Debates of May 10th, 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 Halifax West.

[Members sang the national anthem]

Sexual and Reproductive Health

[Emmanuella Lambropoulos, Liberal, Saint-Laurent, QC]

Mr. Speaker, as someone who strongly supports women's rights, including a woman's right to choose, I was thrilled that our government invested $4.1 million to support organizations that help women receive reproductive health services, and that budget 2023 has carved out $36 million over three years to renew the sexual and reproductive health fund to make abortions and other sexual and reproductive health care information and services available and accessible to more Canadians.

In contrast, the Conservatives are hell-bent on restricting access to safe and legal abortion, under every false legislative pretext they can imagine. The Conservatives have shown us, time and again, that they think reproductive rights are negotiable. The latest example of this is Bill C-311. This bill is a transparent attempt to reopen the abortion debate in Canada.

On this side of the House, we will always stand up for women's fundamental rights, even as the Conservatives try to turn back the clock.

100th Anniversary of Sainte-Marie Bakery

[Richard Lehoux, Conservative, Beauce, QC]

Mr. Speaker, this year marks the 100th anniversary of the famous Vachon snack cakes and their bakery, which is located in Sainte-Marie in my riding.

In 1923, Rose‑Anna Giroux started a business by buying a bakery for $7,000 so that her children, who were living in the United States, would come back home. Bread sales were going well, but Rose‑Anna decided to diversify by making some sweet treats on the wood stove of her modest home. The rest is history.

The bakery has employed and continues to employ many families in Beauce. Located in the heart of town, the bakery has faced many challenges, including frequent floods.

For 100 years, and thanks to substantial recent investments from Bimbo Canada, the bakery has rolled up its sleeves and fired up its ovens again while remaining in the downtown core, just a few hundred metres from where it all began in the little house where Rose‑Anna and Joseph Arcade Vachon lived. I commend the entire team for their achievements and congratulate them on their 100th anniversary. Long live the Vachon bakery.

I also want to acknowledge the excellent work of the interpreters in the House of Commons. Today, my speech was interpreted by Émilie Vachon, the great-granddaughter of the founders of the Vachon bakery.

Thomas Allen Tweddle

[Marie-France Lalonde, Liberal, Orléans, ON]

Mr. Speaker, it is with emotion that I join my community of Orléans to express our deepest sympathy to the family and numerous friends of Thomas Allen Tweddle, known as Al, following his passing on May 1.

Anyone who has crossed paths with Al would say that it is simply impossible to list all his contributions to our community. His necrology says, “‘Big Al’ was a fixture in the community; much like the local parks, nature trails, hockey rinks and tennis courts he helped build. He was a tireless advocate for Petrie Island, a beautiful oasis he helped develop in the east end.”

As an Orléans resident and its representative, I had the privilege of collaborating with this great advocate of nature, the environment and education. I thank Al for teaching us the importance of caring for our environment.

Nicole Garceau and Michel Pilon

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

Mr. Speaker, last month, Nicole Garceau and Michel Pilon received the Quebec National Assembly medal to acknowledge their contribution to artistic development in Abitibi-Témiscamingue and their influence outside the region.

Mr. Pilon is the manager of a theatre troupe in Val‑d'Or called Cie de la 2e scène, and he has also been a director and actor for 40 years or so. He is also the author of the dramatic comedy Le théâtre de la vieille gare.

Ms. Garceau founded the Festival de contes et légendes en Abitibi‑Témiscamingue in 2003. This fall festival celebrates storytelling and the spoken word, with events held both in Val‑d'Or and on the road in towns and villages across the region. It features both local and international storytellers. The festival will mark its 20th anniversary in 2023. It is thanks to this woman of words and images that many people have had the chance to set foot on the stage.

Congratulations to both of them. This is a well-deserved honour.

Saint Mary's University Graduates

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

Mr. Speaker, the season for handing out diplomas has come. I applaud the hard work of the students graduating from our post-secondary institutions, including Saint Mary's University in Halifax. My daughter Marena is one of them, as she is about to receive her bachelor of science degree with a major in biology and a minor in French.

I also applaud the dedication of the faculty and staff who guide our future leaders in their respective fields. I would especially like to mention the Centre international d'études françaises, which offered my daughter instruction in the French language and culture. She participated in study abroad programs at the Université catholique de l'Ouest in Angers, France.

