Debates of Dec. 6th, 2023

École polytechnique de Montréal

[The Assistant Deputy Speaker, NDP, Carol Hughes]

Does the hon. member have unanimous consent?

[Some hon. members]

Agreed.

[Mike Morrice, Green, Kitchener Centre, ON]

Madam Speaker, it is an honour to join in rising to commemorate the 14 victims of this horrific act of femicide at École Polytechnique 34 years ago: Geneviève Bergeron, Hélène Colgan, Nathalie Croteau, Barbara Daigneault, Anne-Marie Edward, Maud Haviernick, Barbara Klucznik-Widajewicz, Maryse Laganière, Maryse Leclair, Anne-Marie Lemay, Sonia Pelletier, Michèle Richard, Annie St-Arneault and Annie Turcotte.

I was five years old when these women were murdered simply for being women. Coming from a suburb of Montreal, I grew up in the shadow of this hate. Thirty-four years later, let us forget neither the women killed nor the fact that femicide not only continues to this day but also has worsened. In Canada today, a woman or girl is killed by violence every two days, every 48 hours, and that number is rising. Indigenous women and girls are 12 times more likely to be murdered or go missing than any other women in Canada. Let us also recognize that the perpetrators of gender-based violence are, more often than not, men.

As the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth rightfully pointed out earlier, this is not a women's issue. As men, we have a critical role to play in ending gender-based violence. If we are going to root out misogyny and patriarchy, we must stand up, call it out and lift up the voices of women, girls and non-binary folks, such as my incredible colleagues who spoke this afternoon, including the minister, the member for Bellechasse—Les Etchemins—Lévis, the member for Shefford and the member for London—Fanshawe.

I am proud to represent a community that has at least acknowledged and declared that intimate partner violence is an epidemic, but as other colleagues have called out, we need far more action, and this includes providing more sustainable funding for organizations, such as those in my community, that are working every day on the ground to end gender-based violence. This violence leads to not only physical and emotional harm to women and their kids, but also increased risk to their mental health, of social isolation, and of housing and financial strains.

This action also must include following all 231 calls to justice from the final report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and, as the member for Winnipeg Centre has championed in this place, creating the national red dress alert system, which would immediately raise alarms for indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people who are missing, because commemorating the lives of the 14 women who never had the opportunity to live out their days means committing to work together to ensure this never happens again.

[The Assistant Deputy Speaker, NDP, Carol Hughes]

I wish to inform the House that, because of ministerial statements, Government Orders will be extended by 29 minutes.

Interparliamentary Delegations

[Hedy Fry, Liberal, Vancouver Centre, BC]

Madam Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 34(1), I have the honour to present to the House, in both official languages, the report of the Canadian delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly respecting its participation in the 30th annual session, held in Vancouver, British Columbia, from June 30 to July 4, 2023.

Finance

[Peter Fonseca, Liberal, Mississauga East—Cooksville, ON]

Madam Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the 14th report of the Standing Committee on Finance, entitled “Canada Pension Plan”.

Procedure and House Affairs

[Bardish Chagger, Liberal, Waterloo, ON]

I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the 32nd report of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs. The committee advises the following.

Pursuant to Standing Order 91.1(2), the Subcommittee on Private Members' Business met to consider the item added to the order of precedence on Thursday, November 9, 2023, and recommended that the item listed herein, which has been determined should not be designated non-votable, be considered by the House.

[The Assistant Deputy Speaker, NDP, Carol Hughes]

Pursuant to Standing Order 91.1(2), the report is deemed adopted.

Justice and Human Rights

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

I have the honour to present, in both official languages, two reports from the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights.

The first is the 17th report of the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights in relation to Bill C-321, an act to amend the Criminal Code, assaults against health care professionals and first responders. The committee has studied the bill and has decided to report the bill back to the House with amendments.

The second is the 18th report of the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, and is about a motion adopted by the committee on Tuesday, December 5, 2023. It is entitled “Measures to Protect Canadians”.

Climate Change

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

Madam Speaker, I have two petitions to present today.

The first has to do with the environment. I believe this is the 17th or 18th petition to this effect that I have been asked to present on behalf of Canadians. It calls attention to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's most recent report, which warns about the next two decades and the widespread devastation and extreme weather that will occur as result of global warming.

The petitioners are calling on the Government of Canada to immediately move forward with bold emissions caps for the oil and gas sector that are comprehensive in scope and realistic in achieving the necessary targets that Canada has set to reduce emissions by 2030.

