House of Commons Hansard #346 of the 44th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was lebanon.
Opposition Motion—Request for a Royal Recommendation for Bill C‑319Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
Liberal
Kody Blois Liberal Kings—Hants, NS
Mr. Speaker, I thank my hon. colleague, but the voting record is very clear: That member and the other Bloc Québécois members voted against dental care for seniors, against lowering the retirement age and against increasing the guaranteed income supplement.
Although I thank the Bloc Québécois for joining the game, it is a little too late.
Churence Rogers Liberal Bonavista—Burin—Trinity, NL
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge a group of seven harvesters from my riding who went to work at sea this past July and endured a terrifying experience.
The boat, the Elite Navigator, did not arrive back home as expected. This set off a massive search effort, headed by the Canadian Coast Guard. Fifty-one hours later, and just after the crew members had used their last emergency flare, rescuers were able to locate them. I am thankful that all the men were healthy and otherwise uninjured.
Transported home by the Coast Guard, they were greeted with a hero's welcome in New-Wes-Valley by hundreds of people.
The story speaks to the importance of the Coast Guard, and I am proud of the investments our government has made to new lifeboat stations around the coastline of Newfoundland and Labrador to monitor and support mariners in distress.
I want to express my appreciation to all involved in this search and rescue mission, as well as my relief that the “lucky seven” are back home. I welcome the boys home.
King Charles III Coronation Medal RecipientsStatements by Members
Conservative
Frank Caputo Conservative Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo, BC
Mr. Speaker, it was an immense honour to spend time with two extraordinary Canadian Forces veterans from Kamloops and to present them with the King Charles III Coronation Medal. They played pivotal roles in the D-Day efforts.
Zach Bourque, a 101-year-old Royal Canadian Air Force veteran, served with unwavering dedication as a supply technician, defending Britain's coast during these critical moments. His courage and commitment during D-Day are nothing short of inspiring.
I had the profound privilege of awarding the same medal to John Kuharski, a veteran who bravely stormed the shores of Juno Beach during the D-Day invasion. At 104 years of age, he can still recount that day in great detail.
I extend my deepest gratitude to Zach and John. Through their incredible service and sacrifice, they have helped preserve the values and freedoms that define our great Canadian way of life. They are true heroes. We are forever indebted to them. I thank them for their service.
Sherry Romanado Liberal Longueuil—Charles-LeMoyne, QC
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to pay tribute today to an exceptional citizen of Longueuil—Charles-LeMoyne and someone I am proud to call a friend.
Dan Lamoureux first joined Riverside School Board 26 years ago, serving as chair of its council of commissioners for the last decade. During his tenure, he was instrumental in making Riverside one of the highest-performing school boards in Quebec, with a graduation rate of 88.5%.
Dan was previously president of the Quebec English School Boards Association, where he played a key role in ensuring the survival of Quebec’s English-language school boards. Demonstrating a lifetime of service, Dan was a firefighter for the City of Westmount, a frequent volunteer in Greenfield Park and a strong advocate for the English language community in Quebec, serving as president of the QCGN.
As Dan begins a well-deserved retirement, I am sure he is looking forward to spending more time with his sons and grandsons, as well as his wife, Joanne; I am sure she already has a list of projects for him to do.
I am sorry I cannot be at Dan's retirement party this evening, but I wanted to recognize his incredible contributions and wish him all the best.
The Deputy Speaker Conservative Chris d'Entremont
I ask that members be a little quieter so we can hear the presentations from members.
The hon. member for Thérèse-De Blainville.
Louise Chabot Bloc Thérèse-De Blainville, QC
Mr. Speaker, today we are pleased to welcome 40 elected student council members from Académie Ste-Thérèse, a high school in my riding.
This is the student council's 13th year, and its members, who are with us today, actively encourage young people to take part in democratic life by generating debate on social and political issues and by coming up with projects and activities by and for students. I appreciate their engagement, and I also appreciate the teachers and administrators who support this undertaking.
I have a little advice for these young parliamentarians: parliamentary work is not always easy, but it is essential and so very stimulating. It is a privilege to serve the people who elect us, and it is a tremendous privilege to welcome these young parliamentarians. I wish them all the best for their term in office.
Viviane LaPointe Liberal Sudbury, ON
Mr. Speaker, October 1 is recognized as Seniors Day in Canada and all around the world. Today, we celebrate seniors across our country and acknowledge the significant contributions they have made to our families, our communities and society at large. From fighting for our freedoms to building the railroad, highways, schools and hospitals, as well as creating vibrant community centres and gathering places, seniors have helped build the great country Canada is today.
