Debates of Dec. 6th, 2024

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.

Topics

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

Opposition Motion—Cost of Living Relief for Canadians Jagmeet Singh moves a motion calling on the government to permanently remove the GST from essential goods and expand a rebate to include more adults. Conservatives raise points of order, challenging the motion's admissibility and requesting withdrawals of certain language. The debate is frequently interrupted by points of order, quorum calls, and discussions about parliamentary procedure and decorum. 3500 words, 35 minutes in 2 segments: 1 2.

Access to Parliamentary Precinct Members debate a question of privilege raised by Lantsman regarding a protest in the Confederation Building. She argues the protest impeded access to MPs' offices, potentially breaching their safety and parliamentary privilege. Angus questions whether it's a filibuster, while Perkins details how the protest disrupted a meeting. Dancho raises public safety concerns. Cooper mentions NDP MPs' alleged involvement. 3600 words, 30 minutes in 2 segments: 1 2.

Statements by Members

Government failure on extremism, terrorism
Thanking family for support
Bruce Young retirement
Women Legislators in Defence Network meeting
Red River Métis Self-Government Treaty
Yukon days on the Hill
Reverend Peter Barrow obituary
Revitalization of downtown Ottawa
Violence Against Women Remembrance Day
Merv Churchill's passing and rodeo legacy
Criticism of Bloc's support, inflation
École Polytechnique massacre anniversary
Lack of government transparency, fiscal accountability
École Polytechnique and violence against women
National Day of Remembrance, violence
Jean-Guy Carrier, north shore hero
NDP leader's actions vs promises
École Polytechnique 35th Anniversary

Question Period

The Conservatives heavily criticize the Liberal government's economic management, focusing on the delayed fall economic statement and accusing the Finance Minister of hiding the true deficit. They blame Liberal policies for the rising cost of living, increased food bank usage, and unaffordable housing. A central theme is the call for a "carbon tax election", criticizing the NDP for supporting the Liberals and enabling the carbon tax. They argue for axing the carbon tax to provide relief to Canadians. They also raised points of order regarding question period procedures.
The Liberals focus on affordability measures like the GST break on essentials and the Canada Child Benefit, contrasting their actions with the Conservative opposition. They defend their economic record and highlight job creation. They commemorate the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, mentioning Bill C-63 to combat online harms. They also criticize the Conservative leader for not getting a security briefing and raise points of order about question period procedures.
The NDP are pushing for permanently removing the GST on essentials to improve affordability, criticizing both Liberals and Conservatives. They highlight the impact of GST on small businesses and advocate for support for women with disabilities. They also raised the issue of Arctic infrastructure funding.
The Bloc criticizes the Liberals for blocking a motion to remove the religious exemption for hate speech, as requested by Quebec's National Assembly. They also highlight Veterans Affairs' incompetence regarding memorial sculptures with inaccurate names and Parks Canada's refusal to allow Montreal snow removal on a bike path.
The Greens are concerned about the slow progress of Bill C-33 on rail and marine safety and are asking for an update on when it will be brought back to the House.

École polytechnique de Montréal Members commemorate the 35th anniversary of the École Polytechnique massacre on the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. They acknowledge the continued threat of misogyny and gender-based violence, highlight the disproportionate impact on indigenous women, and debate the effectiveness of current measures, including gun control and sentencing laws. 3200 words, 30 minutes.

Access to Parliamentary Precinct Members debate whether a protest that blocked access to a parliamentary building constitutes a breach of privilege. Conservatives argue the protest impeded their work and jeopardized safety, with some mentioning NDP members' involvement and anti-Semitism concerns. NDP members claim the protest was democratic and accuse Conservatives of using the issue for a political attack. 4500 words, 35 minutes.

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Opposition Motion—Cost of Living Relief for CanadiansBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders

10:05 a.m.

NDP

Jagmeet Singh NDP Burnaby South, BC

moved:

That, given that,

(i) Canadians are facing an affordability crisis and need more than temporary relief,

(ii) the government’s $250 Working Canadians Rebate would exclude many workers and other Canadians who need it the most,

(iii) the 2021 Conservative Party platform included a one-time GST holiday,

the House call on the government to:

(a) permanently remove the GST from essential goods, including home heating, grocery meals, Internet and mobile phone bills, diapers and kids’ clothes;

(b) expand the rebate to include all adults whose income is under the threshold and did not earn employment income in 2023, so that people like recent graduates trying to enter the workforce, retired seniors, people with disabilities, injured workers, workers on parental leave and long-term sick leave, and others in need are included; and

(c) pay for that measure by putting in place an excess profit tax targeting the largest and most profitable corporations.

Madam Speaker, I will be splitting my time with the hon. member for Nanaimo—Ladysmith.

Opposition Motion—Cost of Living Relief for CanadiansBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders

10:05 a.m.

The Assistant Deputy Speaker Carol Hughes

I have a point of order from the hon. member for Calgary Forest Lawn.

Opposition Motion—Cost of Living Relief for CanadiansBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders

10:05 a.m.

Conservative

Jasraj Singh Hallan Conservative Calgary Forest Lawn, AB

Madam Speaker, I rise to challenge the admissibility of the motion before us and seek clarity from the Chair in relation to Standing Order 81(13), which reads, “Opposition motions on allotted days may be moved only by members in opposition to the government—

Opposition Motion—Cost of Living Relief for CanadiansBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders

10:05 a.m.

Some hon. members

Oh, oh!

Opposition Motion—Cost of Living Relief for CanadiansBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders

10:05 a.m.

The Assistant Deputy Speaker Carol Hughes

Order, please.

I cannot hear the hon. member. He is quoting a standing order, and I will listen to his point of order. I would ask members to please wait until I have had an opportunity to hear a bit more of what the hon. member is putting forward.

