Debates of Oct. 10th, 2024

Canada Carbon Rebate

[Jaime Battiste, Liberal, Sydney—Victoria, NS]

Mr. Speaker, I have good news. Guess what is happening next week in Nova Scotia? The Canada carbon rebate will be distributed to Nova Scotians and deposited into their bank accounts on October 15.

A family in Nova Scotia will receive $206 through the Canada carbon rebate, but it does not stop there. For a family living in rural Cape Breton, like in my riding of Sydney—Victoria, its October rebate will include a double rural top-up for a total amount of $288.

Thanks to our climate plan, we are now on track to meet our climate goals for the first time in Canadian history. We are reducing our emissions, growing our economy and tackling inflation, all while making life more affordable for Canadians.

Olympic School Games

[Sébastien Lemire, Bloc, Abitibi—Témiscamingue, QC]

Mr. Speaker, from October 23 to 31, 45 athletes aged 15 to 17 from across Quebec and 22 coaches and staff will participate in the Olympic School Games sponsored by the International School Sport Federation in Bahrain. About 60 athletes and their parents are here on Parliament Hill.

Many of them got here after countless hours of training and many sacrifices, all with the goal of enjoying an experience so unique that I am quite jealous.

These athletes will be wearing the fleur-de-lis and representing Quebec internationally, dressed in the colours of a country in the making.

My two sons, Jules and Léon, are athletes. Thanks to the Fondation Équipe-Québec, the dream of representing Quebec on the international stage is now within their grasp.

I have a message for the delegation of young athletes from Quebec. They are trailblazers and torchbearers. When they compete, an entire nation will be cheering them on for achieving the dream of wearing Quebec's colours.

They already have their medal.

Canada Carbon Rebate

[Darrell Samson, Liberal, Sackville—Preston—Chezzetcook, NS]

Mr. Speaker, my friends in Nova Scotia will receive their Canada carbon tax rebates in their bank accounts on October 15. A family in Nova Scotia will receive $206 through the Canada carbon rebate.

We have also made the Canada carbon rebate fairer for rural residents by doubling the top-up for rural and small communities, retroactive to April.

The Conservative leader is preoccupied with giving his friends in big oil a free pass and eliminating rebates for Canadians. His refusal to fight climate change and his anti-climate slogans will end up costing Canadians a lot more.

Our government will continue to reduce carbon emissions while improving the lives of Canadians.

Monsignor Kevin Maloney

[Eric Duncan, Conservative, Stormont—Dundas—South Glengarry, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honour the life of a remarkable community leader, Monsignor Kevin Maloney, who, after 52 years as an ordained priest, left us last month.

Father Kevin, as he was best known, dedicated his life to serving with compassion and kindness, touching the hearts of countless people in Cornwall and SDG. His contributions to the Catholic Church and to our entire community were immeasurable, and his recognition as the 2018 Cornwall Citizen of the Year was one of the many accolades he truly deserved.

Father Kevin was more than a leader; he was a beacon of hope and joy, known for his infectious laughter and kind spirit. Whether at church or at community suppers or charity events, he brought laughter and light to every room that he entered.

Father Kevin will be deeply missed. As we reflect on his life and the impact he made, I will say this: At the pearly gates up above, God had an easy answer in welcoming one of Cornwall's best angels to heaven. May my friend rest in peace. I thank him for a life of service.

Canada Carbon Rebate

[Mona Fortier, Liberal, Ottawa—Vanier, ON]

Mr. Speaker, the next Canada carbon rebate arrives in Ontarians' bank accounts on October 15. Ontario families of four will receive $280 next week. This year, families in Ottawa—Vanier and other Ontario families are receiving a total of $1,120.

The Conservatives want to let their wealthy friends off the hook and make the middle class pay the price. The Conservatives know that middle-class Canadians will pay the price when the Conservatives cut the carbon rebate, they will pay the price when the Conservatives cut affordable child care and they will pay for the cost of climate change when the Conservatives do nothing to fight it.

Facts are facts. The middle class cannot afford the Conservatives' cuts.

Climate Change

[Adam van Koeverden, Liberal, Milton, ON]

Mr. Speaker, inflation is down, interest rates are down and our emissions are going down too. Our economy is growing and the Canada carbon rebate is making life more affordable.

Today the PBO released a report that clears the air for Canadians and calls out the Conservative campaign of misinformation. Big polluters pay and more money goes back to Canadians.

