House of Commons Hansard #59 of the 44th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was budget.

Topics

2 p.m.

Conservative

The Deputy Speaker Conservative Chris d'Entremont

It being Wednesday, we will now have the singing of O Canada led by the hon. member for South Okanagan—West Kootenay.

[Members sang the national anthem]

Climate ChangeStatements by Members

2 p.m.

Liberal

Jenica Atwin Liberal Fredericton, NB

Mr. Speaker, in honour of Earth Day, I attended an engaging installation of art by artisans in my riding. It challenged me to think of one word that would guide me to face the magnitude of the climate crisis. My word was “tenacity”. We all need to find the courage and determination to keep pushing forward, and I find that inspiration from our youth.

Young people are growing up acutely aware of the immense challenge our planet faces. They are aware that the lives of every living thing are at stake if we fail to act. We are all complicit in the continued ecocide as long as governments across the globe fail to step up and make the profound changes required to address the disaster that is already taking place.

I know my colleagues in the House are working hard toward solutions. Every day I am inspired by young Canadians from coast to coast to coast, and I join my voice to theirs to advocate for bolder and immediate action to defend our present and protect our future.

Natural ResourcesStatements by Members

2:05 p.m.

Conservative

Richard Bragdon Conservative Tobique—Mactaquac, NB

Mr. Speaker, Canada is blessed with an abundance of natural resources that should be responsibly and sustainably utilized. Now is the time to invest in strengthening our energy resource, agricultural, technology and manufacturing sectors, which would assist in returning Canada to prosperity and help in lowering the cost of living across the country.

We can also be a stable supplier of safe, clean, ethical and reliable energy, food and resources to countries that are desperately searching for safe alternatives at this time, displacing dictatorial and authoritarian suppliers with democratic ones. After all, energy security and food security are national security and international security.

The world wants more Canadian goods, food and energy. Canada wants more Canadian goods, food and energy. What we lack is a government with a vision to get Canadian goods, food and energy to market.

On this side of the House, we are committed to advocating for increased Canadian self-reliance. Canada must take necessary actions now to bolster our energy, food and resource development.

Parkinson's Awareness MonthStatements by Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Churence Rogers Liberal Bonavista—Burin—Trinity, NL

Mr. Speaker, April is Parkinson's Awareness Month. Here in Canada, more than 100,000 people live with this condition, and this number is on the rise globally, with Canada experiencing among the highest prevalence rates.

While most people living with this condition are older than 60, individuals 50 or younger can develop early-onset Parkinson's. As well, it also takes some individuals many years to be diagnosed, since there is no diagnostic test and it can mimic other conditions.

In Canada, more than 30 people are diagnosed with Parkinson's every day, and we expect to reach 50 new diagnoses per day within the decade. Parkinson Canada is a fantastic advocate for all Canadians living with Parkinson's. They also provide many useful resources to help improve the quality of life for those who live with this diagnosis.

I want to acknowledge Parkinson Canada's amazing work this month, and all year long, and every person in Canada who so bravely lives with this condition. I want to let them know that our government will continue to be partners with them.

François ButtleStatements by Members

2:05 p.m.

Bloc

Alain Therrien Bloc La Prairie, QC

Mr. Speaker, last Saturday in Saint-Constant, François Buttle heard a commotion in his neighbourhood. Rushing to the street, he saw that a car had rolled over and caught fire. He quickly realized that the driver was still inside. Police on the scene were forced back by an initial blast, but as one officer held the door open, François Buttle climbed into the vehicle, unbuckled the driver's seat belt and pulled him to safety.

In a spur-of-the-moment decision, François Buttle did not hesitate to help someone else. He likely saved a life by putting his own at risk. He later said that he was just a citizen doing his job.

No, François, you were not just a citizen doing your job. I have heard about your big heart, your perpetual smile and your hard work, but this incident has made me realize that you also possess the extraordinary courage that defines a hero. That is what you are, François: a hero.

The young driver's life was saved thanks to François Buttle and two brave police officers.

To them I say bravo and thank you.

