Debates of June 12th, 2024

House of Commons Hansard #330 of the 44th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was report.

Topics

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

Statements by Members

Congratulations to 2024 graduates

Recognizing Paralympian Niki Ens

Criticism of Conservative tax policies

Recognition for Mayor Frédéric Broué

Remembering Falconbridge Mine tragedy, Workers Memorial

Anniversaries in Bellechasse--Les Etchemins--Lévis

Canadian Dental Care and Pharmacare Plans

Congratulations on Eid al-Adha

Questions about 'red-handed Randy'

Success of Canadian Dental Care Plan

Criticism of Liberal green slush fund

Criticism of Liberal economic policies

Human rights situation in Iran

Report on Women Veterans' Issues

Maison d'hébergement dépannage de Valleyfield anniversary

Criticism of Liberal policies affecting farmers

278 Cormorant Royal Canadian Air Cadets

Reminder: No acknowledging visitors

Question Period

The Conservatives strongly oppose the Liberal tax hike, arguing it will hurt farmers, small businesses, grandmothers, and others, not just the wealthy. They link the tax to economic failures and demand amendments to exempt various workers and income groups from the increase.

The Liberals champion their capital gains change as tax fairness, arguing it ensures workers don't pay higher rates than the ultrarich. They state it funds investments like health care and is supported by the IMF. They also discuss investments in affordable housing.

The Bloc raises concerns about the capital gains tax unfairly impacting ordinary Quebeckers, criticizes the CBSA's CARM app as a costly fiasco, and calls for repealing the religious exemption for hate speech in the Criminal Code.

The NDP focus on the housing crisis, condemning exploitative rental practices and the lack of affordable options. They urge support for the union in railway negotiations, demand justice for victims in the Johannes Rivoire case, and call for action against hate-motivated attacks.

The Greens criticize the Canada disability benefit for failing to lift people with disabilities out of poverty as promised.

Veterans Affairs Members present a report on Canadian women veterans, "Invisible No More," with 42 recommendations. Parties present supplementary opinions, with Conservatives noting omitted issues like housing and cost of living. Members call for implementation. 700 words.

Stronger Sentences for Safer Streets Act First reading of Bill C-394. The bill proposes reinstating mandatory minimum prison sentences for producing, importing, and exporting certain dangerous controlled substances. 200 words.

Criminal Code First reading of Bill C-395. The bill amends the Criminal Code to extend protections and broaden sentences for assaults against essential public transit workers, building on 2014 changes to address ongoing violence they face. 200 words.

Stopping the Tax on the Carbon Tax Act First reading of Bill C-396. The bill would remove the Goods and Services Tax (GST) from the federal carbon pollution price, which the sponsor argues is an unfair "tax on a tax". 200 words.

Excise Tax Act First reading of Bill C-397. The bill creates a single service for reporting deaths to government and exempts funeral and related costs from the federal GST. 200 words.

Petitions

Authorize striped bass fishing

Recognize the 1984 Sikh genocide

Expedite access to Trikafta drug

Do not extradite Hassan Diab

Sanctions on the Government of Israel

Continue funding for UNRWA

Review military facility's environmental impact

Consult youth about climate change

Axe the carbon tax

Hold a carbon tax election

Cancel tripling carbon tax

Political belief and activity discrimination

Eritrea: Human rights and foreign interference

End persecution of Falun Gong

Restore funding for women's shelters

Block euthanasia for children

Immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza

Countering Foreign Interference Act Third reading of Bill C-70. The bill modernizes laws to counter foreign interference by amending the CSIS Act, creating new criminal offences, and establishing a foreign influence registry. It aims to enhance information sharing and protect Canadian institutions. Debate highlights the need for the bill but notes concerns about the expedited study and implementation. 9800 words, 1 hour.

Amendments to the Standing Orders Members debate a Conservative motion to amend Standing Orders, requiring broader consensus for changes. Supporters argue this prevents a majority government's "tyranny" and "abuse of power", citing past unilateral changes like hybrid Parliament. Other members support referring the matter to committee to study how to make procedural rule changes with less partisanship. 4300 words, 35 minutes.

Adjournment Debates

Clean electricity regulations Elizabeth May questions the seriousness of the government's commitment to clean electricity, citing Ontario's increased fossil fuel use and the stalled Atlantic Loop project. Marc Serré defends the government's clean electricity regulations, highlighting consultations, flexibility for provinces, and significant federal support.

Canada disability benefit Mike Morrice questions the adequacy of the proposed Canada disability benefit, citing criticism from the disability community and its limited impact on poverty. Marc Serré defends the benefit as a significant investment and milestone, stating that the government will continue to consult and improve the program.

Costs of the carbon tax Andrew Scheer criticizes the carbon tax, arguing Canadians are worse off despite rebates, citing rising costs. Marc Serré defends the tax, stating that most Canadians benefit from rebates, and that the Bank of Canada says the carbon tax only contributes a small amount to rising prices. Scheer reiterates a call for the government to release a report on the tax.

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Carbon PricingAdjournment Proceedings

6:35 p.m.

Conservative

Andrew Scheer Conservative Regina—Qu'Appelle, SK

Mr. Speaker, there are so many things wrong in what the parliamentary secretary said.

I did mention the rebate. I pointed out that the vast majority of Canadians are worse off even with the rebate, because they have to pay all the costs. He had nothing to say to that. He wants to get a gold star and a pat on the back because the Liberals have not applied the carbon tax to even more things. I am sorry, but Conservatives are not going to do that.

The carbon tax is not helping the government achieve its emissions targets. Since the government implemented the carbon tax, and hiked it year after year, Canada has fallen to 62nd out of 67 countries. We are worse off today on that metric than before the Prime Minister took over.

There is an easy way to settle this. No one has to take my word for it or the hon. member's word for it. Why will the Liberals not just table their own secret report, lift the gag order on the PBO and show Canadians the numbers so that they can make up their own minds? Why not just do that?

Carbon PricingAdjournment Proceedings

June 12th, 2024 / 6:40 p.m.

Liberal

Marc Serré Liberal Nickel Belt, ON

Mr. Speaker, there is no gag order. There is no secret report. Again, that is misinformation from the member. Our emissions are down to what they were in 2005, so our plan is working. We have to do more.

That is why pollution pricing alone can deliver a third of the greenhouse gas emission reductions we need to achieve to tackle climate change. Pollution pricing is a major pillar in our plan to tackle climate change. The opposition party has no plan other than to let the planet burn.

The price on pollution returns the proceeds to Canadians directly. It is the most efficient and affordable way to fight climate change and reduce our emissions.

Carbon PricingAdjournment Proceedings

6:40 p.m.

The Deputy Speaker Chris d'Entremont

The motion to adjourn the House is now deemed to have been adopted.

Accordingly, the House stands adjourned until tomorrow at 10 a.m., pursuant to Standing Order 24(1).

(The House adjourned at 6:41 p.m.)