Debates of Nov. 5th, 2024

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

[Salma Zahid, Liberal, Scarborough Centre, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I represent a strong and vibrant Lebanese community in Scarborough Centre. They are business owners, professionals and families who are an integral part of Scarborough's social and economic fabric. The Lebanese Canadian community nationwide numbers between 200,000 and 400,000 people. They are deeply concerned for their loved ones overseas, anxiously following every news report and waiting on each call or text to confirm their loved ones' safety. This ongoing crisis has a deep impact on their mental health and daily lives. This is no way to live.

While the community and I appreciate the government's recent measures to support those already here in Canada, we believe more is necessary. We call on the government to enact special measures allowing the extended family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to seek temporary refuge here in Canada. No Canadian should be forced to leave their parents, spouse, children, grandparents or siblings behind in danger. We urge the government to heed this call for compassion and assistance.

War Heroes from Cumberland—Colchester

[Stephen Ellis, Conservative, Cumberland—Colchester, NS]

Mr. Speaker, it is important that Canadians pay tribute to the countless men and women who left behind homes and families to serve the cause of freedom in the face of unimaginable odds. Cumberland—Colchester has been home to many Canadians who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Ivan Lee Crowe was born near Stewiacke and landed on Juno Beach during D-Day with the North Nova Scotia Highlanders. On June 7, 1944, he was murdered along with 10 other Canadian prisoners by Hitler's 12th SS division at the Ardenne Abbey; it was a despicable war crime that still resonates today. He was 21 years old.

Daniel McMasters grew up on Young Street in Truro. He served in the legendary First Special Service Force during the liberation of Italy and was only 20 years old when he gave his life on May 28, 1944, near Anzio.

I also want to pay a very special tribute to Lloyd Coady, a cherished member of our community and a proud veteran of the Second World War, who will celebrate his 100th birthday and is still going strong. God bless Lloyd for all he has done.

Lest we forget.

Canadian Peacekeepers

[Mark Gerretsen, Liberal, Kingston and the Islands, ON]

Mr. Speaker, during Veterans Week, I am honoured to speak about Cyprus 2024, commemorating Canada's contribution to Cyprus since 1964. This year marks the 60th anniversary of Operation Snowgoose, Canada's longest peacekeeping mission, and the 50th anniversary of a forgotten war.

I acknowledge the invaluable contributions of Major-General Walter Holmes and Colonel James Holsworth, both retired, who are residents of Kingston and the Islands and who co-chair the Cyprus 2024 committee. Their leadership ensures that our veterans' sacrifices are remembered and celebrated.

This week, veterans and their families will participate in guided tours, cultural excursions, historical walks and remembrance services in Cyprus. They will meet Canadian UN soldiers who are currently serving, as well as Cypriots who lived through the conflict. This pilgrimage and the historical exhibits across Canada commemorate the past and strengthen our veteran community, fostering unity and remembrance.

Let us honour their legacy and support our veterans and their families.

Social Economy Month

[Claude DeBellefeuille, Bloc, Salaberry—Suroît, QC]

Mr. Speaker, throughout Quebec, people are at the heart of the social economy, and that heart beats strong: There are more than 220,000 engaged workers who are happy to work at 11,200 group ventures, generating more than $47.8 billion annually. Social economy is the idea that the future belongs to us and we can all contribute to building a more just and more united world.

November is the time to remember that, as citizens, we can choose the social economy. By becoming a member of a co-op, by buying goods and services from a non-profit organization, by contributing to a project in one's community or even becoming a member of a board, it is possible to do business differently. What could be better than taking action and being part of the solution? That is what we see from these thriving entrepreneurs who are the pride of our communities. That is the type of business that does good.

On behalf of the Bloc Québécois, I wish everyone a happy social economy month.

William Cosgrove

[Francis Scarpaleggia, Liberal, Lac-Saint-Louis, QC]

Mr. Speaker, Canada has lost a pioneer in global water management.

William Cosgrove was a visionary who recognized long ago the crucial importance of water, not only for developing countries struggling with water scarcity for drinking and sanitation but also for a world increasingly in the grips of climate change.

Bill's passion for water, the environment and humanitarian development guided a 50-year career that included 17 years at the World Bank. He also served as chair of the international steering committee of the dialogue on water and climate and member of the task force on water millennium development goals, and he directed the third UN world water report.

However, Bill's attention was not limited to global water issues. Over 55 years ago, and well ahead of his time, he advocated for creating a catchment basin for excess rainwater in the city of Dollard-des-Ormeaux. Today, William Cosgrove Centennial Park serves a vital practical purpose while offering local citizens a peaceful and refreshing oasis on a hot summer's day.

