Francesco Sorbara

[Dental Care, May 31st, 2023]

Mr. Speaker, parents across my riding of Vaughan—Woodbridge and the city of Vaughan are again telling me how their children now have better access to dental care, clean teeth and bright smiles.

Would the Prime Minister provide an update on Canada's dental care plan and how it is impacting Canadian families from coast to coast to coast?

[Dental Care, May 31st, 2023]

Mr. Speaker, parents across my riding of Vaughan—Woodbridge and the city of Vaughan are again telling me how their children now have better access to dental care, clean teeth and bright smiles.

Would the Prime Minister provide an update on Canada's—

[Business of Supply, May 30th, 2023]

Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for his question. It is a very important issue for me. I understand what he is saying.

We as a government put in place a special independent rapporteur, someone who is very distinguished. The independent rapporteur did deliver a report and there is a second report to follow.

At the same time, we as a government must act. We must put in place a foreign agent registry with the proper guardrails, as I stated in my prior answer. We do have committees, NSICOP and NSIRA, that are doing good work, and a number of other initiatives are going forward. We must be sure that Canadians have confidence and trust in their democracy.

We know that the 2019 and 2021 elections were not impacted by foreign interference, as has been ruled in reports. They stated that the outcome was fair and that the outcome was decided only by Canadians.

[Business of Supply, May 30th, 2023]

Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. member from British Columbia for the question. It is a very sincere and substantive question.

As I have said in the House repeatedly, I am for a foreign agent registry. That avenue needs to be pursued and is being pursued vigorously by the Minister of Public Safety. I think we need to put that in place with the proper guardrails and due diligence. I also believe that we have committees, NSICOP and NSIRA, that do good work. One of those committees has members of Parliament on it.

We do have institutions in place. We must always maintain confidence in our electoral institutions and in our democracy. We will continue to do so. No matter which government is in power, that must be a priority.

[Business of Supply, May 30th, 2023]

Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. member for North Island—Powell River for bringing forward this opposition motion. It is obviously important and needs to be debated.

In this situation, in relation to the question that was asked, I would point to former Supreme Court justice Iacobucci. He is very esteemed and held in high regard, and was actually appointed by, I believe, Prime Minister Brian Mulroney a few decades ago. He has led a number of inquiries and has done much work for the federal government. He is someone I hold in an esteemed position. I am glad that he was contacted to provide a letter to say there was no conflict, and we will go with that.

[Business of Supply, May 30th, 2023]

Madam Speaker, it is always great to rise in this most honourable institution, in the House, and speak to a very important issue today, the New Democratic Party's opposition motion.

I will be splitting my time with the hon. member for London West. I look forward to hearing her remarks as well.

Everyone knows that Canada is recognized internationally for the strength and stability of its democratic system and institutions. In addition, the majority of Canadians say they are satisfied with how our democracy works. It goes without saying that we have good reason to be proud of the trust Canadians have in their institutions.

Indeed, as the independent special rapporteur on foreign interference reminded us in the very first line of the report released last week, democracy is built on trust. Truer words have never been spoken. Naturally, it is this principle that guides how the government interacts with Canadians, develops policies and sets up programs not only to maintain the state of our democracy, but also to continually improve it.

Nevertheless, we can all agree that democracy is a work in progress requiring our constant attention and that it is under constantly evolving threat. That is why we cannot afford to rest on our laurels. We want to better protect and preserve the trust that Canadians have placed in us, which is why we are continually developing new measures to protect our democratic institutions and respond to emerging issues that seek to weaken them.

One of these measures is the plan to protect Canadian democracy that the Government of Canada implemented ahead of the 2019 federal election and renewed in the lead-up to the 2021 election. I would like to point out that this plan is the first of its kind globally. It comprises a range of initiatives designed to improve and strengthen Canada's democratic institutions and protect them from threats.

One thing is clear: When Canadians have access to reliable information and are better informed about the tactics employed by foreign and malicious actors, they become our best line of defence in our efforts to safeguard democracy and fight foreign interference. This is one of the fundamental premises of our plan to protect Canadian democracy, and it is why the plan's initiatives include enhancing citizen preparedness through measures such as the critical election incident public protocol.

The protocol is a mechanism for senior public servants to communicate clearly, transparently, and impartially with Canadians during an election in the event of an incident or a series of incidents that threaten the election's integrity. This is one example of an information-sharing success story. The protocol serves as a bridge between the expert panel, which is composed of independent, professional senior government officials, and the national security agencies represented on the Security and Intelligence Threats to Elections Task Force.

As we know, during the last two federal elections, the expert panel did not detect any incidents that might have threatened Canada's ability to have free and fair elections. I would like to reiterate that this does not mean that there were no attempts at foreign interference or incidents of foreign interference. In fact, the experts made it clear that there is always a certain level of foreign interference. What it actually means is that Canadians can be certain that the outcome of these elections was determined by them and them alone. As the independent special rapporteur points out, there is therefore no call to doubt the results.

