Debates of Nov. 1st, 2023

House of Commons Hansard #244 of the 44th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was ukraine.

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

Community Safety and Auto Theft

Reminder to stick to time

Bruce Vance inducted into Raiders

Ron W. Ianni Faculty of Law

70th Anniversary of the Zoo de Granby

Jacques Fortier Eastern Township resident

Carbon tax flip-flop

London Business Hall of Fame inductees

Judy Foote's career

Carbon tax pause and York Region

Community safety in Vaughan—Woodbridge

Carbon tax pause unfair to Canadians

Carbon tax concerns in Simcoe--Grey

Poppy campaign kickoff in Orléans

Intimate partner violence and femicide

Fishing crisis requires government action

$1-billion green slush fund scandal

Emmanuel Dubourg to leave Parliament

Question Period

The Conservatives criticize the government's carbon tax, especially the partial pause creating unfairness for those not using heating oil like natural gas. They accuse the Prime Minister of hiding and causing "carbon tax chaos". They highlight a "billion-dollar green fund" scandal, comparing it to the sponsorship scandal and alleging money goes to Liberal insiders. They state the Prime Minister is not worth the cost and call to "axe the tax" for all.

The Liberals criticize the Conservatives for having no plan to fight climate change and delaying key legislation. They defend their record on climate action and affordability, promoting measures like heat pumps and social programs like $10-a-day child care. They also address immigration consultations with Quebec and the SDTC audit.

The Bloc calls for the government to consult Quebec and consider integration capacity before announcing immigration targets. They also warn of massive bankruptcies unless there is flexibility for CEBA loan repayments for SMEs.

The NDP criticize the carbon tax relief for dividing Canada and demand taxing oil and gas profits to help all. They call for a ceasefire in Gaza, questioning Canadian Forces involvement, and demand an independent public inquiry into the COVID response.

Albanian Heritage Month Act First reading of Bill C-361. The bill designates November of each year as Albanian Heritage Month across Canada, recognizing the contributions of Canadians of Albanian heritage. 100 words.

Foreign Affairs and International Development Members debate concurrence in a foreign affairs committee report recommending actions to support Ukraine. Conservatives highlight recommendations on energy security and listing the Wagner Group as a terrorist entity. Liberals and Bloc criticize the timing, arguing it prevents debate on the Canada-Ukraine free trade agreement, which they believe is crucial for supporting Ukraine. Members also discuss food security and prosecuting war crimes. 13700 words, 2 hours.

National Framework for a School Food Program Act Second reading of Bill C-322. The bill aims to create a national framework to establish a school food program ensuring all children have access to healthy food. Proponents highlight children going to school without food and Canada's low ranking. Debate includes the jurisdiction of the provinces, the impact of poverty and inflation, with some arguing to "Axe the carbon tax" to lower food costs, while others note Liberals promised this four years ago and the need for provincial opt out with full compensation. 7900 words, 1 hour.

International Trade Members debate a committee report on the ArriveCAN app's "impacts on certain Canadian sectors", notably tourism. Discussions include the app's high cost and "serious allegations of misconduct" and fraud in its contracting. Conservatives argue the app harmed tourism and is an "arrive scam", demanding answers. Other parties question the timing of the debate given ongoing investigations by the "Auditor General" and RCMP. 8100 words, 1 hour.

Adjournment Debate - Royal Canadian Mounted Police Michael Cooper accuses the Prime Minister of obstructing an RCMP investigation into the SNC-Lavalin affair by refusing to release documents. Jennifer O'Connell states the RCMP has closed the matter and defends the Prime Minister. Cooper reiterates that the refusal to release documents stopped the investigation. O'Connell focuses on Conservative MP's expenses. 1100 words, 10 minutes.

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Royal Canadian Mounted PoliceAdjournment Proceedings

8 p.m.

Conservative

Michael Cooper Conservative St. Albert—Edmonton, AB

Madam Speaker, that is quite rich given that this is a Prime Minister who racked up a hotel bill of $6,000 a night in London at taxpayers' expense.

Talk about an insulting answer to a serious question. The reason there is no RCMP investigation and that no criminal charges have been laid is very simple: The Prime Minister obstructed the investigation by hiding behind cabinet confidence, blocking the RCMP from obtaining documents that they requested about his potential criminal wrongdoing.

Again, if the Prime Minister has nothing to hide, why did he refuse to turn over pertinent documents to the RCMP that in turn resulted in their not being able to make progress on their investigation?

Royal Canadian Mounted PoliceAdjournment Proceedings

8 p.m.

Liberal

Jennifer O'Connell Liberal Pickering—Uxbridge, ON

Madam Speaker, I trust the words of the RCMP commissioner. He has determined independently and said that due process has been followed, and he is satisfied with the result. There is no investigation. There are no criminal charges. There is no obstruction.

However, the obstruction we should talk about here today relates to the fact that the member for Cumberland—Colchester received over $7,000 for a trip to the U.K. For the member for Northumberland—Peterborough South it was $8,300. For the member for Battlefords—Lloydminster it was $7,900. For the member for Lakeland it was $7,700. For the member for New Brunswick Southwest it was $13,548. It was paid for by lobbyists.

Why will the Conservatives not let us talk about this at committee?

Royal Canadian Mounted PoliceAdjournment Proceedings

8:05 p.m.

The Assistant Deputy Speaker Carol Hughes

The motion that the House do now adjourn is deemed to have been adopted. Accordingly, the House stands adjourned until tomorrow at 10 a.m. pursuant to Standing Order 24(1).

(The House adjourned at 8:05 p.m.)