Debates of Dec. 4th, 2023

Alleged Limiting of Members' Ability to Speak at Committee

[The Deputy Speaker, Conservative, Chris d'Entremont]

I am going to give a 20-year-old quote. In 2003, Speaker Milliken said:

In the absence of a report from the committee on such an issue, it is virtually impossible for the Chair to make any judgement as to the prima facie occurrence of a breach of privilege with regard to such charges.

I would say to the hon. member that I would wait for the report to be tabled in this chamber and to bring the point of privilege back to the floor at that time.

The hon. member for Selkirk—Interlake—Eastman had a comment on a previous report.

Awarding of Contract to Boeing

[James Bezan, Conservative, Selkirk—Interlake—Eastman, MB]

Mr. Speaker, I am rising today to add to the question of privilege raised by the member for Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot on Friday, December 1. This is the first opportunity for the official opposition to address it.

The member for Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot was talking in quite a bit of detail about the potential misleading of the House by the Minister of National Defence and the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence as it related to answers in question period. Intentionally misleading the House is always a grave matter, and countless Speakers have ruled that it is essential to our democracy that information provided to Parliament be accurate and complete.

I think it is important to put on the record other examples that were found to be prima facie questions of privilege.

On February 1, 2002, the Speaker ruled on a matter in regard to the former minister of national defence. The former hon. member for Portage—Lisgar alleged that the former minister of national defence deliberately misled the House as to when he knew that prisoners who were taken by Canadian JTF 2 troops in Afghanistan had been handed over to the Americans.

In support of that allegation, he cited the minister's responses in question period on two successive dates. The Speaker considered the matter and found that there was a prima facie case of privilege. He said, “The authorities are consistent about the need for clarity in our proceedings and about the need to ensure the integrity of the information provided by the government to the House.”

The authorities to which Speaker Milliken was referring included, but were not limited to, House of Commons Procedure and Practice, second edition, which states on page 115, “Misleading a Minister or a Member has also been considered a form of obstruction and thus a prima facie breach of privilege.”

The Speaker in 2002 accepted the minister's assertion that he had no intention to mislead the House and made the following statement: “Nevertheless this remains a very difficult situation.” The Speaker went on to say, “ On the basis of the arguments presented by hon. members and in view of the gravity of the matter”—

[The Deputy Speaker, Conservative, Chris d'Entremont]

We will continue this after question period.

African Development Network

[Chandra Arya, Liberal, Nepean, ON]

Mr. Speaker, from November 17 to 19, the Africa Development Network, which aims to foster socio-economic development and collaboration between Canada and Africa, organized the impact diaspora forum. It brought together the Afro-descendant diaspora, global business delegates, Canadian and African policy-makers, diplomats and Canadian entrepreneurs keen on African ventures. Focusing on Canada-Africa trade, the summit aimed to boost economic ties.

I was happy to host the conference on Parliament Hill. Participants included experts and professionals, including Dr. Michel Hamala Sidibé, who is the African Union special envoy for the African Medicines Agency and the former under-secretary-general of the United Nations.

I would like to recognize the hard work of André Azambou and Franklin Epape, who promoted the African Development Network. I am glad that our federal government has provided funding to this organization.

Gender-Based Violence

[Iqra Khalid, Liberal, Mississauga—Erin Mills, ON]

Mr. Speaker, everyone has the right to feel safe in their communities. Today, I rise to bring awareness to the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence.

I know families in my riding that depend on transitional housing and that have endured the cycle of violence. I also know too many who have lost their lives to gender-based violence. Their stories inform my work and advocacy while also supporting crisis groups in my community, such as Armagh House, Nisa Homes and Safe Centre of Peel, which recently expanded to Mississauga.

I am proud to be part of a government that cares deeply about this issue. We have built a national action plan to end gender-based violence, invested billions to address homelessness, dedicated housing funds for families fleeing violence and much more.

It is not enough. We must act every day across our society until gender-based violence is no more.

