Debates of May 30th, 2023

Loran Scholar

[Dan Mazier, Conservative, Dauphin—Swan River—Neepawa, MB]

Mr. Speaker, it is an honour for me to rise in this House of Commons and recognize a promising, young student from my constituency. Cadena Brazeau is one of only two Manitobans to receive the prestigious Loran scholarship award worth $100,000, which is the largest undergraduate scholarship in Canada.

The 17-year-old student from Keeseekoowenin First Nation has been actively involved in improving her community for many years. She started her community's first youth centre so local children could socialize together and have a safe environment. Cadena plans to further her education and pursue a career by studying law at the University of Calgary.

On behalf of all members in the House of Commons, I would like to sincerely congratulate Cadena on winning this remarkable award. I wish her all the best in her future endeavours.

Scarborough Town Centre

[Shaun Chen, Liberal, Scarborough North, ON]

Mr. Speaker, this year, the fourth largest shopping mall in Canada is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

Since opening in 1973, the Scarborough Town Centre has served as an integral hub for the people of Scarborough. Home of the Scarborough Walk of Fame, the shopping centre offers over 250 stores with diverse products and services. It is truly a welcoming space for all Canadians and residents of Scarborough, including myself.

As a high school student, I was a part of the Scarborough Youth Council, which met regularly at the Scarborough Youth Resource Centre located in the mall. To this day, Scarborough residents know very well that a visit to the Scarborough Town Centre will likely mean running into a neighbour, a colleague or a friend.

I congratulate the mall management, businesses and organizations on an incredible 50 years, and I wish them many more years of growth and success.

Iran

[Judy Sgro, Liberal, Humber River—Black Creek, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to show my support for the people of Iran and strongly condemn the new wave of executions there.

There are troubling reports of over 100 executions in the month of May alone. Among those are three young Iranians: Saleh Mirhashemi, Majid Kazemi and Saeed Yaghoubi. They were detained in the protests and uprising against the regime in November 2022. The cries of the parents of these three young protesters, pleading to save their lives, are resonating in our collective conscience and demand us to do more.

Canada and its allies in the international community can no longer stay silent. The uprising of the Iranian people in the past eight months and the deadly crackdown of protesters by the regime is yet another indication that we must unequivocally support the people of Iran.

Canadians across the country continue to support the families that deserve true justice, and we pray for all those affected.

United Conservative Party of Alberta

[Stephanie Kusie, Conservative, Calgary Midnapore, AB]

Mr. Speaker, the people of Alberta have spoken and a new day has dawned. Congratulations to Premier Danielle Smith and the United Conservative Party for forming the majority government that Albertans not only want, but need.

Many tried to stop them, including members of the media, certain pollsters, a former mayor and even two NDP members in this very House. Thankfully, Albertans rejected them.

Albertans can now look forward to prosperity and stability. They know a strong economy builds hospitals and highways. They know a strong economy pays teachers and nurses. They know a strong economy provides good jobs, which allow people to feed their families. It will not stop there.

Canadians are waking up to the cost of irresponsible NDP and Liberal governments. They are recognizing that the common sense of the common people will prevail, not only in Alberta but across the nation.

Canadian Armed Forces

[Bryan May, Liberal, Cambridge, ON]

Mr. Speaker, the Minister of National Defence and the entire defence team are continuing to build a Canadian Armed Forces where every member feels protected, respected and empowered to serve.

The world is taking notice. During my recent visit to Norway, I met with leaders to discuss the strengthening of Arctic nation relations. During our conversations, I learned that the Norwegian Armed Forces are looking to Canada as a model in getting comprehensive culture change across the line.

In December, the minister accepted all 48 recommendations set out in the independent external comprehensive review. Since then, we have expanded the Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre’s reach and services, nominated Madame Therrien as external monitor, launched the first phase of the independent legal assistance program and more.

Our top priority is to create a meaningful culture change in the Canadian Armed Forces. Culture change is not just morally right, it is operationally necessary.

Seniors

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

Mr. Speaker, the Liberals claim they have lifted 1.3 million Canadians out of poverty, but this is not supported by the data. According to a national food rescue organization, 60% more Canadians per month are expected to use the food banks than last year. They are anticipating serving over eight million Canadians this year. Over 732,000 of those will be seniors.

The ability of seniors to feed themselves has been impacted by the rising inflation rate brought on by the carbon tax, and now the Liberals are burdening us with a second carbon tax. However, the Minister of Seniors claims their priority is to support those most vulnerable, especially seniors. The seniors in my riding of King—Vaughan do not feel supported by this government; they feel betrayed.

Seniors nurtured us. Seniors built this country. Seniors deserve better. Our Conservative leader will axe these taxes and restore dignity to our seniors.

