Debates of Oct. 6th, 2023

Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic Accord Implementation Act

[Brian Masse, NDP, Windsor West, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I am sure they are really good people, and it is nice that we know their names, but we never heard anything about the effect on them. I would say that the most important issue to the member is to really know and pronounce in Parliament the effect on them, because that is where we want amelioration for those who are affected. That is critical. When there is change taking place, there could be some negative offsets for people's lives and businesses, and so forth. They should be respected for that and compensated.

[Christine Normandin, Bloc, Saint-Jean, QC]

Mr. Speaker, here is my take on Bill C-49. Climate change is like watching a bathtub that is about to overflow. Relying on offshore wind power would be like using a spoon to try to empty the bathtub. Meanwhile, this bill keeps the tap running full blast. That is what this government is doing, because it is going to double oil production off the coast of Newfoundland.

I would like to hear my colleague's thoughts on Bill C‑49. Aside from the local benefits and spinoffs he mentioned, is this a bill that will really help tackle climate change at last?

[Brian Masse, NDP, Windsor West, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I think it will, because now we have support for alternative energy that we did not have in the past, which needs to be brought forth. That is part of how to actually move forward on these initiatives. It is a good, legitimate concern; there is no doubt. However, we need to actually move forward where there is consensus on clean energy.

For my region, there are still very much some big concerns that were expressed with regard to wind, because of the effects on soil and potential issues underneath. These are all things that need to be kept in mind.

What I have been saying in the past is that there are other expenses and that we need to make sure we plan for the legacy costs. That is where the member really needs to have the focus in terms of the comments being strong, but it also needs to be on understanding that there is a cost for all of these things in the forefront that needs to be countered as well.

[Kevin Lamoureux, Liberal, Winnipeg North, MB]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to give a specific quote to follow up with the question. This is from the Conservative natural resources critic on CBC, on September 21, 2023. She referred to the legislation “as another step in a long line of Liberal laws and policies since 2015 that appears destined to drive investment out of Canada with more uncertainty, red tape and extended and costly timelines.”

This is legislation that is supported by Atlantic provinces. There is a consensus. I wish the Conservative Party would listen to what the people in the region are saying, along with the members of Parliament who are reflecting the desire to see this legislation pass. Would the member not agree that the Conservative Party needs to stand up for that region and get behind this important piece of legislation?

[Brian Masse, NDP, Windsor West, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I cannot really comment on the Conservatives and what their intentions are, but I can tell members that, in my experience, when we actually have the provinces united behind something in their region, we have to act on it quickly because that consensus may not stay. Even greening the auto energy sector was very difficult in many respects because people thought they were going to lose their jobs and they were going to be transitioned out altogether.

We have seen remarkable compromise and work by the union movement to make sure they understand people want jobs, not just now but also in the future. They are willing to go through that transition and that process, at risk to themselves and their families, but they know also that the alternative is even worse because of the consequences of climate change. As such, it is critical that we move on this right now, respect the provincial jurisdictions that are there and work with the co-operative environment we have. That is going to take compromise on all parts.

I will conclude with this: Once again, time is of the essence, because either the federal government or provincial governments could fall at some point, and that consensus would disappear. Then, we would lose out on the opportunity, and other people and other places would make decisions for us.

[Todd Doherty, Conservative, Cariboo—Prince George, BC]

Mr. Speaker, since our hon. colleague from Winnipeg North is into reading into the record quotes from members of Parliament, I would like to read into the record a quote from a Liberal MP. After eight years of the Prime Minister, a Liberal MP is finally admitting the harm that has been caused by his Prime Minister's punishing policies. He said this just last night:

I think [the carbon tax is] hurting them [our constituents] a fair bit. Everywhere I go people come up to me and say, “You know, we are losing faith in the Liberal Party”. I've had people tell me they can't afford to buy groceries. They can't afford to heat their homes and that's hard to hear.

I appreciate my hon. colleague's comments about the telcoms, but the carbon tax is making life more unaffordable for Canadians. What does he have to say about that and his party's—

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

We are out of time, but I will ask for a 10-second response from the hon. member for Windsor West.

