Blake Desjarlais

[Committees of the House, April 20th, 2023]

Madam Speaker, in this place, I find it is often our goal to disagree without being disagreeable. I believe this member often does that in an extraordinary way, and I respect him for that.

However, I do have comments directed to the many lengthy speeches the Conservatives have made today and the great appetite they have for the companies that are seeking federal funds. They often talk in this place about how evil socialism is or how evil it is to help regular, everyday people in this country. However, when companies come to the table asking for money, whether it is big oil companies, big banks, or in this case, aerospace mega-companies, all of a sudden, they are for it.

Whether in tax breaks or other means of revenue generation, it is like coming to the government trough. How does the member reconcile the fact that his party is so willing to support massive corporations but does not allow that same opportunity for single moms, persons with disabilities or those who need the government's support most?

[Committees of the House, April 20th, 2023]

Madam Speaker, I want to speak specifically about recommendation 5, in relation to a national strategy. It is no secret that it is needed right across the country. Canadians deserve an aerospace sector that actually delivers not just for consumers and for our country, but also for the workers within it. Especially with the economic conditions of the country right now, where we are seeing signals of a recession, we need to actually see management and labour come together in better ways so there will be a benefit for everyone. We know the government sometimes struggles with ensuring that labour and management co-operate. We are seeing that right now; we just need to look outside, not too far.

What are the member's thoughts on ensuring that we actually see a national strategy that brings all these partners together in a fair and consistent way?

[Committees of the House, April 20th, 2023]

Madam Speaker, I have a question that directly relates to recommendation 3 of the committee's report.

It is no secret that Canadian aerospace has benefited workers right across the country, but there is certainly an economy that exists within aerospace beyond just the navigation of these flights; for example, there is the actual maintenance of the equipment. It is important that we support, invest and actually find ways to have local, domestic manufacturers produce some of these parts.

Does the member agree that recommendation 3 has aspects of what we need to see?

[Labour, April 19th, 2023]

Mr. Speaker, we have heard a lot of non-answers today. Workers deserve decent wages and good working conditions. The Liberal government claims it supports workers, but at the last moment, the Liberals act like Conservatives and do not have the workers' backs when they take a stand.

For the final and last time today, will the government commit to protecting workers' rights and not force workers back to work? Is the answer yes or no?

[Public Safety, April 17th, 2023]

Mr. Speaker, Muslim and Jewish people across Canada are increasingly worried about the rise in hate crimes against their communities. Last week, we saw an outrageous act of hate committed against a Markham mosque that could have turned deadly.

Synagogues have also been a target of hateful acts, and the police report that hate crimes have increased a shocking 67%.

Will the Liberals commit to protecting all Canadians by supporting the NDP's call for an emergency debate on recent Islamophobic and anti-Semitic attacks?

[Petitions, March 31st, 2023]

Mr. Speaker, the second petition I am standing on behalf of is calling, on behalf of Canadians, for just transition legislation in the face of the climate emergency. It is no secret that the climate emergency is a serious issue here in Canada and across the world, and these petitioners are calling for action.

[Petitions, March 31st, 2023]

Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure to table these petitions.

I speak on behalf of Canadians who are calling for action on the opioid crisis. It is no secret to Canadians that the opioid crisis is one of the most deadly crises we are facing in Canada. During the period between January 2016 and March 2020, over 30,000 Canadians died to the opioid epidemic.

These petitioners are calling for an end to the overdose crisis, ensuring that we have legal regulation of drugs, and ensuring the decriminalization of personal to end the stigma and save lives because we cannot, in fact, treat those who are dead.

[International Transgender Day of Visibility, March 31st, 2023]

Madam Speaker, today we join trans folks from around the globe in recognizing the International Transgender Day of Visibility. From Stonewall to Edmonton, the trans community has and continues to contribute greatly to a better and more just society. They have shown us the strength of community resilience, and they remind us of our everlasting pursuit of justice, even as our institutions and society continue to fail them.

Every member of the House has a responsibility to stand up and speak out against the bigotry that is threatening the safety of trans people across Canada and the globe. Rising violence and extreme hatred against the trans community is a gruesome reality and a threat to democracy and freedom everywhere. A truly free society is one where everyone has the freedom to be who they are, love who they love and pursue happiness. The trans community has a right to joy, but this joy is under threat. We can and must do more.

[Points of Order, March 29th, 2023]

Mr. Speaker, I want to speak to the previous point of order that was just raised and the use of derogatory language in this place. Right now as we speak, there are members of the Conservatives who are trying to speak over us on a really serious issue. The use of that unparliamentary language is not satisfactory to the members of the House, including many of the indigenous members.

I ask that the Speaker take seriously the consideration by the member for Winnipeg Centre and that this word be retracted.

[Indigenous Affairs, March 23rd, 2023]

Mr. Speaker, generations of Métis and first nations children were stolen from their homes and forced to attend Canada's horrific residential schools, including the Île-à-la-Crosse residential school in Saskatchewan.

Despite the violence, terror and neglect experienced, survivors have been denied the justice, recognition and compensation they deserve. Instead of breaking the cycle of intergenerational trauma, the Liberals are fighting the survivors in court. It is shameful.

When will the government finally commit to justice for the Île-à-la-Crosse residential school survivors, before it is too late?