Most toxic speeches
Mr. Speaker, Iran today test fired two ballistic missiles that the regime said proved its ability to strike Israel. The missiles carried the words, Israel must be wiped out.Former Liberal MP Irwin Cotler is on record saying, I don't know if [the Prime Minister] has an appreciation of evil. The Prime Minister said this week that he thought Canada was sending exactly the right signals on Iran.Is this not just another example of the Prime Minister's inability to appreciate evil?
Mr. Speaker, it is not pursuing this matter before the courts and that is the problem. It is letting them off the hook with no fine, no penalty, and no interest to pay.Canadians are sick of this flim-flammery that allows multi-millionaires to avoid paying taxes and to be coddled by the government.Yesterday, the Prime Minister could not even tell us whether he disagreed with this deal.I have a very specific question for the Prime Minister. Can he confirm that this is the one and only time that the government has offered this kind of sweetheart deal to millionaires? Yes or no? Are there other similar agreements?
Mr. Speaker, Nadiya Savchenko has restarted her hunger strike. Her health is deteriorating, and the Liberals have done next to nothing.The charges against Nadiya are clearly trumped up. This illegal show trial demonstrates the Russian regime's utter contempt for international law, due process, and human rights. Rallies are scheduled across Canada this evening, demanding her release.The Liberals are saying that they want to talk to Russia; so, will the Prime Minister pick up the phone, call the Kremlin, and demand that it free Nadiya Savchenko immediately?
Mr. Speaker, while the Liberals will be celebrating with American organizations that are actually determined to kill Canadian jobs, the finance minister back at home keeps racking up the bills. The Prime Minister broke his promise to limit borrowing to a modest $10 billion. Economists are now saying the Liberals will add $150 billion in debt over the next four years, but it will have virtually no impact on growth.The Prime Minister was left with a surplus. Now that we all know his borrowing will not create jobs and growth, why is the government so determined to bury Canadians in debt?
Mr. Speaker, you have to wonder which first nations they are engaging with, because the first nations actually impacted by this mega-dam cannot even get their letters returned from the government. It seems to me that there are two Liberal Parties: one that is in campaign and makes sacred promises to first nations people, and one that governs to break them.The question comes for the Liberal government here and now. Right now they are in the position of authorizing this mega-dam in northeastern British Columbia. First nations have pleaded with the government not to do so, to pause the process and allow the consultation the government promised to actually take place.Which Liberal Party are we actually going to see?
Mr. Speaker, our engagement with Iran does not mean we agree with its government. Also, to boycott Iran will not help Israel.While we reduced some sanctions on Iran, together with our allies, related to progress in shutting down its nuclear program, we also added sanctions that targeted its ballistic missile program. Again, we did this in complete coordination with our allies.We will continue to apply pressure on Iran to end its unacceptable missile development program, and we will continue to be strong friends with Israel.
Mr. Speaker, it is a tremendous pleasure to see you there today.I thank my hon. colleague for her question and for her leadership both as an individual and as a former health minister on this issue. I salute you, as the hon. member for OttawaVanier and as Speaker, for the dignity and grace that you bring to the House every day as you battle this terrible disease. Like many of us in this House, I was pleased to take part in a number of ice bucket challenges, both as dumpee and dumper. I was pleased to do my part to help raise money for research and awareness for ALS.Canadians pride themselves on looking out for one another, and I join the Leader of the Opposition in urging everyone to give their time and financial support to organizations that are working so hard to find a cure for this terrible disease.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for the clarification. Pedophilia is a terrible crime, and we need to deal with the ongoing effects of those abuses. I can tell the hon. member that I am the client and the Minister of Justice is my adviser, and we will get to the bottom of this and seek justice.
Mr. Speaker, I will ask in French and give my colleague opposite a chance. CNN reported that American air strikes in Syria likely killed the person thought to be ISIS's minister of war, a Chechen fighter who joined rebel groups in Syria and then swore allegiance to ISIS in 2012. He participated in ISIS propaganda and recruitment videos, and the U.S. State Department offered a $5-million reward to have him removed. I thank those U.S. pilots for what they did. How can the government continue to doubt the effectiveness of air strikes against ISIS?
Mr. Speaker, the independent assessment process was supposed to bring justice to survivors. Instead, government lawyers in the Department of Justice had over 1,000 cases thrown out under the administrative split. We now find that justice department lawyers suppressed evidence about a serial pedophile at St. Anne's Residential School, and then told the hearings that the victims were simply lacking credibility.This really puts Canada in the spotlight if the Minister of Justice cannot explain why this is happening. I am asking her: Will she do the right thing? Will she stand up in the House and say that she will meet the survivors and fix this?
Mr. Speaker, yesterday, I asked the Prime Minister about the recent deal that the government made with millionaire tax cheats. He responded that all Canadians should pay their taxes in the future. To those currently filling out their tax forms, it is a bit of a surprise to learn that this was not the case before, and that the government lets multi-millionaire tax cheats off the hook with no penalty whatsoever.I will ask the Prime Minister again. Will he conduct an investigation and put a stop to these sweetheart deals for multi-millionaire tax cheats?
Mr. Speaker, the previous government went into deficit to fight the biggest financial crisis since the 1930s and then balanced the budget without raising taxes. The Liberals are spending money they do not have, to fight a recession we are not in. They have already slashed tax-free savings accounts, and now they are jacking up payroll taxes.How high will taxes go to pay for risky Liberal deficits?
Mr. Speaker, for years, judges were routinely granting two-for-one and even three-for-one credits for time served before trial. This is why we brought in the Truth in Sentencing Act to ensure that convicted offenders serve the sentences they were given. Now it appears that there are judges in Ontario who are disregarding that law. The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice says a law is a law is a law. Are they going to do what it takes to enforce the present law or will criminals continue to get a break?
Mr. Speaker, the Liberals are borrowing money they do not have, to spend on pet projects we do not need. They are throwing fiscal responsibility onto the spending bonfire. With $150 billion expected in borrowing, a balanced budget under the Liberals is nothing but a pipe dream.When will the Liberals realize that we have to pay this money back and that borrowed money is not free?
Mr. Speaker, Nadiya Savchenko, a Ukrainian air force pilot and member of the Ukrainian parliament, has been held illegally in a Russian prison for 21 long months.Many thousands of people in Ukraine and around the world are demanding her release as she continues her hunger strike, yet all the efforts by the international community to advocate for her release have been brushed aside by Moscow.Time is running out. How can Canada's call for the release of Ms. Savchenko be taken seriously when all the Liberals want to do is have happy talk with Putin?
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister promised that no relationship was more important to him than that with indigenous peoples. That relationship has not been respected in the case of B.C.'s Site C dam, where there are three ongoing court cases with first nations. This is a litmus test of the Prime Minister's solemn commitment. Repeated letters from first nations have been ignored by the Liberals.Will the government please cease and desist on approval for Site C until proper consultations can occur?
Mr. Speaker, earlier this week, the U.S.-led air combat coalition successfully took out the ISIS war minister.The Pentagon said this is a victory on the battlefield and will hurt ISIS' ability to recruit foreign fighters. Clearly, these air strikes are working, but the Liberals have taken us out of the fight. Just once, can the Minister of National Defence coherently explain why the Canadian Armed Forces cannot do both air strikes and training?
Mr. Speaker, the residential schools tragedy is still a burden for so many people. For example, a survivor of St. Anne's residential school in northern Ontario is seeking justice, but he is being thwarted by Justice Department lawyers who knowingly, yes, knowingly, withheld documents that would have helped his case. That is not only unacceptable, it is appalling. Will the Minister of Justice order her officials to stop denying this survivor's legitimate requests and to stop obstructing justice?
Mr. Speaker, this government believes in a level playing field where all Canadians pay their fair share of taxes and are treated equally under the system. Our government came to power with a pledge to strengthen efforts to combat international tax evasion and avoidance. The CRA is pursuing this matter before the courts and it intends to pursue it to the fullest extent possible because that is what this government and, indeed, all Canadians expect.