[Brian Masse, NDP, Windsor West, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I did not quote anybody in my speech, so I guess I will not even answer the question since I did not quote anybody. The member will hopefully listen to my next speech.

Claude Pensa

[Peter Fragiskatos, Liberal, London North Centre, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honour the life of Londoner Claude Pensa, who sadly passed away recently at the age of 93. The proud son of Italian immigrants, he never forgot his roots, and his family was incredibly proud of him as a result. They are also proud of him for practising the law for 57 years, namely at the firm he co-founded, Harrison Pensa.

Widely respected for his skills as a litigator, he was a recipient of the Law Society Medal for his contributions to the field. He also found ways to mentor young lawyers, shaping not only their careers for the better but also their lives. He was especially admired for his compassion. He and his wife, Elaine, formed Lawyers Feed the Hungry in 2003. Since that time, $500,000 has been raised by that campaign in support of local hunger relief programs.

He was an extraordinary person. He touched everyone's lives for the positive. He is not forgotten in London, nor will he ever be. I had the opportunity to know him a little. I will not forget the advice he gave me just before I was elected in 2015 for the first time.

I thank Claude so much. We will miss him.

George Reed

[Michael Kram, Conservative, Regina—Wascana, SK]

Mr. Speaker, this week Rider nation lost one of its all-time greats. George Reed, number 34 for the Saskatchewan Roughriders, passed away just one day shy of his 84th birthday.

George played all 13 seasons of his CFL career for the green and white, from 1963 to 1975. During this time, his on-field performance was nothing short of incredible. He was the regular season MVP in 1965 and the Grey Cup MVP in 1966. His 134 rushing touchdowns are a CFL record that still stands to this day.

After retiring from football, George continued to make Saskatchewan his home, devoting himself to charitable causes such as the Special Olympics. For his charitable work and for his football career, George was awarded the Order of Canada.

When the Saskatchewan Roughriders pay tribute to George at tomorrow's game in Regina, I am sure he will be looking down on us, smiling and cheering on the green and white.

Human Rights in Iran

[Majid Jowhari, Liberal, Richmond Hill, ON]

Mr. Speaker, today marks a profound moment for human rights, women's rights and Iranian peoples' freedom. With the backdrop of a 16-year-old girl, Armita Geravand, being in a coma for the past two days, early this morning we heard the distinguished 2023 Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to Narges Mohammadi, an Iranian human rights activist, for her dedication to fighting for human rights and women's rights over the past three decades.

Narges Mohammadi, who is currently in prison, has been campaigning against systemic discrimination and oppression of women in Iran and fighting for freedom and democracy for over three decades. Her brave fight has come with tremendous personal costs. She has been arrested 13 times, convicted five times and cumulatively sentenced to more than 30 years in prison.

As she is held captive, this recognition provides an enduring testament to her tireless, civic and peaceful work. Today, yet again, we have witnessed the fuelling of the flame of the “woman, life, freedom” movement, and this torch now igniting the hearts and spirits of brave women across the world.

In Narges' own words:

[Member spoke in Farsi and provided the following translation:]

“Victory is not easy, but it's certain.”

[English]

Recognition of Inspirational Inuit

[Lori Idlout, NDP, Nunavut, NU]

Uqaqtittiji, I would like to thank three Inuit for inspiring my speech.

Bernadette Miqqusaaq Dean is an artist. I met her before she pursued her artistic talents, and I have always admired her for her strength. Annie Curley blends her comedic sense of humour with teachings she learned as an Inuk and with bird sounds that she imitates in her crafts. Ashton Kablutsiaq is my son's cousin. I recently discovered his talent for drawing complicated art pieces that showcase his pride as an Inuk.

They shared with me the shifts they are helping to create in becoming productive adults wanting to help each other. That shift must be from always talking about intergenerational trauma to talking about intergenerational love. I encourage all indigenous peoples to let go of the anger and pain they hold on to. We must pass on intergenerational love to our children and grandchildren. Let us speak up and show that we are still here.

