Debates of March 21st, 2024

House of Commons Hansard #293 of the 44th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was vote.

Topics

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

Petitions

Recall elections

Vote against Bill C-21

Legalize firearm sound moderators

Pass Bill C-270

National economic abuse awareness day

National school food program funding

Bold emissions caps for oil

Reopen Joyceville Institution abattoir

Stop firearm bans

Increase volunteer firefighter tax credit

Opposition Motion—Carbon Tax Election Members debate a Conservative non-confidence motion in the costly government over increasing the carbon tax 23 % on April 1 while Canadians cannot afford to eat, heat and house themselves, and a call for the House to be dissolved so Canadians can vote in a carbon tax election. Conservatives argue the tax exacerbates the housing crisis and cost of living, citing the Parliamentary Budget Officer that most pay more than they get in rebates. Liberals defend the tax as crucial for climate change and green economy, stating rebates benefit most households. The Bloc argues the federal tax does not apply in Quebec and criticizes the motion's premise. The NDP highlights corporate greed as a key inflation driver and points to achievements like dental care. Parties disagree on the tax's impact, effectiveness, and the need for an election. 48500 words, 5 hours in 2 segments: 1 2.

Witness Responses at Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates Members debate a question of privilege regarding a witness from GC Strategies who refused to answer questions at the Government Operations Committee investigating the ArriveCAN app. Members discuss the witness's potential breach of privilege or contempt of Parliament, emphasizing the importance of committee powers and the supremacy of Parliament in holding individuals and government accountable. 4500 words, 30 minutes in 2 segments: 1 2.

Statements by Members

Epilepsy awareness and Purple Day

Easter and the resurrection of Jesus

Arctic Winter Games in Alaska

Quebec Winter Games in Sherbrooke

World Water Day and Canada's responsibilities

Tribute to Helen Horodynsky (Ukraine)

Greek Independence Day and Prime Minister

International Transgender Day of Visibility

Arrive Scam and Liberal corruption

Military justice system modernization act

Carbon tax impact on Alberta families

Cost of living crisis and carbon tax

Alpha's Discovery Kids anniversary

International Day for the Elimination of Racism

Death of Yves Michaud (Quebec)

Carbon tax increase and affordability

Greek Independence Day celebrations

Question Period

The Conservatives repeatedly state the government is not worth the cost, linking rising cost of living and food bank usage to the carbon tax. They criticize the April 1 carbon tax hike and challenge government claims about rebates, citing the PBO. They frequently call for a carbon tax election to let Canadians decide, also mentioning scandals.

The Liberals defend their carbon rebate, stating it puts more money in eight out of 10 Canadians' pockets and is crucial for fighting climate change. They contrast their "action" on climate and affordability with Conservative "inaction." They highlight investments in housing, social programs like dental care, and announce new legislation to modernize military justice.

The Bloc criticizes the Liberals' repeated refusals to Quebec's requests on various issues, including immigration management and funding. They highlight government inaction on asylum seeker work permits, agricultural support, and judicial appointments.

The NDP highlights the housing and rent crisis, calling for a fund to protect renters. They criticize the government for not implementing a windfall tax on oil and gas profits, failing to support striking military civilian workers, and letting funding for HIV self-testing kits expire.

The Green Party criticizes the current climate debate as unserious and proposes bringing scientific experts to a committee after Easter.

Supplementary Estimates (C), 2023-24 First reading of Bill C-67. The bill authorizes spending for the federal public administration for the fiscal year ending March 2024, proceeding through first, second, and third readings. 300 words.

Interim Supply Members concur in interim supply of over $74 billion to fund government operations for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025. Liberals, Bloc, and NDP vote in favour, Conservatives and one Independent vote against. 700 words.

Interim Supply First reading of Bill C-68. The bill grants certain sums of money for the federal public administration for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025, passing through second reading, committee stage, report stage, and third reading. 600 words, 10 minutes.

Adjournment Debates

Canada caregiver credit Bonita Zarrillo presses the government to make the Canada caregiver credit refundable, highlighting the financial struggles of unpaid carers and the unfulfilled promise. Iqra Khalid defends the existing Canada caregiver credit and emphasizes the CRA's efforts to ensure access to benefits, including the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program.

Funding for UNRWA Kevin Vuong questions the government's decision to resume funding to UNRWA despite allegations of UNRWA employee involvement in the October 7th Hamas attack. Anita Vandenbeld defends the decision, citing the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza and UNRWA's role in providing aid, stating that Canada will ensure no funding reaches terrorist groups.

Federal carbon tax Damien Kurek criticizes the carbon tax, saying it hurts Canadians and that a recent non-confidence vote showed that only Conservatives stand against it. Iqra Khalid defends the carbon tax as a means to fight climate change, adding that most families get more back in rebates than they pay.

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

Vote #676

Bill C-67 Supplementary Estimates (C), 2023-24Government Orders

6:10 p.m.

The Assistant Deputy Speaker Carol Hughes

I declare the motion carried.

Accordingly, this bill stands referred to a committee of the whole. I do now leave the chair for the House to go into committee of the whole.

(Bill read the second time and the House went into committee of the whole thereon, Mr. Chris d'Entremont in the chair)

(On clause 2)

Bill C-67 Supplementary Estimates (C), 2023-24Government Orders