Could the hon. member remind me what standing order he was referring to?

Opposition Motion—Cost of Living Relief for CanadiansBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders

10:05 a.m.

Conservative

Jasraj Singh Hallan Conservative Calgary Forest Lawn, AB

Standing Order 81(13), which states:

Opposition motions on allotted days may be moved only by members in opposition to the government and may relate to any matter within the jurisdiction of the Parliament of Canada and also may be used for the purpose of considering reports from standing committees relating to the consideration of estimates therein.

I would argue that the member moving the motion, whom some call the Maserati Marxist, is not eligible to do so, because—

Opposition Motion—Cost of Living Relief for CanadiansBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders

10:05 a.m.

Some hon. members

Oh, oh!

Opposition Motion—Cost of Living Relief for CanadiansBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders

10:05 a.m.

The Assistant Deputy Speaker Carol Hughes

I would ask the hon. member to be very careful about the wording he is using, and I would ask him to withdraw and rephrase.

Opposition Motion—Cost of Living Relief for CanadiansBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders

10:05 a.m.

Conservative

Jasraj Singh Hallan Conservative Calgary Forest Lawn, AB

Madam Speaker, I would argue that the member moving the motion is not eligible to do so.

Opposition Motion—Cost of Living Relief for CanadiansBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders

10:05 a.m.

The Assistant Deputy Speaker Carol Hughes

I ask the hon. member to first withdraw.

Opposition Motion—Cost of Living Relief for CanadiansBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders

10:05 a.m.

Conservative

Jasraj Singh Hallan Conservative Calgary Forest Lawn, AB

Madam Speaker, I withdraw.

Strictly speaking, the member does not represent a party in the opposition to the government. He has voted 24 times in favour of the carbon tax scam, when 70% of Canadians and 70% of premiers said not to increase the carbon tax. He has propped up the government on every vote of confidence along the way so that he can protect his $2.2-million pension.

Opposition Motion—Cost of Living Relief for CanadiansBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders

10:05 a.m.

The Assistant Deputy Speaker Carol Hughes

It sounds to me as though this is more debate.

Is the hon. member saying he cannot move a motion? Why is that?

Opposition Motion—Cost of Living Relief for CanadiansBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders

10:05 a.m.

Conservative

Jasraj Singh Hallan Conservative Calgary Forest Lawn, AB

Madam Speaker, it is because he is part of the government.

Opposition Motion—Cost of Living Relief for CanadiansBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders

10:05 a.m.

The Assistant Deputy Speaker Carol Hughes

He is not part of the government, and the hon. member knows that full well. Therefore, the hon. member's point of order is out of order.

I have another point of order, from the hon. member for Northumberland—Peterborough South.

Opposition Motion—Cost of Living Relief for CanadiansBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders

10:05 a.m.

Conservative

Philip Lawrence Conservative Northumberland—Peterborough South, ON

Madam Speaker, I was trying to hear my colleague, and I heard considerable disruption.

I would ask that the Speaker have control of the—

Opposition Motion—Cost of Living Relief for CanadiansBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders

10:05 a.m.

Some hon. members

Oh, oh!

Opposition Motion—Cost of Living Relief for CanadiansBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders

10:05 a.m.

Conservative

Philip Lawrence Conservative Northumberland—Peterborough South, ON

Just as it is right now.

Madam Speaker, this is completely unacceptable.

Opposition Motion—Cost of Living Relief for CanadiansBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders

10:05 a.m.

The Assistant Deputy Speaker Carol Hughes

I rose on a number of occasions to indicate that I was hearing the hon. member. I would again ask members to please be respectful when others have the floor. I would also ask members to make sure that, when they rise on points of order, the points of order are actually legitimate.

The hon. member for Manicouagan is rising on a point of order.

Opposition Motion—Cost of Living Relief for CanadiansBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders

December 6th, 2024 / 10:05 a.m.

Bloc

Marilène Gill Bloc Manicouagan, QC

Madam Speaker, with regard to what you just said, I would also like to remind the House that there is a delay before the francophones can hear the simultaneous interpretation. You asked members not to speak when you have the floor, because you cannot hear what is being said. On our side, when people talk over you, we cannot hear what you are saying, nor can we hear what the interpreter is saying. It is also difficult for the interpreters. I rose on the same point of order last Friday.

Madam Speaker, I would ask you to remind the House that we would like to fully participate in the debate.

Opposition Motion—Cost of Living Relief for CanadiansBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders

10:05 a.m.

The Assistant Deputy Speaker Carol Hughes

I appreciate the member's comments. This is certainly a time of year when people would perhaps rather be at home. As I said yesterday evening, it would be nice if everyone was kinder and more respectful in the House, particularly today.

The hon. member for Burnaby South.

Opposition Motion—Cost of Living Relief for CanadiansBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders

10:05 a.m.

NDP

Jagmeet Singh NDP Burnaby South, BC

Madam Speaker, one thing we have just realized—

Opposition Motion—Cost of Living Relief for CanadiansBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders

10:05 a.m.

The Assistant Deputy Speaker Carol Hughes

On another point of order, the hon. member for Thornhill.

Opposition Motion—Cost of Living Relief for CanadiansBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders

10:05 a.m.

Some hon. members

Oh, oh!

Opposition Motion—Cost of Living Relief for CanadiansBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders

10:05 a.m.

The Assistant Deputy Speaker Carol Hughes

Order, please.

Opposition Motion—Cost of Living Relief for CanadiansBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders

10:05 a.m.

Conservative

Melissa Lantsman Conservative Thornhill, ON

Madam Speaker, I am rising on a question of privilege I gave you notice of more than an hour ago—