Debates of May 12th, 2023

National Nursing Week

[Irek Kusmierczyk, Liberal, Windsor—Tecumseh, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the incredible nurses and nurse practitioners in my community of Windsor—Tecumseh and to say thanks for their dedication, talents and compassion.

On Monday, our community gathered to recognize nurse practitioner Mary Cunningham as the recipient of the Lois Fairley Nurse of the Year community service award. Mary, reflecting on her 46-year career of service above self, much of it taking care of the most vulnerable in the intensive care unit, says she always wanted to be a nurse, since she was a little girl. “I think when you touch people’s lives and you can help people, there’s nothing more rewarding than that”, says Mary.

Nursing is a calling, and nurses are our angels. To Mary, my wife Shauna and all the incredible nurses and nurse practitioners who look after our community, we wish them a very happy National Nursing Week.

Alberta Wildfires

[Dane Lloyd, Conservative, Sturgeon River—Parkland, AB]

Mr. Speaker, wildfires continue to ravage communities across Alberta, including in Parkland, Yellowhead, Brazeau County and Drayton Valley. A state of emergency is in place and many residents have evacuated to the towns of Stony Plain and Spruce Grove.

Last weekend, our community stepped up to help the evacuated families by hosting a pancake breakfast at the Stony Plain Legion. I would like to thank all the volunteers who showed up, including Roger Hebblethwaite and Kristine Alex, as well as those from the Stony Plain Legion and the Kinsmen Club. I also want to thank our generous local businesses like Freson Bros., the Grove RV and the Co-op for their generous support.

While there has been some rain, the situation remains volatile. I want to thank Parkland Mayor Allan Gamble, MLA Shane Getson and their teams for their leadership.

Finally, I also want to thank all of our first responders, particularly our newly deployed Canadian Forces members, for their assistance at this terrible time. This is truly an all-of-Canada effort, and I am so proud of my community for stepping up to help our neighbours in their time of need.

Mother’s Day

[Paul Chiang, Liberal, Markham—Unionville, ON]

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to all mothers across Canada who will be celebrating Mother’s Day this weekend.

As we celebrate this special occasion, I cannot help but reflect on the immense contributions of mothers across Canada. As a member of Parliament, I am privileged to represent the values and aspirations of my constituents, but today I want to take a moment to recognize the hard work and dedication of my wife, Monica, who is the mother of three and grandmother of six. She has been a source of inspiration and strength for our family, and her selflessness and devotion to our children and grandchildren have been unwavering.

Indeed, mothers everywhere play an essential role in shaping the lives of their children and building strong families and communities. They provide care, support and guidance to their children, and they instill the values that shape their character and shape our future. On Mother's Day, let us celebrate and appreciate the countless contributions of mothers in our lives. Let us honour them, cherish them, and give them the respect they deserve.

I wish a happy Mother's Day to all.

Alberta Wildfires

[Blake Desjarlais, NDP, Edmonton Griesbach, AB]

Mr. Speaker, the out-of-control wildfires in western Canada have forced thousands of my fellow Albertans from their homes. Even worse, many have no homes left at all, like one of my elders, Harry Supernault. A retired community leader and constantly hard-working man, he carved his home out of the bush in the East Prairie Metis Settlement. He has raised his children and his grandchildren on that land, passing down many invaluable indigenous teachings, his home now reduced to ash.

My friends, let me be clear, this crisis is the product of the deadly combination of climate change and UCP austerity. The UCP's cuts to first responders and firefighter programs, like the rappel program, have undoubtedly left Albertans with less protection. Albertans are paying for the Conservatives' dismantling and defunding of first responders.

To Harry and to folks like him, I say, “We are with you. Stay strong, and we will rebuild.”

Have a Heart Day

[Anita Vandenbeld, Liberal, Ottawa West—Nepean, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to highlight the contributions to Have a Heart Day of students in my riding attending Dr. F. J. McDonald Catholic School, École élémentaire publique Charlotte-Lemieux and École élémentaire publique Mamawi.

This annual event is organized by the First Nations Child & Family Caring Society and dedicated to indigenous reconciliation. On Have a Heart Day, these engaged youth took the initiative to write to our Prime Minister to plead for lasting and positive change in the lives of Inuit, Métis and first nations children.

It is heartwarming to know that youth are fighting for justice. Seeing the energy and determination of these young people, I am convinced that our future is in good hands.

Law Enforcement Officers' Safety

[Mel Arnold, Conservative, North Okanagan—Shuswap, BC]

Mr. Speaker, this week we lost another police officer, and two more were injured in the line of duty. Sergeant Eric Mueller lost his life while working to keep his community safe. Our condolences go to his family and the entire law enforcement community. We wish for a speedy recovery for the other officers injured.

