Debates of May 3rd, 2022

Economic and Fiscal Update Implementation Act, 2021

[Gord Johns, NDP, Courtenay—Alberni, BC]

Madam Speaker, thank you, I really appreciate that.

In addition to the toxic drug supply crisis, Canada is experiencing a broader mental health crisis as we deal with the impacts of two years of the pandemic. COVID-19 highlighted what many of us already knew, which is that our mental health care system is woefully underfunded. The Liberal government committed, in its election campaign, to establish a mental health transfer with an initial commitment of $4.5 billion over five years. However, we have yet to see any concrete action or fulfilling of that promise to make it a reality.

We know that mental health is health, and Canadians deserve to be able to access the mental health supports they need without worrying about barriers such as cost or availability. This week is Mental Health Week in Canada. I ask my colleague this. Is this one thing that we could all unite behind as parties, and have empathy for those who need support for mental health? When will the government be moving forward with the transfer?

[Mark Gerretsen, Liberal, Kingston and the Islands, ON]

Madam Speaker, I would agree with the member 100%.

The member brought this issue up yesterday. I asked him a question about his private member's bill, and he provided some feedback on what he was hearing throughout the country when he was touring around, talking to people about it.

We have come a long way in our understanding and our appreciation of mental health, in terms of the genuine health challenges we have around mental health. I would be willing to work with this member, as I know many members on this side of the House would, to do and provide more, in terms of mental health supports.

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

Resuming debate.

The hon. member for Hastings—Lennox and Addington will have about two minutes before Statements by Members.

The hon. member.

[Shelby Kramp-Neuman, Conservative, Hastings—Lennox and Addington, ON]

Madam Speaker, I will be splitting my time today with my hon. colleague for Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan.

I am pleased to rise today to give my second speech on Bill C-8. I have always indicated my support and preference for proper scrutiny of the bill as it comes through this place.

[Some hon. members]

Oh, oh!

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

Could we have some quiet please so we can actually listen to the speech? Thank you.

The hon. member.

[Shelby Kramp-Neuman, Conservative, Hastings—Lennox and Addington, ON]

Madam Speaker, earlier this week, I spoke to the House about the importance of allowing Parliament to scrutinize legislation. Imagine my dismay when I glanced over the Notice Paper later that day to see what the government House leader had placed on notice.

It was a motion that would mark a severe departure from the normal practices of this place and set a precedent that could easily be abused by current and future governments. Parliament is supposed to be a legislature based on collaboration, not coercion. While I am absolutely in favour of increased scrutiny of legislation, this motion would give the Liberals and the NDP enablers the power to adjourn the House on any whim of any minister.

I would note the Liberals chose their executive designation, a minister, as an enabling mechanism, not a member. We should all be wary when the executive tries to worm its way into the proceedings of this place. It is 2022, not 1640.

In my earlier speech, I also highlighted just how important the role of a parliamentarian is. We are here to scrutinize the spending of public funds. I will remind my colleagues of the two maxims that govern this institution: One, the executive should have no income that is not granted to it or otherwise sanctioned by Parliament. Two, the executive should make no expenditures except those approved by Parliament, in ways approved by Parliament.

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

The hon. member will have almost eight minutes to conclude her speech after question period.

Statements by Members, the hon. member for Burnaby North—Seymour.

Burnaby Firefighters

[Terry Beech, Liberal, Burnaby North—Seymour, BC]

Madam Speaker, I rise today to thank our firefighters in Burnaby and in the District of North Vancouver. Not only do they work hard to keep our community safe, but they regularly go beyond the call of duty.

On April 23, Burnaby firefighters hosted their gala ball, which raises money for charitable organizations and programs like the firefighter society's nutritional snack program, which helps feed hungry kids in Burnaby schools. This year, they generously donated 50% of the gala's proceeds, more than $50,000, to support the people of Ukraine.

I also want to thank firefighters for their advocacy for the people of Burnaby Mountain. Their hard work for the last three years helped us announce $30 million to build a brand new fire hall at Simon Fraser University.

This gives our community something extra to celebrate during Hats Off Day in June. The firefighters will be out in full force at station 5, and if they have a dunk tank again this year, I will be going back in it, so everyone should come out, bring the family, enjoy the festivities and take time to thank our local firefighters.

