Debates of Feb. 9th, 2022

Health

[Luc Berthold, Conservative, Mégantic—L'Érable, QC]

Mr. Speaker, on August 13, the Prime Minister announced mandatory vaccination at the federal level. On August 15, he called a useless election. On February 8, the cat was let out of the bag.

Contrary to what he has been saying since the beginning of question period, two members of his own party are denouncing his party's decision to knowingly adopt a divisive approach that stigmatizes people strictly for electoral purposes. As Emmanuelle Latraverse said so well, “the Prime Minister can say he is following the science, but it is pretty clear that it is all relative”.

Why has the Prime Minister turned his back on Canadians? When did he make the decision to divide, stigmatize and conquer?

[Justin Trudeau, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, during the last election, we presented Canadians with a very clear vision of how we could get through this pandemic.

That included vaccine mandates for all those who wanted to board a plane or a train and for employees of the federal public service. Canadians had their say on those issues during that election, and the vast majority voted for members of parties that supported these vaccine mandates. That is the reality. It was very important for this country to be able to move forward with a clear mandate to end this pandemic through vaccination, and that is exactly what we have done.

[Luc Berthold, Conservative, Mégantic—L'Érable, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the member for Louis-Hébert was much clearer.

We cannot end this pandemic without leadership. We cannot end this pandemic by dividing and stigmatizing Canadians. We cannot end division by hiding and refusing to take responsibility. The Prime Minister was in hiding, and it was not until one of his own members of Parliament, the chair of the Quebec Liberal caucus, spoke out about his Machiavellian election ploy that he came out.

Will the Prime Minister admit he made a mistake, apologize to Canadians for the decision he made, and work with the party leaders to put an end to the division and the protests?

[Justin Trudeau, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, during this pandemic, our government chose to follow the science, to support small businesses, seniors and workers, to encourage everyone to get vaccinated, and to institute mandates for travellers and the federal public service. All of these decisions saved lives and helped us get through this pandemic better than many other countries.

Canadians have been there for each other this whole time. That is what the government will continue to do, but I encourage the Conservatives to be there for Canadians and call for an end to the blockades.

COVID-19 Protest

[Candice Bergen, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, let me be clear: Conservatives want the protests and the barricades to end. We want people to be able to head back to work and go home, knowing they have been listened to and that they have been respected. The Prime Minister holds the key. I have sent the Prime Minister a letter and asked him if he would be willing to meet with other leaders and with me so that we can work constructively to end this impasse.

Will he meet with us? Can we work together to find a solution?

[Justin Trudeau, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, the interim leader of the Conservative Party knows well that we spoke right after her election as leader to be able to work together to end this pandemic and to end these barricades and this blockage. Unfortunately, we see Conservatives members continuing to encourage and support the blockades that are going on in downtown Ottawa, at the Coutts border crossing and at the Windsor bridge.

When are Conservatives going to stand up for ordinary Canadians by putting food on their shelves and standing up for their jobs? When are they going to stand up and condemn these barricades?

International Development

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

Mr. Speaker, this is International Development Week.

We would like to thank the sector's workers, partners and volunteers who are working hard to improve the lives of people in many countries. This year, I would like to draw the House's attention to women and girls who face unique challenges that have been exacerbated by the pandemic.

Can the hon. Prime Minister tell us what Canada is doing to support women and girls abroad?

[Justin Trudeau, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague from Dorval—Lachine—LaSalle for this question and her hard work.

She is quite right, and that is why we have transformed the way in which Canada works abroad so we can be at the forefront of this global effort. As a result of our feminist international assistance policy, we are working closely with our international partners to reduce poverty and inequality and to address the unique challenges faced by women and girls.

We will continue our efforts in that regard.

COVID-19 Protests

[Jagmeet Singh, NDP, Burnaby South, BC]

Mr. Speaker, the Ambassador Bridge crossing in Windsor is one of the busiest in all of Canada, and it is vital to the people of Windsor and the surrounding region. Windsor and the surrounding region rely heavily on travel back and forth between the borders. Residents, small businesses and manufacturing sectors all require it. Right now, because of the convoy protests, truckers are being blocked and it is severely impacting Windsor and the surrounding region.

What is the Prime Minister doing to end that shutdown and open up the border for the truckers to get back home and deliver their goods to Windsor and the surrounding region?

[Justin Trudeau, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, the Ambassador Bridge is critical for trade, and this blockade poses significant risks to our supply chains. Illegally blocked trade routes mean empty shelves, higher prices and layoffs in the trucking, manufacturing and retail sectors. It is ironic that a protest and blockade that was ostensibly by truckers is now blockading truckers themselves.

Canadians have the right to peaceful protest, but they do not have the right to illegally block our roads or harass residents. I want to once again thank the 90% of truckers who have been vaccinated and who are working hard every day to keep our economy moving.

