Debates of June 6th, 2024

House of Commons Hansard #326 of the 44th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was sdtc.

Topics

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

Petitions

Eliminate the carbon tax

Access to cystic fibrosis treatment

Increase tax credits for volunteer firefighters

Support for firefighters

National poverty elimination strategy

Repeal regulatory constraints on health products

Arms embargo on Israel

Tax credit for volunteer firefighters

Jail, not bail, for violent offenders

Arms embargo between Canada and Israel

Consult youth on climate change bills

Support for volunteer firefighters

Opposition Motion—Documents Regarding Sustainable Development Technology Canada Members debate a Conservative motion to order government and SDTC documents, based on a damning Auditor General report detailing widespread conflicts of interest and ineligible projects. Conservatives seek to provide documents to the RCMP for investigation. Liberals state they took action upon learning of issues and are transitioning SDTC programming to the NRC, noting the AG found no criminal evidence. Bloc and NDP support investigation but propose amending the motion's timeline and RCMP direction. Whistle-blowers' treatment is also raised. 38100 words, 5 hours in 3 segments: 1 2 3.

Record of the Proceedings of the House MP Leah Gazan raises a question of privilege regarding a Member's statement on race and reoffending, and the subsequent alteration of the official Hansard record, arguing the change improperly altered the meaning of what was said. 800 words.

Opposition Montion—Documents Regarding Sustainable Development Technology Canada Members debate the Auditor General's report on Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC), which found governance lapses and conflicts of interest. Liberals defend transferring SDTC programming to the NRC to improve oversight and continue clean tech support. Conservatives call SDTC a "green slush fund," allege corruption, cite specific findings like $123 million misappropriated, and demand the release of all documents within 14 days. 4800 words, 30 minutes.

Alleged Breach of Deputy Speaker's Impartiality Members discuss a Conservative Party posting using the Deputy Speaker's image for a fundraiser. The Deputy Speaker apologized, stating it was unauthorized. An NDP MP seeks an apology from the responsible Conservative official. 500 words.

Statements by Members

D-Day anniversary and foreign interference

Congratulations to Don Valley West graduates

Midland, Ontario, butter tart festival

Tribute to Dr. Abbas Hadian

Verchères wharf needs federal attention

National suicide prevention action plan

ArriveCAN scandal and lost emails

Tribute to D-Day veteran Stan Smurthwaite

Arctic Inspiration Prize winners congratulated

Carbon tax increases cost of living

Rainbow Connections conference in Sudbury

80th anniversary of D-Day

Questions about 'Randy' and global health

Remembering London family terror attack

Alcohol abuse in Nunavut

80th anniversary of Normandy landings

Sustainable Development Technology Canada scandal

Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency anniversary

Question Period

The Conservatives demand the Liberals release names of MPs allegedly working with foreign states and if cabinet ministers are on this list. They accuse the government of a carbon tax cover-up, demanding the release of a "secret report" proving it costs Canadians more and lifting the PBO's gag order, suggesting a "carbon tax election". Concerns are also raised about the SDTC "green slush fund" scandal and the identity of the mysterious "other Randy" linked to a minister.

The Liberals defended their record on national security and countering foreign interference, inviting the Conservative leader to get security clearance. They promoted the Canada carbon rebate, stating most Canadians get more back, and criticized Conservative climate denial. They highlighted progress on rural broadband, interest rate drops, immigration funding for Quebec, SDTC reform, and future legislation, accusing Conservatives of a hidden agenda.

The Bloc raises concerns about MPs under foreign influence and the government's inaction. They highlight the humanitarian crisis caused by the uneven distribution of asylum seekers, demanding federal funding and action. They also call for urgent federal financial support for farmers facing difficulties after disasters.

The NDP advocate for fair pensions for border workers, call for a windfall tax on big oil profits to fund climate action amidst rising temperatures and wildfires, highlight the toxic drug crisis impacting Indigenous communities, and demand transparency on foreign interference.

The Greens highlight the underfunding of arts and creatives and the federal arts funding gap in regions like Waterloo, urging fair distribution.

National Strategy on Brain Injuries Act Second reading of Bill C-277. The bill establishes a national strategy on brain injuries focusing on awareness, prevention, treatment, and recovery. Members across parties support the bill, highlighting the impact on 1.5 million Canadians and links to issues like intimate partner violence and addiction. Some Bloc members express concerns about provincial jurisdiction over health care. 7400 words, 1 hour.

Public Complaints and Review Commission Act Report stage of Bill C-20. The bill establishes the Public Complaints and Review Commission to provide independent oversight of the RCMP and CBSA. Debate focused on ensuring independence, the complaints process, and supporting officers. Concerns were raised about CBSA governance problems and lack of consultation. 6900 words, 45 minutes.

Miscarriage of Justice Review Commission Act (David and Joyce Milgaard's Law) Report stage of Bill C-40. The bill creates an independent commission to review potential miscarriages of justice, named after David and Joyce Milgaard. Debate focuses on committee changes, including lowering the review threshold to "may have occurred" which Conservatives oppose, and allowing applications before exhausting appeals in exceptional cases. Bloc members also raise concerns about the lack of a bilingualism requirement for commissioners. 7600 words, 1 hour.

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