House of Commons Hansard #377 of the 44th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was leader.
Liberal
The Speaker Liberal Greg Fergus
It being Wednesday, we will now have the singing of the national anthem led by the hon. member for Argenteuil—La Petite-Nation.
[Members sang the national anthem]
Shafqat Ali Liberal Brampton Centre, ON
Mr. Speaker, it is time for Canada to recognize the state of Palestine. This Friday marks International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. For far too long, the Palestinian people have suffered being stateless. Canada has long supported a two-state solution. Canada took the first step toward diplomatic relations 30 years ago. Canada has a representative office in Ramallah; Palestine has a representative office in Ottawa. Time is past due to take the next step, to stand up for what is right. We must end this misery, preserve human rights and recognize the state of Palestine.
Jeremy Patzer Conservative Cypress Hills—Grasslands, SK
Mr. Speaker, today, I am wearing pink to honour the life and legacy of a remarkable young girl, Bella Thomson, better known around the world as Bella Brave. Bella had a big personality and an even bigger TikTok following of seven million people; she would brighten people's day with videos of her dancing, singing and short music video collabs with her mom and even the Calgary Flames.
Bella had to overcome many obstacles in her life. She was born without an immune system. She was a frequent visitor to the children's hospitals in both Saskatoon and Toronto, and she underwent a bowel transplant in 2023. She had every right to complain; instead, she chose to use her life experience and platform to encourage other kids going through tough times and to spread the overflowing joy that she possessed.
Having received an organ transplant, she was a strong advocate for signing up to be an organ donor and for the Make-A-Wish foundation. I want to leave members with the words of her mother, Kyla, after Bella passed away: “Bella would want you to remember; God is love, be brave and you are never too old to bring a stuffy.”
Sonia Sidhu Liberal Brampton South, ON
Mr. Speaker, cancer is a reality that will affect two in five Canadians, including my mother. Early detection is the key in the fight against this disease. Many organizations are working hard to support all cancer patients, but organizations such as Cancer Warrior Canada Foundation are at the forefront of supporting and empowering cancer patients.
Last Friday, I was grateful to attend the seventh annual awareness and fundraising gala organized by Cancer Warrior's founder Navneet Sharma, along with board members Sita-Mohan, Nisang, Indu and Akshay. The event featured a survivor walk in which 15 brave survivors showcased outfits designed by Dinesh K. Ramsay. This walk aimed to break the stigma associated with a cancer diagnosis.
By raising awareness, offering hope and empowering those affected, we can all contribute to saving lives. The work of the Cancer Warrior Canada Foundation exemplifies how collective efforts can have a major impact. Let us all be inspired and support this vital cause.
Julie Vignola Bloc Beauport—Limoilou, QC
Mr. Speaker, Le Pavois is celebrating its 35th anniversary.
The goal of this organization, which was founded in Limoilou, is the social, occupational and educational integration of people with mental health challenges. It provides support to enhance their quality of life through three social economy enterprises.
Over the years, many women have stood out as the heart and soul of this organization. First, there was the founder, Vesta W. Jobidon, the first women who believed in this cause. Then, Lisette Boivin served as the first executive director from 1989 to 2015. Today, Le Pavois is led by Francine Cyr, a dedicated woman who always has the well-being of her members at heart. Thanks to these remarkable women, our community is able to count on a reliable, recognized mental health resource.
I want to thank all those who have worked so hard over these past 35 years. They are all extraordinary.
Peter Schiefke Liberal Vaudreuil—Soulanges, QC
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an extraordinary individual from my community of Vaudreuil—Soulanges: Daniel Bissonnette.
Mr. Bissonnette has been a key figure at the Musée régional de Vaudreuil-Soulanges since 1981, including a remarkable 38 years as executive director. Under his visionary leadership, the museum has grown not only in size, but also in reputation, to become one of Quebec's most respected historical institutions. For over 40 years, Mr. Bissonnette has been working tirelessly to preserve and share our region's rich heritage.
As Mr. Bissonnette gets ready to go on a well-deserved retirement this December, I would like to thank him for his important contribution to the culture of Vaudreuil—Soulanges and of Quebec as a whole. I thank Daniel for everything that he has done.
On behalf of everyone for whom he has made a difference, we wish him a happy retirement.
