Debates of Oct. 4th, 2023

[The Speaker, Liberal, Greg Fergus]

It being Wednesday, we will now have the singing of the national anthem led by the hon. member for Sarnia—Lambton

[Members sang the national anthem]

The Economy

[Kevin Vuong, Independent, Spadina—Fort York, ON]

Mr. Speaker, Thanksgiving is less than a week away, but this year Canadians have less to be thankful for. A report this morning found that half of all Canadians are prioritizing costs over nutrition. Families and parents in my riding and throughout the GTA have to make a choice between them or their kids going hungry.

This summer, while helping refugees, I met a young man who is not a refugee but a Canadian with a full-time job who still could not afford rent and food. When it came to food or a roof over his head, he chose food. He was forced to live out of his car and to use the showers at 129 Peter Street.

This is the reality many Canadians face. I am grateful to University Settlement and Scadding Court; my team and I will be helping them to put together Thanksgiving hampers.

Relying on charities and food banks is not sustainable. The federal government must finally act before more Canadians go hungry and lose their homes.

International Festival of One Act Plays

[Tony Van Bynen, Liberal, Newmarket—Aurora, ON]

Mr. Speaker, earlier this month, I attended the Newmarket International Festival of One Act Plays, which presented 12 amazing plays at the Old Town Hall in downtown Newmarket, bringing joy, entertainment and laughter to audiences. The International Festival of One Act Plays has grown, taking on significance within the broader theatrical world, with 212 entries from around the world. I love the culture that it provides to our community. What could be better?

It also supports Inn from the Cold, a not-for-profit that is critical to supporting those in need, which truly defines the festival as a culturally rich experience that excites audiences and gives back to our community.

I thank Tom Pearson, president of the Very Useful Theatre Company, the writers, directors, sponsors and volunteers, and congratulate them on their well-deserved success.

Eric Roter

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

Mr. Speaker, Eric Roter, 32, of Apsley passed on September 25, after a courageous battle with bipolar disorder. We are devastated by this loss, and completely unprepared. Eric has impacted the lives of so many people and to know Eric was to love him.

We struggled greatly with Eric and his battle with mental health. We faced roadblocks, and lacked resources every step of the way on the path to find him help.

That is an excerpt from Eric Roter's obituary. It is an absolute tragedy that shook my community.

Eric's sister Haley wrote this on lnstagram, “I made calls and advocated for my brother up to the hour before he passed....When Eric went manic I called every crisis line for support. None was given.... ”

This must change. Everyone knows there is a crisis. The system failed Eric and his friends. We must prioritize mental health. We must fix this broken system.

Community Service

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

Mr. Speaker, congratulations.

I rise today to honour a remarkable young man, Bryce Freisen, son of John and Shelly, and big brother to Luke. I first met this remarkable young man when he and a friend volunteered with my election campaign in 2021.

On his 12th birthday, as soon as he was eligible, Bryce joined the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets in Kitchener. He never looked back and rapidly progressed through the ranks of the sea cadets program. Bryce maintained near perfect attendance throughout, and went above and beyond for every activity, including food bank volunteering, recruiting, and supporting the Royal Canadian Legion during poppy sales. Last spring, he was selected to receive the top honour from the Royal Canadian Legion for exemplary service by a cadet.

In May 2023, he decided to pursue his dream, and on September 12 was sworn into the Canadian Armed Forces. He embarked on basic training in Saint-Jean, Quebec, on September 27.

I congratulate Bryce. I know how justifiably proud his family is of him.

Latin American Heritage Month

[Denis Trudel, Bloc, Longueuil—Saint-Hubert, QC]

Mr. Speaker, since we are celebrating Latin American Heritage Month this month, I want to acknowledge the contributions that several members of Longueuil's Latin American community have made in vital sectors for our region.

I am talking about people like Natalia Mejia, the president of Couture Porte-Bonheur, a manufacturer that is participating in the development of Quebec's textile industry by helping Quebec creators make their designs a reality.

I am also talking about Carolina Campos, a former constituency assistant, who has worked hard to promote integration and cultural sharing between Latin American and Quebec communities.

Then, there is Alvaro Cueto, Saint‑Hubert borough president. He has been involved in Longueuil's community and civic life for many years through the organization of sporting events and citizen initiatives.

Today, I am proud to rise in the House to pay tribute to these individuals and to all members of the Latin American community in my riding whose presence and involvement make a real difference for everyone in Longueuil.