As a proud alumna of Saint Mary's University, I know that the time all students spend at this university sets them up for success.

To one and all, I offer my heartfelt congratulations.

Jury Service

[Michael Cooper, Conservative, St. Albert—Edmonton, AB]

Mr. Speaker, jurors play an integral role in our justice system, often at a considerable personal cost, from being away from family and work to suffering from mental health issues after a difficult trial. Nothing can fully prepare someone for jury service.

Earlier this year, a bill that I championed to better support juror mental health became law, but there is still lots of work to do. The federal government has a key leadership role in working with the provinces and territories to bolster juror supports, and there needs to be greater public awareness. That is why I fully support Bill S-252 to dedicate the second week of May as national jury duty appreciation week.

I want to thank all jurors for their important contributions to Canada's justice system.

Athletes from Whitby

[Ryan Turnbull, Liberal, Whitby, ON]

Mr. Speaker, every year, Canada produces world-class athletes who go on to achieve great things. Today, I want to acknowledge the accomplishments of three stars.

Priscilla Lopes-Schliep is a track and field champion who won a bronze medal in the women's 100-metre hurdles at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Derek Suddons was a member of the Canadian bronze-winning team at the 1996 U-19 World Field Lacrosse Games in Tokyo. Adrian Woodley has won four national championships in 110-metre hurdles.

What do these athletes have in common? All of them come from Whitby, Ontario, my riding. On April 29, I and community leaders from across Whitby had the chance to hear their stories and celebrate their accomplishments as they were inducted into the Whitby Sports Hall of Fame.

I hope members will join me in congratulating Priscilla, Derek and Adrian for their many successes and for supporting those who aspire to follow in their footsteps.

Ukraine

[Yvan Baker, Liberal, Etobicoke Centre, ON]

Mr. Speaker, since Russia began its further genocidal invasion of Ukraine, I have advocated that we do everything possible to ensure that Ukraine achieves a decisive victory. Our government has said that Canada will stand with the Ukrainian people until they win, and that “victory is the only option”.

Victory is the only option for Ukraine, but it is also the only option for Canada. If we want to stop genocide, global food shortages and global inflation, and if we want to protect our own sovereignty and security, we must ensure that Ukraine achieves a decisive victory. That means that Ukraine wins the war by ensuring that it recovers all of its territory and that it wins the peace, which means that it is secure as part of NATO, that we help Ukraine rebuild, that Russia pays for that rebuild and that there is justice for Russian war crimes.

A Ukrainian counter-offensive is coming, the outcome of which we cannot predict. Regardless of that outcome over the coming days, weeks and months, I hope that we commit, today, that we will stand with the Ukrainian people until they achieve that decisive victory, because victory is the only option for Ukraine and it is the only option for Canada.

Slava Ukraini.

Bail Reform

[Greg McLean, Conservative, Calgary Centre, AB]

Mr. Speaker, catch-and-release for repeat violent offenders and decriminalizing hard drugs have boosted violent crime and drug overdoses across the country. In downtown Calgary, I can see the impact first-hand. Property crime is up 65%. Addictions and homelessness are up. Most troubling is that deaths from overdose went up. People have stopped taking the CTrain because it is not safe. Seniors have told me they are more isolated because they do not feel safe on the street. It is simply not working.

What is working is the Alberta model, a system of care developed by the Alberta government over the past three years that is centred on transforming addiction treatment to focus on long-term recovery. The world is watching Alberta succeed, and is taking note. Recovery is possible, and everyone should be supported in getting the care they need.

The federal government also needs to do its part. The Liberals need to address the bail reform which has been called for by law enforcement and by victim advocates across the country. A Conservative government would reverse easy access to bail and ensure that serious, repeat violent offenders remain behind bars as they await trial.

Battle of the Atlantic

[Peter Fragiskatos, Liberal, London North Centre, ON]

Mr. Speaker, our country is an example of democracy, prosperity and freedom on the world stage.

That sacrifice that has been made to secure those values was recognized this weekend in London. HMCS Prevost, an honoured naval detachment, recognized the fallen in the Battle of the Atlantic, the longest continuous battle of World War II. Over 70,000 people died on the Allied side, including over 4,000 Canadians. They died trying to secure shipping lanes vital to the Allied effort, which secured the delivery of food, equipment, oil and other vital needs. Without this battle and its success, the Allied effort would not have been successful.

