Debates of April 26th, 2023

[The Speaker, Liberal, Anthony Rota]

It being Wednesday, we will now have the singing of the national anthem, led by the hon. member for Sarnia—Lambton.

[Members sang the national anthem]

Marguerite Bourgeois

[Alain Rayes, Independent, Richmond—Arthabaska, QC]

Mr. Speaker, on Monday, I had the privilege and the honour of having a front-row seat when Marguerite Bourgeois, founder of L'Envol, a centre for children with developmental disorders in Victoriaville, received the Lieutenant Governor of Quebec's medal for exceptional merit from Michel Doyon. This prestigious honour recognizes the commitment, determination and selflessness of Quebeckers whose positive influence is making a tangible difference in their communities.

Ms. Bourgeois is a very special person in my region. She has always worked to make our community more inclusive, more open and better. Her hard work, determination, perseverance, generosity, leadership and involvement in our community set an example for everyone. Her love for others and commitment to them is truly remarkable and deserves recognition.

I would like to close by telling the House what the Lieutenant Governor himself said to her. He told Ms. Bourgeois that she deserves this honour, because she is a model of commitment and has helped sow the seeds of happiness.

Congratulations, Marguerite, and most of all, thank you for being the outstanding and inspiring person you are.

Ontario Science Centre

[Michael Coteau, Liberal, Don Valley East, ON]

Mr. Speaker, today I am honoured to speak about the importance of the Ontario Science Centre, a beacon of knowledge and innovation in my community. Established in 1969, the centre not only has fostered a love for science, but it has inspired generations of young people and young minds in the pursuit of careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. We are so proud in Don Valley East to have this positive institution impact many people in our community. We have been grateful to the science centre for providing employment opportunities to local residents, for its partnership with local schools, for hosting a science-themed high school and for programs designed for newcomers, youth and the community at large.

Despite the love we have locally for this important space, the provincial government has decided to move the centre to downtown Toronto. Residents in Don Valley East have been loud and clear that they are against moving the science centre, especially with no public consultation. The Ontario Science Centre is part of our community, and moving it will create an irreplaceable void in our neighbourhood.

Thomas Stephenson

[Cheryl Gallant, Conservative, Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke, ON]

Mr. Speaker, last month, Ottawa Valley's Tom “Big Red” Stephenson passed away at the age of 86 with his family at his side. Tom was a real-life trailblazer. He was a professor at Algonquin College and instrumental in creating an outdoor component to the forestry program. The ideal location was at Achray Station on Grand Lake in Algonquin Park. Students would spend a week at a time learning forestry in the forest.

Tom knew that High Falls was a remarkable feature of Algonquin Park, but it was remote. Together with his family, and with the permission of park officials, Tom cleared a trail over five kilometres long through thick bush. Over time, the popularity of the trail grew. Park officials began to maintain it and it began to be known as “Cheater's Trail”. It is our hope that Algonquin Park will recognize Tom Stephenson's contribution and officially name the trail in his honour.

Niagara Ports Trade Corridor

[Vance Badawey, Liberal, Niagara Centre, ON]

Mr. Speaker, Niagara is on the cusp of an accomplishment. With vision that builds on our strengths, determination and partnerships, our vision can be realized. I am pleased to say that, today, it is becoming a reality. With the water of the Welland Canal carrying goods from lake to lake as its lifeblood, and with our strategic location, the Niagara ports trade corridor is becoming the catalyst for prosperity that we envisioned.

New industry and businesses are locating along the banks of the Welland Canal, prompting others to recognize what is possible in moving goods from and into Canada through Niagara, strengthening our collective, binational and international trade performance. The Welland Canal, short and mainline rail, air and a highway network through the heart of Niagara, which is a catalyst, have all combined to position Niagara as one of the most internationally recognized trade corridors in the country, providing the bedrock of Niagara's future economy and Canada's internationally integrated supply chains.

Alain Gingras

[Christine Normandin, Bloc, Saint-Jean, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to a man who is bigger than life, Mr. Alain Gingras.

Alain has been involved with the cadet corps since 1990 and distinguished himself as a volunteer during the 1998 ice storm. In 2009, he joined Council 3206 of the Knights of Columbus, which would elect him Grand Knight in 2013. His work since then has been nothing short of extraordinary. He works hundreds of hours, from February to December each year, giving of his time and his money to prepare Christmas baskets. Fully 217 baskets were delivered this year, compared to 25 baskets in 2015.