[The Speaker, Liberal, Greg Fergus]

I would like to thank the members. I would like us to keep the volume of conversations to an acceptable limit so that I can hear members' statements.

The hon. member for Alfred-Pellan.

National Newspaper Week

[Angelo Iacono, Liberal, Alfred-Pellan, QC]

Mr. Speaker, congratulations on being elected.

Esteemed colleagues, this being National Newspaper Week, I would like to speak about Stéphane St-Amour's career at Courrier Laval. He contributed to this newspaper for 40 years despite the challenges he faced. Stéphane began as an arts and business reporter and went on to cover municipal politics in Laval. In the late 20th century, he brought to light dubious practices in municipal government to defend democracy, freedom of the press and access to information. Stéphane persevered at a time when journalists were not as free to speak. He deserves to be commended for his dedication, even though it was not always met with success or praise.

I would like to thank him for his perseverance and his efforts to keep the people of Laval informed.

Thanksgiving

[Larry Brock, Conservative, Brantford—Brant, ON]

Mr. Speaker, as we approach Thanksgiving weekend, I would like to share my gratitude with this House and all Canadians watching us.

First, I wish to express my profound appreciation to my family. Their support has been the cornerstone of my work as a member of Parliament. I also want to convey my thanks to my constituents. They work hard to raise their families, help their neighbours and make our communities a better place to live. Their commitment inspires me and I am forever grateful for the privilege to serve as their representative.

Additionally, I want to thank all my Conservative colleagues for continuing to stand together to build a future that reflects the values we hold dear. Separate thanks go to our staff members, who assist us in our communities every single day.

Last but certainly not least, I would like to express my appreciation to our Conservative leader and Canada's next prime minister for giving Canadians hope against all the despair in this country, which is so important this holiday season.

I thank my friends and wish them all a relaxing and joyful Thanksgiving.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

[Pam Damoff, Liberal, Oakville North—Burlington, ON]

Mr. Speaker, congratulations.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Together, we must do more when it comes to breast cancer prevention, early detection, treatment and support. Breast cancer is still the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Canadian women, and one in eight of us will be diagnosed in our lifetime.

Most of us in this House know someone who is one of those women, people like my sister, Jill, who was diagnosed in 2019 and now lives cancer free, and my friend, the member for Labrador.

While much progress has been made, there is much more to do. I thank those on the front lines doing life-saving research and all of the doctors, nurses, activists and health care professionals who are working with patients, survivors and families. I give a special shout-out to Jill and all those impacted by breast cancer.

House of Commons Pages

[Rob Oliphant, Liberal, Don Valley West, ON]

Mr. Speaker, let me add my congratulations on your election. As Speaker, may you have the wisdom of Solomon and the patience of Job.

Like all of us in this chamber, you will be assisted by a bright and eager group of House of Commons pages. I welcome the new cohort to this place, and thank them for their willingness to be here, helping us to be our best selves and making this chamber effective and efficient.

These talented students have earned their place here through hard work, dedication and a commitment to public service. They are not our servants. They are making Canada a democracy that works. As we welcome them, we remember it is our responsibility to be respectful and kind, and to ensure they have the opportunity to learn, grow and make a meaningful contribution to the future of Canada.

As we begin this new session, let us remember all those who work in this chamber and outside it. Security officers, table officers and staff members make it safe and welcoming, ensuring our traditions are honoured. We thank them all.

Liberal Party of Canada

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

Mr. Speaker, with Thanksgiving coming, the Liberals have in the past issued what they call “turkey talking points” as a guide to what they want families to discuss at the dinner table.

This year, their talking points should sound something like this: after eight years of this NDP-Liberal government, groceries, gas and home heating have become unaffordable because of their inflationary spending, the debt and the carbon tax. Housing costs are at 30-year highs, rent has doubled and young people have lost hope of ever owning a home. Three in five Canadians will be in financial trouble if interest rates increase. For many families, mortgage costs will double as renewals come due. Seven million Canadians are struggling to put food on the table, and 63% of Canadians spend what they make, while 30% spend more than they make each month. Violent crime is up 39% since 2015, and violent gun crime is up 101%. Finally, Canada has been humiliated and embarrassed on the world stage.

As Canadians gather this weekend, let us consider this one last “turkey talking point”: this is a Prime Minister who cannot be redeemed at this point, he must be replaced. Oh and by the way, he is not worth the cost.

