House of Commons Hansard #371 of the 44th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was goods.
This summary is computer-generated. Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.
Refusal of Witness to Respond to Questions from Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security Members debate whether a witness's refusal to answer questions at the Public Safety committee regarding alleged involvement in Russian disinformation constitutes a breach of parliamentary privilege or contempt. Members express concern about accountability and the precedent set by the witness's actions, emphasizing the importance of witnesses answering questions before committees studying serious matters like Russian interference. 2600 words, 15 minutes.
National Strategy for Universal Eye Care Act First reading of Bill C-419. The bill establishes a national strategy for universal access to eye care, vision correction, and vision aids to improve equitable outcomes across Canada. 200 words.
International Trade Members debate a report urging government action on eradicating forced labour from Canadian supply chains and strengthening the import ban. Opposition parties criticize the Liberal government's inaction and broken promises, noting zero seizures compared to billions in the US. The government maintains commitment to introducing legislation by year-end, citing Bill S-211 as a step and blaming delays on Conservative tactics. Critics argue Bill S-211 is inadequate and call for stronger due diligence laws and accountability for Canadian firms. 25000 words, 3 hours.
Use of Props in the House—Speaker's Ruling The Speaker rules on wearing lapel pins, stating the test is whether they cause disorder. NDP members raise points of order questioning the ruling's clarity and application. 700 words.
Reference to Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs Members debate the government's refusal to comply with an order of the House to release unredacted documents on the $400 million SDTC fund to the RCMP. Conservatives demand compliance, citing contempt and corruption, and are blocking other business. Liberals argue the order raises concerns under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the issue should go to committee as the Speaker has said needs to happen. 10400 words, 1 hour in 2 segments: 1 2.
Interpretation ActOral Questions
The Speaker Greg Fergus
All those opposed to the hon. minister'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, bill read the second time and referred to a committee)
Interpretation ActOral Questions
The Speaker Greg Fergus
Accordingly, the bill stands referred to the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights.
Michelle Rempel Conservative Calgary Nose Hill, AB
Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order. Earlier you issued an admonishment stemming from a quote in the National Post from a Cree lawyer who noted that the Minister of Employment committed identity fraud when he falsely claimed indigenous heritage. The minister's company falsely claimed indigenous ownership and subsequently received government contracts.
What word would you suggest indigenous persons use to describe the minister?
Interpretation ActOral Questions
The Speaker Greg Fergus
I am not certain that is a point of order.
I was going to come to the hon. member for Calgary Nose Hill because she used a term that is not appropriate in this place, calling another hon. member fraudulent. As it happened, during question period, another hon. member did the same thing and withdrew the comment.
I invite the hon. member to please simply withdraw the use of that word in reference to a member of Parliament, a colleague of all of ours.
Michelle Rempel Conservative Calgary Nose Hill, AB
Mr. Speaker, as recorded in Hansard on February 9, 2023, the member for Mirabel referred to the Prime Minister as a fraud. No admonishment was issued. Why are you admonishing me today?
Interpretation ActOral Questions
The Speaker Greg Fergus
This is not a debate. I am asking the hon. member to please withdraw her use of that word in reference to another hon. member.
Michelle Rempel Conservative Calgary Nose Hill, AB
Mr. Speaker, I was quoting an indigenous person as it pertained to identity fraud by the minister—
Interpretation ActOral Questions
The Speaker Greg Fergus
One last time, I am going to ask the hon. member to please withdraw the use of that word in reference to a member.
I do not see the hon. member rising.
Naming of MemberOral Questions
The Speaker Greg Fergus
Ms. Rempel Garner, I have to name you for disregarding the authority of the Chair.
Pursuant to the authority granted to me by Standing Order 11, I order you to withdraw from the House and from any participation by video conference or by electronic voting system for the remainder of this day's sitting.
[And Ms. Rempel Garner having withdrawn:]
Naming of MemberOral Questions
The Speaker Greg Fergus
I want to refer to an issue raised earlier today by the Chair, when the member for Regina—Qu'Appelle used these words: “weak, fake-indigenous man gets to keep his job after lying”. Upon reflection and after some research, I am prepared to let “fake” slide, but will insist, as I did during question period, to not allow “lying” to be used.