Terry Summach

[Brad Redekopp, Conservative, Saskatoon West, SK]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today, along with the member for Prince Albert, to pay tribute to one of Canada's agricultural leaders, who passed away recently. Terry Summach took over the family business, Flexi-Coil, at the age of 21 due to his father's passing. Terry's business skill and ingenuity helped him grow this manufacturing business into a major Saskatoon company, employing thousands of people over the years. Flexi-Coil was so successful that Case New Holland acquired it and continues to manufacture planting and seeding equipment in Saskatoon to this day.

My colleague and I both had the privilege of working for Terry at Flexi-Coil and owe much of our work ethic, creativity and risk-taking to Terry's training and leadership. More than anything, Terry cared about people and investing all he could into them. His impact lives on in the lives of his direct family and the massive indirect family that he mentored and helped along the way. His impact has also been felt in Canada and around the world through his many charitable endeavours.

Terry's unwavering faith in Jesus Christ was his rock. He lived his entire life with God at the centre.

Well done to Terry. He will be missed.

50th Anniversary of the Rimouski Conservatory of Music

[Maxime Blanchette-Joncas, Bloc, Rimouski-Neigette—Témiscouata—Les Basques, QC]

Mr. Speaker, this year the Rimouski Conservatory of Music is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Since 1973, the conservatory has been kindling and cultivating the spark of music in talented people in the Lower St. Lawrence region. Many of its students have gone on to become locally, nationally and internationally renowned musicians, which speaks to the quality of the instruction that is provided.

Above all, our conservatory is a music school on a human scale, deeply rooted in the artistic and creative vitality of the Lower St. Lawrence. “Anchored in the community” is the theme of the festivities showcasing this fruitful relationship between the conservatory and the region's cultural community.

I want to thank the visionary community builders who gave life to this wonderful venture. I thank the teachers and staff who earnestly carry on this vision. I thank the former and current students who are showing Quebec and the world what the Lower St. Lawrence is made of. Long live the Rimouski Conservatory of Music.

Myles Goodwyn

[Darren Fisher, Liberal, Dartmouth—Cole Harbour, NS]

Mr. Speaker, Nova Scotia lost one of its own yesterday. Myles Goodwyn of Canada's legendary band April Wine has passed away. For decades, Myles and April Wine have ruled the airwaves in Canada. Not a day goes by that Canadian radio does not play their classics.

A proud Nova Scotian and Waverley boy, Myles and his band regularly crossed Canada coast to coast to coast, playing high schools, rinks, arenas and all the way up to stadiums at their peak, leaving behind a catalogue of Canadiana. From Say Hello and Rock N' Roll is a Vicious Game to Roller and Just Between You and Me, they have had dozens and dozens of hits that members probably know all the words to.

One of the honours of my life was introducing the band in front of thousands of Nova Scotians at Alderney Landing in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, last year. Oh, what a night.

I thank Myles for being an amazing ambassador for Nova Scotia, for all the music and for the stacks of vinyl records that I still play and enjoy to this day.

Speaker of the House of Commons

[Corey Tochor, Conservative, Saskatoon—University, SK]

Mr. Speaker, one of the greatest honours of my careers was when my colleagues trusted me to be the 25th Speaker of the Saskatchewan legislature.

The role of Speaker of the House is one of the most important roles in Westminster democracy. Without the Speaker, this place could not function, and without the trust and support of his colleagues on both sides of the chamber, the Speaker cannot perform his duties. That is why, when I looked at what was going on in Ottawa, decided I had to do my part to stop it and entered federal politics, I first resigned my post as Speaker of the Saskatchewan legislature so there would be no hint of partiality and no hint of partisanship, which could damage the office of the Speaker.

The decision the Speaker of the House Commons made to speak at a partisan event dishonours and damages this chamber. The conduct is simply inexcusable. It defies all long-standing traditions and expectations attached to the high office of Speaker. The Speaker cannot be allowed to set a precedent, and he will have to take real, concrete steps to mend the trust he has broken.

