Debates of Dec. 15th, 2023

House of Commons Hansard #269 of the 44th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was point.

Topics

This summary is computer-generated. Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.

Response to Report of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs The Speaker apologizes for recording a video for a politician in uniform and office, accepts responsibility, and outlines steps to ensure impartiality following a committee report. 300 words.

Chemical Weapons Convention Implementation Act Second reading of Bill S-9. The bill amend the Chemical Weapons Convention Implementation Act updates Canadian law to align with international changes, including adding novichok to the list of prohibited substances. It removes the outdated schedule for future alignment. Members discussed the bill's importance for international security and Canada's role, alongside criticisms regarding its past delays. 7300 words, 1 hour.

Statements by Members

Huron Heights Warriors football champions

Christmas, love, and Audrey Martin

Cape Breton--Canso investments

NDP dental care program success

Christmas spirit in Glengarry--Prescott--Russell

A Christmas poem about Trudeau

Christmas spirit in Vaughan--Woodbridge

Mississauga--Lakeshore community accomplishments

Housing affordability in Canada

Christmas in the Yukon

Carbon tax hurts Saskatchewan farmers

Carbon tax and Christmas dinner

Government achievements despite Conservative obstruction

Employment Equity Act inclusion needed

Tribute to Hélène Ladouceur

Carbon tax hurts Canadian farmers

Conservative obstruction versus government achievements

Question Period

The Conservatives focus on the impact of the carbon tax on rising food prices, particularly around Christmas, and the increasing use of food banks. They criticize the government for defeating Bill C-234 and pressing senators, and highlight the tax's impact on farmers. They also raise concerns about corruption in the green slush fund and foreign influence on critical minerals.

The Liberals highlight their investments in dental care, $10-a-day child care, and the Canada child benefit, contrasting them with Conservative votes against these programs. They emphasize their support for Ukraine and actions on climate change, while criticizing the Conservatives' stance on these issues, including their votes against farmers and supply management. They also mention support for small businesses and Atlantic Canada recovery.

The Bloc criticizes the choice of a private insurer for dental care over Quebec's public plan, questions CBC/Radio-Canada receiving funds meant for struggling media, and calls for extending the CEBA loan repayment deadline to save businesses.

The NDP highlights their role in achieving dental care, child care, anti-scab, and indigenous housing. They push for a national suicide prevention strategy and address safety concerns regarding weather stations and the TMX pipeline's impact on coasts and communities.

Speaker of the House of Commons Conservatives move a motion of no confidence in the Speaker, citing alleged partisan activities like recording a video for a Liberal MP and attending a Liberal event. Liberals defend the Speaker and accuse Conservatives of hypocrisy, pointing to former Speaker Andrew Scheer's past partisan actions. The Bloc supports the motion due to impartiality concerns, while the NDP questions the Conservative approach after a committee review. 8300 words, 1 hour in 2 segments: 1 2.

Request to Designate Motion as Privilege Motion Members debate whether a non-confidence motion against the Speaker should be treated as a priority privilege motion, citing precedents. Some argue it is a regular motion because a related question was previously referred to committee. The Bloc Québécois supports priority, citing new information. The Assistant Deputy Speaker takes the arguments under advisement. 2100 words, 10 minutes.

Request to Designate Motion as Privilege Motion—Speaker's Ruling The Assistant Deputy Speaker rules that a motion to censure a Chair occupant, introduced under Routine Proceedings, will not be given priority debate status and moves to Government Orders if interrupted, as clarified by Peter Julian. 400 words.

Finance Members debate a finance committee report concerning competition in the banking sector, particularly a potential merger. Conservatives argue the merger would increase costs, worsening affordability challenges like rent and mortgages, blaming the Liberal government's economic policies and alleged corruption. Liberals and NDP raise points of order regarding relevance and personal attacks. 3800 words, 1 hour.

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