House of Commons Hansard #384 of the 44th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was point.
The Assistant Deputy Speaker NDP Carol Hughes
Yes, I stand corrected. I should not have used the former Speaker's name. I should have used the member's riding of Regina—Qu'Appelle.
Kevin Vuong Independent Spadina—Fort York, ON
Madam Speaker, the government has utterly failed to protect our families, our communities and our nation from extremism. Its inability to curb terrorism or secure our borders is not just a lapse. It is a betrayal of its fundamental duty. To be specific, IRCC bears a significant portion of the blame. Members can take the recent arrest of a father and son in Toronto before they could execute an advanced stage terrorist plot. The father was in an ISIS video hacking at a prisoner's arms with a sword, yet he was still given citizenship.
The government's inaction has created a dangerous vacuum. Its failures have forced civil society, religious leaders and peace-loving Canadians to stand up. I am proud to join in these efforts, and I was honoured to assist in the announcement that Toronto is the Global Imams Council's western headquarters and bear witness to the signing of the Ottawa declaration. I stand with the GIC and all who refuse to bow to hate.
The government's abrogation of its duties to protect Canadians must stop. If the government will not act, then we will. Our people deserve better.
Wayne Long Liberal Saint John—Rothesay, NB
Madam Speaker, I, like many in the House, was elected in 2015, and for nine years, and over 1,200 nights away from home, I have fought for the constituents of Saint John—Rothesay in this place. I have only been able to do so because I am lucky enough to have the unwavering support of my family. We all know that being away from our families can take its toll. It is what we signed up for, and we all knew that we would miss milestones and memories.
However, our families did not necessarily sign up for this life, so to our families, I would like to say thank you. I am lucky enough to have my wife, Denise, my son, Konnor, and his partner, Anna, here visiting Ottawa this weekend. They are up in the gallery. I would also like to thank my son, Khristian, and his wife, Emma, along with our beautiful new grandchild, Jude. Without their love and encouragement, I could not do what I do, and I know all of us in this place would not be here if it were not for our families.
The Assistant Deputy Speaker NDP Carol Hughes
I am sure it was a slip, but the hon. member knows he is not to mention those who might be in the galleries.
Chris d'Entremont Conservative West Nova, NS
Madam Speaker, every word spoken at the House of Commons is recorded, transcribed, edited, translated and published to the highest standards of a long and proud Hansard tradition. For eight Parliaments, Bruce Young has been the chief caretaker of these words, and today we celebrate his accomplishments as he will soon retire after 26 years at the House of Commons.
As head of Parliamentary Publications for 21 years, Bruce has steadfastly guided his team through many challenges, recognizing that despite major Canadian and global events, Hansard still needs to be on our desks at 6 a.m. He has supervised the publication of 2,665 Hansards and over 22,000 committee meetings. He also oversaw the publication of the first speech in an indigenous language and the first hybrid meeting.
A visionary problem-solver, Bruce has inspired his team to achieve the impossible on a daily basis. He will be missed, but we wish him a happy retirement playing hockey, chopping wood and, above all, spending time with family.
The Assistant Deputy Speaker NDP Carol Hughes
I would like to take this moment to wish Bruce a happy retirement as well.
Global Network of Women Legislators in Defence, Security and Peace PortfoliosStatements by Members
Liberal
Anita Vandenbeld Liberal Ottawa West—Nepean, ON
Madam Speaker, last week, I hosted the meeting of the Global Network of Women Legislators in Defence, Security and Peace Portfolios, or WLID, here in Parliament, where we heard from Ukrainian MPs about being legislators in a time of war, including having an app that tells them when to leave the chamber and go to the bomb shelters. Their courage was inspiring and also reinforces our own determination to support Ukraine.
Several years ago, I realized that there were very few women in defence or security portfolios globally, and I established WLID, which began as an informal WhatsApp group. It is now a global network with a secretariat, members on every continent, a website and new co-chairs from Ukraine and Zambia. The network provides a supportive space to share strategies on how to overcome gendered stereotypes and barriers in this sector and share strategies and ideas for legislators. I look forward to seeing the WLID network grow, including members in the House and the other place.
Red River Métis Self-Government Recognition and Implementation TreatyStatements by Members
December 6th, 2024 / 11:05 a.m.
NDP
Leila Dance NDP Elmwood—Transcona, MB
Madam Speaker, on November 30, I had the chance to be a part of a historical event for Canada. This event, which was 154 years in the making, was the Red River Métis Self-Government Recognition and Implementation Treaty with the Government of Canada.
