Debates of June 2nd, 2023

Ian Gordon McBride

[Rob Oliphant, Liberal, Don Valley West, ON]

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honour the life of my friend, colleague and constituent, Ian Gordon McBride. Ian was a resident of my riding in Thorncliffe Park and an active member of The United Church of Canada. Sadly, Ian died very recently, far too soon after his well-deserved retirement began.

Ian worked tirelessly as executive director of the Anglican United Refugee Alliance, or AURA. In his time at AURA, he made an enormous difference in the lives of thousands of newcomers and Canadians, promoting and facilitating private sponsorships of hundreds of refugees across Canada. He put his heart, his soul and his body into this work. His compassion and leadership made Canada a more welcoming and better country.

Ian was an inspiration to me not only when I was clergy seeking his assistance, but also as a parliamentarian when he sought mine. I will miss his wise counsel and his company. Ian fought the good fight, he finished the race and he kept the faith.

May he rest in peace.

National Indigenous History Month

[Jamie Schmale, Conservative, Haliburton—Kawartha Lakes—Brock, ON]

Madam Speaker, June is National Indigenous History Month, a time to recognize the rich cultures, heritage, traditions, resilience and diversity of first nations, Inuit and Métis.

As we come together to learn and celebrate, we must not forget the underlying social, economic, cultural, institutional and historical causes that have contributed to the violence and vulnerability against indigenous women and girls. We must remember and reflect on the terrible tragedies of the residential school system, the sixties scoop and other colonial policies and the legacy they left behind. It is the responsibility of every Canadian to work toward reconciliation and, in doing so, move closer to a better and more equitable future.

I am thankful for the people who have shared with me their stories, and I am honoured to work beside them to ensure the mistakes of the past are not made again. I hope all hon. members in this place will join with me in building a stronger country where indigenous people are treated equally and fairly.

Global Defence and Security Trade Show

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

Madam Speaker, this week I visited CANSEC, Canada's largest defence and security trade show, and what a show it was. From wearable exoskeletons to a new generation of light armoured vehicles to the technology that will take the first Canadian to the moon, what a show it was. I was blown away.

As I toured the floor of the show, innovations in the air, land, sea and even space were on full display. It was fabulous to see so many familiar faces from Canada's defence and security industry, as they employ thousands in my riding of Kanata—Carleton. These are companies like Collins Aerospace, Calian, Leonardo DRS and MDA, all of which are at the forefront of their fields. Their work is not only part of Canada’s growing defence ecosystem, but is also ensuring the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces are equipped with the cutting-edge technology they need to keep us safe.

Steven Tourangeau and David Stewart

[John Nater, Conservative, Perth—Wellington, ON]

Madam Speaker, on Monday, on a road northwest of Woodstock, a tragic traffic collision claimed the lives of Detective Constable Steven Tourangeau of the Perth County OPP and local school bus driver David James Stewart.

Steven Tourangeau was a husband and a father of three. He dedicated his life to keeping our community safe. He had a bright future, both in serving the people of our community and with his family, whom he loved dearly. He was only 35 years old.

Dave Stewart was a 71-year-old family man who, in his retirement, chose to spend his time getting children safely to and from school. His unexpected death is a loss to his family, the community and the school kids who appreciated him so dearly.

Our entire region is mourning the loss of two admirable gentlemen who served their communities in different but very important ways. Our hearts go out to their families and their loved ones. We will remember the lives they lived and the good they did for the people they loved and the communities they cared about.

Health Care Staffing Shortages

[Tony Baldinelli, Conservative, Niagara Falls, ON]

Madam Speaker, I stand in the House today to add my name to those of residents in Fort Erie and Port Colborne who were shocked and disappointed by the decision of the Niagara health system to reduce the operating hours of the urgent care centres in both communities. What makes this decision so disappointing and frustrating is the fact that nearly 8,000 residents in Fort Erie alone are without a family doctor. When speaking with Niagara Health, they say this issue is not about money but is about a lack of the certified nurses and doctors needed to help staff these sites.

