House of Commons Hansard #40 of the 44th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was energy.

Topics

International Women's DayStatements by Members

2 p.m.

Liberal

Majid Jowhari Liberal Richmond Hill, ON

Madam Speaker, 43 years ago, on this date, I arrived in the great country of Canada as an international student, feeling excited for new opportunities but also alone. Today, I want to acknowledge the challenges faced by all who are compelled to leave their country of origin just like I did.

Given the upcoming International Women's Day on March 8, we need awareness of the current hardships felt by the strong and resilient women of Ukraine, as well as all women around the world who continue to fight whether it is for their freedom, access to equal rights or equal pay. As our government continues to support and stand in solidarity with Ukraine and the Ukrainian Canadian community against Russia's egregious attack, we must pay attention to the women coerced into separation from their families, the women fearing for the lives of their children and the women who must unwillingly learn about weaponry as they prepare for war.

On March 8, while we recognize the remarkable women in our communities, let us amplify and praise the women—

International Women's DayStatements by Members

2 p.m.

Liberal

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

The hon. member for Red Deer—Mountain View.

Jack DainesStatements by Members

2 p.m.

Conservative

Earl Dreeshen Conservative Red Deer—Mountain View, AB

Madam Speaker, in 2009, I paid tribute to a dear friend, Jack Daines, who had just entered the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame as a rodeo builder. In addition to being a two-time saddle bronc champion, Jack started the world-renowned Daines Ranch Rodeo with a cowboy in mind. His contribution to the sport of rodeo in Canada was unsurpassed. Friends and customers of the Innisfail Auction Mart were treated every week to his gravelly auctioneer's voice, his no nonsense version of down home justice and his tremendous pride in our western heritage.

It was often said that Jack Daines was western Canada's Don Cherry. He loved his family and his country. He promoted Canada every chance he had, while welcoming fair-minded strangers whenever their paths would cross.

With Jack's recent passing, we mourn the loss of one of our most influential and passionate citizens. We want his wife Audrey and their children Joanne, Duane and Brenda-Lee, along with the rest of the Daines family, to know that we share in their loss as we pay tribute to a true Canadian legend.

Black History MonthStatements by Members

2 p.m.

Liberal

Jenica Atwin Liberal Fredericton, NB

Mr. Speaker, as we all know, February was Black History Month. The theme for this year was “February and Forever: Celebrating Black History today and every day”. Even if February is over, all year long we must continue to learn, recognize and celebrate Black history and Black Canadians in our communities and support Black-led organizations and businesses. Equally, we must take actions in our everyday lives and commit to actively being anti-racist in the fight against systemic anti-Black racism.

In the spirit of celebration, I want to celebrate and acknowledge some of the organizations doing crucial work in our community such as Black Lives Matter Fredericton, the New Brunswick African Association and the New Brunswick Black Artists Alliance. I want to highlight the initiative of the University of New Brunswick that put up banners in downtown Fredericton to honour Black New Brunswickers including Anna Minerva Henderson, a civil servant and poet who was the first Black federal employee of Canada. We have a duty to remember those who paved the way and transformed our society.

Finally, in honouring the global fight against systemic racism, I want to conclude by saying that we cannot close our eyes and we must denounce the reports that citizens from African countries have been mistreated, dehumanized and even stopped at neighbouring country borders while seeking safety trying to flee war-torn Ukraine. The hatred must stop here and everywhere. It is my hope that all members in the House will join me in supporting the successes of Black Canadians and condemn all forms of anti-Black racism.

International Women's DayStatements by Members

2:05 p.m.

Bloc

Andréanne Larouche Bloc Shefford, QC

Mr. Speaker, these are tough times for humanity, what with the pandemic, global warming, and the war in Ukraine. Things may look bleak, but there is hope.

The future is feminist. Yes, the future is feminist.

That is not just the theme of the International Day of Women's Rights, it is the promise we are making. As March 8 approaches, I want to remind members that thousands and millions of women around the world represented the majority of the workers on the front line of the fight against COVID‑19.

