House of Commons Hansard #153 of the 44th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was investments.

Topics

Conservation HaltonStatements by Members

11:05 a.m.

Liberal

Adam van Koeverden Liberal Milton, ON

Madam Speaker, over the last year, the conservation authority in my riding, Conservation Halton, has planted close to 80,000 trees. It has restored stream habitat; managed 11,000 acres of land; hired over 800 young people to work in nature; maintained 116 kilometres of trails; and monitored aquatic and terrestrial habitat, as well as water quality, at 325 monitoring stations.

It has carried out 45 major environmental restoration projects and also protects Crawford Lake, which has rich indigenous history and one of the coolest meromictic lakes in the world. The over 1.3 million visitors to its eight parks last year spent three million hours in nature and walked over six million kilometres on its trails. It also taught more people ever to ski and camp, including programs for new Canadians. It donated over 400 annual park passes to local libraries, so anyone can borrow a pass and access its parks for free, and it also held its third annual Pride in Nature event to show solidarity with LGBTQ2+ community members, and so much more.

Despite all that, conservation authorities in our greenbelt are being threatened by the notion that we just cannot build homes without destroying nature. I reject that notion. The integrity of our greenbelt must be protected. Green spaces are our greatest asset, and I am proud to recommit myself to being a strong and effective voice for conservation and the greenbelt in Milton and across Canada.

Valentine’s Day Veggies for SeniorsStatements by Members

11:05 a.m.

Liberal

Lena Metlege Diab Liberal Halifax West, NS

Madam Speaker, Valentine’s Day is almost here. It is a time to celebrate love and affection and a time to lend a hand.

Today I am grateful to represent a community full of incredible volunteers with big hearts. I want to give a special shout-out today to Square Roots Fairview-Clayton Park, Santa's for Seniors and Chebucto Links, which have come together to launch the Valentine’s Day veggies for seniors program.

One might have caught this on CTV, but here is how the program works. One sponsors a valentine by sending five dollars to info@chebuctolinks.ca. Then its team identifies a local senior who could use food support and delivers a gift of fresh veggies and fruits to their door.

How thoughtful is that? For those who want to be a sponsor or refer a senior, they have until February 5 at midnight. Many thanks go out to the selfless folks who brought this wonderful initiative. This is community love and affection at its best.

Public SafetyStatements by Members

11:05 a.m.

Conservative

Michael Cooper Conservative St. Albert—Edmonton, AB

Madam Speaker, after eight years of the Prime Minister, Canada is facing a crime wave. Since the Prime Minister was elected, violent crime is up 32%. Violent gang crime is up a staggering 92%, and in 2021 there were 124,000 more violent criminal incidents compared to 2015 when the Prime Minister was elected.

This is not a coincidence. Whether it is the Liberals' catch-and-release bail policies, eliminating mandatory jail time for serious gun crime or drastically expanding house arrest for such serious offences as sexual assault and kidnapping, the crime wave is a direct result of failed soft-on-crime Liberal policies.

The only way to defeat this violent crime wave is to defeat this soft-on-crime Liberal government and elect a Conservative government committed to standing up for victims and holding violent criminals to account to the fullest extent of the law.

Bon Soo Winter CarnivalStatements by Members

11:05 a.m.

Liberal

Terry Sheehan Liberal Sault Ste. Marie, ON

Madam Speaker, it is the wintertime, and Bon Soo Winter Carnival is here.

This year, Bon Soo is celebrating its 60th anniversary, making it one of the oldest and best winter carnivals in all of Canada. For the next nine days, there will be daytime and evening events, some timeless and some brand new, but all packed with fun and excitement for all families of all ages.

Come and participate in the Soo in some of the timeless favourites such as the polar bear dip, and if one can do it this year in this weather, one will get a special award. There are also new events such as the polar rush urban winter obstacle challenge and the coldest Canuck challenge, and there are many more to add to this. Plus there is the pancake breakfast, which everyone looks forward to.

There is no shortage of snow in my riding, so I invite each and every member of the House and everyone across Canada to come to the Soo and enjoy the best, and one of the oldest, winter carnivals. A special thanks to all the volunteers who make this winter carnival what it is today. I know the people in our area are really going to enjoy this year's winter carnival.

Liberal GovernmentStatements by Members

11:10 a.m.

Conservative

Cheryl Gallant Conservative Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke, ON

Madam Speaker, after eight years of incompetence and corruption, Canada is broken. The trust in government is broken, and ministerial responsibility is broken.

After eight years, our military has been decimated. Military procurement is broken, and military recruitment is broken.

After eight years, violent crime is rampant. The bail system is broken, and the overwhelmed court system is broken.

After eight years, overdoses are killing thousands. Addiction support is broken, and safe supply ideology is broken.

