Debates of May 15th, 2023

House of Commons Hansard #197 of the 44th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was chair.

Topics

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

Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Act Report stage of Bill C-282. The bill seeks to amend the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Act (supply management) by adding a clause that would prevent the Minister of Foreign Affairs from making commitments in trade negotiations that increase tariff rate quotas or reduce tariffs for supply-managed products. Its sponsor, the Bloc Québécois' Luc Thériault, argues it will protect Canada's supply management system from further concessions in future trade agreements. The Liberal government supports the bill, while the Conservatives express concerns that it could hinder broader trade negotiations and negatively impact other agricultural sectors. 7600 words, 1 hour.

Bill S-5—Time Allocation Motion Members debate a Liberal motion to impose time allocation on Bill S-5, An Act to amend the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. While Liberals and NDP argue the bill has received extensive study and debate and it's time to act for environmental protection, Conservatives and the Bloc Québécois criticize the government for limiting debate on legislation. 4900 words, 35 minutes.

Strengthening Environmental Protection for a Healthier Canada Act Report stage of Bill S-5. The bill seeks to modernize the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA), recognizing a right to a healthy environment for all Canadians and strengthening protections against toxic substances. It aims to improve chemical management, address cumulative effects on vulnerable populations, and enhance transparency. While broadly supported, some members, like the Bloc Québécois, express concerns about the bill's ambition, perceived federal overreach into provincial jurisdiction, and lack of enforceability for the new environmental right. 22700 words, 3 hours in 2 segments: 1 2.

Statements by Members

Congratulations to Monica Metlege Diab

Food Allergy Awareness Month

Indian Arrival Day recognition

Tribute to Jean-Pierre Gélinas volunteer

Canada-Africa Parliamentary Association anniversary

Tribute to Sonja Hansen's retirement

Portuguese migration to Canada anniversary

Remembering Dave Kerwin's community contributions

Canada's housing crisis

Taiwan's exclusion from World Health Assembly

National Police Week and officers' service

Conservative solutions for Canada

Mother's Day event and Just Food greenhouse

Eliminating HIV/AIDS in Canada

Jean-Claude Beauchemin, Abitibi patriot

Criticism of new Canadian passport images

Metro Vancouver mayors and public transit

Speaker requests respectful SO31 listening

Question Period

The Conservatives criticize the government's inflationary budget and fiscal mismanagement, leading to rising deficits and a $4,200 debt per family. They highlight high food prices, housing unaffordability, and Canada's poor economic performance. They also demand answers on Chinese police stations and advocate for bail reform to keep communities safe.

The Liberals defend Canada's strongest economy in the G7, highlighting its AAA credit rating, lowest debt-to-GDP, and job creation. They emphasize investments in affordable housing, rent relief, child care, and the grocery rebate. The government is focused on combating foreign interference, improving the bail system, and supporting green industrial projects.

The Bloc criticizes the government's inaction on Chinese interference, prioritizing byelections over addressing the issue. They advocate for lower immigration targets, arguing 500,000 newcomers per year is too high and leads to inhumane processing times. They also denounce the Trans Mountain pipeline as an economic and environmental disaster.

The NDP raises concerns about jobs in Windsor and the skyrocketing rent across the country. They advocate for women veterans to be included in health guidelines and criticize the government's failure to provide services for First Nations children.

First Nations Fiscal Management Act Third reading of Bill C-45. The bill amends the First Nations Fiscal Management Act to expand the services and capacities of First Nations-led financial institutions, and establishes a First Nations Infrastructure Institute. This aims to improve infrastructure outcomes and support First Nations' self-determination and economic reconciliation by allowing them to assert jurisdiction in financial management, taxation, and access to capital markets. Some Conservatives support the bill but argue for further measures to remove federal "gatekeepers," while the NDP supports the bill as a step towards self-determination but notes it does not absolve the government's responsibilities. 5700 words, 45 minutes.

Petitions

Expedite Sudanese applications for Canadian citizenship

International flights, Winnipeg to Amritsar, India

Repeal soft-on-crime policies in Swan River

Immigration from Hong Kong democracy movement

Access to psychedelic-assisted therapy

Persecution of Falun Gong practitioners in China

Support Bill C-257, political discrimination

Charitable status, political and religious neutrality

Release of Huseyin Celil from China

Block any attempt to legalize infanticide

Religious freedom for Canadian Armed Forces

Adjournment Debates

Air passenger rights Taylor Bachrach raises concerns about air passenger rights, citing loopholes and confidentiality clauses. Annie Koutrakis defends the government's amendments to the Canada Transportation Act, arguing that they will streamline the complaint process and increase airline accountability. Bachrach remains skeptical, while Koutrakis says the government is committed to protecting travellers' rights.

Graduate student funding Richard Cannings argues that graduate students are paid the same as 20 years ago, below minimum wage, and that the government is ignoring recommendations to fix this. Andy Fillmore says the government has invested billions in science and research and is reviewing the Bouchard report.

Nunavut clean energy projects Lori Idlout asks why the Kivalliq hydro-fibre link project has been mentioned in two budgets, but has not received direct funding. Terry Duguid says the government supports Inuit-led projects and is working closely with indigenous peoples in the north to fight climate change.

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation—Main Estimates, 2023-24 Members debate the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's estimates, primarily focusing on the nation's housing crisis. The Conservative Party critiques the Liberal government's policies, arguing they have doubled housing costs, mortgage payments, and rent, and failed to increase supply. They also question the CMHC's performance bonuses. The Liberal government defends its National Housing Strategy, highlighting investments like the Housing Accelerator Fund, programs for first-time homebuyers, and efforts to combat homelessness, while accusing the Conservatives of voting against these measures. The Bloc Québécois and NDP raise concerns about the lack of social housing, financialization of housing, and the urgent needs of vulnerable populations and Indigenous communities. 35300 words, 4 hours.

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