The campaign led by Greta Thunberg and thousands of women and countries to slow global warming is utterly and simply admirable and essential. From Angela Merkel to Magdalena Andersson, we have also seen women in politics stand up and challenge Vladimir Putin.

The world counts on women in every sector, on their leadership, their intelligence and their vision. Women are the future of the world. The future of the world relies on women. The future is feminist. I wish everyone a happy March 8.

International Women's DayStatements by Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Emmanuel Dubourg Liberal Bourassa, QC

Mr. Speaker, Bourassa would not be the inclusive and diverse riding it is without the contribution of women who are committed to building a strong and vibrant community.

For the past five years, International Women's Day has served as an opportunity for me to highlight the work of women who deserve to be honoured.

On March 8, 2022, I will be recognizing Dr. Yolande Charles, Isabelle Desrochers, Giuseppina Di Girolamo, Antonita Homère, Gilberte Lacas Rodrigue, Jacinthe Sicotte and Cecilia Soto-Flores.

The Bourassa MP's medal is awarded in the presence of the Hon. Senator Marie-Françoise Mégie. I chose today to make this statement to honour these exceptional women because my late mother, Elvire Adé, would have been 103 years old.

Congratulations to all these women.

UkraineStatements by Members

2:05 p.m.

Conservative

James Bezan Conservative Selkirk—Interlake—Eastman, MB

Mr. Speaker, the war criminal Vladimir Putin continues to escalate his illegal invasion of our beloved Ukraine. Canadians remain horrified and we must continue to do everything we can to help.

I welcome the government's announcement of providing additional lethal aid, such as rocket launchers and grenades, which Conservatives have been calling for since 2018. This equipment is essential to protecting Ukrainians on the front lines, but Canada can and must do more.

We have brand-new role 1, role 2 and role 3 mobile field hospitals sitting in storage. These hospitals could mean the critical difference between life and death on the battlefield. Canada should also provide tactical first aid kits to the brave Ukrainians fighting for freedom, and we should also donate high-quality field ration packs to ensure Ukrainians are supplied with enough food to endure the war that Putin has imposed on them.

Visa-free travel for Ukrainians is essential to moving many women, children and seniors out of harm's way, and we need to do it as swiftly as possible. I know Canadians stand ready to welcome Ukrainians with open arms who are fleeing Putin's barbaric war.

Slava Ukraini.

Arctic SovereigntyStatements by Members

March 3rd, 2022 / 2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Yvonne Jones Liberal Labrador, NL

Mr. Speaker, as we stand united against Russia's invasion and attack on Ukraine and its people, we must continue to work across all party lines and with our international counterparts to stop this seamless attack on democracy and innocent lives.

Russia's threat to Ukraine is a threat to all of us who promote democracy, independence and a free, just society. We will stand up to President Putin's attacks by expanding our ability to protect the sovereignty of our Arctic nation. Canada is conducting joint exercises with other Arctic nations, investing in more defence equipment and enhancing our Arctic surveillance and intelligence capability.

We have announced major investments in the north warning system. Canada and the United States continue to work together to ensure that NORAD is modernized to meet both existing and emerging threats to our continent. We will continue to unite against Russia's affront on Ukraine and stand with all of those who are fighting against this tyranny.

Nakurmiik.

St. Patrick's Day CelebrationStatements by Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Peter Schiefke Liberal Vaudreuil—Soulanges, QC

Mr. Speaker, the last two years have been difficult for more reasons than one can count, and finding ways to connect and celebrate life with the good people around us has never been so important. That is why I am proud to rise today to say that it is time, once again, for my community of Vaudreuil—Soulanges to become Irish for the day at the annual St. Patrick's Day festivities in Hudson.