Food Security

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

Madam Speaker, the second petition I am presenting today comes from the Lord Strathcona Public School community in my riding of Kingston and the Island.

The petitioners are specifically calling upon the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food to develop and prioritize funding for a national school food program through budget 2024 for implementation in schools by the fall of 2025.

The petition draws attention to the fact that Statistics Canada data from 2022 indicates that one in four children in Canada lives in a food-insecure household, that Canada is the only G7 country without a national school food program, and that school food programs are recognized around the world as essential to health, well-being and education of students, with over 388 million children in at least 161 countries receiving free or subsidized school meals at their schools.

Pornography

[Marilyn Gladu, Conservative, Sarnia—Lambton, ON]

Madam Speaker, I present a petition from residents of Canada who are concerned about young people being exposed to sexually explicit material and the harms associated with that.

The petitioners recognize that online age verification technology is increasingly sophisticated and can now effectively ascertain the age of users without breaching their privacy rights. Knowing that was one of the primary recommendations made by stakeholders during a 2017 study by the Standing Committee on Health, the petitioners are calling upon the House of Commons to adopt Bill S-210, the protecting young persons from exposure to pornography act.

Housing

[Mike Morrice, Green, Kitchener Centre, ON]

Madam Speaker, it is an honour to present a petition that recognizes that 22% of Canadians have a disability and that housing policy discriminates against people with disabilities. The petitioners specifically cite that no building code in Canada mandates that housing be accessible. They note that this leads to thousands being forced out of their dwellings at the most vulnerable time in their lives and that millions of health care dollars could be saved by enabling people to remain in their own accessible homes.

The petitioners call on the House of Commons to amend the national building code to make universal design mandatory in all new multi-unit housing developments under the jurisdiction of the Government of Canada consistent with current legislation and conventions. They also call for ensuring the Canadian table for harmonized construction codes policy, the Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes and the CMHC collaborate to defining and illustrate in the national building code what is “visitable”, “adaptable, “accessible”, “barrier-free” and “universal design”. Finally, the petitioners call on the House of Commons to require public funds or concessions for housing conferred on municipalities, developers or other organizations to be exclusively used for universally designed housing.

Foreign Affairs

[Bardish Chagger, Liberal, Waterloo, ON]

Madam Speaker, I have a petition that has been shared with me by constituents within the riding of Waterloo and surrounding areas.

The petitioners are calling on the House of Commons, in Parliament assembled, to demand an immediate ceasefire in the Israel-Palestine conflict. They request that the blockade of the Gaza strip be lifted and that the creation of a humanitarian corridor be authorized, as well as emergency humanitarian intervention. They further ask that all parties involved meet their commitments under the Geneva Convention and international humanitarian law and that the international commitment to promote and defend human rights be upheld.

These citizens and residents of Canada are calling upon the House of Commons, in Parliament assembled, to take any other measures necessary to protect civilians, both Israeli and Palestinian, and to help foster a climate conducive to building a lasting peace.

Immigration

[Ken Hardie, Liberal, Fleetwood—Port Kells, BC]

Madam Speaker, I have a petition from the membership of the Fleetwood Christian Reformed Church asking for the expedition of the private sponsorship of Afghan refugees to Canada. The church has been active in sponsoring refugees for 40 years. Right now it is seeking to bring 16 Afghan refugees to Canada. Its concern is that the processing time is lengthy and it would like it reduced to a maximum of one year.

I am pleased to present this petition on behalf of the petitioners.

Home Children

[Yvan Baker, Liberal, Etobicoke Centre, ON]

Madam Speaker, I rise to present a petition today on behalf of over 550 members in my community of Etobicoke Centre and communities across Canada.

The petitioners note the fact that, from 1869 to 1948, over 100,000 British children were sent to Canada from Great Britain. These home children often found themselves in indentured servitude on farms or as domestic labourers. Many faced cruel abuse.

Today it is thought that more than 10% of Canada's population, about four million Canadians, are descendants of the British home children. The petitioners call on the Prime Minister to apologize to the home children, child migrants, who suffered in shame and isolation; to those who died while being ashamed of their history and deprived of their family; to the elderly survivors burdened by their past; and to the descendants, who are grappling with the intergenerational impacts of a system that mistreated and separated their families.

Questions on the Order Paper

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

Madam Speaker, it is with pleasure that I present the following questions that will be answered today: Nos. 1849, 1850, 1854, 1855, 1858 and 1860.

