Debates of June 6th, 2024

Stan Smurthwaite

[Tim Louis, Liberal, Kitchener—Conestoga, ON]

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in tribute to a resident of Kitchener—Conestoga, Stan Smurthwaite, a Royal Navy signalman who on D-Day sailed the SS Cresco, one of almost 7,000 vessels that was the largest amphibian invasion ever assembled, in an operation that changed the course of history.

Signalman Smurthwaite, affectionately known as “steady light” by his D-Day comrades, risked his life to deliver ammunition to the brave soldiers storming the beaches of Normandy. Stan and others were a beacon of courage among the chaos of war.

In 2019, Stan travelled to France for the 75th anniversary of D-Day. Unfortunately, he did not live to witness today's 80th D-Day commemoration, as he passed earlier this year, at the age of 98.

Stan was the last D-Day veteran in the Waterloo region, so let us not forget our veterans' sacrifice, courage and indomitable spirit. Let us keep veterans like Stan etched in our hearts and memories to remind us that freedom is not free. It is earned.

Arctic Inspiration Prize Winners

[Brendan Hanley, Liberal, Yukon, YT]

Mr. Speaker, the 12th annual Arctic Inspiration Prize took place in Whitehorse earlier this month, continuing the celebration of people working on groundbreaking projects from across northern Canada.

I congratulate Yukon's Young People's Theatre festival and the Youth Coalition 4 Food Security in the North, which each took home $100,000 to continue their projects. Thay K’i Anint’i received $499,000 for its efforts in offering recovery and wellness programming, balancing both traditional knowledge and western practices to support real healing from the opioid crisis. Congratulations as well go to the Therapeutic Farm School for winning the $500,000 prize. It is a wonderful farm-based project, including horses, that lights up the world for neurodiverse youth.

These are some of the brightest lights from Yukon, celebrating with northern brothers and sisters in a show of innovation and excellence that we in the north are rightly proud of. I congratulate all who took part in the AIP. I thank the many sponsors who make the prizes possible. Together, they are changing lives and communities in the north.

Carbon Tax

[Larry Maguire, Conservative, Brandon—Souris, MB]

Mr. Speaker, Canadians understand that the carbon tax is not an environmental plan. Rather, it is a tax grab by the NDP-Liberal government that makes everything more expensive, causing higher inflation and the cost of living crisis. When it taxes the farmers who grow the food and the truckers who transport the food, that inevitably increases the cost of food for all Canadians.

For years we have been saying this, but the government has refused to accept the truth. Now the Prime Minister knows that we were right all along and is desperately trying to hide the evidence. Recently, our Conservative team asked the independent Parliamentary Budget Officer whether the government had conducted an economic analysis of the cost. He confirmed that it had. However, the NDP-Liberal government is blocking the release of the analysis, placing a gag order on the budget watchdog.

Canadians demand transparency. The Prime Minister must stop hiding the real cost of his inflationary carbon tax and release the report.

Rainbow Connections Conference

[Viviane LaPointe, Liberal, Sudbury, ON]

Mr. Speaker, last month, I had the pleasure of joining attendees for the inaugural Rainbow Connections conference in Sudbury. The conference brought together members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community, as well as seniors, older adults, elders and allies from across northern Ontario. It was a chance to celebrate, discuss and learn from each other about how we can do more to support the 2SLGBTQI+ community, especially seniors.

Protecting the rights of 2SLGBTQI+ people is how we build a more inclusive Sudbury and a more inclusive Canada. As allies, we must continue to do our part to ensure that we are creating safer and more supportive communities. As we celebrate Pride Month, I want to thank members of SQUAD and the Réseau ACCESS Network for organizing this important conference. It was a timely discussion that holds much promise for much-needed change.

Anniversary of D-Day

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

Mr. Speaker, today marks the 80th anniversary of Canadian Forces bravely storming Juno Beach to defeat the Nazis in the fight for freedom, human rights and human dignity. On that day, 124 Royal Canadian vessels, 10,000 sailors, 39 Royal Air Force squadrons and a total of 14,000 Canadians took part in D-Day with our allies.

It was a day that changed lives, and history, forever. On this day, 359 Canadians perished so that millions could be freed from Hitler and the yoke of Nazi Germany.

