Debates of June 7th, 2022

Concurrence in Vote 1—Department of Justice

[Brad Vis, Conservative, Mission—Matsqui—Fraser Canyon, BC]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the public servants who wrote that very comprehensive speech recited by the member for Vancouver Granville.

He spoke about a lot of justice measures taking place, but I would be remiss if I did not point out that the Government of Canada took an unprecedented and historic step in the last few weeks, which was the decriminalization of fentanyl. In the release, the government stated that the decriminalization of fentanyl, which has killed hundreds of people in that individual's riding, is a good step toward protecting lives.

Can the member confirm and state in the House that the decriminalization of fentanyl will protect Canadians?

[Taleeb Noormohamed, Liberal, Vancouver Granville, BC]

Mr. Speaker, in the riding I represent, which has many health care workers and many families and folks who have been affected by the opioid crisis, there is support for this important initiative. What it does is treats addiction as a health issue, not as a criminal justice issue. It is about time that Canadians recognize that members opposite continue to further victimize those who are dealing with addictions. It is time that we dealt with this as a health issue, not as a criminal justice issue.

[Laurel Collins, NDP, Victoria, BC]

Mr. Speaker, given what the member across the way just said, is he embarrassed and ashamed of his government for voting against a bill from the New Democrats that would decriminalize, follow the advice of health experts and save lives across the country, not just in British Columba?

[Taleeb Noormohamed, Liberal, Vancouver Granville, BC]

Mr. Speaker, I am very proud of the fact that our government was able to work with the NDP Government of British Columbia and a former NDP MP, who is now the mayor of Vancouver, to ensure that British Columbians have a plan in place that will be the example for the rest of the country of how this can work and work well.

[Ron McKinnon, Liberal, Coquitlam—Port Coquitlam, BC]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the hon. member to expound on the value of the decriminalization of small amounts of drugs in British Columbia for a limited period so that we can gather data and can expand this powerful approach to the rest of the country.

[Taleeb Noormohamed, Liberal, Vancouver Granville, BC]

Mr. Speaker, health care professionals, the law enforcement community and all kinds of folks who deal directly with individuals affected by this issue support this initiative and support this work. We are proud to be working in tandem with the province and with law enforcement to get this done for British Columbians, and for all Canadians eventually.

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

It being 10 p.m., it is my duty to interrupt the proceedings and put forthwith every question necessary to dispose of the business of supply.

Call in the members.

The House resumed consideration of the motion.

Opposition Motion—Measures for Immediate Financial Relief

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

The first question is on the opposition motion relating to the business of supply.

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

Vote #127

Business of Supply

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

I declare the motion defeated.

The House resumed consideration of Motion No. 1.

Concurrence in Vote 1—Justice

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

The next question is on opposed Vote No. 1. Pursuant to order made on Monday, May 2, the question is deemed put and a recorded division is deemed requested. The question is as follows:

That Vote 1, in the amount of $274,137,786, under Department of Justice—Operating expenditures, in the main estimates for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2023, be concurred in.

During the taking of the vote:

Main Estimates, 2022-23

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

I have to back up to Madam Petitpas Taylor's vote. She had voted electronically and had voted nay in the first case. If she wants to change her vote, she will have to ask consent to change her vote.

[Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Liberal, Moncton—Riverview—Dieppe, NB]

Mr. Speaker, I wanted my vote to be recorded as in favour of the motion.

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

All those opposed to the hon. member moving the motion will please say nay.

Okay. The House has heard the terms of the motion. All those opposed to the motion will please say nay.

(Motion agreed to)

Madam Petitpas Taylor can now vote accordingly.

(The House divided on Motion No. 1, which was agreed to on the following division:)

Vote #128

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

I declare Motion No. 1 carried.

[Mona Fortier, Liberal, President of the Treasury Board]

moved:

That the Main Estimates for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2023, except any vote disposed of earlier today and less the amounts voted in the interim supply, be concurred in.

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

If a member of a recognized party present in the House wishes to request a recorded vote or that the motion be adopted on division, I would invite them to rise and indicate it to the Chair.

The hon. whip for the government.

[Steven MacKinnon, Liberal, Gatineau, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I believe that if you seek it you will find agreement to apply the result from the previous vote to this vote, with Liberal members voting yes.

[Blaine Calkins, Conservative, Red Deer—Lacombe, AB]

Mr. Speaker, Conservatives agree to apply the vote, and we will be voting nay.

[Claude DeBellefeuille, Bloc, Salaberry—Suroît, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the Bloc Québécois agrees to apply the vote and will be voting in favour of the motion.

[Rachel Blaney, NDP, North Island—Powell River, BC]

Mr. Speaker, the NDP agree to apply and will be voting yes.