MT Space

[Mike Morrice, Green, Kitchener Centre, ON]

Mr. Speaker, almost 20 years ago, shortly after immigrating from Lebanon, Majdi Bou-Matar founded MT Space, an incredible arts organization in the Waterloo region that centres marginalized and racialized artists and stories in our community.

His goal at the time was to establish an international theatre festival within 10 years. Sadly, Majdi passed away suddenly last June. Our community continues to grieve his loss, but MT Space has shifted what we consider mainstream theatre in our community, and the festival Majdi envisioned years ago continues to grow.

This year marked MT Space's full return to live and in-person theatre with IMPACT 23. Over the course of six days, it pretty much took over downtown Kitchener, bringing together artists from eight different countries to stage 20 productions indoors and outdoors.

I thank Pam and the entire MT Space team and board for their leadership, for challenging our preconceptions of theatre and for their tireless work creating space for voices that need to be heard.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

[Annie Koutrakis, Liberal, Vimy, QC]

Mr. Speaker, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and I would like to take this opportunity to highlight an important organization.

Pink in the City has been supporting breast cancer awareness for over 17 years. On October 27, Pink in the City will be hosting its annual magic of hope gala in my riding of Vimy. To date, it has raised over $2 million for cancer research, state-of-the-art medical equipment and programs that promote wellness and research for metastatic breast cancer.

Breast cancer can affect us all, our mothers, our sisters and our daughters.

In Canada, one in eight women is at risk of developing breast cancer in her lifetime. We know that the key to treatment is early detection.

It is important that we support those around us and do everything we can to prevent it. I encourage all members to do whatever they can to support the fight against breast cancer this month and year-round.

Public Safety

[Dane Lloyd, Conservative, Sturgeon River—Parkland, AB]

Mr. Speaker, Canadians and victims' families want answers. They want accountability and they want transparency from the Liberal government. For five months, the Liberals have done everything in their power to prevent the public safety committee from investigating the transfer of notorious killer Paul Bernardo from a maximum-security prison. Canadians deserve to know why this was allowed to happen. Victims' families deserve to know why they were only consulted after this transfer took place. All of us need to know why the Liberal government sat on that information for months until it was already too late to take action.

After eight years under these Liberals, the rights and privileges of mass killers has taken priority over the rights of victims and their families to receive basic care and consideration. Conservatives will not let the Liberals sweep this scandal under the rug. We are going to stand up for victims and their families and make sure they get the answers they deserve.

Truth and Reconciliation

[Irek Kusmierczyk, Liberal, Windsor—Tecumseh, ON]

Mr. Speaker, this past weekend, I was honoured to represent the constituents of Windsor—Tecumseh at the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Parliament Hill. As Chief Mary Duckworth of Caldwell first nation says, reconciliation is not just a word. It must be an action.

This past summer, Caldwell first nation broke ground on their first new housing development, supported by a $10-million investment from our federal housing initiative. Thanks to the leadership of Chief Duckworth, Chief Miskokomon of Walpole Island first nation, and the incredible staff at Parks Canada, Ojibway national urban park will soon become the first national park in Ontario to be officially co-managed by first nations.

Truth and reconciliation is a difficult journey, but it is the right one, and it is one we must walk together. There is more work ahead, but I am proud our community is walking the path of reconciliation and working in partnership and respect with indigenous peoples to preserve and protect our natural habitat forever.

Seniors

[John Aldag, Liberal, Cloverdale—Langley City, BC]

Mr. Speaker, October 1 was National Seniors Day. Last Friday, I met with three members of the National Pensioners Federation to hear about their concerns and hopes for the rights and well-being of aging people in this country.

According to Statistics Canada, the number of Canadians age 85 and older could triple to almost 2.5 million people over the next 25 years. Many of these citizens are in my province of British Columbia, where individuals 65 and older make up nearly 20% of the population. Challenges such as the pandemic, accountability of caretakers and the effects of climate change on human health are issues of concern for this demographic and those who care for them. The National Pensioners Federation is currently working toward a draft motion for the United Nations regarding the proposed convention on the rights of older persons, which would emphasize the critical importance of these issues.

