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

Langdon, Alberta, needs a post office

Close tax loopholes, excess profit tax

Right to access remote work

Concerns about rising auto theft rates

Parliament social media presence for members

Declare a meatless Monday

Sustainable finance and fossil fuels

Declare public health emergency on overdose

Parole for convicted murderers

Support free elections in Pakistan

Charitable status values test concerns

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

10:15 p.m.

Liberal

Ya'ara Saks Liberal York Centre, ON

Madam Chair, we have received no such proposal from the City of Montreal, but we work with provincial and municipal jurisdictions.

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

10:15 p.m.

Conservative

Luc Berthold Conservative Mégantic—L'Érable, QC

Madam Chair, does the minister plan to say yes to the request made by Montreal's city council in 2021?

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

10:15 p.m.

Liberal

Ya'ara Saks Liberal York Centre, ON

As I have said before, Madam Chair, we do not deal in hypotheticals. We deal in evidence, facts and actual proposals.

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

10:15 p.m.

Conservative

Luc Berthold Conservative Mégantic—L'Érable, QC

Madam Chair, I have here the resolution adopted by Montreal's city council in which it makes this request.

Is the minister aware that, in 2023, the mayor of Montreal personally reiterated her support for the legalization of hard drugs?

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

10:15 p.m.

Liberal

Ya'ara Saks Liberal York Centre, ON

Madam Chair, I am sure the mayor of Montreal has made many statements, and the city council is allowed to pass whatever resolutions it wishes, but at this time there is no proposal in front of Health Canada.

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

10:15 p.m.

Conservative

Luc Berthold Conservative Mégantic—L'Érable, QC

Madam Chair, does the minister intend to grant the City of Montreal's request and bring the same misery to Quebec that her Prime Minister created in British Columbia, yes or no?

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

10:15 p.m.

Liberal

Ya'ara Saks Liberal York Centre, ON

There is no request, Madam Chair. We do not deal in hypotheticals. We deal with evidence and facts on this side of the House.

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

10:15 p.m.

Conservative

Luc Berthold Conservative Mégantic—L'Érable, QC

Madam Chair, does the minister intend to say yes or no to a possible future request from the City of Montreal or the Province of Quebec? Does she intend to not authorize this type of pilot project in Quebec?

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

10:15 p.m.

Liberal

Ya'ara Saks Liberal York Centre, ON

Madam Chair, does the member have a crystal ball such that he can anticipate there will be a proposal in front of the department for me to contemplate that question? I do not see one. Therefore, I—

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

May 29th, 2024 / 10:15 p.m.

NDP

The Deputy Chair NDP Carol Hughes

I want remind other members they are not to participate unless they have the floor.

The hon. member.

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

10:15 p.m.

Conservative

Luc Berthold Conservative Mégantic—L'Érable, QC

Madam Chair, is the minister aware of the criminal trafficking of the legal drugs provided free of charge to hard drug users?

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

10:15 p.m.

Liberal

Ya'ara Saks Liberal York Centre, ON

That is an odd question, Madam Chair.

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

10:20 p.m.

Conservative

Luc Berthold Conservative Mégantic—L'Érable, QC

Madam Chair, I will repeat my question. Is the minister aware of the criminal trafficking of the legal drugs provided free of charge to hard drug users?

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

10:20 p.m.

Liberal

Ya'ara Saks Liberal York Centre, ON

If the member is referring to diversion, then he well knows that diversion is illegal, Madam Chair.

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

10:20 p.m.

Conservative

Luc Berthold Conservative Mégantic—L'Érable, QC

Madam Chair, can the minister tell us where the money hard drug users are using to buy drugs is coming from?

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

10:20 p.m.

Liberal

Ya'ara Saks Liberal York Centre, ON

As mentioned earlier in the night, Madam Chair, prescribed alternatives are part of the prescribed—

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

10:20 p.m.

NDP

The Deputy Chair NDP Carol Hughes

The hon. member.

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

10:20 p.m.

Conservative

Luc Berthold Conservative Mégantic—L'Érable, QC

Madam Chair, does the minister know about “crack alley” in Montreal?

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

10:20 p.m.

Liberal

Ya'ara Saks Liberal York Centre, ON

Madam Chair, I am sure there are many communities with drug-use issues.

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

10:20 p.m.

Conservative

Luc Berthold Conservative Mégantic—L'Érable, QC

Madam Chair, has the minister, who calls herself the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, ever been to Montreal to see first-hand the scope of the disaster caused by the use of hard drugs?

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

10:20 p.m.

Liberal

Ya'ara Saks Liberal York Centre, ON

Madam Chair, I have been to Montreal and many communities across the country that are struggling with the drug overdose crisis.

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

10:20 p.m.

Conservative

Luc Berthold Conservative Mégantic—L'Érable, QC

Madam Chair, how is it then that the minister is unable to say no to the possible decriminalization of hard drugs in Montreal when, according to TVA Nouvelles, “around the [Cactus supervised injection site], psychosis, crack and crystal meth use, and the constant presence of drug dealers have become the norm”? Does the minister continue to claim—

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

10:20 p.m.

NDP

The Deputy Chair NDP Carol Hughes

The minister for a brief response.

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

10:20 p.m.

Liberal

Ya'ara Saks Liberal York Centre, ON

Madam Chair, just so that we are clear, the Montreal mayor has said that such hypothetical allegations of her proposal for decriminalization are false.

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

10:20 p.m.

Conservative

Todd Doherty Conservative Cariboo—Prince George, BC

Madam Chair, how many nurses reported being physically assaulted last year?