I would like to congratulate the Manitoba Métis Federation president, David Chartrand, his staff and the community for their ongoing dedication to the Métis people, and for ensuring this historical event happened. During his speech, Mr. Chartrand acknowledged that “Canada is a place where we can face challenges and come to terms with mistakes of the past, and move forward in a positive way, forging a new history for future generations.” Those are words I hope all Canadians can appreciate as we stand together on the correct side of history.
On behalf of my NDP colleagues, I was honoured to bear witness to this historic signing. I hope I can count on my fellow parliamentarians to commit to ensuring the treaty receives royal assent swiftly in the House.
Brendan Hanley Liberal Yukon, YT
Madam Speaker, this week, we celebrate the Yukon days on the Hill, an incredible event that brings a vibrant spirit of the north right here to Ottawa. We gathered parliamentarians, first nations chiefs, the grand chief, the AFN regional chief, leaders from the Yukon government, and other distinguished guests from the territory.
Yukon days are a unique opportunity to dive into meaningful conversations about the priorities and issues facing our territory. The week is indeed a testament to our spirit of collaboration and innovation. The Yukon is a place that leads with vision and determination, essential qualities for tackling the complex challenges we face, and for building a stronger, more inclusive Canada. This very morning, we announced Canada's new Arctic foreign policy. There is no better way to round out an extraordinary week for our territory.
As the member of Parliament for the Yukon, I am thrilled to showcase the resilience, culture and leadership of our Yukon communities. Together we are ensuring that the Yukon's voice resonates around this great country.
Michael Chong Conservative Wellington—Halton Hills, ON
Madam Speaker, Reverend Peter Barrow passed away at age 92. He was the beloved husband of Carol and the devoted father of Trish, Jane and Maggie, as well as the cherished brother of Margaret. Reverend Barrow served as minister of Knox Presbyterian Church in Georgetown and Limehouse Presbyterian Church in Limehouse for 32 years.
A lifetime member of the Masonic Lodge, Reverend Barrow was Georgetown citizen of the year in 1974. He was a founding member of the Georgetown Highland Games. He was involved in the Royal Canadian Air Cadets and the Rotary Club, and served as padre of the Georgetown and Acton branches of the Royal Canadian Legion. He was ever-present at the Remembrance Day ceremonies in Halton Hills, at the cenotaphs in Glen Williams, Georgetown and Acton, helping all of us remember.
We extend our heartfelt sympathies to his family. May he rest in peace.
Yasir Naqvi Liberal Ottawa Centre, ON
Madam Speaker, as the member of Parliament for Ottawa Centre, the revitalization of downtown Ottawa is a big priority for me. The pandemic and the occupation of downtown Ottawa has taken a significant toll on the core of our city. That is why I worked with businesses and the community to establish a downtown Ottawa revitalization task force, which has produced a lot of recommendations for all three orders of government to revitalize the core of our city.
I am really proud that the recommendations outlined in that report are being implemented. For example, we recently invested over $300 million to build 210 affordable Dream LeBreton units right in the downtown core. Just yesterday, we announced nearly $9 million to rejuvenate the Bronson Centre, which is an arts and community hub in our downtown core. Also, through the support of FedDev Ontario, we will be opening a new tourism office around Elgin Street. Through advocacy, the Ontario government is also putting forward $20 million to rejuvenate our downtown core.
I will continue to work with the City of Ottawa and other levels of government to make sure the downtown—
Iqra Khalid Liberal Mississauga—Erin Mills, ON
Madam Speaker, today marks the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, a day to honour the memory of the 14 women who were tragically murdered in the 1989 Polytechnique Montreal massacre, and so many more since.
In Canada, a woman or girl is killed every 48 hours. In Peel region alone, police responded to over 16,000 incidents of family and intimate partner violence in 2023. That is 44 disputes every day and almost two every hour, and that is just what gets reported. That is not counting those who are silent. This violence against women goes beyond physical harm. With the rise of online platforms, harassment now includes trolling, hacking and doxing. This systemic violence heavily affects marginalized women, indigenous women, racialized women and those with disabilities.
We must break this cycle. We must listen to and amplify survivors' voices, and strengthen support systems for those affected by violence.
Mel Arnold Conservative North Okanagan—Shuswap, BC
Madam Speaker, the community of Falkland and the entire rodeo community have lost a champion. One of Canada's longest-running rodeos, the Falkland Stampede, will be missing the voice of Merv Churchill next year.
At the age of 14, Merv was already deep in his passion for rodeos when he organized a barn dance to raise money for new corrals for the rodeo grounds. Merv was a champion bull rider at the 1961 Falkland Stampede, but gave up that short career to become the long-term manager of the stampede. His wife, Dot, was always nearby, as was his family, and he also loved his community.
