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.
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.
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.
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.
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation—Main Estimates, 2023-24Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Liberal
Ahmed Hussen Liberal York South—Weston, ON
Mr. Chair, I will take the party opposite's rhetoric on housing seriously when it actually produces a real plan on housing.
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation—Main Estimates, 2023-24Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Conservative
Melissa Lantsman Conservative Thornhill, ON
Mr. Chair, it was just over $600,000.
How much is the average cost today? I just want the number.
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation—Main Estimates, 2023-24Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Liberal
Ahmed Hussen Liberal York South—Weston, ON
Mr. Chair, we on this side of the House believe in the right to housing. They do not.
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation—Main Estimates, 2023-24Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Conservative
Melissa Lantsman Conservative Thornhill, ON
Mr. Chair, it is $1.2 million. He does not have the numbers. I am going to answer the questions.
What is 600,000 times two?
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation—Main Estimates, 2023-24Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Liberal
Ahmed Hussen Liberal York South—Weston, ON
Mr. Chair, the hon. member should talk to members of her caucus, who believe we should do less on housing.
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation—Main Estimates, 2023-24Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Conservative
Melissa Lantsman Conservative Thornhill, ON
Mr. Chair, it is 1.2 million. Housing prices in Toronto have doubled in eight years. Is that right?
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation—Main Estimates, 2023-24Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Liberal
Ahmed Hussen Liberal York South—Weston, ON
Mr. Chair, how does the hon. member believe attacking mayors will produce more housing?
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation—Main Estimates, 2023-24Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Conservative
Melissa Lantsman Conservative Thornhill, ON
Mr. Chair, has the minister come to this committee prepared with a single answer that includes a number?
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation—Main Estimates, 2023-24Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Liberal
Ahmed Hussen Liberal York South—Weston, ON
Mr. Chair, that is the party that believes in cuts. We believe in federal leadership on housing.
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation—Main Estimates, 2023-24Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Conservative
Melissa Lantsman Conservative Thornhill, ON
Mr. Chair, to afford an average home, which has doubled in price, can the minister tell us how much money a family needs to make each year?
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation—Main Estimates, 2023-24Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Liberal
Ahmed Hussen Liberal York South—Weston, ON
Mr. Chair, if they care about housing affordability, why did the Conservatives vote against the first-time homebuyer incentive?
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation—Main Estimates, 2023-24Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Conservative
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation—Main Estimates, 2023-24Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Liberal
Ahmed Hussen Liberal York South—Weston, ON
Mr. Chair, why did the Conservatives vote against supports for homebuyers?
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation—Main Estimates, 2023-24Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Conservative
Melissa Lantsman Conservative Thornhill, ON
Mr. Chair, it is $207,000 a year. How much money does the minister think the median household in Toronto, the city in which he lives, makes?
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation—Main Estimates, 2023-24Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Liberal
Ahmed Hussen Liberal York South—Weston, ON
Mr. Chair, if the Conservatives are serious about rental supports, why did they vote against the Canada housing benefit, which is delivering real supports to Canadian renters?
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation—Main Estimates, 2023-24Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Conservative
Melissa Lantsman Conservative Thornhill, ON
Mr. Chair, I just want the number. Will the minister have a single number tonight for this committee of the whole on estimates?
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation—Main Estimates, 2023-24Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Liberal
Ahmed Hussen Liberal York South—Weston, ON
Mr. Chair, the Conservatives have all the questions tonight, but they have no plan on housing, and they have no help for Canadians who actually need help with housing.
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation—Main Estimates, 2023-24Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Conservative
Melissa Lantsman Conservative Thornhill, ON
Mr. Chair, it is just over $68,000 after taxes. Is the minister aware that the median family needs to pay three times its annual income just to buy an average home in the city he represents?
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation—Main Estimates, 2023-24Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Liberal
Ahmed Hussen Liberal York South—Weston, ON
Mr. Chair, we know that one of the solutions to higher housing prices is more supply. We brought in measures to create more supply. The Conservatives voted against it.
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation—Main Estimates, 2023-24Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Conservative
Melissa Lantsman Conservative Thornhill, ON
Mr. Chair, does the minister have a single number tonight for estimates?
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation—Main Estimates, 2023-24Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Liberal
Ahmed Hussen Liberal York South—Weston, ON
Mr. Chair, do the Conservatives have a plan for housing, or do they just have rhetoric and buzzwords?
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation—Main Estimates, 2023-24Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Conservative
Melissa Lantsman Conservative Thornhill, ON
Mr. Chair, the minister is not answering the questions. Does he have a single answer for any one of the questions that I asked?
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation—Main Estimates, 2023-24Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Liberal
Ahmed Hussen Liberal York South—Weston, ON
Mr. Chair, the Conservatives do not have a plan. All they have is gimmicks and buzzwords.
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation—Main Estimates, 2023-24Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Conservative
Melissa Lantsman Conservative Thornhill, ON
Mr. Chair, if he does not want to speak about housing, could the minister confirm that there is no money in these estimates for racists like Laith Marouf?
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation—Main Estimates, 2023-24Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Liberal
Ahmed Hussen Liberal York South—Weston, ON
Mr. Chair, I do want to speak about housing. The problem is the Conservatives have no plan, and they stand here, pretending to care about Canadians and getting help to them, but they vote against all the measures we bring to this House.