Debates of Nov. 28th, 2023

Opposition Motion—Passage of Bill C-234 by the Senate

[Rachael Thomas, Conservative, Lethbridge, AB]

Mr. Speaker, this is an important question for all of us to understand, because many are without comprehension of how the carbon tax continues to accumulate.

The farmer puts the seed in the ground and uses fuel to do so. That seed is then watered and energy is used to bring the water up and apply it to the land. After watching that seed grow, it eventually has to be harvested and there is a carbon tax attached to that process. Then, when drying it, there is a carbon tax attached to the process. Eventually, when that material, that raw good, is transported, there is a carbon tax attached to that. Then when it is processed, there is a carbon tax attached to that. It is then transported again and there is another carbon tax attached to that. Eventually, it will make its way into the grocery store, and there is a carbon tax attached to keeping it there. Then it is purchased, and there is a carbon tax attached to that. Once it is transported home, there is a carbon tax on that. Eventually, once it is cooked and prepared, there is a carbon tax on that as well. There is a whole lot of carbon tax.

[Charlie Angus, NDP, Timmins—James Bay, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point order. Earlier today, there was a discussion about the appropriateness of talking about senators and their corrupt practices. If you seek it, I think you will get unanimous consent for the notorious Senate playing cards, with Mac Harb, Patrick Brazeau, Raymond Lavigne—

[The Speaker, Liberal, Greg Fergus]

This is debate.

The hon. member for Pickering—Uxbridge.

[Jennifer O'Connell, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety]

Mr. Speaker, I am curious. The member opposite spoke about how important it is to send a message to the Senate, but where was she to send that message when the Senate was blocking legislation for judges to be trained in sexual assault cases? Will the member opposite stand up and explain why she did not stand up for women?

[The Speaker, Liberal, Greg Fergus]

Unfortunately, we have run out of time for responses.

Lebanese Heritage Month

[Mona Fortier, Liberal, Ottawa—Vanier, ON]

Mr. Speaker, throughout the month of November, we celebrate Lebanese heritage thanks to the member for Halifax West, who introduced the bill.

Ottawa—Vanier is home to a large and dynamic Lebanese diaspora that is an integral part of our rich cultural mosaic. Through gatherings at the Lebanese festival, the Saint Charbel Maronite church or the Saints Peter and Paul Melkite Catholic Church, this community displays spirit and altruism.

Its past and present contributions continue to make our national capital region and our country more diverse, more prosperous and more inclusive. For generations, the expertise of the Lebanese community has touched every facet of our society, from the performing arts, entrepreneurship and business to cuisine, science and medicine.

I invite my hon. colleagues to join me in recognizing and celebrating the invaluable contributions that Lebanese Canadians have made to building the Canadian society of yesterday and today.

Housing

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

Mr. Speaker, indigenous peoples in urban areas cannot afford to wait any longer for transitional housing. In my riding of Brantford—Brant, 28 indigenous women have gone missing and 13 have been killed, three of whom were pregnant. They were left on the streets and were living in encampments or in abusive environments.

The demand for housing for urban indigenous people in Brantford—Brant and across this country has reached a crisis, and this will continue to compound by the lack of second-stage housing for women and girls and two-spirited indigenous peoples. This alarming situation is a direct consequence of the inadequate awareness and funding extended to urban indigenous communities. Immediate action is imperative.

In recognition of Housing on the Hill, I rise today to demand that the government prioritize indigenous housing. It is time for urban indigenous communities to receive a spot at the table and the funding they urgently require.

HMCS Glace Bay

[Mike Kelloway, Liberal, Cape Breton—Canso, NS]

Mr. Speaker, on this past November 11, I attended a Remembrance Day ceremony in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, within my riding of Cape Breton—Canso and my hometown. Each year, this annual ceremony at the Savoy Theatre is a solemn and meaningful event, but this year we had the privilege of welcoming a few special guests.

My constituents were thrilled to welcome the crew of His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Glace Bay to the town of Glace Bay, for which it is named. These brave sailors took the time to be with our community on a day that commemorates the service of all Canadian military personnel. It was certainly a matter of pride to meet the ship that represents our community on operations both domestic and abroad.

