Debates of June 19th, 2023

Business of the House

[The Speaker, Liberal, Anthony Rota]

All those opposed to the hon. member moving the motion will please say nay. It is agreed.

The House has heard the terms of the motion. All those opposed to the motion will please say nay.

(Motion agreed to)

International Students

[Shafqat Ali, Liberal, Brampton Centre, ON]

Mr. Speaker, last week, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship made it clear that international students who are not found to be involved in fraud will not face deportation. I commend the minister for using his discretionary authority to suspend deportation proceedings and for doing so in such a timely fashion.

I would like to recognize the teamwork of my colleagues, the Minister of Seniors, the member for Brampton South, the member for Surrey Centre, the member for Calgary Skyview, the member for Brampton North and the member for Brampton East for their advocacy in the situation facing this group of international students.

This path to resolution would not have been possible without the work of everyone involved in ensuring that we focus on identifying those who are responsible for the fraudulent activity and not penalize those who have been victimized by it.

[The Speaker, Liberal, Anthony Rota]

I want to remind the hon. members that Statements by Members are taking place and I am sure that everybody wants to hear what they have to say.

The hon. member for Mission—Matsqui—Fraser Canyon.

Lytton Businesses

[Brad Vis, Conservative, Mission—Matsqui—Fraser Canyon, BC]

Mr. Speaker, June 30 marks the second anniversary of the deadly fire in my riding that decimated Lytton, two years of residents without a home, two years of students unable to reunite with their classmates, two years of entrepreneurs unable to restart their businesses.

Lytton entrepreneurs and small businesses are doing everything they can to recover. First hit hard by the pandemic, business owners applied for CEBA to keep operating. Then, destroyed by fire, Lytton small businesses lost their storefronts and inventory and were forced to lay off staff. They have no means of repaying their debt.

Due to the sheer magnitude of disaster and consequential bureaucratic delays, for two years, Lytton businesses have been unable to rebuild and generate revenue, even access their own property. Millions of dollars have been announced to assist Lytton but properties are literally in dust.

Announcements now fall on deaf ears. Where is the action?

Will the government finally deliver tangible support to Lytton business owners?

Sylvain Raby

[Élisabeth Brière, Liberal, Sherbrooke, QC]

Mr. Speaker, today I would like to mark the retirement of someone very dear to me. Sylvain Raby worked as a printer at École Mitchell-Montcalm in Sherbrooke for 38 years, but he was much more than a printer.

A very active volunteer, he took part in multiple projects for his school. Whether it was for the graduation dance, the annual play, creative projects or building the student hall, Sylvain never missed an opportunity to help out and make his school shine. In fact, he is still involved as president of the Fondation école Montcalm.

His strong, charismatic personality helped him build bonds with students and staff members. Schools are not just a place to learn; they are also a place to live. Sylvain has improved the quality of life for both the school's students and staff.

I thank Sylvain for his curiosity, involvement and humanity. Above all, I would like to thank him for having helped hundreds of young people to grow and become better people. I am sure we will meet again, because I know that he will continue to contribute to many projects and events in our community of Sherbrooke.

Michel Désautels

[Martin Champoux, Bloc, Drummond, QC]

Mr. Speaker, there should be a Radio-Canada voice hall of fame. It would be a sound hall of fame, of course. It would feature the voices of Bernard Derome, René Lecavalier, Richard Garneau, Pierre Nadeau, as well as Myra Cree, Judith Jasmin and countless others. If there were a hall of fame, the newest inductees would be Joël Le Bigot and Michel Désautels. For decades, we have listened to the comforting voice of Mr. Désautels, who retired yesterday, after a career spanning half a century.

When I was studying to join the exciting world of radio, one of my instructors, Pierre Dufault, who also deserves a place in the hall of fame, used to tell us to look to Mr. Désautels for inspiration. Mr. Désautels was professional and reassuring, able to keep a straight face during lighter moments and to take a more serious tone when the situation called for it. He was really in tune with his audience, and his audience knew that they were appreciated and respected. Michel Désautels helped make us a little more informed, a little more enlightened, a little smarter, and a little more human.

I want to thank Michel Désautels.

Medal Awarded by MP for Bourassa

[Emmanuel Dubourg, Liberal, Bourassa, QC]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, on Father's Day, at the fifth edition of the “eminent men in Bourassa“ ceremony, I had the honour of presenting five men with the Bourassa MP's medal. Day after day, these men carry out meaningful and inspiring initiatives, whose positive impacts are felt in the riding of Bourassa and beyond.