Mr. Speaker, if the Prime Minister were really sincere about corporate tax fairness, he would start by reducing and getting rid of the cuts to corporate taxes that the Conservatives brought in with the Liberals' complicity, as they voted for the Conservative budget.Our seniors should never, ever have to choose between paying for their groceries, their housing or their medication. The Liberals promised, and I quote, to immediately [boost] the guaranteed income supplement...by 10%. Five months later, nothing has changed and seniors continue to suffer.What exactly did they mean by immediately?
Mr. Speaker, we are engaged in a coalition. The coalition has quite a number of partners. We do some things very well. Advise, assist, and train, we do very well. Intelligence missions, we do very well. We are engaged, as I say, in a coalition. We are working together to delete this scourge from that particular part of the world. The idea of this coalition is to end this combat. We are contributing in a significant and major way.
Mr. Speaker, in fact, our government left the country with the highest growth in the G7 and the lowest taxes in 50 years. The Prime Minister needs to understand that Canadians did not actually sign up or vote for this mountain of debt. Not only did the Prime Minister mislead Canadians on these Liberal spending habits but he has absolutely no plan to pay it back, other than raising taxes.When will the Prime Minister realize, like all Canadians, he has to live within his means and he has to pay this money back?
Mr. Speaker, it is another week and another broken promise. In Paris, the Prime Minister promised he would give Canadians a climate change plan within 90 days. Last week in Vancouver, the 90 days were up. What happened? There is no plan, just a plan to have a plan. Surprise, surprise, he also threatened to hammer the provinces with a carbon tax grab.As the Prime Minister wines and dines in Washington, as investors flee Canada, and as Canadians lose thousands of jobs, will he now admit that he is in way over his head?
Mr. Speaker, I want to understand something. Apparently, the mission in Iraq is not a combat mission, but our soldiers are going to be on the front lines and will have the right to shoot first. Is that not a combat mission?Can the Minister of National Defence explain why the government is so determined to deny the evidence and why it refuses to tell Canadians and our soldiers that this is in fact a combat mission?
Mr. Speaker, may I say that Canada stands steadfast with Ukraine? We always have, and we always will. As I stated, and I am happy to state it again, we have repeatedly underlined that Ms. Savchenko's transfer to Russia was illegal. We know it was politically motivated. Her treatment during her detention is a matter of grave concern, and we call on Russia to immediately release her.
Mr. Speaker, Canada-U.S. relations were so bad in recent years that this former government was unable to reach a new agreement when the old softwood lumber agreement expired.It was up to us to take over this file, and I talked to President Obama about it at the first opportunity I had to sit down with him. We are working on this file, and we hope to have good news for Canadians in the weeks and months to come.
Mr. Speaker, Canadians know that we need to reduce greenhouse gases and grow our economy in a sustainable way. They also know that reducing emissions will make our economy more competitive, not less competitive.The carbon pricing policies that the hon. member talked about will minimize the cost of producing greenhouse gas emissions, provide a continuous incentive for technological innovation, and allow us to achieve significant emissions reductions.I would say that the hon. member should listen to some of the folks who used to sit on that side of the House. The current Ontario Conservative leader and former MP on that side of the House stated this week, Climate change is a fact. It is a threat. It is man-made. We have to do something about it, and
Mr. Speaker, I, too, feel that this is a terrible tragedy
Mr. Speaker, there is a saying in my neighbourhood, You lie to your friends, I'll lie to my friends; let's not lie to each other.Here is the true record of what the Conservative government has done over the last 10 years. The Conservatives closed Veterans Affairs offices and cut staff by 800 people. For the last 10 years, it has really been a shame. We are working hard to ensure that we treat our men and women with care, compassion, and respect. I have an aggressive mandate letter from the Prime Minister that will result in more employment opportunities for veterans and support for their families. We plan on following through exactly with that.
Mr. Speaker, this government believes in tax fairness. We believe that all Canadians should pay their fair share of taxes and should be treated equally by the federal tax system. Our government came to power with a pledge to strengthen efforts to combat international tax evasion and avoidance. The Canada Revenue Agency is pursuing this matter before the courts, and it intends to pursue it to the fullest extent possible. That is what Canadians expect from this government and the CRA.
Mr. Speaker, the Liberals are missing in action. The Canadian manufacturing jobs are at risk. The low dollar has put Canadians goods on sale, but the Liberals refuse to explain how they will encourage private sector investment. Yesterday, they even blocked the industry committee from asking Bombardier about a billion-dollar bailout. What are the Liberals hiding? Is the reason the Liberals will not share their plan with Canadians that they do not have a plan to share?
Mr. Speaker, the aerospace industry is vital for Quebec. In the Montreal region alone, one out of every 100 jobs is associated with this industry. However, the Liberals do not seem to understand that.During the election campaign, they did not present any plan or strategy for this sector. Nothing. What is more, we are still waiting for news on the Bombardier file. The industry is fragile right now and job losses are mounting.When will the Liberal government wake up, support the Quebec economy and its workers, and present a real action plan for the aerospace industry?
Mr. Speaker, Canadians were faced with a choice in the last election between policies that had failed to create the kind of growth and opportunities that people needed right across the country against a vision that was actually proposing to invest in our future, to put money in the pockets of the middle class and those working hard to join, and investing in the kind of infrastructure that our communities need to create jobs now, and to create growth in the medium and long-term. That is the kind of budget we are going to put forward in two weeks. That is what Canadians have been waiting 10 years to hear.
Mr. Speaker, broken promises are not in Canada's best interests. Canadians are losing jobs, Liberal deficits are skyrocketing, balanced budgets are out the window, and now the Prime Minister has picked a fight with the provinces by threatening a harmful carbon tax. Contrary to what the Prime Minister and his parliamentary secretary just said, there is no deal, no climate change plan. What happened to the new relationship with the provinces that was promised? Why have the Prime Minister's sunny ways turned into gloomy days for Canada?
Mr. Speaker, we recognize that much work needs to be done to resolve longstanding indigenous land claims. However, every government in the past has been unequivocal that private property is not on the table. The recent lawsuit by SSN is looking to declare aboriginal title over private property. As the premier of B.C. said, this has huge implications across Canada.Will the Minister of Justice step up to protect Canadian private property rights?
Mr. Speaker, I will begin by saying that you look great up there. I must remark that you have achieved in a very short period of time what many Speakers dream of, which is a well-behaved chamber.In 2014, I took the ice bucket challenge, like many of my colleagues in the House. I still remember having that big ice bucket dumped on my head when I was health minister. Combined with government funding, that amazing challenge raised $20 million for research funding and $6 million for support programs, but we can do more. I am asking the Prime Minister today to join me in asking Canadians from coast to coast to coast to support organizations that are fighting ALS and to find a cure for ALS.
Mr. Speaker, the National Defence military foreign service instructions define a combat mission as, where the use or threatened use of force, including lethal force, is...[used] to accomplish a mission.Yesterday, Canada's Chief of the Defence Staff admitted that, in the Liberals' new expanded mission in Iraq, Canadian troops will be authorized not only to use lethal force but also to shoot first. To everyone, except the current government, that sounds exactly like the definition of combat. Why is the Liberal government continuing to try to disguise the nature of this mission and its risks?
Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Transport and it pertains to a critical threat to the survival of VIA Rail and our coast to coast service.The previous minister of transportation convened a panel, chaired by former cabinet minister David Emerson, and it has now reported. Shockingly, it recommends that the Liberal government kill passenger rail service between Toronto and Vancouver. This transcontinental train, the Canadian, is an essential part of Sir John A. Macdonald's national dream.Could the minister confirm that the government will protect VIA Rail, and restore and invest in our trans-Canada rail service?
Mr. Speaker, it is true that our soldiers will be at greater risk, as was said by the Chief of the Defence Staff. However, I cannot do better than quote him at the committee yesterday where he said, in an engagement like this, ...specifically allow Canadian Forces to defend themselves, anticipate their defence so that they can engage a hostile act, or a hostile act or an intent before it materializes.Therefore, our soldiers are not engaged in combat, they are allowed to defend themselves, and their rules of engagement are clear for all concerned.
