Debates of May 27th, 2024

House of Commons Hansard #318 of the 44th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was atlantic.

Topics

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

Building Homes Not Bureaucracy Act Second reading of Bill C-356. The bill, introduced by the Conservative leader, proposes tying federal funding for municipalities to a 15% annual increase in housing starts, selling federal lands, and axing taxes on homebuilding to address the housing crisis. Critics argue it blames municipalities, interferes with provincial jurisdiction, and fails to address affordable housing needs. 8500 words, 1 hour.

Bill C‑49—Time Allocation Motion Members debate a motion to limit further debate on Bill C-49, which facilitates offshore renewable energy development under the Atlantic Accords. The government and NDP urge quick passage for Atlantic Canada's economic future. Conservatives oppose the motion, citing fishing industry concerns and ignored amendments, and accuse the government of muzzling debate. 4700 words, 35 minutes.

Canada–Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic Accord Implementation Act Third reading of Bill C-49. The bill amends Atlantic Accord Acts to include offshore renewable energy alongside oil and gas. Supporters say it creates green jobs and growth, backed by provinces. Conservatives argue it includes unconstitutional elements from Bill C-69, creating uncertainty, harming the fishing industry, and delaying investment. The Bloc opposed the bill after amendments for robust environmental reviews were rejected. 38900 words, 5 hours in 2 segments: 1 2.

Statements by Members

Azerbaijan Independence Day and Contributions

Recognition of Search and Rescue Volunteers

World Ocean Day and ocean economy

Closure of community organization in Longueuil

Filipino Heritage Month in Canada

Tribute to Roger Barbeau's community commitment

Filipino Heritage Month and Fiesta Extravaganza

Tribute to Dr. Ian C. P. Smith

Canadians face challenges with food insecurity

National Seal Products Day celebration

Pet owners struggling with affordability

Carbon tax impact on family vacations

National AccessAbility Week and Inclusion

Lowering the voting age to 16

Tribute to Yvon Picotte

Mortgage payments doubling, trust eroding

Resignation of John Aldag, MP

Question Period

The Conservatives criticize the Liberal-NDP government's impact on the cost of living, citing rising mortgage payments, rent, and a surge in hunger and homelessness. They blame government spending and advocate for measures like axing the carbon tax to provide relief.

The Liberals defend programs like dental care, child care, the Canada child benefit, and the carbon rebate, arguing they support vulnerable Canadians and reduce poverty. They criticize the Conservatives' "cut, cut, cut" approach and alleged lack of a plan, particularly on housing, accusing them of voting against key measures. They also discuss immigration and the situation in Rafah.

The Bloc raises concerns about the unequal distribution of asylum seekers, Canada's large per capita contribution to climate change driven by oil production like Trans Mountain, and the federal government being the worst workplace for working in French, contributing to the decline of French in Quebec.

The NDP demand action on the horror in Rafah and preventing genocide. They criticize the rising cost of groceries, corporate profits, and the Liberals' failure to make them pay. They warn of the climate crisis due to broken promises and highlight youth poverty and funding delays.

The Greens highlight the surge in homelessness, contrasting inadequate funding with corporate subsidies.

Alleged Breach of Speaker's Impartiality—Speaker's Ruling The Deputy Speaker rules on a question of privilege about the Speaker's alleged lack of impartiality due to outside partisan activity, finding it warrants immediate consideration distinct from conduct in the House. 1000 words.

Request for Office of Speaker to be Vacated Members debate a Conservative motion to remove the Speaker for alleged ongoing partisan conduct outside the Chamber, citing multiple incidents. Conservatives and Bloc Québécois argue the Speaker has lost the House's trust and lacks judgment. Liberals and NDP defend the Speaker, arguing the latest incident was the party's mistake and accusing opposition of disrupting Parliament to delay legislation and serve a partisan communication strategy. 21200 words, 3 hours.

Fall Economic Statement Implementation Act, 2023 Third reading of Bill C-59. The bill implements provisions from the fall economic statement and budget. Liberals state it provides supports for Canadians like rebates, dental care, and housing, and invests in green jobs. Conservatives oppose it, citing concerns about affordability, the carbon tax, spending, crime, and military readiness. The Bloc criticizes fossil fuel subsidies and federal housing jurisdiction. Greens support the bill for measures like mental health and clean energy credits but oppose carbon capture subsidies. 10500 words, 1 hour.

Adjournment Debates

B.C. drug decriminalization pilot Tako Van Popta criticizes the B.C. drug decriminalization pilot project, citing increased deaths and public disorder. Lisa Hepfner defends the program as a public health approach and notes B.C. requested it. Van Popta says the data proves it isn't working; Hepfner argues that multiple approaches are needed.

ArriveCan app controversy Garnett Genuis criticizes the ArriveCan app's development and cost, highlighting alleged corruption and the use of GC Strategies. Lisa Hepfner defends the app's importance during the pandemic, emphasizes the government's commitment to transparency and accountability, and mentions that improvements are being made to the contracting process.

Carbon tax rural top-up Scot Davidson says York—Simcoe is unfairly excluded from the rural carbon tax rebate, despite being mostly rural. Lisa Hepfner defends the carbon tax and rebates as key to fighting climate change and says that it benefits most families, especially low and medium-income ones. Davidson says that the current system doesn't make sense.

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Bill C-59 Fall Economic Statement Implementation Act, 2023Government Orders