House of Commons Hansard #262 of the 44th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was housing.

Topics

line drawing of robot

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

Food and Drugs Act First reading of Bill C-368. The bill amends the Food and Drugs Act to reverse changes made by Bill C-47, ensuring natural health products are not classified or regulated like synthetic drugs. 200 words.

Christian Heritage Month Act First reading of Bill C-369. The bill proposes to designate December as Christian Heritage Month, citing the large Christian population in Canada and the celebration of other faith heritages. 200 words.

Veterans Affairs Members debate a report concerning the national monument to Canada’s mission in Afghanistan. Discussion centres on the government bypassing the expert jury's choice for a different design, citing public feedback. Critics argue this was a flawed process involving PMO interference, disrespecting veterans and families, and undermining procurement rules, calling for the government to reverse its decision. 14900 words, 2 hours.

Affordable Housing and Groceries Act Report stage of Bill C-56. The bill amends the Excise Tax Act to remove the GST on purpose-built rentals and reforms the Competition Act. Members debate the government's approach to the housing crisis and affordability, with Conservatives Jasraj Singh Hallan criticizing economic mismanagement. Liberals Kevin Lamoureux defend their record. The NDP Daniel Blaikie supports the GST rebate for market housing but calls for more funding for affordable and social housing. The Bloc Québécois Sébastien Lemire supports competition changes but criticizes delays in housing action. 16600 words, 3 hours in 2 segments: 1 2.

Statements by Members

Question Period

The Conservatives criticize the government's role in doubling housing costs, leading to housing hell, high rent, and tent cities. They blame the carbon tax and inflationary spending for increased food bank use and general unaffordability, calling to axe the tax. They also condemn the spending on EV contracts and the use of foreign replacement workers.
The Liberals highlight their investments in housing, including affordable housing and rental construction. They defend the carbon price and actions to fight climate change, like reducing methane emissions and supporting renewable energy. They also discuss support for Canadian families, media, and French language rights, while criticizing the Conservative approach.
The Bloc highlights the media crisis, criticizing CBC/Radio-Canada job cuts impacting French-language services. They also condemn the government's numerous meetings with fossil fuel lobbyists, linking them to slow climate action while the planet is burning.
The NDP focuses on the affordability crisis, including housing and food prices impacted by corporate greed. They criticize the government's climate action, highlighting meetings with fossil fuel lobbyists and proposing a youth climate corps. They also raise concerns about marine safety and support for volunteer firefighters.

Alleged Breach of Speaker's Impartiality—Speaker's Ruling Deputy Speaker rules on a question of privilege regarding the Speaker's impartiality after he sent a video message to a provincial party convention, allowing the opposition to move a motion on the serious matter. 1200 words.

Reference to Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs Members debate a motion to refer the Speaker's participation at an Ontario Liberal event to the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs (PROC). Conservatives argue the Speaker committed a breach of impartiality, has lost trust, and should resign, proposing an amendment for PROC to report by Dec 14. Liberals and NDP support referring to PROC to recommend an appropriate remedy, emphasizing a non-partisan approach and timely process. 12100 words, 2 hours.

Canadian Environmental Bill of Rights Second reading of Bill C-219. The bill proposes a right to a healthy environment and legal tools across federal law. Supporters say it ensures accountability where current law is limited. Critics argue it shifts power to the judiciary and conflicts with the government's approach under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, raising constitutional concerns. 8000 words, 1 hour.

