Debates of Dec. 15th, 2023

Chemical Weapons Convention Implementation Act

[Kevin Lamoureux, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons]

Madam Speaker, the member says he is recommending swift adoption, yet the childish behaviour we have witnessed from the Conservative Party, which comes from the Conservative House leadership, is truly amazing. Think about it: The last time we attempted to bring Bill S-9 to debate, the Conservatives moved a motion of concurrence in order to prevent members from debating it. They moved that motion in order to filibuster the legislation.

At the beginning of his comments, the member said that they want to debate the legislation, yet he prevents the debate from occurring, and now he says that he would like swift passage of the legislation. It is totally amazing and mind-blowing how the Conservative Party wants to play childish games. If the member supports the legislation, as he says he does, when will the Conservative Party stop playing these childish games and allow legislation to pass into committee?

[Garnett Genuis, Conservative, Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, AB]

Madam Speaker, I rise on a point of order. Conservatives believe the House should sit on Monday, December 18 to pass Bill C-234, which would take the carbon tax off farmers and lower food prices for Canadians. I wonder whether you would find there is unanimous consent to do that.

[Some hon. members]

No.

[The Assistant Deputy Speaker, NDP, Carol Hughes]

If members are looking for unanimous consent, they need to talk to the House leaders of the other parties to see whether they are willing to do that. Otherwise, these motions will not be accepted in the House.

The hon. member for Calgary Rocky Ridge has the floor.

[Pat Kelly, Conservative, Calgary Rocky Ridge, AB]

Madam Speaker, in response to the question from the member for Winnipeg North, I do not even know what to say. His government killed the bill not once but twice in the previous Parliament. We are three and a half years late getting the bill done because of the government's failure to approve it in the past.

We do, indeed, from time to time introduce concurrence motions in the House so we may debate important work that comes out of committee and get recorded votes on them. We are debating the bill now. I support it. I hope the government will not kill it again.

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

Madam Speaker, it was on April 22, 1915, that completely untried Canadian troops were hit with the first mass gas attack, and the Canadians held the line. We have a lot at stake in this treaty.

Given the fact that we see Putin has used chemical weapons for support in Syria, and that Rumsfeld supported Saddam Hussein in the fight against Iran in using chemical weapons, we need good international players that can actually deal with these serious issues in a time of a destabilized international global reality. Does the member think Canada could play that role, with the kind of resources that could be brought to bear, given our history with chemical weapons and given our role as a middle power?

[Pat Kelly, Conservative, Calgary Rocky Ridge, AB]

Madam Speaker, it is not often that the member gives me an opportunity to agree with him and to affirm, as I am sure he does, based on the question, that Canada does have an important responsibility to be a leader in the world in the suppression of weapons of mass destruction. He is right; Russia is a threat to world security in its ongoing use of chemical weapons as a tool of assassination. We do not know what its undeclared stockpiles are, so I do agree with the member on the importance of the agreement and on the importance of Canadian leadership in this matter.

Huron Heights Warriors

[Tony Van Bynen, Liberal, Newmarket—Aurora, ON]

Madam Speaker, achievement is defined in the dictionary as a thing done successfully, typically by effort, courage or skill. All are defining characteristics of both the senior and junior Huron Heights Warriors.

These Newmarket football teams are champions, having made history with both teams winning the provincial titles in the same year, and they are only the second program in Ontario high school football to have met that challenge.

Football is, in many ways, the ultimate game. It takes a complete team effort with everyone executing at the highest level to achieve victory on the field. To coach Heath Weir, his fellow coaches and the support staff, I send my congratulations. What they have achieved with the Warriors program is remarkable. It is remarkable for what has been accomplished this year, and even more remarkable for the longevity of its success. Their program has emerged as a true dynasty in the world of high school football.

Christmas

[Fraser Tolmie, Conservative, Moose Jaw—Lake Centre—Lanigan, SK]

Madam Speaker, in 1973, Audrey Martin knew her neighbour was an unemployed, single mother who had recently lost a child. Her neighbour had very little in her cupboards and nothing under the tree for her three-year-old son.

On Christmas Eve, Audrey Martin showed up at her neighbour's door with a Christmas miracle. Her small act of kindness has never been forgotten, and my mother and I will be eternally grateful for the donations of food and gifts she had collected from our neighbours to put under our tree.

Mother Teresa said, “The good news is that God still loves the world through each one of you. You are God’s good news, you are God’s love in action.” For my mother and I, Audrey Martin was God's good news and God's love in action.

