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

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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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(Return tabled)

Question No.1826—Questions Passed as Orders for ReturnsRoutine Proceedings

12:15 p.m.

Conservative

John Nater Conservative Perth—Wellington, ON

With regard to Service Canada’s national in-person service delivery network, broken down by each Service Canada Centre: (a) how many full-time employees (FTEs) were there on January 1, 2020; (b) how many FTEs were there on October 17, 2023; (c) which offices have changed their hours of service since January 1, 2020; and (d) for each office that has changed its hours of service, what (i) were the previous hours, (ii) are the new hours?

(Return tabled)

Question No.1827—Questions Passed as Orders for ReturnsRoutine Proceedings

12:15 p.m.

NDP

Alistair MacGregor NDP Cowichan—Malahat—Langford, BC

With regard to the food affordability crisis: (a) on what date will the government implement its proposed National School Food Policy; (b) what programs will be put in place by the government to implement its proposed commitment of $1 billion over five years; (c) what are the government’s plans to integrate Canada's Food Guide as a guiding principle for the Healthy Eating Strategy; and (d) what communications, via in-person meeting, virtual meetings, e-mails, or letters, have been received from provincial governments confirming their interest in partnering with the federal government on the establishment of a National School Food Program, broken down by (i) province, (ii) year?

(Return tabled)

Question No.1830—Questions Passed as Orders for ReturnsRoutine Proceedings

12:15 p.m.

Conservative

Michelle Ferreri Conservative Peterborough—Kawartha, ON

With regard to expenditures by any department, agency, Crown corporation, or other government entity involving ONWARD or Maryam Monsef, since January 1, 2022: what are the details of all expenditures, including, for each, (i) the date, (ii) the amount, (iii) a description of the goods or services provided, (iv) whether the contract was sole-sourced or competitively bid?

(Return tabled)

Question No.1831—Questions Passed as Orders for ReturnsRoutine Proceedings

12:15 p.m.

Conservative

Luc Berthold Conservative Mégantic—L'Érable, QC

With regard to events held at Rideau Hall since January 1, 2018: what are the details of each event, including the (i) date, (ii) purpose and description of the event, (iii) number of attendees, (iv) total costs or expenditures, (v) breakdown of the costs or expenditures?

(Return tabled)

Question No.1836—Questions Passed as Orders for ReturnsRoutine Proceedings

December 5th, 2023 / 12:15 p.m.

NDP

Peter Julian NDP New Westminster—Burnaby, BC

With regard to services provided on bases of the Canadian Armed Forces since December 1, 2015: (a) how many positions for civilian employees of the Department of National Defence have been eliminated, broken down by (i) province or territory, (ii) year; (b) how many positions for civilian employees of the Department of National Defence remain unfilled, broken down by (i) province or territory, (ii) year; and (c) how many contracts using federal funds, including renewed contracts, were issued to private companies without using an open tender process, broken down by (i) province or territory, (ii) year?

(Return tabled)

Question No.1837—Questions Passed as Orders for ReturnsRoutine Proceedings

12:15 p.m.

Conservative

Marilyn Gladu Conservative Sarnia—Lambton, ON

With regard to the government’s 2023 Housing Accelerator Fund that closed on August 18, 2023: what are the details of the $4 billion dollar fund, including (i) which ridings received funding, (ii) what amount of funding each riding received?

(Return tabled)

Question No.1839—Questions Passed as Orders for ReturnsRoutine Proceedings

12:15 p.m.

Conservative

Marilyn Gladu Conservative Sarnia—Lambton, ON

With regard to Canada’s international land border crossings: what was the average wait time at Canada’s land border crossing bridges for 2019 and 2023, broken down by (i) bridge, (ii) week?

(Return tabled)

Question No.1841—Questions Passed as Orders for ReturnsRoutine Proceedings

12:15 p.m.

Conservative

John Nater Conservative Perth—Wellington, ON

With regard to the Canada Dental Benefit, broken down by year, for each of the next five years: (a) what are the funding allocations and projections for the program, broken down by department or agency receiving funding to administer the program; (b) how much funding is expected to be required to administer the program, whereas how much funding is provided in benefits; and (c) what are the projected rates of coverage under the program?

(Return tabled)

Question No.1846—Questions Passed as Orders for ReturnsRoutine Proceedings

12:15 p.m.

Conservative

John Brassard Conservative Barrie—Innisfil, ON

With regard to international conferences attended by the government, broken down by department, agency, Crown corporation, or other government entity, since January 1, 2019: what are the details of all conferences attended by the government, including, for each, the (i) date, (ii) location, (iii) name of the conference, (iv) number of government attendees, (v) amount spent on conference fees or tickets, (vi) amount spent on travel related to the conference?

(Return tabled)

Question No.1847—Questions Passed as Orders for ReturnsRoutine Proceedings

12:15 p.m.

Conservative

John Brassard Conservative Barrie—Innisfil, ON

With regard to international conferences sponsored by the government, broken down by department, agency, Crown corporation, or other government entity, since January 1, 2019: what are the details of all conferences sponsored by the government, including, for each, the (i) date, (ii) location, (iii) name of the conference, (iv) financial amount of the sponsorship?

(Return tabled)

Questions Passed as Orders for ReturnsRoutine Proceedings

12:15 p.m.

Liberal

Kevin Lamoureux Liberal Winnipeg North, MB

Madam Speaker, finally, I would ask that all remaining questions be allowed to stand at this time.

Questions Passed as Orders for ReturnsRoutine Proceedings

12:15 p.m.

Questions Passed as Orders for ReturnsRoutine Proceedings

12:15 p.m.

Some hon. members

Agreed.

The House proceeded to the consideration of Bill C-56, An Act to amend the Excise Tax Act and the Competition Act, as reported (with amendments) from the committee.