Debates of June 20th, 2023

House of Commons Hansard #217 of the 44th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was c-18.

Topics

This summary is computer-generated. Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.

Canada Shipping Act, 2001 First reading of Bill C-346. The bill addresses the marine industry's labour shortage by amending the Canada Shipping Act, 2001, concerning certificates of competency, to facilitate new workers and strengthen the supply chain. 200 words.

Bill C-18—Time Allocation Motion Members debate a motion to limit further debate on Bill C-18, the Online News Act, which seeks to make online platforms pay for news content. Liberals and NDP argue it is urgent to pass the bill to support local journalism and address a power imbalance. Conservatives and Bloc MPs criticize the use of time allocation as undemocratic, alleging it stifles debate and may disadvantage smaller media outlets. 4900 words, 35 minutes.

Bill C‑18 — Senate Amendments Members debate Bill C-18, which aims to support Canadian news outlets and journalism by requiring online platforms to compensate them for content. Discussions focus on the financial challenges of news media, the definition of journalism, and ensuring support reaches small, regional outlets. They also consider the bill's importance for democracy and the impact of web giants. 2900 words, 20 minutes.

Alleged Breach of Member's Right to Information Members raise questions of privilege, alleging that government departments, specifically Natural Resources Canada and IRCC, are deliberately providing insufficient or misleading answers to Order Paper Questions. They claim that staff strategized to withhold information and that this pattern hinders MPs' ability to hold the government to account and perform their duties on behalf of Canadians, impacting informed decision-making on estimates. 2400 words, 20 minutes.

Online News Act Members debate Bill C-18, the Online News Act, which aims to make online platforms compensate Canadian news content creators. The NDP and Liberals support the bill, citing the decline of local news and the success of similar legislation in Australia. Conservatives oppose it, arguing it's a flawed "link tax" that will lead to censorship, disproportionately benefit large media companies like the CBC, and ultimately harm smaller, independent outlets. The Bloc Québécois supports the bill but suggests a special fund for local weeklies. 33200 words, 4 hours in 5 segments: 1 2 3 4 5.

Order and Decorum in the House Members debate a point of order regarding the sanctioning of the member for Lethbridge, who was not recognized for the day. Conservatives argue the punishment was too severe and inconsistent, while Liberals and NDP MPs support the Assistant Deputy Speaker's decision, citing repeated warnings for heckling and non-compliance with the Chair. The Speaker will review the incident. 2600 words, 25 minutes in 4 segments: 1 2 3 4.

Statements by Members

Climate crisis and summer weather

Forced labour and Shein in Canada

Military helicopter accident at Garrison Petawawa

National Sickle Cell Awareness Day

Retiring community members in Longueuil

Death of Boleslaw Julius Fujarczuk

MP's shoutout to his family

Visual & Performing Arts Newmarket anniversary

Summer activities in Algoma--Manitoulin--Kapuskasing

The carbon tax and debt

Student achievements in Scarborough North

Food bank use and inflation

Rodeo season and Liberal government

Banning export of live horses

Corporate greed and CEO pay

Wildfires in Abitibi—Baie-James—Nunavik—Eeyou

Debt and wasteful government spending

Breast cancer screening guidelines update

Question Period

The Conservatives demand a public inquiry into foreign interference. They criticize the government's inflationary policies for driving up interest rates, threatening Canadians' ability to keep their homes. Concerns are raised over the Paul Bernardo transfer and the Public Safety Minister's conduct. They also condemn the double carbon tax, arguing it increases food prices and burdens farmers.

The Liberals focus on combating foreign interference through consultation. They highlight their investments in affordability measures like dental and housing support, citing Canada's strong G7 fiscal position. They defend climate action, including clean fuel regulations, and promote new housing initiatives. Other topics include modernizing official languages, gun control, and making web giants pay their fair share.

The Bloc demands a public inquiry into foreign interference. They criticize inaction on Quebec's housing crisis, urging more social housing. They highlight forest fires' impact on the forestry industry, seeking support for workers' EI.

The NDP highlights the severe affordability crisis, citing rising rent and housing loss. They demand a national school meal program, call for a windfall tax on corporate greed, and urge extending CEBA loan repayment for small businesses.

Alleged Breach of Member's Right to Information—Speaker's Ruling The Speaker rules on a question of privilege raised by the member for Calgary Nose Hill regarding the government's "incomplete" answers to written questions and public servants' internal processes. 900 words.

Prevention of Government-Imposed Vaccination Mandates Act Second reading of Bill C-278. The bill aims to prevent the imposition by the federal government of vaccination mandates for employment and travel. It would amend several acts to prohibit requiring COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of federal employment, federally regulated work, or for boarding aircraft, trains, or vessels. Conservative MP Dean Allison argues it is about freedom and personal choice, while Liberal MP Mark Gerretsen states the government opposes the bill and that vaccine mandates were essential for public health. The Bloc Québécois and NDP also express opposition, with the Bloc calling it an attempt to politicize vaccination. 8500 words, 1 hour.

Canada Business Corporations Act Third reading of Bill C-42. The bill, Bill C-42, seeks to amend the Canada Business Corporations Act to establish a public, searchable ownership registry for federally registered corporations. Its goal is to combat money laundering, terrorist financing, and tax evasion, and to build public confidence in corporations. While broadly supported by parties, some Conservatives and Greens express regret that proposed amendments, such as lowering the ownership threshold to 10% and ensuring greater interoperability with provincial registries, were not adopted. 11100 words, 1 hour in 2 segments: 1 2.

Adjournment Debates

Housing in Nunavut Lori Idlout raises the issue of inadequate housing in Nunavut, leading to overcrowding and health crises, and asks the government for a plan to address the urgent needs. Vance Badawey cites the government's investments in Indigenous housing and its collaborative approach, while acknowledging the need for further work.

Racism in Visa Selection Kevin Vuong raises concerns about racism at IRCC offices abroad, particularly in South Africa, alleging visa denials based on race. Vance Badawey responds that IRCC investigated and found no evidence of racial filtering, emphasizing the protocols in place to prevent discrimination, and that the IRCC does not collect data on race.

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Bill C-18—Time Allocation MotionOnline News ActGovernment Orders