This year, members of the Soulanges Irish Society, in collaboration with the Hudson Hospitality Association, Hudson à Table and local businesses in Vaudreuil—Soulanges, will celebrate all things Irish with fun community activities and a traditional walk down Hudson's main street. They will be joined by St. Patrick's Day grand marshal Mitch Melnick, Irishman of the Year Ken Doran, queen Emma Gauthier, princesses Chris Walsh and Robin Brodrick, and chief reviewing officer Mitch Gallo.

This year's St. Patrick's celebrations are not to be missed. On Saturday, March 19 at 1 p.m., come one, come all to Main Street in Hudson for some fun, some much-needed cheer and some much-needed, good old Irish hospitality.

International Women's DayStatements by Members

2:10 p.m.

Conservative

Karen Vecchio Conservative Elgin—Middlesex—London, ON

Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to wish everyone in the House and across the world a happy International Women's Day. Every day, Canadian women make vital contributions to communities across our country. For years, women have stood up against sexism and inequality.

Women's contributions to our farms, our businesses and our homes make our communities vibrant and dynamic. While women have come a long way toward true gender equality, we know that issues such as gender-based violence, human trafficking and sexual exploitation and unequal representation continue to disproportionately affect women.

It is time that we put in the work and provide concrete policy solutions that will address gaps, empower women and provide them with necessary supports and resources to achieve their full potential. We know that when women succeed, all of Canada benefits because when we see it, we can be it.

Happy International Women's Day.

International Women's DayStatements by Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Soraya Martinez Ferrada Liberal Hochelaga, QC

Mr. Speaker, as International Women's Day approaches, I would like to remind everyone that we still need to fight to preserve women's rights and to advance women's equality and equity.

In crisis situations, women are hit the hardest. Today, all eyes are on Ukraine. The first images we are seeing of this war show wounded women, women giving birth in subway stations, and female elected officials, teachers and mothers taking up arms and risking their lives to defend their country. The courage, resilience and determination of these women should inspire us all. Let us salute their courage as they fight for democracy. They are an example to us all.

I would like to close by acknowledging the outstanding work of the women in our government who are playing key roles in managing the global crisis: the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of National Defence and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance. It makes me so proud to see these women holding important leadership roles.

International AffairsStatements by Members

2:10 p.m.

Conservative

Scot Davidson Conservative York—Simcoe, ON

Mr. Speaker, many of my constituents in York—Simcoe are hearing from family in Ukraine who are suffering as the Russian invasion continues. A letter shared with me reads, “I write this with a heavy heart. We are experiencing more bombing and more communities are being levelled to the ground. Chaos is spreading and many people are dying. The beautiful Saint Sophia Cathedral here in Kyiv is older than Russia itself. How long until a missile destroys it? We're terrified because we don't know where Putin will target next. I'll be hiding in my bathroom trying to sleep tonight. I hope my mother and sister and I can evacuate tomorrow. There are thousands of us trying to flee. I don't know how I can leave my husband, my brother, my father behind.”

These words remind us that the people of Ukraine who live in Berehove, Crimea and Bravia are no different from people who live in Canadian towns such as Bradford, Georgina or East Gwillimbury. Our hearts are with them right now.

Slava Ukraini.

Ken EppStatements by Members

2:10 p.m.

Conservative

Garnett Genuis Conservative Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, AB

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Ken Epp, the MP for my area from 1993-2008. Ken passed away on February 20 at the age of 82. It is always sad for those of us left behind to have to say goodbye to a great leader and a great friend, but that sadness is tempered by Ken's confidence that death was a doorway and not an end. Ken's hope of an eternity with Jesus and with his dear wife Betty, who predeceased him, is one that I and many in our community share and draw comfort from.

Ken was a math teacher before getting elected. It was a natural transition from teaching math to young people to try to teach math to Liberals. Unfortunately, I think his students did a better job of grasping mathematical concepts than did his colleagues opposite.

One of Ken's key parliamentary accomplishments was to sponsor and see the passage at second reading of Bill C-484, a bill to recognize unborn victims of crime. The bill achieved substantial cross-party support, but we will remember Ken not primarily by the speeches he gave or the votes he cast. We will remember him by the joy, the grace, the humility and the kindness that characterized his long service.

