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

9:25 p.m.

Conservative

Ryan Williams Conservative Bay of Quinte, ON

Mr. Speaker, is the minister aware that Belleville, Ontario, had two of these epidemic overdoses, not just one in February?

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

9:25 p.m.

Liberal

Ya'ara Saks Liberal York Centre, ON

Mr. Speaker, I am aware of that, and Health Canada is working with the community.

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

9:25 p.m.

Conservative

Ryan Williams Conservative Bay of Quinte, ON

Mr. Speaker, is the minister aware of the opioid mortality rate in the Belleville and Bay of Quinte region?

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

9:25 p.m.

Liberal

Ya'ara Saks Liberal York Centre, ON

Mr. Speaker, federal jurisdiction deals with national data.

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

9:25 p.m.

Conservative

Ryan Williams Conservative Bay of Quinte, ON

Mr. Speaker, does the minister know the opioid mortality rate in Ottawa, Toronto and North Bay?

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

9:25 p.m.

Liberal

Ya'ara Saks Liberal York Centre, ON

Mr. Speaker, Ontario is one of the top three provinces with high overdose rates.

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

9:25 p.m.

Conservative

Ryan Williams Conservative Bay of Quinte, ON

Mr. Speaker, the opioid mortality rate in Belleville, Ontario, is nearly double that of Ottawa, Toronto and North Bay. It was 250 deaths per 100,000 people in the first half of 2023, compared with 150 per 100,000 people for Ottawa, Toronto and Hamilton. Does the minister find that acceptable?

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

9:25 p.m.

Liberal

Ya'ara Saks Liberal York Centre, ON

Mr. Speaker, as I am sure every member in the House would agree, no death is acceptable. It is tragic and harmful to the families, loved ones and communities who lose people to overdose because of the toxic drug supply.

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

9:25 p.m.

Conservative

Ryan Williams Conservative Bay of Quinte, ON

Mr. Speaker, can the minister state how many bed-based addiction treatment services are in the region?

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

9:25 p.m.

Liberal

Ya'ara Saks Liberal York Centre, ON

Mr. Speaker, it is under the jurisdiction of the province to implement beds and treatment.

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

9:25 p.m.

Conservative

Ryan Williams Conservative Bay of Quinte, ON

Mr. Speaker, the answer is zero. What is more, the number of opioid poisoning-related ER visits to Belleville General Hospital is more than three times higher than the five-year average. After nine years, there are no treatment facilities to bring our loved ones home drug-free.

What is the government's plan to fund and measure success for the crisis affecting Belleville?

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

9:25 p.m.

Liberal

Ya'ara Saks Liberal York Centre, ON

Mr. Speaker, as mentioned before, over $700 million has been allocated to the Province of Ontario for mental health and substance use in the coming years. That being said, in the 2024 budget, the ETF, the emergency transfer fund, offers $150 million over three years to communities to seek additional assistance.

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

9:25 p.m.

Conservative

Ryan Williams Conservative Bay of Quinte, ON

Mr. Speaker, is the minister aware of the number of Canadians in the Belleville region currently on a wait-list as they wait for addictions and concurrent disorder programs?

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

9:25 p.m.

Liberal

Ya'ara Saks Liberal York Centre, ON

Mr. Speaker, it is under provincial jurisdiction to provide treatment health care.

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

9:25 p.m.

Conservative

Ryan Williams Conservative Bay of Quinte, ON

Mr. Speaker, the answer is over 500 people. Does the minister think this is acceptable?

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

9:25 p.m.

Liberal

Ya'ara Saks Liberal York Centre, ON

Mr. Speaker, no.

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

9:25 p.m.

Conservative

Ryan Williams Conservative Bay of Quinte, ON

Mr. Speaker, can the minister state which government is responsible for the explosive growth of waiting lists, for mental health underfunding and for the simple fact that there are zero treatment beds in the entire Belleville region after nine years?

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

9:25 p.m.

Liberal

Ya'ara Saks Liberal York Centre, ON

Mr. Speaker, that is why we signed a $3.1-billion bilateral agreement with the Province of Ontario, with $700 million allocated to mental health and substance use.

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

9:25 p.m.

Conservative

Ryan Williams Conservative Bay of Quinte, ON

Mr. Speaker, is the minister aware of the average wait time for residential addiction treatment and supportive recovery programs?

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

9:25 p.m.

Liberal

Ya'ara Saks Liberal York Centre, ON

Mr. Speaker, they vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.

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

9:25 p.m.

Conservative

Ryan Williams Conservative Bay of Quinte, ON

Mr. Speaker, the answer is 75 days and 175 days, respectively.

On what date will Belleville get treatment beds, and what will be the measure of success for programs to aid in recovery?

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

9:25 p.m.

Liberal

Ya'ara Saks Liberal York Centre, ON

Mr. Speaker, that is an excellent question for the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions of Ontario.

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

May 29th, 2024 / 9:25 p.m.

Conservative

Ryan Williams Conservative Bay of Quinte, ON

Mr. Speaker, why do we have a federal minister for mental health and addictions if they are not working with the province to provide the House a date as to when we will be getting treatment programs for that city? That is under—

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

9:25 p.m.

The Speaker Greg Fergus

The hon. minister.

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

9:25 p.m.

Liberal

Ya'ara Saks Liberal York Centre, ON

Mr. Speaker, for an opposition member who says we should get out of the way of the provinces, I am surprised that he does not appreciate that health care is a jurisdictional purview of the province, and we should—