I invite the hon. member for Regina—Qu'Appelle—
Naming of MemberOral Questions
An hon. member
Mr. Speaker, he already withdrew it.
Naming of MemberOral Questions
Oral Questions—Speaker's RulingPoints of OrderOral Questions
The Speaker Greg Fergus
I wish to return to a point of order raised yesterday concerning language that was alleged to be used by the member for Leeds—Grenville—Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes. While the comment does not appear in yesterday's Debates, the member seemed to acknowledge having made the remark, in response to a point of order.
It is possible to ask pointed questions and criticize the government's actions without resorting to personal insults. I would therefore ask the hon. member for Leeds—Grenville—Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes to please withdraw that comment.
Michael Barrett Conservative Leeds—Grenville—Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, ON
Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Employment has said there is more than one Randy, and I maintain that I was referring to the other Randy as cocaine Randy.
Oral Questions—Speaker's RulingPoints of OrderOral Questions
The Speaker Greg Fergus
The whole lead-up to that point would not lend credence to that, and the Chair interpreted it as being referenced to a particular member.
Out of respect to this Chair, and by extension to all members of the House, I am going to ask the hon. member for Leeds—Grenville—Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes to please withdraw that comment.
I will ask the hon. member for a third time, if he would please do the honourable thing and withdraw that comment in reference to an hon. member.
Naming of MemberOral Questions
The Speaker Greg Fergus
Mr. Barrett, I have to name you for disregarding the authority of the Chair.
Pursuant to the authority granted to me by Standing Order 11, I order you to withdraw from the House and from any participation by video conference or by electronic voting system for the remainder of this day's sitting.
[And Mr. Barrett having withdrawn:]
Naming of MemberOral Questions
Naming of MemberOral Questions
The Speaker Greg Fergus
Colleagues, I am not certain if this is the level and standard of behaviour that Canadians expect us to have. It is important for us to respect this place, to respect the Speaker on behalf of yourselves and to ensure that we do this in an appropriate fashion.
I am going to ask the hon. member for South Shore—St. Margarets, who earlier today had used the word “corrupt” in regard to a particular member, to please withdraw that comment and rephrase his question. He partially did that, and I would like to invite the hon. member to make a simple withdrawal of that comment so that we can proceed with the rest of the day.
Rick Perkins Conservative South Shore—St. Margarets, NS
Mr. Speaker, I rephrased my question. Can I ask it again?
Naming of MemberOral Questions
The Speaker Greg Fergus
I ask the hon. member to please stand in this place to just withdraw the word so that we can move on and continue with the day. I will ask the hon. member for South Shore—St. Margarets to do so.
Naming of MemberOral Questions
The Speaker Greg Fergus
Mr. Perkins, I have to name you for disregarding the authority of the Chair.
Pursuant to the authority granted to me by Standing Order 11, I order you to withdraw from the House and from any participation by video conference or by electronic voting system for the remainder of this day's sitting.
[And Mr. Perkins having withdrawn:]
Kevin Lamoureux Liberal Winnipeg North, MB
Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order due to the lack of respect that I have been witnessing. You had indicated to members that they should show respect. The member for Fort McMurray—Cold Lake loudly heckled, saying that you, Mr. Speaker, needed to show respect. I clearly heard that, and it is very disrespectful for members to be doing that and reflecting on you as Speaker. Whether we agree or disagree, it is disrespectful. I believe the member should apologize, not to you but to the House.
Naming of MemberOral Questions
The Speaker Greg Fergus
I thank the hon. parliamentary secretary. I did not hear that comment, and I will take a look at the Hansard and come back to the House if necessary.
Cathay Wagantall Conservative Yorkton—Melville, SK
Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order. When the member for Calgary Nose Hill indicated that it was a quote, that has happened in the House before, and in that circumstance you ruled that in light of the fact that it was within a quote, it needed—