House of Commons Hansard #192 of the 44th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was interference.

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Food Day in Canada Act Third reading of Bill S-227. The bill establishes Food Day in Canada on the first Saturday in August to celebrate local food and the agricultural sector. Members from various parties support the bill, emphasizing the importance of food security, local producers, and sustainable farming practices, while also highlighting the need to address food insecurity and educate Canadians on food production. 8300 words, 1 hour.

Foreign Interference and Alleged Intimidation of Member Conservative MP Andrew Scheer debates a question of privilege regarding alleged threats by a "Communist dictatorship" against an MP and their family, reportedly confirmed by a CSIS report. Scheer counters the government House leader's arguments that the report was uncorroborated and the matter wasn't raised promptly, urging the Speaker to find a prima facie case and refer the issue to committee for investigation. 1800 words, 10 minutes.

Government Business No. 25—Proceedings on Bill C-21 Members debate a Liberal motion to expedite Bill C-21 (firearms) through committee and expand its scope. Liberals argue it addresses ghost guns and assault-style firearms, and is necessary due to Conservative obstruction. Conservatives oppose limiting debate, alleging it bypasses democratic process and is part of a "true agenda" to ban hunting rifles, while criticizing the government for not tackling violent crime or bail reform. 17600 words, 1 hour.

Statements by Members

Question Period

The Conservatives demand the government expel a Beijing agent for threatening an MP's family, accusing the Prime Minister of covering up for two years and misleading Canadians. They also criticize inflationary deficits, high cost of living, and the Prime Minister's luxury vacations, alongside criticizing gun control measures that target legal gun owners instead of criminals.
The Liberals defend their fiscal record, highlighting economic growth and job creation and a "prudent fiscal plan". They emphasize protecting democratic institutions from foreign interference, citing actions like summoning ambassadors and supporting MPs, and call for unity against politicization. The party also discusses strengthening gun control, supporting Alberta wildfire efforts, and increasing francophone immigration targets.
The Bloc criticizes the government for seemingly adopting Century Initiative immigration targets that prioritize economic interests without public debate or considering the future of French. They also condemn attempts to stop media reporting on Chinese interference, demanding an independent public inquiry.
The NDP raise concerns about foreign interference targeting MPs, demand transparency on new GMOs in food, and urge federal support for Alberta wildfire recovery. They also highlight the nursing crisis and criticize the government for ignoring its obligations under Jordan's principle.
The Greens advocate for a national citizens' assembly to build consensus, despite the Prime Minister's opposition to the idea.

Foreign Interference and Alleged Intimidation of Member—Speaker's Ruling The Speaker finds a prima facie question of privilege regarding alleged intimidation of the member for Wellington—Halton Hills and his family by a Chinese diplomat in retaliation for parliamentary duties, deeming it serious enough for priority debate. 1300 words.

Reference to Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs Members debate referring a prima facie contempt concerning an intimidation campaign by a Chinese diplomat against MP Michael Chong and other members to the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs. Conservatives criticize the government's alleged two-year delay in acting and call for a public inquiry, a foreign agent registry, and the closure of Chinese police stations. Liberals acknowledge the seriousness, noting their actions against foreign interference, which they state is a broad issue involving multiple countries. NDP and Bloc members also support an independent public inquiry and additional measures. 62300 words, 8 hours.

Adjournment Debates

Base Petawawa heating outage Cheryl Gallant questions why soldiers at Garrison Petawawa were left without heat or hot water. Bryan May responds that the identification of essential staff was negotiated with unions, and additional facilities were opened. Gallant says May didn't answer the question. May discusses support for military personnel.
Transit operational funding Bonita Zarrillo argues that operational funding for transit is essential for accessibility, safety and growth. She shares local examples from her riding. Bryan May says the government has provided billions in transit funding since 2015, and continues to support projects through the permanent public transit program.
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Questions Passed as Orders for ReturnsRoutine Proceedings

3:35 p.m.

The Speaker Anthony Rota

Is that agreed?

Questions Passed as Orders for ReturnsRoutine Proceedings

3:35 p.m.