In addition, several independent assessments have demonstrated the usefulness of this protocol, and that includes the assessments of the implementation of the protocol that were carried out after the 2019 and 2021 general elections. Both assessments assured Canadians that the protocol should remain in place. They also suggested areas for improvement, which we take very seriously.

For example, significant updates were made to the protocol following the 2019 election report. The government is currently reviewing all the recommendations published last February following the 2019 elections. Members will recall that this is what the government committed to in its April 6 report aimed at providing an update on the recommendations for preventing foreign interference in our democratic institutions.

More recently, the independent special rapporteur also said that the mechanisms that protected the 2019 and 2021 elections were sophisticated. It seems quite clear to us that the protocol is one of these mechanisms. He also affirmed that the measures taken to date have countered the threats of foreign interference and minimized their impact on Canadian democracy.

These independent assessments have given Canadians the assurance that these measures help protect our elections from all types of threats. That is why we relied on these measures to protect the byelections currently taking place in four ridings across the country from any form of foreign interference. On May 16, the government announced that the Security and Intelligence Threats to Elections Task Force would increase its monitoring of foreign interference threats during the current byelection period.

Our efforts do not stop there. The government recognizes that Canadians want more information about threats to our democratic institutions. Accordingly, after election day, the task force will produce a report that will include its assessment of any foreign interference it detects during the byelections.

As I am sure my colleagues will agree, these measures address the needs and priorities of Canadians. They also reflect our vision. Just because Canada's democracy is one of the strongest and most stable in the world, it does not mean we should not always strive to do better. That is what Canadians expect and what they deserve.

My intervention today focused on certain elements of the plan to protect Canadian democracy. It goes without saying that these are just a few of the measures implemented by the government to protect our democratic institutions from all types of threats. However, I hope to have clearly demonstrated the government's commitment to strengthening Canada's democracy, responding to Canadians' concerns and continuing our efforts in that regard.

The independent special rapporteur submitted his report to us last week. He pointed out improvements made to information sharing. The government has implemented measures to help address this issue and is working to create others. By the end of October, we will receive his second report, which will include a set of recommendations primarily aimed at ensuring that malicious foreign states cannot jeopardize our democratic institutions.

As I mentioned, members will understand that the government is looking forward to the release of this independent report. I am convinced that the strategic recommendations in that report will enable us to continue to improve how we protect our democracy.

I invite Canadians who wish to be heard to participate in the public hearings that will be held soon by the special rapporteur. Finally, in closing—

[Business of Supply, May 29th, 2023]

Mr. Chair, our government, since 2015, has concentrated many efforts on fighting climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, which are both important, while growing the economy. Yes, the environment and the economy go hand in hand, and we know Canada is blessed with the human capital and natural resources for the companies and workers to be champions in the economies of today and tomorrow as we transition to new technologies.

Our government has put in place a number of measures that not only respond to the Inflation Reduction Act, but also lead the act, because we know the IRA was in response to the environment, and we as Canadians and our government are already there putting in place measures to help this transition and lower greenhouse gases.

[Business of Supply, May 29th, 2023]

Mr. Chair, we know that the issues with COVID and the impact of the supply chain bottlenecks caused a great amount of inflation, not only here in Canada, but also globally. We know that inflation is on a moving average downward trajectory here in Canada. We understand that. We know it will take time.

With that, our government has put in place a number of affordability measures to help the constituents in my riding. I was at a seniors function on Sunday with over 500 seniors, and I was able to tell them that they were going to have dental care by the end of the year, and that they are also going to be receiving a payment on July 5.

Can the Deputy Prime Minister please inform the House as to how we are helping Canadians deal with inflation?

[Business of Supply, May 29th, 2023]

Mr. Chair, we believe that these improvements will help low-income workers get timely access to the money they need to meet their needs and those of their families. As of June 2023, single workers will receive up to $714 and families will receive up to $1,231 in three advance payments.

The Canada workers benefit is something that is lifting millions of hard-working Canadians out of poverty, making that difference at the end of every month and the end of every year. These advance payments are just another way of ensuring that Canadians receive the help they need at the most opportune time.

To make life more affordable, our government is moving forward with increasing certain RESP withdrawal limits from $5,000 to $8,000 for full-time students and from $2,500 to $4,000 for part-time students. This measure, combined with the improvements announced in budget 2023 with respect to financial aid for students, will help students cover the cost of their education and pursue their dreams.

We will crack down on predatory lenders that take advantage of some of the most vulnerable people in our communities, including low-income Canadians, newcomers and seniors. These lenders often offer very high-interest loans and we believe it is important to act to protect the most vulnerable Canadians. That is why we are changing the Criminal Code to lower the criminal interest rate of 47% APR, or annual percentage rate, to 35% APR, which would match the ceiling in Quebec. We are also launching consultations to determine whether the criminal interest rate should be further lowered to better protect Canadians.

