Justin Trudeau

[The Environment, January 29th, 2020]

Mr. Speaker, this investigation, all related prosecution matters and the judge's approval of the penalty were made independent of ministers' offices.

The company paid an unprecedented fine in Canada as a result of the investigation. Indeed, it was 23 times greater than the highest federal environmental fine ever imposed. The Public Prosecution Service determines what charges can be sustained, and it has sole jurisdiction to pursue any prosecution. The funds from the fine will go towards projects that protect our environment.

[Justice, January 29th, 2020]

Mr. Speaker, I think it is important to remember where this file actually started. On the eve of the 2015 election, Conservatives decided to rush through a half-billion-dollar, sole-sourced project. We wanted to ensure that we did our own due diligence on this decision with a newly elected federal cabinet. The decision to suspend Vice-Admiral Norman was taken independently by the chief of the defence staff, and any accusations otherwise are simply absurd.

[Veterans Affairs, January 29th, 2020]

Mr. Speaker, over the past five years, we have reversed the shameful legacy of Conservative attacks on veterans. They cut over 1,000 jobs from veterans' services in Canada and shuttered nine Veterans Affairs offices.

Over the past years, we have invested in supports for our veterans and for their families, making sure they have the tools they need to lead fulfilled and successful lives in Canada after their military service. We thank them deeply for their service and will continue to invest in the things they need, unlike what the Conservative government did before.

[Public Safety, January 29th, 2020]

Mr. Speaker, when it comes to the Parole Board, we use a merit-based process to identify the most qualified candidates to represent our organizations.

This process makes it possible to hire members with a wide range of experience. Previous experience in areas such as social work, psychology, criminology, correctional services and law is often taken into account.

Members of the board are not responsible for making decisions until they have completed their training and they have the full confidence of the vice-chairperson.

We maintain very strict standards in appointing members.

[Public Safety, January 29th, 2020]

Mr. Speaker, obviously this was a terrible tragedy, and I will highlight that the decisions of the Parole Board are, of course, independent from government.

We all have questions about this case, and that is why we are pleased that Correctional Service Canada and the Parole Board are launching a board of investigation inquiry into the circumstances that led to this terrible case.

[International Trade, January 29th, 2020]

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank all the aluminum workers I went to visit a year ago. I assured them that we were going to lift the punitive tariffs that the U.S. President had imposed on them under section 232.

We were in fact able to lift those tariffs to defend our aluminum sector. I am very glad to have these municipal representatives and aluminum sector leaders here. They were met by the Deputy Prime Minister.

We will always work to defend aluminum workers in Quebec and across Canada.

[International Trade, January 29th, 2020]

Mr. Speaker, it is a good agreement for all Canadian workers, including aluminum workers.

The aluminum sector has more protection than ever before with this agreement. Auto manufacturers are required to use at least 70% of North American aluminum.

It is a progressive agreement that will benefit Canadian families. However, if the member does not want to take me at my word, he can listen to Jean Simard, president of the Aluminium Association of Canada, who says that the new NAFTA is the right way to go.

If he does not want to listen to Mr. Simard, he can listen to Premier Legault, who says that this agreement must be ratified for Quebec.

[International Trade, January 29th, 2020]

Mr. Speaker, I assure the member opposite that the Speaker is certainly not hiding anything.

The reality is that from the very beginning we offered full briefings and information, not just to the leaders of the opposition parties, but to their critics as well. We will ensure that all information that they require to make the right decision for their constituencies and for Canada is given to them.

We know that it is an extremely important achievement for Canada to have secure trade within the North American market. We will continue to work with all members in this House to ensure that we can move forward properly.

[International Trade, January 29th, 2020]

Mr. Speaker, we have been working over the past three years to ensure continued access for Canadian businesses to the North American market and to ensure the jobs of Canadian workers from coast to coast to coast who rely on a tight and strong trading relationship with the United States.

We were pleased that, in an era of unpredictability and protectionism from the United States, we were able to secure a great deal for Canadians that has demonstrated that we will be able to be reassured for generations to come, on NAFTA. We will continue to work with all parliamentarians to ensure that this moves forward the right way.

[International Trade, January 29th, 2020]

Mr. Speaker, like all Quebeckers and Canadians, I am extremely proud of our aluminum industry.

We have world-class, cutting-edge innovations. Whether we are talking about Elysis or AP60, I have seen with my own eyes what is being done with aluminum in Saguenay. I am extremely proud of that work. I am pleased to support these aluminum workers and show that Canadians are once again leading the way on economic growth and environmental protection.