Fundraiser in Whitehorse

[Brendan Hanley, Liberal, Yukon, YT]

Mr. Speaker, we are watching with horror the tragedies of the ongoing war in the Middle East. Many Yukoners have expressed to me how helpless they feel in such a dire situation, and everyone wants the daily violence to stop.

With this sentiment and in the spirit of peace, leaders of our territory's Muslim, Jewish and Christian communities took action. In true Yukon fashion, compassionate and kind, they organized a fundraiser for Gaza, which was held at the local United Church. Hundreds turned up. Yukoners of many faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds gathered to share food, to talk and to listen to local musician Andrea McColeman. Over $13,000 was raised and donated to humanitarian relief efforts in Gaza. In the words of one of the organizers, “The warmth of Whitehorse was on display in its full splendor on that frigid day.”

I am so very proud of the organizers' efforts and thank every Yukoner who attended and showed their support. In this terrible time of violence, it was a beautiful reminder that unity is our greatest tool for peace.

Lupus Canada

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

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to welcome representatives of Lupus Canada here today. Over one in a thousand Canadians is impacted by lupus, but because of its varied symptoms, diagnosis is a time-consuming and challenging process, currently taking seven years on average. Many patients face challenges in accessing proper care and getting timely and effective treatment plans.

Lupus Canada’s mission is dedicated to advancing research, championing advocacy, fostering public awareness and providing lupus-related education. This mission enables it to effect meaningful change and make a tangible impact for those living with lupus and their families, caregivers and loved ones.

I am proud that through the community services recovery fund, this government has provided over $100,000 to support Lupus Canada to adapt its operations so that it can continue its important mission. I thank Lupus Canada for all that it does.

Religious Symbols in Public Spaces

[John Williamson, Conservative, New Brunswick Southwest, NB]

Mr. Speaker, faith is an important part in the lives of millions of Canadians. The presence of religious symbols and ceremonies in public spaces, particularly during occasions like Hanukkah, Christmas and many others, has long been a way for Canadians to celebrate the values of our communities.

For two decades, the menorah has been proudly displayed at Moncton City Hall in partnership with its Jewish community, yet the mayor of Moncton announced on Friday that it would not happen this year. I urge Mayor Dawn Arnold to reconsider her decision. There is still time to do the right thing.

We are seeing a rise in anti-Semitism and hate toward Jews in Canadian streets. This is utterly unacceptable. Now is the time to stand in solidarity with the Jewish people. The spirit of Hanukkah, a festival that celebrates freedom and the triumph of light over darkness, is a reminder of the values that all Canadians share across this country.

Persons with Disabilities

[Majid Jowhari, Liberal, Richmond Hill, ON]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday marked the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, a time to recognize their pivotal contribution to Canada and recommit to removing barriers and enhancing inclusion.

The Canada disability benefit serves as the cornerstone of our government's disability inclusion action plan, which will support financial security for those living with disabilities. In our commitment to inclusivity, we have taken the next step in implementing this benefit with the launch of the CDB regulations online engagement tool, which will give all Canadians the opportunity to have their say in the development of the benefit's regulations. My office has actively invited community members and local organizations that serve persons with disabilities in Richmond Hill, such as CAYR, OpenMind Alliance and L'Arche Daybreak, to take part in this consultation to help inform the development and design of the benefit's regulations.

As we commemorate this important day, we must remember that the prosperity of our community is reliant on the social and economic inclusion of people with disabilities and that we must continue to work together to create a Canada that includes everyone.

Housing

[Ted Falk, Conservative, Provencher, MB]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister is just not worth the cost. Under the Liberal-NDP costly coalition, Canadians are paying, on average, 66% of their income just to keep a roof over their head, and in a lot of instances that is all it is.

With the other 34% going to pay taxes for the Prime Minister's reckless and out-of-control spending, Canadians have nothing left for food and other needs and many are at risk of losing their homes.