On October 15, Canadians will receive their Canada carbon rebate and in my home province of Ontario, a family of four will receive a rebate of $280 every three months, for a total of $1,120 this year. However, the Conservatives would rather rip up the rebate and ignore climate change altogether, just to help out their rich oil and gas friends.

Unlike Conservatives who fan the flames of conspiracies, as wildfires, hurricanes and floods force Canadians from their homes, we are focused on the facts on this side, just like the facts in this report, like the facts that show that climate change is real, like the fact that most Canadians want governments to fight climate change.

Our policies not only protect the environment and nature, but also ensure that people on our planet are protected into the future.

[The Speaker, Greg Fergus]

We invite the hon. member for Timmins—James Bay to please not to take the floor unless recognized by the Chair.

The hon. member for Prince George—Peace River—Northern Rockies.

Innovation, Science and Industry

[Bob Zimmer, Conservative, Prince George—Peace River—Northern Rockies, BC]

Mr. Speaker, after nine years of the NDP-Liberals, taxes are up, costs are up, crime is up and time is up.

You have ruled, Mr. Speaker, that the NDP-Liberals have violated a House order to turn over evidence to the police for a criminal investigation into the latest Liberal $400-million scandal, effectively obstructing justice.

The Auditor General's findings were that Liberal appointees at Sustainable Development Technology Canada gave nearly $400 million to their own companies, with over 186 conflicts of interest, at a time when Canadians cannot afford to eat, heat or house themselves.

The radical environment minister is directly involved in the scandal, as he was the former lobbyist for a board member's company, where he brought in $110 million for the company, a company in which the minister still owns shares.

The NDP-Liberals' refusal to respect your ruling, Mr. Speaker, has paralyzed all our work to address the doubling of housing costs, food inflation, crime and chaos. Will the NDP-Liberals end the cover-up, give proof to the police so we can get accountability for corruption and Parliament can get back to work for Canadians?

Canada Carbon Rebate

[Kevin Lamoureux, Liberal, Winnipeg North, MB]

Mr. Speaker, there is good news and bad news.

First, the good news is that four times every year a carbon rebate goes out. Therein lies the good news that on Tuesday, October 15 hundreds of dollars will be going to the households in Winnipeg North and in so many other constituencies.

Now, for the bad news: There was a time when the Conservatives actually supported putting a tax on carbon, but they flip-flopped on that, and the leader of the far right today says that he is going to get rid of the carbon rebate. That is most unfortunate, because Canadians should be encouraged to participate in a positive way in regard to our environment, and giving the carbon rebate is a good thing.

The Conservatives should flip-flop again and get behind the carbon rebates.

Innovation, Science and Industry

[Glen Motz, Conservative, Medicine Hat—Cardston—Warner, AB]

Mr. Speaker, Canadians are well aware that the NDP-Liberals are not worth the cost, crime or corruption. At issue is the Auditor General's findings that the Liberal appointees to the green slush fund gave nearly $400 million tax dollars to their own companies, with over 186 conflicts of interest, at a time when Canadians cannot afford to eat, heat or house themselves.

You have ruled, Mr. Speaker, that the NDP-Liberals have violated a House order to turn over evidence for a criminal investigation into this latest scandal, effectively obstructing justice. The government's refusal to respect your ruling has paralyzed Parliament, pushing aside all of our work to address the rising costs of housing, food inflation, and the issues of crime and chaos running rampant in our streets.

Time is up. It is time for NDP-Liberals to end the cover-up, end corruption and provide the documents so that Parliament can get working for Canadians.

Carbon Tax

[Jeremy Patzer, Conservative, Cypress Hills—Grasslands, SK]

Mr. Speaker, after nine years of the NDP-Liberal Prime Minister, taxes are up, costs are up, crime is up and time is up. Carbon taxes are up, and because of the Prime Minister's radical obsession with taxing Canadians into poverty, their costs are way up.

Thankfully, time is up on his carbon taxes. We just received further confirmation that the carbon tax does blow a huge hole in the wallets of Canadians. The government's own budget watchdog has said that in Saskatchewan the average family will be robbed of over $2,000 every single year once the Prime Minister finishes increasing the carbon tax. That $2,000 could be used for food, for heating or for other essentials. All of this is for what? The radical socialist environment minister publicly said his own department does not even track whether the carbon tax reduces emissions.

It is clear, more than ever, that it is time to axe the tax. Since the Prime Minister refuses to do what is right, Canadians are demanding a carbon tax election. They can take comfort in knowing that Conservatives will axe the tax once and for all.

