Debates of Feb. 13th, 2024

House of Commons Hansard #281 of the 44th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was medical.

Topics

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

Petitions

Windfall tax for oil companies

Cancel firearms buyback program

Public prayer in Canadian Armed Forces

Support Bill C-318

Climate change a health threat

Motion That Debate Be Not Further Adjourned Members debate the use of time allocation on Bill C-62, which proposes delaying the expansion of medical assistance in dying to include mental illness as a sole condition. The government argues swift passage is needed before the March 17 deadline due to provincial unreadiness. Conservatives object to rushing the sensitive debate. Other parties express mixed views on closure but acknowledge the deadline to avoid confusion. 4900 words, 35 minutes.

Proceedings on Bill C-62 Members debate Bill C-62 to extend the temporary exclusion of medical assistance in dying eligibility for persons suffering solely from mental illness until March 17, 2027. Discussion focuses on concerns about health system readiness, safeguards, and the difficulty of determining irremediability. While the delay is broadly supported, some members, particularly Conservatives, argue the expansion should never occur, citing risks to vulnerable individuals and the need for improved mental health supports. The urgency of passing the bill before the March 17 deadline is highlighted. 20800 words, 3 hours.

Statements by Members

New Brunswick abortion clinic closure

NDP-Liberal coalition harming rural Canada

Liberal policies empowering women

Celebrating agriculture and agri-food workers

Importance of perinatal mental health

Celebrating Canada's agriculture day

Sexual and reproductive health awareness

Liberal support for women's reproductive rights

The carbon tax hurting Canadians

Liberal support for women's choices

ArriveScam app and carbon tax

ArriveScam app corruption investigation requested

Sexual and reproductive health awareness week

Challenges facing Canadian farmers

Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament

ArriveScam app scandal investigation demanded

Celebrating Canada's agriculture day

Question Period

The Conservatives heavily criticized the government's handling of the $60-million ArriveCAN app, citing poor management, potential corruption, and calling for an RCMP investigation. They also attacked the planned carbon tax increase, linking it to high costs for Canadians and farmers, and highlighted job losses in the economy.

The Liberals responded to questions about the ArriveCAN app and the Auditor General's report, acknowledging concerns but emphasizing the context of the pandemic and asserting that politicians don't direct RCMP investigations. They highlighted initiatives in housing, the economy (jobs, poverty reduction), climate action (carbon pricing), women's health (childcare, menstrual equity, mental health), MAID, and support for vulnerable Canadians.

The Bloc focused on medical assistance in dying, urging support for advance requests and respecting Quebec's law. They questioned the government's handling of CEBA loans, seeking flexibility. They also demanded accountability for the $60 million ArriveCAN app scandal.

The NDP criticize the government's handling of the housing crisis, citing poor conditions and calling for increased support for shelters to combat violence against women. They demand reversing Indigenous child welfare funding cuts and ending arms exports to Israel amidst the conflict in Gaza.

Government Business No. 34—Proceedings on Bill C-62 Members debate Bill C-62, proposing a three-year extension to the temporary exclusion of Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) for mental illness. Liberals argue the delay allows provinces and health systems time to prepare with training and safeguards. Conservatives oppose the expansion, citing concerns about irremediability, lack of supports, and inadequate safeguards, advocating for a permanent pause. The Bloc Québécois supports MAID and advance requests, aligning with Quebec's framework, but sought a shorter delay for mental illness eligibility. The NDP supports the pause given the tight deadline and calls for swift passage. 30900 words, 4 hours in 2 segments: 1 2.

Alleged Inadmissibility of Amendment to Motion, Government Business No. 34 Andrew Scheer raises a point of order challenging an amendment to a programming motion for Bill C-62, arguing it improperly introduces substantive changes to the bill's text into a procedural motion. 800 words.

Criminal Code Second reading of Bill C-273. The bill, Bill C-273, proposes to repeal section 43 of the Criminal Code, which justifies the use of reasonable force for correction by parents and teachers. Supporters argue for the protection of children and aligning with TRC call to action 6. Opponents raise concerns about criminalizing reasonable physical intervention for safety and discipline. 8200 words, 1 hour.

Alleged Inadmissibility of Amendment to Motion, Government Business No. 34—Speaker's Ruling The Deputy Speaker rules an amendment to a procedural motion on Bill C-62 (MAID) is in order. The amendment substantively changes the bill but is admissible as the motion combines stages, offering no other opportunity to amend. 500 words.

Criminal Code Second reading of Bill C-62. The bill would delay the expansion of medical assistance in dying (MAID) eligibility to individuals whose sole medical condition is a mental illness for three years. The government states this allows time for preparation and training, while opposition parties debate the expansion itself, the need for social supports, and provincial differences on MAID. 8500 words, 1 hour.

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HousingOral Questions

February 13th, 2024 / 3:10 p.m.

Central Nova Nova Scotia

Liberal

Sean Fraser LiberalMinister of Housing

Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. member for his concern for the quality of accommodations that families are living through in this country. He is right to point out that, for several decades, governments, both Liberal and Conservative, failed to invest in affordable housing, but that changed with the introduction of the national housing strategy in 2017.

We have been investing to help build or retrofit several hundred thousand homes that people are living in today. In the fall economic statement, we have recapitalized the affordable housing fund with an addition billion dollars and another $300 million toward co-operative housing. We are going to continue to make the investments necessary to ensure that every Canadian has a roof over their head.

Foreign AffairsOral Questions