House of Commons Hansard #385 of the 44th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was indigenous.
Peter Julian NDP New Westminster—Burnaby, BC
Madam Speaker, since I only have a few minutes of speaking time, I will start by saying that the Conservative Party, which imposed the GST on new homes, is now proposing to eliminate the GST that the party itself imposed. It just goes to show how insincere the Conservatives are on this issue.
It should also be said that the mover of the motion is not present in the House right now, so the amendment just moved by the Bloc Québécois could not be moved. I, of course—
Opposition Motion—Federal Sales Tax on New HomesBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders
Conservative
Alex Ruff Conservative Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound, ON
Madam Speaker, on a point of order, the NDP member fully understands that he cannot refer to a person's presence in the chamber.
Opposition Motion—Federal Sales Tax on New HomesBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders
Liberal
The Assistant Deputy Speaker (Mrs. Alexandra Mendès) Liberal Alexandra Mendes
I am sorry; I was not paying attention as I was listening to advice. However, the hon. member knows that we cannot refer to presences or absences in the House.
The hon. member for New Westminster—Burnaby has the floor.
Peter Julian NDP New Westminster—Burnaby, BC
Madam Speaker, I found it sad that the amendment was not able to be proposed. I will be proposing another one in two minutes. I would expect the House leader, the deputy House leader, the whip or the deputy whip of the Conservative Party to be here. If they take this motion seriously, that is how—
Opposition Motion—Federal Sales Tax on New HomesBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders
Liberal
The Assistant Deputy Speaker (Mrs. Alexandra Mendès) Liberal Alexandra Mendes
Again, the hon. member knows that we cannot mention presences or absences in the House. The hon. member can say that they would accept or not.
Peter Julian NDP New Westminster—Burnaby, BC
Madam Speaker, I am just repeating your words, which were in order, which is why I am going to be proposing the motion.
However, the fact that the Conservatives imposed the GST on new homes and now they are proposing to take it off is a bit passing strange. The Conservatives have never apologized for doing that, neither have they apologized for refusing to support what the NDP has been pushing, which is taking the GST off family essentials, telecom, home heating and all of those things. Conservatives say they are concerned about the cost of living, but aside from 12 words they use in their multiple slogans, they have not shown sincerity in any of these cases and in actually doing something that would help people.
Of course with the NDP, Conservative constituents have gotten dental care, and they are getting pharmacare, anti-scab legislation and affordable housing. The NDP has proposed, and Conservatives will be voting on it shortly, to ensure that the GST be taken off family essentials. The NDP wants to make it permanent, and the Conservatives will be judged on how they vote.
Without further ado, I would like to amend the motion in the following way, seconded by the terrific member for London—Fanshawe. I move that the motion be amended by replacing the word “homes” with the words “principal residences”.
I am moving this amendment because this motion is unclear. It should specify whether it applies to housing or to homes. The French version is not clear.
Opposition Motion—Federal Sales Tax on New HomesBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders
Liberal
The Assistant Deputy Speaker (Mrs. Alexandra Mendès) Liberal Alexandra Mendes
It is my duty to inform hon. members that an amendment to an opposition motion may be moved only with the consent of the sponsor of the motion, or in the case that he or she is not present, consent may be given or denied by the House leader, the deputy House leader, the whip or the deputy whip of the sponsor's party. Since none of these members has risen in the chamber to give their consent, the amendment cannot be moved at this time.
Opposition Motion—Federal Sales Tax on New HomesBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders
Conservative
John Brassard Conservative Barrie—Innisfil, ON
Madam Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition's proposal to remove the GST on home sales has been universally accepted as a good plan, a plan that puts money back in the pockets of potential homeowners. Does the hon. member not agree that this would be a good plan to put money back in the pockets of people who are buying homes, so they can afford them?
Peter Julian NDP New Westminster—Burnaby, BC
Mr. Speaker, the problem is that the Conservatives did this in the first place. They imposed the GST on new homes. Now Conservatives are saying they made a mistake. The NDP certainly agrees. The Conservatives have made a hell of a lot of mistakes; this is only one of so many they have made.
The fact that a number of amendments have been moved in good faith by a number of parties, including the Bloc and the NDP, and not a single Conservative proposer or House leader, deputy House leader, whip or deputy whip has been in the House shows how seriously Conservatives take the motion before us today.
