Debates of June 7th, 2023

[The Speaker, Liberal, Anthony Rota]

The singing of O Canada will be done by the pages today.

[Pages sang the national anthem]

Business of the House

[Kevin Lamoureux, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons]

Mr. Speaker, there have been discussions among the parties, and if you seek it I believe you will find unanimous consent for the following motion. I move:

That, notwithstanding any standing order, special order or usual practice of the House, the recorded divisions on the motion to concur in the 14th report of the Standing Committee on Health; the second reading of Bill C-284, An Act to establish a national strategy for eye care; the second reading of Bill S-202, An Act to amend the Parliament of Canada Act (Parliamentary Visual Artist Laureate); and the third reading of Bill C-281, An Act to amend the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Act, the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (Sergei Magnitsky Law), the Broadcasting Act and the Prohibiting Cluster Munitions Act, be held before the other recorded divisions deferred today.

[The Speaker, Liberal, Anthony Rota]

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

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

(Motion agreed to)

Mississauga Halal Food Festival

[Shafqat Ali, Liberal, Brampton Centre, ON]

Mr. Speaker, next week, on June 16 and 17, the Mississauga Halal Food Festival will be held at Mississauga Celebration Square. More than 20,000 members of the Muslim community come together from Brampton and the greater Toronto area to attend this traditional event every year. This beautiful festival is a celebration of halal food and Muslim-owned small businesses. It brings together a wide range of cuisines, entertainment and cultures, representing the diversity of nearly two million Canadian Muslims. This year, the Mississauga Halal Food Festival celebrates its 10th anniversary.

I applaud all the organizers, volunteers, small businesses and sponsors that make this event a success year after year. If people are in the GTA next weekend, they should check it out.

Canada-Wide Science Fair Finalists

[Alex Ruff, Conservative, Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I am honoured to rise today to recognize some well-deserving students from Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound who earned the right to participate in the Canada-Wide Science Fair in Edmonton just a few weeks ago. Nearly 400 student finalists from across the country took part in this national science fair, where they vied for over $2 million in scholarships and prizes. The six students from Bluewater District School Board did not disappoint. Proudly representing my riding were Lily Kennedy and Karis Curry of St. Mary's in Owen Sound, with their project "Harmonizing Your Coffee Senses", and Blake and Madelyn Howes of John Diefenbaker Senior School in Hanover, with their project "The Science of Smiles”, which earned them a silver excellence award medal, a University of Alberta scholarship worth $1,500 and a Western University scholarship worth an additional $2,000.

As someone with a science degree, I am optimistic about what our youth have in store for the future of scientific discovery in Canada. Again, I send my congratulations to all those who participated in the Canada-Wide Science Fair.

2SLGBTQI+ Community

[Jenica Atwin, Liberal, Fredericton, NB]

Mr. Speaker, my intention today is to celebrate love in honour of pride season and to share my appreciation for the 2SLGBTQI+ community and allies for their fight for human rights, for charter rights and for who we are as a nation.

Unfortunately, rights for queer and gender-diverse people are under attack in communities across Canada, including in my home province of New Brunswick. Misinformed and homophobic comments are pervasive. We are seeing a disturbing and dangerous rise in harassment, discrimination and oppression, which have profound, life-threatening consequences. Nonsensical boycotts and demonstrations of hate threaten the very ability of gender-diverse people to exist freely and without fear in public. There are real risks of setbacks and risks for queer kids internalizing what they are hearing and seeing, who might believe they cannot live as their true selves and love and be loved for who they are. It is harmful and it is wrong.

The hate is loud, but there are more of us who know that love will overcome. I ask that all members of the House stand up for Canada and stand up for pride.

École secondaire de l'Érablière in Saint‑Félix‑de‑Valois

[Yves Perron, Bloc, Berthier—Maskinongé, QC]

Mr. Speaker, before I became the member for Berthier—Maskinongé, I taught high school for 25 wonderful years. During that time, I endeavoured to teach economics, geography and history, but most important of all, civics.

I tried hard to help my students learn about democracy and the vital role they must play in it. Every year, I organized a field trip to Quebec's true Parliament, the National Assembly.

I am sure my colleagues can understand the emotion I feel today as I greet the first group of students visiting from my school, École secondaire de l'Érablière, in Saint‑Félix‑de‑Valois. I wish these young people a warm welcome, and I salute Martin Lambert, Gilles Giguère and Annie Gadoury as they perform the honourable task of accompanying and training our youth.

