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 clarifies the rules of Question Period, emphasizing questions must relate to the government's administrative responsibility, not attack the opposition, to maintain government accountability. 900 words.

Public Accounts Members debate report 8 of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts, specifically regarding "Pandemic Preparedness, Surveillance, and Border Control Measures". The focus is on border control, with Conservatives raising concerns about fentanyl and opioid trafficking and immigration visa issues. The Liberals defend their record, pointing to increased funding and staffing for border services, and accuse the Conservatives of hypocrisy and of amplifying false narratives that damage Canada's trade relationship with the U.S. The NDP accuse the Conservatives of cutting border positions while in power and of undermining Canada to benefit Donald Trump. 25200 words, 3 hours.

Industry and Technology Members debate splitting Bill C-27, arguing that separating the privacy and AI components would allow for better scrutiny and faster progress. The NDP proposes the split due to concerns that the bill, in its current form, compromises Canadians' privacy for consumer interests and undermines the Privacy Commissioner. The Liberal Party opposes splitting the bill, emphasizing a holistic approach and highlighting investments in AI safety. 6200 words, 45 minutes.

Statements by Members

Women's rights are human rights

Gratitude to community organizations

Recognition of Palestinian state needed

Tribute to super-volunteer Serge Godon

Cardinal Leo inducted into College

Richmond Hill affordable housing progress

Passing of Omar Zia recognized

NDP-Liberals fail to protect Canadians

Surrey Police Service takes command

Fraud in Indigenous procurement programs

Parliament resembles A Christmas Carol

Scholars at Risk program recognized

Tribute to John Horgan

Quebec film industry is celebrated

NDP breaks promise on worker rights

Conservatives against tax breaks for Canadians?

Question Period

The Conservatives focus heavily on the Liberal government's fiscal management, repeatedly questioning the growing deficit and claiming the Prime Minister has lost control of spending. They highlight the finance minister's promise to keep the deficit under $40 billion, alleging tensions between her and the Prime Minister over spending. They accuse the Liberals of breaking promises and driving the country towards a "fiscal cliff" due to inflationary spending.

The Liberals focus on defending their government's actions, particularly on the economic front, highlighting Canada's strong fiscal position and promising a forthcoming fall economic statement. They champion their commitment to Canadians through initiatives like a temporary GST tax break and investments in dental care and child care. They repeatedly criticize the Conservatives for opposing these measures and for not supporting Canadians. They also touch on topics like border security and Arctic foreign policy.

The Bloc questions the federal government's handling of deportations of asylum seekers with criminal records and criticizes the Canada Border Services Agency for failures with the CARM app and past issues. They also challenge federal ministers' comments on Quebec secularism.

The NDP criticize corporate tax cuts while opposing GST relief. They raise the healthcare crisis and renter exploitation by corporate landlords using AI for price fixing. They also oppose coal mining in the Rockies and airline junk fees.

Access to Parliamentary Precinct MP Gazan responds to accusations from the Conservative MP for Thornhill, refuting claims of organizing a demonstration and breaching parliamentary privilege, defending her support for Jewish protesters against genocide in Gaza, and criticizing attempts to stifle dissent. 1000 words, 10 minutes.

Opposition Motion—Repeal of Bill C-5 Members debate Conservative leader Poilievre's motion calling for action to address the fentanyl crisis. The debate focuses on Bill C-5 and its impact on drug-related crime, border security, mandatory minimum sentences, and harm reduction strategies. The NDP proposed an amendment to the motion which was not agreed to. 12900 words, 2 hours.

Supplementary Estimates (B), 2024-25 First reading of Bill C-79. The bill grants sums of money to the federal public administration for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025; it passes through first reading, second reading, committee of the whole, concurrence, and third reading. 400 words, 10 minutes.

Adjournment Debates

Border security and immigration Kevin Vuong questions why the Prime Minister is allegedly protecting individuals involved with Chinese foreign interference, and describes inadequacies with border security. Paul Chiang defends the government's border security measures, highlighting collaborative efforts and comprehensive screening processes. Vuong reiterates that safeguards are not effective.

Oil and gas emissions cap Jeremy Patzer raises concerns about the government's proposed emissions cap and its effects on the economy, energy security, and cost of living. Adam van Koeverden defends the emissions cap as an essential tool to combat pollution while allowing for increased production, and accuses the Conservatives of spreading misinformation about the policy's effects.

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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