Debates of Feb. 16th, 2023

Human Rights in Iran

[Leah Taylor Roy, Liberal, Aurora—Oak Ridges—Richmond Hill, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I am both honoured and saddened to still be speaking about the tragic situation in Iran. It has been almost six months since Mahsa Amini was killed while in custody of the morality police, and it has been 44 years since an authoritarian government took over the country.

Today, countless women and young people continue to risk their lives protesting the gross human rights violations perpetrated by the regime. Even in the face of threats, execution and imprisonment, the Iranian people continue to show their resilience and solidarity with the ideals of human rights, liberal democracy and freedom, which we in Canada are so privileged to enjoy.

This morning, I stood to present a petition signed and presented to me by Iranian Canadians in my riding that called on the government to continue to implement the sanctions we have in place on the IRGC and its officials. I thank Shelly, Marjan and Lily, who spearheaded the petition and have been supporting and working tirelessly with the community and me to ensure this work continues.

I presented the petition with members from other parties to show that this issue is not a partisan one. I want to thank my colleagues, the hon. Conservative member for Elgin—Middlesex—London and the Green member for Saanich—Gulf Islands, who stood and presented petitions with me. I also want to acknowledge the support of the NDP, through the member for Port Moody—Coquitlam, and the Bloc, through the member for Shefford.

Unfortunately, women were so frightened to sign these petitions that they were not certified and not all of their names could stand. I want to point out to all Iranian Canadians that their government and their elected representatives from all parties stand with them and the Iranian people. Zan, zendegi, azadi.

Hooked on School Days

[Sylvie Bérubé, Bloc, Abitibi—Baie-James—Nunavik—Eeyou, QC]

Mr. Speaker, February 13 to 17, 2023, is Hooked on School Days.

The campaign honours all those who support our young people. As the Hooked on School Days website explains, we recognize their crucial role in fostering students' motivation, resilience and self-confidence, and we salute their commitment to making student retention a priority. When that is combined with congratulations, guidance, encouragement, explanations, a sympathetic ear and support, young people and Quebec society as a whole are the ones who benefit.

The more we can do to instill a sense of confidence and self-worth, the better the chances that all young people, without exception, will realize their potential and discover they have what it takes to move forward in a direction that reflects their passions and interests.

I am confident that student retention will ensure a bright future for Abitibi—Baie-James—Nunavik—Eeyou.

Canada's Farmers

[Élisabeth Brière, Liberal, Sherbrooke, QC]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday was Canada's Agriculture Day. It is a good opportunity to celebrate our food and, above all, those who produce it.

In Coaticook, in the Eastern Townships, Agropur announced that the Morin farm won the prize for the best milk in Quebec for the third consecutive year.

Thanks to farmers like Réjean Morin et Véronique Lévesque, who pamper their animals from 5:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day, we can enjoy delicious local products.

The hard work of producers on 190,000 farms across the country has enabled Canada to enjoy an enviable reputation around the world for the quality of its food, its innovation in the agricultural and agri‑food sector, and its sustainable development principles.

The efforts of my colleague, the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, ensure that our government will continue to support our farmers by implementing various measures, including the new sustainable Canadian agricultural partnership, by investing in innovation and clean technologies, and by fully supporting supply management.

Staff Sergeant Bruce Holliday

[Damien Kurek, Conservative, Battle River—Crowfoot, AB]

Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today on behalf of the people of Battle River—Crowfoot, and all Canadians, to express my deep sadness at the passing of RCMP Staff Sergeant Bruce Holliday.

Staff Sergeant Holliday was not only an incredibly dedicated police officer, but an extraordinary human being and an involved member of the community. He worked tirelessly to break down the barriers within the communities he served and build trust between the residents of east central Alberta and the RCMP. He played an essential role in building community wellness programming and was an inspiration to many. Stettler, Bashaw and the many other communities he served benefited greatly from his leadership. His care and dedication transformed many lives and made our regions not only safer, but truly better, from his work while in uniform to his passion for his family and community.

