Debates of April 17th, 2024

[The Speaker, Liberal, Greg Fergus]

It being Wednesday, we will now have the singing of the national anthem led by the hon. member for Peace River—Westlock.

[Members sang the national anthem]

Parkinson's Awareness Month

[Lloyd Longfield, Liberal, Guelph, ON]

Mr. Speaker, the month of April is dedicated to bringing awareness to Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's is a lifelong, incurable brain disease, and no two journeys with Parkinson's are the same. In Canada, 30 individuals are diagnosed with the disease every day, and more than 100,000 people are living with it, including my wife, Barbara, and now my sister Paula. The reality for people who face a Parkinson's diagnosis is that many aspects of their lives will be disrupted. However, people living with Parkinson's can find new ambitions and joys, even many years after a diagnosis.

I am proud to support organizations such as Parkinson Canada, which are ensuring a better quality of life for those living with Parkinson's. This April, as we mark Parkinson's Awareness Month, I commit to advocating for more research, improved treatments and access to medicines and equitable care for people living with Parkinson's disease.

Together we can ensure that a full and vibrant life with Parkinson's is still possible.

Weldon Playground Project

[Randy Hoback, Conservative, Prince Albert, SK]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak on a respected example of indigenous reconciliation in the town of Weldon, Saskatchewan.

On Saturday, residents came together to participate in a pancake breakfast to raise money for a playground to commemorate the life of Wes Petterson. Wes was a former resident and victim of the mass stabbing on and around James Smith Cree Nation in September 2022.

The Weldon playground project was created in February to raise $150,000 for a new playground in Wes's memory. On Saturday, James Smith Cree Nation's Chief Kirby Constant, Chief Calvin Sanderson and Councillor Adam Whitehead presented the fundraising committee with a cheque for $116,000 to help build this playground.

During the breakfast, James Smith Cree Nation also gifted the town a painting by local indigenous artists. I must say that the room was filled with tears of joy.

May Wes's memory live on through the community playground built for the residents of Weldon and the surrounding area, as well as their families. To the James Smith Cree Nation, I thank them for their generosity and contribution to this project.

Eddy Nolan

[Anna Gainey, Liberal, Notre-Dame-de-Grâce—Westmount, QC]

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in the House to recognize a wonderful community leader and local hero, Eddy Nolan, who passed away on April 12. Eddy spread joy and inspired many of us.

His commitment to the Terry Fox Foundation annual run was contagious. Eddy ran his first marathon after watching Terry Fox cross Montreal's Jacques Cartier Bridge in 1980. He ran dozens over the years, raising more than a million dollars for cancer research.

Many students at Roslyn Elementary, where Eddy worked, knew him as a supportive and inspiring figure. He helped them learn how to talk about cancer.

I want to thank Eddy for his tremendous contribution. He will be missed.

Company Based in Mirabel

[Jean-Denis Garon, Bloc, Mirabel, QC]

Mr. Speaker, as members know, because I have often said it in the House, Mirabel's entrepreneurial community is teeming with talent. I have talked about our maple syrup before, so everyone knows about that, but now I want to talk about our baked goods, or more specifically, Farine et Chocolat, a thriving company. This proud Mirabel-based business, which was established by Mélissa Desjardins in 2012, specializes and excels in making peanut-free and nut-free artisanal baked goods, a wining and delicious formula.

I now want to draw members' attention to Miami. Yes, members heard me right, because that is where the prestigious American Cake Awards are being held on April 27 to honour the best bakers in North America.

Guess what? Farine et Chocolat is a finalist in the category of “rising star” in Canada. Imagine the sense of pride. On behalf of my constituents and, I trust, on behalf of the House, I want to wish the entire team at Farine et Chocolat the best of luck. I want to congratulate them and wish them well.

Next Generation of Farmers

[Brenda Shanahan, Liberal, Châteauguay—Lacolle, QC]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday's 2024 budget contained some very good news. We could never overstate the importance of giving young people every opportunity to achieve their potential and share their talents with the community, especially in agriculture, where the next generation is in short supply. That is why I want to highlight the effectiveness of the youth employment and skills program. This initiative, which has already been implemented, will provide the assistance that the agricultural sector needs to support about 1,200 jobs for young farmers across the country. In Châteauguay—Lacolle, soon to be Châteauguay—Les Jardins-de-Napierville, the program is a hit with farmers, including Delfland, Jardins A. Guérin et fils, Ferme Umami and Ferme Romuald. Thanks to this program, they can offer the next generation a helping hand.