Princeton, British Columbia

[Dan Albas, Conservative, Central Okanagan—Similkameen—Nicola, BC]

Madam Speaker, Princeton, British Columbia, is a rural community in my riding with a population under 3,000. Six months ago, the community was absolutely devastated by severe flooding. The damage was in the tens of millions of dollars, and whenever the promised federal disaster relief funding arrives, it will not be nearly enough. However, there is hope. The community has rallied together like never before.

Currently, Princeton, British Columbia, is one of just four communities remaining in the Kraft Hockeyville contest. I cannot state enough how incredible it would be for the town of Princeton to win this award. Not only would the $250,000 provide much-needed support to literally keep a roof over the local arena, but the support would give Princeton the boost it so desperately needs right now to keep moving forward in the rebuilding effort.

If there was ever a community deserving of the honour of Kraft Hockeyville, it is Princeton, British Columbia. I ask all hon. members in this place to help the good people of Princeton and this Friday, May 6, when Hockeyville opens, give them their support.

Affordable Housing in St. John's East

[Joanne Thompson, Liberal, St. John's East, NL]

Mr. Speaker, April 29 was a good day for housing in St. John's East, as it marked the announcement of 132 new affordable housing units. Affordable housing options are transformational investments for our communities, and we know that if we want to improve housing affordability and combat homelessness, we need to continue investing across the whole housing continuum. That includes building more affordable housing near necessary supports and amenities, and having repairs done for existing homes to preserve and revitalize communities.

This is why the national housing strategy is so important. It ensures that women have the housing they need to stay safe and thrive. It provides workers with a home they can return to at the end of the day so they do not have to make the decision between rent and food. Last week, it was about ensuring that the most vulnerable residents of St. John's have somewhere to go and a place to call home.

Mental Health Week

[Luc Desilets, Bloc, Rivière-des-Mille-Îles, QC]

Mr. Speaker, we are right in the middle of Mental Health Week, and this year the focus is on the great strength that lies in empathy, because, before we weigh in, we need to tune in. That is what it means to get real about how to help, as the Canadian Mental Health Association is calling for us to do this week.

I would like to take this opportunity to draw special attention to veterans. Veterans are more likely to be dealing with mental health problems, compared not only to members of the military, but also to the general public. They are more likely to experience homelessness and to consider suicide. Behind all of these problems is the toll that military service takes on mental health. Even Quebec’s greatest war hero, Léo Major, suffered from severe post-traumatic stress disorder at the end of his military career.

This Mental Health Week, I encourage all Quebeckers to get real about how to help and to talk with a veteran. Empathy and listening can go a long way.

Bagelmania Bagel Shop

[Annie Koutrakis, Liberal, Vimy, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to talk about something that many Canadians, especially Montrealers, are passionate about. We all know that Montreal bagels are the best. For generations, Canadians from across the country, and the greater Montreal area in particular, have sought out the best bagel in the world.

Today, I would like to inform my colleagues that another name can be added to the list of best bagel shops: Bagelmania. Located in my riding of Vimy, Bagelmania spreads joy and love throughout Laval and Montreal with its warm, delicious bagels. Sophie Trivlidis and her brother Kosta have been in the business for 26 years. Their hard work and dedication have been recognized by the newspaper Le Devoir, which just included Bagelmania in its list of the top 10 bagels in all of Quebec.

Congratulations, Sophie and Kosta. May the best bagel win.

Gaelic Nova Scotia Month

[John Barlow, Conservative, Foothills, AB]

Mr. Speaker, ciamar a tha sibh.

May is Gaelic Nova Scotia Month, a time to celebrate Gaelic history, culture, language and contributions, not just in Nova Scotia but across Canada. Gaelic speakers were among the first explorers and settlers to our country. It was the mother tongue of Canada's first prime minister, Sir John A. Macdonald. When the Scots first immigrated to Canada, Gaelic was the third most common language in our country. Through time, that language almost disappeared, but now more young people are excited to learn about the language and the culture of their ancestors. Fiddle and bagpipe music and Gaelic song provide a rich history and culture. Dance, storytelling, local history and customs are filled with the heart and soul of a Gaelic renewal here in Canada.

Many Canadians, including my two talented daughters, kept these storied traditions alive through things like highland dancing, the Highland Games and Gaelic music. We want to see that revival all across Canada in communities across the country.

I encourage all Canadians to take a moment to listen to a Gaelic song, read a poem by Robbie Burns and be inspired by the beauty of Gaelic culture.

