Debates of Sept. 28th, 2022

House of Commons Hansard #104 of the 44th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was federal.

Topics

This summary is computer-generated. Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.

Statements by Members

Hurricane Fiona recovery and climate crisis

British Home Child Day commemoration

Slovakia's Constitution Day anniversary

Hurricane Fiona impact on Prince Edward Island

British Home Child Day remembrance

Teresa Dellar Palliative Care Residence

Amish community and border restrictions

Remembering John A. Young

Easter Seals centennial anniversary

Support for Canadian farming families

International Safe Abortion Day

Government spending and cost of living

British Home Child program remembrance

Remembering John Young

Ovarian Cancer Canada's awareness month

Remembering Joyce Echaquan and racism

Immigrant credential recognition

Ovarian cancer awareness and research

Question Period

The Conservatives blame the government's inflationary deficits and tax hikes, including the tripled carbon tax and EI premium increases, for driving cost of living and food bank use. They also criticize rising violent crime and "soft-on-crime" Bill C-5, demanding improved Hurricane Fiona relief.

The Liberals highlight their fiscal responsibility with a federal surplus of $6.3 billion and tax cuts for middle-class Canadians. They defend EI premiums and pensions while criticizing Conservative economic plans. They address Hurricane Fiona relief, telecom issues, and border security, also focusing on housing investments, public service health, and public safety reforms.

The Bloc criticizes the government's handling of the Roxham Road asylum situation, arguing it encourages human smugglers and allows irregular entry to become the norm for asylum seekers. They also call to condemn threats against parliamentarians.

The NDP demand an investigation into food price increases driven by CEO greed and call to end the financialization of housing. They seek accountability for telecom failures during emergencies, advocate reducing the voting age, and propose a National Recovery Awareness Month.

The Greens sought unanimous consent to advance Bill C-22, concerning the Canada disability benefit and poverty reduction.

Alleged Intimidation of a Committee Witness by a Member of Parliament Conservative MP John Nater raises a question of privilege regarding a Liberal MP's alleged intimidation of a witness. Nater claims the Liberal MP sought a lobbying investigation against Scott Benzie, who testified on Bill C-11, arguing this constitutes contempt of Parliament by deterring a witness. Other parties reserve the right to reply, and the Speaker takes the matter under advisement. 1500 words, 10 minutes.

Petitions

National brain stem glioma awareness day

Cancel the fertilizer reduction policy

Protecting Pacific salmon

Repeal order on licensed firearms owners

Requirement of Royal Recommendation for Bill C‑290 Bloc MP Jean-Denis Garon argues his Bill C-290, which strengthens whistleblower protection for public servants and contract employees, does not require a royal recommendation as it creates no new government expenditures. 1100 words.

National Council for Reconciliation Act Second reading of Bill C-29. The bill establishes a national council for reconciliation to monitor Canada's progress. While parties generally support its intent, the NDP criticizes the government's slow pace. Conservatives question the council's independence and representation, advocating for indigenous people as shareholders. Liberals highlight their commitment to implementing all 94 calls to action, citing indigenous leadership in the bill's co-development. 12900 words, 2 hours.

Federal-Provincial Fiscal Arrangements Act Second reading of Bill C-237. The bill aims to amend the Federal-Provincial Fiscal Arrangements Act and the Canada Health Act. It would allow provinces to withdraw from a federal program in areas of provincial jurisdiction if comparable programs exist, receiving unconditional funds. It would also exempt Quebec from the standards and conditions the federal government imposes for health care funding. While the Bloc Québécois argues this ensures provincial autonomy, Liberals and NDP voice concerns about weakening universal health care principles. 5100 words, 40 minutes.

Adjournment Debates

Military Covid vaccine mandate Michael Barrett calls for ending the military vaccine mandate and refunding ArriveCAN fines. Mark Gerretsen defends the government's science-based approach, emphasizing high vaccination rates and better pandemic outcomes than the US. Barrett insists on equal treatment for the military compared to public servants. Gerretsen says the government will act when the time is right.

CIHR and Taiwan's Labelling Michael Cooper accuses the CIHR of mislabelling Taiwan as a province of China. Mark Gerretsen says CIHR is changing its system to align with Canadian foreign policy but initially followed international standards. Cooper says the government's silence has been unacceptable.

Canada disability benefit Bonita Zarrillo presses the government to act quickly on the Canada disability benefit, enshrining adequacy and protecting recipients from poverty. Mark Gerretsen says they are working tirelessly with the disability community and other levels of government, but needs Bill C-22 to pass.

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Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

3:35 p.m.

The Speaker Anthony Rota

I declare the motion defeated.

The House resumed from September 21 consideration of the motion that Bill S‑206, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (disclosure of information by jurors), be read the third time and passed.

Bill S-206 Criminal CodePrivate Members' Business

3:35 p.m.

The Speaker Anthony Rota

Pursuant to order made on Thursday, June 23, the House will now proceed to the taking of the deferred recorded division on the motion at third reading stage of Bill S‑206 under Private Members' Business.

Before the Clerk announced the results of the vote:

Bill S-206 Criminal CodePrivate Members' Business

3:50 p.m.

NDP

Rachel Blaney NDP North Island—Powell River, BC

Mr. Speaker, I apologize for interfering. The member for Skeena—Bulkley Valley is here. He rose in his seat, but it is not noted on the dashboard. I was just going to bring that to your attention. Hopefully we could get that fixed so his vote is included.

Bill S-206 Criminal CodePrivate Members' Business

3:50 p.m.

The Speaker Anthony Rota

The diligent folks at the table have already caught that and have it all under control.

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

Vote #177

Bill S-206 Criminal CodePrivate Members' Business

3:50 p.m.

The Speaker Anthony Rota

I declare the motion carried.

(Bill read the third time and passed)

The House resumed from September 22 consideration of the motion.

Hindu Heritage MonthPrivate Members' Business

3:50 p.m.

The Speaker Anthony Rota

Pursuant to an order made on Thursday, June 23, the House will now proceed to the taking of the deferred recorded division on Motion No. 42 under Private Members' Business in the name of the member for Nepean.

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

Vote #178

Hindu Heritage MonthPrivate Members' Business

4 p.m.

The Speaker Anthony Rota

I declare the motion carried.

The House resumed from September 23 consideration of the motion that Bill C-210, An Act to amend the Canada Elections Act (voting age), be read the second time and referred to a committee.