April Wine

[Peter Schiefke, Liberal, Vaudreuil—Soulanges, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I extend my congratulations to you once again.

When conversations are held in my community of Vaudreuil—Soulanges and in every corner of our beautiful country about the giants of Canadian rock, April Wine's unmistakable rhythm and sound reverberate powerfully. April Wine has woven itself into the fabric of our identity, capturing hearts across generations, with unforgettable tracks such as Roller, Sign Of The Gypsy Queen and I Like To Rock. April Wine's story, marked by the sale of millions of albums, is not only one of chart-topping achievements but also one of tenacity, longevity, passion and, of course, Canadian pride.

Central to that sound is the unparalleled talent of Music Hall of Fame guitarist and vocalist Brian Greenway. A proud resident of my riding of Vaudreuil—Soulanges, he has been an integral part of the iconic rock band since 1977. For their decades of contribution to the tapestry of Canadian music, Brian and the members of April Wine received their star on Canada's Walk of Fame this past Thursday, September 28. To April Wine and to Brian, whom I have the honour of hosting today in Ottawa, with his wife, I extend my heartfelt congratulations.

[The Speaker, Liberal, Greg Fergus]

I would like to remind members not to engage in recognizing people who might be in the galleries. I think there are very good reasons why we should not do that.

The hon. member for Hastings—Lennox and Addington.

Carbon Tax

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

Mr. Speaker, the current Liberal-NDP government is forcing a carbon tax on the farmer who grows the food and the trucker who ships the food. This is a tax on every single Canadian who needs to buy food. Now we learn that the Liberals want to quadruple the tax, putting an extra financial burden on the farming communities that feed this country by increasing the cost not only of producing food but also of shipping it.

Canadians know that the Prime Minister is not worth the cost. After eight years, his tax-and-spend agenda has resulted in constantly raiding the wallets of those struggling, leaving less money to buy basic necessities. Using the personal bank accounts of Canadians to fund vanity projects is not the way to run a government. The Liberals have proven that they have never stepped up, nor have they exhibited even a modicum of financial responsibility. They need to step aside and let in the Conservatives, who know how to take the reins. It is time to start listening to Canadians from coast to coast to coast and to cancel the carbon tax.

Carbon Pricing

[Richard Martel, Conservative, Chicoutimi—Le Fjord, QC]

Mr. Speaker, Quebeckers are at the end of their rope. Inflation is at an all-time high, and people are struggling to make ends meet.

In my riding, food bank visits have increased by 40% to 50%. People are suffering. Quebeckers are having to find a second job to get by. Meanwhile, what does the government decide to do? It adds a carbon tax that increases everyone's cost of living. What is more, it has the Bloc's support.

Quebeckers are not buying it. The Bloc Québécois voted against repealing this tax on June 5 and claims it does not apply in Quebec. That is not true. Not only is the Bloc placing an additional burden on Quebeckers, but it also wants to add to it. The Bloc Québécois has stated loud and clear that it wants to drastically increase the carbon tax.

One thing is clear: Voting for the Bloc Québécois is costly. Soon enough, Bloc members will have the chance to vote for our motion to repeal the tax. It remains to be seen whether they will listen to their Liberal partners or to Quebeckers.

Ruth Gagnon

[Anna Gainey, Liberal, Notre-Dame-de-Grâce—Westmount, QC]

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in the House during Women's History Month to pay tribute to Ruth Gagnon, a leader in my riding of Notre-Dame-de-Grâce—Westmount.

As the executive director of the Elizabeth Fry Society of Quebec, Ms. Gagnon has devoted 44 years of her life to supporting women in the criminal justice system in Quebec. This community organization based in Notre‑Dame‑de‑Grâce helps women involved in the criminal justice system by offering crime prevention and reintegration programs.

Through her work, Ruth Gagnon helps hundreds of women regain their dignity every year. Her work is recognized by her peers, and now it is being recognized by the House.

Red Dress Alert

[Bonita Zarrillo, NDP, Port Moody—Coquitlam, BC]

Mr. Speaker, today is the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit People.

In the spring, the NDP led the call for the House to declare the continued loss of indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people as a Canada-wide emergency and to commit to providing immediate and substantial investment. This included the red dress alert, which would activate the public's assistance whenever an indigenous woman, girl or two-spirit person goes missing.

Families and organizations such as Sisters in Spirit and the Native Women's Association are calling on the federal government to invest in this alert system to save lives. This is a matter of life and death. There is no more time to wait.

