House of Commons Hansard #114 of the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was debt.
This summary is computer-generated. Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.
Protecting Young Persons from Exposure to Pornography Act First reading of Bill S-209. The bill proposes to restrict the access of young people to online pornographic material, aiming to enhance the protection of children and youth in online environments. 100 words.
Opposition Motion—Sovereign Wealth Fund Members debate the government’s proposed Canada Strong fund, a $25-billion sovereign wealth fund that the Liberal government argues will catalyze nation-building projects and drive long-term prosperity. Conservatives and the Bloc Québécois criticize the initiative, characterizing it as a "debt fund" financed by borrowing rather than surpluses, and warn of political interference in investment decisions. They also argue it unnecessarily duplicates the mandate of the existing Canada Infrastructure Bank and risks squandering taxpayer money on politically motivated projects. 34100 words, 4 hours.
Opposition Motion—Sovereign Wealth Funds Members debate a proposed $25-billion national sovereign wealth fund announced to catalyze private investment. The Liberal government defends the initiative as a strategic tool to secure equity in national projects and foster long-term prosperity. Conversely, the Conservative opposition criticizes the fund, characterizing it as a "sovereign debt fund" built on borrowing rather than surpluses. They argue it relies on reckless spending and political cronyism. The Bloc Québécois expresses concerns regarding the fund's lack of transparency and potential support for fossil fuels. 17000 words, 2 hours.
National Framework on the Durability of Electronic Products and Essential Home Appliances Act Second reading of Bill C-267. The bill, introduced by Abdelhaq Sari, aims to create a national framework regarding the durability and repairability of electronic products. While some members urge committee study, critics like Arnold Viersen argue the legislation is overly vague and broad. Additionally, some opposition members contend the proposal duplicates provincial jurisdiction and fails to address the specific needs of the agricultural sector. 7800 words, 1 hour.
Rebecca Chartrand Liberal Churchill—Keewatinook Aski, MB
What is the member opposite against? Is it good jobs, supply chains or Manitoba becoming a global gateway? I do not understand what he is against. He needs to get on board.
Grant Jackson Conservative Brandon—Souris, MB
Mr. Speaker, the Liberals have a long list of costly programs and a failure to get any major project approved for the province of Manitoba. I have not met a person yet who thinks any of those programs have made food or housing cheaper, or that those costly programs are actually well run. Housing and food have skyrocketed, and our debt has doubled. We have the highest youth unemployment in decades, no new major projects begun, record food bank lines and more children living below the poverty line than in years.
These results, despite all the rhetoric about Liberal financial prowess, are the definition of insanity, which is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. After 11 years and no change, do these Liberals not fit the bill?
Rebecca Chartrand LiberalMinister of Northern and Arctic Affairs and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
Mr. Speaker, Canadians sent this new Liberal government here to get things done, and that is exactly what we are doing.
Canadians in Conservative ridings want to see us working together. They do not want excuses. They do not want slogans. They want results. The member opposite has voted against everything that will actually help Manitobans, including affordable child care, grocery rebates, automatic tax filing, cutting taxes at the pump and creating a national food program so children do not go hungry. I do not understand what he is against.
Marc Dalton Conservative Pitt Meadows—Maple Ridge, BC
Mr. Speaker, it is a national disgrace that 80% of Canadians now say that food is their fastest-rising expense, and one in three are forced to borrow money just to eat. The Liberal government continues merrily on its way with its costly spending, forcing parents to make difficult choices at the grocery store. History shows that, as nations prosper, people eat better, but under the Liberals, Canadians are cutting back on meat and essential nutrition.
When will the Prime Minister end his costly credit card budgeting, so all Canadians can afford to eat properly?
Jill McKnight LiberalMinister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence
Mr. Speaker, my colleague is from British Columbia, and he is saying that people are concerned that we are not making enough investments in Canadians. We are making those investments in Canadians.
We know that an ambitious Canada needs skilled trade workers. We are investing $2 billion to encourage young people to pursue careers in the skilled trades. We are investing in a training top-up and a $5,000 Red Seal bonus. We are investing $10,000 per apprentice in SMEs across British Columbia. We are building Canada strong.
Dalwinder Gill Conservative Calgary McKnight, AB
Mr. Speaker, after 11 years of the Liberal government, almost one in four Canadians is living in a food-insecure household. One in three is borrowing money just to afford food, and two million Canadians visit food banks each month. Canadians know that deficits lead to higher inflation today and higher taxes tomorrow. The Liberal Prime Minister has now doubled Trudeau's deficit.