Hochelaga VolunteersStatements by Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Soraya Martinez Ferrada Liberal Hochelaga, QC

Mr. Speaker, this being National Volunteer Week, I want to highlight the extraordinary dedication of three volunteers in my riding of Hochelaga.

Georgette Constantineau celebrated her 95th birthday last week. For the past 40 years, she has volunteered at the Saint-Jean-Baptiste-de-la-Salle church bazaar. Thanks to her involvement, hundreds of households can acquire thousands of useful items at very affordable prices.

Pierre Marcouiller has been involved with Hochelaga's community centre for over 50 years, including over 10 years running a tax clinic that completes between 1,000 and 1,500 tax returns every year. He is a pillar of our community.

Michel Vallée is the star volunteer at the La Fontaine Adventist community centre. Every month, he helps with food bank distribution days, picking up food donations and helping distribute them.

These are just a few of the many volunteers who give generously of their time just because they want to help make life better for individuals and families in my riding.

I thank them.

National Volunteer WeekStatements by Members

2:10 p.m.

Conservative

John Nater Conservative Perth—Wellington, ON

Mr. Speaker, this week is National Volunteer Week, a chance to thank and pay tribute to the countless volunteers who are truly the lifeblood of our communities.

There are volunteers such as Colleen Johnson of Mitchell, who was recently named citizen of the year for her selfless work in support of others, including her efforts to support three-year-old Claire and her family as Claire battles cancer. There is also Ron Ellis of Drayton, who helped to establish the Drayton Festival Theatre in 1991. He has been a tireless volunteer ever since.

There are volunteers such as Elizabeth Johnston and Amanda Brodhagen, who are leading the way as women leaders in agriculture. We also have volunteers such as Gary West and Murray Schlotzhauer of Perth East, who have been involved with so many agricultural organizations that it is impossible to list them all.

Finally, our rural communities owe a debt of gratitude to each and every volunteer firefighter and their families. They are on call each and every day. I thank all who give of their time for others.

Sikh Heritage MonthStatements by Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Shaun Chen Liberal Scarborough North, ON

Mr. Speaker, April is Sikh Heritage Month, when we recognize the significant contributions of Canadians of Sikh faith to the growth and prosperity of Canada. My riding of Scarborough North is home to a thriving Sikh community and east Toronto's only gurdwara, Gursikh Sabha Canada.

In the depth of the COVID-19 pandemic, Gursikh Sabha Canada organized volunteers and resources to help support those in need. In addition to raising $75,000 for North York General Hospital to purchase much-needed medical equipment, they spearheaded local initiatives, including vaccine clinics, food distribution and a holiday toy drive. I would like to commend the president, Gobinder Randhawa, and members of the congregation for their tireless work to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Sikh Heritage Month is drawing to a close, but let us all continue to uphold the values of Sikhism, which are equality, compassion and service.

National Volunteer WeekStatements by Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Kirsty Duncan Liberal Etobicoke North, ON

Mr. Speaker, it is National Volunteer Week, and I celebrate the compassion, empathy and generosity of volunteers in Etobicoke North. They are the lifeblood of our community. They give their time, energy and experience to improve the lives of others.

Through the pandemic, community leaders, families and friends were there for one another and lifted each other up. Rexdale Community Health Centre volunteers gave 19,000 hours of service last year. Church volunteers delivered food supplies, provided support and organized calls to combat loneliness. Volunteers with the International Muslim Organization delivered food and COVID aid. The Sikh Spiritual Centre Toronto provided seva and packed meals. BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir provided food, pandemic support and prayers.

I thank all our tremendous volunteers for helping to change lives and better our community through service to help build a better future for everyone.

Armenian GenocideStatements by Members

2:10 p.m.

Conservative

Garnett Genuis Conservative Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, AB

Mr. Speaker, as the grandson of a Holocaust survivor, I appreciate the opportunity to mark in the House of Commons the 107th anniversary of the Armenian genocide.

The Armenian genocide was the first genocide of the 20th century. Well over a million Armenian Christians and members of other communities of the Ottoman Empire were systematically and brutally killed. This genocide was barely recognized for decades and it continues to be denied today, most notably by the Turkish state.

