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.
2:05 p.m.
Liberal
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]
International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian PeopleStatements by Members
2:05 p.m.
Liberal
Patrick Weiler Liberal West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country, BC
Mr. Speaker, today is recognized by the United Nations as International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.
The horrific toll of the most recent Israel-Hamas war is yet another example of the ongoing cycle of violence and injustice that has tragically gripped the region for decades. This has highlighted the need for a comprehensive resolution that delivers a hopeful future for Palestinians and long-term stability for the region. As is Canada's long-standing position, and as the UN declared by resolution in 1947, this means the creation of a viable Palestinian state living peacefully alongside an Israeli state.
For too long, the Palestinian people have been victimized by occupation and blockades, as well as a governing regime that disregards the rights and safety of its own people. Today is a reminder of the work that Canada, as well as the entire international community, owes to the Palestinian people to ensure they have equal access to the rights and freedoms that we and so many others take for granted.
Jewish Refugee DayStatements by Members
2:05 p.m.
Conservative
Marty Morantz Conservative Charleswood—St. James—Assiniboia—Headingley, MB
Mr. Speaker, tomorrow is Jewish Refugee Day, marking the expulsion of more than 850,000 Jews from their homes in Iran and throughout the Middle East and North Africa.
In the years leading up to the birth of the State of Israel in 1948, Jews were subjected to systemic anti-Semitism and evicted from their homes. They were subjected to arbitrary arrest, torture and murder. This forced migration was marked by religious persecution and even genocide. Many Jews and their families found safe harbour in Israel and here in Canada.
During this trying time for both the State of Israel and Jews here in Canada, it is vital that we do not forget that Jewish communities had existed in these regions for millennia, contributing enormously to the culture, growth and success of Arab nations. This year, B'nai Brith will again be commemorating these refugees. A virtual gathering will be held tomorrow at 4 p.m. I invite members to take part as we commemorate this important part of Jewish history.
International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian PeopleStatements by Members
2:05 p.m.
Liberal
Salma Zahid Liberal Scarborough Centre, ON
Mr. Speaker, November 29 is International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian people. Given the recent conflict in the region, which has resulted in the deaths of over 14,000 innocent Palestinian civilians, including over 6,000 children, this year’s event is particularly poignant.
I continue to call for a permanent ceasefire, for a return of all hostages to their families and for badly needed humanitarian aid to reach all the people of Gaza. I pray that everyone can put their differences aside and work towards a just, equitable and peaceful two-state solution. Violence is never the answer. I yearn for the day when two peoples can live side by side in peace and prosperity.
Tonight, led by Palestinian, Arab and Muslim staffers, we will gather at the eternal flame on Parliament Hill in peace and solidarity with the Palestinian people. I hope all will join us.
Ève‑Marie LortieStatements by Members
2:05 p.m.
Bloc
Martin Champoux Bloc Drummond, QC
Mr. Speaker, one of the biggest cliffhangers in Quebec showbiz has finally been resolved. We now know who will take over from Gino Chouinard as host of TV's Salut Bonjour next year. I was very happy to hear that the new host is Ève‑Marie Lortie.
I am pleased because, at last, a woman will be hosting a Quebec morning show, which still does not happen often enough for my taste. There are plenty of other great people who might have been offered those big shoes to fill, but no one could be as kind, caring, generous, talented and down-to-earth as Ève‑Marie.
I had the privilege of rubbing shoulders with her from time to time in another life. I even cooked with her when she appeared as my guest on Qu'est-ce qui mijote?, the cooking show I used to host. I had so much fun each time we met, and that is how everyone feels when they are lucky enough to cross paths with her.
Ève‑Marie Lortie was the natural choice to helm Salut Bonjour. Once again, Quebeckers will have a warm and friendly presence to help them start their day, a bit like having a friend over for coffee. On behalf of the Bloc Québécois, I would like to congratulate Ève‑Marie. I never thought I would be looking forward to Gino's retirement.
International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian PeopleStatements by Members
2:10 p.m.
Liberal
Chandra Arya Liberal Nepean, ON
Mr. Speaker, today is recognized by the United Nations as International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.
For over 70 years, Palestinians have been living under occupation, robbed of their fundamental rights, with no regard for human dignity. This is the most terrible year, with thousands of Palestinians, including thousands of children, killed in front of our eyes. Western democracies have not taken any measures to prevent this.
Today, I and millions of Canadians are angry, frustrated and feeling helpless with our unsuccessful advocacy to get Canada to change its position and do what is just and right.
I call on Canada to ask for a permanent ceasefire and take the right step forward, starting with the recognition of the sovereign state of Palestine, for a two-state solution.
Carson ClelandStatements by Members
2:10 p.m.
