Debates of June 6th, 2023

Report Stage

[Julie Vignola, Bloc, Beauport—Limoilou, QC]

Madam Speaker, technology is advancing rapidly.

Solar, wind and hydro are types of energy that can be considered renewable. We need them. Increasing GHGs in various ways will not help minimize environmental damage.

By the way, the best energy is always the energy we do not use. Reducing our own consumption across the board will also change people's habits and make a difference.

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

Madam Speaker, as we are all experiencing it today, there is smoke in the skies. We are clearly in a climate crisis. Instead of us moving forward in a direction to begin implementing sound solutions to address this climate crisis and the horrendous impacts we are all experiencing as a result, the Conservatives are playing games with stalling tactics, ensuring these are not being implemented.

Could my colleague share her thoughts on the importance of us putting into place sound solutions to address the climate crisis and to not see hold-ups and unnecessary parliamentary games to keep us from moving forward in a positive direction?

[Julie Vignola, Bloc, Beauport—Limoilou, QC]

Madam Speaker, in response to my colleague, I would like to remind her of the opposition's role in democracy.

When I arrived in the House, someone told me that my role as a member of the opposition was not to enable the government to function, but to obstruct it at all costs. Personally, I see the opposition's role as being much more constructive.

No single party or individual can see all sides of an issue. It is just not possible for a government to introduce a perfect bill. It is important to consult all the parties and come to an agreement, to have a consensus.

The expression “political games” is wrong; we are not playing games here. This is about every aspect of people's future. This is serious. We have to work together, find consensus and represent the entire population, the people we all represent.

[Frank Caputo, Conservative, Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo, BC]

Madam Speaker, it is always a pleasure to rise on behalf of the people from Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo.

Before I get going, I want to give a quick shout-out to my nephew, who had his 21st birthday yesterday, Noah Bradley.

My colleague from the Bloc spoke about finding consensus. I would like to hear her opinion on whether the way to finding consensus is through cutting debate, as the Liberals have done so often in this Parliament.

[Julie Vignola, Bloc, Beauport—Limoilou, QC]

Madam Speaker, I wish my colleague's nephew a happy birthday.

I know the Remparts beat the Kamloops team and really enjoyed their stay in Kamloops.

With respect to consensus, time allocation is not the best way to reach it. We have to find other approaches, maybe different ways of talking to each other, to make that happen.

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

Madam Speaker, first allow me to spare a thought for the people affected by forest fires across Canada. I am thinking of them and channelling my energy toward helping them get through this extremely difficult and tragic situation. I thank the firefighters, members of the military and all volunteers contributing to their well-being.

Today, I am rising in the House to speak to Bill C-47. On March 28, the Liberal government tabled an irresponsible budget that increases both the debt and inflation. The government chose to throw money at everything. It is an obvious ploy. The government is making self-serving decisions to stay in power by using public money to buy the support of the New Democratic Party.

In the highlights of the Parliamentary Budget Officer's report of April 13, Yves Giroux stated:

Budget 2023 does not provide an assessment of program effectiveness that the Government launched in last year's budget under its comprehensive Strategic Policy Review, nor in my view does it identify opportunities to save and reallocate resources to adapt government programs and operations to a new post-pandemic reality.

Take the Canada dental benefit, for example. I support this benefit. It is a very exciting social program, but it has to be considered within the current context. The truth is that this government is throwing so much money around that it is going to trigger a recession. Before offering people the chance to invest in their teeth, how about ensuring that they have food to eat first?

The government is free to rebut this comment with the grocery rebate proposed in its budget, but let us be realistic. A one-time payment will only help some people, and not for long.

In a column entitled “A doubled-edged rebate”, published on March 30 in La Presse, Sylvain Charlebois reminded us that this budget, like last year's, contained no section on agriculture or food. I would point out that Dr. Charlebois is senior director of the Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University. He has credibility. I encourage the Liberals to consult him for ideas. Dr. Charlebois says this:

For Canadians, the grocery rebate will be limited in scope and duration, an offshoot of the politicization of food inflation. The PR spin is real, whereas tax changes that could have a substantial impact are not. However, the prospect of injecting $2.5 billion more into the economy is causing a lot of concern. Such an action could worsen the food inflation problem.

