Debates of Oct. 11th, 2024

Mental Illness Awareness Week

[Élisabeth Brière, Liberal, Sherbrooke, QC]

Mr. Speaker, Mental Illness Awareness Week reminds us that each person living with a mental illness has a unique experience.

This morning, we launched the call for proposals for the emergency treatment fund. This fund will provide $150 million to help municipalities as well as first nations, Inuit and Métis communities respond quickly to their urgent needs, as they tackle the toxic drug and overdose crisis.

This funding, along with the dedicated work of those on the front lines, will make a real difference in communities across the country. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to solving this crisis, and no community can solve it on their own. We are determined to do everything we can with all partners and communities to save lives.

Thanksgiving Message

[Michael Barrett, Conservative, Leeds—Grenville—Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, ON]

Mr. Speaker, it is Thanksgiving, a time to count our blessings. As Canadians, we are blessed every day by the hard-working people our country relies on, like the men and women of our Canadian Forces, police, paramedics and firefighters, who protect us. There are those who build our country, like power linemen, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, mechanics, oil field workers, loggers, truckers and plant and factory workers. Then there is the quiet but vital work of restaurant servers and checkout clerks, and of course our farmers, who grow our food and feed millions around the world.

We promise these extraordinary Canadians that a common-sense Conservative government will restore the promise of Canada. It will be a Canada where they can afford to eat, have a decent home, live in a safe neighbourhood and retire comfortably.

This Thanksgiving, we continue our fight to give Canadians a carbon tax election, which will bring relief from high taxes, high costs, high crime and a corrupt Liberal government. Let us bring it home.

Recognition of Parliamentary Staff

[Wayne Long, Liberal, Saint John—Rothesay, NB]

Mr. Speaker, we are all privileged to be here in this House, to have a seat and to be representing our constituents by doing what they elected us to do.

As we all know, but perhaps the public does not, we could not do our jobs well without having the backing and support of our amazing teams, like the people who help answer the thousands of emails we get and the ones who answer our many calls and sometimes have to deliver hard news and have hard conversations. They are on the front lines and are working hard for us and Canadians every day.

I have been extremely fortunate to have amazing people with me throughout my journey. I want to give my thanks and respect to my current team: Jim Hennessy, Ashley Lloyd and Jeannette McLaughlin, who has been with me since 2015.

I thank them for all they do. I could not do this job without them. I want to thank all members of this House and encourage them all to thank their wonderful staff for the important work we do.

Lupus

[Yasir Naqvi, Liberal, Ottawa Centre, ON]

Mr. Speaker, this week, I had the pleasure of meeting with Lupus Canada and its team of doctors and patient advocates to speak about the ongoing challenges faced by the one in 1,000 Canadians living with lupus.

Often referred to as a disease with a thousand faces, the complexity of this autoimmune condition and its various symptoms make diagnosing it a lengthy and challenging process, currently taking seven years on average. Canadians living with lupus face many challenges with navigating the disease due to its episodic nature. While advancements have been made in the treatment and management of lupus, there is still much work to do.

I want to thank Lupus Canada and its team for their dedication and advocacy in supporting all Canadians, especially those living with lupus.

Breast Cancer

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

Mr. Speaker, one in eight Canadian women will develop breast cancer during their lifetime, and one in 36 will die from it. There are many factors that can increase a woman's risk for breast cancer, including family history, genetics and breast density. Racialized women are more likely to develop cancer at a younger age, and Black women are 40% more likely to die from it.

The Canadian Cancer Society, Dense Breasts Canada, Breast Cancer Canada and the Canadian Association of Radiologists are all calling for the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care to revise its guidelines so that breast cancer screening can start before age 50. They want screening to start at age 40 and extend beyond 75, yet the Liberal Minister of Health refuses to overturn the out-of-date federal guidelines, putting women's lives at risk.

We know early detection and treatment saves lives. My mom was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer at 48 years old and died less than a year later.

Any women who have been putting it off should talk to their doctor or book a mammogram today. Everyone out there in a battle with cancer should know that we are all cheering them on.