Conservative
Todd Doherty Conservative Cariboo—Prince George, BC
Mr. Speaker, I am heartbroken and angry. I am angry that yet another family has lost a loved one to suicide. Carson Cleland was just like any other 12-year-old boy from Prince George. He was involved in sports; he was active in his community. However, he felt prey to a sadistic predator whose only motivation was to do harm.
Ryan, Carson's dad, has urged us all to do better, to be better and to make sure parents talk to their kids, check their Internet history and have those tough conversations. From the predator's first point of contact with Carson to Carson's death, it took 12 hours. That is an hour for each year of Carson's life.
Carson's dad told me, “It happened so fast. Parents need to know just how fast this can happen.” His mom, Nicola, told me, “We need to have a safe place for children to grow and actually be children. We need to find these predators faster. When do we get closure?”
We need to be more vigilant when we are protecting our kids. Since 2015, there has been an 825% increase in the making and distribution of child pornography. We have laws in place, and we need to enforce them. We need to provide law enforcement with the tools and resources they need to bring these bastards to justice and to provide justice for the victims.
Carson ClelandStatements by Members
2:10 p.m.
Liberal
The Speaker Liberal Greg Fergus
I thank the hon. member for that statement. I would encourage all members to reflect on the language we use in this place, despite how heartfelt and sincere we feel about that issue.
The hon. member from Sackville—Preston—Chezzetcook.
No. 2 Construction BattalionStatements by Members
2:10 p.m.
Liberal
Darrell Samson Liberal Sackville—Preston—Chezzetcook, NS
Mr. Speaker, last Friday, I was pleased to join the Minister of Veterans Affairs, the Minister of National Defence and our host, Russell Grosse, the executive director of the Black Cultural Centre in my riding in order to announce dedicated funding to commemorate the legacy of the No. 2 Construction Battalion. The event included a presentation of the first-ever No. 2 Construction Battalion camp flag to the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia for commemoration. The $2.25-million investment over five years will fund commemorative activities, educational materials and community war memorials.
The announcement follows up on last year's historic apology by the Prime Minister to the descendants of the battalion for the systemic anti-Black racism that those in the battalion experienced throughout and after the war. This fund will ensure that the legacy of the battalion lives on for future generations.
Carbon TaxStatements by Members
2:10 p.m.
Conservative
Rob Morrison Conservative Kootenay—Columbia, BC
Mr. Speaker, after eight years under the Prime Minister, housing costs have doubled, Canadians are close to a paycheque away from going broke and there has been a 52% increase in monthly visits to the food banks in Kootenay—Columbia alone.
I will address a pressing issue impacting the hard-working farmers in my riding. The individuals who work tirelessly, cultivating crops and raising herds, are facing huge challenges with the rise of the carbon tax. The current fixed market rate at which they sell their products is not providing them with the flexibility to absorb the escalating costs imposed by this tax. It is imperative that we recognize the plight of these farmers and work toward finding solutions that ensure their success. It is our duty to address the concerns of the hard-working people who toil day in and day out to put food on our tables. More taxes, fees and half measures are continually introduced by the NDP-Liberal government, but no issues are being solved.
We all need to support our farmers and ranchers by supporting Bill C-234.
Sherbrooke Chocolate FactoryStatements by Members
2:15 p.m.
Liberal
Élisabeth Brière Liberal Sherbrooke, QC
Mr. Speaker, in July, I had the opportunity to visit Chocolat Lamontagne's factory. This company has been in business for 45 years, and its chocolates are a must-try. I am never more proud than when I have the opportunity to acknowledge the success of a company that has been part of Sherbrooke's business landscape for so many years.
Today, Chocolat Lamontagne is enjoying tremendous success, and the sky is the limit for its chocolates. With $1.2 million in support from Canada Economic Development, this family business will be able to ramp up productivity and continue conquering new markets and taking on new challenges.
Once again, congratulations to Danny Lamontagne and his entire team. I urge everyone to try their delicious chocolates.
UkraineStatements by Members
2:15 p.m.
Liberal
Adam van Koeverden Liberal Milton, ON
Mr. Speaker, it is said that one truly realizes who one's friends are when one needs them most. The Conservatives made it abundantly clear last week that they cannot be trusted to support Ukraine, our friend and ally, when the chips are down.
Last week, every Conservative voted against the Canada-Ukraine free trade agreement. It is a shocking new low for the Conservative Party of Canada. The leader of the Conservative Party is importing MAGA-brand, American-style politics into Canada, something that is not welcome in our country. Now Conservatives are tying themselves into knots in a feeble attempt to try to justify their shameful vote against a bill that would help support the rebuilding of our friend and ally, Ukraine.