Some hon. members

Agreed.

Question No.1328—Questions Passed as Orders for ReturnsRoutine Proceedings

3:35 p.m.

NDP

Leah Gazan NDP Winnipeg Centre, MB

With regard to the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Plan, broken down by province and territory since their respective agreements were announced: (a) how many new childcare spaces have been created, broken down by non-profit, public and for-profit child care spaces; (b) of the non-profit spaces created, how many are in family-based care; (c) how many early childhood educator (ECE) jobs have been created; (d) how much have average wages increased for ECEs and other child care workers and assistants; (e) how much of the federal investment has been delivered; (f) to date, what is the average fee reduction; and (g) which jurisdictions have submitted annual progress reports and have made these reports available to the public?

(Return tabled)

Question No.1329—Questions Passed as Orders for ReturnsRoutine Proceedings

3:35 p.m.

Conservative

Chris Lewis Conservative Essex, ON

With regard to the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority, broken down by year for each of the last five years: (a) what was the total amount spent on airport screening; and (b) what was the total amount collected by the government from air travellers security charges?

(Return tabled)

Question No.1330—Questions Passed as Orders for ReturnsRoutine Proceedings

3:35 p.m.

Conservative

Chris Lewis Conservative Essex, ON

With regard to asylum claims received by the government since 2013, broken down by year: (a) how many asylum claims were received; (b) how many of the claimants arrived via (i) air, (ii) land, (iii) sea, (iv) other or unknown; and (c) of the claimants who arrived via land, how many entered Canada at an official port of entry versus an irregular border crossing?

(Return tabled)

Question No.1333—Questions Passed as Orders for ReturnsRoutine Proceedings

3:35 p.m.

Conservative

Kelly McCauley Conservative Edmonton West, AB

With regard to non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) signed by government officials related to COVID-19 vaccine contracts: (a) how many officials were required to sign such agreements; (b) what is the breakdown of (a) by job title; and (c) how many of these NDAs are time-limited and how many are indefinite?

(Return tabled)

Question No.1334—Questions Passed as Orders for ReturnsRoutine Proceedings

3:35 p.m.

Conservative

Scott Aitchison Conservative Parry Sound—Muskoka, ON

With regard to the Canadian Intergovernmental Conference Secretariat, broken down by year for each of the last three years: (a) what was the number of employees or full time equivalents working at the secretariat, broken down by employee category; (b) what was the total amount spent on (i) salary and benefits, (ii) travel and hospitality; (c) how many meetings were booked; and (d) what are the details of all meetings, including, for each, the (i) date, (ii) location, (iii) description, (iv) purpose?

(Return tabled)

Question No.1335—Questions Passed as Orders for ReturnsRoutine Proceedings

3:35 p.m.

Conservative

Eric Duncan Conservative Stormont—Dundas—South Glengarry, ON

With regard to bonuses paid out at Crown corporations in the 2020-21 and the 2021-22 fiscal years, broken down by year and by Crown corporation: (a) what was the total amount paid out in bonuses; and (b) how many and what percentage of officials (i) at or above the executive (EX) level (or equivalent), (ii) below the EX level (or equivalent), received bonuses?

(Return tabled)

Question No.1336—Questions Passed as Orders for ReturnsRoutine Proceedings

3:35 p.m.