The Conservatives have been proposing a solution to help fix these health care staff shortages. It is called a blue seal certification program. Implementing a national certification testing standard such as this would mean foreign-trained health professionals would get a chance to take a test and receive an answer and a certification within 60 days. This would go a long way to helping solve the staffing shortages now plaguing Niagara Health, and it would deliver the improved health care services that Fort Erie and Port Colborne residents rightly deserve.

National Day Against Gun Violence

[Gary Anandasangaree, Liberal, Scarborough—Rouge Park, ON]

Madam Speaker, today is the inaugural National Day Against Gun Violence. For far too many in our country, gun violence is a deeply personal tragedy that has claimed loved ones, shattered dreams and robbed our sense of security.

Many will recall the Danzig Street shooting in the summer of 2012 in my riding of Scarborough—Rouge Park. A gunman fired into a crowded block party, killing two young men and wounding 22 others. Even with the passage of time, the pain and loss linger. Let us honour the memories of victims and support the survivors by wearing white, the colour of peace, and raising awareness around gun violence.

As a government, we are taking decisive action to address gun violence with Bill C-21. Today, I call upon the leader of the opposition in the Senate to stop obstructing the passage of this bill.

Finally, I want to thank the Toronto Raptors for their collaboration and advocacy in making this day a reality.

Finalist of Canada's Got Talent

[Lisa Marie Barron, NDP, Nanaimo—Ladysmith, BC]

Madam Speaker, Raymond Salgado from my riding of Nanaimo-Ladysmith received a standing ovation from the judges after his first performance on season two of Canada's Got Talent, and he continued to amaze the judges and all of Canada with every performance. Without surprise, Salgado has continued on all the way to the finals.

It is not hard to see how Canada fell in love with Raymond Salgado so quickly with his incredibly powerful voice and the undeniable way he lights up a stage. At 24 years of age, Raymond's career is just getting started. Be sure to see Raymond Salgado perform at Nanaimo's Silly Boat Regatta and to keep following his work, with new, original music on the way.

Raymond is not new to creating beautiful music. He created one such song, entitled Runaway, at just 17 years of age, which was inspired by his experience of coming out as gay. Raymond shared that he wanted his music to help others in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community who may be struggling.

As we celebrate pride this month, I want to acknowledge incredible people like Raymond Salgado. We are proud of him.

Sercan Palliative Care Home

[Luc Desilets, Bloc, Rivière-des-Mille-Îles, QC]

Madam Speaker, today I want to mark the recent opening of the new addition to the Sercan palliative care centre in Saint‑Eustache in my riding. Since the expansion was completed, 12 beautiful, large, peaceful and warm private rooms have been accessible free of charge to people nearing the end of their lives.

Since 2005, more than 1,000 individuals have received end-of-life care at Maison Sercan. In addition to the palliative care home, Sercan offers help and support following a cancer diagnosis or the loss of a loved one. Hundreds of times a year, dedicated volunteers provide medical transport to people diagnosed with cancer.

As a not-for-profit organization that gets only 50% of its funding from the government, Sercan could not operate without these volunteers and donations from the community. If we judge a society by the way it treats its seniors, then I stand before the Chair filled with hope and pride. Congratulations, Sercan.

Carbon Tax

[Glen Motz, Conservative, Medicine Hat—Cardston—Warner, AB]

Madam Speaker, the people in my community are hurting and cannot afford more Liberal taxes. However, demonstrating just how out of touch the government really is, it is making life even more expensive by implementing a second carbon tax during a cost of living crisis of all things. The second carbon tax will add 20¢ on a litre of gasoline on top of the 40¢ from the first carbon tax. Who can afford a 60¢-a-litre increase? The Parliamentary Budget Officer has confirmed that both carbon taxes will have an annual net cost of up to $4,000 per family.

Luckily for Canadians, the Conservatives have put forward a motion calling on the government to immediately cancel its second carbon tax. I ask Canadians who are watching, if they agree, to please call and email every MP in the Liberal-NDP coalition before Monday's vote, demanding that they support the motion to cancel the second carbon tax.

