Debates of Nov. 22nd, 2024

Reference to Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs

[Marilyn Gladu, Conservative, Sarnia—Lambton, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the member for London-Fanshawe for standing up against the corruption of the Liberal government, but it seems to me that it is moving past corruption into criminality.

Subsection 119(1) of the Criminal Code says that anyone who holds public office cannot take an action that benefits themselves, but we know the Prime Minister did so in the WE Charity scandal. The Minister of Environment and Climate Change has also done so in this green slush fund scandal, where he approved money from that fund, and then he got money for a company that he owns 270 million dollars' worth of, and it tripled the value. There is also the ex-minister from Edmonton, who was at the cabinet table taking decisions that benefited his company.

Would the member agree that the corruption on the Liberal side is escalating into criminality?

[Lindsay Mathyssen, NDP, London—Fanshawe, ON]

Mr. Speaker, yes, all of those things are terrible, but what are we doing to help our constituents in this case? Are we moving forward to further investigate? Are we demanding that the government needs to release those documents to the procedure and House affairs committee? I am quite happy and willing to do my job on that committee to investigate that further and come to a conclusion on it so we can move forward and do what we have been sent here to do.

It is so frustrating to talk about who is worse. Again, I will say that both are bad. Both have taken Canadians for granted, decade after decade.

[Denis Trudel, Bloc, Longueuil—Saint-Hubert, QC]

Mr. Speaker, my colleague spoke a lot about the housing crisis and about the people in her riding.

Yesterday, the NDP and the government announced measures that will cost $6 billion. The government is going to send a cheque for $250 to people who earn up to $150,000 a year, which seems completely unhinged to me. Combined with the GST measure, all this is going to cost $6 billion. The Bloc Québécois asked the government to increase old age security for seniors aged 65 to 74, which would have cost $3 billion. Now the government is throwing $6 billion around.

Does my colleague not think that that money would have been better spent on building social housing units, which are sorely needed in this country?

[Lindsay Mathyssen, NDP, London—Fanshawe, ON]

Mr. Speaker, it is a fallacy that there is not enough money for the things that people need. There is enough money for seniors. There is enough money to build social housing. There is enough money to ensure that we are expanding and strengthening our health care system. There is enough money to provide people with the dental care and pharmacare that they need. That money exists.

However, money, as I said in my speech, is being hoarded by a very small group of people. It used to be that government would insist that that money was to be redistributed and that that power was to be redistributed. The government does not do that now. It used to be that people would demand that. New Democrats demand that. New Democrats see it as a solution to this, but the government has not taken up our ideas entirely. One of these ideas is to cut the GST to provide moderate support to help people, which would be a support for my constituents and people across this country.

What we want to do is to ensure that we raise an excess profit tax to cover those expenditures. That is how we would find balance. That is how we would regain sense, order and balance in this country. We need to make things fair and make things equitable.

[Heather McPherson, NDP, Edmonton Strathcona, AB]

Mr. Speaker, the speech my colleague just gave in the House of Commons is one of the best speeches we have heard on this question of privilege. The fact that she has stood up and repeatedly talked about what is needed in her community and how important it is that she does the work to represent the people of London—Fanshawe is remarkable.

Today is National Housing Day. The member spoke about how people within her community are struggling with housing and that that is something we are not debating in this House of Commons. I am wondering if the member could speak a little about what she would like to see the government focus on, instead of the scandals of the Liberals and Conservatives, what she would like to see in terms of housing for the citizens of London—Fanshawe who are struggling with the very high cost of housing right now.

[Lindsay Mathyssen, NDP, London—Fanshawe, ON]

Mr. Speaker, what I want to provide for my constituents is something that both Conservative and Liberal governments have failed to do since the affordable housing strategy was cut by a former Liberal government over 30 years ago. It has certainly not been brought forward by the Conservatives since then.

We are missing 30 years of a federal government building affordable housing. The Ontario government has not done it either. We need to focus on building more co-operatives and building more affordable housing at all stages, whether it is rent geared to income, social housing or whatever. We also need to eliminate the REITs. We need to ensure that the greedy corporations that are buying up all of those affordable housing units cannot do it anymore.

In London, we are making some strides on that, a bit, at the municipal level, but neither the federal government nor the provincial government has taken any sort of leadership in that regard. I have stood many times, desperate to put forward real solutions for funds that could be created to give to not-for-profit organizations to buy up those affordable units to keep them affordable. The government has not done that, and my constituents are the ones that suffer for it.

