House of Commons Hansard #306 of the 44th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was injuries.
2:05 p.m.
Liberal
The Speaker Liberal Greg Fergus
It being Wednesday, we will now have the singing of the national anthem led by the hon. member for Courtenay—Alberni.
[Members sang the national anthem]
Jeffrey S. Marcoux
2:05 p.m.
Liberal
The Speaker Liberal Greg Fergus
Hon. colleagues, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to acknowledge a very sorrowful occurrence, the loss of one of our colleagues, Constable Jeffrey S. Marcoux.
Over the course of several years, Constable Marcoux showed up in this place to serve, to keep each one of us safe.
To lose a colleague who was in the prime of his life is hard. To find words adequate to express the tragedy of this loss is simply impossible.
We are all saddened by his passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with Constable Marcoux's family and friends at this very difficult time. I know that, in this place, our thoughts will be with them, as they work through the painful stages of their grief.
Grief is a complex of emotions. Dealing with these emotions starts with recognizing that it is okay to not be okay, that it is okay to grieve.
It is important to give oneself time to grieve.
We know that, for his family and friends, many of whom are here on Parliament Hill today, nothing can take away the pain of this loss.
Please know that, here in the House, we honour his memory. We draw inspiration from his life of service. We will miss him.
I invite all hon. members to stand to observe a moment of silence in the memory of the late Constable Jeffrey Marcoux.
[A moment of silence observed]
South Asian Community Hub FundraiserStatements by Members
2:05 p.m.
Liberal
Sukh Dhaliwal Liberal Surrey—Newton, BC
Mr. Speaker, the strength of our communities is its people, especially those who commit to helping others in need. This past weekend, I attended the South Asian Community Hub’s first annual fundraising gala, which was a huge success.
SACH is a non-profit organization offering wraparound services to individuals and families facing health and social challenges. Its mission is to foster the well-being of diverse communities in B.C. by providing low-barrier services, counselling and advocacy through a South Asian perspective in multiple languages.
I ask all members to join me in thanking SACH's outreach team, leadership and board of directors, including executive director Daljit Gill-Badesha and chair Harman Pandher, for their compassion, generosity and commitment to making our communities stronger and healthier.
MS Awareness MonthStatements by Members
2:10 p.m.
Conservative
Jeremy Patzer Conservative Cypress Hills—Grasslands, SK
Mr. Speaker, MS Canada continues to push forward in the fight against multiple sclerosis. With a mission to connect and empower the MS community to create positive change for those affected by it, it has its sights set firmly on a world free of MS.
I had the joy of having my wife, Kyla, and mother-in-law, Donna, join me in Ottawa this week for the kickoff of MS Awareness Month. We all know someone who lives with the disease. My wife has connected with people who have MS, including staffers, MPs' spouses and even her hairdresser, so they can share their experiences and talk about treatments. I have seen first-hand the impacts of MS, and the resilience of my wife in her fight with this disease. Some days are better than others with MS, but her fight against it inspires me every single day.
In honour of MS Awareness Month, I am wearing a carnation to show my solidarity with the MS community. Let us work for a better country for those with MS and support those who need it.
Polish Heritage MonthStatements by Members
2:10 p.m.
Liberal
Irek Kusmierczyk Liberal Windsor—Tecumseh, ON
Mr. Speaker, I am a proud Polish Canadian. This month, I am proud to join over one million Polish Canadians in celebrating the first ever national Polish Heritage Month.
For centuries, Polish Canadians arrived in waves to settle communities from Wilno to Winnipeg, to raise their families and to help build our Canada. They served as teachers, nurses, engineers and electricians. They built businesses from the aerospace to automotive industries. They contributed to the vibrant cultural mosaic that is Canada by opening restaurants, cultural centres and churches. They proudly served our country as members of our Canadian Armed Forces.