Chandra Arya Liberal Nepean, ON
Mr. Speaker, on November 13, Somaliland held its presidential election. I extend my congratulations to President-elect Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, Irro, for his landside victory. It is a testament to the trust and confidence the people of Somaliland have placed in his leadership.
I want to recognize the outgoing president, Muse Bihi Abdi, and thank him for his service. I also congratulate the KAAH party on winning to become one of the three officially recognized political parties.
We are in a world where elections are often disputed, as recently witnessed in a couple of countries in Europe. The use of biometric voter identification and the peaceful transfer of power are not just a triumph for Somaliland but also a powerful inspiration to Africa and to democratic countries around the world.
Kelly McCauley Conservative Edmonton West, AB
Mr. Speaker, I rise to honour the Elves Special Needs Society, an organization that has made a profound impact on so many people in Edmonton. We are fortunate to have many charities and not-for-profits that serve Edmonton, and Elves stands out as truly one of the best.
Recently celebrating its 50th anniversary, Elves, named for its benefactor, Milton Elves, and not for the North Pole elves, began with just three staff members and seven children. Over the years, it has grown to a vital service, supporting over 400 learners with severe disabilities and special needs. Now with two facilities, Elves provides personalized education and day programs that significantly enhance the lives of individuals and their families. With more than 200 dedicated staff now, Elves continues to offer inclusive, family-centred services.
For five decades, Elves has remained true to its commitment to service, continually adapting and evolving to the needs of our community. Elves provides hope, love, dignity and opportunity to the people who need it the most.
Joanne Thompson Liberal St. John's East, NL
Mr. Speaker, I say this every year, but I cannot believe it is December already. When I was a young girl, Christmas was a time of magic, lights, foods that we rarely got to taste, the school nativity program, and early Christmas morning mass when I really wanted to be home with my toys. Then and now it was a time of joy, new beginnings and peace, and a season to remember acts of kindness.
I thank all the frontline and essential workers for all they do. To the many volunteers who work tirelessly for a more equitable society, I say thank you. I thank my constituents for their ongoing support. To my family, with love, I say thank you, and to the members visiting today, I say that I love them; I could not do this without their support.
I wish my colleagues and all in the House a Merry Christmas.
Yves Perron Bloc Berthier—Maskinongé, QC
Mr. Speaker, there is a lot to celebrate this year in Berthier—Maskinongé, where three community organizations are marking their 30th anniversary. What an amazing milestone.
The Réseau des aidants naturels d'Autray has made it its mission to improve the quality of life of caregivers by providing them with services and a place to meet other caregivers in order to break their isolation.
The Maison des jeunes Le Gros Orteil in Saint‑Jean‑de‑Matha is a place where local youth can participate in wholesome activities and work on their social skills in a safe environment.
Lastly, the Centre L'Étape du bassin de Maskinongé welcomes people struggling with addiction in a supportive, judgment-free environment. Its activities are focused on intervention, prevention and awareness.
The people who operate these three organizations are making a real difference in the community. They are changing and saving lives. I congratulate them on reaching 30 years and thank them for what they do. Long may they continue.
Emmanuel Dubourg Liberal Bourassa, QC
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to inform the House of Commons of Canada that, at a ceremony held in New York in November, the International Federation of Accountants honoured Sheila Fraser, FCPA, as the 2024 recipient of its Global Leadership Award.
Originally from Quebec, Ms. Fraser was Canada's first auditor general, a position she held from 2001 to 2011. She has received multiple honours, including the CA Émérite award and the designation “fellow” from both the Ordre des comptables agréés du Québec and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario, in addition to several honorary degrees. Ms. Fraser has been a tireless advocate for transparency and good governance in the private and public sectors. Her career has been a shining example of integrity and accountability.
Congratulations to Sheila Fraser, a fellow CPA.
Kyle Seeback Conservative Dufferin—Caledon, ON
Mr. Speaker, I am going to talk about my friend, the Hon. John McDermid. He was the member of Parliament for Brampton—Georgetown from 1979 to 1993 and a cabinet minister in the Mulroney government from 1988 to 1993, when he retired.
John generously gave of his time in the community. He was an honorary colonel in the Lorne Scots. He was the chair of our local hospital board.
I met John in 1988, when I was 17 years old, and I volunteered on his campaign. John returned that favour in spades in 2019 when he helped me get re-elected. Over the five years that followed, John became a mentor and a friend, and he shared so many amazing anecdotes from his time in Brian Mulroney's government.