Mental Health Week

[Majid Jowhari, Liberal, Richmond Hill, ON]

Mr. Speaker, as a mental health advocate, I am pleased to rise today to acknowledge Canadian Mental Health Week, May 2-8. We are all aware of the immeasurable impact of COVID-19 on Canadians' mental health, but we need to couple awareness with actions in various ways.

First, we need to understand the problem by investing in research and evidence-based policies that inform us of the social determinants of health and mental health outcomes. We then need immediate collaboration among federal, provincial and territorial governments to achieve mental health parity by bringing services and resources up to par with those allocated for physical health. These efforts will be informed by the national standard framework for mental health, which, once developed, can formalize what we can expect regarding timelines, access and quality of mental health services across Canada.

To conclude, I echo my support for a three-digit mental health suicide prevention hotline to make emergency support more accessible for those who need it the most. We keep saying that mental health is health. We need to bring this statement to life. We need to commit to the above-mentioned actions. Let us get real.

Student Recruitment Innovation

[Valerie Bradford, Liberal, Kitchener South—Hespeler, ON]

Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to share with this House that ApplyBoard is one of the recipients of the Governor General's innovation award. This local business with global impact was founded only six years ago by three brothers, Martin, Massi and Meti Basiri, two of whom are residents of Kitchener South—Hespeler.

In this short time, they have grown their company to the largest online international student recruitment platform in the world. They have helped more than 300,000 students to date and are on a mission to improve access to education for everyone, no matter where they are from. Their work has strengthened the diversity of our student population, supported the flow of academic talent and fostered internationalization. It is for these reasons that ApplyBoard has received this award, and it is very well deserved.

I ask the members of this House to join me in applauding ApplyBoard for receiving this prestigious award in its pursuit of educating the world.

National Suicide Prevention Hotline

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

Mr. Speaker, this is the 71st annual Mental Health Week, and all across the country we are trying to raise awareness of mental health issues that Canadians are suffering from. We also know the pandemic has been incredibly difficult on Canadians' mental health.

In an incredible show of unity, this House passed a motion by the member for Cariboo—Prince George to enact a national suicide hotline number, 988. It has been over 500 days since it was passed by this House. Nothing has happened. It has been 500 days and more Canadians have taken their lives. It has been over 500 days of continued mental health challenges, and yet nothing has been done.

Canadians cannot afford any more delays by the government. I am calling on this House to reaffirm and push the government to get the 988 suicide line done.

LGBTQ2+ National Monument

[Jim Carr, Liberal, Winnipeg South Centre, MB]

Mr. Speaker, the government is building a national monument to memorialize discrimination against LGBTQ2+ people in Canada. The LGBT Purge Fund and Canadian Heritage held a competition for the design of the monument, and I am happy to share with the House that a design submitted by constituents of Winnipeg South Centre was selected.

My constituents, architect Peter Sampson and landscape architect Liz Wreford of Public City Architecture in Winnipeg, along with Albert McLeod, an indigenous and two-spirit people subject matter expert, and visual artists Shawna Dempsey and Lorri Millan, won the competition with their design, which they call “Thunderhead”. The design draws on the symbolism of a thunderhead cloud, which embodies the strength, activism and hope of LGBTQ2+ communities.

In the words of Liz Wreford, “This monument will be a symbol of celebration and a space for reflection, healing, activism and performance for generations to come.”

231st Anniversary of the Polish Constitution

[Damien Kurek, Conservative, Battle River—Crowfoot, AB]

Mr. Speaker, today I joined with dignitaries, Canadian Polish Congress representatives and Polish Canadians to raise the flag of the Republic of Poland here in Ottawa on Constitution Day in Poland, an acknowledgement of the 231st anniversary of the introduction of the Polish Constitution.

Poland continues its legacy of fighting for freedom in the midst of insurmountable odds. From its history and standing for democracy around the world to NATO involvement and, most recently, the support for the people of Ukraine during the present Russian invasion, Poland commands respect during uncertain times. I am proud to stand in this House as the great-grandson of Polish immigrants, and I am proud to be a member of the Canada-Poland Interparliamentary Friendship Group to build the relationship between our two countries.

I join with Polish Canadians from across our great nation in commemorating this important day for Poland, the Polish diaspora and all those who value freedom and democracy around the world.

[The Deputy Speaker, Conservative, Chris d'Entremont]

I thank the member for that intervention. I do need to remind the hon. member about the usage of props, even though it was a big part of his presentation. The usage of props is not allowed in the House of Commons.

The hon. member for Haliburton—Kawartha Lakes—Brock.

