House of Commons Hansard #339 of the 44th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was survivors.
This summary is computer-generated. Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.
Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities Members debate a committee report recognizing Canada's housing crisis and need for urgent action to end homelessness. Conservatives blame the Liberal government for worsening conditions and propose tying infrastructure funding to housing builds. Liberals defend their investments, blaming previous Conservative inaction. Bloc members advocate for federal transfers to Quebec/provinces without conditions and prioritizing social housing. NDP members critique both parties' records and call for increased co-op housing and support for non-profits. 23700 words, 3 hours in 2 segments: 1 2.
Military Justice System Modernization Act Second reading of Bill C-66. The bill seeks to modernize the military justice system, primarily by giving civilian courts exclusive jurisdiction over criminal sexual offences committed in Canada, implementing recommendations from Justice Arbour and Fish reports. Members debate the bill's scope, _government delays_ in addressing military sexual misconduct, the need for culture change, and ensuring _survivor voices are heard_ during committee study. Concerns are raised about _civilian court capacity_ and potential ministerial interference. 18500 words, 2 hours in 2 segments: 1 2.
Alleged Failure of Government to Produce Documents Conservative MP Andrew Scheer argues the Liberal government is in contempt of Parliament for failing to provide unredacted documents on Sustainable Development Technology Canada by a House deadline, refuting Liberal claims about the order's jurisdiction, redactions, and process for challenging the order's validity or addressing non-compliance. 3500 words.
Foreign Interference and Alleged Reputational Harm to Members of Parliament Andrew Scheer discusses foreign interference findings in the NSICOP report, criticizing the Liberal government's alleged inaction on briefing MPs and calling for parliamentarians who allegedly aided foreign powers to be named. 700 words.
National Framework for a Guaranteed Livable Basic Income Act Second reading of Bill C-223. The bill proposes a national framework for a guaranteed livable basic income. Supporters argue it is needed to combat poverty and inequality and should be studied. Opponents raise concerns about cost, provincial jurisdiction, work disincentives, and prefer targeted aid. 8400 words, 1 hour.
Karina Gould LiberalLeader of the Government in the House of Commons
Mr. Speaker, it is the same thing with the Conservatives.
There are Canadians who want to contribute to this country, but they do not share the Conservatives' partisan vision. What do the Conservatives do? They attack them. That is not respectful. That is not appropriate in our democracy. It is possible to disagree without attacking Canadians.
Darren Fisher Liberal Dartmouth—Cole Harbour, NS
Mr. Speaker, while the Conservatives attempt to block energy jobs from Nova Scotians and stand against prosperity for Atlantic Canada, our Liberal government is working hard to reduce energy costs while ensuring good jobs for Nova Scotians today and into the future.
Can the Minister of Energy inform this House of our plan to protect Nova Scotians from an expensive power rate increase?
Jonathan Wilkinson LiberalMinister of Energy and Natural Resources
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the member for Dartmouth—Cole Harbour for his ongoing excellent work in the province of Nova Scotia.
I was in Halifax earlier this week to announce the negotiation of a $500-million loan guarantee with Nova Scotia Power. That will take the projected rate of increase in electricity rates in Nova Scotia from what was going to be 19% next year to the rate of inflation. It is an important step forward.
The federal government is working to ensure affordability with respect to energy on a go-forward basis. We need to work to ensure affordability, reliability and a non-emitting grid in every province and territory in this country.
Frank Caputo Conservative Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo, BC
Mr. Speaker, after nine years, taxes are up, costs are up, crime is up and time is up.
Let us play some Jeopardy. I will have conflicts of interest for $1,000. The answer is, this person is advising the Prime Minister while also negotiating a $10 billion contract with his own company. He is also not subject to conflict of interest rules. The correct response would be, who is carbon tax Carney?
Why is it that these Liberals want to pad the pockets of insiders and play Canadians for fools while enriching their own best friends?
Karina Gould LiberalLeader of the Government in the House of Commons
Mr. Speaker, I guess the member opposite will only get half a gold star from his leader today, because all he did was announce the slogans, but he forgot to attack the other political parties.
When it comes to eminent Canadians who do not share the vision of the Conservatives, they attack them. There is a diversity of views in the country and whether we agree with people or not, it does not mean we should denigrate their character.
The Conservatives should be ashamed of how they treat their fellow Canadians.
Frank Caputo Conservative Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo, BC
Mr. Speaker, did she actually just say that we should be ashamed of how we treat our fellow Canadians? The reality is that—
Carbon PricingOral Questions
The Speaker Greg Fergus
This is very important. The best way to keep personal attacks out of this is to, frankly, not take the floor when members are not recognized by the Speaker. That way, we would not have unfortunate comments that I am certain that outside of this place, when members are downstairs in a room somewhere or talking to each other as real people, they would regret.
The hon. member from Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo, from the top, please.
Frank Caputo Conservative Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo, BC
Mr. Speaker, that answer speaks about shame. Those Liberals should be ashamed for the way they are squandering Canadians' money, while people are lined up at the food bank day after day.
That answer tells us another day at the office, another Liberal scandal, no big deal. This is a Liberal government that is long on entitlements and short on ethics.
Carbon tax Carney started advising the Prime Minister shortly after one of his best friends got a $2 billion government contract. Why is the government lining the pockets of its friends, while Canadians line up at food banks?
