Debates of May 11th, 2023

House of Commons Hansard #195 of the 44th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was quebec.

Topics

This summary is computer-generated. Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.

Criminal Code First reading of Bill S-205. The bill amends the Criminal Code regarding interim release and domestic violence recognizance orders. It proposes mandatory ankle bracelets for dangerous abusers to alert victims, aiming to save lives, especially women fleeing abuse. 200 words.

Radiocommunication Act First reading of Bill S-242. The bill amends the Radiocommunication Act with a "use it or lose it" provision for wireless spectrum licences. It requires service to 50% of the area within three years to improve connectivity and curb speculation. 200 words.

Petitions

Lets'emot regional aquatic centre funding

Human rights, environmental due diligence

Opioid crisis, decriminalize drugs

Stop Bill C-21

Opposition Motion—Immigration Levels Members debate a Bloc Québécois motion to reject the Century Initiative's objectives and urge the government not to use them for future immigration levels. The Bloc argues that tripling Canada's population impacts the French language, Quebec's political weight, and infrastructure, without proper consultation. The Liberals emphasize immigration's economic benefits and the importance of francophone immigration, stating the Century Initiative does not dictate government policy. Conservatives support the motion, criticizing current backlogs and advocating for common-sense immigration based on Canada's needs. The NDP expresses concern about the motion's language, fearing it may blame immigrants for existing challenges. 42500 words, 5 hours in 2 segments: 1 2.

Statements by Members

Island farmers and climate adaptation

Moose Hide Campaign against gender violence

Mothers, strength, resilience, and economic policy

Tribute to Luc Noël of Minganie

National Nursing Week and nurses' contributions

Twinning of Trans-Canada Highway

Williams syndrome and Karina Scali's achievements

Portuguese migration to Canada in 1953

Liberals' policy on journalists' sources

Shooting in Bourget, officer death

Carbon tax impact on farmers

Conservatives' plan to address inflation

Mother's Day tribute to mothers

Canada Post's rural service delivery

Anti-abortion demonstrators on Parliament Hill

Death of Sergeant Eric Mueller

Protecting access to abortion rights

Question Period

The Conservatives heavily criticize the Prime Minister for erasing Canadian history from passports, specifically removing Terry Fox, Vimy, and Quebec City. They condemn the Liberal government's cost of living crisis, highlighting the impact of the second carbon tax on fuel and food prices, and the deepening housing crisis exacerbated by CMHC's executive bonuses.

The Liberals defend their decisions on passport designs, stating they don't claim a monopoly on Canadian history. They emphasize their fiscal record, investments in housing, and social programs, accusing the opposition of filibustering support for Canadians. They firmly uphold women's right to choose, highlight progress on immigration processing, and address foreign interference threats.

The Bloc criticizes the government's immigration targets, specifically the Century Initiative, which Quebec unanimously opposes due to concerns about integration capacity and health transfers. They also question the Prime Minister's inaction on CSIS briefings regarding threats against MPs and foreign interference.

The NDP criticizes the Liberals for their "empty words" and inaction on reproductive rights, particularly concerning abortion access in rural areas. They also question government funding for anti-choice groups and call for free contraceptives for all Canadians.

Old Age Security Act Second reading of Bill C-319. The bill proposes to increase Old Age Security (OAS) by 10% for all seniors aged 65+ and raise the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) earnings exemption. Andréanne Larouche (Bloc) states it combats age discrimination and helps seniors with inflation. The Liberal government highlights its existing supports, including a 10% OAS increase for those 75+ and new dental care, arguing these are data-driven. 8700 words, 1 hour.

Adjournment Debate - Indigenous Affairs Elizabeth May is concerned about ongoing leaks from Imperial Oil's Kearl mine tailings ponds impacting the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation. She asks why the government is not taking action against "corporate criminals". Julie Dabrusin says the government is investigating and working with Indigenous communities, while emphasizing provincial regulation. 1200 words, 10 minutes.

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Indigenous AffairsAdjournment Proceedings

May 11th, 2023 / 7:15 p.m.

Liberal

Julie Dabrusin Liberal Toronto—Danforth, ON

Mr. Speaker, Environment and Climate Change officials carried out inspections at the site after they became aware of the incident on February 7. In addition to the investigation, officers will continue to monitor the mitigation measures taken by Imperial Oil to prevent impacts to fish-bearing water, as required by the Fisheries Act direction issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada enforcement on March 10.

A Fisheries Act direction is a compliance tool that may be issued by enforcement officers when there is an unauthorized deposit of a deleterious substance into water frequented by fish or when there is a serious and imminent danger of such an incident and immediate action is necessary. The department is continuing the investigation.

Indigenous AffairsAdjournment Proceedings

7:15 p.m.

The Deputy Speaker Chris d'Entremont

The motion to adjourn the House is now deemed to have been adopted. Accordingly, the House stands adjourned until tomorrow at 10 a.m., pursuant to Standing Order 24(1).

(The House adjourned at 7:18 p.m.)