Canada Carbon Rebate

[Julie Dzerowicz, Liberal, Davenport, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I have good news. On Tuesday, October 15, the day after Thanksgiving, the residents in my constituency of Davenport will be giving thanks when they look at their bank accounts and see their quarterly Canada carbon rebate amount of $280 for a family of four, or $140 for individuals.

Canadians expect their federal government to take ambitious action on climate change, and thanks to the Canada carbon rebate and our climate plan, we are now on track to reach our climate goals for the first time in Canadian history.

We have reduced our emissions by 8%, and Canada's 2024 national inventory report shows that Canada is on track to meet our emission reduction goals for 2026 and also on track for our 2030 targets.

While the Conservatives are focused on empty slogans and want to rip up the carbon rebates, our government is focused on growing our economy, bringing inflation down and making life more affordable for Canadians.

World Mental Health Day

[Peter Julian, NDP, New Westminster—Burnaby, BC]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today on World Mental Health Day to acknowledge a sobering reality. In any given year, one in five Canadians experiences mental health issues.

Federal public safety employees who operate in a high-stress, unpredictable environment often work at great risk to their own mental health. That is why I tabled Bill C-357, an act aimed at creating presumptive mental health injury coverage for all federal public safety employees. This bill is a response to the long-standing call from the Union of Safety and Justice Employees to ensure that all federal public safety personnel have access to workers' compensation for mental health-related injuries.

My bill seeks to rectify the current inequitable system that leaves federal government employees' benefits and entitlements dependent on the province in which they reside. Public safety employees work tirelessly to keep Canadians safe. It is our duty as MPs to help keep them safe as well by passing this bill.

On this World Mental Health Day, let us commit to ensuring mental health supports for all. We stand with our dedicated public safety employees.

World Egg Day

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

Mr. Speaker, Friday, October 11 is World Egg Day.

Eggs are an extremely nutritious food produced by local farmers who are exceptional, both because of the quality of their production and the solidarity of their chosen marketing system, supply management. We have been waiting since June 2023 for the Senate to pass the bill to protect this collective marketing system. It is time for the Senate to do just that.

Eggs are a tasty food that can be eaten in many ways. Supply management is essential to the economic vitality of our regions and to keeping our family businesses alive. They go hand in hand. Can someone explain that to the few senators who do not care?

There were over 200 supply-managed producers from all over Canada on the Hill today. They are asking for respect and for the passage of this bill. Can we show some respect for our farmers? The Senate needs to do the work, and why not tomorrow, on World Egg Day?

Happy World Egg Day.

Carbon Tax

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

Mr. Speaker, after nine years of the NDP-Liberals, taxes are up, costs are up, crime is up and time is up.

We have heard it a thousand times before from Canadians in all walks of life, at the doors and in our communities, but today the Parliamentary Budget Officer has confirmed what we have known all along: The carbon tax has been taking more money away from Canadians than what they get back through rebates.

Nova Scotians are going to be paying a whopping $1,215 more after the NDP-Liberals quadruple the carbon tax. For Canadians, this makes all the difference in the world. Canadians, including Nova Scotians, are trying to put food on the table, gas in their car and a roof over their head, all at a time when they are worried about putting heating fuel in their home for winter. All 10 provinces are now opposed to the crushing carbon tax.

It is time for the Prime Minister to show some courage and call a carbon tax election. Will the Prime Minister call an election today?

Mental Health Support for Safety and Justice Workers

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

Mr. Speaker, October 10 is World Mental Health Day, and today the Union of Safety and Justice Employees is here, shedding light on the need for more robust mental health support for those who work to keep our communities safe. From the RCMP to correctional services workers, the USJE represents over 19,000 safety and justice employees across Canada.

As with first responders, their exposure to traumatic events and graphic materials can have lasting impacts on them and their families. The pins we are wearing today are a symbol of the sacrifice and service these individuals make and the toll their work takes on their mental health.

I thank all the safety and justice workers across Canada for their service. We are committed to working together to ensure that there are adequate supports put in place so they can continue their good work and take care of their mental health.

Foreign Affairs

[Andrew Scheer, Conservative, Regina—Qu'Appelle, SK]

Mr. Speaker, after nine years of the Liberal Prime Minister, Canada has experienced a shocking rise in anti-Semitism and an increase in hate crimes of 165%. His divisive politics, where he pits one group of Canadians against another, only makes matters worse. It also does not help that he takes years to list terrorist groups on the list of banned organizations, allowing them to fundraise and recruit here in Canada.