There are so many incredible ideas that exist out there that we are not hearing because we are talking about how these two parties are mired in scandal.

[Francis Drouin, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food]

Mr. Speaker, we do not disagree with the Speaker's ruling. We can let it go to PROC so we can move on, do the business of the House and debate important issues such as housing, poverty and climate change. Let it go to PROC. We do not disagree.

[Lindsay Mathyssen, NDP, London—Fanshawe, ON]

Mr. Speaker, the government should release the documents.

[Corey Tochor, Conservative, Saskatoon—University, SK]

Mr. Speaker, the Liberals are being greasy. They are the greasy Liberals. This is why we are here. For everyone watching today online or in the galleries, they are fighting to not turn evidence over to the RCMP. That is what this is.

We just heard from an hon. colleague from the NDP, which has been propping up the Liberals. Its members talk a big game that they are going to force that evidence over to the RCMP. We will see if they stay true to their word, because we have seen it, time and again, when the NDP gets in a pickle. Do members know what its number one priority is? It is not Canadians; it is the leader's pension. We know we are not going to have an election until after February of next year if the NDP and the Liberals get their way. A part of that is to shut down debate and motions, such as the one we are debating today.

Let us recount what happened. There was a tech fund set up, the green slush fund, that functioned, before the Liberals arrived on the scene, quite properly. We had an independent board that did not have conflicts of interest. We had professional bureaucrats who administered the fund. We need to be thankful for those professional staff because it was through them that we found out how greasy the Liberals have become. We found out from whistle-blowers how badly this fund was mismanaged for the benefit of board members and the chair. We learned that over almost $400 million was doled out improperly in 186 examples of conflicts of interest.

I am old enough to remember when a $16 glass of orange juice, which was mistakenly expensed, was the headline news, from cover to cover, for weeks on end. If we fast-forward to today, it is not a $16 glass of orange juice we are debating, but $400 million of Canadian tax dollars that went to Liberal insiders, and projects that did not even qualify for the green slush fund got that money. If Canadians are upset, they should be, because the Liberals have been robbing them blind and are doing this now with the help of the NDP.

We are going to watch this closely because this is what will happen. The NDP leader loves his pension, and there is no way he is going to break up with the Liberals. We saw this earlier. We heard these big enunciations that he had ripped up the agreement. Just in the last 24 hours, we heard how the New Democrats are going to side with the Liberals just a little, only temporarily. That is the problem. There is no temporary divorce within the Liberal-NDP coalition. It has always been there. It is always there. It wants big government, a big taxing government, that spends money on everything and does not worry about who is picking up the tab.

There is good news for Canadians. Hope is on its way. Dawn is breaking and we are seeing the difference across Canada—

[An hon. member]

Oh, oh!

[Corey Tochor, Conservative, Saskatoon—University, SK]

Mr. Speaker, now we have the NDP—

[The Speaker, Liberal, Greg Fergus]

I would ask the hon. member for Courtenay—Alberni to please not take the floor unless he has been recognized by the Chair.

The hon. member for Saskatoon—University has the floor.

[Corey Tochor, Conservative, Saskatoon—University, SK]

Mr. Speaker, the member wanted to heckle about the $250 bribe. That is what this is. It is a cheque that the NDP-Liberal coalition—

[Gord Johns, NDP, Courtenay—Alberni, BC]

Mr. Speaker, I was talking about the Leader of the Opposition's $250,000—

[The Speaker, Liberal, Greg Fergus]

That sounds like debate to me.

The hon. member for Saskatoon—University.

[Corey Tochor, Conservative, Saskatoon—University, SK]

Mr. Speaker, we can talk about the member's leader's pension and how ridiculous it is that a country is held hostage until his pension is vested in February. More and more Canadians are finding out about this. They think it is a travesty. It is an insult to democracy that an unholy coalition is holding this place hostage because of its members' ideologically bent ways. They would like to tax everything. For anything that moves in Canada, they want to make sure it is taxed. If it is still moving, they make sure they are regulating it. If it is not dead, well, there is MAID.

This is a little bit of what we are facing here in Ottawa. The Liberals are hell-bent on enriching their friends. That is what we are here debating, the green slush fund. We know that the chairwoman of that fund gave money to the company she owned. It is not just the Liberal insiders; the Liberal Minister of Environment gave Cycle Capital, his company, millions of dollars.

