Debates of Jan. 30th, 2023

Canada Early Learning and Child Care Act

[Karina Gould, Liberal, Minister of Families]

Madam Speaker, I want to begin by thanking my hon. colleague from Winnipeg Centre for the really positive and constructive working relationship we have developed over the past year. I also want to thank her colleagues in the NDP for their support of this legislation. I have great confidence in what we are going to be able to achieve with this for Canadians right across the country.

I also want to thank her for recognizing the advocates and those who have worked for generations to get us to where we are today. I am hoping she can take a couple of minutes to explain to our Conservative colleagues why a national child care initiative supports women and children, and why this is really important progressive feminist policy.

[Leah Gazan, NDP, Winnipeg Centre, MB]

Madam Speaker, certainly I am willing to work with any party in the House that is willing to advance the human rights of children and women. Human rights should never be made a partisan issue. This has certainly been recognized by child care advocates who support feminist policy in advancing the rights of women.

One cannot support women without a robust public and not-for-profit child care system. This has been recognized by unions and lead child advocacy groups in the country, who know that for-profit care hurts families, is paid for on the backs of families and mothers, and is not to the benefit of workers. I look forward to advancing this bill, putting forward some amendments to make it stronger and supporting more feminist policy in Canada with a national child care program.

[Michelle Ferreri, Conservative, Peterborough—Kawartha, ON]

Madam Speaker, as I said earlier, I really enjoy working with the member on FEWO.

Does the member believe that, regardless of the model of operation, if a child care facility meets or exceeds the provincial, territorial and indigenous standards of quality of care, that it should have access to the national child care framework? If not, what data suggests otherwise?

[Leah Gazan, NDP, Winnipeg Centre, MB]

Madam Speaker, I do not think that public money should ever be used for profit. Public monies need to be used for not-for-profit, public child care spaces.

We know the research shows that in early childhood education for-profit care often makes profit on the backs of children. We have certainly seen this in elder care, in private seniors' homes. We have also seen this in for-profit child care.

We need a national child care strategy that supports the training of workers; supports without question a living wage of workers, with benefits; supports families; and expands our current system so we end up with a national child care system that has enough spaces to support the families needing it.

[Yves Perron, Bloc, Berthier—Maskinongé, QC]

Madam Speaker, I want to thank my colleague for her excellent speech. For once, I am very pleased to be able to utterly and completely support a speech by one of my colleagues from the NDP.

I would like to offer a solution to allow us to work together better in future.

The bill before us includes an exemption for Quebec, which already has its own system. Over the past three years, there has been more than one occasion when I have shared essentially the same ideologies as my NDP colleagues, but ultimately had to vote the other way because there is always this centralizing tendency in national programs.

I would like my colleague to respond sincerely, from the heart. Does she not believe that we have found a model that could be used more often? We could work like this more often to advance the causes of Quebec and Canada.

[Leah Gazan, NDP, Winnipeg Centre, MB]

Madam Speaker, the member has a good question. I want to reiterate that the federal government has made bilateral agreements with provinces.

We are pushing for bilateral agreements with provinces that prioritize not-for-profit public spaces. This is something that Quebec is actually already doing. Quebec has been doing this for a million years. We know that it helps women. We know that it has improved the ability of women to participate in the workforce, should they choose. I think that is already in the bill. Again, there are areas where it could be improved.

However, I think we are on the same page in saying to let us keep child care public so we can support accessible, affordable child care for all.

Health Care

[Elizabeth May, Green, Saanich—Gulf Islands, BC]

Madam Speaker, we all know we are in a fight to save our health care system. Public health care, our single payer, universal health care, is at risk, and I think it is important that we revisit our history. I know this history first-hand, not from books, but because a dear friend of mine, the late Jim MacNeill, was part of the Saskatchewan CCF government that brought in our health care.

We forget that the profiteering doctors of Saskatchewan went out on strike to block health care. We forget that foreign doctors came in so the people of Saskatchewan would have medical care, mostly doctors from the U.K. I do not know how many Canadians know this, but Jim told me that when the foreign doctors got to Saskatchewan, the Saskatchewan doctors blocked their access to hospitals, and U.K. doctors were operating on kitchen tables.

Members of the Saskatchewan cabinet had family members who needed medical care. They were up against it, and they were brave. They held the line. We owe it to them to do the same to protect our public health care system from profiteering privatization.

Shooting in Vaughan

[Francesco Sorbara, Liberal, Vaughan—Woodbridge, ON]

Madam Speaker, this Christmas season, when families were preparing to gather, celebrate and catch up with loved ones, our community was shaken to its core upon learning of a devastating mass shooting. One gun led to the loss of six lives and carved an unforgettable scar in the city of Vaughan. Our community, known for its generosity and can-do spirit, was shaken by this horrific act of violence.

