House of Commons Hansard #151 of the 44th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was quebec.

Topics

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

The Speaker Liberal Anthony Rota

It being Wednesday, we will now have the singing of the national anthem, led by the hon. member for Argenteuil—La Petite-Nation.

[Members sang the national anthem]

Freedom of ReligionStatements by Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Chandra Arya Liberal Nepean, ON

Mr. Speaker, the recent hate crime on Gauri Shankar Hindu Mandir in Brampton is just one of the many attacks in recent times against Hindu temples in Canada by anti-Hindu and anti-India groups. As with Islamophobia and anti-Semitism, resulting in hate crimes against our mosques and synagogues and causing pain to our Muslim and Jewish brothers and sisters, Hindu Canadians are experiencing the same pain due to rising Hinduphobia. As predicted by a study, Hinduphobia on social media is now graduating to physical attacks.

I call upon Canada to take serious note of this alarming trend and respond appropriately. As Canadians, we practise, celebrate and share our many different religious faiths and heritage peacefully. Let us pledge to continue to do so.

Sean BérubéStatements by Members

2:05 p.m.

Conservative

Pierre Paul-Hus Conservative Charlesbourg—Haute-Saint-Charles, QC

Mr. Speaker, we will be witnessing a magical moment over the next few days when a team of young Ukrainians participates in the Quebec international pee-wee hockey tournament.

This all goes back to March 2022, when Sean Bérubé, a former hockey player who trained in Ukraine from the age of 14 to 17, decided to host his former coach and his coach's wife when war broke out and Russian tanks were five kilometres from Kyiv. At that point, he reached out to an old Ukrainian teammate for help. Mission accomplished, and the refugees are now safe and sound. That was not the end of the story for Mr. Bérubé though, because his teammate had an idea. He wanted to make a dream come true for Ukrainian kids and make it possible for them to play in the Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament. They joined forces and figured out how to give these kids, whose fathers are still at the front, a chance to lace up their skates for the first time since the war began in February 2022. He organized everything to bring these kids to Quebec City.

Today, I would like to use this opportunity to put Sean Bérubé in the spotlight. His humanitarian action will give kids a unique, magical experience. I am grateful to Sean Bérubé, and I would like to welcome the Ukrainian pee-wee players to Quebec.

Retirement CongratulationsStatements by Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Marie-France Lalonde Liberal Orléans, ON

Mr. Speaker, today I am going to dedicate my first statement of 2023 to recognizing someone special from my constituency who has served us all for many years.

Lise Séguin, a resident of Orléans, is a nurse counsellor with the House of Commons occupational health and safety department. Throughout her career, she has served members of Parliament, senators, employees of the Parliamentary Protective Service and several other departments.

She has been recognized for her professionalism, her compassion and her prompt and resourceful service. After 33 years of her selfless service to the House, Lise is retiring. She is here today with her family and her team. We want to thank Lise for helping and supporting everyone for so many years.

I thank all those who work in the health care sector for their dedication and passion.

Parliamentary Simulation at Shawnigan Lake SchoolStatements by Members

2:05 p.m.

Bloc

Kristina Michaud Bloc Avignon—La Mitis—Matane—Matapédia, QC

Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Emma Hill, a student at Shawnigan Lake School, in British Columbia, who proudly represented Avignon—La Mitis—Matane—Matapédia during a parliamentary simulation. Emma contacted me to learn more about my region and the values of the Bloc Québécois. She proudly told me that the MPs had introduced and passed a bill to abolish the monarchy. Yes, Quebec values and the desire to break free from a foreign monarch have made their way to western Canada. Still, the highlight of that simulation was undoubtedly the election of a Bloc Québécois prime minister. Imagine the Bloc Québécois leading a Canadian government; I am not making this up, but it certainly brings a smile to my face. It shows that the idea of deciding one's own fate and honouring one's identity transcends the borders of our beautiful Quebec. I thank Emma and her classmates for representing our political party so well. Their intelligence, ambition, openness to the world and thirst for independence are inspiring. I congratulate them and I thank them.

Retirement CongratulationsStatements by Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Lisa Hepfner Liberal Hamilton Mountain, ON

Mr. Speaker, a true Hamilton icon, Denise Christopherson, retired in December as CEO of YWCA Hamilton, where she created countless opportunities for women to lead, to excel in non-traditional spaces like science, trades and politics, and to find safety for themselves and for their children.

Under Denise's leadership, YWCA Hamilton built the first affordable housing residence in our city specifically for women and children. As chair of the Hamilton Status of Women Committee, Denise pushed the city council to adopt an equity, diversity and inclusion framework. Among her many acts of advocacy for the women she served, Denise also stood before the Standing Committee on the Status of Women to address the needs of senior women in Canada.