Nova Scotia Wildfires

[Andy Fillmore, Liberal, Halifax, NS]

Madam Speaker, the devastation wrought by wildfires surrounding the Halifax area is absolutely heartbreaking, and the Nova Scotians who have had to flee their homes are still reeling. However, despite the toll this latest tragedy is having on our province, we continue to be there for one another.

We thank the professional and volunteer firefighters who have battled blazes for days on end. So much has been lost, but so much more, including lives, has been saved because of their courage.

We also thank the emergency responders, including the Canadian Coast Guard and the Canadian Armed Forces; those working in comfort centres; mental health counsellors; those in the charitable sector, who have once again stepped forward to help; and the many local businesses that have done their part. It is neighbours helping neighbours.

My message to Nova Scotians who are hurting is this: For as long as it takes, the federal government will be there to support them and help them. After all, that is the Nova Scotian way. We are there for one another through the hard time and through the rebuilding, the way it has always been.

Democratic Institutions

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

Madam Speaker, David Johnston is in a clear conflict of interest. He was a member of the Trudeau Foundation, and he is the Prime Minister's friend. He released a report meant to whitewash Beijing's influence with the Liberal government and Beijing's interference in our elections. However, this whitewashing is what he was always going to do, is it not? After all, he is there as a special adviser exclusively for the Prime Minister.

Canadians have rejected Johnston's cover-up, and they want the facts from the Prime Minister. Will he call a public inquiry today?

[Jennifer O'Connell, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs]

Madam Speaker, foreign-state actors are trying to undermine our democracy. However, the members of the Conservative Party are actually assisting in this. They stand there and make personal attacks on those who are serving our country to bring forward reports on how we can move forward with better measures to improve our democratic institutions.

The member opposite talked about facts. If they care about facts, their leader should get the briefing and learn the facts about the foreign interference in this country.

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

Madam Speaker, the parliamentary secretary wants facts. Here is a fact: The majority of members of this House, representing a majority of Canadians, voted to have a public inquiry and to fire David Johnston. However, the Prime Minister continues to ignore that in favour of his cover-up man, his ski buddy, his friend and his Beijing-funded Trudeau Foundation board member. Canadians saw straight through the sham and they want information.

That is why this House voted for a public inquiry. The Prime Minister might not like it, but that is what this House called for. Will he call one today?

[Jennifer O'Connell, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs]

Madam Speaker, when it comes to matters of national security, Canadians can see that the Conservatives are just not fit to lead. They are immature when it comes to these matters. Rather than talking about the actual measures and recommendations in the Right Hon. David Johnston's report, instead, when listening to that member's question, it was nothing but personal political attacks. It was not about the interests of Canadians or protecting our democratic institutions. It was about partisan games for the Conservatives.

On this side of the House, we are going to focus on protecting Canadian democracy.

[John Nater, Conservative, Perth—Wellington, ON]

Madam Speaker, if the parliamentary secretary wants to protect Canadian democracy, she would have her Prime Minister call a full, independent public inquiry. That is what this House has twice voted to do. The special rapporteur declined to do so, saying that he does not work for Parliament, that he is not accountable to Parliament and that he works only for the Prime Minister.

Everyone agrees that we need a public inquiry, except for those who work for the Liberal government or the Trudeau Foundation. Canadians want a public inquiry. This House has twice voted for one. Will the Liberals do the right thing and call a full public inquiry?

[Jennifer O'Connell, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs]

Madam Speaker, how could we take lessons from the party opposite when the members will not even take the basic minimum national security briefing on this very matter? The Conservatives would rather operate under a veil of ignorance. We expect all members of this House to come forward. Opposition parties may criticize our government, but Canadians expect them to at least do so with information and the facts.

While Conservatives ignore briefings on national security, we cannot take them very seriously.

