Debates of June 15th, 2023

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

[Iqra Khalid, Liberal, Mississauga—Erin Mills, ON]

Mr. Speaker, we stand on the shoulders of giants as we inch towards progress. I stand today to recognize these giants, our seniors, who deserve to live with respect and dignity. Today, on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, it is crucial to raise awareness about the well-being of our seniors and to provide them with the quality supports they need.

Elder abuse can take many forms; it may be physical or psychological, or it may occur through neglect. We all have a role to play in fostering a culture of dignity and watching for warning signs. This also includes supporting elders, as our government has done, through budget 2023 and our New Horizons for Seniors program to ensure that our seniors and our elders have proper access to opportunities to actively participate in our society.

Today and every day, let us recognize the many contributions our elders have made to Canada; let us cherish their health and security.

Italian Heritage Month

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

Signor Presidente, it is an honour to rise today to celebrate Italian Heritage Month.

I am one of over 94,000 Italian Canadians living in King—Vaughan. Many Italian immigrants, including my grandparents, came to Canada with enthusiasm and a desire to achieve their goals. They went on to succeed in business, education, entrepreneurship and community leadership, establishing the groundwork for future generations while fostering a deep love for Canada.

The Italian language, the language of love and passion, is spoken by many across Canada. This month, we honour Italians across Canada for their contribution to the development of this country.

[Member spoke in Italian]

End of the School Year

[Ya'ara Saks, Liberal, York Centre, ON]

Mr. Speaker, it is always a pleasure to welcome the next generation of leaders to Parliament.

Two weeks ago, the Montessori Jewish Day School came to Parliament, and it was wonderful to engage with these young change-makers and answer their terrific questions. Today, I welcome the next generation of women leaders from the Eitz Chaim Girls school to Parliament. They come to see and learn how their House and the democratic institutions we all cherish work, as well as how they can engage with them.

June marks graduation season for our students from coast to coast to coast, and the resumption of grad trips, which are the milestones of youth exploring our great country. Our students visit Ottawa to learn about our democratic institutions and nurture their curiosity.

I would like to pay a special tribute to every teacher who has inspired our kids and prepared them for a bright future. I give my congratulations to all our graduates. We are proud of all they have accomplished. Yasher koach.

Conservative Party of Canada

[Damien Kurek, Conservative, Battle River—Crowfoot, AB]

Mr. Speaker, it used to be that if somebody worked hard, they could live a good life here in Canada. They could own a home, drive a reliable vehicle, afford groceries and even save up to go on the occasional holiday. Those things are not luxuries and should not be items reserved for elites and trust fund beneficiaries; however, the reality is that these things are now out of reach for far too many Canadians.

More and more Canadians are cancelling their vacations, going without the necessities or accessing food banks; many have totally given up on the dream of ever owning a home. One must ask why. The answer is simple: The Liberal-NDP policies are to blame. These are things like the carbon tax, attacks on Canada's most productive sectors, gatekeepers reducing productivity and inflationary spending that diminishes the purchasing power of Canadians. It is time for better, and the leader of Canada's Conservatives and his team from across the country are ready to roll up our sleeves and get to work to make sure we axe the tax, make work count again and bring home a Canada that works for all Canadians.

Housing Crisis

[Joël Godin, Conservative, Portneuf—Jacques-Cartier, QC]

Mr. Speaker, Canadians are already having a hard time making ends meet because of inflation caused by the Liberal government's economic policy; now they are also facing another problem.

In Quebec, a lot of people move on July 1. This year, it is an even bigger deal than usual. Here is the story of a good man from Trois-Rivières who has to camp in the bush because of the accessible housing shortage. Seventy-four-year-old Richard Dufault cannot find housing. He told TVA Nouvelles that he had been to about 15 rentals but was unable to secure a lease. He said, “Every landlord I meet with takes my contact information, but they never call me back. When I call back, they tell me the place has been rented.”

Here is an important statistic: At 0.9%, Trois-Rivières has one of the lowest rental vacancy rates in Quebec. According to the CMHC, a balanced housing market has a vacancy rate of around 3%. For this to be happening in Canada in 2023 is unacceptable. This government has been in power for eight years. Why is it abandoning—

[The Speaker, Liberal, Anthony Rota]

The hon. member for Hochelaga.

25th Anniversary of Vivre et vieillir à Rosemont

[Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Liberal, Hochelaga, QC]

Mr. Speaker, on June 6, the seniors round table, Vivre et vieillir à Rosemont, celebrated its 25th anniversary. This round table, a citizen-led initiative, brings together over 20 players representing the community, the three levels of local elected officials, and citizens who advocate for the well-being of seniors in my riding and that of my colleague from Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie.