Genocide denial matters. Denial of past genocide enables future criminals to hope their crimes will be ignored as well. When he was planning the Holocaust, Hitler said, in 1939, “Who, after all, speaks today of the annihilation of the Armenians?” Those who deny historical genocides are not just debating history; they are paving the way for current and future crimes. Crimes against the Armenian people continue today from those who deny the right of self-determination and the importance of resolving disputes peacefully.

What happened to Armenians 107 years ago impacted the life of my grandmother, a German, Jewish girl who had not been born yet. The continuing denial of genocide affects the safety and security of all of us and of generations to come. To honour the survivors and for our own safety's sake, we remember.

RamadanStatements by Members

2:15 p.m.

Liberal

Francesco Sorbara Liberal Vaughan—Woodbridge, ON

Mr. Speaker, Muslims in Canada and around the world are five days away from the culmination of the sacred month of Ramadan. From sunrise to sunset, Muslims across Canada have been fasting, praying and practising self-restraint. Like many of my colleagues, I have enjoyed breaking bread at sunset with my Muslim brothers and sisters from across my riding of Vaughan—Woodbridge and here in Ottawa.

Last night, for the first time in two years, parliamentarians gathered with Ahmadiyya Muslims and friends to break fast on the Hill. This uplifting Iftar dinner celebrated the values we all share, while reiterating our commitment to rejecting Islamophobia and fighting discrimination in all its forms. Muslims call this service their generosity and compassion, which is cherished by Vaughan residents.

As Ramadan comes to an end, I am looking forward to hosting my annual Eid dinner with Muslim leaders and community members from across the city of Vaughan on May 5. Ramadan mubarak to everyone celebrating. May this Ramadan and Eid festival be filled with many blessings and much joy.

Together We Stand MovementStatements by Members

2:15 p.m.

Conservative

Pierre Paul-Hus Conservative Charlesbourg—Haute-Saint-Charles, QC

Mr. Speaker, in May 2020, the pandemic was just beginning and we became aware of the storm that was raging around us.

We all understood that many people's lives were in the hands of our guardian angels, the health care workers. At that moment, as an MP, I wanted to show them my support and highlight the importance of their work, so I decided to join the Together We Stand movement, which started in New England.

In order to show my support for frontline workers, including paramedics, personal support workers and nurses, I gave many of them a flag with the Together We Stand slogan on it, in French of course. Two years later, as I travel around my riding, I see that those flags are still being proudly flown today.

Today, in the House of Commons, I want to reiterate my support for all health care workers and tip my hat to them for fighting so hard to win this battle. I want to remind the House that National Nursing Week will take place from May 9 to 15. This year's theme is #WeAnswerTheCall, in recognition of the important role that nurses play in our society.

St. Jean Baptiste ChurchStatements by Members

2:15 p.m.

Conservative

Dane Lloyd Conservative Sturgeon River—Parkland, AB

Mr. Speaker, for over 100 years the bells of St. Jean Baptiste church in Morinville, Alberta could be heard for miles around. The church was a place of worship, a place to mourn and a place to celebrate for generations of Catholic, indigenous, Métis and Franco-Albertans.

On June 30 of last year, in a disturbing act of hatred, this iconic structure was burned to the ground, and for the first time in over 100 years the bells were silenced. Despite this devastating blow to our community, the parishioners of St. Jean Baptiste have shown our country what the love of Jesus Christ really means: to love our enemies and to pray for those who persecute us.

On May 14, the church is hosting a fundraiser at the Morinville Community Cultural Centre to rebuild our beloved St. Jean Baptiste.

Today, in Canada's Parliament, I declare that we will not be defined by this act of hatred. The bells of St. Jean Baptiste shall ring again.

Russian Opposition ActivistStatements by Members

2:15 p.m.

Liberal

Anthony Housefather Liberal Mount Royal, QC

Mr. Speaker, Vladimir Kara-Murza has emerged as one of Russia's most respected democratic opposition leaders, a noted public intellectual and a voice of conscience. He is also a senior fellow with the Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights in my riding.