I extend my heartfelt thanks to Lieutenant-Commander Paul Morrison and his crew for accepting the hospitality of the people of Glace Bay. We wish them fair winds and following seas. We thank them for their service, and we hope to see them again soon.

Order of La Vérendrye

[René Villemure, Bloc, Trois-Rivières, QC]

Mr. Speaker, every year since 1985, the City of Trois-Rivières has awarded the Ordre de La Vérendrye to residents who have made outstanding contributions to elevating the city's reputation. Recipients must have made a significant contribution to enhancing the well-being of Trois-Rivières residents through exceptional volunteer work.

This year's honourees were Jean-Marc Bouchard, founder of Emphase, an organization that helps male victims of sexual assault; Guy Gagnon, a frequent participant in many social inclusion projects; Jo Ann Lanneville, for her international expertise in printmaking; and Marguerite Paquet, for her involvement with a large number of health and wellness organizations.

My heartfelt congratulations go out to each of these esteemed and remarkable individuals, who are now a part of Trois-Rivières's history.

Jean‑Nicolet Elementary School

[Emmanuel Dubourg, Liberal, Bourassa, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the young people of Jean-Nicolet elementary school in the riding of Bourassa. Every year, together with the school administration, teacher Kerline François introduces her students to good governance and the democratic process by running a mock election campaign.

For the ninth consecutive year, I had the privilege of swearing in Class 321 government made up of Bryan Daniel Lafortune, prime minister; Êve Bergeron, deputy prime minister; Esther Charles, minister of justice; Marshall Fils-Aîmé, minister of environment; Ryan Fatimi, minister of sports and recreation; Adèle Badry, minister of communication and technology; and Hedley Wiguens Louissaint, minister of the public service and auditor general.

I invite my colleagues to join me in congratulating these young parliamentary apprentices.

Foreign Affairs

[Marty Morantz, Conservative, Charleswood—St. James—Assiniboia—Headingley, MB]

Mr. Speaker, last week, I was in Israel to show solidarity with our friend and ally. I will never forget seeing burned and shot-up homes where ordinary people had their lives stolen by barbaric terrorists. One man told me that while he hid with his daughters, Hamas terrorists murdered his parents. A mother told me about her daughter being abducted and the anguish of not knowing her fate.

Here at home, another battle is raging. Canadians are shocked by public displays of anti-Semitism across the country. I am appalled at seeing people tear down posters of hostages. What kind of person tears down a poster of a kidnapped baby?

There is no place in Canada for targeting Jewish-owned businesses or for shooting up Jewish schools. There is no place for Jewish students to feel unsafe because of who they are. There is no place for anti-Semitism.

I call on all members of the House to show solidarity with our friend, the only democracy in the Middle East, the state of Israel. Only when Hamas is defeated can peace be within reach.

Taiwan

[Judy Sgro, Liberal, Humber River—Black Creek, ON]

Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to acknowledge a historic milestone for Taiwan's defence and technological prowess. The unveiling of Taiwan's first indigenous defence submarine, the first domestically made submarine, in September this year stands as a testament to Taiwan's commitment to security and innovation.

This achievement is not merely a symbol of maritime strength but a testament to the dedication and the expertise of Taiwan's engineers, scientists and visionaries. The submarine represents a leap forward in self-reliance, showcasing Taiwan's ability to defend itself and to contribute to regional stability. With cutting-edge technology and a determination to safeguard its waters, Taiwan exemplifies resilience in the face of challenges.

This submarine underscores a vision of peace through strength, and a commitment to protect freedom and to uphold democratic values in the region. May this submarine serve as a guardian of peace, security and prosperity for Taiwan and for the international community.

Renewable Energy

[George Chahal, Liberal, Calgary Skyview, AB]

Mr. Speaker, Alberta's Premier Danielle Smith is doubling down on fear and fiction. I am disappointed but not surprised. This is a premier who wasted millions of Alberta taxpayer dollars on an anti-national clean electricity misinformation campaign; a premier who paid her old Conservative friend to write a partisan report about COVID to help get Poilievre's Conservatives elected, again using taxpayer dollars—

[The Speaker, Liberal, Greg Fergus]

The hon. member is now an experienced member in the House. He cannot refer to other hon. members who sit in this place by their last names, but only by their riding names.

