economic, social and diplomatic turning point.

While signing a modern treaty like the Paix des braves is neither the first nor the last step toward self-determination for indigenous peoples, it can be seen as a major step. Twenty years later, it is still in that spirit that we must look to our shared future.

COVID-19 Response Measures

[Warren Steinley, Conservative, Regina—Lewvan, SK]

Mr. Speaker, it has been an eventful several weeks in Ottawa, but earlier today, Canadians witnessed a moment of true courage from the Liberal member for Louis-Hébert and the chair of the Quebec Liberal caucus when he spoke out against the Prime Minister's dividing and stigmatizing of Canadians.

It is also encouraging that other members of the Liberal caucus may have also seen the light. The Quebec caucus chair said, “I can tell you that I am not the only one” to have a certain discomfort on different levels regarding the direction the government is taking.

Canadians have been looking for leadership from the Prime Minister, and we can see from the protest outside that he is still hiding. I encourage all my colleagues on the Liberal benches to speak out against the Prime Minister's divisive approach and discrimination against Canadians. After all, as the Prime Minister said, “a Canadian is a Canadian is a Canadian.”

Eleanor Collins

[Anju Dhillon, Liberal, Dorval—Lachine—LaSalle, QC]

Mr. Speaker, as members know, February is Black History Month. Today I want to pay tribute to an exceptional Canadian woman, the legendary singer Eleanor Collins.

Eleanor, now 102 years old, had an illustrious career as Canada's first lady of jazz. She was the first woman and first Black artist to star in her own television show in Canada. Eleanor Collins broke down racial barriers, paving the way for more diversity on the stage and in the entertainment world.

Eleanor Collins's music brought together people from different cultures and backgrounds during a time of strong racial tension. Music has the power to bring people together, spread love and touch our souls.

Eleanor made our lives just that much more beautiful.

Health

[Candice Bergen, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, when it comes to lockdowns and mandates, we are seeing things change very quickly, and rightly so. Dr. Tam has said that vaccine mandates should be re-evaluated, and today the chair of the Quebec Liberal caucus clearly and strongly stated it is time to end the divisiveness, end the politicization and end the mandates. We Conservatives could not agree more. This cannot be a slow and dragged-out process simply because of the Prime Minister's ego, pride or denial. Canadians are too tired. Canadians need hope.

Will the Prime Minister follow the science, follow the evidence, end the restrictions and end the mandates?

[Justin Trudeau, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, everyone is sick and tired of lockdowns, of the measures we have had to do, of the sacrifices we have had to make, but Canadians have continued to step up over the past two years. They have been there for each other, have been there to get vaccinated. That is the unity we have seen across the country of people who have been there for their neighbours, who have been there for their frontline health workers. That is what Canadians are going to do. That is how we get through and get back to the things we love.

We are going to continue to follow the science. We are going to continue to have Canadians' backs. We are going to continue to protect people's lives.

[Candice Bergen, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, countries like Ireland, Sweden, Norway, Israel, the Czech Republic, the U.K., Spain and Denmark are all removing restrictions and mandates, and they are all countries that have a lower vaccine rate than Canada. Here in Canada, though, we have a Prime Minister who refuses to lead and instead is being divisive. I have to agree with the MP for Louis-Hébert when he said, “People don’t know where public health ends and politics begins.”

Canadians want their lives back, so again I ask the Prime Minister, will he follow the evidence? Will he follow the science, end the mandates and end the restrictions quickly?

[Justin Trudeau, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, every step of the way we have had Canadians' backs by following the science, by working closely with—

[Some hon. members]

Oh, oh!