There is more good news, and it is the good news of a small child named Jesus who was born in a manger. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” That is the reason we celebrate Christmas. I want to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

Cape Breton—Canso

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

Madam Speaker, as we bring 2023 to a close, I would like to take this opportunity to wish my colleagues, constituents and, indeed, all Canadians a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

Looking back on how we have been finishing the year, I am delighted to share that, in the last two months alone, our government has invested over $155 million in my riding of Cape Breton—Canso. This federal funding is going toward causes that truly matter for people in my riding, such as airport infrastructure, public transit and green energy.

By making these investments, our government is helping Cape Breton and northeastern Nova Scotia grow. With green energy in particular, we are helping our communities tap into a entirely new economy, which could have generational impacts, not just in my riding, but throughout the province.

To all my constituents who are listening, there is more to come in 2024, and I cannot wait to share it with them.

Dental Care

[Taylor Bachrach, NDP, Skeena—Bulkley Valley, BC]

Madam Speaker, the Conservatives voted against it and the Liberals voted against it because they said a national dental care program could not be done, but the NDP is proving them wrong.

Under the NDP’s national dental care program, millions of Canadians will be able to visit the dentist for the first time. This includes seniors, people with disabilities and young people. It is the biggest expansion of public health care in this country in over 60 years.

What do people in Northwest B.C. say about this program? Allan from Smithers calls it a “Massive improvement”. Sarah from Terrace says, “This is a game changer for many families!” Kathleen from Prince Rupert says, “this is life-saving for people”.

Right across Canada, people who access the program will save over $1,300 per year. That is money they can spend on groceries, heat and other necessities. We are stronger when we take care of each other, and national dental care is going to make Canada stronger. I am so proud to be a part of this massive improvement.

Christmas Greetings

[Francis Drouin, Liberal, Glengarry—Prescott—Russell, ON]

Madam Speaker, another year has come and gone, and the holiday season is now upon us. I would like to wish a merry Christmas to all members, assistants, pages, support staff, civil servants, and all Canadians.

The Christmas spirit is very much alive in Glengarry—Prescott—Russell. Homes are decorated with Christmas lights. Our values of sharing, generosity and friendship have spread far and wide in every one of our towns. I have gotten some good news from Santa Claus: The children in our region have been good this year, and he will have plenty of houses to visit.

I would also like to thank the donors, volunteers and businesses who donated their money, food and time to support our local food banks. Christmas is all about community. It is the perfect time to share our joy and kindness with our neighbours, friends and family.

I wish everyone a merry Christmas and a happy new year.

Christmas

[Colin Carrie, Conservative, Oshawa, ON]

Madam Speaker,

'Twas the week before Christmas after eight years, the Grinch,
Snuggled warm in his mansion, wondering who next to pinch.
Was it farmers or families or perhaps the first nations?
He needed more money for his friends and vacations.
“If they protest, I'll punish! They have unacceptable views.
I'll force on them lockdowns; they'll watch CBC news.”
As Canadians suffer, “Should we eat; should we heat?”
Their cries did not bother the Grinch's elite.
But up from the opposition benches did appear
A common sense leader with no glasses this year!
“No more scandals, mismanagement, no ethical lapses;
I'll build you more homes and axe carbon taxes.”
Canadians know that our country's not lost,
It's just that these Liberals are not worth the cost.
We have great people, resources and land.
Canadians have culture—our future's not bland.
As he turned and he waved, said, “Canada's best days are a cinch.
It's time to say bye to the tired, mean, old Grinch.
Merry Christmas to Canada—reverse going broke.
Let's hope that next year is a year without “woke”!

Christmas in Vaughan—Woodbridge

[Francesco Sorbara, Liberal, Vaughan—Woodbridge, ON]

Madam Speaker, we are 10 days away from Christmas, and the festive spirit is in full swing in my riding of Vaughan—Woodbridge. From the Woodbridge Christmas in the Village events to seniors Christmas luncheons and donations to the Vaughan Food Bank, Vaughan residents continue to exemplify the meaning behind it all.

Beyond the twinkling lights and the festive cheer, the true meaning of Christmas is the spirit of giving. We know that Jesus is the reason for the season. He reminds us that joy is the net through which we build community. Let us allow Christ's joy to fill our hearts and spread to everyone we encounter. In the face of global conflicts, we can shine the beacon of hope that is Christmas rather than create more darkness.

It is easy to be angry and shout, but it takes real effort to show up for our neighbours when they need us most. Through the holidays and all year round, we will always be there for Canadians.

I wish my constituents in Vaughan—Woodbridge and all Canadians buon Natale e felice anno nuovo. Merry Christmas and happy new year to everyone.

Mississauga—Lakeshore

[Charles Sousa, Liberal, Mississauga—Lakeshore, ON]

Madam Speaker, I was fortunate to be elected the member of Parliament for Mississauga—Lakeshore this time last year, and I wish to share some of our community's many accomplishments.