To Bill's wife, Frances, and children, Anne-Marie, Carolee, Christopher-John, Sean, Ginny and Catherine, we offer our deepest condolences.

Foreign Affairs

[Stephanie Kusie, Conservative, Calgary Midnapore, AB]

Mr. Speaker, last month, over 10 million Cubans spent nearly a week without light after their communist regime plunged them into darkness. Cubans took to the streets to protest the repressive government responsible for the hardships they continue to endure, but it is clear that they need the international community to speak up in support. Canada used to be a voice that Cuban dissidents could rely on as they fought for freedom from Castro's dictatorship. However, under the Liberal government, this is no longer the case.

Earlier this year, I spoke with Cuban dissidents and political prisoners from across the region. My message was clear: In the hon. Leader of the Official Opposition, Canada will have a prime minister who will advocate for freedom and democracy and who will stand against dictators. We see the people of Cuba, and we support their fight. Someday soon, Canada will once again be an ally they can count on.

Diabetes

[Rachel Bendayan, Liberal, Outremont, QC]

Mr. Speaker, my grandparents had diabetes, my mom has diabetes and so do nearly four million Canadians. That is one in 10 of us. It may be our family, our friends or our neighbours. Insulin and other diabetes medications are expensive, and if one does not have private insurance, that is a huge monthly expense. However, all that is going to change because our government is making diabetes medication free for everyone.

I am lucky enough to represent many citizens, including several members of my own family, for whom sugar in tea is not only an integral part of everyday life, but also truly part of a very rich culture.

However, we have to face the truth. Diabetes affects nearly one million Quebeckers and four million Canadians. The medication that helps diabetic patients can be very expensive. Our government has just passed legislation to make diabetes medications free. Yes, these drugs will be free for everyone.

Canadian Parks and Recreation Association

[Adam van Koeverden, Liberal, Milton, ON]

Mr. Speaker, the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association is here on the Hill in Ottawa today with workers, advocates and professionals in the parks and recreational sectors right across the country. They are here advocating for public spaces, for access to recreational facilities, for active transportation and for operating costs. They want to make sure that parks and recreation and physical activity are top of mind to people up here in Ottawa, and right across the country, in influential positions such as ours.

I am very proud of the fact that the CPRA is one of the top recipients of the community sport for all initiative, the government's effort to invest in community sport right across this country. From that $60 million investment in Canadians, the result is higher participation rates. In fact, one million Canadians said they got more active thanks to the community sport for all initiative, and that was due in part to the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association.

Let us continue to invest in the sector so that every Canadian can benefit from the enriching experiences we get from our parks and our outdoor spaces. I am thankful to every worker in the recreational space.

Food Security

[Robert Gordon Kitchen, Conservative, Souris—Moose Mountain, SK]

Mr. Speaker, after nine years of the NDP-Liberal government, Canadians are struggling to keep their head above water and to keep food on their table. Over two million Canadians were forced to use food banks in March, a number that has almost doubled in the past five years. In my home province of Saskatchewan, food banks have seen a 42% increase in visits. Throughout my constituency, there are daily calls for donations to the many food banks and the Salvation Army.

While children make up 30% of people using food banks across the country, in Saskatchewan, that number is almost 40%, a sad and alarming figure. Parents are going without meals so that their children have food, and those who once donated to the food bank are now the ones needing its help. Instead of fixing the situation, the NDP-Liberals have continued to increase the cost of groceries by increasing the carbon tax by 23%; they are on their way to quadrupling the tax in the future. It is time for Canadians to see a government that works to make their lives better, not worse. It is time for a carbon tax election.

Housing Accelerator Fund

[Sophie Chatel, Liberal, Pontiac, QC]

Mr. Speaker, last year we signed an historic agreement with the province of Quebec to make a join $1.8-billion investment in affordable housing through the housing accelerator fund. These investments will enable us to carry out construction projects over the coming years. This means that 8,000 affordable and social housing units will be built from one end of the province to the other, including in my riding.

Last week, the Conservative leader announced his intention to abolish this fund and tear up our agreement with Quebec, and that is on top of his bickering with the mayors. That makes no sense. This party is far too risky for Quebeckers.

Leader of the New Democratic Party of Canada

[Damien Kurek, Conservative, Battle River—Crowfoot, AB]

Mr. Speaker, here is the truth: There is only one person left keeping the Prime Minister in power, and that is the leader of the NDP. Canadians see it clearly. All we need to do is think back to the big stunt the leader of the NDP pulled when he told Canadians that he had ripped up his coalition deal with the Liberals. Since then, the New Democrats have had ample opportunity to prove it, but they have refused to do so. In fact, the leader of the fourth party said, “The fact is, the Liberals are too weak, too selfish and too beholden to corporate interests to fight for people”. Those are his own words. Words do not equal action. The NDP continues to be beholden to the Prime Minister.

The fact is that the New Democrats love the Liberals. Furthermore, they love the carbon tax, something they have voted for more than 24 times, even when it is sending more than two million Canadians a month to food banks. Every day the Prime Minister remains in power is because of the sellout leader of the NDP. It is time for him to buck up and call a carbon tax election.

[The Speaker, Liberal, Greg Fergus]

Colleagues, I am going to ask for a couple of things. First, I am going to ask members not to speak out of turn. The members know who they are. Second, the Chair has already ruled on being careful about what adjectives members use in front of hon. members in the House.

The hon. member for Louis-Saint-Laurent.

Housing

[Gérard Deltell, Conservative, Louis-Saint-Laurent, QC]

Mr. Speaker, less taxes, more homes; the Conservative leader is proposing to eliminate the GST on new homes sold. What this means is that buyers in Quebec will save $25,000, or $1,300 a year, on a $500,000 home. This will also add 30,000 new housing units a year in Canada. The Corporation des propriétaires immobiliers du Québec, the Quebec landlords' association, has described this initiative as a step in the right direction.

Unfortunately, we know that housing prices have doubled over the past nine years because of this Liberal government's inflationary policies, enthusiastically supported by the Bloc Québécois and its leader. He voted twice just recently confirming his confidence in the Liberal Prime Minister. The Bloc Québécois leader spent a month trying to convince people that he was going to get more for Quebec. He got nothing, zero. Here is the Bloc Québécois leader's actual record: zero gains for Quebec, but two votes for Justin. An election to vote in a good government cannot come soon enough. I look forward to a Conservative government.

[The Speaker, Liberal, Greg Fergus]

It is rare for the Chair to have to intervene twice, but the hon. member knows perfectly well that members must not refer to their colleagues by their first or last name. This is a reminder to all members.

The hon. member for Don Valley West.

Foreign Interference

[Rob Oliphant, Liberal, Don Valley West, ON]

Mr. Speaker, foreign interference is a danger to our country, and we all have to do everything in our power to call it out and to address it. Our government has made it a top priority. Canadians are nervous. The RCMP has evidence that agents of the Government of India are involved in serious criminal activities that undermine our democracy. There are reports of a number of other countries intimidating citizens, interfering in elections and leadership campaigns.

The leader of the official opposition needs to do his part. He needs to show that we are united in this fight. Every member of the House took an oath. Some of us have leadership responsibilities and take other measures, including getting the appropriate security clearances so that we can do our part in keeping Canada and Canadians safe.

The leader of the official opposition cannot delay any longer. He has to apply for the top security clearance so that he can do his part and let Canadians stop wondering about what he may be hiding.

Veterans Week

[Rachel Blaney, NDP, North Island—Powell River, BC]

Mr. Speaker, as we practise remembrance during Veterans Week, recognizing both Indigenous Veterans Day and Remembrance Day, I want to thank every person who has served or is serving our country. I thank their loved ones as well, who serve alongside them, as we all know.

Every year, I am grateful to the many legions in my riding that prepare sacred events around remembering the service of Canadian soldiers. I have 11 legions across my riding, and I want to name them all. They are Port Hardy Royal Canadian Legion Branch 237, Port McNeill 281, Port Alice 180, Gold River 270, Sayward 147, Campbell River 137, Quadra Island 154, Alert Bay 198, Comox 160, Powell River 164 and Texada Island 232.

With significant engagement from their communities, the legions hold space for veterans, and it is so important that we remember them. Lest we forget.

Elisapie

[Yves-François Blanchet, Bloc, Beloeil—Chambly, QC]

Mr. Speaker, on Sunday evening, the ADISQ Gala got off to a strong start with the sultry voice of Elisapie, which enthralled the audience and held them spellbound. This Inuk singer, who proudly carried the torch of Quebec song by opening our musical event, sang a Leonard Cohen cover in her own language.

On behalf of the Bloc Québécois, I want to congratulate Elisapie on the outstanding success of her album Inuktitut. She won the Felix award for indigenous artist of the year, as well as four other awards at the first two galas with her collaborators Joe Grass and the Bonsound team. In a way that only an artist like her can, Elisapie uses art to build bridges between different worlds: the North, which she refuses to call the Far North; English, the language towards which history has driven her people; and the Quebec nation, whose people showed her how much they love her on Sunday.

Congratulations and thank you to Elisapie.

Housing

[Larry Brock, Conservative, Brantford—Brant, ON]

Mr. Speaker, after nine years of NDP-Liberals, the Canadian dream of home ownership has become a pipe dream, unless, of course, someone is a friend of the Prime Minister.

Today, it was revealed that he purchased a $9-million condo on Billionaires' Row in New York City for his good friend, Tom Clark, after Clark complained that his old residence was not up to his standards. It is difficult to do the work of a consul general without Italian marble floors, a $5,000 coffee machine and a golf simulator at our disposal.

This revelation confirms that Tom Clark lied to committee about his involvement in the purchase. It also confirms evidence obtained by committee showing that Clark was instrumental when it came to purchasing the property.

Canadians are fed up with the government. It is time for change. It is time for accountability. It is time for a Conservative government that will bring transparency and respect back to the Canadian taxpayer.

Online Harm

[Valerie Bradford, Liberal, Kitchener South—Hespeler, ON]

Mr. Speaker, Bill C-63, the online harms act, is seeking to create a safer online space for all Canadians in this increasingly digital age. Online harms have real-world impacts with tragic, even fatal consequences, and the delays in our Parliament are putting more Canadians at risk every day.

I think of the important work of Carol Todd, the mother of Amanda Todd, the 15-year-old girl who so tragically took her life 12 years ago after being victimized online. Carol stated in an interview, “The filibuster that is happening right now and holding everything up, it's so frustrating. It's just wasting time...I've waited 12 years for this.”

Unfortunately, the important work the House undertakes has been held up due to Conservative delay tactics, with support from opposition parties. We are working every day to pass important legislation for Canadians from coast to coast to coast, and the Conservatives are working every day to make sure this is not the case.

International Trade

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, a mere 80 days after Stephen Harper became prime minister, he reached a deal to end softwood lumber tariffs, but this Liberal Prime Minister capitulated. He allowed Donald Trump to reimpose those tariffs and Biden to double them.

Stephen Harper reached an agreement with Obama to exempt Canada from the discriminatory buy America policies, but this Liberal Prime Minister capitulated and allowed the Americans to reimpose them on our workers.

Can we have an election so Canadians can get a Prime Minister who will stand up for Canadians?

[Justin Trudeau, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, on the contrary, what we are seeing is yet more nonsense from the Conservative leader. The fact is, while we were standing up to Donald Trump when he wanted to renegotiate NAFTA, the Conservatives, including Stephen Harper, were encouraging us to capitulate. They told us it was important not to offend the Americans.

On the contrary, we took a stand, we protected supply management, we protected steel and aluminum workers, and we protected Canadian jobs across the country.

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, this Liberal Prime Minister not only capitulated to Obama, Trump, and Biden, but he also gave away half a billion dollars in investments that left our country and impoverished our citizens.

Ten years ago, the New York Times published an article entitled “Life in Canada, Home of the World's Most Affluent Middle Class”. The article said that Canadians' average income seemed to have surpassed the average income of Americans. Today, the opposite is true. Canadians are poorer than Americans.

Why is he creating jobs for Americans?

[Justin Trudeau, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition keeps claiming that Canada is broken. At the same time, he wants to scrap investments that are going to help Canadians solve the housing crisis, for example. He is proposing to cut the $900 million that we send to the Government of Quebec to build thousands of new affordable homes.

All that he has to offer are budget cuts and austerity. That is not what Quebeckers or Canadians as a whole want. We need to invest in solving the housing crisis, which is exactly what this government is doing. What the Leader of the Opposition supports is austerity.

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, it took then-Prime Minister Harper only 80 days to get a softwood lumber deal that put an end to the tariffs and we were reimbursed what was already collected.

Then the Liberal Prime Minister capitulated, allowed Trump to reimpose the tariffs and Biden to double them. Harper got us an exemption to buy America. The Prime Minister then capitulated and allowed Trump and Biden to reimpose them, hurting our construction workers and our providers of steel.

Why can we not have a carbon tax election so that we can have a prime minister who no longer capitulates to the Americans but instead will stand up for Canada?

[Justin Trudeau, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, since I just answered that question in French, allow me, instead, to take a moment to condemn, unequivocally, the violence we have seen in South Asian communities across the country over the past few nights.

Let me be very clear that the individuals who are inciting violence, division and hatred in no way represent either the Sikh community or the Hindu community in Canada. At a time of Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas, we are seeing communities come together to celebrate their diversity and their strength.

We will continue to stand for the unity of Canadians.