This National Seniors Day, I would especially like to acknowledge the formation of the Canadian Senior Living Association. The CSLA is a group of provincial associations across the country that advocate for seniors on a national scale to address their issues. I say congratulations to the Canadian Senior Living Association on its launch and happy National Seniors Day to our seniors. I thank them for all they have done and continue to do.
Blaine Calkins Conservative Red Deer—Lacombe, AB
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honour the life of Hugh Michael Greene. Hugh immigrated to Alberta with his family in 1928. A centenarian, he was 101 years old at the time of his passing.
A living definition of a gentleman, Hugh loved his family, community and country, and he brought honour to all his deeds.
After graduating from Wetaskiwin high school, he joined the RCAF, where he served in England and Germany until 1946.
When he returned home from the air force, he married the love of his life, Doris. They called Ponoka their home for more than 65 years. Together they raised five children; they had five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. I am so glad that Hugh and Doris were recently able to celebrate their 75th wedding anniversary.
He is remembered in the Ponoka community as one of the last veterans of the Second World War. He was the embodiment of Canada's greatest generation. Royal Canadian Legion branches across our country recently put their flags at half-mast to honour Hugh, who once served as the Legion's Dominion president.
On behalf of a grateful community and nation, I thank Hugh for a life well lived. May my friend rest in peace.
Frank Caputo Conservative Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo, BC
Mr. Speaker, it was an immense honour to spend time with two extraordinary Canadian Forces veterans and present them with the King Charles III Coronation Medal. They played invaluable roles in the D-Day efforts.
Zach Bourque, a 101-year-old Royal Canadian Air Force veteran from Kamloops, served with unwavering dedication as a supply technician, defending Britain's coast during those critical moments. His courage and commitment during D-Day are nothing short of inspiring.
I had the profound privilege of awarding the same medal to 104-year-old John Kuharski, a veteran who bravely stormed the shores of Juno Beach during the D-Day invasion. He can still recount those details with tremendous clarity.
I extend my deepest gratitude to Zach and John. Through their incredible service and sacrifice, they have helped preserve the values and freedoms that define our great nation. We are indebted to them. I thank them for their service.
Majid Jowhari Liberal Richmond Hill, ON
Mr. Speaker, today we reflect on the significance of both Truth and Reconciliation Day and Seniors Day, honouring the profound history and contributions that have shaped our Canadian identity.
Yesterday, we reflected on the resilience and the contributions of the first nations, Inuit and Métis people and organizations in Richmond Hill, such as Odeiwin. I speak with sincere gratitude for its important work as an indigenous-led not-for-profit that provides vital employment and education programs across York Region.
As we celebrate National Seniors Day today, I recognize leaders, including the Mon Sheong Foundation and the Caribbean North Charities Foundation. They are crucial in helping seniors in my riding age well at home, stay informed and connected, and live with dignity and security.
In recognizing both days, we embrace the lessons of our past while fostering compassion and unity in the present.
Peter Schiefke Liberal Vaudreuil—Soulanges, QC
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Vaudreuil-Soulanges chamber of commerce and industry, the CCIVS, as it celebrates its 30th anniversary.
For three decades, this vital organization has been an important resource for our business community. It helps foster economic growth, innovation and collaboration in our region. From connecting entrepreneurs to stimulating local development, the CCIVS has been instrumental in transforming the economic landscape of Vaudreuil-Soulanges. Its dedication and hard work have created many opportunities that have allowed our small businesses to grow.
As we celebrate this milestone, I would like to recognize the exceptional leadership of the CCIVS's staff, members and partners. May the coming years bring them prosperity and success.
Anna Roberts Conservative King—Vaughan, ON
Mr. Speaker, after nine years of the NDP-Liberal government, taxes are up, costs are up, crime is up and time is up.
Today is Seniors Day, and it is an honour to serve as the shadow minister for seniors. Seniors have dedicated their lives to the prosperity of our country. They have made incredible sacrifices in order to provide for their families and plan for the future.
Seniors should be able to retire on their savings and enjoy their golden years in peace and financial security. Seniors' retirement income is simply not keeping up with the pace of the cost-of-living crisis. The continuous increase of the carbon tax affects the price of groceries, gas and home heating. This is the reckless record of the NDP-Liberal government on seniors.