I am pleased to introduce them to the House of Commons of Canada. They are Ghassan Assio, Calogero Caruso, Jonas Lowa Kouassi, Michel Lorange, and the late Félix Saint-Élien, who unfortunately passed away three days before the ceremony.

I paid tribute to each of the recipients in the presence of their families, dignitaries and guests. I invite all members to join me in congratulating these agents of change.

La Fromagerie Allen in Saint‑Anselme

[Dominique Vien, Conservative, Bellechasse—Les Etchemins—Lévis, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend the courage and determination of two entrepreneurs, the owners of the new business Fromagerie Allen in Saint‑Anselme, Bellechasse.

I want to point out that Caroline and Joseph Allen already operate an organic dairy farm. To start up the cheese factory, Joseph had to hit the books again while Caroline is working towards obtaining recognition for their milk quality. These two young entrepreneurs obviously do not keep track of their time. They are determined to make their cheese factory one of the best. Their cheddar cheese is excellent, and they are already dreaming of increasing the range of products.

Their determination and professionalism have been recognized. Their efforts were recently rewarded after only one year of operation. Fromagerie Allen were awarded second prize in the business creation section, commerce category at the Défi OSEntreprendre gala.

I congratulate Caroline and Joseph Allen for their work and I wish them continued success.

High School Graduates

[Jenna Sudds, Liberal, Kanata—Carleton, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and celebrate the hundreds of high school students graduating in my riding of Kanata—Carleton. To the students of AY Jackson, Earl of March, Holy Trinity, Maurice-Lapointe and West Carleton, I say congratulations. I hope they look back on their high school years as wonderful memories, with amazing teachers and fabulous friendships that will last a lifetime. As they look forward to the next chapter in their lives, they should dream big. They have made it this far. They have proven they can do it. We can all imagine what they can do next.

I thank the teachers who got them here. I thank them for their devotion to teaching and helping to shape this next generation. To the parents who have gotten them this far, I say that it is now time for these graduates to spread their wings.

Graduates should take selfies, take some time to celebrate and take it easy for a while, then get ready to take on the world.

Young Volunteers

[Randeep Sarai, Liberal, Surrey Centre, BC]

Mr. Speaker, today it is my honour to highlight the work of 25 young individuals who have dedicated their lives to progressing Canada through their volunteer work. The Surrey Board of Trade's 25 under 25 have worked tirelessly to grow their communities and provide service to the world around them. Furthermore, these individuals go above and beyond to serve the citizens of Canada, especially within Surrey and in communities throughout the Lower Mainland. They have exceeded expectations by displaying their outstanding commitment and strengthening our neighbourhoods. These truly are our brightest members.

One young man in particular I would like to give a shout-out to is Zora Heer. Zora is an exceptional youth member, and he has demonstrated his perseverance and goodwill through his work with the Surrey youth council. He is a talented leader in Surrey, and he continues to provide his service out of passion. Zora and the 24 other brilliant young minds are determined to uplift Canadians in their respective communities.

The Economy

[Doug Shipley, Conservative, Barrie—Springwater—Oro-Medonte, ON]

Mr. Speaker, at a time when Canadians are struggling, the Liberal government continues to pour fuel on the inflationary fire by recklessly adding $4,200 in new spending and debt for every household in Canada. To make matters worse, the Bank of Canada’s most recent interest rate hike will be a disaster for families with variable rate mortgages and with mortgages that are up for renewal. Families who bought a home five years ago, with a typical mortgage that is up for renewal, will now, on average, pay $7,000 more a year in interest alone.

In Barrie, this situation has become critical. I recently spoke to a local bank manager, and he indicated that their branch is currently working with 40 struggling families trying to keep their homes. Considering that there are over 35 financial institutions in Barrie, this could mean that approximately 1,500 families in my riding are in a similarly dire predicament.

Canadians deserve better. They deserve a government that can bring home powerful paycheques, lower their taxes and build more homes. Only a Conservative government can provide the relief that Canadians so desperately need.

Canada-Taiwan Relations

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

Mr. Speaker, today I would like to share some exciting news that will undoubtedly strengthen international trade and foster closer ties between Canada and Taiwan. Last week, Taiwan took a significant step by fully opening its market to imports of Canadian beef. This decision marks a momentous occasion, not only for the Canadian beef industry but also for the bilateral relations between Canada and Taiwan.

This development will undoubtedly benefit both our countries. Taiwanese consumers will now have access to a wider range of safe, high-quality Canadian beef products, while Canadian farmers will gain access to an expanding market, boosting their export opportunities. Moreover, this milestone strengthens the foundation of co-operation and friendship between Canada and Taiwan. It paves the way for further collaboration in various sectors and enhances our economic partnership.

