Debates of June 12th, 2024

[The Deputy Speaker, Conservative, Chris d'Entremont]

It being Wednesday, we will now have the singing of the national anthem led by the hon. member for Kitchener—Conestoga.

[Members sang the national anthem]

2024 Graduating Class

[Wilson Miao, Liberal, Richmond Centre, BC]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my congratulations to all graduates of 2024, especially those in my riding of Richmond Centre, the graduates of J.N. Burnett Secondary, Richmond Secondary, Hugh Boyd Secondary and Steveston-London Secondary, as well as graduates from BCIT, Trinity Western University and Kwantlen Polytechnic University. The graduates should let this hard work and important milestone be the start of their journey to explore a world full of potential.

I would like to thank all the parents, family members and education professionals who played an important role in supporting our graduates in their path of dreams. Graduation marks the culmination of years of dedication and perseverance. It signifies the beginning of a new chapter filled with infinite prospects.

Congratulations to the 2024 graduate class. I wish every graduate all the best in their future achievements and look forward to celebrating their continued success.

Meadow Lake Athlete

[Gary Vidal, Conservative, Desnethé—Missinippi—Churchill River, SK]

Mr. Speaker, it is an honour today to rise and recognize Niki Ens, an accomplished athlete who grew up in my hometown of Meadow Lake.

As a young person, Niki was a provincial champion track athlete, a lifeguard at a local swimming pool and, amazingly, rode across Canada on her bike in 32 days. In 2014, just after starting her career as a nurse, a motor vehicle accident left Niki confined to a wheelchair. Her positive attitude and resilient spirit have allowed her to become a role model that we can all be inspired by.

She recently qualified for the Paris Paralympic Games by winning gold in the 50-metre backstroke at the Canadian trials in Toronto. This will be Niki's second Paralympics. In the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo, she set personal bests in all of her races. Niki has always appreciated the tremendous support of her family. I know her parents, Rod and Monica, will be in the stands in Paris supporting her.

Together with the whole community of Meadow Lake, I ask that this House join me today in cheering on Niki Ens.

Conservative Party of Canada

[Kevin Lamoureux, Liberal, Winnipeg North, MB]

Mr. Speaker, no one will be surprised to know they did it again. We will remember back in 2015 when the Conservative Party voted against the 1% wealthiest being taxed a bit more. It did it again yesterday. Yesterday, the Conservative Party, or should I say the Reform Party, voted no against the capital gains tax. What does it have against fairness? Why is it that the Conservative Party is more in favour of supporting lobbyists as opposed to Canada's middle class and individuals who need the support from government?

Why is it that the Liberal Party, on the one hand, demonstrates a caring, compassionate attitude and the Conservatives, on the other hand, consistently talk about cuts, cuts, cuts and do not understand the word “fairness”? Shame on them.

Frédéric Broué

[Marie-Hélène Gaudreau, Bloc, Laurentides—Labelle, QC]

Mr. Speaker, my dictionary defines the word “visionary” as being able to anticipate, having true insight into the future.

Frédéric Broué, mayor of Sainte‑Agathe‑des‑Monts, was named a municipal visionary by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities last April. Under his leadership, the town of Sainte‑Agathe‑des‑Monts is transforming at lightning speed. Frédéric Broué entered the 2021 mayoral race as someone with extensive experience in the municipal public service under his belt who could bring with him the collaborative values that are key to success. He is a mayor of action who is fighting for more housing, for investment in green infrastructure and for regional public transport. He is recognized by his peers.

Today, I am proud to pay tribute to him and to shine a spotlight on his dedication to the citizens of Sainte‑Agathe‑des‑Monts.

Workers Memorial Day

[Marc Serré, Liberal, Nickel Belt, ON]

Mr. Speaker, in June 1984, a seismic event struck northeastern Ontario, leading to the devastating collapse of Falconbridge Mine in my riding of Nickel Belt. The tragedy claimed the lives of four miners, members of the Mine Mill Local 598. We remember Sulo Korpela, Richard Chenier, Daniel Lavallee and Wayne St. Michel.

This June 20th marks the 40th anniversary of the first Workers Memorial Day to honour these brave people.

It is the day we pay tribute to all fallen, sick and injured workers. The goal is to build a future free from such tragedies, a future where every worker in every industry goes home safe and unharmed at the end of the day. On this, the 40th annual mine, mill and smelter Workers' Memorial Day, let us remember the past and commit to a safer future.