Adjournment Debates

Inmate Red Seal Programs Scott Reid asks for detailed data on federal inmates in Red Seal apprenticeship programs: enrollment, graduation rates, and post-release support. Kevin Lamoureux highlights CORCAN's training programs and certifications, stating that the Public Safety Minister will provide the specific information requested and encouraging further discussion with the minister.
Safe supply drug strategy Kevin Vuong argues that the safe supply strategy is not working, citing experts who advocate for reform or abolishment and a greater focus on opioid agonist treatment. Kevin Lamoureux defends the government's comprehensive, evidence-based approach, including harm reduction, treatment, and supervised consumption sites, which he argues save lives.
Carbon tax exemptions for farmers Jeremy Patzer criticizes the Senate amendment to Bill C-234, removing the carbon tax exemption for farm buildings. Kevin Lamoureux accuses the Conservatives of manipulating farmers to push their anti-carbon tax agenda. Patzer describes the struggles of a young producer with heating costs, and Lamoureux asks what the Conservative's climate change policy is.
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HousingOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Carleton Ontario

Conservative

Pierre Poilievre ConservativeLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, he did try to make a video. It was a total failure. His videos do not get clicks and his houses do not have bricks after eight years. That is why housing costs have doubled.

He should not have to read his entire answer. I am offering to inform him. If he would just take 15 minutes away from his photo ops, he could watch my brilliant documentary on X or YouTube, with a common-sense plan to require cities to permit 15% more homes, to give them bonuses if they exceed the target, to require housing around every federally funded transit station and to sell off 6,000 buildings. This is common sense. Let us bring it home.

HousingOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Papineau Québec

Liberal

Justin Trudeau LiberalPrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, the Conservative leader's plan is to pick fights with municipalities, to create more red tape and to withdraw funding for affordable housing and affordable apartments. That is not a plan to build more housing. He has demonstrated that he is extremely satisfied with his ability to spread misinformation and disinformation online, which, yes, I will admit he is very good at.

On this side of the House, we are focused on delivering solutions for Canadians. We are focused on building more housing for Canadians, not on self-aggrandizement like the Leader of the Opposition.

HousingOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Carleton Ontario

Conservative

Pierre Poilievre ConservativeLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, he is the king of self-aggrandizement, as evidenced by the fact that he is now attacking my much-acclaimed documentary when he claims he has not even watched it. How would he know about the common-sense solutions if he has not had the attention span to sit there for 15 minutes on YouTube or X and watch it? We will even try to get it on TikTok so he can find it. It includes a common-sense plan to cut bureaucracy and taxes so we can bring it home.

HousingOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

Papineau Québec

Liberal

Justin Trudeau LiberalPrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, when I came into question period today, I did not think I would be hearing an infomercial for how great Pierre Poilievre's social media skills—

HousingOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

Some hon. members

Oh, oh!

HousingOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

Liberal

Justin Trudeau Liberal Papineau, QC

Sorry, the leader—

HousingOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

The Deputy Speaker Chris d'Entremont

We will back up. The Prime Minister knows he is not supposed to use the names of members of Parliament.

The right hon. Prime Minister.

HousingOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

Liberal

Justin Trudeau Liberal Papineau, QC

Mr. Speaker, I apologize. I did not think Canadians were going to be hearing an infomercial for the Leader of the Opposition's YouTube page.

The reality is that Canadians deserve a government focused on delivering housing for them. That is exactly what we are doing with historic deals with cities right across the country and with measures to build more housing quickly. We are concretely solving that while he is talking to himself online.

CBC/Radio-CanadaOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

Bloc

Yves-François Blanchet Bloc Beloeil—Chambly, QC

Mr. Speaker, while those two members are bickering about amateur cinema, the media industry is in crisis. Media outlets no longer have the means to fulfill their mandate. News organizations are collapsing. The regions are in decline. Arts and culture are being eroded. The French language is in decline.

Does the Prime Minister realize that this is the worst possible time to cut 800 jobs at CBC/Radio-Canada?

CBC/Radio-CanadaOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

Papineau Québec

Liberal

Justin Trudeau LiberalPrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, we have been very concerned about what is happening in our media, our art and our culture for years now.

That is why the government has taken concrete action to support media across the country, to invest in local journalism and to stand up against the web giants in favour of journalists and the work they do, which is essential to our democracy. For example, we were pleased to reach an agreement with Google regarding Bill C‑18.

We will continue to be there to support and defend journalists across the country, especially local journalists who play an essential role in our democracy.

