Debates of May 16th, 2023

House of Commons Hansard #198 of the 44th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was c-21.

Topics

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

Petitions

Ban the sale and use of glyphosate

Amend the Victims Bill of Rights Act

Repeal soft-on-crime policies

Criminal Code Report stage of Bill C-21. The bill aims to strengthen public safety through gun control measures, including a national handgun freeze, addressing "ghost guns", and new "red and yellow flag laws" to prevent gun violence. Conservatives oppose it, arguing it unfairly targets law-abiding owners and neglects criminal activity. Liberals, NDP, and Bloc Québécois support the bill, crediting collaborative amendments for improvements like protecting "indigenous hunting rights" and "airsoft guns". Liberals accuse Conservatives of spreading "misinformation". 96900 words, 11 hours in 3 segments: 1 2 3.

Statements by Members

Pathways Clubhouse mental health assistance

Alberta wildfires and community support

Pakistan elections and human rights

National Police Week and recognition

Vancouver francophone summer festival

Tribute to Walter Charles Nelson

75th anniversary of the Nakba

National Physiotherapy Month and pain management

Victims and Survivors of Crime Week

Living and Learning in Retirement anniversary

Prime Minister out of touch

Liberals, overtaxation and underwhelming results

Investing in physician assistants in Canada

National dental care plan for seniors

Death of Quebec artist François Guy

Conservatives to fix Liberal failures

Reminder about parliamentary behaviour

Veteran homelessness program funding

Question Period

The Conservatives criticize the Liberal government for its inflationary spending, specifically the $60-billion budget that increased costs by $4,200 per family and raised mortgage payments. They condemn the catch-and-release bail system (Bill C-75) for rising violent crime. They also denounce safe supply drug policies, arguing they cause more overdoses and deaths, urging for treatment and rehabilitation instead.

The Liberals emphasize Canada's strong economic and fiscal position, noting decreasing inflation and a reaffirmed AAA credit rating. They highlight investments in child care and an Indigenous housing strategy. The government introduced Bill C-48 to strengthen bail and defended safe supply and harm reduction as evidence-based. They are also working to counter foreign interference and advance the 2030 biodiversity strategy.

The Bloc condemns the government's Century Initiative immigration targets, fearing unmanageable backlogs will shrink Quebec. They demand an independent public inquiry into Chinese interference and criticize the Minister of Environment for allowing oil drilling in marine refuges, contradicting biodiversity commitments.

The NDP highlights the severe housing crisis, leaving little for groceries, and demands an inquiry into a Kanesatake environmental disaster. They express concern over Windsor jobs, criticize delayed public transit funding, and oppose passenger rail privatization.

Financial Protection for Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Farmers Act Second reading of Bill C-280. The bill C-280 proposes a deemed trust for perishable fruits and vegetables, giving farmers priority access if a buyer becomes insolvent. Supporters argue it provides crucial financial protection, especially for small farms, addresses product perishability, and could restore preferential U.S. trade status. The Liberal government has raised concerns about favoring one sector and potential banking impacts. 6700 words, 45 minutes.

Adjournment Debates

CERB Repayments Daniel Blaikie argues that it's unfair to demand CERB repayment from low-income individuals, while corporations that misused wage subsidies face no consequences. Peter Fragiskatos defends the government's approach, emphasizing the importance of verifying eligibility and offering repayment plans. Blaikie insists on compassion for the poor.

Affordable housing crisis Bonita Zarrillo accuses the Liberal government of failing to address the housing crisis and its related social problems. Anthony Housefather defends the government's housing strategy and cites programs like the housing accelerator fund. Zarrillo calls for investment in social and low-income housing. Housefather promises to follow up on a meeting request.

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Bill S-5 Strengthening Environmental Protection for a Healthier Canada ActGovernment Orders

3:30 p.m.

Green

Elizabeth May Green Saanich—Gulf Islands, BC

Mr. Speaker, I do not object to applying the vote, but it appeared that we were not going to have a chance to say how we would vote when applying. This is the question I would like to pose to the House: Can we agree to apply, and then go around as usual and not assume the votes are exactly the same?

Bill S-5 Strengthening Environmental Protection for a Healthier Canada ActGovernment Orders

3:30 p.m.

The Speaker Anthony Rota

We will try this again.

The hon. opposition whip.

Bill S-5 Strengthening Environmental Protection for a Healthier Canada ActGovernment Orders

3:30 p.m.

Conservative

Kerry-Lynne Findlay Conservative South Surrey—White Rock, BC

Mr. Speaker, my understanding is that we were agreeing to apply the vote and that we would each stand and say how our respective parties would be voting on an applied vote.

Bill S-5 Strengthening Environmental Protection for a Healthier Canada ActGovernment Orders