Tomorrow, we will raise the Polish flag on Parliament Hill for the first time, and I will think of my Polish schoolteachers, Pani Zechaluk and Pani Bochus, as well as my soccer coaches, Coach Kowalczykowski and Coach Kruba. Most of all, I will think of my parents, who instilled in me a love of Polish heritage. To all, I say happy Polish Heritage Month.
Multiple Sclerosis Awareness MonthStatements by Members
May 1st, 2024 / 2:10 p.m.
Bloc
Louise Chabot Bloc Thérèse-De Blainville, QC
Mr. Speaker, multiple sclerosis, or MS, is a disease that affects thousands of people in Quebec and Canada. This disease generally strikes individuals between the ages of 20 and 49, when they are building a career or starting a family.
Thankfully, in recent years, there has been a considerable increase in the number of medications available to slow or halt the disease's progression. However, more can be done. Less than 10% of research funding is being invested in preventing this disease. It is imperative that we lend our full support to the research community as it investigates these new fields of study.
Today, to mark MS Awareness Month, I am wearing a carnation to show my commitment to improving the quality of life of people with multiple sclerosis.
St. James Anglican ChurchStatements by Members
2:10 p.m.
Liberal
Peter Schiefke Liberal Vaudreuil—Soulanges, QC
Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to speak about Hudson's St. James Anglican Church in my community of Vaudreuil—Soulanges. The venerable institution, which has stood proudly since 1842, was struck by a heart-wrenching tragedy on April 14, when a fierce fire devastated the historic structure.
For over 180 years, St. James Anglican Church has served proudly as a place of worship, a venue for music and arts shows, a drop-off location for the collection of food and supplies for those in need, and a gathering place where Scouts proudly receive the badges and accolades every year. It is where generations of couples have said “I do”. It has served not just as a building but also as a pillar of community life, heritage, love and kindness. Amidst the ashes, the path forward is illuminated by unwavering resilience and kindness.
From the firefighters who fought valiantly to contain the fire to Reverend Sophie Rolland's steadfast determination to rebuild and all those who have come forward since to pledge support, the collective community response serves as a powerful reminder that, from the depths of despair, we will emerge stronger.
Royal Canadian Air ForceStatements by Members
2:10 p.m.
Conservative
Len Webber Conservative Calgary Confederation, AB
Mr. Speaker, it is the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force.
Today, I think of Warrant Officer Lloyd Joseph Stock, who joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1940 during World War II at the age of 29. He received his wings in Brandon, Manitoba, before going to serve in England.
As part of the Coastal Command's No. 220 Bomber Squadron, he had to protect the merchant marine ships by hunting German U-boats and submarines. It was dangerous work, a lot more dangerous than his job as a florist before the war.
On a sortie over the Bay of Biscay in 1942, Lloyd's plane was shot down. His crew had just 35 seconds to bail out into a rubber dinghy. They survived 30 hours in the cold Atlantic before an Australian Sunderland float plane rescued them.
In spite of his crash, Warrant Officer Lloyd Stock completed 22 sorties. Sadly, the rest of his crew did not survive the war.
Lest we forget.
MS Awareness MonthStatements by Members
2:15 p.m.
Liberal
Anna Gainey Liberal Notre-Dame-de-Grâce—Westmount, QC
Mr. Speaker, May is Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month, an opportunity to highlight the profound impacts MS has on all Canadians and, in particular, on the 90,000 people who live with the disease.
This month is not just about raising awareness; it is also about ensuring access to care, promoting research and fostering inclusion. We must all take the time to learn more about multiple sclerosis and how we can better support those affected in our communities.
That is why I am proud to be joining thousands of Canadians in wearing a carnation this month, a flower that, in the MS community, has become a symbol of hope for a future free of multiple sclerosis.
Sikh Heritage MonthStatements by Members
2:15 p.m.