John Nater Conservative Perth—Wellington, ON
Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the mayor of the Township of Perth South, Jim Aitcheson, following his sudden passing last week. Jim was dedicated to his family and his community. He was a proud life member of the Downie Optimist Club. In politics, he was first elected as a Downie Ward councillor, and he would go on to serve as deputy mayor, mayor and three-term warden of Perth County. Jim served as warden during some of the most challenging times the county has faced. Under Jim's leadership, significant efforts were made to improve mental health supports for first responders and the communities they serve.
Jim was a no-nonsense type of leader, and while some of his advice may have used language that would not be considered parliamentary, we always knew where we stood with Jim. To his wife, Lori, and their kids, Kelly, Tracey and Greg, I want to say that I know they are as proud of him as he was of them.
Sukh Dhaliwal Liberal Surrey—Newton, BC
Mr. Speaker, I am honoured to welcome to Ottawa Mr. Jaspal Singh Manjhpur, a human rights defender from Punjab. A distinguished lawyer, Mr. Manjhpur has dedicated his career to defending religious minorities and others facing systemic discrimination. He has litigated landmark cases that now guide legal teams across the subcontinent in securing fundamental rights. As counsel for many political prisoners, he advocates for freedom of expression. Beyond the courtroom, he advocates for policy reform and has authored many reports on human rights in India.
Guided by the Sikh principle of sarbat da bhala, the welfare of all, Mr. Manjhpur exemplifies the fight for justice, dignity and human rights. I urge all members to join me in thanking him for his service.
Salma Zahid Liberal Scarborough Centre, ON
Mr. Speaker, food insecurity is an issue for many families, and I would like to recognize an organization making a difference in our community: Feed Scarborough. More than just simply a food bank, Feed Scarborough has embraced the UN sustainable development goals as a guiding framework. This means that its commitment goes beyond hunger to creating pathways toward economic stability, educational growth, health and environmental sustainability.
Its food bank is complemented with services and programs to reduce poverty, promote quality education, promote gender equality and support economic growth. Its healthy meal program provides over 2,000 nutritious, balanced meals weekly, and its school hamper program partners with local schools to provide nutritious food hampers to families in need, ensuring children have the energy and focus for academic success.
I would like to thank the team and volunteers at Feed Scarborough for their commitment to addressing food insecurity in Scarborough, and I encourage all who can to support their local food banks.
Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipStatements by Members
November 27th, 2024 / 2:10 p.m.
Conservative
Tom Kmiec Conservative Calgary Shepard, AB
Mr. Speaker, government documents show that about 1.1 million temporary resident visas will expire by the end of next year, yet when asked at committee how his department would ensure these individuals leave once their visas expire, the immigration minister had no plan. After nine years of mismanagement, the minister's only solution is to hope people leave voluntarily. At committee, he deflected, offering vague answers about monitoring and partner organizations. Canadians deserve better than a minister who cannot explain how his own department enforces immigration rules.
We need a Canada first plan that will fix the immigration system the government broke. Canada needs a serious enforceable immigration plan that protects our system's integrity. The Prime Minister's YouTube videos of bogus claims on immigration only create more chaos, mismanagement and uncertainty. The PM claimed in the same YouTube fantasy video that immigration would balance itself out. Is he kidding us? Only common-sense Conservatives will fix this broken Liberal immigration system.
Paul Chiang Liberal Markham—Unionville, ON
Mr. Speaker, I would like to start first by wishing my granddaughter a happy 15th birthday.
Canadians have faced much strife
Through challenging years in their everyday life.
Our government hears them. We are here to bring cheer.
Just last week, the Prime Minister made clear:
We are stepping up big at this time of the year.
Starting December 14, here is the decree:
Many daily goods will be tax-free.
Savings like these, where they matter most,
Give families a break they can really toast.
Yet across the aisle, there's a bitter scene;
The Conservatives sulk in a Grinch-like routine.
While we deliver joy, they just complain.
Stealing holiday hopes is their usual refrain.
But Canadians know Conservatives' hearts are too small
To support families struggling, one and all.
Stephen Ellis Conservative Cumberland—Colchester, NS
Mr. Speaker, it is National Addictions Awareness Week, when Canadians commemorate the countless precious lives lost from the plague of drug use.
Some 47,000 Canadians have died due to drug overdose since 2015, including more than 8,000 last year alone. Every person had dreams, hopes and aspirations. None of them wanted to become addicted to drugs and none of them wanted to die. They deserved better. Their families deserve better.