I would ask all members to join Danielle and me in sending our condolences to Bruce's wife, Lidia, and kids Kayla and Claire, as well as his loved ones, friends and colleagues. May God grant them all peace during this difficult time.

Ukraine

[Marcus Powlowski, Liberal, Thunder Bay—Rainy River, ON]

Mr. Speaker, it is coming up to one year since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Tens of thousands of soldiers have died and Ukrainian civilians have been targeted, left in the cold, tortured and murdered. The big question is, “Why?”

Russian leaders like Putin and Lavrov, standing on marble floors, wearing their ties and their shiny shoes, spout endless lies in an attempt to legitimize the killings. The only people buying into these lies are gullible fools or those who profit from the Russians. The war goes on because it is not the rich Russian leaders or their families who are dying in the snowbanks of Ukraine.

Those who perpetrated the war will be brought to justice, and when that happens, I hope it is those who wore the ties and the shiny shoes who will particularly get the harsh justice.

Slava Ukraini.

Black History Month

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

Mr. Speaker, in December 1995, the hon. Dr. Jean Augustine presented a motion in the House of Commons that officially recognized February as Black History Month in Canada.

Today I would like to highlight just a few of the many Black Canadians who have positively shaped Canada and my community of Mississauga—Erin Mills.

Oscar Peterson, one of the greatest jazz pianists of all time, called Erin Mills home for many years. Nicknamed “the man with four hands”, Peterson left a prolific musical legacy, and just last August he was the first Black Canadian on a circulation coin.

Michael “Pinball” Clemons and Diane Clemons, co-founders of the Pinball Clemons Foundation in Mississauga, are a staple in our community, where they give back to marginalized and racialized youth through mentorship programs, scholarships and bursaries.

Let us all take the time to learn about and honour the legacies of Black Canadians and recommit to celebrating the many contributions they have made to our communities.

Ukraine

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

Mr. Speaker, February 24 marks 365 days since Vladimir Putin gave the order for his Russian war machine to further invade Ukraine, 365 days of Putin’s barbarians committing war crimes and atrocities against innocent Ukrainians, 365 days of Russian soldiers and mercenaries raping Ukrainian women and children and pillaging homes and villages in Ukraine, and 365 days of Russian missiles and drones indiscriminately bombing Ukrainian hospitals, schools, apartment buildings, day cares and energy infrastructure.

Over those 365 days, we have witnessed Ukrainians fighting back valiantly. For 365 days, they have bravely stood up to Moscow by destroying Russian tanks, aircraft, missiles and drones and liberating Ukrainian communities. For 365 days, Canada and our allies have stood with Ukraine, supplying it with weapons, humanitarian aid and financial assistance.

Over the past year, Conservatives said Canada can and must do more by sending our soon-to-be-retired LAVs, Canadian-made sniper rifles and Role 3 hospitals to Ukraine. We must stand with Ukraine so it can defeat Putin’s war machine to ensure peace and security for all.

Slava Ukraini.

Women Stem Cell Researchers

[Valerie Bradford, Liberal, Kitchener South—Hespeler, ON]

Mr. Speaker, on the heels of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, I rise to welcome a group of women stem cell and regenerative medicine researchers to Ottawa. These women join us from labs and companies across the country and are part of Canada’s Stem Cell Network, a not-for-profit organization that supports regenerative medicine research, training next-generation talent and making sure this game-changing research can be used and understood by all.

The existence of stem cells was first proven by two Canadians in the 1960s, and since that time, stem cells have been powering the field of regenerative medicine, which focuses on replacing, repairing or regenerating cells, tissues and organs. Canada is a world leader in this field, and it is researchers like the women here with us today who are unlocking leading-edge treatments for diseases such as diabetes, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson’s, cardiovascular disease and many more.

I congratulate and thank the women who are here today and hope that colleagues will meet with them.