Liberal
Francesco Sorbara Liberal Vaughan—Woodbridge, ON
Mr. Speaker, as we bid farewell to the fifth annual Sikh Heritage Month in Canada, a celebration of resilience, diversity and the enduring spirit of Sikhism, we take a moment to reflect on the rich contributions of Sikh Canadians and the vibrant Sikh community flourishing in the city of Vaughan, including in my riding of Vaughan—Woodbridge.
April reminded us of the remarkable contributions that Sikhs have made throughout Canada's history. They were pivotal in constructing the Canadian Pacific Railway, served with distinction in both world wars and significantly advanced agricultural innovation.
Sikh Canadians are key advocates for human rights and promoting equality. Their unwavering commitment is seen through community-oriented initiatives, such as the Seva Food Bank and Khalsa Aid.
Through their leadership, including in this most honourable House, entrepreneurship and cultural contributions, they are building bridges, breaking barriers and enriching our society. Sikh heritage is carried through the spirit of inclusivity and understanding, which are shared Canadian values.
Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh.
Mental Health and AddictionsStatements by Members
2:15 p.m.
Conservative
Marc Dalton Conservative Pitt Meadows—Maple Ridge, BC
Mr. Speaker, after nine years under the current Prime Minister, drugs, chaos, crime and death rage in our streets.
Last year, in B.C. alone, there was a record 2,500 overdose deaths. Since the Liberals came into power, there have been over 42,000 overdose deaths.
In communities across British Columbia, hard drugs are openly used, even in hospitals and coffee shops. Businesses have been forced to close. Parents comb through schoolyards, collecting needles, trying to protect their children.
Kicking and screaming, David Eby's NDP government has finally conceded that its Liberal-NDP drug legalization experiment has led to death and ruined lives in its wake. This failed radical Liberal-NDP experiment must end now, full stop.
Common-sense Conservatives will ban hard drugs, stop taxpayer-funded drugs and put that money into detox and recovery.
Human Rights in IranStatements by Members
2:15 p.m.
Liberal
Ali Ehsassi Liberal Willowdale, ON
Mr. Speaker, once again I rise today to draw the attention of the House to the horrific and wholesale abuse of justice taking place in Iran.
The regime in Tehran continues to wage war on its own citizens. Several days ago, 33-year-old Toomaj Salehi was sentenced to death. An extraordinary hip-hop artist and rapper, Toomaj has simply been demanding that the civil rights of all Iranians be respected.
Despite having already endured over 250 days of solitary confinement, Toomaj has remained resolute in his demands. His undaunted courage has inspired the world. Over the last several days, thousands upon thousands have participated in protests across Canada and in cities around the world. As members of the House, we should all add our voices to theirs.
Toomaj must be set free immediately. We can ill afford to turn a blind eye to the unconscionable impunity of the Iranian regime.
Public SafetyStatements by Members
2:15 p.m.
Conservative
Jamil Jivani Conservative Durham, ON
Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House today out of great concern for all of us who live or work in the greater Toronto area. We have learned that Toronto City Hall is requesting that the federal government legalize hard drugs, such as fentanyl, meth and cocaine.
Evidence from British Columbia already shows that legalizing hard drugs puts the safety and health of our neighbourhoods at risk and only increases drug overdose deaths. It is alarming and, quite frankly, shocking that Toronto City Hall would want to expand the Prime Minister's extremist experiment from British Columbia and bring it to Ontario. We ask that the Prime Minister reject Toronto City Hall's request and instead invest in the treatment and recovery programs that our communities need.
FinanceStatements by Members
2:20 p.m.
Conservative
Jasraj Singh Hallan Conservative Calgary Forest Lawn, AB
Mr. Speaker, the Liberal leadership race of 2024 is well under way, and Mark Carney is the first out of the gate. He has been jet-setting across the country preaching his gospel of four more years of the broken, failed and woke Liberal-NDP policies that have made Canadians poor and Canada's economy weaker. That is why common-sense Conservatives moved a motion at the finance committee to have Mark Carney testify.
