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

line drawing of robot

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 Members debate an NDP motion proposing permanent GST removal on essential goods, an expanded affordability rebate for all low-income adults, funded by an excess profit tax. The debate is marked by numerous points of order, including Conservative challenges to the NDP leader's eligibility and decorum, and Bloc concerns about interruptions and remarks. 3500 words, 35 minutes in 2 segments: 1 2.

Access to Parliamentary Precinct Members debate a question of privilege raised by a Conservative MP regarding a protest in the Confederation Building. The MP alleges the protest impeded members' access and work, raising security concerns and pointing to alleged NDP support. NDP members raise points of order, arguing the privilege motion is being misused for debate and is not based on facts. The Speaker manages the discussion, seeking relevance and brevity before adjourning the debate. 3600 words, 30 minutes in 2 segments: 1 2.

Statements by Members

Government failures on extremism, terrorism
Gratitude to family for support
Retirement of Hansard's Bruce Young
Global Network of Women Legislators
Red River Métis Self-Government Treaty
Yukon Days on the Hill celebration
Reverend Peter Barrow's passing at 92
Revitalizing downtown Ottawa
Violence Against Women Remembrance Day
Death of rodeo champion Merv Churchill
Bloc Québécois betrayed Quebeckers' interests
École Polytechnique massacre 35th anniversary
Liberals refuse to disclose financial numbers
École Polytechnique tragedy commemoration
National Day of Remembrance: Violence Against Women
Jean-Guy Carrier's heroic rescue
NDP Leader's high expenses
École Polytechnique massacre: 35 years

Question Period

The Conservatives criticized the government's fiscal management and the rising deficit. They linked the Carbon Tax to the high cost of living, driving up food prices and food bank usage. They criticized the NDP-Liberal coalition for propping up the government and demanded a "carbon tax election" to "axe the tax".
The Liberals emphasize their efforts to address affordability through measures like a GST break on essentials, the Canada child benefit, a national school food program, and affordable child care. They highlight the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women and their work combating gender-based violence and online hate via Bill C-63. They defend their economic record and carbon pricing, while criticizing the Conservatives for opposing these measures.
The NDP focus on cost of living, advocating to permanently scrap the GST on essentials and end disability benefit clawbacks. They also question infrastructure funding like the Arctic Bay harbour and raise points about House rules and procedure.
The Bloc pressed the government on repealing the religious exemption for hate speech, criticized issues with veterans' sculptures, and highlighted blocking snow clearing on a Lachine Canal bike path.
The Greens urge the government to advance Bill C-33 concerning rail and marine safety, noting delays.

École polytechnique de Montréal Members commemorate the 35th anniversary of the École Polytechnique massacre, remembering the 14 women killed. They emphasize the ongoing threat of misogyny and gender-based violence, including intimate partner violence and the disproportionate impact on Indigenous women. Speakers call for action to end violence, address gun control, and combat the rise of online misogyny. 3200 words, 30 minutes.

Access to Parliamentary Precinct Members debate a Conservative question of privilege regarding a protest in the Confederation Building that allegedly impeded access and jeopardized safety. Conservative MPs shared personal accounts and alleged NDP involvement. NDP MPs argued the question was improper, the speeches repetitive, and denied involvement, calling it a spurious political attack. MPs emphasize the importance of parliamentary access and safety. 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

December 6th, 2024 / 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

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—