Alain has also worked hard raising funds to provide winter clothing for children. He organizes many fundraising brunches to support various organizations. He has just relaunched efforts to organize a children’s Christmas party for 250 children. As if that were not enough, he recently joined the board of directors of Mouvement SEM to raise awareness about a better childhood.

For all these reasons, Alain was invited last evening to sign the City of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu's “livre d'or”.

We are incredibly lucky to have Alain, and I thank him for everything.

Heart and Stroke Foundation

[Pam Damoff, Liberal, Oakville North—Burlington, ON]

Mr. Speaker, like many of my colleagues, this week I met with representatives from Heart and Stroke Foundation. They are passionately reminding us to keep the health of children at the heart of our work. Dr. Sonia Anand was one of those here in Ottawa, a brilliant and kind cardiologist, professor and researcher from McMaster in Hamilton.

Every five minutes in Canada someone dies from heart condition, stroke or vascular cognitive impairment. While some risk factors are genetic, 80% of premature heart disease and stroke can be prevented through lifestyle choices like being active, healthy eating and being smoke-free. Healthy habits begin at an early age, which is why Heart and Stroke is asking for continued support when it comes to making healthier food choices for kids and taking additional steps to prevent youth from vaping.

Heart and Stroke has been fighting heart disease and stroke for over 70 years, and I thank it for its efforts.

Peterborough Petes

[Michelle Ferreri, Conservative, Peterborough—Kawartha, ON]

Mr. Speaker, nothing brings together a community more than a winning team, and the Peterborough Petes are winning. They are heading to the OHL eastern conference finals.

After sweeping the Sudbury Wolves in the first round and a decisive 4-2 series victory against the Ottawa 67's on Monday night before a sold-out Memorial Centre crowd of almost 4,000 people, the Peterborough Petes are heading to the eastern finals against the North Bay Battalion.

I would love to give a special shout-out to centre Connor Lockhart, who closed out Monday's game with a hat trick to secure the Petes' bid to the conference finals. What is so great about this is that he says his motivation was in memory of his grandmother, Janette Lockhart, who passed away Sunday night.

Everyone will no doubt hear the cheers from Peterborough when the boys in maroon and white take on your riding, Mr. Speaker, the North Bay Battalion this Friday in North Bay.

Go, Petes, go.

Children's Rights

[Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Liberal, Hochelaga, QC]

Mr. Speaker, Ruelle d’Hochelaga is a social pediatric centre that is well-rooted in my riding. At the centre, a children’s rights committee was created by young people who want to get involved and carry out social action projects.

Today in Ottawa, I am welcoming 9 young people between the ages of 10 and 16 who are members of that committee. They travelled to meet with their elected officials to present their project and their thoughts on an issue that, unfortunately, affects many countries: child soldiers. At this time, there are still over 250,000 children in armed groups around the world.

I had the opportunity to meet with these young people a year ago. I was impressed by their commitment to the cause of children’s rights, their intelligence and their thirst to learn. I would like to thank them for their visit. I especially want to congratulate them on speaking loud and clear about children’s rights. These are issues that go beyond their local community in Hochelaga but that speak to the harsh reality of children around the world. They can be proud of their work.

National Tuberculosis Elimination Strategy

[Michael McLeod, Liberal, Northwest Territories, NT]

Mr. Speaker, it is World Immunization Week, and I want to discuss tuberculosis. While there is currently a vaccine against TB, it is over 100 years old and it is of limited efficiency. TB is an airborne bacterial infectious disease. It is strongly associated with social determinants of health, such as poverty, poor living conditions like overcrowded housing, and malnutrition. It disproportionately affects indigenous and newcomer populations.

In 2018, our Liberal government committed to eliminating TB across Inuit Nunangat by 2030, but we need a more national effort as unfortunately, because of COVID, there have been disruptions to programming and care for TB, and after meeting with Stop TB Canada, I understand that we are seeing an increase in TB for the first time since 2005.

I encourage Canada to build on its commitment to eliminate TB in Inuit and on-reserve areas by developing and implementing a truly national TB elimination strategy with provinces, territories and indigenous partners to make meaningful progress toward the elimination of tuberculosis.

Rosaria Caputo

[Frank Caputo, Conservative, Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo, BC]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute my grandmother, who passed away one week ago at 99 years old. Rosaria Caputo was born in 1923 and came to Canada with her two sons, including my father, in 1961. She was a wife, a mother and a sister. She also took on the role of zia and nonna to anybody who knew her. My memories include eating gnocchi at her house well into her 80s and 90s; her pushing me out of the way in her 70s, so she could show me how to use a lawnmower; and her 60th anniversary, when she danced with joy with my grandfather.