World Autism Month

[Mike Lake, Conservative, Edmonton—Wetaskiwin, AB]

Mr. Speaker, April is World Autism Month, and it is now 26 years since my son Jaden was diagnosed. Since then, I have embarked on an unanticipated lifetime of learning experiences.

For example, I have learned at home to always check for finger lines in the butter, cupcakes or just food generally. I have learned that an urgent “bababababa” in the car often means an iPhone left behind or a missed Google Maps turn. More importantly, I have learned that we tend to wrongly divide the world into people who give help and people who need help. In reality, as human beings, we are helpers or those helped at various times; sometimes, we are both at once.

Deciphering what Jaden needs or wants is often incredibly hard, but I learn much in the process of waiting on him, paying attention to his non-verbal communication and assuming he has something to say. These lessons help me in every human interaction I have. Right now, finding ways to better understand one another is something our world needs more than anything else.

Interfaith Community Gathering

[Taleeb Noormohamed, Liberal, Vancouver Granville, BC]

Mr. Speaker, my riding of Vancouver Granville is a microcosm of Canada. We are diverse in faith and background, and we are united as Canadians.

Recently, I attended an interfaith dinner, hosted by the Foundation for a Path Forward and the South Vancouver Neighbourhood House. It left me with a full heart and full of hope for what we can do together.

With the theme of “breaking bread and building bonds”, Vancouver's faith leaders, politicians and community leaders sat together, broke bread and found common cause. This is an example for all of us in that, despite the challenges we see in our world every day, such as war, uncertainty and hate, we must never waver in our commitment to foster pluralism, understanding and empathy across our differences.

It is incumbent upon all of us to heed the lessons of that evening and redouble our efforts to build bridges of co-operation and mutual respect, as well as to draw inspiration from and to reaffirm our shared values of courage, strength and compassion.

Community Program for Seniors

[Judy Sgro, Liberal, Humber River—Black Creek, ON]

Mr. Speaker, today I want to share with members the inspiring program of Lucy and Lee's health and painting class in Humber River—Black Creek. Started by Lucy Catania and the late Lee Jackson, it is a program for seniors by seniors, where they can come together for a range of activities at the Carmine Stefano Community Centre.

One of their main activities is painting beautiful pieces of artwork. However, their program is not just about art; it is about social inclusion and mental well-being. Programs such as these are vital for our seniors, offering them more than just painting canvas; they offer a true sense of belonging.

Co-founder Lee Jackson passed away last year, but her legacy continues to inspire the seniors through a beautiful mural displayed in her memory. Let us continue supporting initiatives and programs that promote the mental well-being of our seniors.

I thank community leaders such as Lucy and Lee.

Public Services and Procurement

[Leslyn Lewis, Conservative, Haldimand—Norfolk, ON]

Mr. Speaker, it has been confirmed that the government broke the rules by giving preferential treatment to their Liberal friends at McKinsey & Company.

The procurement ombudsman has found that the government did, in fact, favour McKinsey, a firm that has received over $100 million of government contracts. The government even changed the eligibility requirements to make sure that McKinsey was selected.

The Prime Minister's friend, Dominic Barton, then CEO of McKinsey, recommended the creation of the $35-billion Canada Infrastructure Bank. It then awarded $1.5 million in contracts to McKinsey.

While the Prime Minister rewards his Liberal friends with cushy consulting jobs, Canadians are faced with out-of-control rents and mortgages; they are choosing between eating and heating their homes. This Liberal government is not worth the cost and not worth the corruption. Conservatives will end the corruption and fire high-priced consultants.

Health Care

[Ryan Turnbull, Liberal, Whitby, ON]

Mr. Speaker, it was deeply disheartening earlier this month to witness the Premier of Ontario resorting to personal attacks instead of addressing the pressing need for a Whitby hospital.

My constituents have shared distressing tales of loved ones enduring agonizing waits for essential care. These stories paint a dark picture of the dire state of our health care system in Durham Region, and the promise of funding a Whitby hospital was made. However, we have been waiting well over two years for a planning grant to move forward. The failure of the province to allocate necessary resources for this vital health care project comes on the heels of our government investing over $80 billion in Ontario's health care system.

The need for a fully equipped hospital in Whitby is not going away; in fact, it is getting more pressing and urgent every day. I will always advocate for families in my riding so our loved ones can get the health care they deserve.

Carbon Tax

[Brad Redekopp, Conservative, Saskatoon West, SK]

Mr. Speaker, after eight years, the NDP-Liberal government simply is not worth the cost. On April 1, it raised the carbon tax by 23%. This hits farmers and our food industry particularly hard. Canadians understand that when farmers, truckers and processors pay thousands of dollars in carbon tax, this makes the food we buy more expensive. Canadians are paying way too much at the grocery store for their food.