Mr. Speaker, I would like the hon. member to explain what he does not get about democracy.We have had an election over the past year, the longest election campaign in Canadian history. The decision of the Canadian people was definitive on October 19.We then had a debate here for four or five days, with 98 speakers. The vote this week was definitive.What part of democracy does the hon. member not get? We have debated this and debated this. The people have spoken. It is unfortunate for the hon. member.
Mr. Speaker, contrary to what the minister has insinuated several times over the past four months, the previous Conservative government did more for veterans than any other Canadian government since the Pension Act of 1919 was passed. The Liberal government cancelled the community war memorial program. This clearly shows that this government is not interested in honouring our veterans. Properly honouring our men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces is not militarism, it is quite simply a moral imperative.Now that the Liberals are cancelling this program, how do they intend to honour the achievements of members of the Royal Canadian Air Force who fought against ISIS?
Mr. Speaker, that could not be more misconstrued.As the minister explicitly said in his declaration yesterday, the Government of Canada is gravely concerned about the health of Nadiya Savchenko, who has been unlawfully detained by Russia. We have repeatedly underlined that her transfer to Russia was illegal, the charges brought against her are politically motivated, and her treatment during her detention is a matter of grave concern.The Government of Canada calls on Russia to immediately release her and return her to her friends, colleagues, and family in Ukraine.
Mr. Speaker, when I was a municipal councillor, I was approached by Merna Forster and was pleased to lead Oakville council calling on the Bank of Canada to include a prominent Canadian woman on one of our bank notes, which is something we have not seen in almost 150 years.Thousands of people from across the country signed a petition calling upon the government to highlight Canadian women on our money, recognizing the significant role that women have played in shaping our nation.Can the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance outline the government's plan for action on this important issue?
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague from Fredericton for his excellent question.International students are some of the best candidates for Canadian citizenship. They speak English or French, they received a good education here in Canada, and they know the country. It was therefore not very smart of the former government to do away with the 50% credit that these students received upon becoming Canadian citizens. I am very happy to say that we are going to restore that credit.
Mr. Speaker, the B.C. government has stated that it will vigorously oppose any declaration that creates any uncertainty for private property owners. On January 15, the Minister of Justice asked for an extension before making a decision. Well, it has been close to eight weeks and there has still been no response.While the Premier of B.C. has boldly reassured Canadians, the justice minister has left land owners in the dark. Will she stand with the premier of B.C. to defend property rights, yes or no?
Mr. Speaker, there is no disguise. This is in fact a non-combat mission, as I just outlined, with what the Chief of the Defence Staff just said.The hon. member can argue with the Chief of the Defence Staff, but he has in fact outlined this as a non-combat mission. We are there to train, to assist, to advise, and to produce intelligence.The hon. member may wish to argue with the CDS, and I welcome his opportunity to do that, but this is a non-combat mission as defined by the Chief of the Defence Staff.
Mr. Speaker, for 10 years Canada saw lower growth than it needed to because we had a government that was focused on giving tax benefits to the wealthiest and not helping the middle class succeed, not creating the kinds of investments in infrastructure, in our communities, and indeed for Canadians who needed help. That was actually necessary for our economy.That is why we put forward a plan to invest in the future of our country, and to help middle class Canadians and those working hard to join it. In two weeks, all members in the House, and indeed all Canadians, will be able to see the budget that will make that happen.
Mr. Speaker, the courts are waiting, and have been waiting after the minister has asked for extension after extension, to hear what the position of the Government of Canada will be. The people of Kamloops are worried and she has been delaying the response. Please, will she stand up and tell Canadians that she will defend private property rights in Canada?
Mr. Speaker, Liberal policies make doing business in Canada more expensive. Auto manufacturers are hurting in Ontario because our electricity rates are 30% higher than in other jurisdictions, and that is before the new Liberal carbon tax. When will the Liberal government give manufacturers a break, rather than break manufacturers?
Mr. Speaker, tonight, the Prime Minister is going to be in Washington with his pals at the Center for American Progress. While energy workers continue to lose their jobs across the country, they will be watching the Prime Minister sip champagne.Let us be clear. This is the group that is responsible for the president's rejection of the Keystone XL pipeline. Will the Prime Minister use his special new relationship and publicly state in Washington that he supports Keystone, and ask the president publicly to reverse his decision on Keystone?
Mr. Speaker, I think Canadians are incredibly proud of the work this government has done on climate change. If we look at the progress that has been accomplished in the last five months, we see we have a historic international deal in which Canada played a critical role, and we have an arrangement that has been agreed upon by all provinces and territories to develop a pan-Canadian framework. That is real progress. We are going to Washington this week to actually make further progress on a continental basis. My goodness, relative to the last 10 years of inaction under the Conservatives, this is real change.
Mr. Speaker, I would remind the House that the former international trade minister had made a lot of progress on this file. I hope this situation will be resolved quickly.During the election campaign, the Prime Minister talked about small deficits, slight deficits. We left a balanced budget for this fiscal year; the numbers are there. For the current year, there was an operating surplus. The Liberals cannot even tell us what their operating deficit for the current year will be, not to mention that TD Bank forecasts $150 billion in deficits on account of the Liberal government's management. When will the Prime Minister bring our country back to balanced budgets?
Mr. Speaker, we are very concerned about the plight of our seniors. That is why we promised to boost the guaranteed income supplement for our most vulnerable seniors by 10% in our election platform.In addition, as part of our infrastructure investments, we promised to create housing for our seniors. These are all things that we can promise and we can do, because we told Canadians that we are going to invest in communities.The opposition member, who unfortunately promised to balance the budget, would have slashed $18 billion, which needs to go to our seniors and all Canadians, instead of making the investments they need.
Mr. Speaker, in the Department of Veterans Affairs, we understand that it is very important for us to commemorate those men and women who have served in our armed forces. We have done that as a country through Vimy Ridge, through World War II, through our Korean peacekeepers, through our role in Bosnia, and we will do so for Afghanistan. That is an important part of what we do in this department and what we do on this side of the House. We will continue to show in a meaningful way the respect that our men and women deserve who have served this great country.
Mr. Speaker, we learned this week that the Liberals are cancelling the community war memorial program. This program that was implemented by the Conservatives in 2010 has enabled communities and organizations across Canada to build new or to upgrade old cenotaphs and war memorials honouring the achievements and sacrifices of those who have served Canada in times of war and peace and military conflict.The Department of Veterans Affairs acknowledges that there is a continued need for this essential program. Since they are listening, why do the Liberals think that cutting this project is a good idea?
Mr. Speaker, our government understands and supports the aerospace sector. It is a sector that employs 180,000 people, not only in Montreal or Quebec but across Canada. It is a sector that contributes $29 billion to our GDP. That is why we take very seriously the engagement with Bombardier.On December 11, it approached the federal government officially in writing to ask for up to $1 billion. We are doing our due diligence. We are looking at the business case. We understand the importance of not only Bombardier but this sector and we will ensure that any decision that we make will be in the best interests of Canadians and Quebeckers.
Mr. Speaker, after years of complacency by the former Liberal government, in 2006, our Conservative government signed a softwood lumber agreement with our American partners. At the time, companies were paying up to 37% in export duties, and billions of dollars, money that belonged to Canadian companies, was being hoarded in the United States.Can the Prime Minister promise that when he goes to Washington he will ask President Obama not to waste any time signing an agreement that will allow the forestry industry to continue to grow and provide jobs in every region of Canada?
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister is such a good reader, but he is not answering my questions. He read the same thing twice, but that is not the question. Have there been other times, yes or no?Yesterday, I asked the Prime Minister about the government's promise for affordable, high-quality, flexible, and fully inclusive child care. It is at page 20 of his platform in case he has not been able to find it.Instead of giving us another talking point, could the Prime Minister simply tell us what is the government's budget for that specifically defined child care plan the Liberals boasted about in their platform?
Mr. Speaker, the former Conservative government inherited a $13-billion surplus, which it spent even before the global recession hit in 2008.We inherited a deficit, and we promised Canadians that we would invest in communities and growth and help the middle class and those working hard to join the middle class. That is precisely what we are going to do. On March 22, we will present our plan for that in the budget.