Denise personifies one of her own favourite statements: “When you invest in a woman, you invest in the entire community.” Denise Christopherson is a force in Hamilton, and I wish her a hearty congratulations on her retirement.

Crime, Mental Health and AddictionStatements by Members

2:05 p.m.

Conservative

Tracy Gray Conservative Kelowna—Lake Country, BC

Mr. Speaker, crime, mental health and addiction are top priorities on the minds of many who live in Kelowna—Lake Country, and it was a top issue of importance during the last municipal elections across British Columbia. At our downtown constituency office, we see these complex issues in front of our windows every day.

Kelowna's RCMP superintendent commented how the revolving door needs to stop spinning and stated, “Being compassionate and concerned about mental health and substance use doesn't mean we have to accept repeat criminal behaviour.”

Our Conservative leader called on the government to end “catch-and-release bail” for dangerous, violent repeat offenders.

I have introduced the “end the revolving door act” where those sentenced to federal penitentiaries could receive a mental health assessment and curative addiction treatment and recovery.

Criminal justice, mental health and addiction are complex issues and we need to use many tools, including helping people recover from addiction, and ultimately help the communities they come back to be safer.

Crime, Mental Health and AddictionStatements by Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

The Speaker Liberal Anthony Rota

I want to remind hon. members that statements are being made and we all want to hear what is being said. So, if members are talking, they could maybe whisper among themselves and not talk too loud. It would certainly be appreciated by all of us.

The hon. member for Oakville North—Burlington.

Black History MonthStatements by Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Pam Damoff Liberal Oakville North—Burlington, ON

Mr. Speaker, 28 years ago, Canada's first Black woman elected to Parliament, the Honourable Dr. Jean Augustine, was responsible for the House of Commons designating February as Black History Month in Canada.

Every February and throughout the year, we honour the legacy of Black Canadians, past and present, whose contributions have helped to make Canada the prosperous, compassionate and multicultural nation it is today. It is also a time to reflect on, and to remove, the inequities that still exist for Black Canadians.

Join me in participating in Black History Month events in Oakville North—Burlington, as well as digital spaces, while learning more about our community's rich Black history.

The Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton, Halton Black History Awareness Society, Sheridan College, Black Mentorship Inc. and many other organizations are hosting events and community programming taking place this month and throughout the year.

I wish everyone a happy Black History Month.

Iranian Environmental ActivistsStatements by Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Tony Van Bynen Liberal Newmarket—Aurora, ON

Mr. Speaker, Sepideh Kashani and her husband, Houman Jokar, have been imprisoned, tortured and beaten in Iran simply for wanting to protect Iranian wildlife and conduct legitimate environmental research. In a rare letter from prison, Sepideh writes that she perseveres for her country, for the women of her country, for young people and for all the wounded injustice.

I rise here, alongside my York Region Liberal caucus colleagues, in sponsorship of Sepideh Kashani, Houman Jokar and five other environmental activists wrongly imprisoned for loving their country. We come together to amplify their voices and to advocate for universal human rights in Iran, as we stand with and alongside the movement of Women, Life, Freedom.

Public SafetyStatements by Members

2:10 p.m.

Conservative

Karen Vecchio Conservative Elgin—Middlesex—London, ON

Mr. Speaker, violent crime in Canada has increased by 32% since the Prime Minister took over. Gang-related homicides have increased by 92%, and this is happening here in Canada.

Many women have tragically fallen victim to the violence, and violent crime is raging out of control in our cities. Some women are afraid to take the train. On June 17, a Toronto woman in her twenties died of her injuries as she was brutally set on fire while taking public transit. On December 8, a 31-year-old woman was fatally stabbed on a Line 2 train at High Park Station. Crime rates continue to rise, and women continue to be targeted.

The government has had eight years, and under the Prime Minister violent crime is rising. For the protection of women and children, I implore the Prime Minister to take responsibility, protect our communities and reform our bail system.

Lunar New YearStatements by Members

2:10 p.m.

Liberal

Wilson Miao Liberal Richmond Centre, BC

Mr. Speaker, the first day of the lunar new year started on January 22. Asian Canadian communities in Richmond Centre and many around the world began their 15-day celebration to welcome the Year of the Rabbit.

This year, many Canadian families and friends are finally able to gather safely together to celebrate this significant festival. I was grateful to join with many of my constituents as we counted down to the lunar new year and celebrated with street parades and lion dance performances. We even invited Asian Canadians from across our country yesterday to come to our nation's capital to commemorate this joyous occasion with my fellow members of Parliament and our Prime Minister.