Another two million Canadians are visiting food banks each month just to feed their families because they can no longer afford groceries. Conservatives are fighting against the NDP-Liberal government every day to lower the price of groceries and to bring tax relief for Canadians. That is why Conservatives brought in Bill C-234 to remove the carbon tax on Canadian farmers. However, the Prime Minister’s hand-picked senators have gutted this bill, and NDP and Liberal MPs have worked very hard to keep the carbon tax on food.

It is time to axe the tax on farmers and food by immediately passing Bill C-234 in its original form. Let us axe the tax and bring it home.

Finance

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

Mr. Speaker, yesterday’s budget just offered more of the same after nine years of the NDP-Liberal government. It was the worst news possible for Canadians struggling to buy food, heat their homes and save for a down payment. The Prime Minister just will not listen to Canadians. He will not stop adding to his inflationary deficits that balloon interest rates. He will not stop putting social programs and jobs at risk. The $54 billion to be spent on debt interest surpasses federal health care spending, and he will not axe the carbon tax on farmers and food.

The budget is about to make life a whole lot worse for Canadians, and their message to the Prime Minister is clear: Just stop. Stop the out-of-control spending, deficits, inflation and tax hikes that are forcing struggling people over the edge. The budget, the government and the Prime Minister are not worth the cost to any generation.

It is time for common-sense Conservatives to clean up the mess and to govern with common sense for Canadians.

Indigenous Tourism

[Jenica Atwin, Liberal, Fredericton, NB]

Mr. Speaker, as international demand for indigenous tourism accelerates, our government is working with indigenous tourism operators to maximize the sector's potential. By investing $20 million in the indigenous tourism fund, we are not just supporting an industry; we are fostering reconciliation, empowerment and prosperity for indigenous communities.

The province of New Brunswick sits on the unceded territories of 15 first nations communities, and our indigenous tourism sector is growing rapidly. The wide network of operators offers rich and diverse experiences, ranging from art galleries to delicious traditional cuisine, from craft workshops to night kayaking.

A few weeks ago, when the hon. Minister of Tourism visited our riding, she and I had the opportunity to participate in a tree spirit tour led by Wolastoqey elder, Cecilia Brooks. This adventure is aimed at creating a more harmonious world by interacting with the land and by sharing a cultural experience together. Experiences like this are valuable, not only for our regional economy, but also for fostering shared understanding on our path toward meaningful reconciliation.

I invite all members to celebrate indigenous tourism and, better yet, to come to Fredericton to see the best of the best of indigenous tourism.

G.R.O.W. Family Health Care in London

[Lindsay Mathyssen, NDP, London—Fanshawe, ON]

Mr. Speaker, after years of Doug Ford gutting and privatizing our health care system, it is harder than ever to get support for young families, patients with complex needs and new Canadians, but a London family health care clinic has stepped up. Dr. Brenna Kaschor is the founder and a director of G.R.O.W., Grounded Roots, Open Wings, which is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to prevent and to treat adverse childhood experiences, and to prevent the intergenerational transmission of trauma.

Dr. Kaschor and her team strongly believe that the focus of our health system should be to foster wellness rather than treat disease, and they have supported more than 4,000 families and 1,800 kids in London. Most of their patients are low-income families and newcomers who do not have access to a family doctor and who cannot access services like breastfeeding support, postpartum counselling, systems navigation and so much more.

Dr. Kaschor and her incredible team are health care heroes, fighting for patients, unlike our current Conservative provincial government. We need to do more to deliver health care in a holistic way that puts people before profits.

Paul Brisson

[Marilène Gill, Bloc, Manicouagan, QC]

Mr. Speaker, today I would like to pay tribute to a great man from the north shore, Paul Brisson, who died on April 2 at the age of 79.

Originally from Les Bergeronnes, Mr. Brisson spent most of his life in Baie-Comeau, where he left his mark. He leaves a considerable legacy in the north shore media community. He began his journey in 1968 as co-founder of the Baie-Comeau newspaper Plein Jour. He went on to found or co-found some 15 north shore and Charlevoix weeklies. His tremendous contribution was recognized in 2010, when he received the Ordre des hebdos du Québec.

Paul Brisson was a man who believed in free speech and freedom of expression. He worked his entire life to promote freedom of the press and expand regional media. He spent his life ensuring that our voice was heard throughout the north shore and all of Quebec.