Like all Vaughan residents, I have kept the victims, Rita Camilleri, Vittorio Panza, Russell Manock, Lorraine Manock and Naveed Dada, and survivor, Doreen Di Nino, as well as their families, in my thoughts since that dark December 18.

We know there is no place for gun violence in Canada, not in Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, Toronto, Quebec City or the city of Vaughan. Our country will never forget the innocent lives lost and the bright futures that have been taken way too soon.

To our first responders, I thank them for their response, their professionalism and their commitment to keeping our communities safe and secure.

Dairy Farming

[Dan Muys, Conservative, Flamborough—Glanbrook, ON]

Madam Speaker, one of my favourite local events was back this year for the first time since the pandemic. Joe Loewith and Sons dairy farm in Copetown held its annual open house on December 27, so people from the city could learn more about where their food comes from.

Other Hamilton-area dairy producers pitched in to help with the crowd of nearly a thousand people. Robotic milking, feeding and calving were all on full display. What is more exciting is that they were already showcasing a bright new building just steps from the dairy barns. This summer, it will open as a thriving new farm-to-table business and the latest agri-tourism attraction. Not only will Summit Station Dairy and Creamery be a landmark that celebrates local heritage, it is entrepreneurialism at its best.

I send my congratulations to Ben, Jennifer, Carl, David and the entire Loewith family for their contribution to the local economy and their generations of innovation in the dairy industry.

Hockey Excellence

[Lena Metlege Diab, Liberal, Halifax West, NS]

Madam Speaker, two weeks ago, Gerard and Jenny Barron, neighbours and Halifax West residents, were the proudest parents in Montreal's Bell Centre. If members are asking why, it is because, for the first time ever, they got to watch their boys go head-to-head as the only siblings from Nova Scotia to ever play in the NHL. Morgan plays for the Winnipeg Jets, while Justin plays for the Montreal Canadiens.

The story of their success is incredible. At 16, Morgan left home to play two seasons at St. Andrew's College, earning himself a scholarship to Cornell. He was later drafted by the New York Rangers and was later traded to Winnipeg. Justin spent his entire junior career with the Halifax Mooseheads. He was selected by the Colorado Avalanche in the first round of the 2020 NHL draft and was then traded to the Habs.

Please join me in congratulating both Barrons on their tremendous success on the ice.

Viola Léger

[Martin Champoux, Bloc, Drummond, QC]

Mr. Speaker, few performers have been able to embody a people quite the way Viola Léger did in the role of La Sagouine.

Viola Léger was La Sagouine, and, for many of us, La Sagouine was Acadia.

Thousands of times over more than 50 years, Ms. Léger transformed into this wise and insightful woman, deeply marked by a hard life and by the injustices and suffering perpetrated upon the Acadian people. The character may have been created by her friend Antonine Maillet, but Viola Léger was the one who brought it to life.

Viola Léger was a proud Acadian. She was an outstanding ambassador for Acadia and spent her entire life contributing to its cultural development, including through her foundation to promote Acadian theatre.

On behalf of the Bloc Québécois and all Quebeckers, I want to offer her family, everyone who loved her and all Acadians our most sincere condolences.

I thank Ms. Léger for being the face, the voice and the soul of the Acadian nation for so long.

World Junior Hockey Championship

[Élisabeth Brière, Liberal, Sherbrooke, QC]

Mr. Speaker, five members of the Sherbrooke Phoenix made their mark at the World Junior Hockey Championship.

Two Canadians, forward Joshua Roy and defenceman Tyson Hinds, along with their coach, Stéphane Julien, proudly represented Sherbrooke at this major hockey tournament, winning the gold medal with Team Canada.

Two other Phoenix players, David Spacek and Jakub Brabenec, also stood out, winning the silver medal with the Czech team.

Congratulations to all the medal winners and all tournament participants.

Sherbrooke hockey fans are lucky to have the Phoenix, because they can gather every week to watch some of the world's best players in the electrifying atmosphere of the Palais des Sports. Together, let's continue to support and improve our national sport.

Order of Canada

[John Nater, Conservative, Perth—Wellington, ON]

Mr. Speaker, the motto of the Order of Canada is “They desire a better country.” I can think of few people who more truly embody that motto than the newly appointed member of the Order of Canada, Jean Aitcheson of Stratford.

A nurse by career, Jean has dedicated her time and energy to the service to others. On countless medical mission trips, Jean has provided care to so many in need around the globe. She also founded the Stratford Mission Depot to help coordinate the donation and delivery of medical supplies and equipment. Just this past year, Jean and her team of volunteers saw the need for medical supplies for Ukrainian refugees and sprang into action, quickly amassing 14 cubic metres of medical supplies.