On this June 15, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, I want to acknowledge everything that Vivre et vieillir à Rosemont does. Since 2010, the round table has been organizing events to raise the public's awareness about this issue that unfortunately still remains. It has been contributing to the quality of life of this segment of the population that is far too often forgotten, working to break the isolation of seniors and encouraging civic engagement.

I thank all the members and volunteers at Vivre et vieillir à Rosemont.

Radioactive Waste

[Carol Hughes, NDP, Algoma—Manitoulin—Kapuskasing, ON]

Mr. Speaker, constituents from Elliot Lake are demanding action from Natural Resources Canada and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission to clean up radioactive waste found at their homes in Elliot Lake.

This waste, from closed uranium mines, was widely used as fill for constructions in the 1960s.

Without their knowledge, these families were exposed to radiation exceeding allowable limits from mining waste buried under their properties.

Yes, this radiation was found in their yards and driveways.

There is a duty to ensure that all radioactive waste in Canada is managed, isolated from the public and safely stored for generations to come. This is the approach embraced by Natural Resources Canada's radioactive waste policy, yet these families' requests for action have been denied. It is imperative that this decades-long issue be permanently fixed. It should not be a family's responsibility to deal with radioactive waste, nor to bear the burden of health risks caused by the uranium mining industry.

Jennifer, Lisa, Kathleen, Margaret and Pamela are asking that this radioactive waste be removed from their properties.

100th Anniversary of ACFAS

[Maxime Blanchette-Joncas, Bloc, Rimouski-Neigette—Témiscouata—Les Basques, QC]

Mr. Speaker, there is cause for celebration, as ACFAS is celebrating its 100th anniversary.

ACFAS was established in 1923 by a generation of Quebec pioneers, including botanists Marie-Victorin and Jacques Rousseau and radiologist Léo Pariseau. In a powerful gesture of national affirmation, these visionaries wanted to give the Quebec nation a strong and united francophone scientific organization. They understood that the territorial, economic and national sovereignty of a people hinges on scientific sovereignty.

One hundred years later, ACFAS proudly continues its mission to promote, disseminate and value science in French in Quebec and across the Francophonie. More than ever, its work is of crucial importance to Quebec's researchers.

I invite all my colleagues to join me in saying long live French, long live science, long live ACFAS.

Government Accountability

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

Mr. Speaker, Canadians have come to learn that the Minister for Public Safety has a complicated relationship with the truth, and they are taking notice.

He backdated documents to mislead a federal judge, but he dated one April 31, and he was found out. He said that law enforcement asked him to trigger the Emergencies Act. He said the Liberal gun grab did not target law-abiding gun owners. He said that CSIS did not share intelligence that Canadian lawmakers were being targeted by foreign dictatorships. He said that his government had shut down the Beijing-run police stations here in Canada. The things he said are not true, and Canadians have come to learn that they just cannot believe him.

When he said he did not know that notorious serial killer and rapist Paul Bernardo was being transferred to less-restrictive conditions in medium security, the truth got in the way again.

We know the minister was informed. We know the Prime Minister was informed. The minister needs to do what is right. He needs to be responsible and accountable.

He needs to resign today.

Halifax international Fleet Week

[Andy Fillmore, Liberal, Halifax, NS]

Mr. Speaker, the Canadian Armed Forces serve our country at home and abroad, promoting peace and security, responding to disasters and humanitarian crises and defending our interests.

As MP for Halifax, home to CFB Halifax, Canada’s largest military base and home to our navy’s Atlantic fleet, I have seen up close the skill and dedication of our forces. Whether responding to hurricane Fiona or departing Halifax for operations around the world, CAF members always answer the call of duty. We owe them our most enthusiastic gratitude.

That is why I am pleased to announce the inaugural Halifax international Fleet Week will be taking place this September 7 to 10. A partnership between the civilian community and the Canadian Armed Forces, Fleet Week will showcase Canada's proud maritime heritage with a wide array of activities, including ships parades and tours, interactive demonstrations and more. A number of our NATO allies will also participate, giving Fleet Week international significance as well.

I invite everyone to join me in Halifax this September for the first-ever Halifax international Fleet Week.

Public Safety

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, we now know why the Prime Minister did not fire his incompetent and deceitful Minister of Public Safety. It was because the Prime Minister himself accepted Paul Barnardo's transfer to a minimum-security prison offering more freedom and comfort.

Considering that the Prime Minister is here in Ottawa today, does he have the courage to rise and explain to the victims of Paul Bernardo why he wanted to give this monster more freedom and comfort?

[Mark Holland, Liberal, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons]

Mr. Speaker, the crimes in question were atrocious. Crimes like that defy description.