During this celebration, let us take time to recognize the immense contributions Asian Canadians have made and remind ourselves how vibrant and multicultural Canada is.

I wish everyone success, prosperity and good health in the Year of the Rabbit.

The EconomyStatements by Members

2:10 p.m.

Conservative

John Williamson Conservative New Brunswick Southwest, NB

Mr. Speaker, the Liberals seem to have forgotten that taxes, deficits and inflation are all determined by policies set by the federal Liberal government. Eight years ago, the Liberals inherited a fiscal house in order. Conservatives delivered lower taxes to Canadians. We also eliminated a deficit while increasing health transfers to the provinces. Conservatives made sure those who are struggling to make ends would pay no federal income tax, and we cut the GST.

Today, in contrast, taxes are going up. Canadians across the country have energy bills they cannot pay and cannot afford because of the carbon tax. Rent and mortgage payments are excessive because of rising interest rates.

Canadian households are living through the worst cost-of-living crisis in 40 years because of the Liberal government. Canadians have a choice to continue on the ruinous path the Liberals have us on or to follow the Conservatives so that families will not just get by, but they will get ahead.

EthicsStatements by Members

2:15 p.m.

Conservative

Kyle Seeback Conservative Dufferin—Caledon, ON

Mr. Speaker, after eight years of the Liberal government, what do we have? We have corruption and we have incompetence. The Prime Minister is routinely found guilty of violating the ethics laws of this country. The Minister of Public Safety backdates documents to cover up for himself, and the Minister of International Trade gives juicy contracts to her close personal friends.

Let us talk about incompetence. The Minister of International Trade finds the time to approve a contract for her personal friend, but what she does not find the time to do is to stop the importation of goods made with forced labour from the Xinjiang region of China. That is right. They have not stopped a single shipment. Despite the ban, nothing has been stopped. The Americans have seized billions of dollars of goods. It is gross incompetence.

However, do not worry. There is hope on the horizon. A Conservative government under our new leader will sweep away the corruption and incompetence and will deliver a government all Canadians can be proud of.

Monique DauphinStatements by Members

2:15 p.m.

Liberal

Soraya Martinez Ferrada Liberal Hochelaga, QC

Mr. Speaker, today marks the start of Black History Month, and I would like to take this opportunity to celebrate the life of an extraordinary woman.

On January 21, Monique Dauphin died in a tragic incident in Montreal. Ms. Dauphin was born in Haiti and arrived in Montreal in 1969. She was involved and engaged with the Haitian community and indigenous communities her entire life. She was a women's rights activist and a feminist. Because of her work, she was actively involved, for 10 years, with Maison d’Haïti and especially with women and young girls. She leaves behind her children, Laurie, Melissa and Patrice, her friends and an entire community.

I would ask all my colleagues to take this opportunity to stop and take some time to learn more about the culture and history of our Black communities. Systemic racism and discrimination still exist and are part of the daily lives of far too many people.

Monique Dauphin called out and fought against anti-Black racism and she would certainly agree with that, because learning more about others is the perfect antidote to prejudice and racism.

Health Care WorkersStatements by Members

2:15 p.m.

NDP

Lisa Marie Barron NDP Nanaimo—Ladysmith, BC

Mr. Speaker, last week I hosted a health care round table in my riding of Nanaimo—Ladysmith and heard from health care professionals, including nurses. Nurses are the backbone of our health care system, yet the government has not been treating them as such. We know that nursing, frontline care work and all forms of care are dominated by women, BIPOC and new immigrants.

Despite the vitally important work they do, nurses have been consistently undervalued, underpaid and overworked. They have reached their breaking point. They need fair and safe working conditions that value the important profession it is. They need a real commitment from the government that help is on the way to ensure health care workers are recruited and retained.

We must see all care work, whether paid or unpaid, work that mainly falls on the strong shoulders of women, to be properly compensated. Nurses need more than empty words. They need a lifeline and deserve respect. We owe it to them and all women to value the care that they give us all.

René LaurinStatements by Members

2:15 p.m.

Bloc

Gabriel Ste-Marie Bloc Joliette, QC

Mr. Speaker, our community of Joliette has been in mourning since we learned of the passing of René Laurin.

René Laurin was mayor of Joliette from 2001 to 2013, as well as the director general of the school board and a municipal councillor. To me he stands out as the first Bloc Québécois MP from the riding of Joliette from 1993 to 2000. Quebec finally had a voice in Ottawa, and in Joliette that voice was René's.

