Debates of Jan. 30th, 2024

House of Commons Hansard #271 of the 44th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was housing.

Topics

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

Bill C-59—Proposal to Apply Standing Order 69.1—Speaker's Ruling The Speaker rules on the Official Opposition's point of order regarding Bill C-59. Finding it not solely budget implementation and lacking a common element, the Speaker orders the bill divided into nine separate votes under Standing Order 69.1. 1200 words.

Alleged Breach of Standing Order 18—Speaker's Ruling The Speaker rules on Standing Order 18, stating it prevents questioning House decisions but allows members to comment on individual or party voting records as acceptable debate. 700 words.

Petitions

Champlain Bridge construction noise reduction

Review of cellphone infrastructure integrity

More direct flights to India

Stop Liberal gun rules and bans

Citizens' assembly on electoral reform

Restore funding for women's shelters

Protect political belief and activity

Release Hong Kong activist Chow Hang-tung

Stop persecution of Falun Gong

Respect parental rights for children

Reverse changes to natural health products

Block euthanasia for babies

Decorum Members debate rules for petition presentations, specifically mentioning other MPs. Speaker demands apology from one MP, leading to points of order on precedent and process. 1400 words, 25 minutes.

Housing Blake Desjarlais requests an emergency debate on the housing and homelessness emergency across Canada, citing rising rents, unaffordable homes, Indigenous challenges, and encampment clearings in cities like Edmonton. 400 words.

Fall Economic Statement Implementation Act, 2023 Second reading of Bill C-59. The bill implements provisions of the fall economic statement and budget, aiming to address affordability, housing, and competition. The government highlights support for Canadians through dental care expansion, housing investments, and competition law changes. Opposition parties criticize the bill for insufficient action on housing, seniors' support, and affordability, blaming government spending for economic problems. Conservatives propose to "axe the tax," "build the homes," "fix the budget," and "stop the crime." 40800 words, 5 hours in 2 segments: 1 2.

Statements by Members

Hindu temple inauguration in Ayodhya

Emergencies Act ruling and appeal

Taiwan presidential and legislative elections

Guy Rousseau retirement tribute

Canadian dental care plan for seniors

Addictions crisis and safe supply

East York 100th birthday celebration

St. John Fisher music class win

Crime rates under Liberal government

UN peacekeeping and Elsie initiative

Prime Minister's vacation criticism

Carbon tax impact on Canadians

Manitoba women's right to vote anniversary

Nuu-chah-nulth language program funding cuts

Coast Guard auxiliary volunteer recognition

Conservative plan for Canada

Tribute to Ajit Singh Badh

Question Period

The Conservatives criticize the Liberal-NDP government's spending and fiscal mismanagement, citing the wasteful $54 million ArriveCAN app and the high cost of living. They attack the April 1 carbon tax increase, especially its impact on farmers and food prices, and highlight the severe housing crisis. They also question the Prime Minister's expensive vacation and conduct.

The Liberals defend their government's programs and spending, particularly on child care, dental care, the carbon rebate, and investments in the green economy. They highlight initiatives on housing, support for seniors, fighting hate, and humanitarian aid. They criticize the Conservatives for planning cuts and address specific issues like ArriveCAN and public servant pay.

The Bloc criticizes the government for increasing immigration levels despite the housing crisis, demands payment of $470 million owed to Quebec for asylum seekers, and highlights the ongoing problems with the Phoenix pay system.

The NDP press the government on funding for Toronto's housing crisis and tackling high grocery prices by limiting corporate profits. They call for action on Palestinian lives and combatting Islamophobia, support striking workers, and demand funding for First Nations communities infrastructure like fire safety and schools.

Decorum—Speaker's Ruling The Speaker clarifies House rules for presenting petitions, stating members cannot debate or criticize others, and requires a specific member to apologize for doing so earlier. 700 words.

Adjournment Debates

Western Canada energy security Jeremy Patzer criticizes the government's energy policies, citing a recent cold snap where Alberta had to issue an emergency alert due to strain on the electricity system. Julie Dabrusin defends the government's actions and asks Patzer to support offshore wind development. Patzer argues for diverse energy and Dabrusin continues to push for renewables.

Canada disability benefit design Mike Morrice raises concerns that the Canada disability benefit's eligibility may rely on the burdensome disability tax credit application, which would violate the Act. Sameer Zuberi says the government is consulting with the disability community and drafting regulations to ensure the benefit is smooth, targeted, and effective.

