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.

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

May 29th, 2024 / 8 p.m.

Liberal

Ya'ara Saks Liberal York Centre, ON

Mr. Speaker, there are strict mitigation rules around prescribed alternatives.

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

8 p.m.

Conservative

Stephen Ellis Conservative Cumberland—Colchester, NS

Mr. Speaker, perhaps the minister did not hear the question, but could the minister tell Canadians if the minister believes that the distribution of so-called safe supply via vending machines is indeed safe?

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

8 p.m.

Liberal

Ya'ara Saks Liberal York Centre, ON

Mr. Speaker, all prescribers are under strict regulatory bodies for medication and treatment to their patients.

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

8 p.m.

Conservative

Stephen Ellis Conservative Cumberland—Colchester, NS

Mr. Speaker, is this so-called safe supply via vending machines safe, yes or no?

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

8 p.m.

Liberal

Ya'ara Saks Liberal York Centre, ON

Mr. Speaker, high levels of regulatory risk mitigation are in place for all programs by prescribers.

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

8 p.m.

Conservative

Stephen Ellis Conservative Cumberland—Colchester, NS

Mr. Speaker, could the minister tell Canadians if the MySafe project received $3.5 million in grants?

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

8 p.m.

Liberal

Ya'ara Saks Liberal York Centre, ON

Mr. Speaker, the funding to that project was discontinued.

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

8 p.m.

Conservative

Stephen Ellis Conservative Cumberland—Colchester, NS

Mr. Speaker, perhaps the minister could confirm that $3.5 million was indeed given to the MySafe project.

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

8 p.m.

Liberal

Ya'ara Saks Liberal York Centre, ON

Mr. Speaker, it was funded for several years and then discontinued. The exact number would have to be referred to officials.

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

8:05 p.m.

Conservative

Stephen Ellis Conservative Cumberland—Colchester, NS

Mr. Speaker, could the minister confirm how many former B.C. health officials have gone on to found a pharmaceutical company aimed at drug dealing?

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

8:05 p.m.

Liberal

Ya'ara Saks Liberal York Centre, ON

Mr. Speaker, I have no knowledge of that.

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

8:05 p.m.

Conservative

Stephen Ellis Conservative Cumberland—Colchester, NS

Mr. Speaker, does the minister believe that it is appropriate for former public health officials to profit off the distribution of drugs and selling to the government they used to work for?

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

8:05 p.m.

Liberal

Ya'ara Saks Liberal York Centre, ON

Mr. Speaker, I do not deal in hypotheticals.

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

8:05 p.m.

Conservative

Kerry-Lynne Findlay Conservative South Surrey—White Rock, BC

Mr. Speaker, my questions will all be for the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions.

Does the minister agree that hospitals should be safe places where patient care is a priority?

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

8:05 p.m.

York Centre Ontario

Liberal

Ya'ara Saks LiberalMinister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health

Mr. Speaker, I think we all agree that hospitals should be a safe place where patients receive care.

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

8:05 p.m.

Conservative

Kerry-Lynne Findlay Conservative South Surrey—White Rock, BC

Mr. Speaker, a B.C. nurse was told not to breastfeed her child in case her milk was contaminated by drugs she was exposed to at work. As a parent, does the minister find this acceptable?

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

8:05 p.m.

Liberal

Ya'ara Saks Liberal York Centre, ON

Mr. Speaker, parents want all places to be safe.

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

8:05 p.m.

Conservative

Kerry-Lynne Findlay Conservative South Surrey—White Rock, BC

Mr. Speaker, five nurses on one shift were so sick that they had to be sent to emergency because of exposure to fentanyl smoke. Does the minister find this acceptable?

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

8:05 p.m.

Liberal

Ya'ara Saks Liberal York Centre, ON

Mr. Speaker, all hospitals should be safe places for those who work there. We have passed legislation to protect health workers and provinces have the same responsibilities to regulate hospitals.

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

8:05 p.m.

Conservative

Kerry-Lynne Findlay Conservative South Surrey—White Rock, BC

Mr. Speaker, would the minister say if nurses should be exposed to fentanyl smoke in the workplace, yes or no?

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

8:05 p.m.

Liberal

Ya'ara Saks Liberal York Centre, ON

Mr. Speaker, we have passed legislation to ensure workplace safety, including for hospitals, that is regulated by the province. We have ensured there is legislation for health workers to be safe.

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

8:05 p.m.

Conservative

Kerry-Lynne Findlay Conservative South Surrey—White Rock, BC

Mr. Speaker, yet that did not happen under the minister in the exemption she granted to British Columbia.

Should nurses be exposed to meth smoke in their workplace, yes or no?

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

8:05 p.m.

Liberal

Ya'ara Saks Liberal York Centre, ON

Mr. Speaker, the member well knows that health services are under the purview of provincial jurisdiction for safety and enforcement.

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

8:05 p.m.

Conservative

Kerry-Lynne Findlay Conservative South Surrey—White Rock, BC

Mr. Speaker, it is in fact a combined jurisdiction.

Would the minister agree or not agree that nurses should be afraid they might be stabbed with a knife in their workplace?

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

8:05 p.m.

Liberal

Ya'ara Saks Liberal York Centre, ON

Mr. Speaker, I believe all members agree that workplaces, including hospitals, should be safe.