CBC/Radio-CanadaOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

Bloc

Yves-François Blanchet Bloc Beloeil—Chambly, QC

Mr. Speaker, that is obviously grossly inadequate.

The government just got $100 million from Google through an agreement that we would really like to get our hands on. That is great news.

Private media already had to cut more than $100 million from their operations, however.

CBC/Radio-Canada not only wants to dip into the $100 million from Google, but it also wants to cut French-language and regional services. On top of that, it wants to hand out bonuses.

It is about time that CBC/Radio-Canada be held accountable before Parliament. Does the Prime Minister agree?

CBC/Radio-CanadaOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

Papineau Québec

Liberal

Justin Trudeau LiberalPrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, we have always supported CBC/Radio-Canada and the services it provides to local communities across the country.

One of the first decisions we made as a government was to cancel the Harper government's cuts to our public broadcaster. Supporting local news and journalists in this difficult juncture is exactly why we introduced Bill C‑18.

While the Leader of the Opposition rejoices as Canadian families are facing layoffs, we will continue to support local news and journalists in Canada.

HousingOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

NDP

Jenny Kwan NDP Vancouver East, BC

Mr. Speaker, the out-of-touch Liberals have let the housing crisis get so bad that in Halifax this winter, a man died alone in a tent. The average rent in Halifax is now over $2,000 a month. Leaving this up to big developers will not bring down rents.

People are being renovicted. We need real action, not just words. The Liberals are running around announcing and reannouncing existing funding that will not deliver homes for another four to seven years.

Will the Prime Minister take immediate action to secure existing empty buildings to get people off the streets this winter?

HousingOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

Papineau Québec

Liberal

Justin Trudeau LiberalPrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, we are continuing to reach out and work with communities, with municipalities and with provinces right across the country to deliver. We have been announcing projects completed that we started years ago. We are announcing projects that are starting today, which will be completed in the coming years.

We understand the efforts involved in solving this housing crisis. It requires us all to roll up our sleeves, which is why we put forward $4 billion in the housing accelerator to make sure that municipalities could build more homes. We are putting forward $15 billion to accelerate the construction of rental units.

We are going to continue to be there for low-income and homeless people as well.

Grocery IndustryOral Questions

December 5th, 2023 / 2:30 p.m.

NDP

Alistair MacGregor NDP Cowichan—Malahat—Langford, BC

Mr. Speaker, food prices are not going down. A record number of Canadians are turning to food banks for their meals.

Before the doors open at Bridges to Hope Food Bank in St. John's, there is already a line-up waiting to collect food hampers. Meanwhile, big grocers like Sobeys, which was here yesterday, are seeing heaps of excess profit, all while offering a nickel to their employees.

The Liberals are failing to lower food prices. When are they going to crack down on the corporate greed that is driving Canadians to food banks?

Grocery IndustryOral Questions

2:30 p.m.

Papineau Québec

Liberal

Justin Trudeau LiberalPrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, more competition means more lower prices, more choice and more innovative products and services for Canadians.

Our affordability legislation will empower the Competition Bureau to hold grocers accountable and prioritize consumers' interests. The fall economic statement proposes further amendments to the Competition Act to crack down on predatory pricing to better respond to anti-competitive mergers and more.

We are ensuring that Canadians have more competitive options. We are limiting excess profits by corporations at the expense of Canadians.

Carbon PricingOral Questions

2:30 p.m.

Conservative

Tracy Gray Conservative Kelowna—Lake Country, BC

Mr. Speaker, we just heard shocking testimony at the human resources committee from the CEO of the Central Okanagan Food Bank. He says that projections are another 100% increase in food bank demand in the next three to four months due to inflation. He has expressed how donors and volunteers are now clients.

Liberal inflationary spending and carbon tax are adding to the cost of food. After eight years, the NDP-Liberal government is just not worth the cost.

Will the Prime Minister take the tax off farmers, families and first nations, finally?

Carbon PricingOral Questions

2:30 p.m.

