Debates of Nov. 29th, 2023

House of Commons Hansard #258 of the 44th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was farmers.

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

International Day of Solidarity with Palestinians

Jewish Refugee Day

International Day of Solidarity with Palestinians

Ève‑Marie Lortie hosts Salut Bonjour

International Day of Solidarity with Palestinians

Suicide of Carson Cleland

Remarks on language

No. 2 Construction Battalion funding

Carbon tax hurts farmers

Chocolat Lamontagne success

Conservatives against Ukraine free trade

Remarks on allegiances of members

Canada-Ukraine free trade agreement

Liberal corruption and green slush fund

Canadians using food banks

Investments in Canada's auto industry

Special immigration measures for Gaza

Marc‑André Fleury mask

Carbon tax exemption for farmers

Métis Nation British Columbia

Question Period

The Conservatives criticize the government's economic update and rising national debt, leading to more spending on debt interest than healthcare. They highlight the soaring cost of living, with Canadians struggling to afford food, facing record food bank visits, and skyrocketing rent. They call for the government to axe the carbon tax on farmers and demand transparency on the $15-billion battery plant contract and the use of foreign workers.

The Liberals emphasize housing investments, creating jobs in battery supply chains and green mining, and stabilizing grocery prices. They prioritize health care and climate action, alongside local journalism support, backing Ukraine, and protecting official languages. The party also cites its strong fiscal record.

The Bloc questions the government's surveillance aircraft procurement decision, asking why Bombardier was ruled out. They challenge the Human Rights Commission's claim that Christmas is racist, and oppose federal funding promoting the anglicization of Quebec.

The NDP urges the government to act on an online harm bill to protect children and provide adequate support for refugee homelessness. They also demand investment in Indigenous housing, a strategy for Canadian critical minerals for EV plants, and transparency on COP28 climate goals.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Members debate a report on food security and processing capacity. Conservatives argue the carbon tax negatively impacts farmers and increases food insecurity, advocating for Bill C-234. Liberals criticize this as a stalling tactic, hindering debate on government bills like the Canada-Ukraine trade agreement. Other parties discuss the need for strengthening regional processing, addressing labour shortages, and implementing a mandatory grocery code of conduct. 15300 words, 2 hours.

National Framework for a School Food Program Act Second reading of Bill C-322. The bill seeks to establish a national framework for a school food program, mandating the Minister to consult with provinces and stakeholders. Supporters argue it is necessary for children's well-being and academic achievement, noting Canada is the only G7 country without such a program. Critics, however, call it an "admission of Liberal failure" that won't address the root causes of food insecurity, blaming inflationary spending and carbon taxes. Some also raise concerns about federal interference in provincial education jurisdiction. 7800 words, 1 hour.

Adjournment Debates

ArriveCan app development Garnett Genuis asks who made the decision to hire GC Strategies to build the ArriveCAN app. Kevin Lamoureux says the government takes the allegations seriously and is committed to addressing the issue, but does not say who made the decision. Genuis says the government looks guilty, and Lamoureux insists the government is being diligent.

CEBA loan repayment deadline Richard Cannings argues for extending the CEBA loan repayment deadline, citing the negative impact of wildfires and frost on tourism and related industries. Kevin Lamoureux defends the government's existing support for small businesses, mentioning tax breaks and the recent 1-year extension. Cannings believes many businesses will close without an extension.

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Small BusinessAdjournment Proceedings

7:50 p.m.

Liberal

Kevin Lamoureux Liberal Winnipeg North, MB

Madam Speaker, I am personally very sympathetic to small businesses, which in many ways are the backbone of the Canadian economy. I have more than one family member very much engaged in small business. I believe my youngest brother had a CEBA loan, though I am not 100% sure of that. I understand how important those loans are.

I can assure the member that had the government not stepped up when it did, there would have been a huge number of bankruptcies. There would have been a lot more unemployment. It would have been so much more difficult for us to recover coming out of the pandemic. I say that only because I truly believe that as a government, we have been supporting small businesses.

The government has some limitations, and that is the reason the minister continues to work closely with our—

Small BusinessAdjournment Proceedings

7:50 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 7:51 p.m.)