Ovarian Cancer

[Yvonne Jones, Liberal, Labrador, NL]

Mr. Speaker, September marked Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, and each year over 3,000 women in Canada are diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Whereas the five-year survival rate for breast cancer in Canada is now up to 88%, ovarian cancer is still as low as 44%.

Belles with Balls NL and Ovarian Cancer Canada held the first Lady Ball in Newfoundland and Labrador, engaging survivors and thrivers and many female role models from across our province to support ovarian cancer research and awareness. Raising over $100,000, the event was coordinated by the incredible co-chairs Bonnie Morgan and Alana Walsh-Giovannini. I want to thank all of the generous sponsors and attendees who came out and made it an exciting evening.

Together, we are making a real difference in the fight against ovarian cancer, turning hope into action for a brighter future for all women and their families.

Wildfire Response in Jasper

[Gerald Soroka, Conservative, Yellowhead, AB]

Mr. Speaker, the investigation into the Jasper wildfire has exposed shocking negligence by the radical environment minister.

Since 2017, forester Ken Hodges had warned that if deadwood was not removed, Jasper would burn. His warnings were ignored. He testified that what little was done was “insignificant and poorly thought out”.

We have also learned that senior officials discussed cancelling prescribed burns for political optics. It was reported that firefighters and fire trucks were turned away at the gates while Jasper Park burned. Also, fire hydrants did not match those used anywhere else in Alberta, making firefighting even harder.

The Alberta government's response was delayed by federal bureaucracy when every minute counted. With a third of the town destroyed, 2,000 people left homeless and nearly a billion dollars in damage, this devastation is a direct result of the minister's failure to protect the people and the town of Jasper.

Government Accountability

[Dan Albas, Conservative, Central Okanagan—Similkameen—Nicola, BC]

Mr. Speaker, after another week of a paralyzed Parliament, a $400-million Liberal scandal is proof that the NDP-Liberal government is not worth the cost, crime and corruption.

You have ruled that the NDP-Liberal government has violated a House of Commons order to turn over evidence to the RCMP for a criminal investigation into this scandal. The government's refusal to respect your ruling has paralyzed Parliament, casting aside the issues that Canadians sent us here to address, such as the doubling of housing costs, food inflation, crime and chaos.

At issue is the Auditor General's investigation, which uncovered more than 186 conflicts of interest at Sustainable Development Technology Canada. Liberal appointees directed over $400 million in taxpayer funds to their own companies. This occurred while many Canadians struggled to afford basic necessities like food, heating and housing.

What is in these documents that the government is so desperate to hide? What is so egregious that it is willing to paralyze this House for weeks? We need accountability. We will keep demanding it.

Hubert Pilon

[Stéphane Lauzon, Liberal, Argenteuil—La Petite-Nation, QC]

Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to pay tribute to Hubert Pilon, a resident of Lachute, in my riding of Argenteuil—La Petite‑Nation. Last spring, Mr. Pilon received the Quebec Lieutenant Governor's Medal in recognition of his involvement in numerous causes as well as his many achievements.

An engineer by trade, Mr. Pilon has been involved in his community at all levels, both at the municipal level and in community organizations, including the Argenteuil Hospital Foundation. He is an example of community dedication, having been involved with the Lachute Lions Club for over 50 years.

In fact, he was awarded the Centennial Medal in 2023, in recognition of his many years of service. I would like to thank Hubert for all he does for the community. He is an example to follow, and we are proud of all he has accomplished.

Recognition of BIAs

[Don Davies, NDP, Vancouver Kingsway, BC]

Mr. Speaker, as the NDP finance critic, I know that small and medium-sized businesses are the real engine of our economy. From coast to coast, these enterprises employ millions of Canadians and contribute essential goods, services and benefits to every community in our nation. They are responsible for 50% of Canada's GDP, employ 65% of all workers and create the majority of new jobs every year. However, we know that many businesses are struggling with high rents, rising costs and difficulty retaining employees. When individuals and families have to tighten their belts, local businesses suffer as well.

This week, I met with representatives of Canada's business improvement associations. These wonderful organizations promote local businesses and play active roles in all kinds of community activities.

I want to acknowledge two superb BIAs in Vancouver Kingsway: the Collingwood BIA, led by Angela Evans, and the Victoria Drive BIA, chaired by Christopher Chung. Their hard work not only creates prosperity, but brings us all closer together.