Wildfires in Nova Scotia

[Lena Metlege Diab, Liberal, Halifax West, NS]

Mr. Speaker, Upper Hammonds Plains and Upper Tantallon have been rocked by ongoing wildfires, which have impacted thousands of residents of Halifax West. I would like to thank all the first responders and firefighters who have been battling the blaze. My heart goes out to the families who have lost homes, and to those evacuated. I have spoken with so many who have been affected. I am grateful that there have been no reports of fatalities.

Special thanks go to those who have come together to support evacuees, opening up their homes and their hearts. Evacuation centres, like the Canada Games Centre, have received donations of clothes, diapers, toys and food, so much so that they have asked people to slow down. I thank the Red Cross and the many community groups, legions, churches, restaurants, hotels, pet boarding spaces, Facebook groups and all those who have stepped up.

I want to let residents know that the federal government is ready to support the ongoing response.

Our community is strong and resilient, and my heart is with everyone there.

Persons with Disabilities

[Bonita Zarrillo, NDP, Port Moody—Coquitlam, BC]

Mr. Speaker, this week is National AccessAbility Week, with the theme “From Possibilities to Practice”. What a great week this is to ratify the Canada disability benefit act and move it from possibility to practice.

The NDP sees the importance of giving royal assent to this bill right away. For almost one million people with a disability living in poverty, there is no time to waste. The government must act immediately so this benefit can move forward and get out to the people who need it. Canadians living with a disability must not be made to wait any longer to finally receive the dignity and the financial supports that uphold their human rights.

150th Anniversary of the Saint‑Jérôme Fire Department

[Rhéal Fortin, Bloc, Rivière-du-Nord, QC]

Mr. Speaker, this year, Saint‑Jérôme is celebrating its fire department's 150th anniversary. In 1873, Saint‑Jérôme relied on volunteer firefighters. At that time, there was no water infrastructure so horse-drawn fire pumps were used.

In 1885, Saint‑Jérôme built its first fire station, which is still standing in downtown Saint‑Jérôme and was in service until 1989.

When the fire brigade was first formed, it was led by by Mayor Godefroy Laviolette and his municipal clerk, Louis Labelle, who were replaced the following year by Captain Stanislas Deschambault and his lieutenant Charles Morandville. In 150 years, it grew from 15 men to over 60 men and women firefighters, who are today led by the fire department's director, Patrice Brunelle.

Our firefighters needed to be dedicated and courageous to work for just $1 a fire, which is what they earned in 1873. I would also be remiss if I failed to mention the great loss our community suffered on March 27, 1984, with the death of firefighter Jean‑Charles Alarie.

I thank the firefighters of yesterday and today, and wish them a happy 150th anniversary.

The New Democratic Party of Canada

[Brad Redekopp, Conservative, Saskatoon West, SK]

Mr. Speaker, the leader of the NDP talks a big game when it comes to the Liberal government. He loves to criticize the Liberals on Twitter, but in the House, he supports the Liberals every time. The motion today is a good example.

Conservatives have been calling for an independent public inquiry for months. All the while, the NDP has supported the Liberal’s fake rapporteur. Now, all of a sudden, NDP members are making it look like they support our idea of a public inquiry. However, we know that, when push comes to shove, they will protect their Liberal coalition partners and allow them to continue with their cover-up. How do I know? The House already passed a motion, months ago, asking for a public inquiry, which was supported by the NDP. However, the Liberals have ignored this request, and the NDP has done nothing.

If NDP members really want to prove that they support a public inquiry, they must tell their Liberal bosses that they will pull out of their coalition agreement if they do not call one. I challenge the NDP to do the right thing for Canadians and stand up to its Liberal masters.

Democratic Institutions

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

Mr. Speaker, over the last several months, Canadians have seen reports of foreign interference in our democracy by the Communist dictatorship in Beijing. What was the Prime Minister's response? He appointed a member of the Trudeau Foundation to investigate, the same Trudeau Foundation that has been the target of a foreign influence operation that saw it accept $140,000 from the Communist dictatorship in Beijing.

The House called on the government to hold a public inquiry, but instead, the Prime Minister's ski buddy and Trudeau Foundation board member covered up for him. When that came to light, people could count on the official opposition. Could they count on the New Democrats? When the chips were down at committee, they delayed this for the government's benefit and continued to cover up the Prime Minister's inaction, to the detriment of our democracy.

Canadians deserve a public inquiry now.

Social Finance Fund

[Ryan Turnbull, Liberal, Whitby, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I am thrilled to rise in the House today to share some big news for Canada. Yesterday was a watershed moment for social innovation and social finance in Canada. I was happy to join the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development to announce the launch of Canada's social finance fund.

Social entrepreneurs, social innovators and social purpose organizations that are helping Canada tackle our toughest and most persistent challenges should know that we recognize their unique contributions and are investing in their success. This fund was seeded with a historic federal government investment of $755 million, and it will be leveraged in equal part with private and philanthropic capital to support our social innovators and social entrepreneurs right across Canada.