Natural Resources

[Elizabeth May, Green, Saanich—Gulf Islands, BC]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend to the Prime Minister my hopes that he and his children are recovering well.

This week marks two years since we had any financial update from the Trans Mountain corporation, one that we lamentably own after incredibly foolishly buying the climate-killing Trans Mountain pipeline. It now appears to be five times above its original cost estimate.

Will the Prime Minister agree that we need a full, transparent review of the alleged costs and benefits before a single additional penny is wasted on this project?

[Justin Trudeau, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, Canadians know that we need to make sure we are decarbonizing our economy and reaching net zero by 2050, but in the coming years we are going to continue to rely on oil and gas as we move forward in our economy. That is why making sure we get the best possible price for our oil resources so we can invest in the transformation of our economy is important. That is why the Trans Mountain pipeline, which allows us to get product to countries other than the United States, is important for our economy. However, it is also a way to make sure we are investing in the transformation toward a greener economy.

The House resumed from February 8 consideration of the motion.

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

[The Speaker, Liberal, Anthony Rota]

It being 3:20 p.m., pursuant to order made on Thursday, November 25, 2021, the House will now proceed to the taking of the deferred recorded division on the motion of the member for Regina—Lewvan relating to the business of supply.

Call in the members.

Before the taking of the vote:

[The Speaker, Liberal, Anthony Rota]

I want to compliment our technical team. In the last couple of days there was a bit of choppiness. They found what the problem was and wanted to make sure everything was secure. I want to compliment them on the work they did. This is for our techies in the background making sure that everything runs smoothly.

(The House divided on the motion, which was agreed to on the following division:)

Vote #21

Business of Supply

[The Speaker, Liberal, Anthony Rota]

I declare the motion carried.

I wish to inform the House that because of the deferred recorded division, Government Orders will be extended by 14 minutes.

Canada National Parks Act

[Brian Masse, NDP, Windsor West, ON]

moved for leave to introduce Bill C-248, An Act to amend the Canada National Parks Act (Ojibway National Urban Park of Canada).

Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to present this bill that would establish an Ojibway national park. It is the culmination of years, almost a decade, of work to bring this legislation forward. The proposal is to bring an Ojibway national urban park together with the properties of Ojibway Park, Spring Garden Natural Area, Black Oak Heritage Park, the Tallgrass Prairie Heritage Park, the Ojibway Prairie Provincial Nature Reserve and Ojibway Shores, a vital 33-acre green space and the last remaining undeveloped national shoreline in Windsor-Detroit.

It is the home of over 130 endangered species. It is also very important as an environmental hot spot, being across from the United States and leading into southern Ontario and the rest of Canada. If connected, this will provide around 900 acres of parkland that will be very important, not just for the residents of our community but also for many people across the country, as national urban parks are strong and good pieces of infrastructure for our future.

I want to thank the drafters of the legislation through the legislative service processes. They did astounding work to get this done and I am very grateful and very excited about this opportunity. This is about positive politics and I am really pleased to be able to be part of this process and this vision, not only for our community but also our country.

(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)

Encouraging the Growth of the Cryptoasset Sector Act

[Michelle Rempel, Conservative, Calgary Nose Hill, AB]

moved for leave to introduce Bill C-249, An Act respecting the encouragement of the growth of the cryptoasset sector.

Mr. Speaker, right now, Canada should be attracting billions of dollars of investment in the fast-growing cryptoasset industry. Right now, we are seeing government officials discuss and set policy related to cryptoassets. At the same time, many officials and lawmakers are not deeply familiar with what cryptoassets are, how they function or their big potential for economic growth.

To be a world leader, Canada needs to ensure cryptoasset experts and investors are telling us what policy they need or what policy they do not need. The bill would require the Minister of Finance to formally ensure their voices help lead policy development. It would also require the minister to develop a framework using their expertise that would ensure Canada attracts investments and talent related to cryptoassets while protecting those who work with them.

The bill would create a mechanism to formally engage the expertise of cryptoasset innovators and investors in policy development and create a framework for growth.

This effort is the first of its kind in Canada and I am pleased to introduce it today. I thank everybody who has been involved in it, including the drafters, and I look forward to working across party lines in this innovative area of policy to make this effort happen.

(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)

Criminal Code

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

moved for leave to introduce Bill C-250, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (prohibition — promotion of antisemitism).

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce my private member's bill, an act to amend the Criminal Code in order to prohibit the promotion of anti-Semitism. I would like to thank my colleague from Thornhill for sponsoring this important bill.

From early 1941 to the spring of 1945, six million Jewish children, women and men were murdered in a state-sponsored genocide we now remember as the Holocaust. Holocaust distortion, denial and anti-Semitism must be confronted with the strongest opposition and condemnation. Ignorance fuels intolerance. We must continue to teach the truths of the past. Education is the safeguard of history. We must face history with courage and boldly call out and confront intolerance whenever it exists. The passage of this bill would protect the truth.