Justice

[Tako Van Popta, Conservative, Langley—Aldergrove, BC]

Mr. Speaker, I give a big shout-out to the Langley RCMP. I met with them one day last month for their early-morning briefing to hear their stories and for a ride-along with one of their officers to learn first-hand about community policing. I met brave and dedicated officers who keep us safe, but who are also deeply concerned about their own safety.

They were very encouraged to hear that Conservatives are committed to bail reform, after the tragic shooting death of OPP officer Greg Pierzchala, who was gunned down by a man out on bail after repeated firearms-related offences. This young officer should have gone home to his family that evening. He died in hospital.

The Liberals' catch-and-release bail program is a failed experiment. Conservatives are committed to fixing what is broken, supporting our men and women in uniform and standing up for law-abiding citizens.

The Economy

[Tony Baldinelli, Conservative, Niagara Falls, ON]

Mr. Speaker, after eight years of the Liberal Prime Minister, Canadians are out of money and they cannot afford to eat or to heat or house themselves. In fact, a recent StatsCan report found that a quarter of Canadians are not able to cover an unexpected expense of $500, yet the Liberal government continues to pile on new taxes, hike up existing taxes and double down on its wasteful spending, which fuels high inflation and drives up the cost of everything.

This April 1, taxes on Canadian-made wines, beers and spirits are going up 6.3% and gas prices are set to rise 14 cents a litre. The Liberals want to triple the carbon tax. They call it an environmental plan, but it has done nothing to reduce emissions. It is simply another Liberal tax that steals hard-earned money from Canadians' pockets and gives it to the government. Canadians are suffering and they need our help, not more Liberal tax increases.

Canadians can count on Conservatives to deliver to them the hope they need. They can count on us so they can keep the heat on and take the tax off.

Black History Month

[Patricia Lattanzio, Liberal, Saint-Léonard—Saint-Michel, QC]

Mr. Speaker, this Black History Month, let us continue to honour the legacy and contributions of Black communities in Canada.

I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the invaluable work done by the various Black-led organizations in Saint‑Léonard—Saint‑Michel, including the Association haïtiano-canado-québécoise d'aide aux démunis, the Centre Lasallien, Compagnie Théâtre créole, and Maison d'Haïti, which just celebrated its 50th anniversary. All of these organizations devote their heart and soul to welcoming, educating and integrating immigrant families to Quebec and helping them prosper.

I also want to recognize Maison d'Haïti for its community-based initiatives, which allow participants to have a say and actively participate in the community. This unique approach encourages the empowerment and growth of every individual affected by their work.

Long live Maison d'Haïti, and happy Black History Month to everyone.

John C. Holland Awards

[Matthew Green, NDP, Hamilton Centre, ON]

Mr. Speaker, as we gather in our communities to celebrate Black History Month, I proudly rise today, as a past recipient and past co-chair, to recognize the current board members, volunteers and community sponsors of the John C. Holland Awards, hosted annually by the Hamilton Black History Council.

Co-founded in 1996 by Marlene Thomas and Evelyn Myrie, and hosted alongside various community groups and local sponsors, this celebration is named in the spirit of Reverend J.C. Holland, who was the first African Canadian to be named “citizen of the year” in any community in Canada.

A special thanks goes to this year's council members: Marlene Thomas, Doreen Johnson, Jeff Holland, Sajah Stiller, Cherie Warner-Richard, Michael Highgate, Nicole Virgin, Michelle Schivbarran, and Terri Bedminster, the J.C. Holland Awards event chair.

I congratulate all of this year's incredible John C. Holland Awards nominees and selected winners, and I thank them for their contribution to our community, the city of Hamilton and indeed all of Canada.

Aerospace Industry

[Simon-Pierre Savard-Tremblay, Bloc, Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot, QC]

Mr. Speaker, we are celebrating Aerospace on the Hill, and I would like to share the words of the late Jean Lapierre: “Aerospace is to Quebec what the automobile is to Ontario.” A true pillar of our economic nationalism, its innovation and vibrancy make us shine on the international stage.

