Mr. Speaker, on a point of order, I would ask for unanimous consent to present petitions.
House of Commons Hansard #362 of the 44th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was privacy.
House of Commons Hansard #362 of the 44th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was privacy.
Damien Kurek Conservative Battle River—Crowfoot, AB
Mr. Speaker, on a point of order, I would ask for unanimous consent to present petitions.
Questions Passed as Orders for ReturnsRoutine Proceedings
Stephanie Kusie Conservative Calgary Midnapore, AB
Señor presidente, today I rise to present petition e-5102, as 1,650 people signed this petition due to their concerns about the July 28 presidential election in Venezuela. They are calling on the government to recognize Edmundo González Urrutia as the rightful victor in the election, demand that the Maduro regime release the full vote count and access to voting records at polling stations, impose sanctions on all individuals associated with the Maduro regime complicit with violating international law and the Venezuelan constitution, and do everything in its power to support the people of Venezuela as they fight for freedom and real democracy in their country.
Viva Venezuela libre.
Damien Kurek Conservative Battle River—Crowfoot, AB
Mr. Speaker, it is my honour to stand in this place today and present a petition requesting that the Canadian Parliament and government pass a resolution to establish measures to stop the Chinese Communist regime's crime of systematically murdering Falun Gong practitioners for their organs; amend Canadian legislation to combat forced organ harvesting; and publicly call for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong in Canada, in particular referencing Mingyuan Liu and the many Falun Gong practitioners who have faced persecution, and the importance of ensuring their freedoms are respected. As Canadians, we have a responsibility to do something about it.
Blake Desjarlais NDP Edmonton Griesbach, AB
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to present and table, in both official languages, a petition on behalf of Canadians who are calling on the government to address the housing crisis. It goes on to state that these citizens and residents of Canada call on the Government of Canada to impose a moratorium on evictions and other forms of displacing tenants in pursuit of higher profits; to invest in affordable housing operated by non-profit housing providers to ensure affordable housing units are available for our most vulnerable; and to stop providing billions of dollars in handouts to corporate landlords who are buying up the existing affordable housing, evicting people and raising rents.
Cathay Wagantall Conservative Yorkton—Melville, SK
Mr. Speaker, Falun Gong is a traditional Chinese spiritual discipline whose moral teachings are truthfulness, compassion and forbearance. The Chinese government perceives religion as a threat to its state atheism, especially Falun Gong, whose popularity has grown since it was founded in 1992. Since 1999, the Chinese government has persecuted Falun Gong practitioners in the thousands, perhaps even millions.
Zhang Yunhe is the sister of Tianxiao Zhang, a Canadian citizen from Toronto. She was arrested in 2002 in Qingdao and was detained for over half a year because she was a practitioner of Falun Gong. Her family was not notified of her arrest, making this a case of forced disappearance. Her family has called on the Shandong provincial prison administration many times to inquire about Yunhe, and the prison administration remains silent on this matter, in a clear dereliction of duty. Zhang Yunhe has not been seen and there have been no reports on her since her arrest.
Therefore, the petitioners request that the Canadian Parliament and government pass a resolution to establish measures to stop the Chinese Communist regime's crime of systematically imprisoning Falun Gong practitioners, amend Canadian legislation to combat forced organ harvesting and, finally, publicly call for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong in China.
Tako Van Popta Conservative Langley—Aldergrove, BC
Mr. Speaker, I rise to present a petition signed by Canadians who are deeply concerned that the Chinese Communist Party has launched an intensive nationwide persecution campaign against practitioners of Falun Gong, including Ms. Alice Zhang. They are concerned that many of these Falun Gong prisoners have died and their organs have been harvested. They are calling on the Canadian government to pass a resolution to establish measures to stop the Chinese Communist regime systematically murdering Falun Gong practitioners, to amend Canadian legislation to that effect and to publicly call for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong members.
Peter Julian NDP New Westminster—Burnaby, BC
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to present a petition, on behalf of 26 constituents in British Columbia, that was sponsored by the fantastic, hard-working member for Port Moody—Coquitlam. The petitioners are calling on the Government of Canada to impose a moratorium on renovictions and other forms of displacing tenants in pursuit of higher profits; to invest in affordable housing operated by non-profit housing providers to ensure affordable housing units are available for our most vulnerable; and to stop providing billions of dollars in handouts to corporate landlords who are buying up the existing affordable housing, evicting people and raising rents.
Arpan Khanna Conservative Oxford, ON
Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to rise to present a petition on behalf of the residents of Oxford County who state that after nine years of the Liberal government, homelessness is a growing crisis in communities right across our country. There are over 1,400 homeless encampments in Ontario alone.