(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)

Conservation of Fish Stocks and Management of Pinnipeds Act

[Clifford Small, Conservative, Coast of Bays—Central—Notre Dame, NL]

moved for leave to introduce Bill C-251, An Act respecting the development of a federal framework on the conservation of fish stocks and management of pinnipeds.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my constituents in Coast of Bays—Central—Notre Dame, I am pleased to present my bill, an act respecting the development of a federal framework on the conservation of fish stocks and management of pinnipeds. Conservation efforts by commercial and recreational fishers have been ineffective in the rebuilding of fish stocks, and we are now faced with an ecological disaster.

Pinnipeds, a group of marine animals that include seals and sea lions, have populations that are now two to five times higher than historical levels. In coastal Canada, they consume 50 times more fish than our fishers harvest. Should this bill pass, the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans would create a framework to manage pinnipeds through consultation with indigenous groups and other industry stakeholders, as well as Canadian and international scientists, to restore balance to our marine ecosystems.

(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)

Child Health Protection Act

[Patricia Lattanzio, Liberal, Saint-Léonard—Saint-Michel, QC]

moved for leave to introduce Bill C-252, An Act to amend the Food and Drugs Act (prohibition of food and beverage marketing directed at children).

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to introduce my bill today, which proposes to amend the Food and Drugs Act by restricting the marketing of food and beverages high in sugar, saturated fats or salt directed at children. Studies have shown that even before COVID-19, 90% of food and beverage ads for such products were viewed by our children on TV and/or online. We can only imagine how much more dire the situation has become over the past two years.

Eating and drinking such foods and beverages is linked to increased health risks including obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and cancer. A healthy population, including healthy children, is not only key to reducing the likelihood of serious health problems but contributes to a healthy economy. This issue of concern has been previously debated in this chamber and is being reintroduced, for the time has come to protect our children, ensure that their health is no longer compromised and support parents across the country as they help their children develop healthy eating habits and food preferences.

I look forward to the support and ultimate adoption of the bill.

(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)

Bank of Canada Accountability Act

[Andrew Scheer, Conservative, Regina—Qu'Appelle, SK]

moved for leave to introduce Bill C-253, An Act to amend the Bank of Canada Act and to make consequential amendments to other Acts.

Mr. Speaker, I want to sincerely thank my colleague, the hon. member for Carleton, who has been warning about the dangers of inflation for some time now, which is very relevant to my bill.

My bill is called the Bank of Canada accountability act. Right now, the Bank of Canada has a special exemption from the purview of the Auditor General. The Auditor General is not able to conduct the types of audits that he or she does over other government departments and agencies.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, the Bank of Canada has massively expanded the money supply in Canada. As a result, we are seeing runaway inflation. In addition to buying government bonds, the Bank of Canada has also purchased corporate bonds, and what this bill would do is grant the authority to the Auditor General to conduct the typical types of audits, in addition to performance audits, so that we can have a better picture of what the bank is doing. This would ensure that the bank is ultimately responsible to Parliament.

Our trading partners around the world already do this. The United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand all have their auditor generals perform this type of function over their central banks. It is high time that we expand the accountability and transparency measures of the Auditor General to include the Bank of Canada.

(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)

Kazakhstan

[Garnett Genuis, Conservative, Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, AB]

Mr. Speaker, the petitioners are highlighting the fact that protesters have come to the capital city speaking out against government tyranny, and they are deeply concerned about measures that make life less affordable. The government has labelled these protesters as terrorists and used various intimidation tactics, including torture and giving police a shoot-to-kill order. I am talking, of course, about the situation in Kazakhstan, where the government has released data claiming that at least 225 people are dead and over 4,000 have been injured. Human rights organizations have reason to estimate these numbers are understated.

The petitioners are calling on the Government of Canada to condemn the human rights violations perpetrated by the Government of Kazakhstan, demand the release of political prisoners and human rights activists, like Bekizhan Mendygaziyev, and join the EU in its application of targeted sanctions against high-ranking officials.

Human Rights

[Garnett Genuis, Conservative, Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, AB]

Mr. Speaker, the next petition I am presenting highlights the Chinese Communist Party using the arbitrary detention of Canadian citizens as a bargaining chip through hostage diplomacy. There has been great relief in Canada about the release of Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor. However, it is important to know that over 115 other Canadians are still being detained in China. In particular, this petition highlights the case of Huseyin Celil, a Canadian who has been detained in China since 2006 for speaking out about the Uighur genocide. The Chinese government refuses to acknowledge Mr. Celil's Canadian citizenship and refuses him consular services.

The petitioners are calling on the Government of Canada to demand the Chinese government recognize Mr. Celil's Canadian citizenship and provide him with consular and legal services, to ensure Mr. Celil's unjust detention is a priority for the Canadian government, to appoint a special envoy to work to ensure Mr. Celil is released and to work with the Biden administration and other allies to seek the release of Mr. Celil.