To his loved ones and the Éditions Nordiques extended family, I offer my sincerest condolences.

Thank you, Mr. Brisson.

The Economy

[Jasraj Singh Hallan, Conservative, Calgary Forest Lawn, AB]

Mr. Speaker, after seeing budgets balance themselves, the incompetent Liberal-NDP Prime Minister delivered his eighth inflationary budget that raised taxes and deficits. He poured $40 billion of new inflationary fuel on the fire he started. Canadians are on the hook to pay more for the Prime Minister's debt in interest charges than what goes to health care or to national defence.

This photo op budget gave no hope to the moms putting food back on grocery shelves or to those renewing their mortgages at double or triple the rate. He doubled mortgages, rents and the needed down payments on houses. He hiked the carbon tax scam 23%, after Canadians told him to spike the hike. He is not worth the cost.

It is time for a carbon tax election. The New Democrats need to stop protecting their leader's pension and propping up the corrupt Prime Minister. Let Canadians decide whether they want more Liberal-NDP corruption and more of the same or a common-sense Conservative government that will axe the tax, build the homes, fix the budget and stop the crime.

Let us bring it home.

Lakay Nou Television Show

[Emmanuel Dubourg, Liberal, Bourassa, QC]

Mr. Speaker, Lakay Nou means our house or our home in Creole. It is also the name of a television series with a mostly African-Canadian cast. This is the first time a series about the Haitian community has been broadcast by Radio-Canada.

I am proud to welcome the stars of Lakay Nou to Parliament Hill in Ottawa. They are Frédéric Pierre, Catherine Souffront, Fayolle Jean and Mireille Métellus, along with co-author Angelo Cadet.

I cannot say enough about the impact of this series, because the television representation of ethnocultural groups is a reflection of our diversity.

I commend Radio-Canada’s executives on this gesture. I congratulate everyone who helped produce Lakay Nou and wish them every success with their future shows.

The Budget

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, who is paying for this $50-billion orgy of new inflationary spending?

We know who will not pay. It will not be those with trust funds that protect their money, like the Prime Minister, nor the billionaires who invite him to their private islands. They will hide their money.

Who is going to pay? It will be the same people, as always. The ones who will pay are the ones who are losing their home because of rising interest rates, who are paying too many taxes, who cannot feed their own children.

Why are you paying for him?

[The Speaker, Liberal, Greg Fergus]

I remind members to direct their questions through the Chair.

The right hon. Prime Minister.

[Justin Trudeau, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, Canada’s economy cannot succeed if young Canadians cannot succeed.

Our economy must do more to ensure a bright future for young people, home ownership and the dream of the middle class that previous generations had. That is why we are putting forward a budget that offers all generations an equal opportunity to succeed. Yes, we are asking those who are better off to contribute a little more.

While the Leader of the Opposition continues to call for austerity and defend the rich, we will be there for the middle class and young people.

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, this is the ninth deficit in nine years under this Prime Minister. He is not worth the cost, just like always.

He admits that Canada is not a fair country for our young generations after nine years under his government, which doubled the cost of housing, doubled rents and doubled the national debt.

Why does he expect a different result when he is using the same failed approach?

[Justin Trudeau, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, instead of choosing austerity, as the previous Conservative government did, and as the Conservative Party is advocating now, we chose—and still choose—to invest in young families so that they can purchase a home, in senior citizens, in young people, in students. We are investing in the jobs of the future and in new technologies.

We choose to invest in Canadians because that is how we will build a stronger economy. The Conservatives can keep calling for cuts and austerity. We will continue to invest for the good of Canadians.

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, who pays? Who pays for this latest $50-billion orgy of spending by the costly Prime Minister?

We know who will not pay. It will not be those with trust funds that protect their millions of inheritance, like the Prime Minister, nor the billionaires who invite him to their private Caribbean islands. They will hide their money.

Who will pay? The ones who will pay will be the welder or the waitress who cannot pay their mortgage because he has inflated the mortgage rates. One will pay because he carbon taxed one's food, and now one cannot feed one's kids. Why should one pay for him?

[Justin Trudeau, Liberal, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, it is interesting to see the lengths to which the Leader of the Opposition will go to avoid saying that he is choosing to stand with the ultrawealthy against the middle class, against young Canadians. When we first were elected and raised taxes on the wealthiest 1% to lower them for the middle class, the Conservative Party and that leader voted against it. We are asking for the wealthiest in this country, the wealthiest 0.1%, to pay more in taxes so that we can support the middle class and so that we can restore the dream, particularly for young people, of home ownership, of a brighter future that the world is taking away from people all over the world.