Who knows, the future president of Quebec could be among us today. I welcome them to Parliament Hill and I hope they enjoy their visit.

Toxic Drug and Overdose Crisis

[Élisabeth Brière, Liberal, Sherbrooke, QC]

Mr. Speaker, every day, we lose more loved ones to the toxic drug and overdose crisis. This week, the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions is in Washington to attend the Trilateral North American Drug Dialogue Public Health Summit, where she will discuss continued collaboration with the United States and Mexico to address the toxic drug and overdose crisis, the importance of trilateral and international co-operation, and the growing public health and security challenges posed by synthetic drugs.

In order to save more lives and reduce the risk of substance use, we have shared all our tools, systems and experiences. Our government has also announced new regulatory changes to limit the illegal import and distribution of the precursor chemicals used in the illegal production of fentanyl.

We are committed to advancing the four internationally recognized drug policy pillars, namely prevention, harm reduction, treatment and enforcement, in order to stem this ongoing tragedy and save lives.

The Economy

[Ryan Williams, Conservative, Bay of Quinte, ON]

Mr. Speaker, a Liberal walks into a bar and says, “Drinks are on me.” Who is paying? Well, Canadians are paying: Canadians who are already paying double for mortgage and rent payments, Canadians who own businesses and farms who are struggling to keep their heads above water, and Canadians who, today, are seeing another quarter-point interest rate hike because of the Liberal government's misspending, a 4.5% increase in only a year and a half.

According to the IMF, Canada now runs the highest risk among advanced economies of missing mortgage payments. Do members remember when the Prime Minister said the government would take on debt so Canadians would not have to? The solution seems to be simple, but the government just does not get it. It must stop the inflationary spending, balance the budget and lower taxes.

It is closing time. The tab with the speNDP is past due, and Canadians need a new prime minister, a prime minister with common sense who will look after the common cents of the common people.

Sainte‑Geneviève Parish in Ottawa South

[David McGuinty, Liberal, Ottawa South, ON]

Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to rise today to mark the 60th anniversary of Sainte‑Geneviève parish in the riding of Ottawa South.

The parish dates back to May 28, 1963, when Father Gaston Croteau was appointed as the founding pastor. At the time, the parishioners would gather for Sunday mass in the chapel of Mazenod Seminary on Smyth Road.

In late July 1963, the parish purchased a piece of land to build the church that we know and love at the corner of Arch Street and Canterbury Avenue.

On this very joyous occasion, I want to thank past and present administrators, clergy and volunteers for their efforts and dedication as we gather to mark 60 years of faith, community and friendship in the parish of Sainte‑Geneviève.

2SLGBTQI+ Rights

[Marie-France Lalonde, Liberal, Orléans, ON]

Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate pride in Canada, Uganda passed one of the toughest draconian laws in the world, making it the 12th country to enact the death penalty against LGBTQI persons.

Today, Canada is honoured to welcome Nobel Peace Prize nominee Dr. Frank Mugisha, executive director of SMUG and one of the leading human rights defenders in Uganda. He is with five parliamentarians who have bravely opposed this law. He is also joined by Dr. Kimahli Powell, CEO of Rainbow Railroad, an international organization providing solutions for LGBTQI refugees.

2SLGBTQI+ rights are human rights. Regardless of whom one loves or who one is, no one should live in fear. Love is love is love. Canada will continue to stand up with the community for its rights here at home and abroad.

I wish everyone a happy Pride Month.

The Economy

[Stephen Ellis, Conservative, Cumberland—Colchester, NS]

Mr. Speaker, the Liberal government’s out-of-control spending leaves Canadians with the grim reality that money is tighter in their households every month. People in Cumberland—Colchester have contacted me almost daily to express hopelessness and dismay as they watch prices and interest rates climb. Today’s interest rate hike and its effect on mortgages will be disastrous.

The hard work by Nova Scotians for the betterment of the country has been rewarded with eight years of ridiculous inflationary spending, culminating, sadly, in the terrible budget we see before the House now. The Liberals have now approved $60 billion in new inflationary spending, more weight on the backs of Canadian families and businesses. These are people with hopes and dreams that cannot be achieved because of the Liberals' out-of-control spending.

The madness needs to stop now. The Liberals must give us a plan to end the inflationary deficits and spending in order to bring down inflation and interest rates so Canadians can thrive in this country again.

Women in Politics

[Sonia Sidhu, Liberal, Brampton South, ON]

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to speak on a matter that impacts women’s participation in politics.