Yes, it is a double-edged rebate indeed.

The government gives with one hand, but it claws back double or more from the pockets of honest Canadian citizens through the excise tax, the carbon tax and the carbon tax 2.0. It is injecting money into the economy, which is causing inflation. In our capitalist system, businesses aim to make a profit. That aim is perfectly legitimate. It is a matter of survival for them. If they cannot turn a profit, they will close their doors and thousands of Canadians will lose their jobs.

In that context, the responsible thing for the government to do would have been to reduce federal spending and collaborate with the Bank of Canada.

That is the way to stop inflation and give some breathing room to Canadians who are increasingly struggling.

There is a major lack of vision here. Maybe the government's vision is restricted by its blinders, leading it to focus exclusively on what is really important to it: the Liberal-NDP coalition keeping it in power.

The Parliamentary Budget Officer has shown that the carbon tax will cost the average family between $400 and $847 in 2023, even after the rebate. I urge everyone to take a look at the Canadian Debt Clock created by the MEI, the Montreal Economic Institute. It shows that the federal debt in Canada now exceeds $1.299 trillion and will soon reach $1.3 trillion. That is huge. It breaks down to $44,000 of debt per taxpayer. Based on data provided by the Department of Finance in its March 28, 2023, budget, the MEI estimates that, by March 31, 2024, the Canadian debt will have increased by $42.6 billion, the equivalent of $116 million per day, $81,000 per minute or $1,350 per second.

I have heard members of the government, I think including the member for Saint-Maurice—Champlain, when he was minister of foreign affairs, say that now is the time to borrow, that interest rates are low and will stay low. What a peculiar basis for managing a government's public funds.

To illustrate the government's incompetence, just last fall, in the economic statement, it forecast a deficit of $36.4 billion for 2022-23, and deficits of $30 billion in 2023-24 and $25 billion in 2024-25. The fact is that, in this budget, the government now forecasts a deficit of $40.1 billion for 2023-24. That is almost $10 billion more but, for the Liberals, $1 billion, $10 billion or $100 billion is nothing because they can just print more money.

As I noted earlier, the national debt will soon reach $1.3 trillion. Do my colleagues know that the debt ceiling is set at $1.8 trillion? Is the government racing to reach that target? I hope not.

The Conservative Party, to which I am proud to belong, had some very specific asks for the government concerning budget 2023: end the war on work by reducing taxes for workers; end the inflationary deficits that are driving up the cost of goods; and eliminate barriers to building housing for Canadians. The simple truth is that none of the Conservative Party's three demands have been met. None of them have been included in the bill.

That is why the Conservatives will not be supporting this anti-worker, pro-inflation budget that raises taxes. At least, we will not supporting it unless and until our demands are met. This way of doing things is unacceptable. It is irresponsible, and I hope that, thanks to the actions of the opposition, the government will listen to reason and change course.

Whitby Fire and Emergency Services

[Ryan Turnbull, Liberal, Whitby, ON]

Mr. Speaker, last week in my riding of Whitby our fire and emergency services held their recruit graduation ceremony. It was an incredible event. It recognized the nine new Whitby firefighters who took the oath of service affirming their commitment to protecting our community.

Firefighters are essential to our country, and without their service, Canada could not be the safe place it is today. These national heroes who risk their lives every single day deserve our support, which is why our government has invested over $900 million to train firefighters, for disaster financial assistance and to support the work of Indigenous Services Canada.

I would like to take this opportunity to also recognize the dedication and service of Captain Bob Brandon, who has trained many recruits and is retiring this August. From the newly graduated firefighters to the many who have served in our community, we thank Captain Bob for his many years of service and his countless contributions to our community.

