House of Commons Hansard #309 of the 44th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was access.

Topics

line drawing of robot

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

Foreign Political Interference, Violence or Intimidation Members debate Motion 112 addressing foreign interference, violence, and intimidation against diaspora communities, citing the Hardeep Singh Nijjar killing and allegations against India, China, Russia, Iran, and others. The motion calls for reviewing measures to hold foreign agents accountable and bar them from Canada. Members discuss government actions and call for immediate steps like a foreign agent registry. 7100 words, 1 hour.

Budget Implementation Act, 2024, No. 1 Second reading of Bill C-69. The bill implements provisions of the 2024 budget. Government members highlight initiatives like national child care, health care funding, and housing measures, arguing for fairness and economic stability. Opposition parties criticize the government's record on debt, inflation, and the housing crisis. Conservatives propose to axe the carbon tax and cap spending. The Bloc Québécois opposes federal interference in provincial jurisdictions. The NDP supports provisions like dental care and pharmacare but notes shortcomings. 16700 words, 2 hours.

Statements by Members

Question Period

The Conservatives criticize the Liberal government's spending and deficits, which they argue have caused a cost of living crisis, driving up housing costs and interest rates. They blame this also on the Bloc Québécois's support. They condemn the government's "radical" drug decriminalization policy, citing deaths and chaos, and call for it to be reversed. They also raise concerns about election interference and ministerial scandal.
The Liberals highlight their investments in housing and their responsible fiscal policy, pointing to Canada's AAA credit rating. They discuss working with BC to address the toxic drug supply as a health issue and defend Radio-Canada. They emphasize upholding the Charter and protecting women's reproductive rights, noting progress on climate action and the dental care plan.
The Bloc raises concerns about the potential merger of CBC and Radio-Canada, urging the government to review immigration targets based on provincial integration capacity. They also demand action on foreign interference, calling for a foreign agent registry.
The NDP advocate for free birth control and criticize Conservative opposition. They condemn the government's immigration detention system and call for restoring ghost gear fund for coastal cleanup. They also urge action on Gaza, including sanctions and an arms embargo.
The Green Party says Canada is not meeting its climate target and is spending more on fossil fuels than climate action.

Petitions

Bill C‑64—Time Allocation Motion Members debate a Liberal motion to limit debate on Bill C-64, establishing a national pharmacare program initially covering diabetes medication and contraceptives. Supporters highlight access to care and women's reproductive health and rights. Opponents raise concerns about costs, potential federal overreach into provincial jurisdiction, and the bill's limited scope. 4800 words, 35 minutes.

Pharmacare Act Second reading of Bill C-64. The bill establishes a framework for a national pharmacare program, beginning with universal coverage for contraceptives and diabetes medications. Liberals and NDP support it as a historic step toward universal pharmacare to improve access and affordability. Conservatives raise concerns about federal intrusion into provincial jurisdiction, budgetary costs, and the program's limited scope. The Bloc Québécois opposes it as an infringement on Quebec's jurisdiction, demanding the right to opt out with full compensation. 40900 words, 5 hours.

Justice and Human Rights Members debate a motion calling on the government to list the IRGC as a terrorist entity. Conservatives argue the government's inaction is long overdue, citing the IRGC's human rights abuses, support for terror groups, foreign interference, and the downing of flight PS752. They criticize the government for failing to protect Canadians and combat money laundering, urging immediate action despite past delays. 2400 words, 20 minutes.

Adjournment Debates

Abuse in Canadian sports Sébastien Lemire questions the government's inaction regarding abuse in sports, urging a public inquiry. Adam van Koeverden defends the government's approach, highlighting the launch of an independent commission. Lemire argues the commission lacks the power of a judicial inquiry. Van Koeverden asserts the chosen mechanism is more suitable and less traumatizing.
Invasion of Rafah Mike Morrice asks what the government is doing about the invasion of Rafah and presses it to call on Israel to follow the ICJ ruling. Adam van Koeverden says Canada is calling for a ceasefire and for humanitarian aid to be allowed, and is holding UNRWA to the highest standards.
Efficacy of the carbon tax Michelle Rempel argues the carbon tax is ineffective and increases the cost of living, suggesting investments in public transit instead. Adam van Koeverden defends the tax, citing economists who say it reduces emissions without causing hardship. Rempel calls for innovation, while van Koeverden insists the plan is working.
Was this summary helpful and accurate?

Question No.2464—Questions Passed as Orders for ReturnsRoutine Proceedings

3:30 p.m.