On Thursday night, I had the opportunity to give John a King Charles III Coronation Medal in his hospital room, surrounded by many of his closest friends. On Friday night, John passed away, surrounded by his family.
John was a true gentleman. He was a patriot. He served his country with honour and distinction. Godspeed, John. God bless him and his family.
Tony Van Bynen Liberal Newmarket—Aurora, ON
Mr. Speaker, on November 12, the 28th annual holiday heroes toy and food drive was officially kicked off by York Regional Police. Over the years, it has helped over 100,000 Canadians in need by collecting donations of cash, gift cards, toys, non-perishable food items and children's clothing.
I thank the Newmarket Soccer Club for hosting, and I thank the York Regional Police. I thank the partners, the Salvation Army and Victim Services of York Region, which play a key role in distributing these items throughout the community. I thank, also, our community. We live in a place I am proud to call home. I am proud of how we support each other and of our willingness to give.
To quote Dr. Seuss, “Christmas Day will always be just as long as we have we”.
Judy Sgro Liberal Humber River—Black Creek, ON
Mr. Speaker, the persecution of Ahmadi Muslims is a harsh reality in many parts of the world, where they face violence, discrimination, and the denial of their basic rights simply for practising their faith. This injustice highlights the importance of religious freedom. Here in Canada, we are fortunate to live in a society that values and upholds this freedom. Every individual has the right to worship without fear of persecution. I am proud that many in the Ahmadiyya community, under the leadership of national president Lal Khan Malik, have chosen Humber River—Black Creek to call their home.
Our community is undoubtedly better for having the Ahmadiyya community among us, as they inspire us with their values of peace, tolerance and community service. As Canadians, we must appreciate and protect religious freedom for all, ensuring a world where respect, understanding and inclusion flourish.
Love for all, hatred for none.
Blaine Calkins Conservative Red Deer—Lacombe, AB
Mr. Speaker, will the NDP leader stand by his words or is he just a walking, talking pile of contradictions? Do members remember when the NDP leader said he was going to rip up his supply and confidence deal? That was just a stunt for the Elmwood—Transcona by-election.
As it turns out, the Prime Minister names the tune, and the NDP leader is happy to sing along. The NDP leader was happy to sing along to the tune of doubling housing costs. The NDP leader was happy to sing along to letting dangerous criminals out on bail. The NDP leader was happy to sing along to the tune of driving food bank use to an all-time high, leading to two million visits in just one month. The NDP leader is going to sing along to the tune of quadrupling the carbon tax, which will drive up the cost of gas, groceries and home heating.
Will the NDP leader start singing his own tune and finally vote non-confidence so that Conservatives can axe the tax, build the homes, fix the budget and stop the crime, or will the NDP leader sing along with the Liberals, so that the Prime Minister gets the power, he gets his pension and Canadians get the bill?
Mona Fortier Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON
Mr. Speaker, it is with profound sadness that I rise today to pay tribute to renowned Franco-Ontarian journalist and columnist Denis Gratton, who left us on December 7. A native of Vanier, Mr. Gratton was a towering voice for the Ottawa—Vanier community and for Ontario's francophones.
A veteran scribe for the daily newspaper Le Droit, he not only wrote about the realities of everyday life but also gave a voice to the voiceless. His courage left an indelible mark, including the time in 1993 he accompanied Canadian peacekeepers in war-torn Bosnia. He played a key role at historic moments, such as when he supported the fight for Hôpital Montfort's survival. His commitment to the francophonie, his humanity and his ability to make us think, laugh and cry touched an entire community.
Denis was much more than a journalist. He was an ambassador for our culture and our rights. My thoughts are with his family. I am grateful to Denis for all that he did.
Michelle Ferreri Conservative Peterborough—Kawartha, ON
Mr. Speaker, the leader of the NDP will get his $2.2-million pension while Canadians get the misery and the bill. The leader of the NDP continues to keep a prime minister in power who has doubled the cost of housing, doubled rent, and created record-high usage of food banks and record-high increases in child poverty.
Why have we not had an election? It is because the leader of the NDP continues to keep the Prime Minister in power. He told Canadians he was ripping up the supply and confidence agreement, yet here we are again. Members do not need to take my word for it. I will quote the leader of the NDP. Here are his exact words: “The fact is, the Liberals are too weak, too selfish and too beholden to corporate interests to fight for people”.
There is only one person responsible for keeping the Prime Minister in power despite the genuine suffering and misery of Canadians, and that is the leader of the NDP.