He remained faithful throughout to his convictions and to the virtues that defined his life. Ken changed Ottawa, but Ottawa did not change him. I thank Ken for his service and his example.

Ken EppStatements by Members

2:15 p.m.

Liberal

The Speaker Liberal Anthony Rota

Before we continue, I want to remind everyone that there are statements being made and we all want to hear what is going on with the statements. They are very important to all of us.

The hon. member for Mississauga—Erin Mills.

Marian CovenyStatements by Members

2:15 p.m.

Liberal

Iqra Khalid Liberal Mississauga—Erin Mills, ON

Mr. Speaker, on March 8 we celebrate International Women's Day. This year's theme is #BreakTheBias, and what better example than Marian Coveny from Erin Mills. She was a teacher at Loyola Catholic Secondary School and a trail-blazing hockey player. She led Team Canada to undefeated victory in the first-ever women's world hockey tournament in 1987. It was the first game ever played by a Canadian women's national team. In her own words, she took “one giant step for womankind”. She helped pave the way for women's hockey teams, who continue to do us proud globally. Marian loved the game so much that she would fearlessly chase Zambonis off the ice to let women's teams finish their matches. She played hockey into her sixties, while she was teaching. She played until 2020, when she got sick.

Sadly, Marian Coveny passed away earlier this year after a long battle with cancer. She was a fighter, and her story will continue to inspire Canadians forever.

Happy International Women's Day.

Local Winnipeg Newspaper PublisherStatements by Members

2:15 p.m.

NDP

Leah Gazan NDP Winnipeg Centre, MB

Mr. Speaker, today I am honoured to recognize Terese Taylor, publisher and editor of The Leaf: an iconic local newspaper serving Winnipeg Centre's community of Wolseley, as well as the West End and Spence neighbourhoods, on its 10th anniversary.

The Leaf is a beloved local newspaper, highlighting stories focused on local, national and international issues. I know I always look forward to the upcoming issues of this grassroots community newspaper containing high-quality stories that keep me up to date with the heartbeat of our community.

This woman-owned and operated paper continues to grow and expand with Terese's newest publication, Streets, now available to Winnipeg Centre's West End.

Congratulations to Terese on her growing success. I thank her for her heart, her dedication to justice and her contributions to our wonderful riding of Winnipeg Centre.

Here is to The Leaf. Here is to Streets. I am always proud to lift up strong women today and every day. May Terese continue to rise.

Women of UkraineStatements by Members

2:15 p.m.

Bloc

Marilène Gill Bloc Manicouagan, QC

Mr. Speaker, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, in the past seven days, one million people have fled Ukraine to Poland, Hungary, Moldova and other European countries. Thousands of people seeking safety are being forced to leave Ukraine, many of them women. These women are courageously crossing borders with their children, unsure of their future.

I want to add my voice to that of the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola. I would like to begin by acknowledging the incredible courage of the women of Ukraine who are fighting, who are being forced to find shelter for their loved ones in bunkers, who are giving birth in subway stations and who are leading the fight on the front line.

I pay tribute to their courage, strength and resilience in these particularly grave circumstances. This courage, strength and resilience fill us with admiration. Our hearts go out to those who are living through this heinous war, those who have fled it and those who have taken up arms to defend their country. This war will end, and the women will rebuild.

Ukrainsi peregomout!

Ukrainians in LakelandStatements by Members

2:15 p.m.

Conservative

Shannon Stubbs Conservative Lakeland, AB

Mr. Speaker, in 1891, Ukrainians first came to Lamont County, where I grew up. It is known as the cradle of Ukrainian settlement in Canada. The first MP of Ukrainian descent was elected in Vegreville in 1926. Lakeland is home to symbols of Ukrainian food, faith and culture, the world's largest pysanka, historic sites, Ukrainian immersion school programs, and more than 22,000 Ukrainian Canadians. There are so many families with loved ones who are fleeing Putin's attacks and violence, or who are joining those who defend and fight for Ukraine.