The Canadian Pro Rodeo Association honoured Merv as Committee Person of the Year in 1982. He was inducted into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in 2013. In fitting fashion, a celebration of his life will be held outdoors at the Falkland Stampede Grounds on December 14. As Merv would say, dress warm. It could be colder than a well digger's, ahem, out there.
Bernard Généreux Conservative Montmagny—L'Islet—Kamouraska—Rivière-du-Loup, QC
Madam Speaker, the Bloc Québécois betrayed the interests of Quebeckers by blindly supporting this Liberal government's $500 billion in inflationary spending. Quebeckers are reeling from this crushing inflation. The cost of groceries, housing and heating has skyrocketed.
Our families and businesses are in crisis. Meanwhile, rather than defending Quebeckers' interests, the Bloc Québécois is supporting all of this Liberal government's irresponsible spending. It is time for this “Liberal Bloc” to stop penalizing Canadians.
Quebeckers deserve more than a government that has no sense of responsibility with respect to taxpayers' money. Canada needs a strong prime minister at the head of a common-sense government that will bring back fiscal discipline and give purchasing power back to Canadians.
There is only one thing to do: Go to the polls. The Conservatives are there for people. They are working for Canadians, not against them. Canadians are ready for a Conservative government. We will restore the promise of the Canada we used to know.
Jenica Atwin Liberal Fredericton, NB
Madam Speaker, today marks the 35th anniversary of the École Polytechnique massacre. I would like to take a moment to reflect on the 14 young women who were tragically murdered by a man who hated them simply for being women, women who had the audacity to pursue their educations. They were aunties, mothers, sisters, daughters and friends, and, 35 years ago, misogyny stole the lives of these intelligent, talented, beautiful women.
Violence against women has continued in Canada every day since. We see it in the crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls, where the rate of homicide against indigenous women is six times higher than the rate among non-indigenous women. We see it in the steadily rising rates of intimate partner violence, where four out of five victims are women. We see it on our social media, where men fill the comment sections with taunts of “your body, my choice”.
Many MPs have spoken in this chamber on this topic, yet the epidemic of violence against women rages on. Anti-feminist movements are on the rise globally, and we must state unequivocally that this hatred has no place in Canada.
Now, more than ever, we must take urgent action against misogyny and stand together in support of women and girls.
I remember.
Philip Lawrence Conservative Northumberland—Peterborough South, ON
Madam Speaker, imagine that we are a CFO of a billion-dollar enterprise and, when the fiscal year ends, we refuse to disclose the assets, the liabilities and the revenues. Then we ask to borrow billions of dollars more for next year.
That is exactly what these Liberals are asking of Canadians, asking for billions of dollars without disclosing the numbers.
The government's own budgetary watchdog said that the Liberals will likely not meet their fiscal commitments. That means more deficits. That means more inflation for Canadians.
When will the government live up to its obligation of transparency and fiscal accountability, stop covering up its financial mess and just release the numbers?
Tragedy at École PolytechniqueStatements by Members
Argenteuil—La Petite-Nation Québec
Liberal
Stéphane Lauzon LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Citizens' Services
Madam Speaker, today we commemorate the tragedy that took place at École Polytechnique on December 6, 1989. Thirty-five years ago, 14 women were brutally murdered simply because they were women. This femicide left a lasting mark on our society and impresses upon us the importance of fighting violence against women and hate speech. We honour the memory of the victims, and we support their families and the survivors.
This grim anniversary encourages us to reflect on the progress accomplished since then and the work that remains to be done toward building an egalitarian society that is safe for all women. As parliamentarians, we have a duty to strengthen our laws in order to prevent such tragedies, to support education and awareness initiatives, and to unequivocally condemn all acts of violence. Despite the pain it has caused, may this tragedy inspire us to take action for a better tomorrow.
We will never forget them.
Lisa Marie Barron NDP Nanaimo—Ladysmith, BC
Madam Speaker, more than three decades have passed since the tragic murder of 14 women at Montreal's École Polytechnique on December 6, 1989. This abhorrent act of violent misogyny prompted Parliament to declare this day as the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.
Today, we honour the lives of Geneviève Bergeron, Hélène Colgan, Nathalie Croteau, Barbara Daigneault, Anne-Marie Edward, Maud Haviernick, Maryse Laganière, Maryse Leclair, Anne-Marie Lemay, Sonia Pelletier, Michèle Richard, Annie St-Arneault, Annie Turcotte and Barbara Klucznik-Widajewicz.