Karina Gould LiberalLeader of the Government in the House of Commons
Mr. Speaker, if that member wants to talk about entitlements, he should talk to the leader of his party who has a calculated $2 million pension and who lives in government housing, while at the same time looking to cut the pensions of Canadians, raise the age of retirement from 65 to 67, and cut the Canada child benefit and other benefits that help Canadians.
If that member wants to talk to entitlements, he should look in the mirror first.
Shannon Stubbs Conservative Lakeland, AB
Mr. Speaker, after nine years of the NDP-Liberals, taxes are up, costs are up, crime is up and time is up, but this fake feminist Prime Minister is still up to his old tricks.
Like so many women before, he shoved aside his female finance minister for his rich, conflict of interest, carbon tax crony, I mean Carney, to take over. Carbon tax Carney will slap the carbon tax right back on home heating oil and let Canadians freeze in the dark this winter. He can afford those taxes, but they cannot.
Why is the finance minister letting herself be humiliated like this?
Kamal Khera LiberalMinister of Diversity
Mr. Speaker, we will not take any lessons from the party opposite when it comes to fighting for equality in the country.
The Conservatives were against $10-a-day child care. These are the cuts that they want to make. They want to ensure and they support back door legislation that actually would ban abortions and take away women's right to choose, or there is the fact that their leader uses misogynistic hashtags in videos to attract men who hate women.
We will not take any lessons from the Conservatives when it comes to ensuring that we support women in the country.
George Chahal Liberal Calgary Skyview, AB
Mr. Speaker, this summer, I, like many Canadians, watched in horror as wildfires ravaged the municipality of Jasper and Jasper National Park. Jasperites are strong and resilient, and despite the devastation, we will rebuild stronger than before.
I was able to visit the wildfire command centre in Jasper with the Prime Minister, the Minister of Employment and the mayor of Jasper.
Could the Minister of Employment update Canadians on how our government is supporting residents and businesses in Jasper?
Randy Boissonnault LiberalMinister of Employment
Mr. Speaker, I had the opportunity as a kid to go to Jasper with my grandparents and parents. This July, I visited Jasper and witnessed the devastation first-hand. I want to thank, from the bottom of my heart, all the first responders who made sure that the destruction was not even worse.
We have a historic opportunity to help Jasperites recover and rebuild faster. We have an act to amend the Canada National Parks Act, which will put the powers the mayor needs in his hands. I urge every single party in the House to vote this motion in.
Gord Johns NDP Courtenay—Alberni, BC
Mr. Speaker, communities across the country are in crisis. They do not have the resources they need to support people who are struggling with trauma, mental health and substance use disorders, but the Liberals keep delaying support.
Today, the Nuu-chah-nulth nations declared a state of emergency. They are pleading for federal help. This comes after every single substance use and addictions program application that they applied for was denied.
What more will it take for the Liberals to finally provide the mental health resources that these nations desperately need?
Ya'ara Saks LiberalMinister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health
Mr. Speaker, we know that across the country the illegal toxic drug supply is taking the lives of loved ones every single day. That is why, in budget 2024, this government pledged to work directly with communities through the emergency treatment fund, $150 million, over the next three years, to work directly with communities like the ones the member discussed. We know we need to be there to save lives, and that is exactly what we will be doing.
Alain Rayes Independent Richmond—Arthabaska, QC
Mr. Speaker, on October 23 and February 8, I asked questions about the problems people were having with their Canada greener homes application.
In my riding alone, more than 20 people are still waiting for the federal payment, despite the fact that every step has been taken, the money has been spent and the work has been done. In Quebec, it takes two to six months at most for files to be processed while in Canada, with any luck, it takes more than 18 months.
Can the Prime Minister and the Minister of Environment confirm that changes will be made to address this unacceptable situation for once and for all?
Jonathan Wilkinson LiberalMinister of Energy and Natural Resources
Mr. Speaker, the Canada greener homes program is very important for improving building efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Many people have already received money from the federal government. However, if there are problems in my colleague's riding, I will be happy to discuss it with him to try to find a solution.
Peter Julian NDP New Westminster—Burnaby, BC
Mr. Speaker, people across Canada watch question period to learn about government business and hear about important issues of public interest. What we saw today was a torrent of insults hurled at the leader of the Bloc Québécois, the leader of the NDP and other members. That is simply not allowed under our rules.
Standing Order 18 says very clearly that disrespectful and offensive language is not permitted. The member for Carleton had questions that were simply an expression of spewing personal insults and had nothing to do with public administration—
Oral QuestionsPoints of OrderOral Questions
The Deputy Speaker Chris d'Entremont
I just want to make sure that the hon. member gets to what the point of order is.
The hon. member for New Westminster—Mr. Burnaby.
Peter Julian NDP New Westminster—Burnaby, BC
Mr. Speaker, I would ask that you review the tapes from question period today and that, after reviewing those tapes, you oblige the member for Carleton to rise in his place to withdraw and apologize for those offensive and disrespectful comments.
Oral QuestionsPoints of OrderOral Questions
The House resumed consideration of the motion.
Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with DisabilitiesCommittees of the HouseRoutine Proceedings
The Deputy Speaker Chris d'Entremont
It being 3:19 p.m., the House will now proceed to the taking of the deferred recorded division on the motion to concur in the 13th report of the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities.
Call in the members.