Jean is quick to deflect praise away from herself and toward her team of volunteers, and it is that modesty that underscores why she is so deserving of this special recognition. I congratulate Jean Aitcheson.

Stilecroft Public School

[Ya'ara Saks, Liberal, York Centre, ON]

Mr. Speaker, as we start the winter session of Parliament, I want to recognize an amazing achievement from students in York Centre over the holidays.

Our community rests on the values of kindness and compassion, giving back and showing up for one another. I am overwhelmed by the generosity that students, families and staff from Stilecroft Public School showed in December, collecting 200 pounds of food for the North York Harvest Food Bank. This amazing act of kindness allowed North York Harvest to provide hundreds of meals to the most vulnerable members of our community.

A special thanks goes to principal Karen Barnes and the wonderful staff at Stilecroft P.S. who organized the campaign and did not hesitate for one moment when asked and jumped at the opportunity to help. I want to especially thank the generous students and families at Stilecroft. I also want to thank the staff at North York Harvest Food Bank, who provide such an important service every day to those who are facing food insecurity in our communities, with integrity and compassion.

When we give at home, we grow a community that is strong and supportive.

Dwight Petten

[Ken McDonald, Liberal, Avalon, NL]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of Mr. Dwight Petten, who passed away earlier this month after a short but valiant battle with cancer at the young age of 56.

Dwight was a very successful and respected fisherman from my riding, who had an enthusiasm for the industry that was surpassed only by the love for his family and passion for his faith. Far away from his home and family in Port de Grave, he joined several missionaries throughout his lifetime around the world, including one in Africa and Thailand. Dwight was a successful fisherman and a proud owner of his family business, DMC Enterprises, which he operated side by side with his son Matthew. He took great pride in his fishing vessels and was respected as a leader in the industry. For 25 years, he served in the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Dwight will be remembered as a loving husband to his wife Cynthia and a wonderful father to his children Melanie, Matthew and Melissa and his grandchildren, who were his pride and joy and who knew him simply as Pop.

Dwight was taken from us way too soon. His legacy will live on. Rest easy, my friend.

Public Safety

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

Mr. Speaker, it has been eight years since the Prime Minister took office, and his soft-on-crime policies have unleashed a crime wave in Canada. The government has made life easier for violent criminals by providing easy access to bail and repealing mandatory minimum sentences for serious crimes. As a result, violent crime has gone up 32% in the past year, and gang-related killings have gone up by 92% since 2015.

Furthermore, Liberals have failed to stop the flow of illegal firearms across the border. As a consequence, five police officers have tragically lost their lives this past fall in the line of duty. Our communities feel less safe, and the government is making it worse. Despite their dismal record, Liberals recently initiated a ban on hunting rifles and shotguns, making thousands of these firearms illegal. Hunters, farmers and target shooters are not the problem; Liberals are the problem. This Liberal made-in-Canada crime wave must stop.

Only a Conservative government will do what is necessary to keep violent criminals off our streets.

Iranian Women Activists

[Majid Jowhari, Liberal, Richmond Hill, ON]

Mr. Speaker, anger, pain, misery and violence, these are the words that have shaped the experience of Iranians, especially the brave women of Iran, as they are fuelled by their hope and courage in the face of the regime's tyranny and oppression for the past four decades.

While no words are powerful enough to describe the atrocities, we can respond with powerful actions. I, alongside my colleagues in the York Region Liberal caucus, have sponsored seven environmental activists. Going beyond our borders, I have joined members of the Italian and German Parliaments, Laura Boldrini and Carmen Wegge, to sponsor Armita Abbasi.

Niloufar Bayani is a courageous environmentalist who has been in prison for caring for her motherland, its wildlife and the environment. Armita Abbasi has been calling for equality for women. Instead of applauding these women, the Iranian regime responded with unlawful imprisonment, abduction, severe torture and brutal sexual assault.

The women of Iran are the embodiment of bravery.

[Member spoke in Farsi]

Government Contracts

[Kelly Block, Conservative, Carlton Trail—Eagle Creek, SK]

Mr. Speaker, over the last eight years under the Prime Minister, Canadians have been struggling. They are struggling under his wasteful, inflationary spending. Mortgage payments are taking a bigger bite out of paycheques. Food banks have seen a massive increase in families needing their services.

Meanwhile, over the last eight years, Liberals and their well-connected friends have never had it so good. McKinsey & Company, a consulting firm surrounded by controversy and formerly run by the Prime Minister's friend, Dominic Barton, has received over $100 million in government contracts since 2015. Canadians deserve to know why the Liberals gave this consulting firm millions of dollars and what kind of influence McKinsey has over the government. The Liberals have created an unaccountable shadow government with their consultant friends, and Canadians are paying the price.

