House of Commons Hansard #334 of the 44th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was voting.
This summary is computer-generated. Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.
Electoral Participation Act Second reading of Bill C-65. The bill seeks to amend the Canada Elections Act to encourage participation [/debates/2024/6/18/chandra-arya-1/], enhance privacy [/debates/2024/6/18/michael-coteau-1/], and safeguard the electoral process [/debates/2024/6/18/sukh-dhaliwal-1/]. Measures include easier voting for seniors [/debates/2024/6/18/lisa-marie-barron-4/] and persons with disabilities. Conservatives [/debates/2024/6/18/ed-fast-1/] and the Bloc Québécois [/debates/2024/6/18/luc-theriault-2/] criticize the bill's proposed election date change, alleging it's a pretext to allow more MPs to qualify for pensions [/debates/2024/6/18/ziad-aboultaif-2/], while the NDP plans an amendment to revert the date at committee [/debates/2024/6/18/lisa-marie-barron-4/]. 29400 words, 4 hours in 2 segments: 1 2.
Budget Implementation Act, 2024, No. 1 Report stage of Bill C-69. The bill, C-69, is considered at report stage with deferred recorded divisions on numerous motions proposing amendments. Parties state their voting intentions and apply previous vote results for groups of motions. Most motions are defeated. The House then considers and agrees to the motion to concur in the bill as amended. 1600 words, 40 minutes.
Foreign Interference and Alleged Reputational Harm to Members of Parliament MP Jenny Kwan raises a question of privilege regarding the NSICOP report on foreign interference. She argues that the report's allegations of unnamed MPs working with foreign states like China and India damage the reputation of all members, impeding their ability to function. She proposes sending the matter to committee to identify those involved. Other parties reserve comment. 2000 words, 15 minutes.
Budget Implementation Act, 2024, No. 1 Third reading of Bill C-69. The bill implements provisions of the 2024 budget. Liberals support its focus on the middle class, `social programs`[/debates/2024/6/18/kevin-lamoureux-10/] (like `dental care`[/debates/2024/6/18/don-davies-1/] and pharmacare), and infrastructure. Conservatives oppose the bill, citing increased spending, debt, and `cost of living`[/debates/2024/6/18/jasraj-singh-hallan-3/], criticizing the carbon tax and `capital gains tax increase`[/debates/2024/6/18/jasraj-singh-hallan-3/]. The Bloc opposes `federal interference`[/debates/2024/6/18/mario-beaulieu-2/] and the `open banking framework`[/debates/2024/6/18/gabriel-ste-marie-1/]. The NDP supports measures they influenced but notes bill shortcomings. 27200 words, 3 hours in 2 segments: 1 2.
Criminal Code Report stage of Bill S-224. The bill S-224 proposes changes to the Criminal Code on human trafficking. Originally intended to aid sex workers, it faced concerns it could criminalize helpers. Committee amendments removed its core content. Conservatives support the original bill, stating Liberals "gutted" it and are weak on crime. A vote on amendments is deferred. 1800 words, 15 minutes.
Adjournment Debate - Carbon Pricing Kelly Block argues the carbon tax makes Canadians poorer and hurts the economy, citing a hidden report and missed emissions targets. Julie Dabrusin denies a secret report and defends the carbon tax as effective, stating most families receive more in rebates than they pay and that Canada is on track to meet its 2026 emissions targets. 1200 words, 10 minutes.
Tony Van Bynen Liberal Newmarket—Aurora, ON
Mr. Speaker, last month, eligible Canadians were able to begin receiving care under the Canadian dental care plan. In my community of Newmarket—Aurora and across Canada, many seniors who have not been able to afford a dentist are now able to visit participating dental providers.
Could the Minister of Health update the House with respect to how many Canadians have already received care under the plan, and about the newest cohort that can begin applying for the Canadian dental plan?
Mark Holland LiberalMinister of Health
Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the member for Newmarket—Aurora for his incredible advocacy, along with the parliamentarians in the House who are standing with vulnerable Canadians who need dental care.
In just six weeks, more than 200,000 seniors from coast to coast to coast were able to receive dental care. To put that in practical terms, the call centre got a call yesterday from an 87-year-old woman, in tears, because for the first time since she was 11 years old, somebody allowed her to get her mouth taken care of.
We are going to make sure that all nine million Canadians everywhere in the country get the care they need.
Lindsay Mathyssen NDP London—Fanshawe, ON
Mr. Speaker, members of the Canadian Armed Forces have been saying for years that their grievance system is broken. Today's ombudsman's report confirmed this. On average, Canadian Armed Forces members have to wait 1,000 days to get compensated when there is a mistake with their pay. People are frustrated, they are tired and they are angry. Our men and women who bravely serve our country and keep Canadians safe deserve better.