The petitioners are speaking particularly about the encampments that have become a visible and urgent issue, highlighting the lack of affordable housing and inadequate support services for those experiencing homelessness, and the impact it has on small and rural counties and communities like mine. In particular, they want to make sure there is enough support to get people the help they need, but also to make sure the residents who live in these communities have safe, viable neighbourhoods where they can raise their families and walk around in the parks.
The petitioners are calling on the Government of Canada to work with all levels of government to find a solution to end homelessness and take care of the homeless encampment crisis we are seeing right across our country by providing support to those who need help the most.
Lindsay Mathyssen NDP London—Fanshawe, ON
Mr. Speaker, I, too, would like to stand to present a petition sponsored by the fantastic MP for Port Moody—Coquitlam.
These citizens have asked for a moratorium on renovictions, because they are seeing more and more of their communities' affordable housing units being taken away by corporate landlords solely for profit. They wish the House of Commons and the government would invest more in affordable housing, offer not-for-profit housing units and provide for our most vulnerable. I am excited to present this petition on their behalf.
Larry Brock Conservative Brantford—Brant, ON
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to speak to a petition from several Canadians in support of the Falun Gong and, in particular, Yao Fengyun.
Falun Gong is a traditional Chinese spiritual discipline that consists of meditation, exercise and moral teachings based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion and tolerance. An investigation done in 2006 concluded that the Chinese regime and its agencies throughout China have put to death tens of thousands of Falun Gong prisoners of conscience. Their vital organs were seized involuntarily for sale at a high price.
The petitioners request that the Canadian Parliament and government pass a resolution to establish measures to stop the Chinese Communist regime's crime of systematically murdering Falun Gong practitioners for their organs, amend Canadian legislation to combat forced organ harvesting and publicly call for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong in China.
Scott Reid Conservative Lanark—Frontenac—Kingston, ON
Mr. Speaker, I, too, am rising to present a petition regarding Falun Gong and the organ harvesting issue. I was the chair of the parliamentary committee that heard compelling testimony about this heinous practice. The petitioners call for Canada to adopt legislation to stop forced organ harvesting and publicly call for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong, a peaceful movement that embodies the best of Chinese cultural practices.
In conclusion, I want to point out that Cong Lanying, a Falun Gong practitioner with family ties to Canada, is one of those imprisoned. We also would call for their release.
Jeremy Patzer Conservative Cypress Hills—Grasslands, SK
Mr. Speaker, I have two petitions to present today.
The first one is in regard to Falun Gong practitioners who have been persecuted in China since 1999 by the CCP, which launched a campaign to have the faith eradicated in China.
L.I. Yongmei is the mother of Suting Li, a resident of Calgary. L.I. Yongmei received her second prison sentence in 2023, for five years, because she is a practitioner of Falun Gong. Her phone was monitored for six months and her home was ransacked by police. She was strung up by her wrists with her feet in the air during the interrogation. She was first arrested in 2014 and was incarcerated from 2015 to 2017, when she was subjected to torture. She refused to renounce her faith or admit any guilt, and as such, she endured extended periods of squatting and standing, and had freezing cold water poured on her. She was deprived of food and sleep. She was forced to do unpaid labour and was made to sleep on a bare bed board with no blankets.
Therefore, the petitioners request that the Canadian Parliament and government pass a resolution to establish measures to stop the Chinese Communist regime's crime of systematically imprisoning Falun Gong practitioners, amend Canadian legislation to combat forced organ harvesting and publicly call for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong in China.
Jeremy Patzer Conservative Cypress Hills—Grasslands, SK
Mr. Speaker, the second petition I am presenting is regarding our border. Many citizens from Cypress Hills—Grasslands have written to me to express concerns about potential border closures and reduction of services. They note the border crossing is important to the economic activity and also as a front line to the safety and security of Canadians. Therefore, petitioners want to make sure they are consulted by the government before any changes of any kind happen at our border crossings and with the CBSA.
Bonita Zarrillo NDP Port Moody—Coquitlam, BC
Mr. Speaker, the residents of Port Moody—Coquitlam are very concerned about the price of housing. More and more people are getting displaced from their home, getting renovicted. I am proud to say that the city of Port Moody recently passed a bylaw about standards of maintenance on rental housing just to keep people in safe housing, so I raise my hands to them.
The same folks, the residents of Port Moody—Coquitlam, want to present a petition to the House. These citizens and residents of Canada call upon the Government of Canada to first, impose a moratorium on renovictions and other forms of displacing tenants in pursuit of higher profits; second, invest in affordable housing operated by non-profit housing providers to ensure that there are affordable housing units available for the most vulnerable; and third, stop providing billions of dollars in handouts to corporate landlords that are buying up the existing affordable housing, evicting people and raising rents.
