Ali Ehsassi

[Seniors, March 11th, 2020]

Madam Speaker, thank you for allowing me the opportunity to respond to the comments made by my hon. colleague from Nanaimo—Ladysmith regarding the acquisition of Retirement Concepts by Cedar Tree in 2017.

Let me begin by saying that the safety and well-being of our seniors is of paramount concern to our government. We also recognize that global investment can benefit Canadians and the Canadian economy. Investment flows into this country are important, and Canada has a robust framework in place to promote trade and investment.

The Investment Canada Act is one part of that robust framework and is the primary mechanism for reviewing foreign investments in Canada. Acquisitions of Canadian businesses are subject to a net benefit review. Consequently, they are carefully considered in light of factors set out in the act, and it is only after that act has been consulted that approval is forthcoming. Of course the determination has to be made that the acquisition is of overall economic benefit to our country.

In the course of the review of this specific investment, the minister considered submissions from a number of health care advocacy groups, associations and professionals. The minister also considered submissions from academics and individual Canadians. These parties raised important policy issues regarding the quality and availability of care for seniors in Canada.

The minister also consulted with the relevant provincial regulators of senior care facilities, such as the Government of British Columbia, which further informed the review and the ultimate decision.

I wish to emphasize that existing provincial regulations set out licensing obligations and standards of care for all operators of residential care and assisted living facilities, regardless of ultimate ownership. Retirement Concepts continues to be required to meet or exceed these requirements, and it is also required to work with the Government of British Columbia to remedy any concerns.

Additionally, through the Investment Canada Act review, legally binding commitments were put in place. Federal officials consult their provincial counterparts to actively monitor compliance with the Investment Canada Act.

[Privacy, February 28th, 2020]

Madam Speaker, Canadians are understandably anxious about how their data is being used in an increasingly digital world. Allow me to assure my colleague that the privacy commissioners of Canada, B.C., Quebec and Alberta are jointly investigating whether the organization's practices are in full compliance with Canadian privacy law. As this is an active investigation, no additional details are available at this time.

[Telecommunications, February 7th, 2020]

Madam Speaker, I can assure my hon. colleague that our government is focused on ensuring that our laws keep pace with Canada's rapidly evolving telecommunications landscape and that Canadians can continue to receive world-class services. We thank the panel for all the work it has done. We are focused on this challenge and we will have some decisions in the coming months.

[Telecommunications Industry, February 6th, 2020]

Madam Speaker, let me assure the hon. member that there is no need to put us on notice. We are very much focused on the issue that she is speaking to today.

I will reiterate that the government has acted to improve the affordability of wireless and Internet services for Canadians. Progress has been made, but there remains more to be done.

Because of the policy direction given in 2019, the CRTC must now take into consideration affordability, competition, consumer interests and innovation in all its decisions. This will apply to the current CRTC review of mobile wireless services, which is looking at competition in the retail market, the wholesale regulatory framework, as well as the future of mobile wireless services in Canada.

In short—

[Telecommunications Industry, February 6th, 2020]

Madam Speaker, I am happy to respond to the comments from the hon. member for Calgary Nose Hill regarding the affordability of telecommunication services for Canadians. I want her to know that we obviously agree with her assessment that there is an emerging catalyst for inequality and that we take affordability and standing up for consumers very seriously. We very much look forward to collaborating with her.

I can also say that I am not going to be responding by simply bringing up the digital charter. It is fair to say that we have done many things over the course of the past four years, and I would be very happy to recite those.

Our government has taken significant actions with both the regulator and industry to improve affordability, competition and consumer interests in telecommunications. Progress has been made.

Through these efforts, we have seen several developments. First, we have seen the introduction of lower-cost, data-only wireless plans. Second, we have experienced the creation of a new, discounted prepaid brand by a national carrier. Third, we have also seen $10-per-month Internet services for eligible low-income families.

We have applied competitive measures in spectrum auctions to ensure that regional and smaller wireless carriers have access to the spectrum they need to deploy high-quality networks. With this spectrum, regional carriers have been able to upgrade their networks and offer their customers the latest technologies and smart phones.

This has created a more competitive telecommunications market with increased options for Canadians. Regional wireless carriers can now offer compelling plans for consumers, often at lower prices than national carriers. National carriers have felt the pressure of regional competition, responding with new promotions. These are steps in the right direction.

Consumer interests have also been strengthened. This includes changes to the wireless code of conduct, pursuant to which carriers are now required to unlock mobile devices free of charge, and all mobile devices must now be sold unlocked. This change reduces barriers to switching providers when consumers find a better deal.