After eight years of the Prime Minister and his cronies, Canada is broken. Canadians are being killed in random attacks. Canadians are being killed by dangerous drugs. Canadians are dying deaths of despair.

After eight years, we have gone from sunny ways to dark days. It does not have to be this way. Conservatives have a plan to turn the hurt Canadians are feeling into the hope they need. After eight years of division and wedge politics, we will bring Canadians together, united, strong and free.

Government ContractsStatements by Members

11:10 a.m.

Conservative

Stephanie Kusie Conservative Calgary Midnapore, AB

Madam Speaker, after eight years of the government's inflationary spending, Canadians are barely getting by, while Liberal insiders and high-priced consultants have never had it so good. After eight years, Canadians have been struggling to cope with 40-year high inflation.

After eight years, 1.5 million Canadians are visiting food banks in a single month, but after eight years, the government does not care.

Instead of helping Canadians, the government decided to hand out over $100 million in contracts to its friends at McKinsey & Company, and that number keeps climbing. In fact, we still do not know the full amount awarded to McKinsey over eight years because the Liberal government refuses to say. However, we do know that, of the 23 contracts awarded, 20 of them were granted in a non-competitive environment and hand-picked by the government.

We need to know how much has been handed out to McKinsey and the influence it has on our government. Canadians deserve answers, and we will not back down.

HousingStatements by Members

11:10 a.m.

Liberal

Kevin Lamoureux Liberal Winnipeg North, MB

Madam Speaker, for many families in Canada the tradition is to have multi-generational homes. How wonderful it is to visit a home where one not only sees the child and the parent but also the grandparent. This benefits not only the family, but also our communities. An elderly grandparent with their daughter’s family, or a son with a disability with their parents, are arrangements that can be an important way for them to take care of each other.

Our government supports multi-generational homes, and this year the multi-generational home renovation tax credit will be well under way. It provides up to $7,500 in support for constructing a secondary suite for a senior or an adult with a disability. This refundable credit would allow families to claim 15% of up to $50,000 in eligible renovation and construction costs incurred to construct a secondary suite. This is a great way to support families here in Canada.

Nanaimo African Heritage SocietyStatements by Members

11:10 a.m.

NDP

Lisa Marie Barron NDP Nanaimo—Ladysmith, BC

Madam Speaker, I would like to shine a light on the incredible contributions made by a constituent in my riding of Nanaimo—Ladysmith, Shalema Gantt, and the organization she founded, the Nanaimo African Heritage Society, or NAHS.

For over 20 years, Shalema and those in the NAHS have created opportunities to celebrate and learn African heritage and the history and culture of Black people in Canada and on Vancouver Island. The society welcomes people of all ethnicities to experience, learn about and honour African culture, both local and worldwide. From the NAHS magazine to a variety of workshops, performances, rallies and other activities, NAHS strives to inspire and inform the public on issues of social justice, community stewardship and anti-racism.

February is Black History Month. This month and every month, I am grateful for the work of the Nanaimo African Heritage Society and all they do to share the rich heritage of African culture in Nanaimo.

Baie-Comeau Bocce Ball ClubStatements by Members

11:15 a.m.

Bloc

Marilène Gill Bloc Manicouagan, QC

Madam Speaker, I am feeling festive today because the Club bouliste de Baie‑Comeau is celebrating its 60th anniversary. Perhaps people are wondering exactly what “boulisme” is. Quite simply, it is also known as “pétanque” or “bocce”.

What is remarkable about the Club bouliste de Baie‑Comeau is that it brings together all generations. For instance, of the 200 regular players, 90 are young people. Last year, during the family tournament, one of the teams competing was made up of four generations of the same family. Let us face it, that is a rare occurrence in football or hockey.

That said, this is a memorable moment because it illustrates the unifying and intergenerational spirit that the club is trying to create. Under the guidance of its president, Francine Bélair, the Club bouliste de Baie‑Comeau is the envy of many. Other clubs throughout Quebec and even internationally, by which I mean Canada, regard it as a model for its vitality.

I wish a happy 60th anniversary to all members of the club. As a gift, I promise them a game, but unlike my last three elections, I can already assure them that I will lose.

Liberal GovernmentStatements by Members

11:15 a.m.

Conservative

Bernard Généreux Conservative Montmagny—L'Islet—Kamouraska—Rivière-du-Loup, QC

Madam Speaker, in its eight years in power, the Liberal government could hardly have done worse.

Inflation is at a 40-year high, and interest rates have gone up nine times in the past year even though, just six months ago, the Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance said rates would stay low.

As a result, young people cannot afford to buy a house, rents have skyrocketed, and steadily rising food prices are hurting families.