This one should be easy, though. The Houthis are attacking civilian ships and innocent civilians, and our allies have already banned them, so will the government do the right thing and list this group as a terrorist organization today?

[Arif Virani, Liberal, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada]

Mr. Speaker, we unequivocally condemn the acts in Vancouver that were launched by Samidoun. Acts like burning the flag, chanting “death to Canada”, denying the events of October 7 and celebrating terrorism are unacceptable in this country. With respect to Samidoun, we heard the Minister of Public Safety reference this yesterday. We have asked for an expedited review, because decisions of this importance are always made on the advice of national security agencies.

Carbon Pricing

[Andrew Scheer, Conservative, Regina—Qu'Appelle, SK]

Mr. Speaker, they continue to drag their feet.

There has been another blow to the Prime Minister's carbon tax scheme. A new report from the Parliamentary Budget Officer shows yet again that Canadians are worse off under the tax. Here is what the total bill will be when the NDP-Liberals finish quadrupling this tax: It will cost people in Ontario $1,400; it will cost people $1,500 in Newfoundland and a whopping $2,000 in Saskatchewan. Canadians are already struggling with higher costs, higher grocery prices and higher mortgage rates. The last thing they need is another bill from a useless carbon tax.

If the government is so sure that Canadians support the tax, why not let the people decide in a carbon tax election?

[Steven Guilbeault, Liberal, Minister of Environment and Climate Change]

Mr. Speaker, let me read from the first paragraph of the PBO's report: “Considering only the fiscal impact of the federal fuel charge, PBO estimates that the average household in each of the backstop provinces...in 2030-31 will see a net gain, receiving more from the Canada Carbon Rebate than the total amount they pay in the federal fuel charge...and related Goods and Services Tax.”

The Leader of the Opposition should apologize to Canadians for misleading them all these months.

[Andrew Scheer, Conservative, Regina—Qu'Appelle, SK]

Mr. Speaker, the minister might want to read the rest of the report, because in the quote he cited, he focused on a very key word, “only” the direct costs. When we factor in all the economic costs, it costs the Canadian household $1,400. Canadians are net losers under the carbon tax scheme, and the minister knows it.

If the minister is so sure that Canadians want the government to quadruple the tax, why not let the people decide in a carbon tax election?

[Steven Guilbeault, Liberal, Minister of Environment and Climate Change]

Mr. Speaker, let me read from another paragraph from the report: “Moreover, in 2030-31, for all backstop provinces, we estimate that the average household in each income quintile will see a net gain—except for the average household in the highest income quintile”.

The Leader of the Opposition wants to take money away from the middle class and poorer Canadians to protect his rich CEO friends. That is what he is doing.

[John Barlow, Conservative, Foothills, AB]

Mr. Speaker, the minister is trying very hard to get Canadians not to understand the details, but the details and the facts are that the Parliamentary Budget Officer confirmed what Canadians already know: They are being robbed by a carbon tax that is driving up the cost of groceries, gas and everyday essentials. In fact, a family in Prince Edward Island will pay almost $1,200 a year when the NDP-Liberals quadruple the carbon tax.

Canadians do not support the carbon tax. We know that 10 provinces do not support the carbon tax. Will the Prime Minister listen to Canadians and call a carbon tax election?

[Steven Guilbeault, Liberal, Minister of Environment and Climate Change]

Mr. Speaker, the member talks about the agricultural sector. Let us talk about the climate impacts on the agricultural sector. Droughts in 2021 resulted in a 27% decline in Canada's grain production. Over the last decade, over 200 Canadian farmers have experienced cost increases and revenue loss from climate impacts.

The member and his party never talk about the impacts of climate change on farmers and on the price of food in Canada. They want to try to make us believe that climate change is not happening. It is happening, and on this side of the House, we are here for Canadians.

[John Barlow, Conservative, Foothills, AB]

Mr. Speaker, the minister is either living in denial or is purposefully misleading Canadians, because the Parliamentary Budget Office's report is clear: It costs Canadians more to pay the carbon tax than what they get back in rebates. If the minister does not believe me, I would encourage him to read the parliamentary budget report. In the interest of time, let me help out: Page 18 states that Canadians are worse off paying the carbon tax, period. That is the fact.

Again, if the minister is so confident that Canadians support the carbon tax, why are they so afraid to call a carbon tax election?