How are Canadians accepting this? Really they are not. That is why we are here today, for the countless people who have written in and emailed me, encouraging me to find the answers about where their money went. It is Canadians' money; it is their $400 million. Canadians are waiting in line at food banks right now to get food to provide for their families. Where could that meal have come from? It could have come from some of the $400 million that went to Liberal insiders. It had nothing to do with the program parameters that were set up. Real, Canadian tax dollars were being wasted.

Meanwhile, one in four Canadians is foregoing meals because of the cost of living crisis caused by the Liberals. The Liberals have spent money in ways that the green slush fund was not meant to, which is to enrich their friends and Liberals themselves, people from the governing party, which is wrong. That is why, in the second half of my speech, after question period, I am going to go through some of what the whistle-blowers have reported to us that transpired in this fund. Stay tuned; I will be back after QP.

Dental Care

[Sameer Zuberi, Liberal, Pierrefonds—Dollard, QC]

Mr. Speaker, 8,365 is the number of people in my beautiful riding of Pierrefonds—Dollard who have benefited from the dental care program. Seniors aged 65 and above, young people aged 18 and under and persons with disabilities are all eligible for the dental plan right now.

It will be available to everyone as of 2025.

Canadians, including me, all have family and friends who have had to make tough financial choices to fix a toothache or not.

This is a real issue. As a Liberal, I am proud of this plan. It is a key component of our government's recent action.

The Conservative Party voted against the dental care plan. Conservatives are not here for Canadians. We Liberals, though, are committed to helping the people who need it most. I will continue to fight for the dental care program and for the benefit of all Canadians.

Christmas

[Marilyn Gladu, Conservative, Sarnia—Lambton, ON]

Mr. Speaker,

'Twas the month before Christmas, and all through the House
Nothing was moving, not even a mouse.
The slush fund had given the money away
To Liberal insiders who all got the pay.
Four hundred million went right out the door,
And the papers we need might even show more.
But Liberals will not put those docs in the mail,
Because someone is certainly going to jail.
The ministers who owned even part of the scheme
May end up again on the orange pyjamas team.
The scandals, corruption and schemes of this year
Have not gone unnoticed by Santa, my dear.
The naughty list is full of Liberal wrongdoing,
And certainly more sketchy deeds will be brewing.
But we on the nice list are here to defend
And bring to our country ideas to mend.
From axing the tax to stopping the crime,
We will build us the homes and fix the budget in time.
And so on towards the election on carbon tax we go,
While Christmas is coming, along with the snow.
And so what I would say to each one, if I might,
Is Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.

Affordability Measures

[Yasir Naqvi, Liberal, Ottawa Centre, ON]

Mr. Speaker, as the member of Parliament for Ottawa Centre, it is my great privilege to speak to my constituents on a regular basis. I knock on doors almost every week in my community, and I have been hearing from my constituents, who tell me that the cost of living is real. They have seen the hardships of rising inflation, and even though inflation is coming down, they are seeing their budget stretched. They have asked the government to find ways to make it easier for them.

That is why I am so excited that relief is on the way. We are going to be providing a holiday from GST and HST for two months during the holiday season on the most essential things, like groceries, children's clothing and toys, restaurant meals, beer and wine. All these things are important for us to enjoy our lives and to be able to enjoy the holiday season.

We are not stopping there. We are making sure that we are providing support through $250 in the spring for all working Canadians. This is really important for Canadians.

South Okanagan—West Kootenay

[Richard Cannings, NDP, South Okanagan—West Kootenay, BC]

Mr. Speaker, today I want to thank two wonderful women in my life.

First, I want to congratulate my assistant, Jennifer Ratz, who just this week was presented with her 30-year service award from the House of Commons. I can attest that there is no one on Parliament Hill who can navigate the bureaucracy better than Jennifer can.

Second, I have to thank my wife, Margaret, who has always been my rock, my moral compass and the love of my life. When someone called me out of the blue in 2012 and asked me to enter politics, I said no, but Margaret pointed out that we needed scientists in Parliament, and she urged me to take the plunge. Since then, she has supported me all the way and has all the while reminded me that I am here to make sure the government lives up to its moral duty to fight climate change with every power it has so our grandchildren will have a livable world in which to grow and thrive.