[George Chahal, Liberal, Calgary Skyview, AB]

Mr. Speaker, this is a premier who lied to Albertans when she said she was asked by electricity regulators and the association of rural municipalities to impose a recent ban on renewables. It is a troubling pattern.

Last month, I called on Premier Smith to lift the renewables moratorium so we can continue building Alberta's clean energy sector. Premier Smith can continue to waste our money on melodramatic driving billboards or invest in job-creating clean technology. It is her call.

Carbon Tax

[Branden Leslie, Conservative, Portage—Lisgar, MB]

Mr. Speaker, in last week's mini-budget, the Prime Minister doubled down on his plan to quadruple the carbon tax on gas, groceries and home heating. Does he understand that Canadians cannot afford his excessive tax grabs? Feed Ontario's “Hunger Report 2023” shows that over the past year, the number of people who have accessed food banks has increased by 38%, while visits have increased by 36%. These are the largest single-year increases ever recorded by Ontario's food bank network.

However, the Conservatives' Bill C-234 would create a carbon tax carve-out for hard-working Canadian farmers and would make food prices more affordable for Canadians. The Prime Minister's activist environment minister has promised to resign if this bill passes, which would be a welcome early Christmas gift for Canadians.

Will the Prime Minister tell his appointed senators to put Canadians before his environment minister and pass Bill C-234 so that Canadian families can afford to feed themselves?

Gurpurab

[Sonia Sidhu, Liberal, Brampton South, ON]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, Sikhs in Canada and across the world celebrated the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of the Sikh faith.

His values and teachings continue to guide millions around the world. On this day, we reflect on Guru Nanak Dev Ji's important message for humanity on three pillars: naam japna, meditation; kirat karni, honest living; and vand ke chakna, sharing with others. These values reflect Canadian values. He stood for the rights of women centuries back and believed that the Creator of this world is one.

I want to thank all organizations in Brampton and across Canada that are selflessly serving the communities representing those values.

[Member spoke in Punjabi]

Carbon Tax

[Richard Lehoux, Conservative, Beauce, QC]

Mr. Speaker, after eight years under this Prime Minister, it remains clear that there is no respect for decisions made in the House of Commons.

The common-sense bill, Bill C-234, creates a carbon tax exemption for Canadian farmers so they can continue to feed us. It was passed by a majority of elected members and is now in the Senate. However, Bill C‑234 is currently at an impasse.

The Prime Minister once again has the gall to force his senators to vote against the bill in the Senate. He needs to stop obstructing and interfering in the business of the Senate and let Bill C‑234 pass.

Conservatives have always stood up for Canadian farmers and will continue to be the voice of reason with common-sense bills like Bill C‑234.

It is time to pass this bill in the Senate so that farmers can continue to feed our families and agriculture can once again become the economic engine we need.

[Gerald Soroka, Conservative, Yellowhead, AB]

Mr. Speaker, after eight years of the Prime Minister, Canadians are struggling to afford food.

The Prime Minister's mini-budget shows no relief, and instead, the NDP-Liberal government is committed to quadrupling the carbon tax on gas, groceries and heating. As Canadians battle the rising cost of living, food banks face record demands. In Ontario alone, over 800,000 people accessed food banks, a 38% increase from the year before and the largest increase ever recorded by Ontario's food bank network.

Conservative Bill C-234 proposes a carbon tax carve-out for farmers. This measure would directly reduce food prices. The environment minister threatened to resign if Bill C-234 passes.

The Prime Minister should instruct his senators to pass this bill. It is a win-win: Canadians would get financial relief, and a minister who is in a different reality from struggling Canadians would step down. The government needs to finally help Canadians instead of its tax agenda.

Laurentian University

[Viviane LaPointe, Liberal, Sudbury, ON]

Mr. Speaker, two years ago, the community of Sudbury was stunned by the news that Laurentian University, facing a dire financial crisis, chose to pursue the CCAA process.

The results were significant job losses, programming cuts and far too many students' education placed in jeopardy. These losses represent a generational impact to Sudbury. When we met with faculty, unions and members from the community, it was clear we needed to take action to ensure this never happens again, not in Sudbury and not anywhere in Canada.