The moving words of Ukraine's national anthem show its grit and steadfast spirit, which states:

Ukraine's glory hasn't perished, nor her freedom
Upon us, fellow compatriots, fate shall smile once more
Our enemies will vanish, like dew in the morning sun,
And we too shall rule, brothers, in a free land of our own.
We'll lay down our souls and bodies to attain our freedom,
And we'll show that we, brothers, are of the Kozak nation.

Canada must match words and empathy with more aid and more action to secure the safety, peace and freedom of the people of Ukraine.

Slava Ukraini.

Steve ArnoldStatements by Members

2:20 p.m.

Liberal

Lisa Hepfner Liberal Hamilton Mountain, ON

Madam Speaker, I rise today to sadly inform the House that Hamilton lost a much-admired journalist this week. Steve Arnold was known for his unquenchable curiosity, gentle demeanour and profound intellect. For more than half of his 40-year journalism career, he was a business reporter at the Hamilton Spectator, delving deeply into Hamilton's business, manufacturing and labour sectors.

For many of those years, Steve lived in my riding of Hamilton Mountain, and his work was consistently meaningful for my constituents in the steel and manufacturing sectors.

I got to know Steve as a colleague at the Hamilton Spectator. Years after I moved to broadcasting, he continued to offer advice and support, because he was someone who was always generous with his time and knowledge.

When he retired, he never really retired, because journalism was never a job for Steve Arnold. It was a calling. He continued to write for community papers and the Canadian Jewish News.

Today, I offer my sincerest condolences to his wife, Pam, his friends, his family and all those whose lives were touched by his words.

Foreign AffairsOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Conservative

Luc Berthold Conservative Mégantic—L'Érable, QC

Mr. Speaker, there is a massive disinformation campaign about the situation in Ukraine on Facebook, Twitter and all social media.

I receive messages every day that are full of false information about Putin's illegal invasion of Ukraine. Too many Canadians are subjected to these messages, some of which repeat word-for-word the Russian ambassador's statement. This Prime Minister stated in October that disinformation is a threat to democracy.

Why does the Prime Minister continue to tolerate the presence of Russia's chief propagandist in Canada? Will he expel the Russian ambassador to Canada, yes or no?

Foreign AffairsOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Oakville Ontario

Liberal

Anita Anand LiberalMinister of National Defence

Mr. Speaker, before I reply, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome a visitor.

Here today is Andrii Bukvych, chargé d'affaires of the Embassy of Ukraine to Canada. Welcome to the House of Commons.

Foreign AffairsOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Liberal

The Speaker Liberal Anthony Rota

I will take this opportunity to remind the hon. members of the rules.

I will let the minister go on with her answer.

Foreign AffairsOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Liberal

Anita Anand Liberal Oakville, ON

Mr. Speaker, we must defend Canadians against disinformation and propaganda.

We will not be intimidated by tyrants. Putin wants to destroy democracy.

National DefenceOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Conservative

Luc Berthold Conservative Mégantic—L'Érable, QC

Mr. Speaker, slava Ukraini.

The Putin regime's ongoing and illegal attack against Ukraine is a clear warning to the free world.

According to National Defence, in 2019, more than a third of our army's equipment and vehicles were unusable. Our air capacity is limited. We have to be prepared to deal with future threats. Former Liberal member Lieutenant-Colonel Andrew Leslie is worried.

He said that the people who were saying a few days ago that Russia would not invade Ukraine are the same people who are now saying that Russia will stop once it takes Ukraine.

I have a simple question for the Prime Minister: Are we prepared?

National DefenceOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

Oakville Ontario

Liberal

Anita Anand LiberalMinister of National Defence

Mr. Speaker, of course we are prepared.

We will leave no stone unturned to support our Ukrainian friends. To that end, I announced today that we will be stepping up our support with two new major contributions in order to provide more lethal aid. That is our priority to stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine.