Debates of Dec. 10th, 2024

House of Commons Hansard #386 of the 44th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was conservatives.

Topics

This summary is computer-generated. Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.

Oral Questions—Speaker's Ruling The Speaker rules that questions in Question Period must relate to government administrative responsibility. Question Period's purpose is government accountability, not attacking opposition parties who lack the same response opportunity. The Speaker will enforce this. 900 words.

Public Accounts Members debate a Public Accounts report on pandemic border measures, focusing on current border security. Conservatives raise concerns about lax controls, increased fentanyl trafficking, illegal crossings, and potential U.S. tariffs, criticizing the government's record. Liberals defend their border investments, accusing Conservatives of amplifying misinformation and past cuts. NDP members also criticize Conservative border cuts and accuse them of undermining Canada by echoing U.S. rhetoric. Bloc members criticize federal border management and call for CBSA administrative supervision. 25200 words, 3 hours.

Industry and Technology NDP moves to split Bill C-27 into privacy/tribunal and AI components. They argue the bill is poorly drafted and compromises privacy, seeking to pass the privacy component and protect the Privacy Commissioner. Liberals argue for a holistic approach, are open to amendments, and accuse parties of obstruction. 6200 words, 45 minutes.

Statements by Members

Women's rights are human rights

Gratitude for community organizations

Canada should recognize Palestine state

Tribute to Trois-Rivières volunteer

Induction of Cardinal Leo

Richmond Hill affordable housing progress

Remembering Omar Zia

Need for bail reform

Surrey Police Service takes command

Indigenous procurement program fraud

NDP-Liberal fiscal nightmare

Scholars at Risk program

Tribute to John Horgan

Quebec film industry celebration

NDP leader gets his pension

Conservatives voted against tax break

Question Period

The Conservatives accuse the Prime Minister of being weak and losing control over finances and his cabinet. They highlight reported tensions between the Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance over spending, alleging the Prime Minister is forcing the Minister to exceed her $40-billion deficit guardrail. They repeatedly demand the government disclose the current deficit number. A point of order was raised regarding a gallery disturbance.

The Liberals defend their record of supporting Canadians with programs like dental care, a temporary GST tax break, and child care, while criticizing Conservatives for opposing these measures. They highlight Canada's fiscal strength, including the lowest debt/deficit in the G7, and anticipate the Fall Economic Statement. Other topics include border security and Arctic foreign policy.

The Bloc criticizes the Minister of Immigration's comments on Quebec's secularism. They also condemn the government's failure to deport inadmissible foreign nationals with criminal records, particularly in Quebec, and highlight the fiasco surrounding the CBSA's CARM system.

The NDP criticize the government for siding with corporations over working people, highlighting renters facing exploitation and airline junk fees. They raise concerns about the collapsing healthcare system, thermal coal mining, and economic transition in Northern Ontario.

Access to Parliamentary Precinct NDP MP Leah Gazan responds to a Conservative MP's question of privilege, denying involvement in an event that allegedly breached privilege and defending her support for "Jews Against Genocide" demonstrators against accusations. 1000 words, 10 minutes.

Opposition Motion—Repeal of Bill C-5 Members debate a Conservative motion claiming Liberal drug policies and Bill C-5 contribute to 47,000 deaths. Conservatives propose reversing C-5, increasing sentences, and enhancing border security. Liberals, Bloc, and NDP counter that C-5 addressed unconstitutional mandatory minimums and simple possession, argue Conservatives cut border security, and advocate for harm reduction and treatment. 12900 words, 2 hours.

Supplementary Estimates (B), 2024-25 First reading of Bill C-79. The bill grants sums of money for federal public administration for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025. It passes all readings with support from Liberals, Bloc, NDP, and Green parties; Conservatives and one Independent vote against. 400 words, 10 minutes.

Adjournment Debates

Border security and immigration Kevin Vuong criticizes the government's border security, citing security risks and failures in the immigration system. He questions why individuals implicated in foreign interference are not named. Paul Chiang defends the government's measures, highlighting security screenings and collaboration with security agencies and international partners.

Emissions cap on oil and gas Jeremy Patzer raises concerns about the Liberal government's proposed emissions cap and its potential negative impact on Canada's GDP and jobs. Adam van Koeverden defends the cap as necessary for combating climate change and encouraging cleaner energy production, asserting it allows for a 16% increase in production.

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(The House divided on the motion, which was agreed to on the following division:)

Vote #921

Bill C-79 Supplementary Estimates (B), 2024-25Government Orders