Kanata—Carleton Ontario

Liberal

Jenna Sudds LiberalMinister of Families

Mr. Speaker, we will continue to invest in strengthening social security programs like old age security, the Canada pension plan and support for families, like the Canada child benefit and $10-a-day national child care, programs that the Conservatives continue to vote against, totally lacking empathy and understanding for the struggles that Canadian families are facing.

On this side of the House, we will continue to do the hard work to ensure that we are there to support Canadian families.

Carbon PricingOral Questions

2:30 p.m.

Conservative

Tracy Gray Conservative Kelowna—Lake Country, BC

Mr. Speaker, that answer will not satisfy all the Canadians lining up at a food bank for the first time in their lives or the food banks that are losing donors and volunteers due to Liberal inflation.

We have heard from not-for-profits how they see the rising price of gas as a barrier to volunteering and how senior volunteers are being forced back to work to afford basic necessities due to inflation. After eight years, the NDP-Liberal government is just not worth the cost.

Will the Prime Minister take the carbon tax off farmers, families and first nations, finally?

Carbon PricingOral Questions

2:30 p.m.

Milton Ontario

Liberal

Adam van Koeverden LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and to the Minister of Sport and Physical Activity

Mr. Speaker, it is important that we focus on affordability for families. It is also important that we look at facts when it comes to the carbon price that we have put in place. It is also important to remind Conservative members that they ran on a carbon price. Carbon pricing is the most efficient and the cheapest way to lower our emissions.

With respect to food prices, particularly those facing lower income families, today, an article lists here that 94% of households with incomes below $50,000 received far more rebates, exceeding their carbon tax costs in 2023.

Lower-income folks are enjoying more rebates than carbon costs because our carbon pricing—

Carbon PricingOral Questions

2:30 p.m.

The Deputy Speaker Chris d'Entremont

The hon. member for Haldimand—Norfolk.

Carbon PricingOral Questions

2:30 p.m.

Conservative

Leslyn Lewis Conservative Haldimand—Norfolk, ON

Mr. Speaker, after eight years, the NDP-Liberal government has made life unaffordable for Canadians in every province and territory.

Canadians are suffering under the Prime Minister's oppressive carbon tax. While he taxes, he also divides, pausing the carbon tax on home heating oil in Atlantic Canada because he wants votes, while he quadruples the tax on every other Canadian.

When will the Prime Minister finally cancel the carbon tax on families, farmers and first nations?

Carbon PricingOral Questions

2:30 p.m.

Milton Ontario

Liberal

Adam van Koeverden LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and to the Minister of Sport and Physical Activity

Mr. Speaker, again, I will focus my response on an economist's response to the rhetoric in the House with respect to the carbon price. He said that if we got rid of the carbon tax and the rebate, then this would harm a much larger fraction of lower and middle-income households than it would higher-income households. Very clearly, the economist from Calgary indicates that our carbon price sends more money back to 94% of families that earn less than $50,000.

It is an affordability measure and it fights climate change.

Carbon PricingOral Questions

2:35 p.m.

Conservative

Leslyn Lewis Conservative Haldimand—Norfolk, ON

Mr. Speaker, at a time when the country is working toward reconciliation, the Liberals have saddled first nations communities with a punishing carbon tax.

First nations are so burdened by this unfair tax that they have decided to take the government to court. Canadians everywhere know that the Prime Minister is just not worth the cost.

When will the Prime Minister finally remove the carbon tax from farmers, first nations and families?

Carbon PricingOral Questions

2:35 p.m.

Milton Ontario

Liberal

Adam van Koeverden LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and to the Minister of Sport and Physical Activity

Mr. Speaker, again, I will note that our carbon pricing mechanism sends more money back to lower-income families. That includes both the fiscal amount and the economic impact. Something the Conservatives love to not focus on is the impact of climate change.

Climate change impacts the price of food more than any other factor. We are also helping farmers, because farmers are the ones that know climate change is real because it impacts them first. That is what is driving up the cost of food.