Sustainable Development Technology Canada Damien Kurek accuses the government of mismanaging public funds through Sustainable Development Technology Canada, citing whistle-blowers and a pattern of scandals. Julie Dabrusin defends the government's actions, highlighting investigations and management plans to address compliance issues and restore confidence in the organization.

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Public Services and ProcurementAdjournment Proceedings

6:40 p.m.

Toronto—Danforth Ontario

Liberal

Julie Dabrusin LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

Mr. Speaker, I believe that the content of the question, at least in the first instance and maybe slightly now, was about Sustainable Development Technology Canada. I am going to be speaking about that.

When the government first became aware of the allegations related to the management of Sustainable Development Technology Canada, the minister took action. Immediate action was taken because any organization entrusted with public funds is expected to act with diligence, care and integrity in all facets of its work. An investigation was undertaken to get to the facts of the situation and determine the most prudent forward plan of action. The fact-finding exercise conducted by the firm of RCGT was just beginning. That exercise found no clear evidence of deliberate unethical behaviour.

There were, however, several instances in which the organization was not in full compliance with its contribution agreement. To strengthen practices, SDTC was issued a management action plan with a deadline of December 31 for implementation. SDTC has worked diligently to provide documentation to demonstrate the changes it has made. The department is now in the process of assessing the completeness of SDTC's response and ensuring that the appropriate measures are in place to restore confidence in the management of the organization. Everyone involved is eager to get back to supporting Canadian business.

As we know, after discussions with the Auditor General, there is now a full audit of the organization under way. We look forward to the report of the Auditor General and will act with the same prudence we have demonstrated on this file to implement any of the Auditor General's recommendations.

There is no cover-up. We have put in place a process for any current or former employee to come forward and share their views. The law firm McCarthy Tétrault has been appointed to conduct a review of human resources management at SDTC. The organization has agreed to take the steps needed to enable this thorough review, allowing current and former employees to speak freely without violating any applicable settlement agreements or non-disclosure agreements. This process is under way and I am confident that it will lead to strengthened practices at SDTC.

The government has done its due diligence. This issue has been taken up in the most appropriate venues; that is, the Auditor General, the HR review by McCarthy Tétrault and the Ethics Commissioner investigation. The issues brought forward in this case are important and require us to apply the appropriate due process and due diligence to get to the truth.

Public Services and ProcurementAdjournment Proceedings

6:45 p.m.

Conservative

Damien Kurek Conservative Battle River—Crowfoot, AB

Mr. Speaker, let me translate what the parliamentary secretary just stated: Do not worry; we have got it; it is not really our fault, but if it is do not worry about it because we will figure out some way to deal with it somehow, sometime in the future, but again, just do not worry; we will move on.

Canadians are tired of the irresponsible management of the public purse. Canadians are tired of the scandals. They are tired of the pattern of poor judgment that starts at the top.

I come from a rural area where common sense rules, while those Liberals, in some cases literally, want Canadians to freeze in the dark because of their bad ideological decision-making. It is about time that those Liberals realize that the buck stops with them. It is time for them to take responsibility, acknowledge their failures, acknowledge the scandal that has plagued them every day since they were elected, take responsibility and start respecting the public purse.

Public Services and ProcurementAdjournment Proceedings

6:45 p.m.

Liberal

Julie Dabrusin Liberal Toronto—Danforth, ON

Mr. Speaker, it is integral that due process and due diligence continue to guide our actions. The work of the AG, the Ethics Commissioner and the review being led by McCarthy Tétrault will provide the facts that we need to guide our next steps. At the same time, department officials are working to ensure that the organization has met its obligation to implement the corrective measures prescribed by the management response and action plan. We are committed to ensuring that the appropriate governance structures are in place going forward, and we can all agree on this. It is imperative that we focus all of our efforts on supporting Canadian innovators in the clean-tech sector.

Public Services and ProcurementAdjournment Proceedings

January 30th, 2024 / 6:45 p.m.

The Deputy Speaker Chris d'Entremont

I thank the members for their interventions tonight. This is also a quick reminder that when we have an adjournment debate we try to stick to the questions that were originally submitted for that debate.

The motion that the House do now adjourn is deemed to have been adopted. Accordingly, the House stands adjourned until tomorrow at 2 p.m. pursuant to Standing Order 24(1).

(The House adjourned at 6:48 p.m.)