Marc Dalton Conservative Pitt Meadows—Maple Ridge, BC
Mr. Speaker, petitioners want to draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following. Since the CCP's rule of China, it has implemented state atheism and perceived religion and believers as a threat to its rule. This is why in 1999 the CCP initiated a campaign of persecution against perhaps millions of Falun Gong practitioners due to the practice's growing popularity in the country. Falun Gong is a Chinese spiritual discipline with moral teachings of tolerance, compassion and truthfulness, with millions of adherents all around the globe.
Liu Zhoubo is the father of Jack Liu, who is a resident of Ottawa. Liu Zhoubo was unlawfully imprisoned from 2001 to 2009 for clarifying the truth regarding Falun Gong. In 2021, he was kidnapped from his home in Langfang City. He was detained for two years in Beijing No. 3 Detention Centre. He was a person who faced religious persecution and was a prisoner of conscience.
Other members have given different comments about this, but I have talked to Falun Gong practitioners who have been imprisoned. It is a very serious situation, and this is an important petition.
Brad Vis Conservative Mission—Matsqui—Fraser Canyon, BC
Mr. Speaker, a few years ago I sat beside a new veteran on a flight to Ottawa. During the flight, she shared with me both the rewards and challenges of being a member of the Royal Canadian Navy. I had an opportunity to reconnect with this brave veteran a few weeks ago, and I was upset to hear that she is still working to obtain the services she is entitled to.
As we approach Remembrance Day, it is timely for me to rise today to bring the petition forward. Our veterans deserve better. They provided service to our country. They should at least receive the benefits they are entitled to.
The petitioners call on the Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence to dramatically cut red tape and simplify and expedite the delivery of services and benefits for our military veterans, especially during their initial transition to civilian life.
Brad Vis Conservative Mission—Matsqui—Fraser Canyon, BC
Mr. Speaker, the second petition I would like to present today is on behalf of Falun Gong practitioners in Canada.
Petitioners are calling for the Government of Canada to pass a resolution to establish measures to stop the Chinese Communist regime from systematically imprisoning practitioners.
Kevin Lamoureux LiberalParliamentary 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:
That, notwithstanding any standing order, special order or usual practice of the House, during the debate pursuant to Standing Order 66 on Motion No. 66 to concur in the sixth report of the Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics, no quorum calls, dilatory motions or requests for unanimous consent shall be received by the Chair.
Business of the HouseRoutine Proceedings
The Deputy Speaker Chris d'Entremont
All those opposed to the hon. member's moving the motion will please say nay.
It is agreed.
The House has heard the terms of the motion. All those opposed to the motion will please say nay.
(Motion agreed to)
The House resumed consideration of the motion.
Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with DisabilitiesCommittees of the HouseRoutine Proceedings
NDP
Bonita Zarrillo NDP Port Moody—Coquitlam, BC
Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie for bringing forward the very important debate today and for showing how members from the NDP continue to work for Canadians while the Conservatives continue to debate themselves.
The promise of the free market was the promise of opportunities for people. People were told that the market would bring competition, but that is not what it brought. What it has brought is corporate collusion, which has made life more expensive for everyday people while corporate CEOs are taking home millions in bonuses. There has been collusion in the grocery industry and now in rental housing.
The Liberals and the Conservatives put all of the housing eggs in the market basket. Forty years ago they walked away from social housing, from purpose-built rental housing and from co-op housing. The market was supposed to build homes for people. It was supposed to create the stable rental housing that 30% of Canadians need. It has not.
Instead, the market has reached peak greed and collusion in rental housing, leading to evictions, displacements, encampments and a growing number of Canadians living rough. Even seniors and persons with disabilities cannot escape the free market and are not protected from corporate greed with the Liberals and Conservatives.
Thanks to the NDP member for Vancouver East, the financialization of housing in Canada was brought to the forefront, including through the study we are debating today from HUMA. The financialization of housing is the largest driver of housing unaffordability and homelessness in this country. Investors are turning homes for Canadians into financial assets that are pushing ordinary people out of the housing market and only profiting rich, real estate CEOs.
One-third of what should be stable and affordable rental housing for people has been purchased in recent years by private investors. In some cities this problem gets even larger, with nearly half of all purpose-built rentals being owned by wealthy investors. The committee heard from the federal housing advocate and leading researchers like Martine August how the financialization of housing is reshaping our communities and undermining the very fabric of our society as more and more people cannot afford a home. We are seeing this manifest in encampments across this country.
Housing is increasingly being treated as a commodity and a financial asset rather than as the fundamental human right that it is. When housing becomes a vehicle for profit maximization for the few, it harms the majority. The Liberal government, and the Conservatives before it, stopped focusing on providing safe, secure and affordable homes for Canadians. They have purposely laid the groundwork for the largest corporations and landlords to drive up their profit margins on the backs of Canadians.
