Blake Desjarlais

[Committees of the House, November 5th, 2024]

Madam Speaker, I often agree with my hon. colleague, and I recall what we witnessed when the environment commissioner presented to our committee, of which I am a former member, sadly.

This report in particular was highlighted because there was an attempt to break the consensus on the science around climate change and the impacts of climate change. That is why the commissioner came out with it. There are no recommendations according to the report, but there are some “lessons learned”. Here are three that I would like the member to comment on: “Climate change is an intergenerational crisis with a rapidly closing window for action”, “Climate targets have not been backed by strong plans or actions” and “Canada risks falling behind other countries on investing in a climate-resilient future”.

What is the member's message to young people who are right now feeling despair and apathy from the lack of action by the government on this serious issue?

[Committees of the House, November 5th, 2024]

Madam Speaker, we all get to hear the great words of wisdom from the member for Winnipeg North very often. However, it is important, I think, in this debate today, to hear from the commissioner of the environment, whom I will quote in direct reference to the member's statement that the government is on track.

The commissioner says:

...despite various policies and commitments from government after government to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions over the past 30 years, “Canada has failed to translate these commitments into real reductions in net emissions. Instead, Canada’s emissions have continued to rise. Meanwhile, the global climate crisis has gotten worse.”

What would the member say to the independent environment commissioner, who is raising a warning about the fact that what the member is saying is not true?

[Petitions, October 30th, 2024]

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to present and table, in both official languages, a petition on behalf of Canadians who are calling on the government to address the housing crisis. It goes on to state that these citizens and residents of Canada call on the Government of Canada to impose a moratorium on evictions and other forms of displacing tenants in pursuit of higher profits; to invest in affordable housing operated by non-profit housing providers to ensure affordable housing units are available for our most vulnerable; and to stop providing billions of dollars in handouts to corporate landlords who are buying up the existing affordable housing, evicting people and raising rents.

[Bissell Centre, October 28th, 2024]

Mr. Speaker, for over 110 years, the Bissell Centre has supported people in Edmonton experiencing poverty and houselessness. Its mission is to save lives. It serves individuals facing complex challenges like intergenerational trauma, addiction, food insecurity, unemployment and housing vulnerability. Of those accessing its services, 67% identify as Black, indigenous or people of colour. Its holistic wraparound services go far beyond just housing supports.

Last year, the Bissell Centre supported over 9,000 people experiencing the worst outcomes of poverty. It housed over 500 people and supported an additional 675 community members in eviction prevention.

I think members would agree that organizations like the Bissell Centre are a vital resource for our communities, and I urge the Government of Canada to work with and provide urgent support for organizations such as the Bissell Centre. The workers at the Bissell Centre are the very best of us, and we owe them our tremendous thanks.

[Privilege, October 24th, 2024]

Madam Speaker, workers in Alberta are uniting. They are uniting against low wages. They are uniting against a provincial government that is dead set on destroying the ability of workers to bargain collectively. On top of all this, there is a solution. Workers right across the province right now, today, are gathering at the Alberta legislature to demand justice for workers in the face of an affordability crisis. These workers are so important and so critical to our movement of making sure we have an affordable economy and good union jobs. These people are uniting right now in Alberta in the face of the evil backstepping on rights that is taking place in Alberta.

Does my hon. colleague support workers and their ability to collectively bargain in the face of an affordability crisis, largely brought on by the lack of initiative and the lack of support by the government?

[Petitions, October 24th, 2024]

Madam Speaker, I am very pleased to rise today to table e-petition 5035. Nearly 1,000 Canadians have signed the petition, demanding action on the Canada disability benefit.

The petitioners say that people with disabilities often face barriers to employment along with higher costs associated with health care and housing and that the proposed Canada disability benefit restricts eligibility to individuals receiving the disability tax credit known for its many barriers. There is a risk to life due to insufficient supports on current disability programs federally and provincially. They say that Canadians living with disabilities on provincial and federal disability benefits are struggling immensely with benefits significantly below the poverty line, with the cost of living crisis and with the ever-increasing amount of homelessness.

According to petitioners, the proposed Canada disability benefit outlined in budget 2024 is not what the disability community called for, falling short of the government's promises and the disability community's needs. They say that the proposed maximum amount of $200 per month is insufficient to alleviate poverty levels.

Petitioners are calling for action on the implementation of the fast track of a private member's bill, Bill C-403 from the member for Victoria and to allow Canadians who qualify for a provincial disability benefit or program or CPP disability to automatically qualify for the disability tax credit and the Canada disability benefit, in addition to several other measures which they urge the government to act on.

[Committees of the House, October 24th, 2024]

Mr. Speaker, the member who is currently speaking is doing her job right now. What we need is the Liberals to do their job. They need to be present in this chamber—

[Committees of the House, October 24th, 2024]

Mr. Speaker, we are dealing with an extremely serious topic today, and the fact that the Liberal House leader explained—

[Points of Order, October 23rd, 2024]

Mr. Speaker, I do want to acknowledge my hon. colleague's comments. If I said something that was offensive to this chamber, I withdraw it and apologize.

[Housing, October 22nd, 2024]

Mr. Speaker, the numbers are out, and last winter was the worst on record for Edmonton's unhoused population. It was so bad that over 100 people living on the street lost a limb due to frostbite.

Indigenous people make up over two-thirds of Edmonton's houseless population. Indigenous people will lose their limbs and their lives this winter because the government has failed to build affordable homes.

How many indigenous people need to freeze before the Prime Minister takes action?