The Liberals have not done enough to protect precious lives. The government continues to fall behind in enacting the calls for justice for indigenous women, girls, two-spirit and gender-diverse people.

Today, the NDP calls on the Liberal government again to take this emergency seriously and immediately act on the call for a national red dress alert.

Louiseville Buckwheat Pancake Festival

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

Mr. Speaker, the Festival de la galette de sarrasin de Louiseville, Louiseville's legendary buckwheat pancake festival, is now in its 44th year. Over the past few days, I was thrilled to be inducted as an honorary member of the Confrérie des Sarrasins, the buckwheat brotherhood. I was delighted to pledge that I would faithfully promote this invaluable local product. The members of the Confrérie can rest assured that I will do them proud in promoting buckwheat and buckwheat products. I would like to thank the grand master of the Confrérie, Marc H. Plante, and festival director André Auger for giving me this honour, which I was lucky to share with the reeve of the Maskinongé RCM, Jean‑Yves St‑Arnaud.

I invite my colleagues to join us for the remainder of the festival and witness the climax of the celebrations at this Sunday's parade. As I now like to proclaim from the balcony at city hall every year, long live buckwheat country.

The Economy

[Tom Kmiec, Conservative, Calgary Shepard, AB]

Mr. Speaker, after eight years of the Liberal government, housing costs have doubled. The average price of a house in Calgary is $548,000. That is up 20% just from 2020. The average home in Canada now costs nearly double one in the United States, even though they house 10 times as many people on less land. The average rent in Calgary for one bedroom is $1,718; for two bedrooms, it is $2,121. This is up 17% year over year. Monthly mortgage payments on a typical home in Canada are now $3,560. That is up by a gobsmacking 151% since the NDP-Liberal government took power.

Ash in my riding wrote, “it’s starting to look like the most affordable and realistic option for me and many others would be moving to the United States”. Inga says, “it pains me to see people, including immigrants...in such dire straits.”

Residents in my riding know this: The Prime Minister is just not worth the cost.

Chris Snow

[George Chahal, Liberal, Calgary Skyview, AB]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to and commemorate the life of a remarkable Calgarian, Chris Snow. With his unwavering courage in the face of adversity and dedication to the Calgary Flames, Chris has been an inspiration to countless others and has left a lasting impact on our hearts.

Chris was the assistant general manager of the Calgary Flames. He embodied the spirit of resilience and determination throughout his life. His courageous battle against ALS was a testament to his unyielding strength. He faced this devastating disease with unwavering resolve, becoming a symbol of hope for those living with ALS and their families. Beyond the world of hockey, Chris's impact extended into the community.

Today, we also remember Chris as a loving husband to his wife, Kelsie, and a dedicated father to their two young children. His love and devotion to his family were evident in all aspects of his life, and his legacy of love and commitment will forever be cherished.

The Economy

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, after eight years, eight long years, this Prime Minister is not worth the cost of food. In today's news, we read that inflation is preventing Quebeckers from eating as healthy as they should because of high grocery store prices. Sixty-three per cent of Canadians are afraid for their health because of the outrageous cost of groceries after eight years under this Prime Minister.

Will the Prime Minister keep his promise to lower the cost of groceries by Thanksgiving, which is this Monday, yes or no?

[Justin Trudeau, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, two weeks ago, we introduced the affordable housing and groceries bill, which will incentivize the construction of more rental housing and increase competition, particularly among grocery stores. Instead of working with us to move this forward before Thanksgiving, the Conservative Party chose to obstruct debate because it has no plan for supporting Canadians. Actions speak louder than words. I am therefore asking all members of the House to work together to pass Bill C-56 as soon as possible.

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, thanks to his coalition with the NDP, the Prime Minister has a majority and can push through any measure he wants. However, after eight years, the cost of food is going up. He is the one who promised a month ago to bring down the cost of groceries by Thanksgiving.

Will he keep his promise and lower the price of peas by 22%, the price of lettuce by 33%, the price of turkey by 37% and the price of potatoes by 74%?

He is the one who made the promise. Will he lower prices by Thanksgiving this Monday?

[Justin Trudeau, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, if the Leader of the Opposition really wanted to get assistance out to Canadians quicker to help them with groceries and housing, he would not have obstructed our affordable housing and groceries bill. He would rather play political games and obstruct the business of the House than work with us to get Canadians the help they need.

We will continue to focus on providing assistance to Canadians and we will continue to be there for people to help with the cost of living.