The government keeps failing our armed forces. Will the minister tell us the steps he will take to implement the ombud's recommendations?
Bill Blair LiberalMinister of National Defence
Mr. Speaker, from COVID-19 to natural disasters and for their excellent work in Europe, our brave men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces have always been there for Canadians. It is our job to make sure that members of our forces and their families are well supported.
That is why I have accepted all of the ombudsman's recommendations to transform and modernize our military grievance system. As well, we are making significant new investments to support those members, with $100 million for child care, nearly $300 million for a housing strategy and nearly $500 million to digitize the health care records. We and our government will always be there for the members of the Canadian Armed Forces.
Rachel Blaney NDP North Island—Powell River, BC
Mr. Speaker, between 2010 and 2020, 191 Canadian military personnel died by suicide. Instead of addressing mental health challenges, Liberal and Conservative governments have cut funding, putting veterans at risk.
The Burns Way is ready to provide more trained, peer-to-peer support to our brave veterans, particularly for indigenous and 2SLGBTQIA+ veterans. They deserve nothing less.
Will the minister commit today to funding The Burns Way, yes or no?
Ginette Petitpas Taylor LiberalMinister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence
Mr. Speaker, I first want to take a moment to thank the members of the veterans affairs committee for the important study they presented last week on women veterans. We certainly recognize that a lot of work needs to be done, and I want to commend all the members who worked on this report.
On the issue of mental health services as well, two years ago the Department of Veterans Affairs Canada ensured that when members of the Canadian Armed Forces or veterans apply for mental health services, they can have access to those services immediately without any assessments. We want to make sure that when veterans are applying for services, they will have the care that they need when they need it the most.
Hardeep Singh NijjarOral Questions
The Speaker Greg Fergus
Following discussions among representatives of all parties in the House, I understand there is an agreement to observe a moment of silence in memory of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, assassinated in Surrey, British Columbia, one year ago today.
I now invite hon. members to rise.
[A moment of silence observed]
The House resumed from June 17 consideration of Bill C-69, An Act to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on April 16, 2024, as reported (with amendments) from the committee, and of the motions in Group No. 1.
The Speaker Greg Fergus
It being 3:20 p.m., the House will now proceed to the taking of the deferred recorded divisions on the motions at report stage of Bill C‑69.
Call in the members.
And the bells having rung:
The Speaker Greg Fergus
The question is on Motion No. 1. A vote on this motion also applies to Motions Nos. 2 to 31.
The Speaker Greg Fergus
I declare Motion No. 1 defeated. I therefore declare Motions Nos. 2 to 31 defeated.
The question is on Motion No. 32.
A vote on this motion also applies to Motion No. 33.
Ruby Sahota Liberal Brampton North, ON
Mr. Speaker, I believe that if you seek it, you will find agreement to apply the results from the previous vote to this vote, with the Liberal members voting nay.
Kerry-Lynne Findlay Conservative South Surrey—White Rock, BC
Mr. Speaker, Conservatives agree to apply the vote, with Conservatives voting yea.
Claude DeBellefeuille Bloc Salaberry—Suroît, QC
Mr. Speaker, the Bloc Québécois agrees to apply the vote and will be voting against this motion.
Heather McPherson NDP Edmonton Strathcona, AB
Mr. Speaker, it is the birthday of the member for Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie, so I would like to say that, in his honour, we accept to apply the vote and we will be voting no.
Mike Morrice Green Kitchener Centre, ON
Mr. Speaker, Greens agree to apply the vote, and we will be voting against.
Alain Rayes Independent Richmond—Arthabaska, QC
Mr. Speaker, I agree to apply and will be voting no.
The Speaker Greg Fergus
I declare Motion No. 32 defeated. I therefore declare Motion No. 33 defeated.
The question is on Motion No. 34. A vote on this motion also applies to Motions Nos. 35 to 37.
Ruby Sahota Liberal Brampton North, ON
Mr. Speaker, I believe that if you seek it, you will find agreement from all parties to apply the results of the previous vote to this vote, with the Liberal members voting nay.
Kerry-Lynne Findlay Conservative South Surrey—White Rock, BC
Mr. Speaker, Conservatives agree to apply the vote, with Conservatives voting yea.
Claude DeBellefeuille Bloc Salaberry—Suroît, QC
Mr. Speaker, the Bloc Québécois agrees to apply the vote and will be voting against this motion.
Heather McPherson NDP Edmonton Strathcona, AB
Mr. Speaker, the New Democratic Party of Canada will agree to apply the vote, and we will be voting no.
Mike Morrice Green Kitchener Centre, ON
Mr. Speaker, the Green Party agrees to apply the vote and will be voting against this motion.