Isobel Cup

[Karen Vecchio, Conservative, Elgin—Middlesex—London, ON]

Mr. Speaker, the Isobel Cup is the championship trophy of the Premier Hockey Federation. It takes its name from Lord Stanley's daughter Isobel, who shared his love of the game and is known as one of the first female hockey players in Canada. Isobel encouraged her father to purchase a silver cup to be awarded to the best amateur hockey team in Canada. This cup later became the Stanley Cup.

Another terrific and talented Canadian hockey player is my niece Brittany Howard, who has brought the Isobel Cup here to Ottawa to share with us all.

Britt was a standout player at Robert Morris University, a Division 1 program in Pittsburgh, where she received all-American honours. This past hockey season, Brittany led the Toronto Six in the Premier Hockey Federation as the top scorer with 18 goals in 24 games. This past March, the Toronto Six participated in the Isobel Cup championship in Tempe, Arizona after defeating the Connecticut Whale in the semifinals. In overtime, the team defeated the Minnesota White Caps with a score of 3 to 2 to win the Isobel Cup playoff championship.

This is the first time a Canadian team has won the Premier Hockey Federation. Please help me congratulate Brittany and her teammate Rachel Seeley on winning the Isobel Cup.

Foreign Representatives in Canada

[Chandra Arya, Liberal, Nepean, ON]

Mr. Speaker, diplomats play a key role in strengthening the socio-economic, political and trade relationships between their countries and Canada.

I would like to recognize and thank the high commissioner of Brunei to Canada, His Excellency PG Kamal Bashah Ahmad, who is leaving Canada after nine years of excellent service in Canada. He is currently the longest-serving diplomat in Canada and the only one still here as a diplomat since I got elected in 2015.

I also would like to recognize and thank the ambassador of Vietnam to Canada, His Excellency Pham Cao Phong, who is retiring soon. Vietnam is Canada's biggest trading partner among ASEAN countries.

I would like to once again thank both these diplomats and wish them all the very best in their future endeavours.

Portneuf-sur-Mer Tragedy

[Marilène Gill, Bloc, Manicouagan, QC]

Mr. Speaker, as the member for Manicouagan and on behalf of the Bloc Québécois, it is with great sadness that I rise to extend my sincere condolences to all those who were touched by the tragedy in Portneuf-sur-Mer.

On June 3, a few adults and children were fishing on the edge of the St. Lawrence River when they were surprised by the rising tide that surrounded and trapped them. Six of them were saved from the waters, but over the next few hours, the sea returned the bodies of the five it had taken. Today, we mourn four children and the father of two of them and, today, we pay tribute to them.

The people from the north shore send their warmest sympathies and their love to the people of the Haute-Côte-Nord, Bergeronnes, Tadoussac and Portneuf-sur-Mer, to the parents, friends, families and loved ones. In the darkness, love continues to grow and shine like the sun.

National Indigenous History Month

[Brendan Hanley, Liberal, Yukon, YT]

Mr. Speaker, I invite my colleagues to join me in celebrating National Indigenous History Month.

Fifty years ago, a delegation of Yukon first nation leaders journeyed to Ottawa to bring their plan for their future, Together Today for Our Children Tomorrow, to present to then prime minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau. Yukon first nations have since signed self-governing agreements, marking the beginning of modern treaties and the pathway to modern nationhood.

Today, Yukon first nations are leading a cultural renaissance. Last week I attended the annual Yukon first nations graduation ceremony where 129 proud and joyful graduates marched across the stage to the singing and drumming of the Dakhká Khwáan Dancers. Later this month, the Adäka Cultural Festival in Whitehorse will feature the rich and vibrant cultures of Yukon first nations and northern Dene nations through art, music, storytelling and more.

As we work together to heal from the wrongs of Canada's colonial past, I encourage all my colleagues to learn about and embrace indigenous traditions and culture as critical steps in our reconciliation journey. Let us honour indigenous history across Canada, not just this month, but throughout the year.

Gunalchéesh.