Canada's support for Ukraine should have been unanimous in this House, but, just like Donald Trump, the leader of the Conservatives is cozying up to Russian dictator Vladimir Putin. The Ukrainian Canadian Congress and President Zelenskyy asked Canadian MPs to support—
UkraineStatements by Members
2:15 p.m.
Some hon. members
Oh, oh!
UkraineStatements by Members
2:15 p.m.
Liberal
The Speaker Liberal Greg Fergus
This week there have been a number of statements in which some members have called into question the allegiances of other members, which is, frankly, not acceptable.
I will ask the hon. member to rise, do the honourable thing and withdraw that part of his statement. Then I will allow him to finish his statement.
The hon. member for Milton.
UkraineStatements by Members
2:15 p.m.
Liberal
Adam van Koeverden Liberal Milton, ON
Mr. Speaker, I withdraw that remark.
The Canada-Ukraine free trade agreement represents Canada's opportunity to assist in the rebuilding of Ukraine, and it is utterly disappointing to see the Conservatives stand opposed to that. Ukraine can continue to count on Canada on this side of the House.
Public Services and ProcurementStatements by Members
2:20 p.m.
Conservative
Michael Barrett Conservative Leeds—Grenville—Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, ON
Mr. Speaker, after eight years of the NDP-Liberal Prime Minister, his billion-dollar green slush fund is engulfed in corruption. His hand-picked board chair was caught funnelling $220,000 to her own company and then paid herself $120,000. Then she and the CEO both resigned in disgrace. We learned yesterday that another board member funnelled millions of taxpayer dollars to not one, not two, not three, but four companies that she personally had an interest in. The Liberals knew about the corruption and ineligible payments and they did absolutely nothing. One senior government official called it an ad scam-level payout.
Meanwhile, whistle-blowers are afraid of professional and legal reprisals because the Liberals refused to offer them any protection. At every level of the Prime Minister's green slush fund, there is corruption and more insiders getting paid. With an Auditor General investigation and an Ethics Commissioner investigation, it is clear that the Prime Minister just is not worth the cost.
Conservatives will keep fighting to expose Liberal corruption and find out who got rich.
Root Cellar Food & Wellness HubStatements by Members
2:20 p.m.
Conservative
Glen Motz Conservative Medicine Hat—Cardston—Warner, AB
Mr. Speaker, after eight years of the Prime Minister, he is not worth the cost as life has become so expensive that Canadians are having to choose between eating and other necessities. So far in 2023, more Canadians have gone to food banks than at any time in our recent history.
Locally, in Medicine Hat, the Root Cellar Food & Wellness Hub, which is our food bank, has a brown bag lunch program that feeds 1,500 children every single day who come to school without lunch. The Root Cellar is feeding a total of 4% of our community and reports a 33% increase in food bank usage over the last two years alone. These numbers continue to grow, with an average of 200 new clients each and every month, mostly two-income families, seniors and students. Food bank clients overwhelmingly state the reason for needing to access emergency food is the inflationary rise in the cost of living.
These are real-life consequences to the economic crisis the government has inflicted on Canadians. It is time for the Prime Minister to do Canadians a favour and take a walk in the snow.
Auto IndustryStatements by Members
2:20 p.m.
Liberal
Francesco Sorbara Liberal Vaughan—Woodbridge, ON
Mr. Speaker, confident countries invest in their workers. Confident countries invest in their future. We are confident in Canada. We are not only investing in Canadians, but we also continue to attract transformational investments. These include more than $40 billion in less than three years, and thousands of good-paying jobs now and for years to come with Volkswagen, Stellantis, Northvolt, GM and Umicore. The world is looking to Canada and choosing Canada.
Conservatives have given up on Canada’s auto industry. They are putting their partisan games and misinformation ahead of good middle-class jobs for Canadians.
Today, Canada is the only country in the western hemisphere with an end-to-end supply chain for electric vehicles. On this side of the House, we recognize that Canada has vast reserves of critical minerals, clean energy and the expertise to continue making the vehicles that Canadians want and that are better for the environment.
We will always stand by, and with, Canadian workers and our roaring Canadian auto industry.
Foreign AffairsStatements by Members
2:20 p.m.
NDP
Jenny Kwan NDP Vancouver East, BC
Mr. Speaker, more than two million innocent lives remain trapped in Israel's siege of Gaza, trying to survive amid the most horrific and inhumane conditions. Thousands of children have been killed. As a mother, my heart aches for those families.
Survivors are being deprived of clean drinking water, food, medicine, sanitation, fuel and electricity. More than 1.7 million Palestinians are displaced from their homes in their ancestral homeland. Among them are people with disabilities, women, children, seniors and beloved family members of hundreds of people in Canada.