I thank Margaret and Jennifer. I love them both.

The Economy

[Francis Drouin, Liberal, Glengarry—Prescott—Russell, ON]

Mr. Speaker, as the holiday season approaches, our government is putting more money back into the pockets of Canadians from coast to coast to coast.

Our new tax break and the new working Canadians rebate will help reduce costs when they are highest for Canadians. Starting December 14, prepared foods, restaurant meals, beer, wine and cider will all be GST-free for the holiday season. That means Canadians can celebrate the holidays with family and friends, support local businesses and keep a little more of their hard-earned cash.

However, people do not have to just take my word for it. Restaurants Canada said that our announcement means more Canadians will be able to celebrate with loved ones at a restaurant, have lunch with colleagues or treat themselves to a morning pastry on their way to work.

We do not need an election to cut taxes. Will the Conservative leader give his MPs the freedom to speak up for local businesses and put money directly into the pockets of Canadians? If not, will Conservative MPs have the courage to stand up for our local businesses?

Volunteerism in Kelowna—Lake Country

[Tracy Gray, Conservative, Kelowna—Lake Country, BC]

Mr. Speaker, as we approach the Christmas and holiday season, I want to recognize the many amazing not-for-profits and charities and the generosity of our community, which I call the spirit of Kelowna—Lake Country. There is the Santa Bus, the RCMP Stuff a Cruiser Campaign, the Kelowna Santas and so many more.

Our local food banks and other organizations have record numbers of people coming to them looking for help. If people are able to, they should support local food banks or any number of the many not-for-profits and charities serving people or helping animals in our community. Volunteering time can be one of the most valuable gifts. I also encourage everyone to buy local and to support our local small businesses, including farmers and the many artists and entrepreneurs at Christmas craft fairs.

As we spend time with our loved ones this season, let us also reach out to those who may be by themselves. I thank all people who have servant hearts and who work tirelessly to help others.

International Criminal Court

[Iqra Khalid, Liberal, Mississauga—Erin Mills, ON]

Mr. Speaker, the International Criminal Court has made a historic move by issuing arrest warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu, Yoav Gallant and Hamas leader Mohammed Deif. This sends a clear message: No one is above the law.

As Canadians, we take pride in our commitment to human rights and the rule of law. I thank the Prime Minister for affirming that Canada will uphold the decision of the ICC. As a nation that helped establish the International Criminal Court and ratified the Rome Statute, it is our duty to uphold and abide by international law, ensuring that the people responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity are held to account.

Canada must continue to stand firmly with international law and be clear that violations of human dignity will not be tolerated, no matter where or by whom they occur. Let us always stand for justice and the rule of law.

Affordability Measures

[Ryan Turnbull, Liberal, Whitby, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I am excited to share some good news. Yesterday, the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister announced the GST tax break for all Canadians and the new Canadian workers rebate, $250 in the spring. Both measures will help Canadians afford the things they need and to save for the things they want.

The measures demonstrate our government's commitment to ensuring that Canadians can keep more of their hard-earned money, while sustaining a strong and resilient economy. By focusing on practical and targeted solutions we are helping to put money directly into the pockets of middle-class Canadians.

On the other side of the House, the Conservative leader will not allow his MPs to speak their mind and fight for their community. Instead they are left parroting his empty slogans to please him, to the detriment of their constituents, whom they are supposed to represent.

Yesterday's announcement is a real and tangible step to support Canadians, and I encourage all members of the House to support the affordability measures, which will surely make this Christmas more merry and bright.

Holodomor Memorial Day

[Gerald Soroka, Conservative, Yellowhead, AB]

Mr. Speaker, this week we observe Holodomor Memorial Day, remembering the millions of Ukrainians who fell victim to one of history's most horrific crimes. Stalin's brutal Communist regime deliberately starved families, silenced voices and waged genocide to destroy the Ukrainian people and their culture. My grandfather fled this oppressive regime in 1929, escaping a fate that claimed so many of our extended family. They were left to suffer under a system that showed no mercy or regard for life.

Nearly a century later, Ukraine still endures aggression, as Russia's illegal invasion just surpassed 1,000 days. However, just as during the Holodomor, the Ukrainian people stand unbroken. They are resilient and courageous in the face of tyranny.

Canada will always stand with our Ukrainian allies in their fight for freedom and sovereignty.

Slava Ukraini .