Today we honour and thank our Canadian comrades who fought on land, at sea and in the air, under circumstances that defy the imagination and with a courage that none of us, save for those who were there, could ever understand.

We will always be indebted to this generation of brave Canadians and their families. Their determination will forever be remembered. Their story must never be forgotten, and their cause should serve as a reminder to all of us that, sadly, in these times, the forces of hatred still exist. On behalf of a grateful nation, I thank them from the bottom of our hearts, for their courage, their sacrifice and their results on this day, 80 years ago, which changed the course of history. We will remember them.

Ethics

[Corey Tochor, Conservative, Saskatoon—University, SK]

Mr. Speaker, it is hard for Canadians to keep track of all the Liberal scandals. Every week, they add new ones. This is a scandal that would define any other government in the history of Canada. I am talking about the mysterious “Randy”, who the government claims is not the same person as the Minister of Employment and the former associate minister of finance.

They might be saying, “These aren't the droids you're looking for”, but this is the “Randy” the government is watching and looking for. The minister holds a 50% share in a global health import and wants us to believe that “Randy” was just some guy who nobody knows the last name of and who just happens to have some big ideas about the company that everyone took seriously.

Who is Randy? Where is Randy? Who got rich and why? Canadians deserve to know. It is time to give up on the cover-up.

Attack in London, Ontario

[Salma Zahid, Liberal, Scarborough Centre, ON]

Mr. Speaker, three years ago today in London, Ontario, a normal Canadian family was killed in a terrorist attack. They were targeted because of who they were, visibly Muslim. Yumna Afzaal was a student. Her mother, Madiha Salman, was an engineer, and her father, Salman, was a physiotherapist. The family matriarch, Talat Afzaal, was a teacher. Only an orphan boy survived after a terrorist deliberately drove their truck into this innocent family.

This attack terrorized an entire community across our country. They were just out for a walk. When my family went for a walk, I could not help but look over my shoulder. It shattered the sense of safety we all take for granted. This is terrorism. This is Islamophobia. We all have a responsibility to do better. Hate does not exist in a vacuum.

As leaders, we must bring people together and not stoke fears of those who are different. We must remember our London family.

Addictions

[Lori Idlout, NDP, Nunavut, NU]

Uqaqtittiji, I rise wishing I could speak to happy occasions, knowing that June is National Indigenous History Month. Sadly, I stand to give rise to the despair that still exists. There are too many of us who are being lost to alcohol abuse. There are too many that I represent in Nunavut, and those indigenous peoples outside of Nunavut, who are affected by alcoholism.

There are too many of us losing to alcohol. I am told, for instance, that $16.7 billion goes towards national health burdens such as addressing diseases, disorders and cancers due to alcoholism. We know, in Ottawa, that the Inuit population has reached about 5,000. Unfortunately, Inuit are disproportionately represented when it comes to substance-related deaths.

I am aware that the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction works in partnership with Ottawa Public Health and Inuit service providers. They recommend implementing the “Canada’s Guidance on Alcohol and Health” report to address issues.

I remind my fellow Inuit to stand strong, to help and love each other, even during the hardest of times. They can ask for help and make sure to have a hopeful future.

Normandy Landings

[Christine Normandin, Bloc, Saint-Jean, QC]

Mr. Speaker, this year we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings.

We have a duty to remember the soldiers who took part, those who are still among us and those who have left us or who fell in combat, many of whose names have been lost to history. It took a lot of courage for those young men to land on the beaches of Normandy under Nazi fire and to press ahead tirelessly, even when it meant stepping over the bodies of their fallen comrades. Press ahead they did, however, until the enemy was vanquished.

Living in comfort in a nation at peace, we must always keep alive our gratitude toward the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. May we always stay on the right side of history by continuing to defend freedom and democracy today.

To all those fallen soldiers and to all the veterans who experienced the horrors of war and paid the price for their devotion for the rest of their lives, I say thank you. Lest we forget.

Ethics

[Tom Kmiec, Conservative, Calgary Shepard, AB]

Mr. Speaker, the NDP-Liberals poison and corrupt everything they touch. In 2017, they inherited a green government program with a clean bill of health from the Auditor General, and then they took it to the depths of corruption only the NDP-Liberals are capable of.