As we move into new chapters for Canada, let us honour the rights of older persons and work hard to ensure people possess the tools and care to navigate aging with security and dignity.

Carbon Tax

[Richard Lehoux, Conservative, Beauce, QC]

Mr. Speaker, after eight years, the government still has no solution for inflation. Worse yet, it wants to saddle Canadians with a second carbon tax.

The government keeps saying that the carbon tax will not affect Quebec, but that is not true. The first carbon tax affects Quebeckers indirectly and the second tax affects them directly.

Quebec is not self-sufficient. We rely on a wide range of goods from across the country. When the carbon tax is applied to those provinces, the cost of the goods goes up. If the government taxes farmers, processors and transporters, then obviously the goods become more expensive.

Food banks in my riding are struggling to meet demand. The kicker is that the Bloc Québécois is supporting these measures that are making matters worse.

It is costly to vote for the Bloc Québécois. It has proven that by voting in favour of the carbon tax twice now, once on June 5 and again on Wednesday. Even more alarming, the Bloc wants to radically increase the tax, leaving Canadians even worse off.

Enough is enough. It is time for the common-sense Conservatives to fix what the Bloc-Liberal coalition has broken.

Thanksgiving

[Sherry Romanado, Liberal, Longueuil—Charles-LeMoyne, QC]

Mr. Speaker, for many Canadians, Thanksgiving long weekend marks the beginning of fall. Many will spend the weekend raking leaves, harvesting what they planted this summer and, hopefully, eating a delicious meal surrounded by family and friends.

We all recognize that this has not been an easy year for Canadians. Many are struggling with the high cost of living. That is why I am so thankful to live in and represent a community whose members take care of one another, look out for their neighbours and are always there to lend a hand when someone needs it. Today, I give thanks for the incredible generosity of the citizens of Longueuil—Charles-LeMoyne.

I want to express my heartfelt thanks to all those who play an important role in my life, including each of my dear colleagues here in the House. I wish all of my constituents in Longueuil—Charles-LeMoyne a happy Thanksgiving.

I wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving.

Carbon Pricing

[Cathay Wagantall, Conservative, Yorkton—Melville, SK]

Mr. Speaker, for too many, Thanksgiving is a painful reminder of the difficult times they are facing after eight years under this NDP-Liberal government.

Let us take a trip around the Thanksgiving table: potatoes are up 77%; carrots are up 74% percent; cabbage is up 70%; turkey is up 67%. A family of four will pay over $16,000 for groceries this year, all thanks to the heartless carbon taxes that are increasing inflation.

When we tax the farmers who grow the food, and tax the trucker who ships the food, then tax everyone who buys the food, well, as a result, we end up with Canada being less competitive and less prosperous than it was eight years ago.

Canadians know that the Prime Minister is just not worth the cost, but it does not have to be this way. This weekend, I am giving thanks for being a part of our common sense Conservative team. When we win the responsibility of serving Canadians, we will axe the carbon taxes to bring down the cost of gas, groceries, and home heating.

I wish members a happy Thanksgiving. We will bring it home.

Human Rights in Iran

[Tom Kmiec, Conservative, Calgary Shepard, AB]

Mr. Speaker, Iran’s terrorist regime has done it again. Another young woman, this time a 16-year-old girl, was beaten before entering Iran's subway system by Iran’s so-called morality police.

Armita Geravand, a young Kurdish women from Kermanshah in Rojhelat, was beaten for not wearing a hijab and now lies in a coma in intensive care. Her story is eerily similar to the brutal beating of Zhina Mahsa Amini, who died at the hands of the same morality police just over a year ago.

Today marks a day when jailed Iranian activist Narges Mohammadi has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Mohammadi is a prominent activist and vice-president of the Defenders of Human Rights Center. She remains jailed by the regime, but this award serves as a slap in the face of Khamenei and the regime that he leads, which Narges continues to bravely fight.