New Democrats have raised the alarm about this. There is endless proof that financialized landlords raise rents faster and higher than other landlords, and they file for more evictions than any other landlord type. This practice has become so prevalent that my NDP colleagues, the members for Windsor West and for Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie, have written to the Competition Bureau to investigate collusion on rent-fixing.
Landlords are now at the point where they are suing their tenants for libel when tenants speak out on unfair rental practices. Who is protecting those tenants from lawsuits? It is not the Liberals nor the Conservatives. It is only the New Democrats who are standing up for Canadians and not for the wealthy CEOs who are taking away their homes.
The problem is magnified when the Liberals and the Conservatives continue to team up in committee to protect corporate landlords by not agreeing to NDP motions to have landlords come to committee to talk about their unfair tactics. Shame on the Liberals and the Conservatives for putting wealthy CEOs ahead of people and their homes.
The government led the financialization of housing, and it led its pension fund investments' doing exactly the same thing. The Liberals are heavily involved in the financialization of housing, whether it is through the CPP or the public service pension fund. Canadian pension plans are increasingly investing in and buying up affordable housing and then partnering with corporate landlords like Starlight to extract maximum profits.
An access to information request found that PSP Investments owns rental housing and has hired a corporate landlord to raise rents above guidelines, evict tenants and kick them out on the street. The Liberal government is doing that. Tenants have been forced to organize rent strikes to fight back against these unfair practices. I wonder whether the government will sue them as well.
Now, to make it even more unfair, the Liberal government has okayed the use of AI rental collusion software by its asset managers. The same algorithmic pricing tools that are part of an antitrust lawsuit in the U.S. for allegedly being used to price-fix are now being used by the same asset managers the government has hired: firms that go after tenants. AI software like YieldStar and Yardi are working with the Canadian government through corporate landlords.
AI in the marketplace is like all technology: a promise. When used correctly, it can make our lives easier, healthier and better, but it can also be used by bad-faith actors to crush competition and hurt renters. AI poses new challenges that make the potential scale of price-fixing something we have never seen. As more and more industries use AI to optimize their prices, we are only going to see the problem more and more.
The technology has the power to undermine the very foundation of fair competition in the rental market by simply creating an AI-central planning that serves only the wealthy, and it is already happening. The federal housing advocate told our committee about how the financialization of housing is a serious human rights issue that must be addressed, and now with the introduction of tools like AI, human rights are pushed even further behind. It has the greatest potential to cause harm to indigenous and disadvantaged groups, such as vulnerable seniors, low-income tenants, people with disabilities, recent immigrants, refugees and lone-parent families.
The financialization of housing does not have to be an inevitable fate; it is a choice of Liberals and Conservatives. The Liberals have the power to prioritize the well-being of people and ensure that every Canadian can find a place to call home.
The report we are discussing today sheds light on the consequences of financialization. It points to alarming rates of evictions, skyrocketing rental prices and the increasing prevalence of precarious housing for Canadians, but the recommendations in the report are minimal. That is why the NDP filed a dissenting report outlining the actions the government could take to make housing a human right. The government has to act now. That is why I am going to move:
That the motion be amended by deleting all the words after the word “That” and substituting the following: “the 12th report of the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities, presented on Thursday, October 26, 2023, be not now concurred in, but that it be recommitted to the committee for further consideration, with a view to consider the role of financialized landlords on rising costs in Canada's rental market, including how the use of algorithmic pricing tools is contributing to rent increases and how pervasive this practice is across the Canadian rental market.”
Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with DisabilitiesCommittees of the HouseRoutine Proceedings
The Deputy Speaker Chris d'Entremont
The amendment is in order.
The hon. member for Kings—Hants has the floor.
Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with DisabilitiesCommittees of the HouseRoutine Proceedings
Liberal
Kody Blois Liberal Kings—Hants, NS
Mr. Speaker, there are few things I agree with and a few things I might probe and maybe have a different view on. First, I would certainly agree with the fact there were successive federal governments in the past that did not properly invest in public housing. Therefore, we have been playing catch-up as a government over the last number of years that we have been involved.
The member took a lot of time to focus on rental costs and rental increases. She talked about the Government of Canada, presumably around assets that may be held by government entities that serve as landlords. However, she talked about rent increases there.
These are tools that are controlled in provincial legislatures. We are having conversations with premiers; however, constitutionally, we do not have the authority. There is work the government is doing, and we need to do more at the federal level. Nevertheless, when she talks specifically about rent, is that not something that is governed in legislatures, with conversations with premiers needed across this country?
Will the hon. member recognize that rent increases and rent control are inherently under provincial jurisdiction?