The Auditor General found that Sustainable Development Technology Canada is now a slush fund for NDP-Liberal swindlers, with $123 million having been awarded corruptly, including $76 million that was funnelled to projects connected with the Prime Minister's friends. Conflict of interest policies were not respected in 90 cases. That is $76 million spent corruptly.

A secret recording from a senior government official described this slush fund's actions as “a sponsorship-scandal level kind of giveaway.” Another $59 million was allocated to projects that did not meet the slush fund's own rules. Another $12 million was spent on projects that were in a conflict of interest and/or ineligible for funding.

The Prime Minister is not worth the cost nor the corruption. We are calling for the release of all the documents for this slush fund. Will they let the sunshine in and call the cops, or do we need another judicial inquiry?

Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

[Mike Kelloway, Liberal, Cape Breton—Canso, NS]

Mr. Speaker, I am excited to rise today to celebrate the 37th anniversary of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.

Since 1987, ACOA has been a real game-changer for our local economies here in Atlantic Canada. Whether it is creating jobs, supporting small businesses, or funding innovative projects, ACOA has been there every step of the way. In my riding of Cape Breton—Canso, ACOA has helped kick-start so many important initiatives. ACOA's work in diversifying our economy and promoting sustainable development has really put Atlantic Canada on the map, both nationally and internationally.

I send a big shout-out to all the hard-working folks at ACOA and its partners. Their dedication has made a huge difference in the lives of so many Atlantic Canadians. As we celebrate this milestone, I am excited about what the future holds. Cheers to 37 fantastic years of ACOA, and to many more years of growth and success for Atlantic Canada.

Democratic Institutions

[Andrew Scheer, Conservative, Regina—Qu'Appelle, SK]

Mr. Speaker, governments from countries that are hostile to Canada, that actively try to harm our citizens and our country, interfere with the most fundamental aspect of our society: our democracy.

An intelligence report claims that there are members of the House whose loyalty is not solely to the people of Canada, but also to foreign governments that wish us harm. What has been the Liberals' response so far? They will not release the names, and the Liberal member for Pickering—Uxbridge has said, “Boo hoo, get over it.”

Instead of telling Canadians to just walk it off, why do the Liberals not release the names of MPs who are working against Canada?

[Dominic LeBlanc, Liberal, Minister of Public Safety]

Mr. Speaker, my friend from Regina—Qu'Appelle knows very well that no government is in a position to release sensitive information about particular pieces of intelligence.

I have a suggestion for the member. He sits a couple of seats away in this place from his leader. If the Conservatives were sincere in understanding some of the information underlying the public version of the report of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians, then his leader could avail himself of the offer I am happy to reiterate again today. It is to get the security clearance, get all the information the committee of parliamentarians had, and then he could come to a reasoned judgment in this place.

[Andrew Scheer, Conservative, Regina—Qu'Appelle, SK]

Mr. Speaker, this is not about offering secret briefings to MPs who have to keep all that information secret. It is about releasing the names so Canadians can know which MPs are working against the interests of Canada.

I have a very simple question and the minister should be able to answer it: Are any of the MPs listed on this report of compromised members who are working against the interests of Canada currently sitting in cabinet? Yes or no?

[Dominic LeBlanc, Liberal, Minister of Public Safety]

Mr. Speaker, I will give full points to my friend from Regina—Qu'Appelle for trying to get me to do indirectly what he knows very well I cannot do directly.

I will remind my friend that our government is the first government to take this issue seriously. The previous Conservative government did absolutely nothing to secure our democratic institutions in spite of public warnings from CSIS for the last two years it was in government.

I worked last summer with my friend from Regina—Qu'Appelle to set up the Hogue commission. We look forward to Justice Hogue's recommendations and we would be happy to work with the member in terms of implementing them.

[Andrew Scheer, Conservative, Regina—Qu'Appelle, SK]

Mr. Speaker, the Liberals sat on warnings from our intelligence agencies so they could protect their own partisan interests. They have refused to hand over cabinet confidences to the Hogue commission.

This next question should be really simple. Cabinet ministers get to see everything. They get a say on everything the Government of Canada does, and they get to personally lobby the Prime Minister any day they want.

Can the minister assure Canadians that nobody who sits around the cabinet table today is on this list of compromised MPs who are working against Canada?