As I say, HMCS Prevost plays a vital role in our community. It is an example of a naval detachment that cares and that gives back.

I especially want to congratulate the young members of this organization. It is an example of patriotism. It is an example of service to our country.

Conservative Party of Canada

[Jeremy Patzer, Conservative, Cypress Hills—Grasslands, SK]

Mr. Speaker, the past week and a half has seen the Liberals stoop to a new low. Rather than accept responsibility for their inaction on the threats against the family member of the MP for Wellington—Halton Hills, the Liberals chose to victim blame and gaslight our colleague, who is widely regarded as the most honourable member of the House. The government should seek to build trust and earn the respect of people. That includes standing up for our fellow citizens and members of Parliament.

This is not the Prime Minister's focus, though. His priorities are political division and going on vacation, but our Conservative leader is working hard to unite Canadians and earn their trust and respect. He would bring home freedom for Canadians from foreign dictatorships who seek to intimidate and control diaspora communities by implementing a foreign operative registry and by expelling rogue diplomats. He would bring home a united country and stand up for all Canadians, unlike the Prime Minister, who only cares about his elite Liberal friends.

It is time for the Prime Minister to step aside so a Conservative government can fix what he broke.

Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada

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

Mr. Speaker, Canadians are out of money and the Prime Minister is out of touch. After eight years—

[The Speaker, Liberal, Anthony Rota]

I am sorry to interrupt, but if members can hear my voice, I ask them to please say “sh”. I would like to remind everyone that S.O. 31s are taking place.

The hon. member for Stormont—Dundas—South Glengarry may continue.

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

Mr. Speaker, Canadians are out of money and the Prime Minister is out of touch.

After eight years, the cost of living is at an all-time high. Paycheques are wearing thin. Housing, rent and mortgages have all doubled. The carbon tax will add 41¢ a litre to the price of gas. After eight years of the government's soft-on-crime policies and a broken bail system, violent crime has gone up a staggering 32% in this country.

Canadians are struggling, but the Prime Minister has never had it so good. He has had five lavish vacations this year alone, most recently in New York taking selfies with celebrities, and an $80,000 free vacation to Jamaica, which was conveniently paid for by a Trudeau Foundation donor.

The contrast between this out-of-touch Prime Minister and our Conservative leader could not be more clear. Our leader is here on the road in this country, meeting with hard-working Canadians, hearing their stories and actually showing up for work here in Ottawa.

Canadians are out of money, and the Prime Minister is out of touch, but soon—

[The Speaker, Liberal, Anthony Rota]

The hon. member for Hochelaga.

Women's Right to Choose

[Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Liberal, Hochelaga, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I was supposed to talk about Mother's Day today, but my mother and all the women who fought for a woman's right to choose expect every woman in the House to speak out against any attempts to turn back the clock on that right.

I would like to echo the great speech that the member for Outremont gave yesterday. The bill proposed by the Conservative Party member is designed to create a loophole in abortion access in Canada. The Conservatives are using a bill ostensibly intended to confer rights on fetuses in the event of a crime as a smokescreen for infringing women's freedom of choice.

If passed, this bill would help reopen arguments in favour of abortion restrictions. This new attempt by the Conservatives is unacceptable. We in the Liberal Party will always stand with women and protect the right to choose. The question now is whether the leader of the Conservative Party is truly pro-choice. To abstain or to vote in favour of this bill is to vote in favour of rolling back women's—

[The Speaker, Liberal, Anthony Rota]

The hon. member for Churchill—Keewatinook Aski.

Soccer in Canada

[Niki Ashton, NDP, Churchill—Keewatinook Aski, MB]

Mr. Speaker, as the outdoor soccer season begins again in our north, I recognize the girls and women who continue to blaze trails. Soccer, the fastest growing sport in Canada, is affordable and inclusive. For Canadian girls and women, Christine Sinclair is a legend, and our national team show us that soccer is our sport.

Nationally, Canada Soccer has just elected its first ever woman as president, Charmaine Crooks. We are on track to make history at the Women's World Cup this summer, and we are gearing up to co-host the men's World Cup for the first time ever in 2026.