For many years, access to capital has been limited for the entrepreneurs and innovators who are doing things differently and putting people and the planet first. We are changing all that. The social finance fund is about turning big, homegrown, innovative ideas into a reality and realizing their full—

[The Speaker, Liberal, Anthony Rota]

Oral Questions, the hon. Leader of the Opposition.

Democratic Institutions

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, no one believes the Prime Minister's cottage neighbour and member of the Trudeau Foundation, David Johnston, when he tries to cover up the reality of Beijing's interference to support the Liberal Party and the Prime Minister for the past 10 years.

To enhance and restore Canadians' confidence in our democratic system, will the Prime Minister finally fire his friend from the Trudeau Foundation and launch a real public inquiry?

[Justin Trudeau, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition claims to want to know the facts and says that a public inquiry is the only way to get to the truth, but he outright refuses to learn the truth. The intelligence services are offering him a briefing to make him aware of all the facts and the intelligence underlying this concern of foreign interference, but he refuses. He is choosing ignorance in order to be able to continue his unfounded attacks on our former governor general.

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, it is really all an act with this guy. What he says is “There's nothing to see here, so why don't you come into a dark room and see it, and then we will commit you to an oath of secrecy so you can walk out and tell Canadians that you can't tell them anything at all.” That is, effectively, what he is saying.

We do not need more people to keep secrets; we need more people telling the truth.

Why will he not launch a public inquiry and do that?

[Justin Trudeau, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, when the Leader of the Opposition was minister of elections, perhaps that was his approach and why he did not do anything to fight foreign interference that was ongoing in our elections and has been for decades.

He chose to cover his ears and not listen to intelligence officials, and now he is not letting the facts get in the way of base partisan attacks. He is choosing to not get briefed on the actual facts of the matter, so that he can continue to attack our democracy, to attack other political parties and to attack esteemed individuals like our former governor general.

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, everyday Canadians need the facts. They do not need just to have a prime minister keeping secrets and then have that same prime minister force other people to keep his secrets as well.

The Prime Minister said he admires the basic Chinese Communist dictatorship.

When will he realize that we live in Canada and that one cannot silence one's critics?

[Justin Trudeau, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition is entitled to his opinions; he is just not entitled to his facts. That is why we have actually directed the intelligence community to give him the clearance necessary so that he can find out all the facts, all the information necessary. He is choosing to hide behind a veil of ignorance so that he does not have to allow the facts to get in the way of a good political argument or personal attack, either on me or on the former governor general or on anyone who seems to stand in his way.

[The Speaker, Liberal, Anthony Rota]

There is a lot of chattering going on, and I want to make sure that everyone gets to hear the questions and the answers. I am going to ask everyone, once again, to take a deep breath and listen to both sides.

The hon. Leader of the Opposition.

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, he wants facts? Well, here is a fact. He would have me commit to following section 12(1) of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians Act, which would not only strip away my ability to speak about this matter but would also ban me from doing it right here on the floor of the House of Commons. That is a fact.

The real question is, what is he so determined to hide?

We know Beijing helped him in two elections. We know Beijing gave donations to his Trudeau Foundation. Is that why he is so determined to silence his critics and keep these secrets?

[Justin Trudeau, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, I know it is difficult for some people to remember, but the hon. member was, at one point, a minister of the Crown and thereby subject to oaths of secrecy and cabinet confidences, and he was able to handle secrets just fine at that point, including when he was minister of elections.

At the same time, he is choosing now to turn his back on the facts, because the facts would be inconvenient to the political argument he is trying to make right now. If that member were serious about this serious issue, he would allow the intelligence agencies to give him the necessary—

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, what he is saying is that nothing is hidden. I invite my colleagues to look at everything that is hidden.

After that, they will go before the media and say that they can say nothing. That would not provide any further information to Canadians, who are worried about the loss of independence of our democratic system.

Ultimately, will he stop hiding behind his friend from the Trudeau Foundation and finally launch a public inquiry?

[Justin Trudeau, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, once again, the Leader of the Opposition is demonstrating that he does not understand parliamentarians' responsibilities or the way the security system works.

For example, the parliamentarians who sit on the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians see all the information and subsequently write reports that they share with Parliament about whether these processes were properly followed and whether they agree with the processes. That already exists.

He is creating reasons to remain in the dark so he can continue his attacks.

[Yves-François Blanchet, Bloc, Beloeil—Chambly, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister is starting to become quite isolated. He has few friends left except for Mr. Johnston. All the parties want an independent public inquiry. The former chief electoral officer wants an independent public inquiry. Most analysts are clamouring for an inquiry. Even Morris Rosenberg wants one, but not David Johnston.

Who will the Prime Minister listen to, his friend Rosenberg or his friend Johnston?