Jacques Gourde Conservative Lévis—Lotbinière, QC
Mr. Speaker, fall economic statements were introduced by Liberal finance minister Paul Martin in order to combat the deficit. Mr. Martin's legacy seems to have been tarnished by the new practices of this incompetent Liberal government. The $40‑billion deficit target seems to have been exceeded, and then some.
The Parliamentary Budget Officer now forecasts a 2024-25 federal deficit of $46.4 billion, exceeding the already astronomical targets. Canadians are calling the government to account and demanding that it immediately reveal the true size of the deficit, whose consequences will be borne by future generations.
A Conservative government will fix the budget by enacting a dollar-for-dollar law that requires all new spending be offset with an equal amount of savings. That is how Canadian families manage their finances and make it through to the end of the month. This is how a responsible Conservative government will fix the budget.
Peter Fragiskatos Liberal London North Centre, ON
Mr. Speaker, a tax cut for Canadians is exactly what this government is going forward with, beginning on December 14 and carrying through to February. We have heard from Canadians. We know the challenges they have been through in previous years. During the pandemic, we stood with Canadians, and into the modern day, we stand with them. I have stood with my constituents during this time.
I know what this will mean for them, this lifting of the GST and HST off of the cost of groceries and off of the cost of a night out for a meal for a family of four. Members can imagine what that will do at a family restaurant and what that will do for the entrepreneurs of those restaurants. It is no surprise that restaurant owners across the country, including restaurant associations, are completely behind this measure. I also think about the young families looking forward to bringing a new little boy or girl into the household. Those car seats are expensive. I have personal experience with that. Lifting tax on that is going to go a long way.
That is why we did it. We are going to continue to stand there for the people of this country.
Rachel Blaney NDP North Island—Powell River, BC
Mr. Speaker, I stand with all postal workers across Canada and in my riding of North Island—Powell River. Can members imagine being paid so little that they could not afford the very basics for living while their bosses were making hundreds of thousands of dollars every year? Why is it that management feels comfortable padding its pockets and then points the blame at those who strike? They are people brave enough to put themselves in a place where they are not getting paid, and they have now have lost their benefits. I say shame on them.
I have stood on the picket line with some of these folks, and when I get home, I will join them again if they are still not able to do the jobs they desperately want to do. The Conservatives will never stand on the picket line, fighting alongside those brave union members, who have made this country better for every single Canadian with their actions. The Liberals need to stop interrupting the process and allow for fair negotiations.
I thank the postal workers who are still collecting letters for Santa and delivering, in some cases without pay, cheques to the most vulnerable. I stand in solidarity with them.
Louis-Philippe Sauvé Bloc LaSalle—Émard—Verdun, QC
Mr. Speaker, today I want to highlight the 75th anniversary of Club Richelieu Verdun.
In my riding, the people who volunteer on behalf of this club work hard to promote the francophonie and improve the lives of people in our community through a host of charitable activities, in keeping with the club's motto, which is “peace and fraternity”.
Club members are tireless at holding fundraisers that squeeze the wealthy for all they are worth for the greater good of the young and the less fortunate. Examples include the club's past poker tournaments, silent auctions and dinners. Since 1949, the club has raised funds for a long list of causes like the Harmonie Richelieu Verdun choir, the Ancre des jeunes, Camp Richelieu St‑Côme, Petits Renards and Toujours ensemble, not to mention its support for the Société Saint-Vincent-de-Paul.
While this may not ring a bell for my colleagues, its meaning rings loud and clear to the people of Verdun. We who live in the southwest are a tightly knit bunch, and that is a beautiful thing.
Long live Club Richelieu Verdun.
Marty Morantz Conservative Charleswood—St. James—Assiniboia—Headingley, MB
Mr. Speaker, common-sense Conservatives have one simple request for the Prime Minister, which is to please just stop: stop the tax hikes, especially the job-killing carbon tax; stop fuelling inflation by cutting inflationary spending and axing the sales tax on homes so homebuyers can save up to $50,000; stop adding debt by confirming that the deficit has not risen above the $40-billion guardrail promised by the Prime Minister.
Never before has so much been spent to achieve so little. The Prime Minister has spent so much, he has added more debt than every other prime minister in Canadian history combined. Even former finance minister Bill Morneau agrees that inflationary spending has driven up the cost of everything.
There is an old adage that once one has dug oneself into a hole, it is time to stop digging. It is time for a carbon tax election so common-sense Conservatives can axe the tax, build the homes, fix the budget and stop the crime.