Across the country, this week in Vernon, B.C., the RCMP and School District No. 22 are partnering to hold the Jean Minguy Memorial Youth Academy, in honour of RCMP Constable Jean Minguy, who lost his life in an accident while on duty in 2005. The academy provides an opportunity for candidates to explore law enforcement in a hands-on, simulated police academy format. It is my hope that the candidates' experiences will lead to a bright future in law enforcement.

I also hope that we, as legislators, can work with law enforcement agencies to draft and amend effective laws that will keep our officers and our communities safe in the future.

John and Muriel Arnason Award Recipients

[John Aldag, Liberal, Cloverdale—Langley City, BC]

Mr. Speaker, the John and Muriel Arnason Award is granted to a couple who “serve together to make the Township of Langley a better place through charitable, philanthropic, or other means”.

This year’s recipients were Township of Langley residents Darcy and Manjit Gill. Since 1994, Darcy and Manjit have both been actively volunteering in the community and have made a significant difference in people’s lives. They are or have been involved with the Langley Memorial Hospital Foundation, Langley Meals on Wheels, BC Children’s Hospital Foundation, the B.C. Cancer Society, and the list goes on. Even right now, every week, Manjit delivers meals to students at HD Stafford Middle School. Our community is very grateful to this couple.

I congratulate Darcy and Manjit on this recent recognition. Their work makes our community a better place.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all moms, including mine, a happy Mother's Day.

Heart Lake Wildlife Protection

[Ruby Sahota, Liberal, Brampton North, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Leo O'Brien, a resident of Brampton North, for his tireless efforts to protect the environment and the turtles that call Heart Lake home.

Heart Lake Road divides a conservation area from a marshy wetland. With an increase in traffic, the community noticed a spike in deaths of wildlife on the road. This, of course, prompted Leo into action. He recruited a team of volunteers to do the arduous task of gathering data by tracking how many and what type of amphibians and other animals were being killed by vehicles. This involved even having to scrape dead turtles off the road and meticulously catalogue them. This sad and often gruesome task played a vital role in understanding the impact on the local ecology, which led to the approval of the installation of an eco fence, a huge victory for Leo and the team of turtle troopers, but also for Bramptonians.

As a community, we are fortunate to have someone like Leo. I want to commend him for his hard work, his passion and his unwavering commitment to the environment. I hope his example will inspire others to take action to protect our planet.

Mother's Day

[Karen Vecchio, Conservative, Elgin—Middlesex—London, ON]

Mr. Speaker, Mother's Day is a day to celebrate and honour mothers and mother figures for the love, support and care they provide to their children and families. It is a day to appreciate the hard work and the sacrifices mothers make to raise their children and maintain their households. The day also recognizes the many different forms of motherhood, including stepmothers, foster mothers, adoptive mothers and grandmothers. Mother's Day is essential because it promotes gratitude, respect and love towards the most important women in our lives and strengthens the family bond. It is also an opportunity to reflect on the importance of maternal figures and the impact they have on our society.

On a personal note, it is a day when I reflect on the love of my family: my children, who have made me the woman I am today and have given me a reason to fight for this country. To my own mother, I say, “I love you. I thank you for always having my best interest, and for the love and support you have always provided to me. I know you are watching today. Happy Mother's Day.”

To all the mothers abroad and here in Canada, I wish them a happy Mother's Day.

International Criminal Court

[Gary Anandasangaree, Liberal, Scarborough—Rouge Park, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight Canada’s continued support for the vital work of the International Criminal Court.

Last week, the Minister of Justice and I had an opportunity to meet with Mr. Karim Khan, chief prosecutor of the ICC, on his first official visit to Canada. Canada has been a leader in supporting the ICC since its inception, and we continue to support its efforts in bringing those who commit atrocities and crimes to justice. Victims, survivors and their families deserve to know the truth and have a path toward justice.

While much work remains ahead, I am encouraged by the leadership and the relentless commitment of Karim Khan toward pursuing accountability. I would like to thank and salute Karim Khan and all of the staff at the ICC for their tireless efforts to ensure that independent and impartial investigations are undertaken and the pursuit of justice is at the centre of their work.

Alberta Wildfires

[Ziad Aboultaif, Conservative, Edmonton Manning, AB]

Mr. Speaker, as wildfires rage across Alberta, the people of Edmonton have opened their doors and their hearts to those fleeing the devastation. Adversity brings out the spirit of community adopted by the pioneers who settled our province in the face of much hardship.

Many times, we have no control over the situations we find ourselves in, but we can control our response. Canadians come together in a crisis. We support each other, because that is the Canadian thing to do. Albertans and Canadians understand the need to work together. I am grateful to those across the country who have travelled to Alberta to aid the firefighting efforts.