All Canadians deserve better than a failing government that thinks the best way to fight an overdose crisis is to flood the streets with more drugs. We need to fully reverse the liberalization of drugs, which is killing Canadians and threatening our borders. We need to ban precursor drugs and prosecute every trafficker, and we need science-based prevention, treatment and recovery.
This madness must stop. A common-sense Conservative government will put an end to this terrible experiment. We will have a Canada first plan to secure our borders and bring our loved ones home drug-free.
Eric Melillo Conservative Kenora, ON
Mr. Speaker, after nine years, the NDP-Liberal coalition is alive and well, and Canadians know it is not worth the cost.
Do members remember when the NDP leader made a big stunt of ripping up his deal with the Liberals? As he said then, “Liberals are too weak, too selfish and too beholden to corporate interests to fight for people.” However, now, even when Liberal MPs are calling for a new Prime Minister, the NDP leader continues to support the government no matter the cost.
He supports the carbon tax, which he has voted to increase over 24 times. He supports inflationary deficits, which are driving up the cost of living. He supports soft-on-crime policies, which have increased violent crime by 50% across the country. He has also said that he would “fight like hell” for Canadian workers but is nowhere to be seen when we are facing the threat of American tariffs.
It is time for a carbon tax election so that Canadians can vote for our Canada first plan to axe the tax, build the homes, fix the budget and stop the crime.
Jaime Battiste Liberal Sydney—Victoria, NS
Mr. Speaker, who does not love Christmas music? If We Make It Through December is one of my favourites. It is about the difficult times that families experience during the holiday season.
On December 14, our government will help families by pausing the tax on essential items like groceries, toys, children's clothing, holiday goodies and even Christmas trees. However, the Leader of the Opposition, who is a mean one, a Mr. Grinch, does not want the Christmas tax break, that is, unless it benefits his wealthy oil and gas donors.
While Conservatives on the naughty list still refuse to get security checks, on this side of the House, we are making sure that Canadians do not have a Blue Christmas. Across Canada, we are giving smart policy instead of cheap slogans, bringing joy to children and helping restaurants thrive, all to make sure that It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year. That is something to sing about.
Laurel Collins NDP Victoria, BC
Mr. Speaker, every six days, another woman is killed by intimate partner violence. Today is one of the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, a call to action to challenge the systems, laws, and attitudes that lead to violence against women, girls and gender-diverse individuals.
In Canada, gender-based violence is an epidemic, one that disproportionately impacts indigenous women, racialized women, migrant women and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. On December 6, I will join the city of Victoria's vigil to honour the 14 women killed in the École Polytechnique massacre, who were victims of misogynistic violence.
However, it is not enough to commemorate and it is not enough to pledge. We need concrete action. The government has failed to deliver sustainable funding for shelters, failed to provide affordable housing and failed to implement the calls for justice from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.
Enough is enough. Everyone deserves to live free from violence.
Sébastien Lemire Bloc Abitibi—Témiscamingue, QC
Mr. Speaker, today I wish to acknowledge the extraordinary achievement of one of Quebec's most important voices, Pierre Houde, who has been inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.
On November 11, he received the Foster Hewitt Award, presented by the National Hockey League Broadcasters' Association to honour a member of the radio and television industry for his entire career. He is, my word, the fourth francophone to win this award, after René Lecavalier, Richard Garneau and Gilles Tremblay.
Hockey fans have been treated to Pierre Houde's dulcet tones on RDS for 36 years. However, Pierre Houde does not just stick to hockey. He is our Formula 1 commentator and is the voice of the Olympics.
I thank Mr. Houde for his passion, his respect for the French language and his careful preparation. I thank him for guiding sports fans through so many battles. We certainly do not want him to tell us that it is over.
I wish all Quebeckers a Stanley Cup with him soon. We want to hear him say over and over again, “et le but!” My word, Pierre Houde, we want to hear it again.
Ryan Williams Conservative Bay of Quinte, ON
Mr. Speaker, Canada trades nearly twice as much with the United States as it does with all other countries combined. Forty per cent of our economy is tied to that relationship, but this week President-elect Trump threatened a 25% tariff on all goods. After nine years of the Liberal-NDP government, we are unprepared for this crisis. The economy is shrinking. Food prices have risen 37% faster here than they have in the U.S.
Canadians now carry the highest household debt in the G7. Canadian housing inflation is the worst it has ever been, and our military is in shambles. We need a Canada first plan. The Prime Minister must cancel his plan to hike carbon tax by 61¢ a litre. He needs to stop his reckless energy cap that will cut Alberta and Saskatchewan production by 35%. He must reverse his billion-dollar cut to the military, and he must invest in securing our borders against illegal fentanyl imports and exports.