[Dominic LeBlanc, Liberal, Minister of Public Safety]

Mr. Speaker, my friend from Regina—Qu'Appelle should know very well that our national security and intelligence agencies, including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, take all of the issues of national security very seriously.

My friend should know very well that our government has taken more steps than any other government to ensure that our democratic institutions are protected, and he should have confidence that we will continue to do that work, which is something the previous Conservative government did absolutely nothing about.

[Luc Berthold, Conservative, Mégantic—L'Érable, QC]

Mr. Speaker, he knows. Cabinet knows. They know the names, just like they knew about Communist China's interference in the Liberal nomination in Don Valley North.

The Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security has revealed that members of Parliament helped hostile foreign states. The Prime Minister knows it. He knows these members.

He protected the member for Don Valley North in the past for partisan reasons. Is that also why he is now refusing to divulge the names of the members who are collaborating with foreign states?

[Dominic LeBlanc, Liberal, Minister of Public Safety]

Mr. Speaker, my colleague is a serious parliamentarian. He knows full well that under Canadian law, no government would disclose the type of intelligence he claims he wants to know today.

I do have a suggestion for him, though. He should talk to his leader. We told his leader, and I want to reiterate it today, that we are willing to give him access to the intelligence underlying the committee of parliamentarians' report, intelligence that has been kept confidential under Canadian law. We can share this with him if he is sincere about wanting to see the intelligence underlying this report.

Mental Health and Addictions

[Luc Berthold, Conservative, Mégantic—L'Érable, QC]

Mr. Speaker, a pregnant woman picking up her child from day care was chased by a woman screaming at her.

“I was so scared. I ran into the street to get away,” she told Benoit Dutrizac. This is what Montreal looks like after nine years of soft-on-crime policies, supported by the Bloc Québécois, that send repeat offenders home instead of to prison.

Will the Prime Minister listen to the Leader of the Opposition's request and refuse exemptions for supervised injection sites near schools and day cares, yes or no?

[Ya'ara Saks, Liberal, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health]

Mr. Speaker, let me be unequivocally clear. We always put a lens of public health and public safety on everything we do in addressing this deadly overdose crisis, but in that frame, also to be clear, the safe consumption site in Montreal is managed and run by the Province of Quebec. It is under their jurisdiction. There was no Montreal proposal on our table, but with anything that comes to us, we want to make sure kids, families and communities are safe, while we save lives.

Democratic Institutions

[Alain Therrien, Bloc, La Prairie, QC]

Mr. Speaker, the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians has issued a warning that some MPs here in the House are under foreign influence. This is extremely serious.

When we asked the Deputy Prime Minister about the matter yesterday, she flatly refused to address it. She did not want to talk about it. It held no interest for her. She acted the same way when the NDP asked questions on the same topic. Our democracy is under attack, but the Deputy Prime Minister could not care less.

If an elected official promotes foreign interests to the detriment of his or her country's interests, that elected official should be shown the door. This is serious.

What is the government going to do to make sure that happens?

[Dominic LeBlanc, Liberal, Minister of Public Safety]

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from La Prairie for his question.

I am pleased to let him know that our government implemented a series of measures in 2015 that have evolved as the threat has evolved. Based on expert advice and independent reviews, we strengthened these measures.

A very important bill is currently before Parliament. I welcome the Bloc Québécois's support for introducing enhanced measures to protect our institutions.

We will continue to deal with the matter appropriately.

[Alain Therrien, Bloc, La Prairie, QC]

Mr. Speaker, now is the time for action.

While public concerns are growing, what has been done here in Ottawa since the report was released? What has the government put in place or announced to address the fact that some members here in the House are collaborating with foreign powers?

Nothing at all has been done. It is still in the starting blocks.

When we point out that our democracy is under threat, the response we get is about interest rates and the Bank of Canada. What a joke.

Does the government take democracy seriously?

[Dominic LeBlanc, Liberal, Minister of Public Safety]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to think that all parliamentarians take democracy seriously, that everyone who is fortunate enough to be elected to the House to serve their constituents and Canada takes democracy seriously.

That is why I am very pleased to have worked with my colleague from La Prairie on establishing the Hogue commission, for example. I really enjoyed working together last summer. I look forward to seeing the Hogue commission's report. I look forward to working with members to pass bills like Bill C-70, which will strengthen our ability to resist foreign interference.

We will continue to pursue this approach.