Quebec Remparts

[Gérard Deltell, Conservative, Louis-Saint-Laurent, QC]

Mr. Speaker, here is some very good news for Canada: The Memorial Cup is staying in the country because the Remparts de Québec won and captured the trophy of junior hockey supremacy. What a dream season. Out of 90 games, the Remparts won 76. They are the Quebec league champions, the playoffs champions and the Memorial Cup champions.

We want to thank the people of Kamloops for their great organization and salute the Peterborough Petes, the only team who have beaten the Quebec Remparts.

From goalie William Rousseau to forward James “Melatesta”, as “Ray the sports” says, the Remparts triumphed as a team. The players were skilfully led by the exceptional Patrick Roy. It is worth noting that he could have taken it easy for 13 years. Instead, he chose to share his knowledge with the junior players.

This is our third Memorial Cup. We won it in 2006, we won it in 1971 with the Remparts en or, and, half a century later, we can say that the flame of victory burns brighter than ever. As the song goes, “they are golden, they are golden...there is no one in Canada [or even the States] to take our championship from us, they are golden, they are golden”.

Congratulations to the Remparts.

Portuguese Heritage Month

[Julie Dzerowicz, Liberal, Davenport, ON]

Mr. Speaker, on May 13, 1953, a group of Portuguese immigrants arrived on a boat named Saturnia, docking at Pier 21 in Halifax. These new immigrants started the first of many waves of Portuguese to start a new life in Canada. Now, 70 years later, Portuguese Canadians are almost half a million strong. Living in communities right across Canada, they are builders, musicians, athletes, business leaders, chefs, teachers and politicians, among so many other professions. Their contributions and stories have enriched Canadian society and have transformed Canada into not only a better country, but also into one of the best countries in the world to live in.

As the member of Parliament for Davenport, the riding with the largest number of Portuguese Canadians, I am proud to rise in the House today to mark the beginning of Portuguese Heritage Month in Canada.

Whether it is by listening to fado, drinking vinho verde, or eating a bifana or pastéis de nata, I invite all Canadians to join me in celebrating all things Portuguese this month.

Feliz mês de Portugal.

Obrigado, Senhor Presidente.

Housing

[Chad Collins, Liberal, Hamilton East—Stoney Creek, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the actions our government is taking to meet the housing needs of Canadians. Since the release of our national housing strategy in 2017, we have leveraged over $80 billion of investment, creating thousands of new units across the country and utilizing those same investments to renovate and repair decades-old, affordable housing units in every corner of the country. As an extension of this work, the minister recently announced the Canada greener affordable housing program that will provide $1.2 billion in funding over four years for much needed renovations to existing affordable housing units. The funding will allow affordable housing providers to make improvements to aging buildings that will improve energy efficiency and extend their lifespan, improving the living conditions and quality of life for tenants across the country.

While the leader of the official opposition villainizes our municipal partners, our government continues to work with municipalities and non-profit housing providers, ensuring our housing investments improve our affordable housing stock while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combatting climate change.

Anniversary of D-Day

[Blake Richards, Conservative, Banff—Airdrie, AB]

Mr. Speaker, 79 years ago today, on June 6, 1944, the world witnessed an event that would shape the course of history.

This day marked the beginning of the end of the Second World War and was a very proud moment in Canada's military history.

Early that morning, Canadians stormed the beaches of Normandy. By sunset, more than 1,000 Canadians had made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of our freedoms. Though the price was high, the valour of that day laid the foundation for an eventual Nazi surrender and made a proclamation to the world that Canada would give no quarter to tyranny.

Our history shows, and our presence confirms, that brave Canadians will always answer the call to defend our country and our values.

On the anniversary of D-Day, I ask every Canadian to reflect on the selfless sacrifice of the Normandy landings that was pivotal in securing the free and prosperous nation we cherish still today.

We will remember them.

Women's Rights in Afghanistan

[Jennifer O'Connell, Liberal, Pickering—Uxbridge, ON]

Mr. Speaker, Simin Barakzai is a former member of Parliament for Afghanistan, but when the Taliban took over, she was removed from office and came to Canada for safety. Her voice will not be silenced, and I would like to share a message that Simin would like us to hear.