On behalf of everyone in Alberta, I want to thank those from other provinces and territories for standing with us to fight the wildfires. I hope the federal government will do the same.

Liberal Party of Canada

[Colin Carrie, Conservative, Oshawa, ON]

Mr. Speaker, under the Prime Minister, life in Oshawa costs more. Housing is through the roof, food costs are up and this tired, expensive government is out of touch. While Oshawa seniors struggle, the Prime Minister takes his private jet to New York to take selfies with his rich friends, or to one of five vacations this year alone. Who pays for this Hollywood lifestyle of his? It is Canadians and his Trudeau Foundation donors, of course.

While the Prime Minister lives it up, seniors are paying twice the amount for rent and have to choose between food and energy. With the new carbon tax, gas will go up another 41¢ per litre. To make things worse, the Liberals' catch-and-release “justice” makes our streets less safe, and by decriminalizing hard drugs, we are seeing record overdoses and violent crime skyrocketing. Why will he not put the needs of victims ahead of the rights of repeat violent offenders?

Oshawa needs a Prime Minister who works for them, not a Prime Minister who is out of the country and out of touch while Canadians are out of money.

Women's Rights

[Élisabeth Brière, Liberal, Sherbrooke, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I join my voice to that of my many colleagues who are concerned about the Conservatives' Bill C‑311, which is an attempt to reopen the abortion debate.

Our government will always protect access to abortion and affirm that it is an essential right for women's health.

In budget 2023, we committed to pay Health Canada $36 million to renew funding for sexual and reproductive health and to guarantee access to sexual and reproductive health care for vulnerable populations across the country.

Since 2015, we have invested more than half a billion dollars in international aid for reproductive health and we have expanded access to the morning-after pill.

In Canada, our mothers fought hard for their rights until abortion was decriminalized in 1988. That said, the fight for women's rights is far from over.

On this side of the House, it is crystal clear, we are proudly pro-choice and we always will be.

Opioids

[Rachel Blaney, NDP, North Island—Powell River, BC]

Mr. Speaker, hearing a parent say, “Once they are dead, there is no helping them” is terrible. Across Canada, so many people have lost their loved ones to the toxic drug crisis. In the past six years, nearly 25,000 Canadians have died of apparent overdoses. Moms Stop the Harm is fighting back, in the name of the precious children they have lost, using all that pain to take action for every opportunity to save a life.

A recent report by the Mental Health Commission of Canada and the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction found that fewer than one in four people with problematic substance use accessed services. Many constituents have talked to me about safe consumption, knowing that safe supply is there to address what is killing their loved ones, the toxic drug supply. This is not a treatment for addiction; it is an intervention to keep people alive.

There is nothing I would not do to keep someone alive long enough to consider treatment. To save lives, we must stop the stigma.

Volaria Festival

[Jean-Denis Garon, Bloc, Mirabel, QC]

Mr. Speaker, from September 8 to 10, my hon. colleagues are all invited to Volaria, the biggest air show in Quebec.

Drawing over 50,000 visitors last year, this proudly Mirabel-based festival is shooting for the moon for its second edition, with an open-air museum, breathtaking air shows, a futuristic showcase featuring the latest advances in aerospace technology, a job fair, a family zone, a gourmet food court and more. The festival has everything visitors could want to make their weekend unforgettable. To top it all off, the Volaria festival has secured level 3 carbon accreditation.

Everyone knows how strongly I feel about developing Mirabel's aviation industry. I talk about it often in the House. From providing jobs to promoting the future of the Mirabel airport and our aviation sector, this event is extremely important to local residents.

This summer, I urge everyone to make room in their schedule for the Volaria festival and prepare to be amazed. Everyone is welcome.

Seniors

[Anna Roberts, Conservative, King—Vaughan, ON]

Mr. Speaker, according to Stats Canada, over 115,000 widowed seniors are living below the poverty line. These are men and women who have worked their entire lives building this country, but they are no longer able to put food on the table. Instead, they are waiting in long lineups at their local food banks.

In fact, according to Global News, over 3,200 people are being served weekly at a Toronto food bank. Food banks are on the verge of collapse. The annual budget of $1.8 million has now become a monthly budget. What will happen when these food banks have no choice but to turn away hungry people due to the Liberal government's out-of-control inflationary spending?

It is clear. The Liberals are out of touch and Canadian seniors are out of money. Our common sense Conservative leader will make life more affordable and fix what the Liberals have broken.

Sport in Canada

[Adam van Koeverden, Liberal, Milton, ON]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday was such an important day for Canadian sport. Our government announced reforms to the Canadian sport system that will improve governance and accountability, increase athlete engagement and decision making, and enhance safe sport practices right across our country.