Question No.1849—

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

With regard to the Enhanced Defence Agreement between Canada and the Republic of the Philippines announced in May 2023: (a) what is the status of the Enhanced Defence Agreement and has it been signed by both countries; (b) what examinations of the human rights situation in the Philippines were conducted before the Enhanced Defence Agreement was negotiated; (c) will ongoing human rights monitoring be included in this agreement and will it be a condition of Canada’s continued participation; (d) if human rights monitoring is included in the agreement, how will that be accomplished; (e) will the agreement be subject to periodic review, conducted by a parliamentary body such as the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs or the Standing Committee on National Defence, to hear from witnesses on the ongoing human rights conditions in the Philippines; and (f) when will the terms of the agreement be made public?

[Marie-France Lalonde, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence]

Mr. Speaker, as outlined in Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy, Canada has committed to expanding existing military capacity-building initiatives that advance joint priorities and interoperability with regional partners, including the Philippines.

As part of this commitment, National Defence is in the process of negotiating a non-legally binding defence co-operation arrangement, or memorandum of understanding, MOU, with its counterpart in the Philippines. The MOU will provide a framework for co-operation between Canada and the Philippines in the field of defence and military matters. This may include co-operation in the areas of defence and security policy, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and maritime security, among others.

Prior to entering into an MOU, National Defence ensures compliance with all applicable federal laws and government policies, directives and guidelines, including those established by Global Affairs Canada. Canada supports efforts by the Philippines to advance inclusive and accountable governance, diversity, human rights and the rule of law. The negotiation process, which is under way, involves various levels of consultations, including those among federal departments; as such, specific details have yet to be determined.

Question No.1850—

[Ed Fast, Conservative, Abbotsford, BC]

With regard to the fourth annual report on medical assistance in dying in Canada 2022: (a) why wasn't the report tabled in Parliament prior to the date on which this question was filed; and (b) when will the report be tabled?

[Mark Holland, Liberal, Minister of Health]

Mr. Speaker, the annual report, published on the Government of Canada website at least once a year, represents the collaborative efforts of all levels of government and health professionals working together to provide a comprehensive picture of the implementation of medical assistance in dying, MAID, across the country.

On October 24, 2023, Health Canada released the fourth annual report on medical assistance in dying in Canada, 2022, containing data providing insights into written requests for MAID and the delivery of MAID in Canada during 2022.

The English report can be found at this web link: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/publications/health-system-services/annual-report-medical-assistance-dying-2022.html.

Question No.1854—

[Karen Vecchio, Conservative, Elgin—Middlesex—London, ON]

With regard to the workplace assessment conducted by BDO for the Canadian Museum of History and completed in April of 2021: (a) how much was BDO paid to complete the assessment; (b) what was the start date and end date of the related contract; and (c) what was the specific assignment and scope of work provided to BDO?

[Taleeb Noormohamed, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage]

Mr. Speaker, with regard to the Canadian Museum of History, BDO was paid $95,000, with a contract start date of September 2020 and end date of November 2021.

The assignment of the work provided by BDO was to conduct a workforce assessment to measure the museum’s overall working environment and capture employees’ sentiments and comfort within the culture of the workplace.

The scope of the workforce assessment included all the museum’s employees, and the approach consisted of executive interviews, focus groups, additional one-on-one interviews and the employee survey.

Question No.1855—

[Marilyn Gladu, Conservative, Sarnia—Lambton, ON]

With regard to medical assistance in dying (MAID): (a) how much has the federal government spent on MAID, including, but not limited to, funding for the provision of MAID, the training of medical staff, and the medications for MAID, broken down by year, from 2016 to 2023; and (b) what is the breakdown of (a) by item and type of expenditure?

[Mark Holland, Liberal, Minister of Health]

Mr. Speaker, the Government of Canada believes that Canadians deserve to live in comfort and dignity, with access to care, including end-of-life care, that is appropriate to their needs and that respects their wishes. It also recognizes that medical assistance in dying, MAID, is a deeply personal choice and is committed to ensuring our laws reflect Canadians’ evolving needs, protect those who may be vulnerable and support autonomy and freedom of choice.

The federal legislation under the Criminal Code sets out a consistent set of eligibility criteria and safeguards for the legal provision of MAID across the country. Although the federal government plays a role in supporting health care by providing funding to the provinces and territories, the provincial and territorial governments have primary jurisdiction in the administration and delivery of health care services. This includes setting their own rules and requirements for the delivery of MAID, as well as making decisions on how and where the services are available.