Aerospace is a fundamental strategic sector. Greater Montreal is the third-largest aerospace hub in the world, after Seattle and Toulouse. A hotbed of research and development like this must be supported by a comprehensive, sustainable and coherent policy. Every state fortunate enough to have such an industry within its borders has such a policy, except Canada.

In the short term, Ottawa must at least take advantage of the next budgetary process to correct its ineffective and inaptly named luxury tax. It has been condemned by both business and labour, and it is appalling how much it is crippling us compared to our competitors. Long live aerospace, a homegrown gem.

Retirement Congratulations

[Eric Duncan, Conservative, Stormont—Dundas—South Glengarry, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to wish Ethics Commissioner Mario Dion a healthy and restful retirement.

After eight years, he has sadly become one of the busiest people in all of Ottawa under the Liberals. Just this week, there was another Liberal guilty of ethics violations, and he joins a growing list of ethically challenged Liberals: the former minister of finance, guilty; the Minister of Infrastructure, guilty; the Minister of Trade, guilty; and the Prime Minister himself, guilty and guilty.

Mr. Dion said it best about these continued Liberal scandals: “The act has been there for 17 years, for God's sake.” To the next ethics commissioner, I offer this advice: “Bring some Red Bull. You'll need the energy to keep up.”

After eight years, Canadians are tired of the scandals, tired of seeing Liberal insiders get ahead as they fall behind, but there is hope. If the Prime Minister will not hold his team to account for their failings, not to worry. They can step aside, because Conservatives are united and ready to lead and clean up their mess.

Aerospace Industry

[Ya'ara Saks, Liberal, York Centre, ON]

Mr. Speaker, today I would like to welcome the members of the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada who are joining us to mark Aerospace on the Hill.

The aerospace sector represents a vital part of Canada's economy. In 2021, it represented over $24 billion in GDP and over 200,000 high-quality jobs for Canadians. It is a sector of growth and innovation.

My riding of York Centre is home to a proud aerospace history, from the early days of De Havilland Canada, almost 100 years ago, to CFB Downsview. We have seen planes big and small, and we have built them, including the iconic Beaver, Twin Otter and Dash 8. We are now home to the Centennial College's aerospace campus, the University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies and the Downsview Aerospace Innovation and Research hub.

As co-chair of the aerospace caucus, I know we celebrate this sector, which provides countless growth opportunities as we transition to the next generation of sustainable aviation, aerospace excellence and innovation.

Let us thank them for all they do.

The Economy

[Andrew Scheer, Conservative, Regina—Qu'Appelle, SK]

Mr. Speaker, eight years of inflationary deficits fuelled by Liberal waste and corruption have caused an incredible hardship for our Canadians.

To fight that Liberal inflation, the Bank of Canada has massively hiked interest rates. Higher interest rates mean higher mortgage payments, meaning people have to pay more to the bank just to live in the house they already own. In fact, the average mortgage payment for a typical home in Canada has soared to over $3,000 a month.

Will the Prime Minister take responsibility and admit that it was his waste and corruption that is causing this cost of living crisis, or will he get out of the way and let Conservatives fix his mess?

[Ahmed Hussen, Liberal, Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion]

Mr. Speaker, the thing we recognize is that Canadians need help. We have delivered the Canada housing benefit, which is already investing close to $2,500 on average for vulnerable renters across the country. On top of that, we introduced a one-time $500 top-up to go to almost two million renters.

What did the party opposite do despite the rhetoric? Not only did it vote against it, in the fall the Conservatives played procedural games in the House to delay much-needed rental supplements to almost two million Canadians.

[Andrew Scheer, Conservative, Regina—Qu'Appelle, SK]

Mr. Speaker, the Liberals would love to fool us into thinking all that spending actually went to Canadians, but in fact they were stopping and helping their friends and insiders all along the way.