NDP

Charlie Angus NDP Timmins—James Bay, ON

With regard to federal funding in the constituency of Timmins—James Bay, between February 28, 2020, and February 2023: (a) what applications for funding have been approved and what are their details, including, for each, the (i) name of the organization, (ii) department, (iii) program and sub-program under which they applied for funding, (iv) date of the application and the amount applied for, (v) date on which the applicant was informed that funding was approved, (vi) date on which a press release was issued regarding the awarding of the funding, (vii) details of any press releases regarding the awarding of funding; (b) what funds, grants, loans and loan guarantees has the government issued through its various departments and agencies in the constituency of Timmins—James Bay that did not require direct application for the applicant, including, for each, the (i) name of the organization, (ii) department, (iii) program and sub-program under which they applied for funding, (iv) date of the application and the amount applied for, (v) date on which the applicant was informed that funding was approved, (vi) date on which a press release was issued regarding the awarding of the funding, (vii) details of any press releases regarding the awarding of funding; and (c) what projects have been funded in the constituency of Timmins—James Bay by organizations tasked with subgranting government funds (such as Community Foundations of Canada) and what are their details, including, for each, the (i) name of the organization, (ii) department, (iii) program and sub-program under which they applied for funding, (iv) date of the application and the amount applied for, (v) date on which the applicant was informed that funding was approved, (vi) date on which a press release was issued regarding the awarding of the funding, (vii) details of any press releases regarding the awarding of funding?

(Return tabled)

Question No.1338—Questions Passed as Orders for ReturnsRoutine Proceedings

3:35 p.m.

Conservative

Jamie Schmale Conservative Haliburton—Kawartha Lakes—Brock, ON

With regard to the claim by the Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance in the House on March 20, 2023 that, "The increase this year will be one cent per can of beer" in relation to the increase in the alcohol escalator tax: (a) what figures did the minister use to arrive at the one cent per can number; and (b) does the minister have any examples of brands of beer where a 6.3 percent tax increase would only increase the cost by one cent, and, if so, what are they?

(Return tabled)

Question No.1339—Questions Passed as Orders for ReturnsRoutine Proceedings

3:35 p.m.

Conservative

Jamie Schmale Conservative Haliburton—Kawartha Lakes—Brock, ON

With regard to government advertising on TikTok: (a) which departments, agencies, Crown corporations or other government entities were advertising with TikTok when the government announced that it would ban TikTok on government devices as of February 28, 2023; (b) for each department that was advertising with TikTok, did they immediately stop all advertising on TikTok, and, if not, why not; (c) for each entity in (a) that did not immediately stop their TikTok advertising, on what date will they cease advertising on TikTok; and (d) how much was spent on advertising on TikTok (i) during the 2022 calendar year, (ii) between January 1, 2023, and February 28, 2023, (iii) since March 1, 2023?

(Return tabled)

Question No.1340—Questions Passed as Orders for ReturnsRoutine Proceedings

3:35 p.m.

Conservative

Jamie Schmale Conservative Haliburton—Kawartha Lakes—Brock, ON

With regard to the decision issued by the Pest Management and Regulatory Agency (PMRA) on October 4, 2022, to phase-out the wood preservative Pentachlorophenol by October 4, 2023: (a) what is PMRA's rationale for having different Pentachlorophenol phase-out timelines than the regulators in the United States; (b) which industry stakeholders were consulted by PMRA prior to the decision; (c) what applications for oil-based wood preservative alternatives have been received, but not yet authorized, by Health Canada, including, for each, the (i) applicant, (ii) product description, (iii) stage of each application, (iv) date application was received, (v) expected timeline before a decision on approval is made; and (d) has the PMRA analysed the impact of making such a decision without having a viable oil-based wood preservative alternative, and, if so, what is the expected impact on the (i) supply of treated wood poles, (ii) supply of telecommunications and electricity services, (iii) manufacturers of pressure-treated wood products, (iv) workers of the manufacturers and their families?

(Return tabled)

Question No.1342—Questions Passed as Orders for ReturnsRoutine Proceedings

May 8th, 2023 / 3:35 p.m.

Conservative

Joël Godin Conservative Portneuf—Jacques-Cartier, QC

With regard to the issuing of passports: (a) how many passports were mailed to the wrong address, broken down by month since January 1, 2022; (b) how many reports of individuals receiving (i) a passport with errors, (ii) another individual's passport, has the government received; and (c) what is the protocol when an individual receives another individual's passport in error, including whether or not the Privacy Commissioner is notified?

(Return tabled)

Questions Passed as Orders for ReturnsRoutine Proceedings

3:35 p.m.

Liberal

Kevin Lamoureux Liberal Winnipeg North, MB

Mr. Speaker, I would ask that all remaining questions be allowed to stand.