It is not a tragedy, it is a criminal crime.
Mr. Speaker, as I stated, this matter is before the courts. What I instructed my officials to do was to seek an adjournment. Per my mandate letter from the Prime Minister, we are looking at our litigation strategy and doing a comprehensive review. In terms of specific cases, that will potentially change our approach. But with respect to particular mandates, I will be working and supporting my colleague, the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs in this regard.
Mr. Speaker, the port of Sydney has long been an essential asset to the economy of Cape Breton. Studies have shown that construction of a second marine berth in the harbour will greatly enhance port traffic, especially in the cruise ship sector.My question is for the Minister of Infrastructure. Does the minister see this project of a second berth for the port of Sydney as the type of project worthy of consideration for infrastructure?
Mr. Speaker, it is very important for us to honour the men and women who have served this country valiantly in Afghanistan. This government is aware of the motion put forward in 2014 supported by all members of the House. We are working very hard with the Minister of Canadian Heritage to see that is put through. However, I think it is also important for us to show care, compassion, and respect for those members through our veterans services, which we are doing right now. The member will also see that through our reopening of the nine offices that his party closed, as well our rehiring of staff that the Conservatives also let go.
Mr. Speaker, few relationships matter as much to Canada as a good relationship with the United States of America, for jobs, for economic growth, for trade purposes, for building the kinds of opportunities that Canadians truly need right across the country. For 10 years those relationships had been strained and now we are pleased to re-engage on a broad range of important files to build the kinds of opportunities for all Canadians that we know people need.
Mr. Speaker, I am very proud to say that the way we are going forward is not to discuss the cases before the courts at this time. But I do want the member to understand, and all members of the House need to understand, what it means to move forward in a nation-to-nation approach based on recognition of rights, respect, co-operation, and partnership. That is something that every single member of the House needs to understand and to understand that sticking up for the rights of the first peoples of this country is the job of all of us.
Mr. Speaker, we have a fundamentally different approach. We have an approach for growing our economy. That is what Canadians voted for on the 19th of October, and that is exactly what we are going to be delivering. We are going to invest in innovation, we are going to invest in productivity, and we are going to invest in infrastructure. We are going to invest in the middle class for this country.
Mr. Speaker, on International Women's Day yesterday, events across the country celebrated the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of Canadian women. I am proud to tell the House that the Minister of Finance, in collaboration with the Governor of the Bank of Canada, Stephen Poloz, has launched consultations on the Bank of Canada website inviting Canadians to nominate iconic women whom they want to see on the new banknote to be issued in 2018.Do not forget to use the hashtag #bankNOTEable to share your ideas.
Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the Minister of Veterans Affairs indicated that he was working with the Department of Canadian Heritage to identify opportunities for advancing the construction of a memorial monument. However, we still do not know whether there will be a national monument specifically for the Afghanistan mission.My question is for the minister. Will the budget include an envelope for the national monument announced by our Conservative government, yes or no?
Mr. Speaker, as the OECD and the IMF said, there has never been a better time to invest in the economy. Canadians know that, when interest rates are low, that is the time to invest.As we went from coast to coast to coast in this country, the Minister of Finance and I, we listened to Canadians, and what Canadians told us is to invest in the economy, invest in the middle class, and invest in infrastructure, and that is exactly what we are going to be doing.
Mr. Speaker, during the election campaign, the Liberals promised to raise the bar on transparency, but yesterday there was a dramatic turn of events.The Liberal members of the Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology voted unanimously against a motion that we moved to invite Bombardier to testify before the committee. Committee members wanted to know why Bombardier needed $1.2 billion in support. My question today is for the chair of the Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology. Why is he determined to prevent Bombardier from testifying before parliamentarians?
Mr. Speaker, the Government of Canada is committed to the successful implementation of the Indian residential school settlement agreement and to fulfilling all of its obligations under the agreement. The abuse of children is tragic and unacceptable.While I cannot comment about specific cases, under the independent assessment process, I can say that Canada has complied with Justice Perell's June 2015 order and provided all the documents as soon as they were complete.In addition, Canada has revised and made available an updated school narrative and person-of-interest reports for St. Anne's Residential School, in compliance with court direction
Mr. Speaker, on behalf of all of my colleagues, I would like to say that we are all so happy to see you in the Chair today.Last week, the member for OttawaVanier was congratulated for his work supporting francophone minority communities in Ottawa. The NDP shares his belief that we must protect and celebrate our official languages all across this country.Nearly one out of seven francophones lives outside Quebec. We must do more to ensure that all Canadians have access to services in the official language of their choice, regardless of where they live.How is the Prime Minister planning to continue and build on the excellent work done by the hon. member for OttawaVanier? How will he improve services and support linguistic minority communities in Canada?
Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the member for SydneyVictoria for his continued hard work regarding this project. We know there are significant benefits to infrastructure investment. That is why our government has committed to add $60 billion of new money into infrastructure over the next 10 years. We understand that well planned infrastructure investments in regions like Cape Breton generate economic growth, create jobs, and leave a lasting legacy for Canadians. I have met with my counterparts in Nova Scotia, and we will continue to work together on our shared infrastructure priorities.
Mr. Speaker, as the member across knows, this is a matter that is before the courts, and so I will not speak to the particular circumstances with respect to that. However, I will say that with the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, we will work collaboratively in terms of the mandates and approaches that are being put forward in negotiating and settling the land question in British Columbia. The member can rest assured that this settlement will be based on a nation-to-nation relationship that is based on recognition.
Mr. Speaker, in terms of our approach, we are undertaking a comprehensive review of the criminal justice system. That includes sentencing reform to determine efficiencies and effectiveness in the process and I will ensure that I work with my colleagues, including the Minister of Public Safety, to look at bail reform and other matters with respect to how we can proceed and ensure fairness, equality, compliance with the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and that the accused's rights are respected.
Mr. Speaker, it is important that other levels of government and stakeholders have an opportunity to read the CTA review report and share their perspectives on its findings before we address specific recommendations.I have been mandated by the Prime Minister to respond to the review. I can assure Canadians that this government is committed to developing the best approach to delivering a safe, efficient, and reliable passenger rail service in Canada from coast to coast.
Mr. Speaker, we are a very open and transparent government. We have been very clear with Canadians.When it comes to committees, they have their own unique dynamic and they set their own agenda.With respect to Bombardier, we are engaged with it. It came forward with a proposal on December 11 of up to a billion dollars. It asked for an investment. We are looking at the business case. We are doing our due diligence. We will make sure we do our homework. We will make sure we provide a thoughtful response in the public interest.
Mr. Speaker, as I said in my previous response, this government continues to engage with first nations and other indigenous organizations and peoples to ensure that we are developing a nation-to-nation approach. With respect to the specific matter of Site C that is before the court, I cannot comment on the specifics of it. However, there certainly are ongoing discussions that are relevant to the broader first nations and nation-to-nation relationship.
Mr. Speaker, it is important that Canada attract and retain top international students in order to remain competitive in the global economy.In Fredericton, the University of New Brunswick, or UNB, and St. Thomas University are working hard to accomplish just that.Can the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship tell the House about the initiatives the government is taking to encourage top students to remain in Canada?
Mr. Speaker, in the fall of 2014, as members know, the former government approved a project and set out a series of legally binding conditions with which the proponent must comply. B.C. Hydro must meet the requirements set out in these conditions and we are verifying that it is in fact the case. The minister has been involved and engaged in discussions with first nations people and other indigenous organizations to try to ensure that we are clearly understanding those concerns, and we will continue to engage on that basis going forward.
Mr. Speaker, I just want to say today is a very special day. It is an honour and privilege to serve with the member for OttawaVanier. For me, he is a role model. I am delighted to be here today with him.With respect to the question asked, we have a plan when it comes to manufacturing. We have a plan that is going to help companies in the 21st century digital economy by making sure we have ICT adoption. We are also going to put forward industrial and technological benefits that will assist companies. We have a plan for manufacturing because we know manufacturing is very important to our future progress, growth, and creating jobs.