In a few moments, we will begin question period, and it is likely the Speaker will need to remind members repeatedly not to shout across the aisle while another member is speaking. The culture of heckling and disruption within this chamber continues to undermine the meaningful participation of women in politics. It is time for us to acknowledge this concern and take necessary measures to build more gender-sensitive parliaments. Yesterday, I met with the first group of the Equal Voice Campaign School program, which is helping women build the skills they need to run for office.

Equal Voice calls upon the House to end gender-based heckling and personal attacks in the chamber. Today, let us set an example and build an environment that encourages everyone to participate in politics without fear or intimidation.

The Economy

[Tracy Gray, Conservative, Kelowna—Lake Country, BC]

Mr. Speaker, 46% of Canadians say they are in worse shape financially than they were last June, according to a new Angus Reid poll, and three in 10 people are struggling to get by. Meanwhile, 54% of renters and 45% of mortgage holders say they are finding their monthly payments for housing either tough or very difficult to manage.

This morning, the Bank of Canada raised interest rates again in an attempt to slow Liberal made-in-Canada inflation, yet the Liberal budget will continue to cause high inflation, keeping interest rates high and squeezing families with several tax increases. It has no plan to balance in the years to come and adds more than $60 billion in new spending, which will cost $4,200 per family.

Canadians cannot afford the Liberals' inflationary deficits; food, housing and personal debt have all hit record highs. The Prime Minister must give Canadians a plan to end inflationary deficits to bring down inflation and interest rates. However, if he will not, a Conservative government will.

[Shelby Kramp-Neuman, Conservative, Hastings—Lennox and Addington, ON]

Mr. Speaker, for months, the Conservative opposition has called on the government to demonstrate even a modicum of financial management capacity and address the rampant government spending. Our calls continue to fall on the willfully deaf ears of the government. Steeped in a culture of complacency, its members continue to dodge accountability, even as news comes out about interest rates going up again today.

Higher deficits mean higher inflation, which means higher interest rates. This means that Canadians cannot afford to pay their bills. We are continuing to block the Liberal budget until the government ends inflationary deficits and spending to bring down inflation and interest rates. Today, we are putting the “Tory” in dilatory.

HCLTech

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

Mr. Speaker, today I stand to recognize and celebrate the remarkable journey of HCLTech in Canada.

Over the past 14 years, HCLTech has made significant contributions to Canada's technology sector, and it has become one of the leading global technology firms operating in our country. HCLTech's mission to bring together the best of technology and people has helped it prove itself as a socially responsible company committed to driving innovation and creating employment opportunities for Canadians. I am proud of our Liberal government, which wholeheartedly supports and values the contributions of companies like HCLTech, which is why we have created the Canadian Innovation Corporation to drive economic growth and investments in Canada.

HCLTech's presence reinforces Canada's position as a global hub for innovation and excellence. Its dedication to technology, people and corporate social responsibility serves as an inspiration to us all.

Hotel Workers

[Jenny Kwan, NDP, Vancouver East, BC]

Mr. Speaker, the hotel workers of Radisson Blu, formerly Pacific Gateway, held a rally on the two-year anniversary of the beginning of their strike, the longest strike ever in this industry. The employer used COVID-19 as an excuse and terminated 143 racialized women, or 70% of its workers. Some had worked there for over 40 years. They are the backbone of the hotel.

Let us not kid ourselves. The employer wanted new workers because those workers would be at the bottom of the wage grid. The owner wanted to turn a bigger profit at the expense of the workers. This is the same owner who received $33 million in federal contracts for a COVID quarantine facility. It is shameful.

The Canadian Labour Congress and the BC Federation of Labour have issued a boycott of the hotel. I ask all members of the House to stand with the Unite Here Local 40 workers and their call to hire back the workers and agree to a fair contract.

Quebec Remparts

[Yves-François Blanchet, Bloc, Beloeil—Chambly, QC]

Mr. Speaker, Quebec City once again reigns as the hockey champion of Quebec, Canada and a good portion of the northern United States.

Congratulations to the Quebec Remparts, who beat all expectations to win the Memorial Cup on Sunday with a final score of 5-0. The “red devils” finished out the season at the top of their league, after dominating in Quebec.

Well done to the organization and the whole team. As MP for Beloeil—Chambly, I would like to give a special shout-out to my two favourite players: Nathan Gaucher from Richelieu and Mikael Huchette from Beloeil. Their hard work secured them a string of victories and is a source of pride and inspiration for the entire region. I also want to congratulate Patrick Roy, who, after more than 500 wins and two Memorial Cups, can leave the Remparts bench with his head held high if he so wishes. Quebec loves to see Patrick Roy holding up a cup.