Three Municipalities in the Bellechasse RCM

[Dominique Vien, Conservative, Bellechasse—Les Etchemins—Lévis, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to announce three venerable anniversaries taking place in 2024: the 175th anniversary of the municipality of Saint‑Lazare‑de‑Bellechasse, the 200th anniversary of Sainte‑Claire, and the 275th anniversary of the founding of Saint‑Charles‑de‑Bellechasse. These three municipalities in the Bellechasse RCM are among the oldest in my riding, each with a rich and impressive history.

The sons and daughters of these three villages cleared and settled the land, building farms, schools, convents and businesses whose renown extends beyond our borders, including Versaprofiles, Prevost and duBreton.

Some of them achieved show business stardom, such as Marthe Laverdière and Noémie O'Farrell. Others made a name for themselves in professional sports, like Christian Laflamme.

This summer, thousands of former residents will be coming back to the villages they once called home for a big reunion. The festivities will have something for everyone, as each municipality has a wide range of activities planned.

I extend my heartfelt wishes to these three municipalities for a happy anniversary and joyous celebrations.

Dental Care and Health Care

[Sonia Sidhu, Liberal, Brampton South, ON]

Mr. Speaker, dental care is an essential part of our health, and this government is taking important steps to support Canadians. As of today, over two million Canadians have successfully signed up for the Canadian dental care plan. Just within the first weeks, this program helped over 150,000 seniors get dental care.

Our pharmacare plan will also ensure Canadians can live healthy lives. Years of advocacy for people with diabetes resulted in this government tabling the national framework for diabetes in 2022. Earlier this year, we built on this progress by tabling the national pharmacare legislation that includes coverage for diabetes medications.

One in five people in Brampton are diabetic or prediabetic, and this legislation is going to not only help Canadians live healthier lives, but also make life more affordable.

Eid al-Adha

[Angelo Iacono, Liberal, Alfred-Pellan, QC]

Mr. Speaker, today I want to congratulate the Muslim community as we approach Eid al-Adha. This holy feast of sacrifice and generosity reminds us of the values of sharing and solidarity.

As the proud representative of Alfred-Pellan, I have the pleasure of spending time with the great North African community that enriches our riding. Its solidarity, generosity and joie de vivre are a true source of pride.

During this festive period, I wish all Muslims in Alfred-Pellan and across Canada a happy and blessed holiday. May this celebration be filled with peace, happiness and prosperity.

I encourage the House and all Canadians to join me in recognizing and celebrating the wealth that cultural and religious diversity brings to our country.

Eid Mubarak to everyone.

Ethics

[Dane Lloyd, Conservative, Sturgeon River—Parkland, AB]

Mr. Speaker, there are new developments in the hunt for red-handed Randy. The minister and the Liberals have refused to reveal the true identity of Randy, but they have plenty of theories to try to distract Canadians. They claim that there could be multiple Randys, or no Randys at all, or maybe his name is really Randeep. Who are these Liberals trying to fool?

Leaked text messages from the minister's business partner, Stephen Anderson, revealed the existence of red-handed Randy, a public official and powerful partner who demanded half a million dollars in payments. The Minister of Employment is a 50% shareholder in Global Health Imports, a company mired in numerous cases of fraud, including from the time that the minister was actively involved. He even shares a name with red-handed Randy.

Canadians want to know, if the Randy involved is not the Liberal minister, then who is Randy? No matter how much these Liberals try to cover this up, they cannot avoid this simple question: Who is Randy? Why are they working so hard to protect red-handed Randy and his fraudulent company? Is it because there is no other Randy?

Dental Care

[Patricia Lattanzio, Liberal, Saint-Léonard—Saint-Michel, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to say that over 62% of dental care providers in the province of Quebec are now registered to participate in the Canadian dental care plan.

More than 200,000 seniors have already received care through this program, and with more than 694,000 Quebeckers registered and accepted, we can expect that number to keep going up.

We can be very proud of supporting our seniors. Many of them have never had access to the care they needed, and they are sharing their relief and joy at finally being able to receive essential health care.

The Conservatives and the Bloc voted against it. Now the Conservatives are trying to pretend it does not exist to avoid having to explain and admit that they would cut it, and the Bloc completely ignores it. However, the program is working, and it is improving the lives of Canadians. Let us keep up the great work.