That Liberal law-breaking means that while Canadians are struggling, Liberal insiders have never had it so good. While 20% of Canadians are skipping meals, the trade minister gave a $23,000 contract to her best friend. While the rent on a typical apartment has soared to over $2,000 a month, the housing minister gave $93,000 to his staff's family's PR family.

After eight years of breaking ethics laws, are there any Liberals who will hold their political masters to account, or is helping their friends and insiders why they got into politics in the first place?

[Mark Holland, Liberal, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons]

Mr. Speaker, a lot of things have changed since the Conservatives were in power, one of them is Canada's unemployment rate, which under their watch was 7%; it is now 5%. The number of people who are living in poverty is now 2.7 million less.

When we look at our record on child care, the Leader of the Opposition actually said at the time that he was proud that he cancelled the child care agreement that was supposed to have happened, and it was killed when he came into power. Instead, we delivered that. We are delivering real help to Canadians across the country.

[Andrew Scheer, Conservative, Regina—Qu'Appelle, SK]

Mr. Speaker, the Liberals gave wage subsidies to profitable businesses which turned around and gave their CEOs bonuses. They let fraudsters and scam artists keep the CERB money that they stole. Now the Liberals have been found guilty of breaking ethics laws six times.

The Prime Minister's own law-breaking is so bad that the Ethics Commission has had to call him out, saying he did not think anybody would have imagined a situation where the Prime Minister himself would be found breaking the law, “It’s a funny situation to be in.” I do not think he meant “ha ha” funny. It is not funny to make Canadians struggle while Liberal friends and insiders get rich.

Why is treating taxpayer money with respect never the lesson those Liberals learn?

[François-Philippe Champagne, Liberal, Minister of Innovation]

Mr. Speaker, Canadians are tired of those Conservatives talking down our economy and talking down Canada.

In terms of good news, let us celebrate. This morning I was celebrating project arrow, the first 100% Canadian-built electric vehicle. That is what we are capable of in Canada. It is about innovation. It is about leadership. It is about bringing Canadians up as opposed to bringing Canadians down, as they do every day.

Justice

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

Mr. Speaker, this Liberal government is facing mounting criticism over Bill C-5, and for good reason.

Quebec's justice minister, Simon Jolin-Barrette, tabled a motion in the National Assembly with the support of all members. The motion calls on this Bloc-centralist-Liberal government to amend the law stemming from Bill C‑5 to make sexual assault offences ineligible for community sentences. We are in this position because of the complicity of the Bloc Québécois.

Will they do the right thing and protect women instead of helping criminals?

[David Lametti, Liberal, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada]

Mr. Speaker, as a government, we have acted on several fronts to ensure that victims of sexual assault are treated with dignity and respect.

Several bills, including Bill C-3 and Bill C-51, have made substantial reforms to Canada's sexual assault laws to do just that, protect victims. These are some of the most progressive laws in the world. We have invested in programs that help victims of sexual assault.

That is our priority. We will continue to support victims of sexual assault.

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

Mr. Speaker, it is as though the minister always does things right.

Yesterday, the media reported on the case of Sobhi Akra, who pleaded guilty in January 2022 to sexually assaulting eight women between October 2017 and November 2018. Bill C‑5, the brainchild of the Prime Minister and the Minister of Justice, who got some help from our Bloc Québécois friends, could make it possible for this criminal to serve his sentence in the comfort of his own home.

Quebec has also pointed out that Bill C‑5 is a setback for the fight against sexual violence. I do not know where the minister is going with his answers, but it is obvious that there is a serious problem with Bill C‑5. We have said so from the outset. The Bloc Québécois supported the Liberals, but it is time to reconsider.

Is the Minister willing to change Bill C‑5 for the sake of the women?

[David Lametti, Liberal, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada]

Mr. Speaker, as the Attorney General, it would be inappropriate for me to comment not just on a case that could be appealed, but on a case where there is not yet a final decision. I will not speak about that case.

What I can say to Canadians is that the purpose of Bill C‑5 is to address systemic racism against indigenous and Black people in the system, and to set aside a system that did not work under the Conservatives.