Thomas Gagnon

[Maxime Blanchette-Joncas, Bloc, Rimouski-Neigette—Témiscouata—Les Basques, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honour the memory of a community builder and proud resident of the Lower St. Lawrence, Thomas Gagnon, who passed away on September 14 at the age of 72.

A successful entrepreneur, he founded PG Solutions in Rimouski in 1980. This is a leading Quebec company specializing in management software applications for the corporate, forestry and municipal sectors.

Then, in 2012, he co-founded the Lower St. Lawrence KOA campground with his son. Located in a magnificent setting near Lake Saint-Mathieu, over the years it has won two “campground of the year” awards in Quebec, has been ranked the third best camping destination in Canada, and has received numerous North American awards, raising the profile of Saint-Mathieu-de-Rioux as a popular vacation destination.

He will be remembered as a visionary, a father, a friend and a great man. His endeavours will continue to shine a bright light all around us. Goodbye, Thomas, and thank you for everything.

Carbon Tax

[Earl Dreeshen, Conservative, Red Deer—Mountain View, AB]

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

Yesterday, the Parliamentary Budget Officer confirmed yet again that the carbon tax costs Canadians more than they get back in rebates. When the NDP-Liberals quadruple the carbon tax, families in Alberta will pay nearly $2,000. It is not just Albertans who are fed up. All 10 provinces are now opposed to the costly coalition's carbon tax. The government will point to this very same report and talk about how great its rebate is, but ignore the report's findings that show the average Canadian household will see a net loss.

When it comes to this government's narrative on its economy-crippling carbon tax, the jig is up too. The carbon tax is driving up the cost of gas, groceries and home heating. Neither this NDP-Liberal government nor their carbon tax is worth the cost.

Canadians from coast to coast are ready for this Prime Minister to call a carbon tax election.

Canadian Airports

[Vance Badawey, Liberal, Niagara Centre, ON]

Mr. Speaker, day in and day out, airports across Canada go above and beyond to ensure the safe and secure travel of passengers. Our airports not only help Canadians reunite with loved ones, visit family and go on vacation, but also support our economy in vital ways. With over 200,000 direct airport employees across the country, airports play a critical role in strengthening our supply chains and fostering national growth.

I would like to extend my gratitude to the airport authorities who were with us in Ottawa this past week for their hard work as well as their dedication. We continue to recognize and appreciate the significant impact that airports and their workers have on our communities, from coast to coast to coast.

Carbon Pricing

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

Mr. Speaker, after nine years of the NDP-Liberals, taxes are up, costs are up, crime is up and time is up on the Prime Minister's costly carbon tax. Yesterday, once again, the Parliamentary Budget Officer reaffirmed that Canadians are out when it comes to the tax. If we add up the two carbon taxes, and of course the tax is taxed again with the GST, it will cost households anywhere between $900 and $2,000 per year.

If the government is so sure of its plan to quadruple the carbon tax, why not let Canadians decide in a carbon tax election?

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

Mr. Speaker, yesterday was indeed a momentous day for Canada because yesterday the pharmacare bill became law in this country. This means hope for 12 million Canadians. For those affected by diabetes and for women struggling with the cost of contraception, help is now on the way. For the first time ever in Canadian history, the Government of Canada will be helping to bring down the cost of medication and helping Canadians with affordability.

It is a historic day that we should all celebrate in this place.

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

Mr. Speaker, what is happening in this country is nothing to celebrate. For the first time in this country, there are two million visits to food banks per month. That is 24 million visits, which is record-shattering in this country. We have thousands of encampments that have popped up in every part of the country. There are children struggling to get meals. One in four are skipping meals because of the carbon tax and the government's plan to quadruple it. At the end of the day, this is no coincidence. It is because the government keeps driving up the carbon tax.

When can we just have a carbon tax election so that Canadians can decide in the future to axe the tax?

[Chrystia Freeland, Liberal, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance]

Mr. Speaker, a few days before Thanksgiving, I think that all of us have tremendous compassion for all Canadians who are struggling to make ends meet.