Highly respected by everyone, René was a team player, hard-working, meticulous, community-oriented, funny and exceptionally musically talented. Every Christmas people would ask him to sing some of the classics. At a reception to mark the closure of Centre Block, we talked about what it was like to be an MP in his day and about the changes he had seen in recent years.

René would have been 83 in a few days. To his wife, Suzanne, to his whole family and the entire population of Joliette, I offer my deepest condolences.

Thank you, René.

TransportationStatements by Members

February 1st, 2023 / 2:20 p.m.

Conservative

Michael Kram Conservative Regina—Wascana, SK

Mr. Speaker, under the Liberal government, everything is broken, and nowhere is that more evident than in the travel sector.

Last summer, thousands of Canadians were stranded in airports due to cancelled and delayed flights and lost luggage. With summer vacations ruined, many Canadians said to themselves that things could not possibly get any worse, but when the Liberals are in power, things can always get worse.

In the following months, the transport minister accomplished absolutely nothing. Over the Christmas and new year travel season, thousands more Canadians were stranded in far-flung destinations due to the Liberals' inability to approve work permits for airline workers and to hold airlines accountable for service standards. The minister did not even bother to phone the airline executives until weeks later.

After eight years of the Liberal government, it is time for the Liberals to take a permanent vacation and for the Conservatives to clean up what they have ruined.

Hazel McCallionStatements by Members

2:20 p.m.

Liberal

Iqra Khalid Liberal Mississauga—Erin Mills, ON

Mr. Speaker, I cannot begin to describe what it was like to grow up in Mississauga with a woman like Hazel McCallion as our mayor. She won her election 45 years ago, at a time when many thought it was unthinkable for a woman to seek office. Hazel proved them wrong, and over her 36 years of service, she was a shining example of what a woman in leadership is capable of.

Fearless and compassionate, she was a force to be reckoned with, a hurricane. Even after retiring, she spent her later years continuing to give back to the city she loved and that loved her in return. Last weekend, with 101 years under her belt, Hazel McCallion passed away. She blazed a trail that so many women will continue walking for generations to come.

Thanks to Hazel. She ran so that we could run with her. May she rest in peace.

Hazel McCallionStatements by Members

2:20 p.m.

Liberal

The Speaker Liberal Anthony Rota

I want to point out that S. O. 31s are limited to 60 seconds. One of the hardest parts of being Speaker is having to cut someone off because they have gone over the 60 seconds. I thank all who gave their S. O. 31s today as none went over one minute. It is appreciated.

Public Services and ProcurementOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Carleton Ontario

Conservative

Pierre Poilievre ConservativeLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, after eight years in office, how much money has the Government of Canada given to McKinsey in contracts?

Public Services and ProcurementOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Papineau Québec

Liberal

Justin Trudeau LiberalPrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, we understand how important it is for Canadians to get value for money.

I have asked the ministers involved, the President of the Treasury Board and the Minister of Public Services and Procurement to follow up on all of these contracts to make sure that all the rules have been followed and all the parameters are being met. They know they need to be open with the committees about what was done and how it was done.

Public Services and ProcurementOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Carleton Ontario

Conservative

Pierre Poilievre ConservativeLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, I do not know why the Prime Minister needs a review. Can he not just ask how much his own government spent on contracts to this company? I mean, we are talking at least $120 million. I asked him this question five times the last time he was in the House, and he was unable to answer. Perhaps the number is too high to count, but this is a company that is engulfed in scandals in France, that helped kill people in the United States and possibly in Canada through the opioid crisis, and helped foreign governments suppress their own people.

Surely the Prime Minister would know how much he paid this company after eight years. How much?

Public Services and ProcurementOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Papineau Québec

Liberal

Justin Trudeau LiberalPrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, as these contracts were, for the large part, signed and negotiated by the public service, it is important that we actually be able to have clarity on the answers, which is why I have asked the Minister of Public Services and the President of the Treasury Board to look in carefully to make sure Canadians did get value for money and that all the rules and procedures were appropriately followed. The ministers of course will be sharing that information with committees and with all parliamentarians. It is important Canadians see exactly how government is investing their money.

Public Services and ProcurementOral Questions

2:20 p.m.

Carleton Ontario

Conservative

Pierre Poilievre ConservativeLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, he says that the public servants recruited McKinsey and its managing director, Dominic Barton. That is not what he said before, and I quote, “I met the leaders of major corporations from around the world, and one thing they all had in common? They all knew Dominic. I came to appreciate, maybe even envy, Dominic's contact list, so we recruited him.” That is far from having public servants do it. In fact, public servants say they have no idea what McKinsey actually did for all this money.

Given that he recruited this company, how much did he pay it?