It was not that long ago that it took 25 years to pay off a mortgage. Under the current Prime Minister, it takes 25 years to save up for a down payment. Under the Prime Minister, the cost of housing has gone up more in the past eight years than the previous 148 years. That is not surprising given that he has racked up more than every other single government previous to him combined.

Thankfully, the Conservatives have a solution. Rather than Canadians losing their houses, why not have an election so Canadians can throw the Liberal government out of this House? A Conservative government will fix what the Prime Minister has broken.

Automotive Industry

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

Mr. Speaker, have members ever known people who have said they would have their backs and then immediately folded under pressure, or who said they would be there for them and never were?

Canadian workers are discovering that the federal NDP are exactly that. The NDP has the consistency of Alcibiades. The NDP has the strength and steadfastness of a broken felt hat.

We have learned that the Stellantis EV battery manufacturing plant in Windsor plans to hire hundreds of foreign replacement workers. EV battery plants will receive more than $40 billion in subsidies. Rather than creating powerful paycheques for Canadians, the Liberals are funding foreign replacement workers with hard-earned Canadian taxpayer dollars.

The leader of the NDP initially joined Conservatives in calling for the contracts to be released, but the member for Windsor West has now done a complete 180 and proposed allowing EV companies and unions to redact the contracts. Just a little Liberal filibustering and the NDP is quickly looking for the exits.

The Conservatives will stand our ground, defend workers and demand the public release of these contracts. What will the NDP do?

Arthur J. LeBlanc

[Lena Metlege Diab, Liberal, Halifax West, NS]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Hon. Arthur J. LeBlanc on his successful term as the 33rd Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia.

Appointed to the post in 2017, he is the first Acadian to represent the Crown in the province, and the first francophone since 1713.

His Honour practised law for more than 30 years, specializing in civil matters.

Among his many notable distinctions, I would like to highlight the appointment of His Honour as Queen's Counsel in 1983 and as a Nova Scotia Supreme Court justice in 1998.

I would like to thank His Honour for his dedication to the people of Nova Scotia and for the cultural impact he has made by proudly showcasing his Acadian heritage. I would also like to thank his wonderful wife, Patsy.

Housing

[Lori Idlout, NDP, Nunavut, NU]

[Member spoke in Inuktitut, interpreted as follows:]

Mr. Speaker, indigenous peoples are still experiencing genocide. We are told this by the government, the investments made to Inuit, first nations and Métis.

The Government of Nunavut needs $250 million just to catch up to the urgent housing needs. To date, there is no response from the government. The Chiefs of Ontario have said they need $58.9 billion in operation and maintenance costs.

There are Métis nations seeking their right to self-government be recognized.

Indigenous peoples' rights must be respected. These investments are well below what is needed to address the needs.

I remind all indigenous peoples to stand up, to speak up and to show their strength.

Ginette Faucher

[Julie Vignola, Bloc, Beauport—Limoilou, QC]

Mr. Speaker, when it comes to recreation and the community, social and cultural life of Beauport, Le Pivot has been a veritable institution in our area for more than 40 years. The beating heart and most faithful employee of this essential organization is its executive director, Ginette Faucher.

Ginette is well rounded, resourceful, cheerful, honest and resilient. She is unstoppable and undaunted by any challenge. After 41 years of selfless dedication to Le Pivot, my friend Ginette will be stepping down, while the organization carries on meeting the growing needs of our community.

She can leave with pride in a job well done, after sparing no effort for the good of our community and its residents. On behalf of the thousands of people she helped, I thank her. I wish her all the best in the years to come, which I am sure will be filled with activity.

Carbon Tax

[Scot Davidson, Conservative, York—Simcoe, ON]

Mr. Speaker, we all know those downtown Liberals would get a nosebleed if they went north of Davis Drive, but it is still ridiculous that they think York—Simcoe is Toronto.

