Debates of Feb. 13th, 2024

Housing

[Sean Fraser, Liberal, Minister 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 Affairs

[Blake Desjarlais, NDP, Edmonton Griesbach, AB]

Mr. Speaker, as Netanyahu bombed Rafah, the supposed safe zone, over 75 Palestinians were killed overnight. We are witnessing a crime of unproportionate horror in Gaza every day. Children are left orphaned as entire families are wiped out in this onslaught. Meanwhile, the Liberals continue to arm Netanyahu with over 28 million dollars' worth of military exports since October alone.

How many more Palestinian children have to be killed before the government ends arms exports to Israel?

[Rob Oliphant, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs]

Mr. Speaker, it is an important question.

What is happening in Gaza is a complete tragedy. Netanyahu's military operation in Rafah is devastating Palestinians and others who are seeking shelter. Gazans have nowhere else to go, and as the minister said, asking them to move again is totally unacceptable.

This violence must stop. We must have a sustainable peace. Hostages must be returned, and we must find a way forward to get humanitarian assistance to the people who need it the most.

[Andrew Scheer, Conservative, Regina—Qu'Appelle, SK]

Mr. Speaker, I am seeking unanimous consent. I move that the House express its solidarity with the parishioners of—

[Some hon. members]

No.

[The Speaker, Greg Fergus]

I am afraid the hon. member, even before asking his question, is soliciting noes in the House.

Once again, I encourage all members to please try to negotiate their requests for unanimous consent so we can make sure we use our time most efficiently.

[James Bezan, Conservative, Selkirk—Interlake—Eastman, MB]

Mr. Speaker, I am sure you will find unanimous consent for the following motion. I move that the House condemns Russia's illegal—

[Some hon. members]

No.

[The Speaker, Greg Fergus]

The hon. member does not have unanimous consent.

[Jenica Atwin, Liberal, Fredericton, NB]

Mr. Speaker, there have been discussions among the parties—

[Some hon. members]

No.

[The Speaker, Greg Fergus]

There is no consent.

I see we are going to be playing this game again today.

[Garnett Genuis, Conservative, Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, AB]

Mr. Speaker, during question period, I was reflecting on a unanimous consent motion that I would like to bring—

[Some hon. members]

No.

[The Speaker, Greg Fergus]

The hon. member does not have unanimous consent.

[Dan Albas, Conservative, Central Okanagan—Similkameen—Nicola, BC]

Mr. Speaker, I move that given, after eight years of the Prime Minister, housing costs have doubled, that the CMHC itself admits that housing starts have—

[Some hon. members]

No.

[The Speaker, Greg Fergus]

The hon. member is also soliciting noes in seeking unanimous consent.

[Cathay Wagantall, Conservative, Yorkton—Melville, SK]

Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Canada-Ukraine Parliamentary Friendship Group, whose members were told yesterday by the chair of that group that we are all in support of our Ukrainian allies, I move that the House call upon the government to support—

[Some hon. members]

No.

[The Speaker, Greg Fergus]

Unfortunately, the hon. member does not have consent.

[Warren Steinley, Conservative, Regina—Lewvan, SK]

Mr. Speaker, given that the Auditor General revealed that GC Strategies—

[Some hon. members]

No.

[The Speaker, Greg Fergus]

Unfortunately, the hon. member for Regina—Lewvan does not have consent.

It is really important to again remind members, as well as Canadians watching at home, that requesting unanimous consent is a very important tool for members of Parliament and for Parliament itself to consider issues that are timely and cannot be considered through the normal process.

Normally, the process is that members consult with the leadership teams of all officially recognized parties, and the independents, to negotiate ahead of time to save time for members to present their points of order. I am happy to recognize members on points of order, but it would be respectful to other members in the House if members were to make serious efforts at seeking unanimous consent.

I recognize the hon. member, a former chair and current House officer, the member for Regina—Qu'Appelle, who is rising on a point of order.

[Andrew Scheer, Conservative, Regina—Qu'Appelle, SK]

Mr. Speaker, the Blessed Sacrament church in Regina was subject to arson and vandalism, and I believe you will find unanimous consent for the House recognizing the right of Canadians to gather to worship or celebrate their faith—