Canada needs leadership with the brains and the backbone to stand up for this country and to stand up for Canada. As Laurier said, “Canada first, Canada last, Canada always.” Let us bring it home.
Ken Hardie Liberal Fleetwood—Port Kells, BC
Mr. Speaker, when someone tells us who they are, it is wise to believe them. When the Leader of the Opposition demonstrates an authoritarian personality, we had better pay close attention. Dr. Jennifer Gunter, The New York Times' women's health columnist, warns that Conservatives have “proposed”, and voted for, “forced birth” legislation “nine” times. All have been defeated, but if those come back, and I think he would let them, we would have a Conservative leader who tells us he would use the notwithstanding clause to override our charter protections.
We have a Conservative leader who disregards voices from corporate Canada, but he will take their money. He says he will bully cities to ignore voices from our neighbourhoods on property development. He spies on and muzzles his own MPs, whom Canadians thought were their voices in Parliament. He, like his mentor Stephen Harper, is a party of one. He treats his own caucus with an iron fist. Would he do the same with the rest of the Canadians? Who knows, but it is best not to give him the chance.
Pierre Poilievre ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, Canadians are facing a threat of tariffs from the United States. What is the state of affairs after nine years under this Prime Minister? Our economy is weakened, our armed forces are weakened and our borders are weakened. Most of all, the Prime Minister is weakened.
When will there be an election so Canadians can choose a strong leader to protect our economy and put Canada first?
Justin Trudeau LiberalPrime Minister
Mr. Speaker, I find this deeply ironic. We offer Conservative Party members a chance to put Canadians first and what do they do? They vote against initiatives that will help Canadians. They voted against dental care. They are going to vote against a school food program. They voted against more day care spaces. Now, they are going to vote against the tax holiday we are offering Canadians to help them get by over the next few months.
The leader of the Conservative Party wakes up every day, ready to block help for Canadians. He only thinks of his own interests, not the interests of Canadians.
Pierre Poilievre ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister is too weakened to protect our economy against Donald Trump's threats.
Trump was elected president three weeks ago and has made this threat repeatedly for the past few days and what is the Prime Minister's plan? He is planning a Zoom call with the provincial premiers, who are saying that the Prime Minister is too weak. Quebec is sending the Sûreté du Québec to protect the borders. Alberta says that the Prime Minister is not standing up for our economy.
When will we have a carbon tax election to elect a strong leader who will protect our economy?
Justin Trudeau LiberalPrime Minister
Mr. Speaker, while the leader of the Conservative Party is playing petty politics and putting on a show in the House, we are working every day to help Canadians. Our members are the voices of Canadians in the House, while the Conservative members are the voice of their leader in their ridings. They are voting against initiatives to help Canadians, whether dental care or the school food program. They are saying that everything is broken, while trying very hard to break everything for Canadians.
We are here to invest for Canadians. They are here to obstruct everything and drive a wedge. They are not here to help Canadians.
Pierre Poilievre ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, Canadians face an unprecedented threat from President-elect Trump's potential tariffs. What is the state of things here in Canada? Our economy is weakened. Our borders are weakened. Our military is weakened, and most of all, our Prime Minister is weakened.
Why can we not have a carbon tax election so that Canadians can choose a leader with the brains and the backbone to protect our economy and to put Canada first.
Justin Trudeau LiberalPrime Minister
Mr. Speaker, while the Leader of the Opposition focuses on himself and on me, we are staying focused on Canadians. We are investing in the kinds of things that are going to help people. We stood up for dental care. We stood up to deliver a school food program. We are moving forward with more spaces in $10-a-day child care. Those are all things that the Conservative Party voted against.
Most recently, they have announced they are going to be voting against the GST break for Canadians over the next couple of months, something that is going to help people at a time when they need that little extra help. However, he does not care about helping Canadians. He just wants them to suffer more so that maybe he has a chance.
Pierre Poilievre ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, he has lost control of our borders. He has lost control of immigration. He has lost control of spending, and with that erratic performance, we now see that he has lost control of himself. No wonder foreign leaders believe they can walk all over him. They see him as a weak, incompetent leader who does not even have the support of his own party.
Why will he not put the country first for a change, and allow a carbon tax election so that Canadians can have a prime minister who will protect this country?