They affected people across the country. They traumatized not only the victims' family members, without question, but all Canadians.

First of all, the correctional system is independent. Keeping our correctional system free from political interference is imperative.

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, we now know why the Prime Minister refuses to fire his incompetent and misleading public safety minister.

It is that the Prime Minister himself was the one who accepted the transfer of Paul Bernardo from a maximum-security prison to a medium-security prison where he would have access to human interaction, more freedom and more comfort. His office knew three months beforehand, and his cabinet has the power to direct the correctional authorities to keep mass murderers in maximum-security prisons.

Will the Prime Minister show the courage to stand on his feet and explain to victims of Paul Bernardo why he wanted to give this monster more freedom and comfort?

[Mark Holland, Liberal, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons]

Mr. Speaker, first of all, the idea that anybody in this House would have any sympathy for the monstrous acts that were committed is absolutely repugnant.

The second thing I will say is that it is unfortunate that the Leader of the Opposition mis-characterizes what happened. He knows very well that the Correctional Service of Canada makes those decisions independently. He knows very well that we have a system where we are not supposed to interfere politically with that.

It is true, in March, that staff were informed of the possibility. It was not until that possibility was confirmed that they informed the Prime Minister at the end of May.

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, based on that account, the Prime Minister knew the day of the transfer, and his office knew three months earlier.

The government has, in the past, issued directives to the Correctional Service on what should be done with various classes of prisoners, like forcing those with contraband into dry prison cells, for example. In other words, the government does have the power to direct corrections on these issues.

The Prime Minister and his office knew for three months. Given that he is here in Ottawa today, does he have the courage to explain his decision to let this monster go out of maximum-security penitentiary, yes or no?

[Mark Holland, Liberal, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons]

Mr. Speaker, I know the member opposite cares as deeply about the gravity as those crimes and the impact on the families as I do. I know he cares as deeply about what we are going to do for Canadians on that. I also know that he knows the independence of our correctional services system. I know that he also knows that we are not supposed to interfere politically.

I would ask him to work collaboratively with us to find a way where we do not politicize Correctional Service of Canada, and we work together to make sure that the families who are impacted by crimes of this nature are taken care of.

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, I look across at the Prime Minister's seat. I know that he is in Ottawa today, and if he had the courage, he would be standing to answer these questions directly—

[Some hon. members]

Oh, oh!

[The Speaker, Liberal, Anthony Rota]

I just want to remind hon. members that we cannot do indirectly what we cannot do directly. I will let the member continue.

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Carleton, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I take the government House leader up on his challenge to work with us.

We have a bill that would make sure every mass murderer stays in a maximum-security penitentiary. It is before the House. Will the government pass it with unanimous consent today?

[Mark Holland, Liberal, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons]

Mr. Speaker, first of all, I would say that I am looking directly at the leader of the official opposition for a reason. I am looking at him for a reason because when we are dealing with something as serious and as brutal as the crimes that occurred in a community that was right next to mine, that I felt viscerally, the conversation that we have has to be measured. It has to be based on co-operation and, frankly, it needs to be based on the underlying premise that every member cares equally and deeply about this, about two things, about the victims absolutely but also about not politicizing our correctional services system.

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, I take the House leader at his word that he is equally horrified with this monster and that he wants to do something, but I take him at his word when he says he wants to work with us to reverse this transfer and put this monster back in a maximum-security penitentiary. The good news is that he can do that today. The Conservative member for Niagara Falls, who represents many of the family members and friends of the victims, has a bill that would ensure that every single mass murderer stays in a maximum-security penitentiary forever.

Will the government commit to passing it with unanimous consent and send Paul Bernardo back to a maximum-security penitentiary?

[Mark Holland, Liberal, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons]

Mr. Speaker, we are, in all instances, ready to have a conversation about how we do not politicize our correctional services, about how we ensure that we take care of victims and their families. There is a review of the decision that was made by the Correctional Service. It is going to be completed in two weeks. I would suggest that we take a look at that.

I would also suggest that, when we are dealing with something as major as changing our correctional services system, it deserves discussion and it deserves the ability for it to be examined by all parliamentarians and to make sure that we do not create unintended consequences.

Democratic Institutions

[Christine Normandin, Bloc, Saint-Jean, QC]

Mr. Speaker, an inquiry into Chinese interference must be launched before we rise for the summer. It takes a lot of time to investigate, and we have wasted too much time already. If we want to reassure the public, we need to shed light on the interference that occurred in the last election before another one is called. That is the only way to convince the public of the integrity of the next federal election. I am appealing to my colleagues' statesmanship. Time is of the essence.

Will they announce an independent public inquiry before we rise for the summer?