Another change is the right for the account holder, the person actually paying the bill, to be notified of data overcharges and approve of them, instead of the user. Other steps resulted in the creation of an Internet code of conduct to provide Internet consumers with the same protection they have for wireless and TV services. This measure came into effect last week.

Finally, as a commitment to Canadians, we have been clear that we are going to work to reduce cellphone costs by 25%.

In sum, much has been accomplished to date, but much more remains to be done.

[International Trade, February 4th, 2020]

Mr. Speaker, as I am sure the member is fully aware, from day one our government was in constant contact with Unifor and General Motors Canada to push for better outcomes.

As I emphasized earlier, our government is passionately committed to investing in innovation and skills development to ensure that Canadians and Canadian companies are prepared to succeed in the economy of the future. Our investments in innovation, through the innovation and skills plan, have helped bolster Canada's robust automotive cluster by supporting reinvestments in Canadian vehicle assembly plants by global automakers. We will continue to believe strongly in Canada's automotive manufacturers and the quality of the vehicles produced by Canadian workers.

[International Trade, February 4th, 2020]

Mr. Speaker, allow me to emphasize that our government is squarely focused on ensuring that Canadians have access to good, well-paying jobs. Manufacturing has traditionally been an excellent source of such types of jobs, especially in the auto sector.

This government has always supported the auto workers and the auto sector. Through the innovation and skills plan, we have shaped a policy environment designed to strengthen the competitiveness of the Canadian industry. We have also established the strategic innovation fund, ensuring this flagship program is an effective tool for attracting new investments to Canada.

To cite one example for my good friend, we might as well talk about Linamar, which, after we introduced this program, has reinvested. Of course, it is a company that is very much a part of the auto supply chain.

We fully recognize that we have more work to do and have a plan that will make a concrete difference. Automotive manufacturing is the touchstone of Canada's economy. We want to invest in innovation and skills development today so Canadians and Canadian companies can succeed in the economy of tomorrow.

Since the beginning of 2016, the Government of Canada has leveraged $454 million to support the automotive industry, which has announced over $6.7 billion in new investments in Canada. We support the research and development that will lead to the next generation of transportation. We are seeing the sector adjust by meeting the demands for the vehicles of the future, vehicles that will be connected, automated, shared and electric.

Going forward, we are committed to addressing climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from all sectors, including the transportation sector. Advances in vehicle technologies, such as zero-emission vehicles, have the potential to enhance the productivity, efficiency and environmental performance of Canada's transportation system, as well as drive innovation and economic growth.

Canada retains a mature automotive sector and we are building expertise in advanced technologies, a highly skilled workforce and strong R and D capacity.

All of this is part of our comprehensive plan to ensure that Canada is successful in the future economy, in the auto industry and indeed in every industry. We believe passionately in Canada's automotive manufacturers and the quality of the vehicles produced by Canadian workers.

[Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752, January 27th, 2020]

Mr. Speaker, on this first day of Parliament, I rise to recognize the tragic event that occurred on January 8: the downing of Ukraine Airlines flight 752 over Tehran. My riding of Willowdale joins many other ridings across our great country that have been grieving the loss of innocent lives. This event has struck at the heart and soul of our nation, because in every passenger we saw ourselves, our parents, our grandparents, a friend or maybe a neighbour. We have mourned deeply as a country because they were us, and we are lesser as a country without them enriching every facet of Canadian life.

The outpouring of support from friends and strangers alike, of all faiths and communities, has been overwhelming. It reminds us why Canada is the best country in the world. Indeed, we have experienced Canada and Canadians at their very compassionate best.

All those who have lost loved ones should know that their country shares their grief.

[Interparliamentary Delegations, December 12th, 2019]

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 34(1) I have the honour to present to the House, in both official languages, the report of the Canada-China Legislative Association respecting its participation at the 23rd bilateral meeting held in Shanghai, Nanjing, Hong Kong and Macao, China, from May 18 to 26, 2019.

[Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement Implementation Act, June 19th, 2019]

Mr. Speaker, allow me to reciprocate and say I have very much enjoyed working with my hon. colleague.

As the member is well aware, these issues are serious issues. They are legal matters. They are issues that require that each of the negotiating parties be familiar with various provisions. I think it would be fair to say that lawyers in the department are very much aware of some of the limitations that might exist, but that will certainly not get in the way of this government's commitment to pharmacare in the future.