Last week, as part of the fall economic statement, our government announced its plans to amend the CCAA to prevent any and all post-secondary institutions from accessing the Bankruptcy Act as a means of dealing with financial hardships.

Our government is taking the necessary steps to preserve the security of students' education and the employment of university faculty and staff. The people of Sudbury have been heard on this important matter.

Seniors

[Rachel Blaney, NDP, North Island—Powell River, BC]

Mr. Speaker, seniors deserve better.

We have the fastest-growing senior population ever, and the federal government should have a plan. Here are some examples of gaps. Seniors between 65 and 74 are receiving less OAS. Single seniors, largely women, are facing more economic challenges. They are not seeing any tax fairness.

On housing, too many seniors call my office and describe themselves as house-rich but financially poor. They share that they have housing beyond their means to maintain, but the market is not building houses that they need. One senior told me that her kitchen is upstairs, but she cannot handle stairs anymore, so she lives downstairs and uses a hot plate.

Far too many seniors are now unhoused. Medication continues to be too expensive, and across Canada, too many seniors cannot afford the costs. They are making choices that hurt their health.

The NDP would create a national seniors strategy, working with all levels of government to create solutions that make sense locally. We would address unfair taxation and find ways to support seniors so that they could age with dignity. Is it not time for that kind of government?

Université de Montréal Carabins

[Sébastien Lemire, Bloc, Abitibi—Témiscamingue, QC]

Mr. Speaker, just a week after the Montreal Alouettes, boasting the most Quebec players ever, brought home the Grey Cup, my alma mater's team, the Université de Montréal Carabins, won the Grey Cup, the top prize in Canadian university football.

Led by quarterback Jonathan Sénécal and an indomitable defence squad, head coach Marco Iadeluca's Montagnards allowed not a single touchdown during the post-season series. How about that third-down tackle by Nicky Farinaccio that sealed the 16-9 victory against the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds? That is how we brought the two most important trophies in Canadian football, the Grey Cup and the Vanier Cup, home to Montreal, Quebec.

Thanks to football and the Montreal Carabins program, we are going to have to start calling it Quebec football instead of Canadian football. Congratulations to the Université de Montréal Carabins. Congratulations to the Montagnards. Go Carabins, and long live Quebec football.

Carbon Tax

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

Mr. Speaker, Canada has seen the highest use of food banks ever in history. In Ontario alone, food banks had six million visits in one year. Why? Because people cannot afford the cost of food. Why is food so expensive? Because the Prime Minister is taxing farmers into bankruptcy. The Liberals are planning to quadruple the carbon tax.

One farmer in Alberta pays $180,000 a year in carbon tax and that does not include the GST on top of that. This is not sustainable. Food is not a luxury.

This can be fixed. Conservative Bill C-234 is a carbon tax exemption for farmers. It passed in the House, but the Liberal-controlled Senate is blocking the passing of this bill. Why? Because the radical environment minister has threatened to resign if any more carbon tax carve-outs are permitted.

Let us end this nonsense and implement common sense. Pass Bill C-234 and support the people who feed us, farmers.

Indigenous Disability Awareness Month

[Michael McLeod, Liberal, Northwest Territories, NT]

Mr. Speaker, November is Indigenous Disability Awareness Month, a time to recognize the contributions of Métis, Inuit and first nations persons with disabilities to Canada's social, economic and cultural fabric.

Included in Canada's action plan to implement UNDRIP is a measure to ensure that the equality and rights of indigenous persons with disabilities are respected in the design and delivery of government programs, policies and services.

The government is also working with indigenous communities and their representatives on the realization of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and has funded numerous projects to support the social inclusion of persons with disabilities.

Together with the disability community, stakeholders and other levels of government, Canada is creating more inclusive workplaces and communities, providing additional opportunities for persons with disabilities, including indigenous persons with disabilities, to reach their full potential.

Mahsi cho.

Finance

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, after eight years, this Prime Minister is not worth the cost. He said that doubling the national debt would not have any consequences because interest rates were low, but those same deficits drove up interest rates and, next year, the government will be spending $52 billion, or $3,000 per Canadian family, on interest on the national debt. That is more than the government will be spending on health.

Why is the Prime Minister spending more on bankers than on nurses?