The Liberal government has to do more. Words are not enough. The government needs to take action and delegitimize the Iranian regime with no more international forums and no more sporting events. It needs to list the IRGC as a terror group.

Jin. Jiyan. Azadi. Zan. Zendegi. Azadi.

Truth and Reconciliation

[Ryan Turnbull, Liberal, Whitby, ON]

Mr. Speaker, this past weekend, I attended an event on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at the Durham Community Health Centre. At that event, a residential school survivor shared his experience and healing journey.

I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge Bernard Nelson, a residential school survivor from the Eabametoong First Nation north of Thunder Bay. He dug deep into his painful past and told his story for over an hour. I have to say that I was horrified to hear a first-hand account of the abuse that this man had suffered having been separated from his mother at a very young age, being physically, sexually and psychologically abused at the residential school, and regularly beaten and taught to feel like he did not belong and was worthless.

As this courageous man opened up and told his story from his early years through to an adulthood filled with substance use, justice system involvement and the corresponding impacts on his family and children, he painted a portrait of the legacy of residential schools in Canada.

I just want to say from the bottom of my heart how grateful I was to Bernard Nelson for speaking his truth and for the opportunity to hear his story.

Support for the Canadian Armed Forces

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

Mr. Speaker, in the face of increased global conflict and natural disasters, it is now more important than ever to ensure that the Canadian Armed Forces have the support they need to do the difficult and dangerous work we ask them to do on our behalf every day.

With this Liberal government now talking austerity and cuts, we need to make sure that serving members, their families and DND employees do not pay the price of pursuing cutbacks instead of fair taxes. Under the guise of updating Canada's military housing support, the government has already announced it will be taking $30 million out of the pockets of military families. This cut will hit particularly hard in communities like mine where rental prices continue to soar and there is a serious lack of on-base housing.

Cuts like this do not just damage the well-being of serving families, they compromise Canada's military operations. We already have a staffing crisis in the Canadian Forces with at least 10,000 vacant positions, and thus our military readiness is compromised. One thing Canada cannot afford is to make life harder for those who serve and for their families.

Drummondville Trad-Cajun Festival

[Martin Champoux, Bloc, Drummond, QC]

Mr. Speaker, do not put away your festive summer spirit just yet, because there is still some life left in this year's festival season.

This weekend, enjoy lively traditional music in a New Orleans atmosphere right in Drummondville at the second edition of the Trad-Cajun Festival at Woodyatt Park. This year, organizer Steve Veilleux has put together an amazing lineup that includes Salebarbes, Nicolas Pellerin, Les Grands Hurleurs, Lendemain de Veille and many others. Drummondville knows how to celebrate, and this weekend will be no exception.

However, not everyone in the cultural industry feels like celebrating these days. Right now, arts promoters and festival organizers are getting only bad news from the government, including 25% to 30% cuts to their funding, often announced at the very last minute. They deserve our support. Our culture deserves more, better and quicker support than that.

I want to thank festival organizers and arts promoters for showcasing our artists, and I want to wish Steve Veilleux and his crew a rip-roaring good time this weekend.

Long live the Trad-Cajun Festival.

Carbon Tax

[Alex Ruff, Conservative, Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound, ON]

Mr. Speaker, this week, I introduced my first bill, Bill C-358, here in the House of Commons. This bill would remove the GST from the Liberal carbon tax. Simply put, it would remove the tax from the tax.

After eight years of the Liberal government, more and more Canadians are struggling to survive due to the rising costs of everyday goods. The Liberal carbon tax has yet to achieve a single emissions target. It is clear that the Liberal carbon tax is a tax plan, not a environmental plan. This tax on fuel, groceries and home heating is bad enough, but for GST to be charged afterward adds insult to injury.

The positive impact of this legislation would be felt across the country, especially in rural regions like Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound, where cars, trucks and tractors are a necessity and not a choice. I encourage colleagues from all parties to side with my common-sense bill and provide all Canadians with some relief by removing this tax on a tax.

This Liberal carbon tax is simply not worth the cost. Axe the tax.