Mr. Speaker, in our platform we put forward an ambitious plan to invest $20 billion over the next 10 years in social infrastructure. In order to do so, we would work with provinces and municipalities to identify their concrete needs and respond to them. We put that forward in total respect of provincial jurisdiction. The member opposite put forward a plan that would have cut $18 billion from the federal budget right now to reach balance at all costs. That is not how we help families. That is not how we help people with the costs of child care.
Mr. Speaker, the point that the member has raised is an important one. He understands and appreciates that our government is open and transparent. I am glad to hear that the member understands this. The member also understands that he has an opportunity in committee to talk about these issues. One thing I can assure the member is that we will continue to engage with that company because we understand the importance of this sector. We understand the importance of creating jobs. We have a plan not only for the company and the sector, but we have a plan for all Canadians when it comes to growing the economy, and that will be demonstrated in our budget on March 22.
Mr. Speaker, as the member knows, committees are independent. The point that he has raised is an important one
Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleague for his question, and I must say that no one in the House has done more to support francophone communities in Ottawa and Canada than you, as the hon. member for OttawaVanier.Since your election in 1995, you have fought tirelessly for linguistic duality in Canada, national unity, and a fair and just society for all. We will continue to support your incredible work, most notably with a new official languages plan that will support anglophone and francophone linguistic minorities across the country.The House, linguistic minorities, and all of Canada thank you for your passion and your service.
Mr. Speaker, earlier, I asked the chair of the Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology a question. In the House, when the person to whom a question is addressed is present, it is customary for that person to answer. I would like that person to answer my question today.
Mr. Speaker, there have been widespread consultations, indeed, the widest consultations that have taken place in this Parliament. I think on a day like today, when we are all communicating together, we can all agree upon the importance of accepting a document produced by the Department of Finance Canada, the Fiscal Monitor, showing that we had a surplus of $2.2 billion at the end of 2015.
Mr. Speaker, Iran today test fired two ballistic missiles that the regime said proved its ability to strike Israel. The missiles carried the words, Israel must be wiped out.Former Liberal MP Irwin Cotler is on record saying, I don't know if [the Prime Minister] has an appreciation of evil. The Prime Minister said this week that he thought Canada was sending exactly the right signals on Iran.Is this not just another example of the Prime Minister's inability to appreciate evil?
Mr. Speaker, it is not pursuing this matter before the courts and that is the problem. It is letting them off the hook with no fine, no penalty, and no interest to pay.Canadians are sick of this flim-flammery that allows multi-millionaires to avoid paying taxes and to be coddled by the government.Yesterday, the Prime Minister could not even tell us whether he disagreed with this deal.I have a very specific question for the Prime Minister. Can he confirm that this is the one and only time that the government has offered this kind of sweetheart deal to millionaires? Yes or no? Are there other similar agreements?
Mr. Speaker, Nadiya Savchenko has restarted her hunger strike. Her health is deteriorating, and the Liberals have done next to nothing.The charges against Nadiya are clearly trumped up. This illegal show trial demonstrates the Russian regime's utter contempt for international law, due process, and human rights. Rallies are scheduled across Canada this evening, demanding her release.The Liberals are saying that they want to talk to Russia; so, will the Prime Minister pick up the phone, call the Kremlin, and demand that it free Nadiya Savchenko immediately?
Mr. Speaker, while the Liberals will be celebrating with American organizations that are actually determined to kill Canadian jobs, the finance minister back at home keeps racking up the bills. The Prime Minister broke his promise to limit borrowing to a modest $10 billion. Economists are now saying the Liberals will add $150 billion in debt over the next four years, but it will have virtually no impact on growth.The Prime Minister was left with a surplus. Now that we all know his borrowing will not create jobs and growth, why is the government so determined to bury Canadians in debt?
Mr. Speaker, you have to wonder which first nations they are engaging with, because the first nations actually impacted by this mega-dam cannot even get their letters returned from the government. It seems to me that there are two Liberal Parties: one that is in campaign and makes sacred promises to first nations people, and one that governs to break them.The question comes for the Liberal government here and now. Right now they are in the position of authorizing this mega-dam in northeastern British Columbia. First nations have pleaded with the government not to do so, to pause the process and allow the consultation the government promised to actually take place.Which Liberal Party are we actually going to see?
Mr. Speaker, our engagement with Iran does not mean we agree with its government. Also, to boycott Iran will not help Israel.While we reduced some sanctions on Iran, together with our allies, related to progress in shutting down its nuclear program, we also added sanctions that targeted its ballistic missile program. Again, we did this in complete coordination with our allies.We will continue to apply pressure on Iran to end its unacceptable missile development program, and we will continue to be strong friends with Israel.
Mr. Speaker, it is a tremendous pleasure to see you there today.I thank my hon. colleague for her question and for her leadership both as an individual and as a former health minister on this issue. I salute you, as the hon. member for OttawaVanier and as Speaker, for the dignity and grace that you bring to the House every day as you battle this terrible disease. Like many of us in this House, I was pleased to take part in a number of ice bucket challenges, both as dumpee and dumper. I was pleased to do my part to help raise money for research and awareness for ALS.Canadians pride themselves on looking out for one another, and I join the Leader of the Opposition in urging everyone to give their time and financial support to organizations that are working so hard to find a cure for this terrible disease.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for the clarification. Pedophilia is a terrible crime, and we need to deal with the ongoing effects of those abuses. I can tell the hon. member that I am the client and the Minister of Justice is my adviser, and we will get to the bottom of this and seek justice.
Mr. Speaker, I will ask in French and give my colleague opposite a chance. CNN reported that American air strikes in Syria likely killed the person thought to be ISIS's minister of war, a Chechen fighter who joined rebel groups in Syria and then swore allegiance to ISIS in 2012. He participated in ISIS propaganda and recruitment videos, and the U.S. State Department offered a $5-million reward to have him removed. I thank those U.S. pilots for what they did. How can the government continue to doubt the effectiveness of air strikes against ISIS?
Mr. Speaker, the independent assessment process was supposed to bring justice to survivors. Instead, government lawyers in the Department of Justice had over 1,000 cases thrown out under the administrative split. We now find that justice department lawyers suppressed evidence about a serial pedophile at St. Anne's Residential School, and then told the hearings that the victims were simply lacking credibility.This really puts Canada in the spotlight if the Minister of Justice cannot explain why this is happening. I am asking her: Will she do the right thing? Will she stand up in the House and say that she will meet the survivors and fix this?
Mr. Speaker, yesterday, I asked the Prime Minister about the recent deal that the government made with millionaire tax cheats. He responded that all Canadians should pay their taxes in the future. To those currently filling out their tax forms, it is a bit of a surprise to learn that this was not the case before, and that the government lets multi-millionaire tax cheats off the hook with no penalty whatsoever.I will ask the Prime Minister again. Will he conduct an investigation and put a stop to these sweetheart deals for multi-millionaire tax cheats?
Mr. Speaker, the previous government went into deficit to fight the biggest financial crisis since the 1930s and then balanced the budget without raising taxes. The Liberals are spending money they do not have, to fight a recession we are not in. They have already slashed tax-free savings accounts, and now they are jacking up payroll taxes.How high will taxes go to pay for risky Liberal deficits?
Mr. Speaker, for years, judges were routinely granting two-for-one and even three-for-one credits for time served before trial. This is why we brought in the Truth in Sentencing Act to ensure that convicted offenders serve the sentences they were given. Now it appears that there are judges in Ontario who are disregarding that law. The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice says a law is a law is a law. Are they going to do what it takes to enforce the present law or will criminals continue to get a break?
Mr. Speaker, the Liberals are borrowing money they do not have, to spend on pet projects we do not need. They are throwing fiscal responsibility onto the spending bonfire. With $150 billion expected in borrowing, a balanced budget under the Liberals is nothing but a pipe dream.When will the Liberals realize that we have to pay this money back and that borrowed money is not free?