Ethics

[John Brassard, Conservative, Barrie—Innisfil, ON]

Mr. Speaker, another day, another scandal. What is new after nine years of the Liberal-NDP government? On Monday, Parliament passed a motion calling on the government and the Auditor General to hand over all documents related to the Prime Minister's green slush fund to the RCMP. Not surprisingly, every Liberal, including the Prime Minister, voted against our motion to give the RCMP the information it needs to investigate potential criminality and to expose just how deep the rot is. What is known is that Liberal insiders greased their palms with millions from taxpayers, yet here we are again with another attempted cover-up by the Prime Minister and his caucus.

It is shameful. It is no wonder the Liberals want to cover this one up, as $123-million worth of contracts were given out inappropriately, 90 cases did not follow conflict of interest policies and $76 million was spent on projects connected to Liberal friends. The Liberals are not fighting for fairness for all. If this were true, why are they lining the pockets of their friends while everyday Canadians continue to struggle?

Taxation

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

Mr. Speaker, the finance minister is scrambling to bring in yet another tax hike to pay for uncontrolled inflationary spending. After nine years of the NDP-Liberal government, it is not worth the cost of falling standards of living. As a result of Liberal economic vandalism, capital has been driven out of Canada, and Canadians are worse off. They just do not get it. Taxing farmers drives up food costs. Taxing doctors means it is harder to find one. Taxing home builders means fewer homes get built. Taxing small businesses means fewer paycheques.

“To strive, to seek, to find and not to yield,” said Lord Tennyson. Common-sense Conservatives will unlock the potential of our strivers, inventors, builders, entrepreneurs and workers. We will restore the promise of Canada, where hard work earns powerful paycheques and pensions to buy affordable gas, food and homes in safe neighbourhoods. Let us bring it home.

Human Rights in Iran

[Jenica Atwin, Liberal, Fredericton, NB]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to raise awareness about the dire human rights situation in Iran. While the world's eyes were on Iran following the murder of Mahsa Amini, we must not stop fighting for justice and accountability to support the “women, life, freedom” movement. The flagrant human rights violations occurring in Iran are extremely concerning to me and to the Iranian community in my riding of Fredericton–Oromocto.

I have heard from constituents that the situation is only getting worse, especially for women, girls and gender minorities. Far too many Iranian women are being subjected to the use of lethal force, torture and sexual assault, only because they are daring to stand up for freedom and autonomy. According to a recent UN report, the Iranian regime has cracked down even further on women and girls since Mahsa Amini's death. Penalties have become heftier. State-sanctioned surveillance and intimidation have been amplified. Gender segregation is expanding into public spaces. Authorities have threatened to deprive women of education and health care if they do not comply. This is a blatant violation of human rights.

As Canadians, we pride ourselves in upholding democracy, gender equality and the rule of law. We must ensure that these values are upheld not only here and at home, but also across the world. I call on all my colleagues in the House to support, and to raise their voices for, freedom for women and girls in Iran.

Women Veterans

[Rachel Blaney, NDP, North Island—Powell River, BC]

Mr. Speaker, today is an important day, one where Parliament will finally have a report that lays out the issues of women veterans. This matters because it is the first of its kind. Over a year ago, when I put forward a motion to study women veterans, with my friend from the Bloc Québécois adding a section on MST, I found out that there had never been a study focused solely on women veterans before. Twenty-three sessions later, today, that report will be tabled, and the women veterans will be seen.

I hope this place is listening to the women who served us and who spoke repeatedly about being made invisible. The recommendation set a baseline that women veterans will be watching closely.

This place needs to move forward with action. I want to thank every witness who came forward. I want to thank every person who wrote to the committee. I want to acknowledge the dedication and the solidarity of the women who came to stand with one another. Their strength and dignity has made me a better parliamentarian.

40th Anniversary of Maison d'hébergement dépannage de Valleyfield

[Claude DeBellefeuille, Bloc, Salaberry—Suroît, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to highlight the 40th anniversary of the Maison d'hébergement dépannage de Valleyfield, or MHDV. Forty years ago, a group of community builders decided to help people experiencing homelessness and in crisis.

I would be remiss if I did not highlight the invaluable contribution made by Émile Duhamel, one of the community builders behind MHDV. He has dedicated his life to improving the lives of others, especially those most marginalized in our society. His involvement over the past 40 years has been unwavering. Most importantly, he has helped create services beyond MHDV, such as the emergency shelter, the Vestibule de Marguerite, the La Maisonnée shelter for families, and Habitation Chez nous. He also contributed to important projects like Halte Chaleur.

The key to MHDV's success is that their skilled team firmly believes that every human being deserves respect, consideration and dignity. The solidarity they demonstrate is needed now more than ever.

I wish the Maison d'hébergement dépannage de Valleyfield many more years of success.

