House of Commons Hansard #320 of the 44th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was chair.

Topics

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

Statements by Members

Question Period

The Conservatives repeatedly link government spending to inflation and call for fixing the budget. They extensively criticize the doubled cost of housing, proposing their plan to build more homes by cutting bureaucracy. They also target the carbon tax, calling for it to be axed, and raise concerns about crime and street drug use.
The Liberals defend their investments in dental care and other supports for Canadians, contrasting their approach with Conservative "austerity". They highlight their housing plan and efforts in fighting climate change and attracting clean investment, including the Canada carbon rebate. They also address the violence in Gaza and the need for a two-state solution, while supporting the International Criminal Court.
The Bloc calls for an immediate ceasefire and an international peacekeeping force in Gaza. They urge the government to recognize the State of Palestine, support international courts, apply sanctions, and take action to end the violence.
The NDP call for concrete action on Gaza, including an arms embargo and sanctions. They raise concerns about the lack of safety for women in the military and the ongoing climate crisis, questioning the military's capacity to help with wildfires.

Petitions

Countering Foreign Interference Act Second reading of Bill C-70. The bill, An Act respecting countering foreign interference, aims to strengthen Canada's tools against foreign threats. It updates CSIS powers, creates new criminal offences, and establishes a foreign influence transparency registry. MPs generally support the bill in principle but discuss potential amendments regarding the registry's scope and the commissioner's independence. Parties agree on the need for quick passage before the next election. 14000 words, 2 hours.

Foreign Hostage Takers Accountability Act Second reading of Bill C-353. The bill aims to impose measures against foreign hostage takers and those who practice arbitrary detention, proposing stronger sanctions and family assistance. Liberals oppose, arguing it could endanger Canadians and conflict with international law. Conservatives support it as needed deterrence. The Bloc and NDP support committee study to address concerns about feasibility and unintended consequences. 8100 words, 1 hour.

Adjournment Debates

Inmate vocational training Scott Reid criticizes the low number of Red Seal certifications obtained by inmates (64 in 4 years). He argues that the government's focus on short, less meaningful certifications doesn't translate to improved employment prospects or reduced recidivism. Darrell Samson defends the program, citing the thousands of certificates earned and job placements obtained.
Campus anti-Semitism Kevin Vuong questions whether the government is turning a blind eye to violent, anti-Semitic protests on university campuses, funded by pro-Hamas entities. Sameer Zuberi responds that the government is committed to combatting hate and has allocated significant funding to anti-hate initiatives and community support.
Oil and Gas Windfall Tax Laurel Collins calls for a windfall tax on oil and gas companies to fund climate solutions and address environmental issues. Vance Badawey responds, highlighting the government's efforts to increase tax fairness and invest in a green economy through various tax measures and incentives.

Department of Health—Main Estimates, 2024-25 Members debate the Department of Health estimates. Discussions centre on the toxic drug crisis, including the impact of decriminalization and safe supply. They review the rollout and success of the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Plans for pharmacare (Bill C-64) covering diabetes and contraception are also discussed. Other topics include health transfers, provincial jurisdiction, mental health funding, and rare diseases. 35300 words, 4 hours.

Was this summary helpful and accurate?

Department of Health—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

7:55 p.m.

Conservative

Laila Goodridge Conservative Fort McMurray—Cold Lake, AB

Mr. Speaker, how much diversion is acceptable to the minister?

Department of Health—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

7:55 p.m.

Liberal

Ya'ara Saks Liberal York Centre, ON

Mr. Speaker, zero is acceptable. It is illegal.

Department of Health—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

May 29th, 2024 / 7:55 p.m.

Conservative

Laila Goodridge Conservative Fort McMurray—Cold Lake, AB

Mr. Speaker, has decriminalization been successful in British Columbia?

Department of Health—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

7:55 p.m.

Liberal

Ya'ara Saks Liberal York Centre, ON

Mr. Speaker, yes, the number of people who have been arrested rather than being diverted to health services has—

Department of Health—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

7:55 p.m.

The Speaker Greg Fergus

The hon. member for Fort McMurray—Cold Lake.

Department of Health—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

7:55 p.m.

Conservative

Laila Goodridge Conservative Fort McMurray—Cold Lake, AB

Mr. Speaker, then why did the minister grant British Columbia's request to effectively ban public drug use in most places?