Mr. Speaker, Nadiya Savchenko, a Ukrainian air force pilot and member of the Ukrainian parliament, has been held illegally in a Russian prison for 21 long months.Many thousands of people in Ukraine and around the world are demanding her release as she continues her hunger strike, yet all the efforts by the international community to advocate for her release have been brushed aside by Moscow.Time is running out. How can Canada's call for the release of Ms. Savchenko be taken seriously when all the Liberals want to do is have happy talk with Putin?
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister promised that no relationship was more important to him than that with indigenous peoples. That relationship has not been respected in the case of B.C.'s Site C dam, where there are three ongoing court cases with first nations. This is a litmus test of the Prime Minister's solemn commitment. Repeated letters from first nations have been ignored by the Liberals.Will the government please cease and desist on approval for Site C until proper consultations can occur?
Mr. Speaker, earlier this week, the U.S.-led air combat coalition successfully took out the ISIS war minister.The Pentagon said this is a victory on the battlefield and will hurt ISIS' ability to recruit foreign fighters. Clearly, these air strikes are working, but the Liberals have taken us out of the fight. Just once, can the Minister of National Defence coherently explain why the Canadian Armed Forces cannot do both air strikes and training?
Mr. Speaker, the residential schools tragedy is still a burden for so many people. For example, a survivor of St. Anne's residential school in northern Ontario is seeking justice, but he is being thwarted by Justice Department lawyers who knowingly, yes, knowingly, withheld documents that would have helped his case. That is not only unacceptable, it is appalling. Will the Minister of Justice order her officials to stop denying this survivor's legitimate requests and to stop obstructing justice?
Mr. Speaker, this government believes in a level playing field where all Canadians pay their fair share of taxes and are treated equally under the system. Our government came to power with a pledge to strengthen efforts to combat international tax evasion and avoidance. The CRA is pursuing this matter before the courts and it intends to pursue it to the fullest extent possible because that is what this government and, indeed, all Canadians expect.
Mr. Speaker, if the Prime Minister were really sincere about corporate tax fairness, he would start by reducing and getting rid of the cuts to corporate taxes that the Conservatives brought in with the Liberals' complicity, as they voted for the Conservative budget.Our seniors should never, ever have to choose between paying for their groceries, their housing or their medication. The Liberals promised, and I quote, to immediately [boost] the guaranteed income supplement...by 10%. Five months later, nothing has changed and seniors continue to suffer.What exactly did they mean by immediately?
Mr. Speaker, we are engaged in a coalition. The coalition has quite a number of partners. We do some things very well. Advise, assist, and train, we do very well. Intelligence missions, we do very well. We are engaged, as I say, in a coalition. We are working together to delete this scourge from that particular part of the world. The idea of this coalition is to end this combat. We are contributing in a significant and major way.
Mr. Speaker, in fact, our government left the country with the highest growth in the G7 and the lowest taxes in 50 years. The Prime Minister needs to understand that Canadians did not actually sign up or vote for this mountain of debt. Not only did the Prime Minister mislead Canadians on these Liberal spending habits but he has absolutely no plan to pay it back, other than raising taxes.When will the Prime Minister realize, like all Canadians, he has to live within his means and he has to pay this money back?
Mr. Speaker, it is another week and another broken promise. In Paris, the Prime Minister promised he would give Canadians a climate change plan within 90 days. Last week in Vancouver, the 90 days were up. What happened? There is no plan, just a plan to have a plan. Surprise, surprise, he also threatened to hammer the provinces with a carbon tax grab.As the Prime Minister wines and dines in Washington, as investors flee Canada, and as Canadians lose thousands of jobs, will he now admit that he is in way over his head?
Mr. Speaker, I want to understand something. Apparently, the mission in Iraq is not a combat mission, but our soldiers are going to be on the front lines and will have the right to shoot first. Is that not a combat mission?Can the Minister of National Defence explain why the government is so determined to deny the evidence and why it refuses to tell Canadians and our soldiers that this is in fact a combat mission?
Mr. Speaker, may I say that Canada stands steadfast with Ukraine? We always have, and we always will. As I stated, and I am happy to state it again, we have repeatedly underlined that Ms. Savchenko's transfer to Russia was illegal. We know it was politically motivated. Her treatment during her detention is a matter of grave concern, and we call on Russia to immediately release her.
Mr. Speaker, Canada-U.S. relations were so bad in recent years that this former government was unable to reach a new agreement when the old softwood lumber agreement expired.It was up to us to take over this file, and I talked to President Obama about it at the first opportunity I had to sit down with him. We are working on this file, and we hope to have good news for Canadians in the weeks and months to come.
Mr. Speaker, Canadians know that we need to reduce greenhouse gases and grow our economy in a sustainable way. They also know that reducing emissions will make our economy more competitive, not less competitive.The carbon pricing policies that the hon. member talked about will minimize the cost of producing greenhouse gas emissions, provide a continuous incentive for technological innovation, and allow us to achieve significant emissions reductions.I would say that the hon. member should listen to some of the folks who used to sit on that side of the House. The current Ontario Conservative leader and former MP on that side of the House stated this week, Climate change is a fact. It is a threat. It is man-made. We have to do something about it, and
Mr. Speaker, I, too, feel that this is a terrible tragedy
Mr. Speaker, there is a saying in my neighbourhood, You lie to your friends, I'll lie to my friends; let's not lie to each other.Here is the true record of what the Conservative government has done over the last 10 years. The Conservatives closed Veterans Affairs offices and cut staff by 800 people. For the last 10 years, it has really been a shame. We are working hard to ensure that we treat our men and women with care, compassion, and respect. I have an aggressive mandate letter from the Prime Minister that will result in more employment opportunities for veterans and support for their families. We plan on following through exactly with that.
Mr. Speaker, this government believes in tax fairness. We believe that all Canadians should pay their fair share of taxes and should be treated equally by the federal tax system. Our government came to power with a pledge to strengthen efforts to combat international tax evasion and avoidance. The Canada Revenue Agency is pursuing this matter before the courts, and it intends to pursue it to the fullest extent possible. That is what Canadians expect from this government and the CRA.
Mr. Speaker, the Liberals are missing in action. The Canadian manufacturing jobs are at risk. The low dollar has put Canadians goods on sale, but the Liberals refuse to explain how they will encourage private sector investment. Yesterday, they even blocked the industry committee from asking Bombardier about a billion-dollar bailout. What are the Liberals hiding? Is the reason the Liberals will not share their plan with Canadians that they do not have a plan to share?
Mr. Speaker, the aerospace industry is vital for Quebec. In the Montreal region alone, one out of every 100 jobs is associated with this industry. However, the Liberals do not seem to understand that.During the election campaign, they did not present any plan or strategy for this sector. Nothing. What is more, we are still waiting for news on the Bombardier file. The industry is fragile right now and job losses are mounting.When will the Liberal government wake up, support the Quebec economy and its workers, and present a real action plan for the aerospace industry?
Mr. Speaker, Canadians were faced with a choice in the last election between policies that had failed to create the kind of growth and opportunities that people needed right across the country against a vision that was actually proposing to invest in our future, to put money in the pockets of the middle class and those working hard to join, and investing in the kind of infrastructure that our communities need to create jobs now, and to create growth in the medium and long-term. That is the kind of budget we are going to put forward in two weeks. That is what Canadians have been waiting 10 years to hear.
Mr. Speaker, broken promises are not in Canada's best interests. Canadians are losing jobs, Liberal deficits are skyrocketing, balanced budgets are out the window, and now the Prime Minister has picked a fight with the provinces by threatening a harmful carbon tax. Contrary to what the Prime Minister and his parliamentary secretary just said, there is no deal, no climate change plan. What happened to the new relationship with the provinces that was promised? Why have the Prime Minister's sunny ways turned into gloomy days for Canada?
Mr. Speaker, we recognize that much work needs to be done to resolve longstanding indigenous land claims. However, every government in the past has been unequivocal that private property is not on the table. The recent lawsuit by SSN is looking to declare aboriginal title over private property. As the premier of B.C. said, this has huge implications across Canada.Will the Minister of Justice step up to protect Canadian private property rights?