The Canada Health Act, Canada’s federal health care insurance legislation, sets out the criteria and conditions that must be satisfied by the provincial and territorial health care insurance plans for them to qualify for their full share of the cash contribution available under the federal Canada health transfer.

The federal government does not provide any direct funding for the delivery of MAID services or for the provision of medications or substances for the purpose of MAID.

To support transparency and public trust, the Minister of Health must make regulations to collect information for the purpose of monitoring and reporting and must publish a report on MAID in Canada at least once a year. This reporting provides greater insight into who is requesting and receiving MAID in Canada and the circumstances surrounding their request. To bolster and address existing data gaps and strengthen the breadth and quality of information on MAID delivery in Canada, the federal government is also supporting policy-oriented research through contracts and contribution agreements.

With the passage of amended legislation on MAID in March 2021, federal budget 2021 provided funding of $13.2 million over five years, beginning in 2021-22, with $2.6 million per year ongoing, to Health Canada to ensure that Canada’s MAID framework is implemented consistently and with all appropriate safeguards. This funding has supported the development of training and guidance materials for practitioners to facilitate consistent and safe access to MAID. Funding will also support research to guide the evolution of MAID in Canada.

For example, the Canadian Association of MAID Assessors and Providers, CAMAP, will receive $4.97 million over five years to develop and deliver the first nationally accredited bilingual MAID education program. This program was recently launched in August 2023 and is available to licensed physicians and nurse practitioners across the country. This multi-year project, going from 2021-22 to 2025-26, will develop and implement a series of training modules to advise and support clinicians in assessing persons who request MAID, including those with mental illness and complex chronic conditions or who are impacted by structural vulnerability, as well as help with the practical application of the MAID legislative framework. It will be delivered through a combination of online and in-person learning sessions for interested health practitioners, regardless of their level of experience. Also, in 2023-24, CAMAP is creating additional clinician resources to assist assessments of complex MAID requests, such as clinical tool kits and templates. The announcement can be found here: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/news/2022/07/government-of-canada-outlines-progress-towards-recommendations-made-by-the-expert-panel-on-maid-and-mental-illness-in-their-final-report.html.

As another example, the University of Alberta will receive $560,000 in funding over two years, from 2022-23 to 2023-24, to conduct the first comprehensive national review of how MAID is provided across the country and to expand understanding about individual and family experiences with MAID. This project, “MAID: Descriptions of and experiences with models across Canada”, will further enhance knowledge about approaches to MAID delivery across the country by gathering data and information to highlight strengths, challenges and considerations of MAID service delivery, and will identify best practices for all levels of government as well as health partners. The project will complement information collected and reported through the federal MAID monitoring system, providing a better understanding of the experiences of persons requesting MAID, including factors leading to their request. It will also help to shed light on issues such as access to MAID, quality of delivery and cultural appropriateness. The announcement can be found here: https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/government-of-canada-supports-research-to-better-understand-the-delivery-of-medical-assistance-in-dying-in-canada-831267389.html#:~:text=This%20project%2C%20MAID%3A%20Descriptions%20of%20and%20experiences%20with,levels%20of%20government%20as%20well%20as%20health%20partners.

The Government of Canada will continue working with the provinces and territories and health partners to support MAID practice in Canada so that it operates in a consistent and safe manner across the country.

Federal spending related to federal MAID policy and program activities between the 2016-17 and 2023-24 fiscal years as of October 31, 2023, is broken down as follows:

Contracts total $145,021, and spending was for seeking clinical expertise and research support to develop or enhance clinical or regulatory guidance and to better understand views and perspectives of various groups related to MAID. Spending was as follows: 2016-17, $0; 2017-18, $1,650; 2018-19, $1,500; 2021-22, $796; 2022-23, $87,737; and 2023-24, $53,337.

Contribution agreements total $5,213,348, and spending was for expert reviews on various MAID topics, development of MAID training programs, clinical guidance and supporting engagement with various groups related to views and perspectives on MAID. Spending was as follows: 2016-17, $0; 2017-18, $1,297,217; 2018-19, $1,456,187; 2022-23, $1,516,073; and 2023-24, $943,871.

Interdepartmental settlements total $1,695,136, and spending was for supporting Health Canada’s mandate to develop and maintain a MAID monitoring system through the Canadian MAID data collection portal, which is hosted on Statistics Canada’s secure web-based platform, and for supporting indigenous engagement activities on MAID. Spending was as follows: 2016-17, $0; 2018-19, $214,000; 2019-20, $160,500; 2020-21, $120,200; 2021-22, $147,200; 2022-23, $778,236; and 2023-24, $275,000.