Our neighbours enjoyed our “Paint the Town Red” Canada Day, the Southside Shuffle Blues and Jazz Festival, Carassauga celebrations, Halloween in the village, Cabinfest and many other cultural festivals throughout the city welcoming tens of thousands of visitors.

As Christmas approaches, generous donors and volunteers are wrapping up the 15th annual 'Twas the Bite Before Christmas turkey drive, which provides essential meals to the Mississauga food banks. We also saw critical investments to build new, affordable homes and to support employers. There was the hiring of Canada summer jobs and the expansion of the Trans Canada Trail along the Jim Tovey Lakeview Conservation Area to enhance our precious waterfront. I am so proud of our community, and I am privileged to represent it in the House.

Merry Christmas and best wishes for a prosperous and healthy new year to everyone.

Housing

[Tracy Gray, Conservative, Kelowna—Lake Country, BC]

Madam Speaker, from my community of Kelowna—Lake Country, a mom told me recently that she believes her daughters will never own their own home. Now, it takes over 25 years to save for a down payment on a mortgage for the average home. This means that a young adult fresh out of college will be in their fifties before they will be able to buy a home.

It was not like this a generation ago. In 1972, Canada's population was 22 million, and we built around 230,000 homes. In 2022, Canada's population was 39 million, and we built around 220,000 homes. We built fewer homes last year than we did 50 years ago.

Inflation has hit record highs going back 40 years. Inflationary deficit spending policies of the NDP-Liberal government have caused high inflation, which caused higher interest rates. I spoke to someone yesterday whose home mortgage upon renewal last month went up over $2,000 a month. After eight years, the Prime Minister is just not worth the cost.

Christmas in Yukon

[Brendan Hanley, Liberal, Yukon, YT]

Madam Speaker, the Yukon may seem cold and remote, but Yukoners are warmly connected to people and events in all parts of the globe. We know that in these hard times there are many Canadians, and so many around the world, who will not have the luxury of celebrating with loved ones.

As we celebrate Christmas and other traditions, may we keep those who are dealing with violence and poverty in our hearts and minds.

Let us, as parliamentarians, rest, reconnect and come back ready to work for Canadians and for Canada's place in the world. Neither justice nor peace should face boundaries.

In The Spell of the Yukon, Robert Service describes how, despite the gold, Yukon's true value lies elsewhere:

It’s the great, big, broad land ’way up yonder,
It’s the forests where silence has lease;
It’s the beauty that thrills me with wonder,
It’s the stillness that fills me with peace.

That is the Yukon I cannot wait to return to and enjoy with my family. I wish for everyone in the House and for all my constituents at home to have a joyful and peaceful holiday.

Carbon Tax

[Michael Kram, Conservative, Regina—Wascana, SK]

Madam Speaker, Saskatchewan has always been the breadbasket of the world, but after eight years of the Liberal-NDP government, it is getting more difficult for Saskatchewan farmers to provide the food the world needs to eat.

Every year, the carbon tax on farmers goes up, and every year those additional costs get passed on to consumers. Sooner or later, farmers are going to have to decide if they will continue to pass on those rising costs to consumers or cut back production and let the world become dependent on food from foreign countries, which is often produced with a much higher carbon footprint.

Fortunately, Conservatives have the solution. Conservative Bill C-234 would remove the carbon tax on fuels used for grain drying, allowing those savings to be passed on to consumers. Will the Prime Minister pass Bill C-234 or show once again that he is just not worth the cost?

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

Madam Speaker, do members know what the Prime Minister and the grinch have in common? They are both trying to steal Christmas.

After eight years of inflationary spending, the price of everything necessary for a happy holiday has gone up. For those who are not now looking to a food bank for their Christmas dinner, a recent report from Dalhousie University shows that the cost of the average Christmas dinner is up significantly.

As we approach Christmas, the Liberals' gift to all of us is making our food more expensive. They harassed senators into gutting Conservative Bill C-234, which would have reduced the price of groceries by giving farmers a carbon tax carve-out. In fact, they plan to quadruple that carbon tax. Jack, a grain farmer from southern Manitoba, paid $6,000 in carbon taxes on his most recent bill, which will soon increase to $24,000 in a single month.

When will the Prime Minister axe the tax, help our farmers and allow Canadians to have a merry Christmas?

Government Priorities

[Adam van Koeverden, Liberal, Milton, ON]

Madam Speaker, thinking back a few short months ago, we arrived back in the House of Commons to continue supporting our neighbours with ambitions to support housing affordability and the rising cost of living and to make key improvements to health care delivery in Canada.

Last summer was also the worst year on record for wildfires and extreme weather, so our obligation to address climate change was never more acutely in focus. Despite Conservatives' attempts to filibuster, obstruct and mislead, we have come through for Canadians with a plan and some real progress in key areas.