The Prime Minister needs to come clean with Canadians, end his binge spending and—

[The Speaker, Liberal, Anthony Rota]

The hon. member for Louis-Saint-Laurent.

Freedom of Religion

[Gérard Deltell, Conservative, Louis-Saint-Laurent, QC]

Mr. Speaker, six years ago, one hundred or so people were gathered at the Quebec City mosque. Suddenly tragedy struck. Six men died and about twenty others were seriously injured. These people died for one reason and one reason only: They were Muslims united by faith. This horror showed the dark side of humanity. Racism is born of ignorance. That is why we have a duty to support dialogue no matter who we are. We must unite, not divide. We must unite with our words, with our actions and with our humanity.

Six years ago, at a Quebec mosque, six Canadians died because of their faith. This tragedy reminds us that we always have to be cautious and we shall condemn any violence based on faith and ethnicity. It is our duty to be careful of any sign of racism, because there is no small racism. We shall unite, not divide: unite by words, by action, by humanity.

Viola Léger

[Serge Cormier, Liberal, Acadie—Bathurst, NB]

Mr. Speaker, on January 28, the great Viola Léger passed away at the age of 92.

She was originally a nun and a teacher, but it was her dramatic role as La Sagouine in the work of Antonine Maillet that endeared her to Acadia and the world. During her career as an actress, Ms. Léger would portray this legendary character more than 3,000 times, in addition to playing many other roles in theatre, film and television.

Ms. Léger went on to serve in the Senate of Canada, where she helped support causes such as the plight of minorities, the survival of the French language and the importance of arts and culture.

She will be remembered for her incredible ability to showcase Acadia, as she was a formidable ambassador for our culture and language throughout her life. Today, all of Acadia mourns the loss of this great lady. I thank Ms. Léger for her invaluable contribution to Acadian culture and for the monumental legacy she leaves behind. I offer my deepest condolences to her family and friends.

Freedom of Religion

[Alexandre Boulerice, NDP, Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie, QC]

Mr. Speaker, six years ago, a radicalized young man committed an act of hatred in an act of violence seldom seen in our history. He entered the Quebec City mosque and opened fire on everyone inside with a semi-automatic weapon and then a handgun.

Six men lost their lives and 19 others were injured, leaving behind broken families and grieving loved ones. We said, “never again”, but are we really any further ahead six years later?

Dangerous weapons that are used only to kill other human beings are still in circulation. Online hate, racism and Islamophobia still exist. Extreme right-wing rhetoric has become normalized, which only fuels this radicalization and hatred targeting minorities. The killer fed on such rhetoric, which pushed him to attack. He killed Muslims.

We still have a lot of work to do through dialogue and a better understanding among cultures, but we also need to take an uncompromising stance on racism, discrimination and supremacy. That is an imposing but necessary task. It is our collective duty.

[The Speaker, Liberal, Anthony Rota]

I would like to remind members to keep it down so that we can hear whoever has the floor.

The hon. member for Beauport—Limoilou.

[Julie Vignola, Bloc, Beauport—Limoilou, QC]

Mr. Speaker, there are defining moments in the history of a society, a community and a family. Sadly, January 17, 2017 was one such moment. Families and friends lost their loved ones when they were gunned down at the Quebec City mosque just for being Muslim.

Yesterday marked the sixth commemoration for these men who were felled by hatred. It was a moment of reflection and sharing, but also a moment of hope: the hope of living and growing on a path to understanding and mutual respect.

Ibrahima Barry, Mamadou Tanou Barry, Khaled Belkacemi, Abdelkrim Hassane, Azzeddine Soufiane and Aboubaker Thabti wanted to live in peace, happy and without fear for their future.

Let us make sure that everyone can achieve these aspirations, which were stolen from them. Let us stand up for the right of every Quebecker to practice the religion of their choice freely, safely and with dignity.

Let us stand up every day to fight hate in all its forms.

The Economy

[John Brassard, Conservative, Barrie—Innisfil, ON]

Mr. Speaker, after eight years of this Prime Minister's high taxes and inflationary deficits, 22% of Canadians, 28% of them women, say they are completely broke. After eight years, 32% say they will be in the same boat if prices continue rising. After eight years, 52% are concerned they do not have enough money to feed their families. After eight years, 1.5 million Canadians are using food banks every month. After eight years, young people feel lied to and let down by this Prime Minister. After eight years, seniors can barely afford groceries and many are living in the cold, unable to heat their homes. After eight years, Canadians are anxious, angry and worried about their future.

After eight years, this Prime Minister is completely out of touch and has no solutions to the problems that he has created. After eight years of dividing Canadians, this is a Prime Minister who cannot be redeemed; he can only be replaced. After eight years, Canada's Conservatives, led by the member for Carleton, are focused and ready to lead and as Parliament returns, we will show Canadians why.