As we grieve this tragic loss, we renew our dedication to combat the hate that fuelled this dreadful event. Women, girls and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals across Canada and globally still face unacceptable violence and discrimination. We must unite to end gender-based violence, today and every day.
Marilène Gill Bloc Manicouagan, QC
Madam Speaker, the north shore is a land of extremes. It is a place of great beauty and riches, but where Mother Nature can also be merciless. That is why it produces souls worthy of those extremes. Before winter turned our forests white, 80-year-old Jean-Guy Carrier was paddling on one of our thousands of lakes with his son-in-law when their boat capsized. The two men tried to get back to shore, but Mr. Carrier did not know how to swim.
However, it was his son-in-law who became fatigued and whose body was being pulled to the bottom of the lake. Mr. Carrier somehow managed to pull his son-in-law to shore, with untold strength and courage, the kind that perhaps can only come from love. He was unconscious and not breathing, but Mr. Carrier managed to resuscitate him and bring him back to life.
Like many others, I believe that Mr. Carrier's actions should inspire us all. Our world needs kindness. Mr. Carrier's heart was forged by the extremes of our beloved north shore.
Tom Kmiec Conservative Calgary Shepard, AB
Madam speaker, the NDP leader says he is fighting for Canadians, but his actions speak louder than his empty promises. After 24 votes in obedience to the Prime Minister to hike the inflationary carbon tax and hike grocery bills, and record-breaking food bank lineups, it is all to protect a $2.2-million pension. The luxury Maserati Marxist does not come cheap.
ConsumerAffairs says “Maserati upkeep is a significant expense”. It goes on to say, “You can expect per-year costs to rise every year for the first four years.”
Does that sound familiar? Maserati expenses are three times the cost of a worker's car. With exotic sweet rides, a luxury fake Rolex, U.S. private schools and luxury $200 rocking chairs that could pay a month's rent, the NDP leader helped double housing costs and drive up crime 50%, and families will pay $800 more next year for food.
His vote comes cheap and his leadership comes cheap, but his pension sure does not come cheap. Canadians need tax relief now instead of more NDP leader cheap. On Monday, he asked for a chance to stand up for Canadians. How will he vote?
Élisabeth Brière Liberal Sherbrooke, QC
Madam Speaker, candles, roses, beams of light, masculinism, harassment, violence, hate; it has been 35 years today. Thirty-five years ago, 14 women full of promise and ambition lost their lives at the hands of a man in a tragic act of anti-feminism. There is no hiding what was behind this act.
These leaders of tomorrow were ripped from their future, but their memory pushes us to action. That is why we have taken robust measures with respect to so-called assault-style firearms, including expanding the list of banned guns in Canada yesterday.
Women are strong and courageous. Their safety and their freedom must be protected. To be a feminist is to have the social will to improve the situation for all women. It is about equality for all individuals. This evening, in Montreal, 14 beams of light will light up the sky and we will remember. We will never give up the fight. Today, these 14 women are no longer with us, but the pain remains and so does the urgency to combat violence against women.
Melissa Lantsman Conservative Thornhill, ON
Madam Speaker, there is snow on the ground. It is pretty cold in the capital and Canadians from coast to coast are putting up Christmas trees, but the finance minister is stuck in fantasyland. Somehow, she still thinks it is fall. She is weeks behind on delivering the fall economic statement to the House and to Canadians. The Parliamentary Budget Officer says that the minister blew past her deficit reduction targets, adding more inflationary spending and crippling debt, which Canadians will have to pay. However, we do not know for sure because she is nowhere to be found.
When will the finance minister tell Canadians just how much money she spent?
Marci Ien LiberalMinister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth
Madam Speaker, we look forward to answering our colleagues' questions, but I do feel it is important to recognize the gravity of this day. It is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. Thirty-five years ago, 14 women's lives were cut short in a brutal act of violence at École Polytechnique. They were killed simply because they were women. Gender-based violence must not be tolerated in this country, and we all have a role to play in ending it.
Melissa Lantsman Conservative Thornhill, ON
Madam Speaker, Conservatives on this side of the House stand in solidarity with all of the victims' families on this tragic day.
My question, however, was about the finance minister and the fact that she is hiding today. She has not hidden the fact that she has doubled Canada's debt. She gave us the highest inflation in 40 years, and she delivered the lowest projected growth of any advanced economy. She is trying to hide the truth from Canadians, so I will ask once again.
If she does not want to come clean, can anybody on that side of the House tell us exactly how much Canada's deficit is this year?