On this side of the House, we know that the best guarantee of a good life for a family is a good job. That is why we want to celebrate the fact that we learned this morning that in September, Canada added 47,000 new jobs. Unemployment fell and every single one of those new jobs was in the private sector.

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

Mr. Speaker, yesterday's report from Stats Canada was nothing to celebrate. It confirmed that income inequality after nine years of the NDP-Liberal government has never been higher. The gap increased by 50% between the richest and poorest Canadians, the highest it has ever been on record.

It has been nine years since the Prime Minister first promised to help the middle class and those working hard to join it. There are now millions of Canadians who will never be able to join the middle class because of their ever-increasing taxes, like the carbon tax.

Why can we not have a carbon tax election where Canadians can decide if they want to quadruple the carbon tax or axe it entirely?

[Chrystia Freeland, Liberal, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance]

Mr. Speaker, the only party in this House that voted against tax fairness has a lot of gall getting up and talking about income inequality.

We are the party that fights every single day for the middle class. That is why I am happy to say that part of the jobs news we had today was about wages. Wages have now outpaced inflation for 20 months in a row. A good job and a good wage is a recipe for middle-class success in Canada.

The Economy

[Dominique Vien, Conservative, Bellechasse—Les Etchemins—Lévis, QC]

Mr. Speaker, nearly 200 times now, the Bloc Québécois has supported Liberal inflationary spending sprees.

Quebeckers are resorting to food banks. Homelessness now affects ordinary Canadians, from grandparents unable to pay the rent to students who have to go to shelters. It costs $1,743 to rent a one-bedroom apartment in Montreal. A one-bedroom apartment.

The country needs more skills, and the Conservatives are ready to get things back on track.

Can the government give Canadians a choice and call an election?

[Steven MacKinnon, Liberal, Minister of Labour and Seniors]

Mr. Speaker, we are delighted by the excellent news my colleagues have just shared with us this morning.

Pharmacare is now the law in Canada. Unemployment is now firmly on the decline and wages are on the rise. The only thing in danger of going down is the number of public servants in this country. Every week, this member hints that drastic cuts are coming to our federal public service.

Some transparency would be nice.

[Dominique Vien, Conservative, Bellechasse—Les Etchemins—Lévis, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the Bloc Québécois does not like to brag about having supported the Liberal government nearly 200 times. We can never say it enough: This is the most centralizing government ever.

This government has spent indiscriminately, with its reckless inflationary spending. In Montreal, a person has to earn about $60,000 to afford a one-bedroom apartment. This Thanksgiving, many Canadians will not be able to make a traditional meal. This government's incompetence is intolerable.

Will the government give Canadians a gift and call an election?

[Jean-Yves Duclos, Liberal, Minister of Public Services and Procurement]

Mr. Speaker, my colleague, whom I hold in high esteem, mentioned the word “intolerable”. What is really intolerable is hearing the Conservative leader talk about the difficulties Quebeckers are facing and then announce that he is going to hurt them, punish them, by cutting the services and benefits they need, including the school food program.

Would my colleague be willing to invite her Conservative leader to meet with educators and teachers in the schools in her riding so he can tell them that he thinks feeding children is just feeding bureaucracy?

International Trade

[Christine Normandin, Bloc, Saint-Jean, QC]

Mr. Speaker, farmers from across the country came to Ottawa yesterday to support the Bloc Québécois's Bill C‑282 on supply management, which is currently stuck in the Senate. All the parties turned out as well to ask two senators, Peter Boehm and Peter Harder, to stop flouting the will of elected members.

Everyone was there except for one person who still has not spoken on the issue. That person is the Prime Minister, the very person who personally appointed the two lords almighty who are blocking everything.

When will the Prime Minister finally ask his two appointees to stop standing in the way of democracy?

[Marie-Claude Bibeau, Liberal, Minister of National Revenue]

Mr. Speaker, if there is one thing that the Liberals and the Bloc Québécois agree on, it is protecting the supply management system.

As we have explained it many times, we have chosen to appoint independent senators since 2015. Senators who were previously appointed by the Conservatives are not independent. They show up on Wednesday mornings at the Conservative caucus.

Is the leader of the Conservative Party going to ask the Conservative senators to vote in favour of supply management?