He is no stranger to many of us in this Canadian Parliament. He has testified before us and was instrumental in our unanimous adoption of Magnitsky legislation.

Vladimir represents the very best of what Russians stand for and the country that Russia can aspire to be. Targeted for his principled leadership, Vladimir has survived two assassination attempts and nonetheless had the courage to return to Russia to oppose Putin's autocratic regime and his war of aggression and atrocities in Ukraine. For this, he has now been unjustly imprisoned and faces trumped-up criminal charges that can result in decades of imprisonment.

I know I speak for all members of this House when I express my condemnation of this injustice and call for Vladimir Kara-Murza's immediate release.

Early Childhood EducatorsStatements by Members

April 27th, 2022 / 2:15 p.m.

NDP

Leah Gazan NDP Winnipeg Centre, MB

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize early childhood educators week and honour the thousands of ECEs from coast to coast.

Every day, ECEs perform some of the most crucial work in our communities. We all know that the first few years of a child’s development are the most important, and ECEs help ensure that our little ones get the best possible start in life.

However, ECEs, 98% of whom are women, are not compensated fairly for their labour. In fact, a quarter of them work second jobs to supplement their low income. Years ago, I worked as an ECE. I loved the job, but the low pay and lack of benefits resulted in me leaving this noble profession.

As $10-a-day child care is implemented across Canada, we must make raising ECE wages and providing ECEs with good benefits, including pensions, a priority. This week, let us do more than just thank ECEs; let us ensure they are paid fairly for the work they do.

Armenian GenocideStatements by Members

2:20 p.m.

Bloc

Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe Bloc Lac-Saint-Jean, QC

Mr. Speaker, April 24 marked the 107th anniversary of the genocide of the Armenian people. Let us come together to honour the memory of the 1.5 million Armenians whose lives were cut short beginning in April 1915, and everyone else who experienced exile, starvation and grief.

On behalf of the Bloc Québécois, the party that initiated efforts to have the House of Commons recognize the genocide, I want to reiterate our solidarity with the Armenian people. I want to reiterate the friendship that exists between the Quebec and Armenian nations. I would also like us to take this opportunity to reflect on the seriousness of the atrocities committed. Genocide is still going on in the world as we speak. We, and especially us as parliamentarians, have no right to trivialize this phenomenon. We have no right to be indifferent.

We cannot change the atrocities committed against the Armenians 107 years ago. Let us hope that commemorating this genocide will give us the courage to act today while we still can.

Farmers in Western CanadaStatements by Members

2:20 p.m.

Conservative

Jeremy Patzer Conservative Cypress Hills—Grasslands, SK

Mr. Speaker, farmers have begun to plant their crops for the year in western Canada once again.

Western Canada was built on a hope and a prayer, and today it is no different with farming in Cypress Hills—Grasslands. There has been below-average moisture for multiple years. I know farmers are already praying for timely rains this year. They also need the Prime Minister to quit punishing them with ridiculous policies based on false claims about their industry. First it was the carbon tax, and then the clean fuel standard and harsh emission reductions for fertilizer production. Uncertainty and sky-high input costs come from an out-of-touch Prime Minister. Now he wants to go after wheat growers as a supposedly high-emitting sector. Arable farmland sequesters over 9.5 megatonnes of CO2 every single year in Saskatchewan alone. Enough is enough.

Producers across this great country just want to be left doing what they do best: produce food for a hungry world while taking care of the land and the communities that we all love. Thanks to the Prime Minister and his continued attacks on the west, it is becoming impossible to do either one.

François L'HeureuxStatements by Members

2:20 p.m.

Liberal

Fayçal El-Khoury Liberal Laval—Les Îles, QC

Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House today to pay tribute to a dear friend and a pillar of the Montreal community who passed away recently.

François L'Heureux was a highly respected lawyer and a well-known, passionate activist in our great Quebec nation.

François was a very caring husband to his beloved wife, Marie, as well as a devoted father to his sons, Philippe and Marc, who are both living with autism spectrum disorder.