By doubling the national debt, which will cost twice as much interest, this government has made it abundantly clear that it is not to be trusted.

Then there is the justice system, which is broken all across Canada. Repeat offenders can serve their time in the community rather than in jail. Violence has gone up 32% since 2015, and street gang violence has jumped 90% in that time.

It is time the NDP-Liberal coalition handed things over to a team that is qualified to lead the country: the Conservatives.

Leon DubinskyStatements by Members

11:15 a.m.

Liberal

Mike Kelloway Liberal Cape Breton—Canso, NS

Mr. Speaker, as the member of Parliament for Cape Breton—Canso, I rise today to pay tribute to Leon Dubinsky, an extraordinary Cape Bretoner who we lost just a few weeks ago.

Leon Dubinsky was a pillar in the realm of arts and culture across Cape Breton Island. As an actor, theatre director and composer, he spent his entire life entertaining Canadians, and in particular Atlantic Canadians.

Leon is probably best known for his unofficial Cape Breton anthem Rise Again, a song of resilience and hope for those at home. It rose to the top of various charts, won multiple awards and went on to be recorded by the likes of the Rankin Family, Rita MacNeil and Anne Murray.

Taking inspiration from Leon’s own lyrics, I know he will rise again in the face of his child, and I know he will rise again in the voices of his song.

My thoughts and prayers remain with Leon's loved ones at this time. May he rest peace and may he rise again.

HousingOral Questions

11:15 a.m.

Conservative

Jasraj Singh Hallan Conservative Calgary Forest Lawn, AB

Madam Speaker, after eight years of failed Liberal policies driving up inflation, Canadians are faced with high interest rates and higher mortgage payments and are seeing home prices double across the country. An average monthly mortgage under the Liberal government has more than doubled, going from $1,500 to more than $3,000. Home ownership is impossible and a pipe dream for nine out of 10 young people, as 35-year-olds are forced to continue to live in their parents’ basements.

Let us be clear: Liberal inflation caused this mess. Will the Liberals apologize and take responsibility for pricing young Canadians out of homes?

HousingOral Questions

11:15 a.m.

Burnaby North—Seymour B.C.

Liberal

Terry Beech LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance

Madam Speaker, our plan not only makes life more affordable for Canadians but is also fiscally responsible.

We have confirmed our AAA credit rating. We have recovered 121% of jobs lost during the pandemic, while the United States has only recovered 106%. We have maintained the lowest deficit and the lowest net debt-to-GDP ratio in the G7. That positions us very well to get inflation under control, improve affordability and make sure that we create good, sustainable jobs for Canadians.

The EconomyOral Questions

11:20 a.m.

Conservative

Jasraj Singh Hallan Conservative Calgary Forest Lawn, AB

Madam Speaker, after eight years of failed Liberal policies, Canadians have never had it so bad.

As the Liberals continue to fist bump each other for spending hundreds of billions of dollars of other people's money, the results are absolutely horrific. One in five Canadians is completely out of money. One in five Canadians is skipping meals. Not only did Liberal inflation drive up the price of everything, but they pile-drived Canadians by raising taxes on them.

Why are the Liberals so intent on taking more money from Canadians, leaving hard-working people and their families with less money and empty stomachs?

The EconomyOral Questions

11:20 a.m.

Central Nova Nova Scotia

Liberal

Sean Fraser LiberalMinister of Immigration

Madam Speaker, I am getting tired of listening to the Conservatives talk down Canadians and the Canadian economy. They should be getting to work to support Canadians in their time of need.

We made efforts throughout this pandemic to make sure that families could continue to put food on the table and keep a roof over their heads. We made efforts to make sure businesses could keep their doors open and the lights on. Every step of the way, the Conservatives have opposed these measures.

We are going to be there for Canadians in their time of need because it is the right thing to do. The Conservative strategy to combat inflation is to take more money away from families. We will be there for them in their time of need no matter what it takes.

The EconomyOral Questions

11:20 a.m.

NDP

The Assistant Deputy Speaker NDP Carol Hughes

I want to remind members that when someone has the floor, they should be listening to the answer. They may not like the answer, but they should listen to it. The hon. member for Calgary Forest Lawn was not interrupted during his question, and I would ask for the same respect when the answer is given.

The hon. member for Calgary Forest Lawn.

The EconomyOral Questions

11:20 a.m.

Conservative

Jasraj Singh Hallan Conservative Calgary Forest Lawn, AB

Madam Speaker, we will not take advice from the guy who broke the immigration system.

After eight years, the Liberals continue to deny any responsibility for the Liberal inflation they caused, causing pain to Canadians. However, there is a list of random Liberals who prove they are responsible. Tiff Macklem said inflation is homegrown. Mark Carney said inflation is a domestic issue. Bill Morneau admitted that the Liberals overspent. Even former Liberal finance minister John Manley said that Liberal spending is fuelling inflation.