Mr. Speaker, I will begin by saying that you look great up there. I must remark that you have achieved in a very short period of time what many Speakers dream of, which is a well-behaved chamber.In 2014, I took the ice bucket challenge, like many of my colleagues in the House. I still remember having that big ice bucket dumped on my head when I was health minister. Combined with government funding, that amazing challenge raised $20 million for research funding and $6 million for support programs, but we can do more. I am asking the Prime Minister today to join me in asking Canadians from coast to coast to coast to support organizations that are fighting ALS and to find a cure for ALS.
Mr. Speaker, the National Defence military foreign service instructions define a combat mission as, where the use or threatened use of force, including lethal force, is...[used] to accomplish a mission.Yesterday, Canada's Chief of the Defence Staff admitted that, in the Liberals' new expanded mission in Iraq, Canadian troops will be authorized not only to use lethal force but also to shoot first. To everyone, except the current government, that sounds exactly like the definition of combat. Why is the Liberal government continuing to try to disguise the nature of this mission and its risks?
Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Transport and it pertains to a critical threat to the survival of VIA Rail and our coast to coast service.The previous minister of transportation convened a panel, chaired by former cabinet minister David Emerson, and it has now reported. Shockingly, it recommends that the Liberal government kill passenger rail service between Toronto and Vancouver. This transcontinental train, the Canadian, is an essential part of Sir John A. Macdonald's national dream.Could the minister confirm that the government will protect VIA Rail, and restore and invest in our trans-Canada rail service?
Mr. Speaker, it is true that our soldiers will be at greater risk, as was said by the Chief of the Defence Staff. However, I cannot do better than quote him at the committee yesterday where he said, in an engagement like this, ...specifically allow Canadian Forces to defend themselves, anticipate their defence so that they can engage a hostile act, or a hostile act or an intent before it materializes.Therefore, our soldiers are not engaged in combat, they are allowed to defend themselves, and their rules of engagement are clear for all concerned.
Mr. Speaker, I would like the hon. member to explain what he does not get about democracy.We have had an election over the past year, the longest election campaign in Canadian history. The decision of the Canadian people was definitive on October 19.We then had a debate here for four or five days, with 98 speakers. The vote this week was definitive.What part of democracy does the hon. member not get? We have debated this and debated this. The people have spoken. It is unfortunate for the hon. member.
Mr. Speaker, contrary to what the minister has insinuated several times over the past four months, the previous Conservative government did more for veterans than any other Canadian government since the Pension Act of 1919 was passed. The Liberal government cancelled the community war memorial program. This clearly shows that this government is not interested in honouring our veterans. Properly honouring our men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces is not militarism, it is quite simply a moral imperative.Now that the Liberals are cancelling this program, how do they intend to honour the achievements of members of the Royal Canadian Air Force who fought against ISIS?
Mr. Speaker, that could not be more misconstrued.As the minister explicitly said in his declaration yesterday, the Government of Canada is gravely concerned about the health of Nadiya Savchenko, who has been unlawfully detained by Russia. We have repeatedly underlined that her transfer to Russia was illegal, the charges brought against her are politically motivated, and her treatment during her detention is a matter of grave concern.The Government of Canada calls on Russia to immediately release her and return her to her friends, colleagues, and family in Ukraine.
Mr. Speaker, when I was a municipal councillor, I was approached by Merna Forster and was pleased to lead Oakville council calling on the Bank of Canada to include a prominent Canadian woman on one of our bank notes, which is something we have not seen in almost 150 years.Thousands of people from across the country signed a petition calling upon the government to highlight Canadian women on our money, recognizing the significant role that women have played in shaping our nation.Can the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance outline the government's plan for action on this important issue?
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague from Fredericton for his excellent question.International students are some of the best candidates for Canadian citizenship. They speak English or French, they received a good education here in Canada, and they know the country. It was therefore not very smart of the former government to do away with the 50% credit that these students received upon becoming Canadian citizens. I am very happy to say that we are going to restore that credit.
Mr. Speaker, the B.C. government has stated that it will vigorously oppose any declaration that creates any uncertainty for private property owners. On January 15, the Minister of Justice asked for an extension before making a decision. Well, it has been close to eight weeks and there has still been no response.While the Premier of B.C. has boldly reassured Canadians, the justice minister has left land owners in the dark. Will she stand with the premier of B.C. to defend property rights, yes or no?
Mr. Speaker, there is no disguise. This is in fact a non-combat mission, as I just outlined, with what the Chief of the Defence Staff just said.The hon. member can argue with the Chief of the Defence Staff, but he has in fact outlined this as a non-combat mission. We are there to train, to assist, to advise, and to produce intelligence.The hon. member may wish to argue with the CDS, and I welcome his opportunity to do that, but this is a non-combat mission as defined by the Chief of the Defence Staff.
Mr. Speaker, for 10 years Canada saw lower growth than it needed to because we had a government that was focused on giving tax benefits to the wealthiest and not helping the middle class succeed, not creating the kinds of investments in infrastructure, in our communities, and indeed for Canadians who needed help. That was actually necessary for our economy.That is why we put forward a plan to invest in the future of our country, and to help middle class Canadians and those working hard to join it. In two weeks, all members in the House, and indeed all Canadians, will be able to see the budget that will make that happen.
Mr. Speaker, the courts are waiting, and have been waiting after the minister has asked for extension after extension, to hear what the position of the Government of Canada will be. The people of Kamloops are worried and she has been delaying the response. Please, will she stand up and tell Canadians that she will defend private property rights in Canada?
Mr. Speaker, Liberal policies make doing business in Canada more expensive. Auto manufacturers are hurting in Ontario because our electricity rates are 30% higher than in other jurisdictions, and that is before the new Liberal carbon tax. When will the Liberal government give manufacturers a break, rather than break manufacturers?
Mr. Speaker, tonight, the Prime Minister is going to be in Washington with his pals at the Center for American Progress. While energy workers continue to lose their jobs across the country, they will be watching the Prime Minister sip champagne.Let us be clear. This is the group that is responsible for the president's rejection of the Keystone XL pipeline. Will the Prime Minister use his special new relationship and publicly state in Washington that he supports Keystone, and ask the president publicly to reverse his decision on Keystone?
Mr. Speaker, I think Canadians are incredibly proud of the work this government has done on climate change. If we look at the progress that has been accomplished in the last five months, we see we have a historic international deal in which Canada played a critical role, and we have an arrangement that has been agreed upon by all provinces and territories to develop a pan-Canadian framework. That is real progress. We are going to Washington this week to actually make further progress on a continental basis. My goodness, relative to the last 10 years of inaction under the Conservatives, this is real change.
Mr. Speaker, I would remind the House that the former international trade minister had made a lot of progress on this file. I hope this situation will be resolved quickly.During the election campaign, the Prime Minister talked about small deficits, slight deficits. We left a balanced budget for this fiscal year; the numbers are there. For the current year, there was an operating surplus. The Liberals cannot even tell us what their operating deficit for the current year will be, not to mention that TD Bank forecasts $150 billion in deficits on account of the Liberal government's management. When will the Prime Minister bring our country back to balanced budgets?
Mr. Speaker, we are very concerned about the plight of our seniors. That is why we promised to boost the guaranteed income supplement for our most vulnerable seniors by 10% in our election platform.In addition, as part of our infrastructure investments, we promised to create housing for our seniors. These are all things that we can promise and we can do, because we told Canadians that we are going to invest in communities.The opposition member, who unfortunately promised to balance the budget, would have slashed $18 billion, which needs to go to our seniors and all Canadians, instead of making the investments they need.
Mr. Speaker, in the Department of Veterans Affairs, we understand that it is very important for us to commemorate those men and women who have served in our armed forces. We have done that as a country through Vimy Ridge, through World War II, through our Korean peacekeepers, through our role in Bosnia, and we will do so for Afghanistan. That is an important part of what we do in this department and what we do on this side of the House. We will continue to show in a meaningful way the respect that our men and women deserve who have served this great country.
Mr. Speaker, we learned this week that the Liberals are cancelling the community war memorial program. This program that was implemented by the Conservatives in 2010 has enabled communities and organizations across Canada to build new or to upgrade old cenotaphs and war memorials honouring the achievements and sacrifices of those who have served Canada in times of war and peace and military conflict.The Department of Veterans Affairs acknowledges that there is a continued need for this essential program. Since they are listening, why do the Liberals think that cutting this project is a good idea?
