Debates of Nov. 8th, 2023

House of Commons Hansard #249 of the 44th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was quebec.

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

Rouge et Or women's rugby victory

Israel-Gaza conflict, calls for ceasefire

Remembrance Day, family sacrifices

Tribute to Montreal photographer Brian Merrett

Chambre de commerce du Grand Sainte-Agathe

Hindu Heritage Month, Veterans' Week

Indigenous veterans' service and sacrifice

2332 Royal Canadian Army Cadets anniversary

Hindu Heritage Month and Diwali

Veterans, cost of living crisis

Indigenous Veterans Day recognition

Carbon tax, Bloc Québécois coalition

Carbon tax, regional divisions

Waterloo region, grief and action

Humanitarian crisis in Gaza, ceasefire

Le Traversier mental health support centre

Carbon tax pause, regional disparity

McGill Max Bell School of Public Policy

Question Period

The Conservatives criticize the Liberal government's carbon tax, calling it costly for heating and food, and questioning regional fairness and alleged deals with the Bloc Québécois to keep the Prime Minister in power. They also raise concerns about government spending and corruption, specifically the ArriveCAN app and a billion-dollar green fund, and the assessed risk of terrorist attacks.

The Liberals emphasize their plan to fight climate change, defending the price on pollution and investments like replacing home heating oil with heat pumps. They call for a humanitarian truce in Gaza, demanding aid and release of hostages, while condemning rising hatred. They also address investigations into government contracting and reaffirm support for Ukraine.

The Bloc addresses the Gaza situation, calling for a ceasefire and international action. They question if recent comments constitute a criminal offence. The party also highlights the government's failure to meet climate targets and criticizes subsidies to oil and gas.

The NDP propose a plan to lower heating bills, tackle climate change by making oil companies pay, and criticize the government's failure on climate targets. They address the housing crisis, oppose healthcare privatization, and call for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Alleged Unparliamentary Gesture in the House—Speaker's Ruling Members debate an alleged offensive gesture by the Member for Avalon during a vote. The Speaker rules it inconclusive, taking the member's word, while the member reports receiving threats linked to the accusation and opposition social media posts. 900 words.

Oral Questions Members debate points of order concerning Question Period rules, specifically if questions must relate to government administration and how the Speaker handles those that attack opposition members, citing past rulings. 800 words.

Public Accounts Members debate a Public Accounts Committee report on the government's greening strategy. Conservatives criticize the government's lack of progress, transparency, and oversight, linking it to alleged corruption in green funding like the SDTC slush fund. Liberals defend their record and accuse Conservatives of filibustering legislation. Bloc and NDP support calls for accountability but note the Conservatives' timing. Bloc highlights Quebec's climate action and the high cost of inaction. 13800 words, 2 hours.

Court Challenges Program Act Second reading of Bill C-316. The bill would entrench the Court Challenges Program in law. Supporters argue it ensures access to justice and protects rights. Critics question its necessity and cost, fearing it funds challenges against Parliament. Some propose amendments for transparency and an expanded mandate, noting its history impacting language laws and minority rights. 6900 words, 1 hour.

Adjournment Debates

CEBA loan repayment deadline Mike Morrice presses for an extension to the CEBA loan deadline for small businesses. Bryan May responds that the government has already extended the deadline and is providing other supports. Morrice asks again if May will advocate for a further extension. May says the government has heard small businesses' concerns.

Cap on oil, gas emissions Laurel Collins asks when the Liberals will implement an emissions cap for oil and gas companies. Kevin Lamoureux says the government is committed to the environment, citing emissions reductions and the elimination of fossil fuel subsidies. Both accuse the other's party of voting against climate action.

Gaza conflict ceasefire Lindsay Mathyssen asks why the government won't call for a ceasefire in Gaza. Pam Damoff says Canada condemns Hamas's attacks, is working to get Canadians out of Gaza, and supports humanitarian pauses. Mathyssen is disappointed that Damoff won't say the word "ceasefire", while Damoff insists that all civilians must be protected.

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Foreign AffairsAdjournment Proceedings

7:30 p.m.

Liberal

Pam Damoff Liberal Oakville North—Burlington, ON

Madam Speaker, all Canadians are worried about what is happening in Gaza. Communities across the country are hurting, and we need to continue to work to ensure that all civilians are protected. International law, including humanitarian and human rights laws, must be respected, and civilians, journalists, humanitarian workers and medical personnel must be protected.

The loss of civilian life is deeply disturbing, and our heartfelt condolences are with all those whose families and communities have been affected. Canadians and people around the world must be steadfast in our support for the protection of all civilians. Humanitarian assistance must get into Gaza. Canadians and all foreign nationals must get out of Gaza. All hostages must be released.

We will continue to support diplomatic discussions on humanitarian pauses. We remain committed to a two-state solution, with a Palestinian state living side by side in peace and security with Israel. Canada stands firmly with the Israeli and Palestinian peoples in their right to live in peace, in security, with dignity and without fear.

Foreign AffairsAdjournment Proceedings

7:30 p.m.

The Assistant Deputy Speaker (Mrs. Alexandra Mendès) Alexandra Mendes

The motion to adjourn the House is now 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 7:33 p.m.)