When carbon tax Carney is coronated as Liberal leader, Canadians should be terrified of his wacko policies to continue to quadruple the carbon tax, continue deficit spending and hike taxes. It is too bad the Liberal lapdog NDP shut down our motion and chose to protect carbon tax Carney, the corrupt Liberal-NDP government and its leader's pension. It is time for the NDP to step up and show some intestinal fortitude, have Mark Carney testify at the committee and, for once, hold the Liberals accountable for their record of wacko policies.
United States Consulate in WinnipegStatements by Members
2:20 p.m.
Liberal
Ben Carr Liberal Winnipeg South Centre, MB
Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to commemorate the 140th anniversary of U.S. diplomatic presence in Winnipeg, a testament to the deep, enduring bonds between Canada and the United States. Since the appointment of the first U.S. consul in 1869, our ties have only grown stronger, underscored by the consulate's reopening in 2001. This event was marked by then U.S. ambassador Gordon Giffin and then Manitoba premier Gary Doer, who highlighted our shared commitment to cross-border co-operation and regional development.
In 2016, commitment was further solidified when Winnipeg hosted the North American energy ministers meeting. It was a privilege for my father, who was then the natural resources minister, to welcome the U.S. secretary of energy at that time, Ernest Moniz, along with other distinguished leaders. Their discussions culminated in a memorandum of understanding that enhanced our co-operative efforts on climate change and energy.
As we reflect on the past and look to the future, let us continue to nurture this partnership that not only supports our economic and environmental goals, but also strengthens the ties that bind our nations together.
Port Moody Soccer ClubStatements by Members
2:20 p.m.
NDP
Bonita Zarrillo NDP Port Moody—Coquitlam, BC
Mr. Speaker, today, I rise in the House to acknowledge a historic first for Canadian girls in soccer. The Port Moody Soccer Club U16 girls is the only Canadian team on its way to Dalian, China, to compete in the International School Sport Federation Football World Cup. This is the first girls team to represent Canada at this Olympic Committee-recognized event. It has been incredible to watch how hard the girls have worked to make this a reality.
I encourage all Canadians to give their support to these young women as they represent Canada on the world stage. It is not too late for partners to support the team to help ensure all girls, regardless of financial situation, can go. On behalf of myself, all my NDP colleagues and the residents of Port Moody—Coquitlam, Anmore and Belcarra, we wish the girls the best of luck. We are proud of them.
International Workers' DayStatements by Members
2:20 p.m.
Bloc
Marilène Gill Bloc Manicouagan, QC
Mr. Speaker, together, let us celebrate May 1, International Workers' Day. Let us celebrate the day together and united to make our voices heard.
This is a time to remember the major workers' rights movements and the gains they made. It is also an opportunity to highlight the rights still left to be won, like the right to EI for everyone who has lost their job or whose work season has ended; the right to decent working conditions for everyone, including temporary foreign workers and asylum seekers; and the right to earn a living amid a soaring cost of living and housing shortages. There is also the right to feel valued in the workplace and the right to a life outside of work in an increasingly hectic society.
I invite those who can come to join the big march organized by the Coalition du 1er mai in Montreal. I urge all of us to stay united in the fight for workers' rights.
Public SafetyStatements by Members
2:20 p.m.
Conservative
Melissa Lantsman Conservative Thornhill, ON
Mr. Speaker, after nine years of the radical Liberal-NDP coalition, crime and chaos are the new norm on our Canadian streets.
In B.C., the Liberals' dangerous hard-drug legalization experiment has caused chaos in hospitals, playgrounds, parks and public transit, which the radical B.C. NDP admitted to last week. The Liberals ignored evidence when they granted B.C.'s request, and overdose deaths skyrocketed by 400%. The city of Toronto is now asking the government to legalize cocaine, heroin and fentanyl, like it did in B.C. That would mean kids in Toronto would be stepping over needles in playgrounds, and there would be more dangerous drugs and more people suffering instead of getting the help they need.