Department of Health—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

7:55 p.m.

Liberal

Ya'ara Saks Liberal York Centre, ON

Mr. Speaker, we responded to B.C.'s request for an amendment.

Department of Health—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

7:55 p.m.

Conservative

Laila Goodridge Conservative Fort McMurray—Cold Lake, AB

Mr. Speaker, why did it take the minister 11 days to respond to their request?

Department of Health—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

7:55 p.m.

Liberal

Ya'ara Saks Liberal York Centre, ON

Mr. Speaker, it was responsible action.

Department of Health—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

7:55 p.m.

Conservative

Laila Goodridge Conservative Fort McMurray—Cold Lake, AB

Mr. Speaker, why not just end it altogether?

Department of Health—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

7:55 p.m.

Liberal

Ya'ara Saks Liberal York Centre, ON

Mr. Speaker, we require a full suite of tools to address the overdose crisis.

Department of Health—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

7:55 p.m.

Conservative

Laila Goodridge Conservative Fort McMurray—Cold Lake, AB

Mr. Speaker, how is the minister measuring success in B.C.'s decriminalization?

Department of Health—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

7:55 p.m.

Liberal

Ya'ara Saks Liberal York Centre, ON

Mr. Speaker, we are measuring success by the decreased number of arrests and referrals to health services.

Department of Health—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

7:55 p.m.

Conservative

Laila Goodridge Conservative Fort McMurray—Cold Lake, AB

Mr. Speaker, leading addiction physicians from across Canada have written several letters demanding the minister make all safe supply programs witnessed and recovery-focused, or shut them down. Will the minister follow the advice from these experts?

Department of Health—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

7:55 p.m.

Liberal

Ya'ara Saks Liberal York Centre, ON

Mr. Speaker, I met with many experts, with different advice and many different opinions. We listened to them and took mitigation measures where needed, and we will continue to work to make sure it is safe.

Department of Health—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

7:55 p.m.

Conservative

Laila Goodridge Conservative Fort McMurray—Cold Lake, AB

Mr. Speaker, protocols have been put in place to allow so-called safe supply of fentanyl to children under 18 without parental consent or knowledge. Will the minister clearly stand against fentanyl ever being given recreationally to children, yes or no?

Department of Health—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

7:55 p.m.

Liberal

Ya'ara Saks Liberal York Centre, ON

Mr. Speaker, no child has been prescribed fentanyl. Alternatives are prescribed through a relationship between a physician and their patient, and will be done under strict advisement.

Department of Health—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

7:55 p.m.

Conservative

Laila Goodridge Conservative Fort McMurray—Cold Lake, AB

Mr. Speaker, will you stand up against recreational fentanyl to children, yes or no?

Department of Health—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

7:55 p.m.

Liberal

Mark Gerretsen Liberal Kingston and the Islands, ON

Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order.

The member should be directing her questions through you. She said, “Will you”, asking a question directly of the minister. Perhaps you could remind the House.

Department of Health—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

7:55 p.m.

The Speaker Greg Fergus

The member has done it effectively, and I am certain the hon. member did not mean much by it.

Department of Health—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

7:55 p.m.

Conservative

Laila Goodridge Conservative Fort McMurray—Cold Lake, AB

Mr. Speaker, will the minister stand up against recreational fentanyl to youth, yes or no?

Department of Health—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

7:55 p.m.

Liberal

Ya'ara Saks Liberal York Centre, ON

Mr. Speaker, recreational fentanyl is illegal, and we have law enforcement to do that.

Department of Health—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

7:55 p.m.

Conservative

Laila Goodridge Conservative Fort McMurray—Cold Lake, AB

Mr. Speaker, the minister has the power to say no to this. Will she, yes or no?

Department of Health—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

7:55 p.m.

Liberal

Ya'ara Saks Liberal York Centre, ON

Mr. Speaker, law enforcement places its role in the illegal toxic drug supply.

Department of Health—Main Estimates, 2024-25Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

7:55 p.m.

Conservative

Stephen Ellis Conservative Cumberland—Colchester, NS

Mr. Speaker, these questions will be directed to the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions as well.

Is her government looking to fund the so-called safe supply of cocaine?