Debates of Feb. 28th, 2024

House of Commons Hansard #287 of the 44th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was parents.

Topics

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

Statements by Members

Kitchener renovictions and social housing

Murder of Alexei Navalny by Putin

Remembering the life of Jack Donald

Canada-Nepal Friendship

40th anniversary of CEPS Drummond

Pink Shirt Day and anti-bullying

Remembering Listowel's arena roof collapse

Lillie Johnson and Order of Canada

Humanitarian crisis in Gaza

Critique of carbon tax increase

St. Patrick's Day parade in Hudson

Critique of carbon tax and grocery costs

ArriveCAN app scandal and costs

Tribe Network supporting Black entrepreneurs

Inuit, indigenous, and northern women

Mirabel, Maple Capital of the World

ArriveCAN app cost and quarantine

Coldest Night of the Year walk

Question Period

The Conservatives focus on the RCMP investigation into ArriveCAN and accuse the Prime Minister of blocking access to documents. They condemn the planned carbon tax hike, arguing it increases costs, especially for food, and contributes to increased food bank visits. They criticize the government for doubling housing costs and propose their plan to build homes. They also raise concerns about other tax increases and criticize the Bloc Québécois for voting with the government.

The Liberals address the ArriveCAN situation, emphasizing authorities are reviewing it. They defend programs like dental care, pharmacare, and the Canada carbon rebate, stating it leaves 8 out of 10 families better off. They highlight housing investments and efforts to increase competition and fight climate change, contrasting with Conservative approaches.

The Bloc demands Quebec opt out of pharmacare with compensation. They push for improving seniors' pensions in the budget. The Bloc also seeks accountability for the ArriveCAN scandal and calls for measures to recover funds.

The NDP blame corporate greed for high costs and hurting healthcare, raising concerns about environmental risks from corporate projects. They highlight the housing crisis in the North, high food prices and food banks, and seek a plan for droughts and wildfires.

The Greens raise concerns about wildfires and potential delays or weakening of clean electricity regulations.

Motion That Debate Be Not Further Adjourned Members debate a Liberal motion to extend House sitting hours and end overnight voting. The government and NDP argue it provides more debate time and improves working conditions, necessary due to Conservative obstruction. Conservatives view it as government control, hindering debate, and argue the issue is the government's unpopular agenda, not House rules. Health concerns from long sittings are also raised. 4600 words, 35 minutes.

Employment Insurance Act Report stage of Bill C-318. The bill seeks to amend EI and the Canada Labour Code to provide 15 additional weeks of leave to adoptive and intended parents, equalizing benefits with birth parents. Supporters highlight the importance of time to attach and fairness. The government states similar changes are in Bill C-59, arguing its approach is better, while opposition critics accuse the government of delay and politicization and failing to include Indigenous customary care. 7300 words, 1 hour.

Government Business No. 35—Extension of Sitting Hours and Conduct of Extended Proceedings Members debate a motion changing House procedures to allow more evening debate and prevent lengthy voting sessions. Supporters argue it improves efficiency and staff well-being, while opponents claim it limits debate and is a tactic to avoid obstruction. The debate includes accusations and differing views on work ethic. 4400 words, 1 hour.

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Government Business No. 35—Extension of Sitting Hours and Conduct of Extended ProceedingsGovernment Orders

8 p.m.

The Deputy Speaker Chris d'Entremont

It being 8:01 p.m., pursuant to order made earlier today, it is my duty to interrupt the proceedings and put forthwith every question necessary to dispose of Motion No. 35 under Government Business, which is now before the House.

The question is on the motion.

If a member participating in person wishes that the motion be carried or carried on division, or that a member of a recognized party participating in person wishes to request a recorded division, I would invite them to rise and indicate it to the Chair.

The hon. member for Battle River—Crowfoot.

Government Business No. 35—Extension of Sitting Hours and Conduct of Extended ProceedingsGovernment Orders

8 p.m.

Conservative

Damien Kurek Conservative Battle River—Crowfoot, AB

I would ask for a recorded vote.

Government Business No. 35—Extension of Sitting Hours and Conduct of Extended ProceedingsGovernment Orders

8 p.m.

The Deputy Speaker Chris d'Entremont

Call in the members.

(The House divided on the motion, which was agreed to on the following division:)

Vote #654

Government Business No. 35—Extension of Sitting Hours and Conduct of Extended ProceedingsGovernment Orders

8:40 p.m.

The Deputy Speaker Chris d'Entremont

I declare the motion carried.

It being 8:45 p.m., the House stands adjourned until tomorrow at 10 a.m., pursuant to Standing Order 24(1).

(The House adjourned at 8:45 p.m.)