This extremist experiment has failed in B.C., and the Liberals should rule it out for Toronto. The minister responsible is from Toronto. She could say no today, but she will not because her radical boss will not let her ban hard drugs. If they will not do it, Conservatives will.
When it comes to care, compassion, law, order, and common sense, it seems as though there is only one party with any of them.
Multiple Sclerosis Awareness MonthStatements by Members
2:25 p.m.
Liberal
Terry Sheehan Liberal Sault Ste. Marie, ON
Mr. Speaker, May is Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month, and MS Canada will recognize this through a variety of activities and events, including MS Day on the Hill. I would like to thank all those who go above and beyond in supporting and championing the MS community: the doctors, various health care workers, researchers, family support networks, and the entire MS Canada staff and its volunteers.
I would also like to acknowledge the impact that ordinary Canadians have had over the years through their generous donations. This year there is an $8-million fundraising goal for the month of May, which would allow MS Canada to continue funding critical research and programming that enhances the quality of life of those impacted by MS. Recent breakthroughs in research also give us hope and give confidence to those who are living with MS.
We stand on the cusp of new discoveries. I thank all Canadians who rallied around the country to raise awareness and to support those living with MS, including my son, Riley.
Mental Health and AddictionsOral Questions
2:25 p.m.
Carleton Ontario
Conservative
Pierre Poilievre ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, unfortunately, Montreal and Quebec are not immune to the chaos the Prime Minister has caused in British Columbia by legalizing hard drugs. Montreal's director of public health has proposed a similar legalization policy.
Will the Prime Minister reverse his radical position on drug legalization, or will he cause the same chaos in Montreal that he has already caused in British Columbia?
Mental Health and AddictionsOral Questions
2:25 p.m.
Papineau Québec
Liberal
Justin Trudeau LiberalPrime Minister
Mr. Speaker, let us take a moment to reflect on what happened yesterday. You had to censure the Leader of the Opposition for refusing to withdraw the unparliamentary language he used while making political attacks about a crisis, a human tragedy, that is happening in British Columbia.
The fact is that we will always take this tragedy seriously. That is why we are taking a compassionate and evidence-based approach. We will be there to support British Columbia as it adjusts its pilot project.
Mental Health and AddictionsOral Questions
2:25 p.m.
Carleton Ontario
Conservative
Pierre Poilievre ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, is he ruling out the legalization of hard drugs in Montreal, yes or no?
Mental Health and AddictionsOral Questions
2:25 p.m.
Papineau Québec
Liberal
Justin Trudeau LiberalPrime Minister
Mr. Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition knows full well that we are a government that is rooted in facts and that co-operates with the provinces.
The province of British Columbia asked for a pilot project. We looked at their plan together and we green-lit the pilot project.
No other requests came from any other province. However, if any of the provinces want to do something, we will look at their plan and make a responsible decision based on facts and on what has happened in previous situations.
Mental Health and AddictionsOral Questions
2:25 p.m.
Carleton Ontario
Conservative
Pierre Poilievre ConservativeLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, he is opening the door to legalizing hard drugs in Montreal and possibly other cities in Quebec. We are against that.
The Prime Minister legalized smoking meth in hospital rooms, shooting up heroin in parks next to children and using hard drugs on public transit. The British Columbia government has asked him to reverse this legalization for parks, hospitals and transit. Will he do so, yes or no?
Mental Health and AddictionsOral Questions
2:25 p.m.
Papineau Québec
Liberal
Justin Trudeau LiberalPrime Minister
Mr. Speaker, the opioid epidemic is hitting families, communities and individuals right across the country, and it has for many years. This is why we are continuing to use an approach grounded in compassion, public safety and public health through facts-based decisions.
We responded to the British Columbia government's ask for a pilot project. We will, yes, work with it to adjust it in ways that it sees fit. It is important to make sure that B.C. continues to do the things it needs to do to keep people safe in its jurisdiction.