In our north, the excitement is growing. Let us seize the moment and make sure that girls and all our kids are part of our vision for soccer going forward. Let us support the work of volunteers, coaches and refs. These are the women such as Savanna Henderson, Michelle Day, Stephanie Davis, Carmen Ho, Erica Christensen, Sandra Lambert and many others, who give our kids a chance.

It is time for Canada to invest in soccer for our girls and all our kids here in our north and across the country. Our message is that soccer belongs here.

Fatima-Zahra Hafdi

[Denis Trudel, Bloc, Longueuil—Saint-Hubert, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I am so proud to rise today to recognize a young artist from Quebec who is competing in the biggest song contest in the world, Eurovision. The final is this Saturday and will be watched by more than 200 million people.

Fatima-Zahra Hafdi, who goes by La Zarra, was born in Montreal and grew up in Longueuil. She was nominated as breakthrough artist of the year at the 2022 ADISQ Gala and was selected by France's Eurovision organizing committee to represent that country, while also showcasing Quebec on the international stage.

Her song, Évidemment, is rhythmic, inspiring and sung entirely in French. It is definitely a winning song, and it showcases her voice and her culture. I encourage everyone to have a listen.

I predict that on May 13, Quebec and France will be celebrating this incredible artist's victory. La Zarra is a source of pride for all Quebeckers. We are all cheering for her.

Government Priorities

[John Barlow, Conservative, Foothills, AB]

Mr. Speaker, Canadians are out of money, and the Prime Minister is out of touch and often out of the country. While Canadians struggle to put food on the table and a roof over their heads, the Prime Minister has very different priorities. Here are the numbers that the Prime Minister is concerned about: $80,000 is the value of a trip paid for by Trudeau Foundation donors; 15 is the number of celebrities he met during the lavish trip to New York; and 45 is the number of selfies taken.

Thanks to the Liberal-NDP carbon tax coalition, here are the numbers that concern Canadians: zero is the number of emission targets hit; 41¢ is the increase in the price of gas per litre; $150,000 is the price an average farm family will have to pay thanks to the carbon tax; and 34% is the amount grocery prices are predicted to increase by 2030.

Canadians are living a nightmare and paying for the Prime Minister's authoritarian dream. A Conservative government will scrap the carbon tax scam, bring home powerful paycheques and ensure that the dreams of Canadians come first.

Jaspreet Singh Pandher

[Sukh Dhaliwal, Liberal, Surrey—Newton, BC]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to pay honour to a remarkable young man from Edmonton Mill Woods, Jaspreet Singh Pandher, who passed away on January 20 at the age of 32.

Jaspreet spent several years on our Liberal government team serving Canadians and building a better country. He had a deep passion for Canadian politics and dedicated himself to advancing inclusivity and quality. He was humble, worked hard, spoke thoughtfully and always knew exactly how to make people laugh.

To the family and friends of Jaspreet who are here in Ottawa today, and all those who knew him irrespective of political stripe, I extend my sincere condolences. May Jaspreet Singh Pandher's legacy continue to inspire those he touched for many years to come.

Passports

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister could not be more out of touch with reality.

He heard that there were problems with passports, but he was not aware that Canadians could not get one. He thought the images were the problem. That is why he got rid of Quebec City, Terry Fox and even the Battle of Vimy, where 3,598 Canadians died to defend freedom and define our country.

Why does the Prime Minister want to erase this important part of our history?

[Justin Trudeau, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, Canadians will receive their passports on time. They will be able to travel and continue to be proud of their country and history.

I want to point out that no one will take any lessons from the Conservative Party about how to treat veterans. The Conservatives were always very quick to use them as a symbol or for photo ops. Meanwhile, they were shutting down veterans offices across the country. They were slashing funding for veterans. They were constantly attacking veterans instead of supporting them.

On this side of the House, we are there to defend our veterans and always will be.

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, the question was about why he is deleting our veterans from our history. Why is he deleting the 3,598 Canadians who gave their lives at Vimy so Canada could have freedom and victory? He is erasing them, and with that, he is insulting all of our veterans.

Why will the Prime Minister not stand up for our history, get connected to reality and keep the images in our passport that make us so proud to be Canadians?