She lived through communism, and being the child of immigrants, it is with profound joy and pride that I stand here in the House of Commons carrying on the legacy that she, as a brave immigrant to Canada, allowed me to continue.

Ciao, nonna, until we meet again.

Celiac Disease

[Sonia Sidhu, Liberal, Brampton South, ON]

Mr. Speaker, on Monday, May 1, I am proud to be sponsoring the first-ever gluten-free breakfast on Parliament Hill, alongside the member for Kitchener—Conestoga, with Celiac Canada.

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that damages the small intestine and makes it difficult for the body to absorb nutrients. Unfortunately, about 90% of celiac cases remain undiagnosed. The only effective treatment is a strict gluten-free diet, which can be challenging as gluten is present in many common foods and cross-contamination can occur very easily. This can lead to serious health consequences for people with celiac disease.

As Canadians, we can all do our part to support those living with celiac disease. By spreading awareness and understanding, we can make life easier for those living with this chronic digestive, autoimmune disorder. I hope others will join me on Monday morning to celebrate Celiac Canada's 50th anniversary and support celiac disease awareness in Canada.

Public Service Strike

[Stephanie Kusie, Conservative, Calgary Midnapore, AB]

Mr. Speaker, 155,000 public servants are on strike, and we find ourselves in this situation only because of the Prime Minister's failure to strike a deal. It takes a special type of incompetence by the Liberal government to increase public service spending by 53%, or $21 billion, and still end up with the biggest federal public service strike in history.

The government had two years to come to an agreement, but instead it has allowed access to basic and essential services to be compromised by this strike. Canadians cannot get their passports renewed, EI claims are not being assessed and Canadians who are mailing in their tax returns cannot get their refunds. This is only the start.

It is time for the Prime Minister to fix the public service he broke, so Canadians can get the services they deserve.

Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada

[Tracy Gray, Conservative, Kelowna—Lake Country, BC]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister claimed that a wall of separation exists between himself and the Trudeau Foundation, but Canadians are increasingly unable to believe him. They do not believe him when he accepts free luxury vacations to Jamaica from Trudeau Foundation donors. They do not believe him when money pours into the Trudeau Foundation, increasing donations fourfold as soon as the Prime Minister takes office. They do not believe him when his brother arranges for a six-figure donation from a Beijing-connected millionaire to the Trudeau Foundation, and they do not believe him when he appoints a member of the Trudeau Foundation to then investigate that donation. They do not believe him when he allows the Trudeau Foundation to book meetings directly inside the Prime Minister's office.

This so-called “wall” is an open door. Canadians are much smarter than that. They do not believe him after eight years of scandals and ethics breaches. He must come clean with Canadians and restore public confidence in the office he holds.

Ian Watson

[Brenda Shanahan, Liberal, Châteauguay—Lacolle, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay a final tribute to the hon. Ian Watson, who left us on April 2 at the age of 88.

Mr. Watson sat in the House of Commons from 1963 to 1984 in the governments of Lester B. Pearson, Pierre Elliott Trudeau, Joe Clark and John Turner. He was elected seven times, first in the riding of Châteauguay—Huntington—Laprairie, then Laprairie and, finally, Châteauguay.

During his political career, he was parliamentary secretary for a number of departments, including National Revenue and Urban Affairs.

A great optimist, Ian Watson believed in the power of politics to make lasting and positive changes in people's lives.

I offer my sincere condolences to the Watson family, to his many friends who sat in the House and to all of his constituents, whom Mr. Watson represented energetically throughout his political career.

Indigenous Affairs

[Lori Idlout, NDP, Nunavut, NU]

Uqaqtittiji, I cannot name the many indigenous women who have reached out to me, trying to flee from violence. If I did, I would make their already difficult situation even worse. To those who are forced to live with their abusive partners, I say, “I hear you.”

The government needs to hear that these women are forced to live in abusive situations because of the lack of housing, because there are no shelters and because the justice system is not protecting them. The government needs to recognize how failures in investing in indigenous housing leave women living in fear and unable to find safety. I am calling on this government to make much-needed investments now.

Autonomous Drill Developed in Abitibi

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

Mr. Speaker, the first autonomous drill, known as “Versadrill”, has entered the market. The Versadrill was developed in Abitibi and operates 1,300 metres below the surface at Agnico Eagle's Goldex mine in Val-d'Or. The drill is manufactured in our community, at MBI Global, a company that has been doing business in Val-d'Or for 30 years.