The Australian government has enacted special immigration measures, including a special visa program to prioritize visa assessment for those seeking to depart Gaza. Canada must do the same.
I am calling on the Liberals to immediately enact special immigration measures to facilitate the evacuation of extended family members of Canadians and permanent residents of Gaza, and I renew my call for a permanent ceasefire.
Marc‑André FleuryStatements by Members
2:20 p.m.
Bloc
Marilène Gill Bloc Manicouagan, QC
Mr. Speaker, goaltender Marc‑André Fleury has won the Stanley Cup and the Vezina trophy, but he has just given us another reason to be proud of him.
It was first nations heritage night at Friday's game in Minnesota. Since his wife Véronique is indigenous, this goalie from Sorel was planning to wear a special mask designed by Dakota artist Cole Redhorse Taylor. It was covered in a traditional Dakota floral motif, in honour of Fleury's name, and was to be sold to raise money for a project in support of indigenous families.
However, the National Hockey League threatened Fleury with a hefty fine if he wore the mask, since Commissioner Bettman does not allow players to show support for special causes. Nevertheless, when Marc‑André Fleury took to the ice that night, he proudly wore the mask.
Knowing when to stand up is an important skill for a goaltender, but knowing when to stand up as a human is even more impressive.
Bravo to Marc‑André Fleury.
Carbon TaxStatements by Members
2:25 p.m.
Conservative
Eric Duncan Conservative Stormont—Dundas—South Glengarry, ON
Mr. Speaker, Canadians are increasingly frustrated as they watch Liberal-appointed senators stall and delay our common-sense Conservative bill that would carve out a much needed carbon tax exemption for our Canadian farmers.
Farm businesses are seeing their carbon taxes totalling over $100,000 per year just to use propane and natural gas to dry their crops.
The worst part is that the worst is yet to come, because the NDP-Liberal coalition will quadruple the carbon tax. That is enough with the delay and games. Canadian farmers are facing a $1 billion carbon tax bill from the Prime Minister that no one can afford.
Food banks are at record use, with two million people per month.
After eight years, Canadians know the Prime Minister is just not worth the cost, because as farmers feed cities, Canadians know the Prime Minister just wants to tax them all even more.
Métis Nation British ColumbiaStatements by Members
November 29th, 2023 / 2:25 p.m.
Liberal
Randeep Sarai Liberal Surrey Centre, BC
Mr. Speaker, Métis Nation British Columbia, MNBC, represents the section 35 rights of over 24,000 Métis citizens, advocates for over 98,000 self-identified Métis and represents 39 Métis chartered communities across British Columbia.
MNBC strives to promote a strong future for the Métis people in British Columbia, where the rich Métis culture, heritage and languages thrive. Métis communities achieve strong socio-economic outcomes and Métis rights as an indigenous people are recognized.
On April 13, 2017, the Prime Minister, Métis Nation president Chartier and the president of the MNBC governing members signed the Canada-Métis Nation Accord during the first Crown-Métis Nation Summit in Ottawa, marking a significant step toward a renewed government-to-government relationship based on the recognition of rights, respect and partnership.
I am pleased to have an organization like MNBC headquartered in my beautiful riding of Surrey Centre. Today, its members are here in this gallery advocating for their people.
FinanceOral Questions
2:25 p.m.
Carleton Ontario
Conservative
Pierre Poilievre ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, never has a Prime Minister been so ashamed to defend his own economic update, and we know why. Years after he said that there would be no consequences for doubling the national debt, we have learned that this Prime Minister is going to spend more next year on interest on the debt than he does on health care.
Once again, why does the Prime Minister want to give more to bankers than to nurses?
FinanceOral Questions
2:25 p.m.
Papineau Québec
Liberal
Justin Trudeau LiberalPrime Minister
Mr. Speaker, it would be more credible if the Leader of the Opposition had not spoken out against our historic $200‑billion health care agreements with the provinces over the next 10 years.
We are there to invest in the health care system. We are there to invest so that we can deliver results for Canadians. The Conservative Party is only there for austerity and budget cuts.
With respect to our economic statement, we have invested in housing and in making sure there is more competition to stabilize grocery prices. We are there to invest in good careers for years to come in industries across Canada. We will continue to be there in a responsible way for Canadians.
FinanceOral Questions
2:25 p.m.
Carleton Ontario
Conservative
Pierre Poilievre ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, Canadians' fridges are empty and they are being forced to turn to food banks. After eight years of this Prime Minister, they are already living with austerity in their daily lives. The Prime Minister wants to make their situation even worse by creating another deficit with $20 billion in inflationary spending and by increasing interest and inflation at Canadians' expense.
Will he reverse his inflationary policies so that Canadians can put food on the table?