Mental Health Week

[Jamie Schmale, Conservative, Haliburton—Kawartha Lakes—Brock, ON]

Mr. Speaker, this is Mental Health Week, and I want to highlight the work of two amazing organizations in my riding.

I send a big shout-out to Marg Cox, a tireless champion at the Haliburton County Youth Wellness Hub, one of only 10 such centres in Ontario. Despite restrictions imposed by COVID, the hub served 656 youth aged 12 to 25 last year, helping with mental health, substance abuse, primary care, vocational housing and other support services.

In addition, our local chapter of the Canadian Mental Health Association is launching a mobile mental health and addictions clinic that will include an office in a modified bus to deliver services to remote and underserved areas. This initiative will save lives by providing accessible services for those who are dealing with complex mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, suicide, addictions, abuse, trauma and psychosis, as well as poverty and isolation.

It is perhaps fitting that the theme of Mental Health Week this year is empathy. It has been said that the shortest distance between two people is empathy, which can help bridge divides and heal our communities.

Abortion Rights

[Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Liberal, Hochelaga, QC]

Mr. Speaker, access to abortion is important in Canada. A woman's right is well entrenched and, I hope, unassailable. We have a responsibility to speak out when this right is under attack. Today, our Prime Minister reiterated that the right to choose is a woman's right and a woman's right alone. It is my right, it is my daughter's right, and it is the right of all Canadian women, across the country, to have access to a safe and legal abortion.

Even today, there are members of the opposition who are not speaking out about what is happening. According to CBC, the interim leader has asked her MPs to keep quiet and not to comment on abortion. I hope that is not true.

Canadians across the country need to know that the members of this House will protect this fundamental right, today and always.

Domestic Violence

[Randall Garrison, NDP, Esquimalt—Saanich—Sooke, BC]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with renewed hope to address the crisis of coercive and controlling behaviour in Canada. I began this work at the start of pandemic when I started to hear from police and frontline service providers who were seeing a spike in domestic violence. I still hear every week from those suffering from coercive and controlling behaviour. They are living in fear of the physical violence that nearly always follows it.

A tragic fact in this country is that one woman dies at the hands of her partner every six days. Many fear not only for themselves, but also for the safety and well-being of their children and other family members. The justice committee has tabled its report “The Shadow Pandemic: Stopping Coercive and Controlling Behaviour in Intimate Relationships” for a second time. I eagerly await the response from the government to this unanimous report.

Taking action to make coercive and controlling behaviour a criminal offence will send a clear message that this behaviour is, in itself, violence. Taking this action will give hope to survivors, allow earlier intervention and help create a path to safety for survivors.

World Press Freedom Day

[Martin Champoux, Bloc, Drummond, QC]

Mr. Speaker, these are tough times for the press.

In Ukraine, journalists are being bombed to death. In Russia, journalists have to go into exile or let themselves be put in jail, where they are silenced for telling the truth about the war. Journalists, columnists and bloggers everywhere are being imprisoned, threatened or killed.

The planet is warming, the pandemic is lingering and war is raging in Europe. Now, more than ever, we need a free press. We need to be informed.

In Quebec and in Canada, on social media, journalists are increasingly the target of insults, bullying and threats.

I call on our fellow citizens and all democracy-minded people: Let us work together to protect the free press. Let us not allow intimidation to prevail over information.

There can be no free press without newspapers. I therefore call on the government to provide more support to our local and regional weekly papers. This matter is urgent.

On this World Press Freedom Day, I thank journalists for their essential work.

Anti-Semitism

[Melissa Lantsman, Conservative, Thornhill, ON]

Mr. Speaker, the world has witnessed an abhorrent new low from Russia's foreign minister, whose ignorant comments about Adolf Hitler perpetuate a hateful and bigoted narrative to distract us from his war crimes. Russia has frequently invoked Nazism and World War II to justify its brazen aggression in Ukraine, while attacking Holocaust memorials as well as survivors of Russia's deliberate murder of civilians.

This is the lowest form of racism against Jews: to accuse Jews themselves of anti-Semitism. Lavrov's remarks are simply false and continue to contribute to the perpetuating discrimination and disinformation worldwide.

It takes courage and more than just words when it comes to standing up for Jewish communities and their homeland. That position is non-negotiable, and I invite members of the House to say so. I will add my voice to the forceful condemnation and complete repudiation of these vile comments from Mr. Lavrov. They should also be called out in the House.