Let us celebrate this positive development and embrace the opportunities it brings to foster greater trade, prosperity and friendship between Canada and Taiwan.

The Economy

[Cheryl Gallant, Conservative, Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke, ON]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister has a plan to increase prices even more.

Higher prices are official Liberal policy. Their out-of-control spending is fuelling inflation. Their taxes and regulations drive up the price of energy. Higher energy prices mean that it is more expensive to purchase fertilizer to grow, harvest and transport food. The Liberals' Soviet-style sales quotas will make cars more expensive. Their streaming censorship law will make entertainment more expensive. Their annual alcohol tax increase makes having a beer more expensive. They even want to make it more expensive to go fishing.

Higher prices are the Liberals' policy. They will never rein in spending, because higher inflation is what the Prime Minister wants. With every move we make and every breath we take, he will be taxing us.

[Michael Kram, Conservative, Regina—Wascana, SK]

Mr. Speaker, over the last 10 years, Canada has experienced the worst economic growth rate since the Great Depression, and the root cause of this problem is no great mystery. Liberal deficits have led to Liberal inflation, which is driving a cost of living crisis, and Canadians are noticing it every time they go to the grocery store.

Liberal inflation has also caused the Bank of Canada to raise interest rates nine consecutive times. These interest rate hikes have turned the housing market into a ticking time bomb. As more and more Canadians are going to the bank to renew their mortgages at higher interest rates, many are finding that they can no longer afford to stay in their homes. However, a new Conservative government would fix these problems so Canadians can stay in their homes.

For their homes, my home and our homes, let us bring it home.

Yan Piché

[Stéphane Lauzon, Liberal, Argenteuil—La Petite-Nation, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to highlight an act of bravery that occurred in my beautiful riding of Argenteuil—La Petite-Nation.

On May 11, when Yan Piché was out fishing with his friends, he did not hesitate to dive into the Grenville Canal to save a 9-year-old girl who had been swept away by the current. Despite the freezing cold water, he was able to bring her safely to shore. The values that Mr. Piché embodied that day are those that we all strive to foster and live by every day. May his example inspire each and every one of us to act with determination and humanity in the face of our challenges. The courage and bravery shown by Yan Piché deserve our utmost admiration.

For his heroic act, in addition to the certificate of meritorious act awarded by Grenville's mayor, Pierre Thauvette, I am proud to present him with an honorary certificate and a medal bearing the image of the Canadian Parliament.

International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict

[Leah Gazan, NDP, Winnipeg Centre, MB]

Mr. Speaker, today is the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict.

I honour all the survivors and victims who have experienced sexual violence in conflict zones. It is critically important that they receive all the health and social supports that they need to recover. I also want to acknowledge UN Security Council Resolution 2122, which upholds abortion rights for women and girls who experience sexual violence in conflict zones.

Rape as a weapon of war is used to spread fear and exert control over people. We have seen it used in the Democratic Republic of the Congo by armed factions, during the Tigray war, by Russian soldiers in Ukraine and in many other places. This is a crime against humanity. Those who perpetrate these acts of sexual violence, and leaders who allow them to take place, need to be held accountable.

On this day and every day, let us lift up survivors, demand justice for victims and work to ensure that we end rape as a weapon of war once and for all.

Jacques Plante

[Alain Therrien, Bloc, La Prairie, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a remarkable resident of my riding, Jacques Plante, who passed away on June 3 at the age of 93.

Mr. Plante first started helping young people as a teacher and school principal. He made a life-changing impression on many of them. Not only did the tireless Mr. Plante work with youth, but he was also involved in helping seniors. He will be remembered for his contributions as president of the La Prairie seniors' club or as the chair of the board of directors at the Kateri CLSC. Nothing stopped this history buff, who became a separatist in the 1970s. At that time, he became actively involved in the Parti Québécois. As a result of his extraordinary political and social engagement, he was named patriot of the year in 2012. Mr. Plante was a kind, generous and charming man. He always had a smile on his face and he was so proud to be a Quebecker. Mr. Plante was an exceptional man who will never be forgotten.

On behalf of the Bloc Québécois, I want to express my deepest condolences to his family and friends.

Opioid Crisis

[Garnett Genuis, Conservative, Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, AB]

Mr. Speaker, Canada's horrific and devastating opioid crisis is not an accident.