She writes:

“Today, I write with a heavy heart, burdened by the unimaginable suffering endured by the women and girls of Afghanistan.

“Where dreams once blossomed and aspirations soared, the shadows of tyranny have cast a suffocating veil upon its courageous women and innocent girls. Their voices, once vibrant and filled with hope, have been silenced by a regime that seeks to strip them of their rights, dreams, and very essence.

“We are witnessing significant changes in Afghanistan, and it is our duty to pay attention and take appropriate actions. With Canada being a prominent leader in advocating for women's rights, I hope we continue to pursue these powerful goals and raise our voices for Afghanistan. The Afghan people need our support, and we cannot leave them alone in this struggle.”

Simin's bravery and determination to never stop fighting for the rights of Afghan women and girls is truly inspiring.

Normandy Landing

[Pierre Paul-Hus, Conservative, Charlesbourg—Haute-Saint-Charles, QC]

Mr. Speaker, Canadians landed on the beaches of Normandy on D-Day, June 6, 1944, and helped liberate Europe. The 3rd Canadian Infantry Division that was training in England was called upon to face Hitler's German divisions.

After France surrendered in June 1940, Canada, whose military forces were entirely composed of volunteers, became Great Britain's best ally. Risking their health, their personal ambitions and too often their lives, Canadian volunteers committed themselves body and soul. Worse than the tragedy of war, it would be a tragedy to forget their sacrifice, to forget their names and to forget to teach their values to our children. We will not forget our heroes from the Canadian units that landed on the beaches of Normandy 79 years ago.

I am especially thinking of the soldiers from my unit, the Régiment de la Chaudière, who fought proudly. On June 6, 1944, the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division lost 340 men, while 577 were injured and 47 were taken prisoner. If Canada is a free country that is able to defend human rights internationally, it is largely because of their sacrifice.

Aere perennius; let us remember.

The Economy

[Laila Goodridge, Conservative, Fort McMurray—Cold Lake, AB]

Mr. Speaker, the Liberal-NDP costly coalition's out-of-control spending and sky-high taxes have made life unaffordable for Canadians. More Canadians are visiting the food bank than we have ever seen before, more seniors are choosing to delay their retirement just to make ends meet and more families are finding themselves on the brink of insolvency. By every objective measure, the Liberals' war on work is making life more expensive, with inflation and higher taxes resulting in expensive gas, heat and groceries, which leaves hard-working Canadians with less in their pockets every month.

With budget 2023, the Liberal government doubled down on these failed policies, adding over $40 billion to the national debt. Next year, Canadians will spend over $43 billion in interest payments alone.

Canada's Conservatives are demanding a plan to balance the budget and bring an end to inflationary deficits, and for the Liberals to axe the carbon tax. Only Conservatives will bring home powerful paycheques, lower prices and make Canada work for the people who work.

Club FADOQ de Saint-Rémi

[Brenda Shanahan, Liberal, Châteauguay—Lacolle, QC]

Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure and an honour today to mark the 50th anniversary of the Club FADOQ de Saint‑Rémi.

I would like to take this opportunity to give a shout-out to its president, Jacques Lavigueur, and all the members of the current board of directors.

I am blown away when I think about all the dedicated volunteers who have led this organization over the years to make it into the success we celebrate today. Throughout my riding of Châteauguay—Lacolle, FADOQ clubs like the one in Saint‑Rémi, but also in Châteauguay and in Napierville, work actively for the benefit of their members. Let us think about these volunteers who step up year after year to enable thousands of members to participate in a wide range of fun activities.

I wish the Club FADOQ de Saint‑Rémi a happy 50th anniversary and many happy returns.

Anniversary of D-Day

[Lindsay Mathyssen, NDP, London—Fanshawe, ON]

Mr. Speaker, on June 6, we celebrate the courage of Canadians who took part in the Normandy landings with the goal to free Europe from the grips of an extremist right-wing regime. It has been 79 years since Canadian soldiers took part in the landing, where many soldiers gave their lives to build a more peaceful, just world. We must honour their fight and their sacrifice. They put everything on the line at Juno Beach so we could stand here today, freely, with all the privileges we have.