The Conservatives will promote financial securities and create policies that do not penalize seniors and that encourage meaningful connections for our valued seniors. It is time for a carbon tax election, so Canadians can decide.
Leah Taylor Roy Liberal Aurora—Oak Ridges—Richmond Hill, ON
Mr. Speaker. today is National Seniors Day. Seniors, older Canadians and elders have lived and contributed to our country for 50, 60 or even 100 years. Yesterday, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, I saw the great respect indigenous communities accord their elders, one of many indigenous practices that would lead to the betterment of our society.
I would like to recognize some of our local organizations that support seniors: CHATS; Crescent Village; Richmond Hill and Elgin West Seniors club; Aurora Seniors; Italian, Tamil and Indian seniors clubs; Mon Sheong; and Seniors for Climate Change, who are demonstrating right now.
Our government's support for seniors is solid and enduring: OAS, GIS, dental care, pharmacare, the caregiver credit, aging in place. We will never put a singular ideological focus on a balanced budget ahead of support for older Canadians, who have not only helped build Canada, but can continue to make Canada the best country on earth. To my 89-year-old parents and all seniors across Canada, I thank them and wish them a happy Seniors Day.
Jacques Gourde Conservative Lévis—Lotbinière, QC
Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives, along with thousands of Canadians and Quebeckers, have lost confidence in this Prime Minister and are afraid of what an opportunistic Bloc may do. The NDP kept this government on life support for months, and now the Bloc Québécois is the one flip-flopping, hypocritically trying to blackmail the government until October 29.
In its eagerness to save this costly, centralizing Prime Minister, the Bloc Québécois is showing no concern whatsoever for the fate of Quebeckers. It is keeping him in power even though he is constantly encroaching on provincial jurisdictions.
The Liberals will callously put 1,400 jobs at risk with the Liberal boreal caribou order. The Bloc Québécois failed to negotiate the revocation of the order. The only party working to save the forestry sector is us, the Conservative Party.
As the worst negotiator in history and the worst party for the Quebec nation, the Bloc Québécois is ready to sell its soul instead of giving Canadians the country they deserve. Will the Bloc Québécois vote to axe the tax, build the homes, fix the budget and stop the crime?
Ryan Williams Conservative Bay of Quinte, ON
Mr. Speaker, after nine years, taxes are up, costs are up, crime is up and time is up. Canadians are finding the dream of Canada shattered. A country where we could once find a good job, buy a home in a safe neighbourhood, afford groceries, access reliable health care and pay fair taxes is slipping away.
The Liberal-NDP government's reckless spending and socialist agenda have committed economic vandalism. GDP per capita is down. Unemployment rates, especially for our youth, are up. Household debt is up and taxes are up, all this when Canada, under the Liberals, starts at third base and they act like they are hitting a triple. We are rich in talent. We have the talent and the resources, and we should be hitting a home run.
Canada is mired in economic vandalism, but common sense will lead us home. We will cap spending, axe taxes, reward work, build homes, uphold families, stop crime, secure borders, rearm our forces, restore our freedom and unite our people. Canada, let us hit a home run and bring it home.
Anna Gainey Liberal Notre-Dame-de-Grâce—Westmount, QC
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the transformational impact of the Canadian dental care plan, which has already benefited over 750,000 Canadians, including over 5,000 residents of Notre-Dame-de-Grâce—Westmount, and that number continues to rise.
This initiative has made essential dental services accessible, reducing the financial burden on families and promoting better oral health.
The plan does not just cover urgent dental needs. It also supports preventive care, thereby helping our fellow citizens maintain their smiles for years to come.
Let us continue to support and expand this vital program by strengthening our commitment to the health and well-being of all Canadians.
Randall Garrison NDP Esquimalt—Saanich—Sooke, BC
Mr. Speaker, I rise to mark one year since the October 7 attacks on Israel. This was the single deadliest day Jewish people have faced since the Holocaust, and it forever changed their world.
On October 7, Hamas terrorists took 251 civilians hostage while killing over 1,200 people, including eight Canadians: Judih Weinstein, Vivian Silver, Ben Mizrachi, Netta Epstein, Shir Georgy, Adi Vital-Kaploun, Alexandre Look, and Tiferet Lapidot. May their memories be a blessing.
In the year since, Jewish Canadians have faced an alarming rise in anti-Semitic hate crimes, with vandalism, bomb threats and open calls for violence against Jews. Jewish Canadians wearing a Magen David or a yarmulke in public or placing a mezuzah outside their homes face harassment and threats to their safety, all with the added stress of ongoing deadly rocket attacks targeting friends and family in Israel.