[Luc Berthold, Conservative, Mégantic—L'Érable, QC]

Madam Speaker, the Prime Minister and the special rapporteur have many things in common: the Trudeau Foundation, an old friendship, skiing, respect for the regime in Beijing, and, above all, contempt for the House of Commons.

Prime Minister Trudeau and David Johnston are the only ones who do not see how their close relationship is undermining the credibility of our democratic institutions.

Will the Prime Minister put national security before Liberal security and fire the special rapporteur?

[The Assistant Deputy Speaker, NDP, Carol Hughes]

The hon. member knows very well that he cannot refer to the Prime Minister by name. I expect him to check his questions before asking them.

The hon. minister.

[Pascale St-Onge, Liberal, Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec]

Madam Speaker, the recommendations in Mr. Johnston's report may not be popular, but they are courageous. Members elected to the House of Commons have a responsibility to treat national security information seriously, to ensure the safety of the people who collect that information and to maintain a good relationship with our allies, who trust us with the information they share. The responsible thing for the opposition Bloc and Conservative Party leaders to do is to get their briefings and come back here to debate the facts.

[Luc Berthold, Conservative, Mégantic—L'Érable, QC]

Madam Speaker, I have seen the facts. David Johnston is a former governor general. He was granted the “Right Honourable” title for the role he played on behalf of Canada. All governors general are well aware that Parliament, especially the House of Commons, is the people's House. There is nothing very honourable about seeing the Prime Minister use a former governor general like his puppet to protect himself from a public inquiry that has been demanded twice now by a majority of members who represent Canadian citizens.

The Prime Minister is the one who got David Johnston into this mess. When is he going to get him out of it by firing him?

[Pascale St-Onge, Liberal, Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec]

Madam Speaker, Mr. Johnston was honourable, reliable and credible enough for the Harper government to appoint him as governor general and for the Mulroney government to appoint him to conduct inquiries. Suddenly, when the Conservatives are unhappy with Mr. Johnston's findings, they attack the credibility of a Canadian who spent his life serving Canadians and Canada. It is totally dishonourable and irresponsible.

Emergency Preparedness

[Kristina Michaud, Bloc, Avignon—La Mitis—Matane—Matapédia, QC]

Madam Speaker, forest fires have triggered a state of emergency in Sept‑Îles, where 10,000 people are currently being evacuated. Another thousand people are being evacuated in Chapais. The Bloc Québécois obviously offers its full support and solidarity to these people and these communities. Citizens need to know that all governments are behind them to help them through this crisis.

Is the federal government committed to fully supporting the efforts being made by Quebec and local authorities to fight the raging forest fires?

[Stéphane Lauzon, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Rural Economic Development]

Madam Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague for her speech. We are co-operating fully with the Province of Quebec. Our hearts go out to the people of Sept-Îles and other communities affected by forest fires. We had an update from officials just this morning. Over the past few days, more than 100 wildfires have broken out in Quebec, 20 of which are out of control. We are on the lookout and are still waiting for an official request from the province to help. We know that the Province of Quebec has a very good response team that can come to the aid of Quebeckers.

Democratic Institutions

[René Villemure, Bloc, Trois-Rivières, QC]

Madam Speaker, let us get back to the basics when it comes to Chinese interference. The problem is China's actions and the fact that the Johnston report prevents us from dealing with them because, as a result of that report, there will be no inquiry into the Chinese police stations, the election candidates supported by China, the intimidation of the Chinese diaspora or the threats against elected officials. In the years I spent working as an ethicist, I lived by this adage: “Any action that needs darkness to succeed is probably more unethical than an action that can stand the light.” In this case, there is a lot of darkness. Let us shine a light on what is happening by holding an independent public inquiry.

[Pascale St-Onge, Liberal, Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec]

Madam Speaker, when I see the leader of the Bloc Québécois taking exactly the same position as the Conservative leader, namely, choosing wilful blindness over getting the necessary security clearance to receive briefings that would provide him with information on all the points my colleague raised, then I can only assume that the Bloc Québécois has truly become a pale imitation of the Conservatives, the “Conservatives lite”.