Sooner or later, everyone will have to acknowledge the truth: The best junior hockey in North America, nay, the world, is currently being played in the arenas that host our Quebec league.

Congratulations to the Remparts, the team from our nation's only capital!

The Economy

[Jasraj Singh Hallan, Conservative, Calgary Forest Lawn, AB]

Mr. Speaker, Liberals go woke; Canadians go broke. Out-of-control spending over eight years has led to a nation of high inflation, high interest rates and higher taxes. One in five Canadians is skipping meals. Nine in 10 young people have given up on the dream of home ownership.

Liberals threw $60 billion of fuel on the inflationary fire they started with their recently failed budget. Former Liberal finance minister John Manley said that Liberal spending is like keeping one's foot on the gas while the Bank of Canada keeps its foot on the brake.

Today, we see the direct result of this never-ending fiscal policy failure, as the Bank of Canada raised its interest rates again, for the ninth time in just over a year. That is 19 times higher, to a level not seen in over 20 years. This is devastating for homeowners and renters already struggling with double mortgages and rent payments.

Liberals are out of touch, and Canadians are out of money and homes. Conservatives will bring home lower prices, powerful paycheques and homes Canadians can afford. Only Conservatives will restore affordability with common sense for the common people. Let us bring it home.

Pathways to Parliament

[Arif Virani, Liberal, Parkdale—High Park, ON]

Mr. Speaker, today in Ottawa, we welcome a group of kids from Parkdale Junior and Senior Public School in my riding of Parkdale—High Park. They have come here as part of a program I started prior to COVID called “Pathways to Parliament”.

The idea is to bring a set of diverse young people to Ottawa, kids who are newcomers and whose circumstances mean that they might not otherwise have the opportunity to visit these hallowed halls. The idea is to expose these young people to government, to our Parliament and to various parliamentarians. The hope is that they might learn, that they might be impressed or even inspired by seeing that Canada's Parliament in 2023 looks just like they do. It is a diverse assemblage of people of different races, backgrounds, cultures and religions.

I want to thank their teachers, Hassan and Sandra, as well as Principal Diane Brown, for committing to this important initiative. To these 10 youngsters, I say Shukran, Tuchi che and thanks. I thank them for being here, but, most of all, I thank them for seeing themselves here.

Housing

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, today, we are seeing yet another human tragedy unfold because of the huge, unexpected interest rate hike, which is going to force Canadians to either sell their homes or default on their payments.

The Prime Minister promised that interest rates would stay low for a long time. However, his spending fuelled inflation, forcing the Bank of Canada to raise interest rates.

How much will the average family see their monthly mortgage payments go up by over the next three years?

[Justin Trudeau, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, over the past few months, I have talked to many Canadians who shared with me their concerns about the cost of living, global inflation and the current economic situation.

Obviously, the Bank of Canada continues to do its job, but we will also continue to do ours with non-inflationary measures that will provide targeted assistance to Canadian families. Whether it is help with dental care for children, help for low-income workers or help with the grocery rebate, we will be there.

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, the Governor of the Bank of Canada said that this government's deficits are driving up inflation. A former Liberal finance minister said this Prime Minister's inflationary deficits are like stepping on the gas pedal of inflation, while the Bank of Canada has its foot on the brake.

Canada has the highest level of household debt in the G7. Canadians can no longer afford these deficits.

Can the Prime Minister at least tell us by how much mortgage payments will go up over the next three years?

[Justin Trudeau, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, we know that Canadians are going through tough times. That is why our government is there to invest to help Canadians in a targeted, non-inflationary way.

The Conservative Party wants us to provide less assistance to low-income Canadians, less help for dental care for families who need it, and less help for day care for families with young children.

We will continue to be there to help people through these tough times, because that is our job.

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, a sucker punch is what Canadians received from the Prime Minister. He promised them low interest rates for a long time. He said that debt was without consequence and that the budget would balance itself. None of those things came true, and interest rates are now 19 times higher than they were a year ago.

The Governor of the Bank of Canada, the former Liberal finance minister and countless other experts agree that the Prime Minister's deficits are ballooning inflation and, therefore, interest rates.

Families have to plan their finances. Will the Prime Minister indicate by how much the average family will see monthly mortgage payments go up over the next three years?