Jewish Canadians are calling for action. We know all too well the dire consequences of turning a blind eye to anti-Semitism. It is time to work together, to demand the return of all hostages and to chart a path toward a just and lasting negotiated peace for all.
Andréanne Larouche Bloc Shefford, QC
Mr. Speaker, as coincidence would have it, the Bloc Québécois's opposition day calling for a royal recommendation for Bill C‑319 happens to fall on October 1, the International Day of Older Persons.
The bill aims to restore equality among all seniors and eliminate this gross unfairness. We have to recognize that people on fixed incomes are directly affected by inflation and need an increase in their old age security as of age 65. We must not leave them financially vulnerable, since poverty unfortunately does not wait until people turn 75.
We also need to let seniors keep working if they want to, without being unduly penalized. We need to recognize their diversity, but also think collectively about their place in our society. We owe them our respect. They are the ones who built Quebec.
Let us take a day to consider how much they contribute. We have a duty to treat them with the utmost respect and to ensure that the social safety net is always there to let them to age with dignity.
Pat Kelly Conservative Calgary Rocky Ridge, AB
Mr. Speaker, after nine years of NDP-Liberals, taxes are up, costs are up, crime is up and time is up. The Prime Minister's economic vandalism is making Canadians poorer with every passing year. Per capita GDP is lower than it was nine years ago and shrinking.
Since 2015, Canada has had the worst per capita GDP in the G7. We are down 2%, while the U.S. is up 8%. That is what nine years of capital flight looks like. We have abundant land and resources, and great workers, but Canada no longer has the tools and the technology to compete because of capital flight.
Since 2015, half a trillion dollars has shifted from Canada to the United States, especially in the energy industry. Investments are leaving Canada to create high-paying jobs building mines, factories, pipelines and houses in the United States.
From 2001 to 2014, it was Canada that won the investment tug-of-war with the U.S. That is why we need a Conservative government now to clean up the Liberal government's economic vandalism and make up for nine lost years.
Anthony Housefather Liberal Mount Royal, QC
Mr. Speaker, tomorrow night is the beginning of the Jewish new year. Normally, this is a festive time, one of joy and celebration. However, this year there is a shadow. The last year has been an annus horribilis for Jews.
Next week is the anniversary of October 7, a day Hamas attacked Israel, slaughtered over 1,200 people and kidnapped hundreds of others. Then a wave of anti-Semitism swept across the world, people here at home telling Jews to go back to Poland, firing shots into our schools, yelling hateful slogans outside our community buildings, setting up encampments on university campuses and attacking our support for Israel.
I pray this new year is a better one. I pray for a world where Israel can defend itself from Iranian and Hezbollah missiles without being condemned, and one where it can live securely in peace with its neighbours. I pray for a Canada where Jewish Canadians can feel safe again, as all governments take real action to confront anti-Semitism.
The Speaker Liberal Greg Fergus
I have the honour to inform the House that the Clerk of the House has received from the Chief Electoral Officer a certificate of the election and return of Mr. Sauvé, member for the electoral district of LaSalle—Émard—Verdun.
Mr. Louis‑Philippe Sauvé, member for the electoral district of LaSalle—Émard—Verdun, introduced by Mr. Yves‑François Blanchet.
The Speaker Liberal Greg Fergus
I invite the hon. member to take his seat.
Colleagues, before we proceed to oral questions, I want to say that, since returning from the summer recess, many questions and comments in the House have gone too far.
I am going to ask all members to please let the person who is speaking ask the question and let the person who is responding respond, and to slow down their heckling in question period.
Pierre Poilievre ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, after nine years of the “Liberal Bloc”, which doubled the debt and increased taxes, seniors are having a hard time paying their bills. A record number of them are being forced to go to food banks to put food on the table. They are struggling to pay the rent after the cost of housing doubled. They are seeing that their children and grandchildren are unable to buy a home like before.
Will the government agree to our common-sense plan to fix the budget and axe the tax so that our seniors can pay their bills with dignity?
Chrystia Freeland LiberalDeputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance
Mr. Speaker, Canadian seniors remember all too well the Conservative government's policy on seniors. They remember Prime Minister Harper announcing in Davos that the retirement age should be 67.
When it comes to grandchildren, Canadian seniors support our national child care program for their grandchildren. We will work for seniors and their grandchildren.