When will the Prime Minister end his costly credit card budgeting so that Canadians can afford to eat?
Corey Hogan LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
Mr. Speaker, I almost do not know what to say. Calgarians certainly know the difference between credit card purchases and investments, such as investments in themselves. That is what we are doing with the groceries and essentials benefit. That is what we are doing with the gas tax.
l will tell members something else. Albertans are very excited and Calgarians are very excited because of the MOU with Alberta, which is finding our path forward to new energy infrastructure and durable climate action. We are seeing record production. We would think that would be something the Conservatives would be excited about.
Kevin Waugh Conservative Saskatoon South, SK
Mr. Speaker, maxing one's credit card only adds to the financial pain. The government has proposed yet another credit card budget. That means more costs, more spending, more taxes and more of the same. Nothing has changed. The Prime Minister is just another costly Liberal who has doubled Trudeau's massive deficit.
Will the Prime Minister admit that this is more of the same from the past 10 years, and that, now, Canadians are paying the price at the grocery stores?
Buckley Belanger LiberalSecretary of State (Rural Development)
Mr. Speaker, I ask Canadians to not compare the new government to perfection but to compare us to the opposition. Our Prime Minister and our government have the ability, the credibility and the capability to build the country up, and Saskatchewan is in.
In terms of comparison, I checked with what the Saskatchewan Conservative MPs have done. Year one, they did nothing. Year two, they did nothing. Year three, they did nothing. Year four, they did nothing. Year five, they did nothing. Year six, they did nothing. Year seven, they did nothing. Year eight, they did nothing.
Tim Watchorn Liberal Les Pays-d'en-Haut, QC
Mr. Speaker, we received some good news this week. The spring economic update could not have come at a better time.
Our economy is being affected by global uncertainty and trade tensions. Canadians need a government with a plan for protecting them while defending our economy.
Can the Minister of Industry tell us what this update means for Canadians?
Mélanie Joly LiberalMinister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
Mr. Speaker, my colleague's question is very relevant, because he mentioned the tariff war, which is real and is affecting regions across the country, including his own.
What we are doing though the spring economic statement is building a strong economy. We are also protecting the social safety net that is so important to millions of Canadians. At the same time, we are reducing the deficit by $11 billion. We are doing all that while achieving the second-strongest growth of the G7 despite the tariff war, and we are using our fiscal position to give back to Canadians.
That is what building Canada strong means.
Brad Redekopp Conservative Saskatoon West, SK
Mr. Speaker, when someone has been denied entry into Canada, a temporary resident permit is their last resort.
The Minister of Immigration recently issued one of these permits to Mehdi Taj, and he landed in Toronto this week. Anybody who knows how to google can quickly figure out that this man is a former commander of the murderous Iranian regime, which is listed as a terrorist entity in Canada. The immigration department has already let in hundreds of other IRGC officials, who are roaming free in Canada, leaving Canadians feeling unsafe.
Why did the minister give a terrorist who is part of a murderous death cult the green light to come to Canada?
Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipOral Questions
Scarborough—Guildwood—Rouge Park Ontario
Liberal
Gary Anandasangaree LiberalMinister of Public Safety
Mr. Speaker, ensuring the safety and security of Canadians is our top priority. We cannot comment on an individual case due to privacy laws, but I want to assure all Canadians that Canada has rigorous admissibility requirements, and we have been very clear that IRGC members and senior Iranian officials are inadmissible to Canada.
We will continue to work with our border and law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety and security of all Canadians.
Michelle Rempel Conservative Calgary Nose Hill, AB
Mr. Speaker, they “cannot comment” on it. Is that the best they could do for a QP line?
Here is the reality: The Minister of Immigration issued a permit. She would have had to have done it for a known member of a listed terrorist organization. The Minister of Immigration did that, and now the Liberals cannot comment on it. It is literally all over the news. Everybody in Canada needs to know how this happened and how the government is going to fix it.
You cannot just say you are not going to comment on it.
Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipOral Questions
The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia
Again, members are to speak through the Chair.
The hon. Minister of Public Safety.
Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipOral Questions
Scarborough—Guildwood—Rouge Park Ontario
Liberal
Gary Anandasangaree LiberalMinister of Public Safety
Mr. Speaker, I will make this is very clear. IRGC members are inadmissible to Canada. Senior Iranian officials are inadmissible to Canada. We will continue to work with border and law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety and security of Canadians. Having said that, I am unable to comment on one particular case.
Michelle Rempel Conservative Calgary Nose Hill, AB
Mr. Speaker, the Liberals are not even letting the immigration minister answer a question that is directly in the purview of her department.
Here is what happened: At some point, the Minister of Immigration said that it is totally in the best interest of Canada to have a member of a listed terrorist organization, an actual terrorist, get a special permit to land in this country. The only reason they caught it was an independent journalist organization. She needs to get up and explain to Canadians how she let this happen.
Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipOral Questions
Scarborough—Guildwood—Rouge Park Ontario
Liberal
Gary Anandasangaree LiberalMinister of Public Safety
Mr. Speaker, let me once again repeat what I have said already. Senior members of the IRGC and those who are part of the Iranian regime are inadmissible to Canada. The safety and security of Canadians is of paramount importance to the government. Having said that, on the individual case in question, I am unable to comment due to privacy concerns.
Fares Al Soud Liberal Mississauga Centre, ON
Mr. Speaker, our economic future depends on the people building it. One of the greatest privileges of my role is getting to speak with young people across our country. I hear every day that they want to be involved, and they know they can be central to building Canada's future.
As we move forward with major infrastructure projects, can my good friend, the Minister of Jobs and Families, update the House on how our government is ensuring young Canadians are positioned to take advantage of these opportunities and help drive our ambitious economic agenda at a time when others just want to cut supports?
Patty Hajdu LiberalMinister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario
Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the member for Mississauga Centre for being such a passionate advocate for youth across this country. We are really learning from his wisdom and expertise.
Our team Canada strong plan is built on the voices of youth, and it includes providing 100,000 youth with training, income and paid work placements for those who want to join the skilled trades workforce. On this side of the House, we are focused on building up opportunities for youth, workers and the economy. Will the members on the other side stand with youth and workers, or are they going to vote against those opportunities?
Ziad Aboultaif Conservative Edmonton Manning, AB
Mr. Speaker, going into debt makes things cost more. After 10 years of increasing Liberal borrowing, Canadians are worse off, and 60% of Albertans said it is difficult to meet monthly expenses. The Liberals spend and spend, and the taxes go up and up. Canadians cannot afford to buy groceries.
Can the Liberal Prime Minister not see that his policies are making things worse for Canadians?
Steven MacKinnon LiberalMinister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
Mr. Speaker, I have lot of respect for that member of Parliament, but I would observe that, once again, 32 or 33 straight questions were all the same question, written right off of the desk of the Leader of the Opposition.
I do have to ask this of the opposition: Is it the best that Canadians deserve to have scripted questions that came from the Leader of the Opposition 33 times here in question period, or should Conservatives be asking something more pertinent and relevant to Canadians' daily lives?
Alexandre Boulerice Independent Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie, QC
Mr. Speaker, the tragic accident at LaGuardia airport that cost the lives of two pilots reminds us that emergencies can break out on airport runways. What is less well known is that our airports' firefighting capabilities in the event of a fire on board an airplane do not meet the international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization, or ICAO. For example, airport firefighters do not have a duty to rescue passengers and, given that there is usually one firefighter per truck, they do not have the ability to do so either.
Will the Liberals respect Motion No. 96, which was adopted by the House, as well as the ICAO's international standards, to ensure the safety of passengers in the event of an accident?
Steven MacKinnon LiberalMinister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
Mr. Speaker, I can assure the House and all Canadians that our aviation safety system is among the best in the world. We are certainly working with all of our international partners, including the International Civil Aviation Organization, which is located in Montreal, to fine-tune the standards and continue to aim for the best. We will certainly continue to work with stakeholders, using the best science available, to keep everyone safe.
Leah Gazan NDP Winnipeg Centre, MB
Mr. Speaker, the Liberals' spring economic update lines corporate pockets while cutting life-saving addiction and mental health program funding. In one weekend, 10 clients at Main Street Project died from toxic drugs. That is one organization, and deaths are rising.
Five years ago, the government backed the Health Canada expert task force on substance use but has failed to act on its recommendations. How many people must die on the streets of Winnipeg before the government acts?