The opioid crisis is happening because Purdue Pharma, Liberal-friendly McKinsey and other bad corporate actors aggressively marketed prescription opioids to those suffering from pain or addiction. These companies did everything possible to increase sales and left a trail of human misery in their wake.

Today we learned from The Globe and Mail, specifically, that McKinsey pitched Purdue on turbocharging opioid sales in Canada. McKinsey has paid half a billion dollars in compensation in the United States, but it has still not admitted any wrongdoing or paid any compensation in Canada. Shamefully, the Liberals have continued to pour money into this company.

On May 29, this House held a vote on my amendment, which called on the government to sue the companies responsible for causing and fuelling the opioid crisis for all damages associated with the crisis, as well as to direct all funds recovered through such litigation to prevention, treatment and recovery programs. The Liberals and New Democrats voted against that amendment.

The opioid crisis was a result of corporate marketing, and it made some close friends of the Liberal government very rich. Those who got rich through the opioid crisis should pay for the recovery.

National Indigenous Peoples Day

[Jenica Atwin, Liberal, Fredericton, NB]

Mr. Speaker, June 21 is the summer solstice, the day of the year with the longest light and the promise of warmer days ahead. It is also a day for all Canadians to find ways to honour and celebrate the diversity and vibrancy of first nations, Métis and Inuit peoples through National Indigenous Peoples Day.

To the First Nations communities in my riding, Sitansisk and Welamukotuk, I say woliwon for being leaders and land guardians of our beautiful region; for being driving economic forces; for celebrating and sharing their culture, heritage and identity; and for their strength and triumph in the face of centuries of colonialism.

Activities and events are organized across Wabanaki Territory, including in Eqpahak, where Wotastoqey Tribal Council, JEDI and MAWIW Council, in partnership with the City of Fredericton, host a special gathering on the lawn of the provincial legislature, with drumming, dancing, games, food and more. There will also be a celebration in Carleton Park throughout the day, with live music and art that honours the rich heritage of the Welastekwewiyik.

We are at a time in our history when we are collectively engaging on the path of reconciliation, of healing and reclaiming and of transforming who we are and who we want to be; indigenous peoples are leading the way. Happy National Indigenous Peoples Day.

The Economy

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, after eight years of this Prime Minister, the cost of housing has doubled. The cost of a down payment for the average house has doubled. Monthly mortgage payments have doubled. The average cost of rent has doubled.

Now the Minister of Finance is introducing another $60 billion in inflationary deficits. That is $4,200 per Canadian family.

When will the minister balance the budget to reduce inflation and lower interest rates?

[Chrystia Freeland, Liberal, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance]

Mr. Speaker, our economic plan struck a balance between fiscal responsibility and compassion.

That is why, in July, we will be providing a grocery rebate to 11 million Canadian families in need. That is why we are also providing dental care to Canadian families in need. That is why we are going to invest more than $100 billion in our green transition.

We are doing all that while maintaining the lowest deficit in the G7.

Carbon Pricing

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, after eight years, the only thing the minister and the Prime Minister are doing for the cost of groceries is raising taxes on food. They are promising a new, second carbon tax that will apply in Quebec, despite the fact that Quebec is the greenest province and perhaps even the greenest place in the world.

Now the Liberals, with the support of the Bloc Québécois, want to impose a tax of 20¢ per litre on farmers and consumers, which will increase the cost of food.

Will they axe the tax so Quebeckers can afford to eat?

[Steven Guilbeault, Liberal, Minister of Environment and Climate Change]

Mr. Speaker, I think a lot of people watching at home might be thinking about the record floods in recent months, the record tropical storms and now the record forest fires we have been having, and they might be wondering why the Conservative Party of Canada continues to be so stubbornly silent on climate change. The Conservatives have not said a word in the House about climate change and the tens of thousands of people who have been displaced.

Where is the Conservative plan to fight climate change? Where is the Conservative plan to help Canadians adapt to the impacts of climate change? It is nowhere to be found.

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, what is nowhere is the Liberals' environmental plan. They do not have an environmental plan. After eight years of raising taxes on consumers, they still cannot hit their targets. They seem to suggest that if Canadians were just forced to pay more for gas, groceries and heat that forest fires would stop. That is ridiculous. All that has happened is a 40-year high in food price inflation, one in five Canadians skipping meals because they cannot afford food and 1.5 million going to food banks.

Now the Liberals want a 61¢-a-litre carbon tax. Will they axe the tax so Canadians can afford to eat?

[Steven Guilbeault, Liberal, Minister of Environment and Climate Change]

Mr. Speaker, the members of the Conservative Party of Canada say that if they were in power, they would work, through technology, to reduce pollution—