Conservative

Pat Kelly Conservative Calgary Rocky Ridge, AB

With regard to provisions of the Criminal Code concerning motor vehicle theft: (a) how many Government of Canada-owned vehicles were stolen between January 2016 and February 2024 inclusively; (b) how many of the vehicles in (a) have been recovered; (c) how many of the vehicles in (a) have been used in the commission of other crimes; (d) how many of the vehicles in (a) departed Canada; (e) how many of the vehicles in (a) have been stolen more than once; (f) what is the provincial and territorial breakdown for the location in which the vehicles in (a) were stolen for each year; (g) of the vehicles in (a) stolen in Ontario, how many were stolen in (i) Ottawa or the National Capital Region, (ii) the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area, (iii) the rest of the province; (h) of the vehicles in (a) stolen in Quebec, how many were stolen in (i) Gatineau or the National Capital Region, (ii) Montréal, (iii) Quebec City, (iv) the rest of the province; and (i) how many times has the official vehicle of the Minister of Justice been stolen?

(Return tabled)

Question No.2465—Questions Passed as Orders for ReturnsRoutine Proceedings

3:30 p.m.

Conservative

Pat Kelly Conservative Calgary Rocky Ridge, AB

With regard to the Department of National Defence's (DND) "2022-2023 Annual Report to Parliament - Administration of the Privacy Act", in particular "Figure 7: Number of active requests (as of 31 March 2023)", regarding the age of outstanding access to information and privacy requests filed with the DND, between January 2016 and February 2024 inclusively: (a) how many privacy requests were filed in each year; (b) how many of those requests filed in 2018 or earlier remain open; (c) how many of those requests filed in 2019 remain open; and (d) how many of those requests in (b) were filed by (i) serving members, (ii) veterans, (iii) misconduct complainants?

(Return tabled)

Question No.2466—Questions Passed as Orders for ReturnsRoutine Proceedings

3:30 p.m.

Conservative

Pat Kelly Conservative Calgary Rocky Ridge, AB

With regard to personnel levels in the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces, for each year between January 2015 and January 2024, broken down by branch and occupation: (a) what were the target or desired personnel levels in each occupation; (b) what were the actual personnel levels in each occupation; (c) how many applicants expressed a desire to serve in each occupation; (d) how many applicants were admitted to serve in each occupation; and (e) how many civilian, full-time equivalents, were employed in the Department of National Defence?

(Return tabled)

Question No.2467—Questions Passed as Orders for ReturnsRoutine Proceedings

3:30 p.m.

Conservative

Kevin Waugh Conservative Saskatoon—Grasswood, SK

With regard to the electoral district of Saskatoon–Grasswood: what are the details of all the grants, contributions, loans and any other payments from Government of Canada departments, agencies and Crown corporations, but excluding the Canada Revenue Agency, to all other levels of government within and outside of Canada, First Nations, corporations, non-governmental organizations and charities for the fiscal years 2015-16 to the current fiscal year, inclusively?

(Return tabled)

Question No.2468—Questions Passed as Orders for ReturnsRoutine Proceedings

3:30 p.m.

Conservative

Adam Chambers Conservative Simcoe North, ON

With regard to correspondence, written or electronic, received by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) from 2016 to 2024, broken down by year: (a) what was the total amount of correspondence received by the CRA; (b) what was the average length in days for a complete response, excluding the acknowledgement of receipt reply; (c) how many and what percentages of final responses took (i) over six months, (ii) over 12 months, (iii) over 18 months, (iv) over 24 months; (d) how many pieces of correspondence have yet to receive a final response and what is the oldest piece of correspondence that has yet to receive a final response; (e) what is the total yearly budget for all CRA correspondence operations; and (f) what is the total number of employees assigned to CRA correspondence operations?

(Return tabled)

Question No.2469—Questions Passed as Orders for ReturnsRoutine Proceedings

3:30 p.m.

Conservative

Adam Chambers Conservative Simcoe North, ON

With regard to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and the objection process, broken down by fiscal year from 2015-16 to 2023-24: (a) what was, or is, the total budget for all CRA objection-related operations; (b) what was, or is, the total employee count for all CRA objection-related operations; (c) how many taxpayers filed objections; (d) what was the total of outstanding federal tax dollars in dispute; (e) how many days, on average, did the CRA take to assign objections from the time they were filed by the taxpayers for (i) low-complexity objections, (ii) medium-complexity objections, (iii) high-complexity objections, (iv) complexity not assigned; (f) how many days, on average, did the CRA take to resolve objections from the time they were filed by the taxpayers for (i) low-complexity objections, (ii) medium-complexity objections, (iii) high-complexity objections, (iv) complexity not assigned; (g) what was the CRA's inventory of outstanding income tax objections for (i) new objections, (ii) outstanding objections, (iii) resolved objections; (h) with respect to the data and figures included in "Appendix-Outcomes of objection decisions for the 2011-12 to 2015-16 fiscal years" in the 2016 Fall Reports of the Auditor General of Canada - Report 2-lncome Tax Objections-Canada Revenue Agency, what are the same data and figures for provide each of the fiscal years from 2015-16 to 2023-24; and (i) since the CRA began measuring and reporting service standards related to the objection process, how many and which service standards have not been met, broken down by fiscal year and specific service standard?

(Return tabled)

Question No.2470—Questions Passed as Orders for ReturnsRoutine Proceedings

3:30 p.m.

Conservative

Adam Chambers Conservative Simcoe North, ON

With regard to taxation, for the last tax year for which statistics are available: for each federal tax, (i) what is the name of the tax, (ii) how much did it cost to administer, (iii) how many employees or full-time equivalents were assigned to administer the tax, (iv) how much revenue was received from the tax?

(Return tabled)

Question No.2472—Questions Passed as Orders for ReturnsRoutine Proceedings

3:30 p.m.

Conservative

Michelle Ferreri Conservative Peterborough—Kawartha, ON

With regard to the Canada Dental Benefit (CDB): (a) what is the government's estimate of the number of dentists currently operating in Canada; (b) of the dentists in (a), how many have received payments for services provided under the CDB; and (c) what is the breakdown of (a) and (b) by province or territory?

(Return tabled)

Question No.2474—Questions Passed as Orders for ReturnsRoutine Proceedings

3:30 p.m.

Conservative

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

With regard to contracts entered into by the government relating to diversity, equity and inclusion services, since January 1, 2019, and broken down by department or agency: (a) what is the total value of such contracts, broken down by year and by type of service provided (policy development, training, guest speaker, fee, etc.); and (b) what are the details of each such contract, including, for each, the (i) vendor, (ii) date, (iii) amount or value, (iv) description of goods or services, (v) manner in which the contract was awarded (sole-sourced versus competitive bid)?

(Return tabled)

Question No.2475—Questions Passed as Orders for ReturnsRoutine Proceedings

3:30 p.m.

Conservative

Laila Goodridge Conservative Fort McMurray—Cold Lake, AB

With regard to Global Affairs Canada's (GAC) reduced operating budgets from 2024 to 2027 as per the most recent Main Estimates: (a) what is the detailed breakdown of budget reductions per branch and office in GAC, broken down by (i) year, (ii) expected budget per year after reduction, (iii) reasons for why the budgets are being reduced, (iv) title of employee managing the branch or office; (b) what is the budget reduction for every embassy, consulate, and representative office from 2024 to 2027; and (c) which of the embassies, consulates, and offices in (b) are scheduled to be closed and by what date?

(Return tabled)

Question No.2476—Questions Passed as Orders for ReturnsRoutine Proceedings

3:30 p.m.

Conservative

Marty Morantz Conservative Charleswood—St. James—Assiniboia—Headingley, MB

With regard to the federal government's commitment in budget 2022 to invest $76 million to strengthen Canada's capacity to implement sanctions: (a) how much of the $76 million has been invested to date; (b) of the funds spent to date, what is the breakdown by (i) department that was allocated funding, (ii) how the funds were spent, including what specific investments were made and how much spent on each item; (c) which directors general and assistant deputy ministers were tasked with overseeing the program implementation; and (d) what are the key progress indicators used to determine the success of the program, and what are the results of the indicators?

(Return tabled)

Question No.2478—Questions Passed as Orders for ReturnsRoutine Proceedings

3:30 p.m.

Conservative

Frank Caputo Conservative Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo, BC

With regard to Correctional Service Canada (CSC), broken down by year since 2019: (a) how many assaults have taken place in CSC facilities, in total, and broken down by facility, year, and by type of incident (inmate assaulting inmate, inmate assaulting correctional officer, inmate assaulting staff and inmate assaulting contractor, etc.); (b) what is the breakdown of each part of (a) by the seriousness of the resulting incident (i.e. no injury, minor injury, serious injury, death etc.); (c) following the events in (a), how many times was (i) the inmate who committed the assault moved to a different CSC facility, (ii) the inmate who was assaulted moved to a different CSC facility, (iii) the inmate who committed the assault moved to a higher security; (d) what were the nature and types of espoused used in assaults contained in (a); and (e) of the incidents in (a), how many have resulted in punitive measures against the perpetrator in total and broken down by type of punitive measure?

(Return tabled)

Question No.2479—Questions Passed as Orders for ReturnsRoutine Proceedings

3:30 p.m.

Conservative

Alex Ruff Conservative Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound, ON

With regard to the mandatory electronic filing requirements for the Goods and services tax (GST) and harmonized sales tax (HST): (a) did the government consult with any religious or cultural communities such as the Amish, Mennonite and Hutterite communities that do not have access or utilize the internet before making paper filing less accessible, and, if so, what are the details, including the (i) dates, (ii) locations, (iii) types of consultations that were conducted; (b) were seniors and Canadians without reliable internet access consulted on the recent changes to electronic filing, and, if so, what are the details, including the (i) dates, (ii) locations, (iii) types of consultations that were conducted; (c) what are the standards or criteria for attaining an exemption from the electronic filing requirement from Canada Revenue Agency (CRA); (d) what are the estimated number of exemption requests that CRA is anticipating receiving for this year; (e) how much are the financial penalties for a tax filer who is required to file their HST or GST returns online but continues to file it on paper; and (f) what is the projected revenue that CRA will receive as a result of the penalties in (e) and how will that money be allocated or spent?