Because the Liberals are so out of touch, rural small-town communities like Georgina, the ice-fishing capital of Canada; Bradford West Gwillimbury; East Gwillimbury; the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation; and even farmers in the soup and salad bowl of Canada must pay more in carbon taxes than Canadians elsewhere in the country.

While the Liberals have carved out a few rural communities from paying more, others are being left behind. The government is once again picking and choosing who suffers from the carbon tax the most, based on its own political considerations. Now, it is quadrupling it.

Will the Prime Minister stop punishing rural Canadians and finally get rid of the carbon tax on farmers, families and first nations?

Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs

[Sherry Romanado, Liberal, Longueuil—Charles-LeMoyne, QC]

Mr. Speaker, tomorrow and Wednesday, the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs will be in Ottawa for their annual “Chiefs on the Hill” days.

Representing approximately 3,200 fire departments from across Canada, the fire chiefs will be here to raise awareness about fire safety issues that are of vital importance to our communities, and to update us on the state of fire and emergency preparedness in Canada.

After the record wildfire season we have just had, I encourage all of my colleagues to take the time to meet with the chiefs to learn about the challenges our fire services are facing and hear their recommendations on how we can address these, including by increasing the volunteer firefighter tax credit, which is a measure I strongly support and have been advocating for.

The fire chiefs will also take the opportunity to present the results of the Great Canadian Fire Census 2023.

I hope members will all join me at the CAFC reception tomorrow night to welcome our Canadian fire chiefs to the Hill.

Housing

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, for the first time in 60 years, rents are rising faster than wages, according to the Bank of Montreal. That is the reality after eight years of this Prime Minister, who has doubled rents, doubled mortgage payments and doubled down payment requirements.

Will the Prime Minister finally watch my groundbreaking, hard-hitting documentary to see a common-sense plan to get rid of the red tape and taxes and build homes people can afford?

[Sean Fraser, Liberal, Minister of Housing]

Mr. Speaker, it is a shame that the hon. member does not put as much energy into generating housing policies as he does to generating housing videos.

The reality is that when I actually look at the measures he is putting forward, including in the video, they will result in fewer homes being constructed than we are already on pace to build. He plans to put the GST back on some home construction. He plans to cut funding for cities that are trying to build more housing. He plans for Canada to get out of the homebuilding game altogether.

We will make the investments necessary to build more homes, not a strategy to cut home funding like the Conservatives would.

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, he clearly did not watch my common-sense documentary, which is being widely acclaimed by all. If he had, he would know the facts.

Our common-sense plan would take the GST off for apartments that are affordable, below-average cost. He wants to take it off just for $10 million penthouses. We want to take the bureaucracy out of the picture so home builders can build. He has a $4 billion fund that, according to the City of Halifax, is funding more bureaucratic gatekeepers.

Why will he not watch the documentary, follow the common-sense plan to get rid of the taxes and bureaucracy, and build more homes?

[Sean Fraser, Liberal, Minister of Housing]

Mr. Speaker, it is fascinating. For him, it is about how many people are going to watch his Twitter videos. For me, it is about how many people are going to have a roof over their head.

The right path forward is going to have Canada make investments in home building, not cuts to home builders. The right investment will reduce taxes on the construction of homes, not put taxes on them.

The right path forward will not repeat the mistakes of the past by cutting funding for affordable housing for 30 years, as that hon. member pledges to do. We will make the investments. We will not accept that cuts are the right approach.

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, here is the reality. People do not have roofs over their heads. After eight years of the Prime Minister and his housing minister of photo ops and media puff pieces, the rent has doubled, mortgage payments have doubled and down payments have doubled.

In his own home province, in Halifax, they now have 30 homeless encampments. Nine out of 10 young people say that they will never be able to afford a home. What have the Liberals done? They have created a $4 billion housing accelerator that two years later has not completed a single, solitary house.

Why will the Liberals not get rid of the bureaucracy and the taxes so we can bring homes Canadians can afford?