As people know, our government has stepped up since 2015 whenever Canadians needed our support. Here are a few more examples.

We support approximately 3.5 million families each year through the Canada child benefit. This year, families will receive up to nearly $7,000 per child under the age of six, and up to $5,903 per child aged six to 17.

We increased old age security by 10% for people over the age of 75 starting in July 2022, which represents more than $800 in additional assistance for fully retired seniors.

We have reduced fees for regulated child care by an average of 50%, so that regulated child care will cost an average of only $10 per day by 2026.

I know the price of day care for my family has gone down by approximately 52.7%. I think that is more of an exact number. That is what I was told by the day care. More importantly, the parents who go to my child's day care, which has been in existence for over 30 years, have told me stories about how important this measure is and how much money, after-tax dollars, that families are saving, not only in my riding of Vaughan—Woodbridge but also across this beautiful and blessed country.

We will look back 10 to 20 years, generations from now, and for sure in three to five years, and see that this has been a transformational measure for Canadian families and our economy. We will applaud everyone, all the provinces and the leadership of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance for generations to come. I am very proud of the government that got this done.

We have also strengthened the Canada pension plan. Of course, our government will continue to help those who really need it, while continuing to manage public funds responsibly. Yes, the pandemic has had a significant impact on our wallets with inflation, but it has also reminded us all just how important our health is and how important our health care system is. The pandemic has severely stressed our health care systems and exacerbated the shortage of workers and lack of access to primary care.

We believe Canadians deserve better. That is why, earlier this year, the Prime Minister announced that the federal government will increase health funding to the provinces and territories. We are moving forward with federal funding.

This is $190.6 billion over 10 years to the provinces for health care, including $42.6 billion in new dollars to ensure that our health care system is there for today and for tomorrow.

With that, I will end my speech. I look forward to asking the Deputy Prime Minister a few questions.

We all know we want to raise the standard of living of all Canadians today and for generations to come. One way to do that is by increasing participation rates in our society, especially for families that do not want to choose, and should not have to choose, between staying home and putting their child in day care.

Could the Deputy Prime Minister comment on the measures we have put in place?

[Business of Supply, May 29th, 2023]

Mr. Chair, it is great to be back here on a Monday for the restart of Parliament after the week-long break.

I would like to comment briefly before I begin my formal remarks by saying that, ever since 2015, and going through the pandemic onto today, we continue to put in place measures that build a strong economy, not only for today but also for future generations, including my children, who are at home tonight. Many of the parents here this evening, whether they are inside the House or outside the House, know full well that our government has put in place many policy measures that lead to a better future for their children. That is what this is all about. That is why we got elected, and that is what we ran on. That is what we will continue to do for all Canadians. We will make sure they have a bright future in front of them and their families.

It is a pleasure to participate today in this debate in committee of the whole in the House of Commons.

Today, I would like to speak about the measures that our government is introducing to make life more affordable and to strengthen our health care system across the country.

Our last budget, which was presented in the spring, is a Canadian plan for a strong middle class, an affordable economy and a prosperous future. In this budget, our government has proposed many measures, in particular to make life more affordable across the country and to strengthen our health care system.

For example, our government is introducing a targeted support measure that will continue to help 11 million Canadians who truly need it.

For the folks at home tonight who need it the most, we will make sure to have their backs, always.

One good example of our government's targeted support is the grocery rebate. It is quite clear. We go to the grocery store and, like all Canadians, we see that food prices are constantly rising. As a result, too many Canadians are struggling to make ends meet.

In the context of global inflation and price increases, our government believes that it is important to now give a helping hand to those who need it most. We want them to be able to continue putting food on the table and paying their bills.

Like all Canadians, I believe that, more than ever, we must be compassionate with those struggling. Approximately 11 million low-income people and families in the country will receive the grocery rebate.

On July 5, residents in my riding of Vaughan—Woodbridge and across Canada, from coast to coast to coast, will receive the grocery rebate, and I know it will help millions of Canadians. That is what our government is about.

This one-time payment will help them cope with the increased cost of living. I have spoken with people in my riding of Vaughan—Woodbridge, and I can confirm that this is a long-awaited measure for many people in great need.

The grocery rebate consists of up to $467 more for eligible couples with two children, up to $234 more for single individuals without children, and an average of $225 more for seniors.

Also, we will soon begin the automatic advance payments of the Canada workers benefit. This benefit has already helped lift thousands of Canadians out of poverty.

The Canada workers benefit is one of the great things our government, three times now, has strengthened and improved for millions and millions of Canadians, and we know those working hard, pulling them out—