Canadians love sport. It keeps us happy and healthy, and ensures that our communities are active, connected and engaged. The changes announced yesterday will ensure that sport continues to be a healthy, happy place for kids and all participants right across our country.

Through the community sport for all initiative, our government has partnered with organizations such as Participaction, Canadian Women and Sport, KidSport, Spirit North and Canadian Tire's Jumpstart, and the results are incredible. Hundreds of thousands of children have had opportunities to learn physical literacy skills, meet new friends and set new goals because of our government's investments in affordable and accessible community-level sport programs from coast to coast to coast.

Last month, I had the chance to go to Canmore, Alberta, to visit Spirit North to see first hand how it is working with first nations communities and leaders to bring sport and traditional activities to Stoney Nakoda youth and indigenous kids right across Canada. I love to see it.

The weather is great, so let us get out and play.

Government Priorities

[Michael Barrett, Conservative, Leeds—Grenville—Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, ON]

Mr. Speaker, Canadians are unable to access basic services. Our streets are being roamed by violent, repeat offenders, and housing and food costs are out of control.

Where has the Prime Minister been? Well, so far this year, he has been on five luxury vacations. It is as if he does not care at all. Is the Prime Minister's only interest in Canada that Canadians are picking up the tab for these luxurious vacations?

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

Mr. Speaker, as the member knows, the Prime Minister did go on vacation at Christmas with his family to a friend's house.

The obsession of members opposite with the Prime Minister personally is, of course, driven by a partisan interest, but there are a great number of things in front of the House that have an enormous impact on Canadians' day-to-day lives, whether it is the dental care plan, or the investments we are making in housing and lifting people out of homelessness. There are many better issues to be focusing on.

[Michael Barrett, Conservative, Leeds—Grenville—Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, ON]

Mr. Speaker, these Liberals are out of touch. Canadians are out of money, and often, we find the Prime Minister is out of the country. Meanwhile, an entire generation of Canadians has given up on ever owning a home. While the Prime Minister is jet-setting and spending three months' average rent on a single night in a hotel room, Canadians are wondering whether they will be able to keep the lights on and feed their families.

When will the Prime Minister step out of the luxury suite and step up for Canadians?

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

Mr. Speaker, the reason they are focusing on the Prime Minister is to cover up for their lack of a housing plan.

We have been working hard, every single day, to make sure more and more Canadians have access to a safe and affordable place to call home. We have put investments in place to help renters pay the rent. We have put investments in place to build more supply, and what did they do? They voted against it. They come to the House to focus on the Prime Minister, and then they pretend to care about housing.

[Michael Barrett, Conservative, Leeds—Grenville—Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, ON]

Mr. Speaker, no one has ever spent as much to achieve so little as the housing minister and these Liberals. The only thing that seems to get them out of bed in the morning to support their Prime Minister is to make sure his next taxpayer-funded trip is paid for by Canadians. He has been out of the country on vacation, with his most recent one being paid for by a donor to the Trudeau Foundation. Now he is tuning up the jet to head off again next week.

While drug use and crime rage, and food bank use soars, is the Prime Minister ready to park the taxpayer-funded jet to step up for Canadians?

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

Mr. Speaker, at a time when we are facing the existential challenge of climate change, and at a time when we are dealing with the worst inflation crisis this planet has faced in a very long time, does it not matter that Canada is leading the world? We are ahead of the G7. We are ahead of the average of both the G7, the G20, the eurozone and Japan. We now have it down below 5%.

The member is now suggesting that the Prime Minister going to the G7 to represent our nation among G7 nations and talk about the future is a vacation. They are suggesting that he should not be there, which shows just out of touch the party across the way is.

Taxation

[Richard Lehoux, Conservative, Beauce, QC]

Mr. Speaker, this government is really out of touch with reality. After eight years, everything costs more. What is more, the government is planing to impose an additional tax of $0.41 per litre of gas. Farmers are struggling as a result of the rising costs of inputs and fuel. Processors and distributers are also frustrated. The result is that 1.5 million Canadians are using food banks. In my riding, there has been a 27.5% increase in the use of the Moisson Beauce food bank. That is unprecedented.

The government's role is simple. It is to ensure that Canadians can put food on their tables. When will the Prime Minister understand that enough is enough with the new taxes?

[Marie-Claude Bibeau, Liberal, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food]

Mr. Speaker, my colleague should know just how much our government is doing to help farmers.

Right now, we are enhancing and improving the advance payments program, which enables farmers to get interest-free loans of up to $350,000. We also enhanced the program for good agricultural practices on the farm. Most recently, we signed a partnership agreement with the Government of Quebec and all of the provinces and territories. That represents $367 million for Quebec.