This fall, we forced the grocery CEOs to stabilize prices while we work on the Competition Act within the grocery sector and introduce a corporate grocery code of conduct. We have removed the HST on new rental housing construction. We have removed the GST on counselling and psychotherapy services. We have introduced a dental care program for nine million uninsured Canadians who have had no access to existing dental coverage. We have introduced legislation to ban replacement workers to support unions and workers. We are the first country in the world to commit to both a cap on oil and gas emissions and reductions in methane, with a plan to protect more nature in 2024.

The work does not end there, as 2024 presents more opportunities to support our neighbours.

Employment Equity

[Randall Garrison, NDP, Esquimalt—Saanich—Sooke, BC]

Madam Speaker, New Democrats are committed to challenging all forms of discrimination that prevent full participation in our economy. Although updates to the Employment Equity Act are long overdue, they still will not be under the tree this year.

On Monday, the Employment Equity Act review task force released its recommendations to include Black Canadians and 2SLGBTQI+ Canadians in the federal Employment Equity Act as listed groups. The task force notes that, while Canada has shown leadership on other 2SLGBTQI+ issues, we are lagging behind other parts of the world on employment equity. It also notes that transpeople are particularly at risk of employment discrimination and resulting poverty.

The White Paper on the Status of Trans and Gender Diverse People, which has the support of the Canadian Labour Congress, also recommends this addition to the Employment Equity Act. All it would take would be to add eight words to include both of these groups.

After over a year of consultations, the labour minister needs to table legislation to get this done.

Hélène Ladouceur

[Christine Normandin, Bloc, Saint-Jean, QC]

Madam Speaker, 50 years or a whole lifetime of volunteering is an incredible accomplishment. That is why I am rising today to pay tribute to an equally incredible woman, Hélène Ladouceur.

Hélène is a Royal Military College Saint-Jean icon, especially since she was recently inducted into the institution's hall of fame. She first became involved with the college shortly after she moved to the area in 1973 through the Ex-Cadet Foundation, where she still coordinates social events.

Over the years, she has worked with no less than 17 of the college's 25 commanding officers and she has also always looked after all the officer cadets who came and went, never hesitating to welcome many of them into her home during school breaks. She will always be remembered for her warm presence, listening ear and love for this second family.

To Hélène, the mother of the Royal Military College Saint-Jean, today all those children are joining their voices with mine to say thank you.

Carbon Tax

[Dane Lloyd, Conservative, Sturgeon River—Parkland, AB]

Madam Speaker, Canadian farmers feed our communities and the world. They are the great innovators and the stewards of the land.

The farmers of Sturgeon River—Parkland are no exception. From seed potatoes to grains, cattle, chicken and dairy, our region is the french-fry basket of the world. However, after eight years of the NDP-Liberal government, it is getting harder for farmers to make a living. Farmers in my community are sending me their carbon tax bills to heat their barns and dry their grain. It is tens of thousands of dollars each month, and the NDP-Liberal coalition is planning to quadruple that tax.

Canadian farmers are struggling to compete with American farmers who do not pay the carbon tax. The NDP-Liberal government would rather sacrifice our food sovereignty to foreign corporate farms that do not pay carbon taxes rather than supporting our hard-working farm families here at home.

Families, farmers and first nations know that the Prime Minister is not worth the cost. They are looking forward to a Conservative government that will bring back powerful paycheques and axe the tax.

Conservative Party of Canada

[Mark Gerretsen, Liberal, Kingston and the Islands, ON]

Madam Speaker, Conservative MPs have been relentless in their attempt to shut down Parliament.

Their tactics have included a 30-hour voting marathon temper tantrum, filibustering the sustainable jobs bill by moving over 20,000 amendments, filibustering the Métis self-government bill, blocking the debate on the Canada-Ukraine free trade agreement multiple times and moving procedural motions to block debate in this House on one out of every three days this fall session.

Despite these childish games, the government has still been able to deliver for Canadians. We have expanded dental care to seniors, passed the Affordable Housing and Groceries Act, and adopted a national framework for a school food program.

I am hopeful that after the Leader of the Opposition has a time out over the holidays, he will come back and actually get ready to work for Canadians.

Carbon Pricing

[Melissa Lantsman, Conservative, Thornhill, ON]

Madam Speaker, while Canadians go cold and hungry this Christmas, this Prime Minister is counting down the hours to another taxpayer-funded beach vacation. He and his MPs are taking a six-week holiday for voting time and time again to quadruple the carbon tax and defeat Bill C-234, as they pressured senators to gut the bill that this House already passed.

If they will not axe the tax today, why will they not come to work on Monday and finally take the tax off farmers, so that Canadians can eat this Christmas?