Carbon Tax

[Damien Kurek, Conservative, Battle River—Crowfoot, AB]

Mr. Speaker, after nine years, the NDP-Liberal government is just not worth the cost of food. With food prices out of control, it is bewildering that Liberals choose to attack the farmers and the ranchers who grow and raise Canadian food. First, they imposed a costly carbon tax, causing a food price crisis. Then, they threatened fertilizer reduction mandates. Now, they are hiking taxes on farmers. This latest tax hike is an attack on Canadian farm families and on their ability to keep producing food, something that will inevitably drive costs up. It will be the wealthy hedge funds and the foreign investors who benefit from this policy because they will buy up our farmland and our food processors.

The Liberals are driving farmers and ranchers out of business. I am being asked by these folks whether this is a calculated policy or pure and simple economic stupidity. Either way, Canadians and Canadian farmers deserve better. Common-sense Conservatives have a plan that would bring together everyday Canadians and would bring home a tax system that actually lowers taxes. That is just common sense. Let us bring it home.

Air Cadets

[Sukh Dhaliwal, Liberal, Surrey—Newton, BC]

Mr. Speaker, this past weekend, at the Princess Margaret Secondary School, I attended the sixth annual ceremonial review of the 278 Cormorant Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron led by Commanding Officer, Captain Amar Tiwana, and the chair of the sponsoring committee, Simar Pabla.

The ACR is a significant event for young cadets, showcasing their skills and achievements acquired throughout the past year. These cadets are learning valuable skills, such as leadership and teamwork, which will have a positive lifelong impact.

Please join me in congratulating and thanking the 278 Cormorant Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron, including their parents and the volunteers, the Whalley Legion and all supporting businesses, for their dedication and service to this community, which makes Surrey—Newton and all of Canada a better place for all of us.

[The Deputy Speaker, Conservative, Chris d'Entremont]

Just a quick reminder to hon. members not to acknowledge the people who are visiting. We are happy they could come and visit us today, but the rules state that we are not supposed to acknowledge them. It happened on three different occasions during S.O. 31s today, so I just want to remind hon. members of that.

Taxation

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the Bloc Québécois voted for another Liberal tax hike that will take Quebeckers' money and give it to this Prime Minister's centralizing government. After the vote, the Prime Minister literally thanked them by giving them a thumbs-up.

Is that what the “Liberal Bloc” is all about: less money for Quebec home builders, business owners, doctors and entrepreneurs, and more money for the massive Liberal federal government?

[Chrystia Freeland, Liberal, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance]

Mr. Speaker, our government understands the importance of fairness. We understand that a teacher should not pay tax at a higher rate than a multi-millionaire. We also understand that our decision will give Quebec an additional $3 billion that it can use to invest in health care, for example.

The Conservatives do not like health care. They do not like government investments.

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, this Bloc-backed tax hike is taking money away from doctors, forcing Quebec doctors to move away. Quebec's regions will lose doctors.

During a cost of living crisis and a food price crisis, the Bloc Québécois voted to tax farmers even more. The Bloc Québécois voted for a tax on home builders.

Why does the “Liberal Bloc” want to tax Quebeckers more, just to hand more money over to a big centralizing government in Ottawa?

[Chrystia Freeland, Liberal, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance]

Mr. Speaker, Quebeckers understand the importance of fairness. They understand that it is very important for a nurse not to pay tax at a higher rate than the ultrarich. They also understand that we need revenue to invest in health care and child care. Quebec needs these revenues too. That is why the province has decided to do the same thing we are doing at the federal level.

The Economy

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, nine years ago, the Prime Minister promised that taxing and spending more would make everything fair. Since then, Canada has had the worst growth in the G7, the worst in Canada's history since the Great Depression. Housing costs have doubled, rising faster than any other G7 country, so 76% of youth believe they will never be able to afford a home. One in 10 people is eating at food banks in Toronto, where there are 256 homeless encampments.

Have the Liberals not learned that taxing away doctors, taxing away home builders and taxing away the entrepreneurs who make paycheques is economic “wacko-ness”?

[Chrystia Freeland, Liberal, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance]

Mr. Speaker, we all certainly learned something yesterday. After eight weeks of dithering and evasion, we learned which side the Conservatives are on. The Conservatives had a chance to be very clear and say that a teacher or a welder should not pay tax at a higher rate than a multimillionaire, but they just could not help themselves. At the end of the day, the Conservatives are always on the side of those at the very top and always against working people. That is what we saw yesterday.