The autonomous drill rig is easier to operate thanks to its computer system. It is also connected to the mine's high-speed LTE network, which enables it to transmit data to the surface in real time. The autonomous drill uses the data it collects to improve its performance. It can interpret changes, be it changes in the rock, faults or a lack of water. It also has a system of optical readers that make the environment safer for workers.

Kudos to the design and production teams of this revolutionary drill. I hope their nine years of effort will soon pay off on the international stage.

Housing

[Scott Aitchison, Conservative, Parry Sound—Muskoka, ON]

Mr. Speaker, the housing crisis is holding Canadians hostage. Young people who dream of having their own home have been relegated to spare bedrooms and homes with roommates because of the sky-high cost of housing. In Canada’s biggest cities, like Toronto and Vancouver, an apartment can go for upwards of $1,300 a month. Even in smaller cities, like London, Halifax, Victoria and Winnipeg, a single room can cost upwards of $1,000 a month.

The Liberals say they have the backs of young people, yet they are making the situation worse. There are many things the federal government could be doing, like tying federal infrastructure funding to cities' getting approvals done faster, requiring high-density residential around transit, getting rid of empty federal buildings in favour of housing, and incentivizing the private sector to build more rentals.

If only the Liberal government understood that the housing situation in Canada is, in fact, a crisis, maybe then the young people of this country would no longer be forced to pay the high price for Liberal failures.

Official Languages

[Marc Serré, Liberal, Nickel Belt, ON]

Mr. Speaker, official languages have been a priority for our government since 2015, as evidenced by the record investments we have made. Today, my colleague, the Minister of Official Languages, announced the new action plan for official languages 2023–2028, an unprecedented investment of $4.1 billion to reverse the decline of French and support our official language minority communities through francophone immigration, the educational continuum and support for community organizations.

The voices of those communities were heard, and today we have delivered. I am proud of this plan, which will have a significant impact on the Franco-Ontarian community of Nickel Belt in Greater Sudbury. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the stakeholders across the country who work in community organizations and promote francophone culture, as well as the educational institutions in our communities across the country.

Democratic Institutions

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, according to our intelligence services, the Beijing dictatorship gave $140,000 to the Trudeau Foundation. The purpose of this donation was to influence the Liberal leader, who is now the Prime Minister.

Alexandre Trudeau is the person who made arrangements for this donation from China. Any other person would have been called to appear here, in Parliament, to answer questions.

Will the Prime Minister support a motion to invite Alexandre Trudeau to appear before a parliamentary committee to answer questions about this donation, whose purpose was to influence the Prime Minister?

[Justin Trudeau, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, as I have said several times in the House, it has been 10 years since I have had any direct or indirect involvement with the foundation that bears my father's name. With respect to the committee, the hon. member knows very well that committees decide who will or will not be called to testify.

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister is insulting Canadians' intelligence by trying to convince them he has no ties to the Trudeau Foundation, when its donors pay for his vacations and his brother facilitated a donation to the foundation from China that was intended to influence the Prime Minister.

If he truly has nothing to hide, will he support a motion to invite Alexandre Trudeau to appear before a parliamentary committee to answer questions, yes or no?

[Justin Trudeau, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, I have already answered that question, as everyone here knows. For 10 years, I have had no direct or indirect involvement with the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation.

We might ask ourselves why the Conservatives want to keep spending their time attacking me and my family instead of talking about the budget and the challenges facing Canadians.

It is because we are here to deliver for Canadians with a grocery rebate, with help for dental care, with initiatives and programs that help Canadians immediately.

Labour

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, what he delivered is a bureaucracy that costs $20 billion more. That is $1,300 per Canadian family in additional costs related to that spending, and they are getting fewer services. Public servants are on strike, so taxpayers cannot even get answers to their tax questions before the filing deadline on Monday.

Given that Canadian taxpayers are not getting the services they pay for, is it time for them to go on strike as well?

[Justin Trudeau, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, unlike the Conservative Party, we on this side of the House support workers and unions in the important work that they do.

We know that public servants provide important services to Canadians, and the government appreciates their work, particularly the work that they have done over the past few years, which have been difficult. That is why we are working tirelessly to come to an agreement that is fair for public servants and reasonable for taxpayers.

We will continue to ensure that everyone at the bargaining table takes the work seriously, and we will resolve this situation the right way.