More than 20 years ago, I too stood on that beach and visited the cemetery at Beny-Sur-Mer. I walked among the graves of those who never came home, and it was something that I will never forget.

On behalf of the New Democrats, on the anniversary of D-Day, we commemorate the courage shown against such destructive forces, we thank the veterans and their families for their sacrifice and we vow to hold true to the values for which they fought: justice, equality and democracy. We will remember them.

Geoff Regan

[Louis Plamondon, Bloc, Bécancour—Nicolet—Saurel, QC]

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Bloc Québécois and as dean of the House of Commons, I am pleased to recognize Geoff Regan, who served as the Speaker of the House from 2015 to 2019.

His portrait will now hang in the halls of Parliament as is the custom. He was the 36th Speaker of the House, but the first Speaker from Atlantic Canada in nearly a century.

Mr. Regan proudly represented the people of Halifax West from the time he was first elected in 1993 until he was elected for the eighth time in 2019. He served on both the opposition and government benches, and even served as the fisheries and oceans minister. However, it is for his role as Speaker that we are paying tribute to him today.

I had the honour to preside over the election where he was elected Speaker by his peers in 2015.

The Bloc Québécois will remember Mr. Regan as a Speaker who was fair and tough when dealing with the occasional, and sometimes not so occasional, turmoil in the House. He had the integrity, patience and expertise required to occupy that chair. That is how we will remember Speaker Geoff Regan.

The Budget

[Kyle Seeback, Conservative, Dufferin—Caledon, ON]

Mr. Speaker, Liberal inflation is crushing Canadians. One in five Canadians is skipping meals, and food bank usage is skyrocketing. What is the Liberal government's response? It is a massive $60-billion inflationary budget deficit and carbon tax 2.

We all know the sequel is way worse than the original. Carbon tax 2 will add 61¢ a litre in tax to gas, making everything more expensive. Even Liberals are shaking their heads, and not just random former Liberals this time. Former finance minister John Manley has said that Liberal spending is making it harder to control inflation, and things are getting worse. The Bank of Canada is now signalling another interest rate hike.

Canadians, do not lose hope. The Conservatives are going to fight this budget until the Liberals agree to a plan to balance the budget. If they do not, maybe it is time to give them the boot.

36th Speaker of the House of Commons

[Lena Metlege Diab, Liberal, Halifax West, NS]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the achievement of my predecessor and yours, the Hon. Geoff Regan. I first met Geoff in 1990 when I was articling and he was a practising lawyer. We stayed in touch and our paths have crossed often.

For 27 years, Geoff was an honest and dedicated representative for the people of Halifax West. He served in a number of parliamentary capacities, including as Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, and most recently as the 36th Speaker of the House of Commons. He gave so many years of his life to public service, which was made possible by the support of his wife Kelly, his kids Caitlin, Nicole and Harrison, and his extended personal and political family.

Today, Speaker Regan's official portrait will be unveiled during a ceremony on Parliament Hill, a wonderful testament to his legacy and contributions to our democracy. I am grateful for Geoff's years of hard work in serving the people of Halifax West, parliamentarians and all Canadians.

Congratulations, my friend.

Democratic Institutions

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, we learned today that David Johnston's report was not written by him alone, in other words, by a former family friend and member of the Trudeau Foundation. We learned that the assistant who wrote the report is a Liberal donor. On top of that, Mr. Johnston also hired Liberal and NDP consultants to help him with PR matters.

When will the Prime Minister finally put an end to this farce and launch a real public inquiry?

[Justin Trudeau, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, the leader of the Conservative Party is continuing with his baseless attacks on the former governor general and his team. He says he wants real answers. All he has to do is accept the confidential, top secret briefing being offered to him by our security agencies so he can find out exactly what is happening with foreign interference.

He refuses to accept the briefing, however, because he prefers to remain in the dark so he can continue his baseless personal and partisan attacks.