With his son serving as his inspiration, my friend François served as a tireless advocate for a more inclusive society, believing passionately in the principle of neurodiversity. His dedication led him to the implementation of a wonderful autism organization in Montreal, the Giant Steps school and resource centre, where he served on the board of directors for over 20 years, much of that as vice-president. His tireless efforts would benefit generations of autistic Canadians and their families.

I would like to offer my deepest condolences to his family. We have lost a great man.

I say goodbye to my dear friend François. May he rest in peace. May his memory be eternal.

Public SafetyOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

Portage—Lisgar Manitoba

Conservative

Candice Bergen ConservativeLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister invoked the emergency measures act on Canadians without justification, and now he is trying to hide it. His ministers admitted they will not be co-operating with the inquiry and they will be hiding behind cabinet confidence, of course. How many times have they used that one? WE, SNC, Winnipeg lab documents, the list goes on. Their dirty work is always too secret for anyone to watch. This inquiry will be nothing but an exercise in nasty Liberal political spin and nothing about transparency or accountability. Is that not the truth?

Public SafetyOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

Papineau Québec

Liberal

Justin Trudeau LiberalPrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, when the illegal blockades hurt workers and endangered public safety, police were clear that they needed tools not held by any federal, provincial or territorial law. It was only after we got advice from law enforcement that we invoked the Emergencies Act. The Canadian Police Association and the Canadian and Ontario associations of chiefs of police all agree that this is how the legislation should be used, for emergencies. We have now announced the independent inquiry to examine the circumstances that led to the declaration and the measures taken in response. I know we all look forward to Justice Rouleau's excellent work.

Public SafetyOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

Portage—Lisgar Manitoba

Conservative

Candice Bergen ConservativeLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, wedge, divide and stigmatize, that is what the Prime Minister is about and that is what this inquiry is going to be about. It is another chance for him to call innocent people racists and misogynists and accuse them of all kinds of things that are factually not true.

The purpose of this inquiry on the use of the Emergencies Act is for Canadians to see the reason why the government used it, not a chance for Liberals to insult and divide. Why is the Prime Minister so afraid to show Canadians what reasons he had or did not have to use the Emergencies Act? What is he trying to hide?

Public SafetyOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

Papineau Québec

Liberal

Justin Trudeau LiberalPrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, when our government invoked the Emergencies Act, we committed to Canadians that we would be upfront and transparent about it. We have kept that commitment, and the commission, an independent public inquiry, is further evidence of that. As we have made clear, we will work directly with the commission to ensure that it is able to complete its work, because Canadians demand answers and that is exactly what we are delivering.

EthicsOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

Portage—Lisgar Manitoba

Conservative

Candice Bergen ConservativeLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, in a shocking revelation yesterday, the Prime Minister admitted he did not use a loophole to get away with his illegal holiday. He did not give himself permission. We know from the complaints commissioner that there were some hurdles to the RCMP doing its work, but they were not insurmountable. Yesterday, the Prime Minister removed one of those hurdles.

Conservatives have asked the RCMP to reopen its criminal investigation into his activities. Will the Prime Minister co-operate with the RCMP? Will he meet with the RCMP?

EthicsOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

Papineau Québec

Liberal

Justin Trudeau LiberalPrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, it is clear that the Conservative Party has run out of ideas and material when it chooses to raise issues that were brought up by the Conservative leader three Conservative leaders ago. I know the Conservatives want to distract from their current leadership race, but there are real issues facing Canadians, from the rising cost of living to Putin's illegal war in Ukraine. Those are the issues that I am focused on. While they focus on me, we continue to remain focused on Canadians.

EthicsOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

Portage—Lisgar Manitoba

Conservative

Candice Bergen ConservativeLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, I will inform the Prime Minister that there is no statute of limitations on fraud charges. This is very serious. This is a big deal. The Prime Minister of Canada has potentially committed criminal offences. We are talking about possible charges against the Prime Minister of this country. The Prime Minister has to know how serious this is. The Prime Minister has to know he is not above the law.

Has the Prime Minister met with private criminal counsel regarding these potential charges?