Should we believe these random Liberals who continue to say that everything is rosy and fine, or should we believe the other random Liberals who say it is their fault for causing inflation?

The EconomyOral Questions

11:20 a.m.

Central Nova Nova Scotia

Liberal

Sean Fraser LiberalMinister of Immigration

Madam Speaker, I would point out to the hon. member, who I had the pleasure of serving on the immigration portfolio with, that during the next year, we expect to welcome more than the double the number of newcomers to this country than we did the last year the Conservatives formed government.

At the same time, our strategy to support Canadians over the course of the pandemic, a once-in-a-century disaster, was successful in making sure that nine million Canadians received CERB so they could keep food on the table. The Conservatives opposed those measures. We introduced the wage subsidy that kept 4.5 million workers on payrolls so they could feed their families. The Conservatives opposed those measures. They did not just oppose them. Their leader held a press conference to say that these were “big, fat government programs” and that Conservatives would never support that. Canadians deserve better.

The EconomyOral Questions

11:20 a.m.

Conservative

Luc Berthold Conservative Mégantic—L'Érable, QC

Madam Speaker, it is quite ironic to hear the Liberals claim, day after day, that everything is fine thanks to their astronomical spending, because of which we are facing the worst inflation in 40 years.

The cost of food has skyrocketed, but it is not their fault. The cost of rent has doubled, but it is not their fault. Interest rates are keeping families from achieving their dream of a first home, but it is not their fault.

Why, after eight years, does this Prime Minister have such a reckless attitude towards people who have needs?

The EconomyOral Questions

11:20 a.m.

Outremont Québec

Liberal

Rachel Bendayan LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance

Madam Speaker, I understand why the Conservatives are having a hard time connecting with Quebeckers. It is because their economic policy is all about austerity and cuts.

On this side of the House, we have implemented several measures to support Canadians and Quebeckers. We have increased benefits for our seniors. We introduced a new benefit to help families pay rent. We introduced our dental subsidy program for children. The Conservatives voted against these measures at every turn.

The EconomyOral Questions

11:20 a.m.

Conservative

Luc Berthold Conservative Mégantic—L'Érable, QC

Madam Speaker, we need to listen to the minister.

After eight years of listening to this government toot its own horn, we see just how out of touch it is with the lives of families.

Middle-class families are increasingly turning to food banks. We saw in the newspapers this morning that more and more Quebeckers are taking on second jobs to put food on the table. After working hard all their lives, seniors no longer have enough food to eat. Meanwhile, the minister keeps talking about everything this government has done to help.

The real question she should be asking is this: Why are so many people suffering after eight years under this Prime Minister?

The EconomyOral Questions

11:20 a.m.

Outremont Québec

Liberal

Rachel Bendayan LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance

Madam Speaker, it is true that the global economic situation is very unstable right now. That is why we need to be there to support Canadians and Quebeckers. I do not understand how my colleague can claim to have compassion for Canadians who are struggling to make ends meet while voting against measures that will help them.

We will always be there to support Canadians.

Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipOral Questions

February 3rd, 2023 / 11:25 a.m.

Bloc

Christine Normandin Bloc Saint-Jean, QC

Madam Speaker, Quebec schools are feeling the full effects of what is happening at Roxham Road.

Since the beginning of the school year last September, the Quebec government has had to create 224 new classes just to accommodate the children of asylum seekers. That is 224 new classes, while we are in the midst of a shortage of teachers and specialists. That is 224 new classes, the vast majority in the Montreal area where schools are already filled well beyond their capacity.

There is a huge human cost to all this, which I will come back to, but first, will Ottawa commit to at least footing the bill?

Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipOral Questions

11:25 a.m.

Central Nova Nova Scotia

Liberal

Sean Fraser LiberalMinister of Immigration

Madam Speaker, it is essential for us to meet our national and international obligation to protect asylum seekers. I had a meeting today with my counterpart from the Province of Quebec, Minister Fréchette, to talk about ways to collaborate in order to continue supporting asylum seekers and meet our national and international obligation on this issue.

Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipOral Questions

11:25 a.m.

Bloc

Christine Normandin Bloc Saint-Jean, QC

Madam Speaker, let us talk about the human cost.

There is a labour shortage in our classrooms. We cannot just ask our teachers to take in even more children who do not speak French and who are more likely to have special needs. The elastic is stretched thin and stretching it further would cut the quality of education offered to all children. Quebec does not have the resources to take care of all the asylum seekers from Roxham Road on its own. That is the reality.

When will the government finally suspend the safe third country agreement so that asylum seekers can be welcomed across Canada?