Mr. Speaker, our government understands and supports the aerospace sector. It is a sector that employs 180,000 people, not only in Montreal or Quebec but across Canada. It is a sector that contributes $29 billion to our GDP. That is why we take very seriously the engagement with Bombardier.On December 11, it approached the federal government officially in writing to ask for up to $1 billion. We are doing our due diligence. We are looking at the business case. We understand the importance of not only Bombardier but this sector and we will ensure that any decision that we make will be in the best interests of Canadians and Quebeckers.
Mr. Speaker, after years of complacency by the former Liberal government, in 2006, our Conservative government signed a softwood lumber agreement with our American partners. At the time, companies were paying up to 37% in export duties, and billions of dollars, money that belonged to Canadian companies, was being hoarded in the United States.Can the Prime Minister promise that when he goes to Washington he will ask President Obama not to waste any time signing an agreement that will allow the forestry industry to continue to grow and provide jobs in every region of Canada?
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister is such a good reader, but he is not answering my questions. He read the same thing twice, but that is not the question. Have there been other times, yes or no?Yesterday, I asked the Prime Minister about the government's promise for affordable, high-quality, flexible, and fully inclusive child care. It is at page 20 of his platform in case he has not been able to find it.Instead of giving us another talking point, could the Prime Minister simply tell us what is the government's budget for that specifically defined child care plan the Liberals boasted about in their platform?
Mr. Speaker, the former Conservative government inherited a $13-billion surplus, which it spent even before the global recession hit in 2008.We inherited a deficit, and we promised Canadians that we would invest in communities and growth and help the middle class and those working hard to join the middle class. That is precisely what we are going to do. On March 22, we will present our plan for that in the budget.
It is not a tragedy, it is a criminal crime.
Mr. Speaker, as I stated, this matter is before the courts. What I instructed my officials to do was to seek an adjournment. Per my mandate letter from the Prime Minister, we are looking at our litigation strategy and doing a comprehensive review. In terms of specific cases, that will potentially change our approach. But with respect to particular mandates, I will be working and supporting my colleague, the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs in this regard.
Mr. Speaker, the port of Sydney has long been an essential asset to the economy of Cape Breton. Studies have shown that construction of a second marine berth in the harbour will greatly enhance port traffic, especially in the cruise ship sector.My question is for the Minister of Infrastructure. Does the minister see this project of a second berth for the port of Sydney as the type of project worthy of consideration for infrastructure?
Mr. Speaker, it is very important for us to honour the men and women who have served this country valiantly in Afghanistan. This government is aware of the motion put forward in 2014 supported by all members of the House. We are working very hard with the Minister of Canadian Heritage to see that is put through. However, I think it is also important for us to show care, compassion, and respect for those members through our veterans services, which we are doing right now. The member will also see that through our reopening of the nine offices that his party closed, as well our rehiring of staff that the Conservatives also let go.
Mr. Speaker, few relationships matter as much to Canada as a good relationship with the United States of America, for jobs, for economic growth, for trade purposes, for building the kinds of opportunities that Canadians truly need right across the country. For 10 years those relationships had been strained and now we are pleased to re-engage on a broad range of important files to build the kinds of opportunities for all Canadians that we know people need.
Mr. Speaker, I am very proud to say that the way we are going forward is not to discuss the cases before the courts at this time. But I do want the member to understand, and all members of the House need to understand, what it means to move forward in a nation-to-nation approach based on recognition of rights, respect, co-operation, and partnership. That is something that every single member of the House needs to understand and to understand that sticking up for the rights of the first peoples of this country is the job of all of us.
Mr. Speaker, we have a fundamentally different approach. We have an approach for growing our economy. That is what Canadians voted for on the 19th of October, and that is exactly what we are going to be delivering. We are going to invest in innovation, we are going to invest in productivity, and we are going to invest in infrastructure. We are going to invest in the middle class for this country.
Mr. Speaker, on International Women's Day yesterday, events across the country celebrated the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of Canadian women. I am proud to tell the House that the Minister of Finance, in collaboration with the Governor of the Bank of Canada, Stephen Poloz, has launched consultations on the Bank of Canada website inviting Canadians to nominate iconic women whom they want to see on the new banknote to be issued in 2018.Do not forget to use the hashtag #bankNOTEable to share your ideas.
Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the Minister of Veterans Affairs indicated that he was working with the Department of Canadian Heritage to identify opportunities for advancing the construction of a memorial monument. However, we still do not know whether there will be a national monument specifically for the Afghanistan mission.My question is for the minister. Will the budget include an envelope for the national monument announced by our Conservative government, yes or no?
Mr. Speaker, as the OECD and the IMF said, there has never been a better time to invest in the economy. Canadians know that, when interest rates are low, that is the time to invest.As we went from coast to coast to coast in this country, the Minister of Finance and I, we listened to Canadians, and what Canadians told us is to invest in the economy, invest in the middle class, and invest in infrastructure, and that is exactly what we are going to be doing.
Mr. Speaker, during the election campaign, the Liberals promised to raise the bar on transparency, but yesterday there was a dramatic turn of events.The Liberal members of the Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology voted unanimously against a motion that we moved to invite Bombardier to testify before the committee. Committee members wanted to know why Bombardier needed $1.2 billion in support. My question today is for the chair of the Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology. Why is he determined to prevent Bombardier from testifying before parliamentarians?
Mr. Speaker, the Government of Canada is committed to the successful implementation of the Indian residential school settlement agreement and to fulfilling all of its obligations under the agreement. The abuse of children is tragic and unacceptable.While I cannot comment about specific cases, under the independent assessment process, I can say that Canada has complied with Justice Perell's June 2015 order and provided all the documents as soon as they were complete.In addition, Canada has revised and made available an updated school narrative and person-of-interest reports for St. Anne's Residential School, in compliance with court direction
Mr. Speaker, on behalf of all of my colleagues, I would like to say that we are all so happy to see you in the Chair today.Last week, the member for OttawaVanier was congratulated for his work supporting francophone minority communities in Ottawa. The NDP shares his belief that we must protect and celebrate our official languages all across this country.Nearly one out of seven francophones lives outside Quebec. We must do more to ensure that all Canadians have access to services in the official language of their choice, regardless of where they live.How is the Prime Minister planning to continue and build on the excellent work done by the hon. member for OttawaVanier? How will he improve services and support linguistic minority communities in Canada?
Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the member for SydneyVictoria for his continued hard work regarding this project. We know there are significant benefits to infrastructure investment. That is why our government has committed to add $60 billion of new money into infrastructure over the next 10 years. We understand that well planned infrastructure investments in regions like Cape Breton generate economic growth, create jobs, and leave a lasting legacy for Canadians. I have met with my counterparts in Nova Scotia, and we will continue to work together on our shared infrastructure priorities.
Mr. Speaker, as the member across knows, this is a matter that is before the courts, and so I will not speak to the particular circumstances with respect to that. However, I will say that with the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, we will work collaboratively in terms of the mandates and approaches that are being put forward in negotiating and settling the land question in British Columbia. The member can rest assured that this settlement will be based on a nation-to-nation relationship that is based on recognition.
Mr. Speaker, in terms of our approach, we are undertaking a comprehensive review of the criminal justice system. That includes sentencing reform to determine efficiencies and effectiveness in the process and I will ensure that I work with my colleagues, including the Minister of Public Safety, to look at bail reform and other matters with respect to how we can proceed and ensure fairness, equality, compliance with the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and that the accused's rights are respected.
Mr. Speaker, it is important that other levels of government and stakeholders have an opportunity to read the CTA review report and share their perspectives on its findings before we address specific recommendations.I have been mandated by the Prime Minister to respond to the review. I can assure Canadians that this government is committed to developing the best approach to delivering a safe, efficient, and reliable passenger rail service in Canada from coast to coast.
Mr. Speaker, we are a very open and transparent government. We have been very clear with Canadians.When it comes to committees, they have their own unique dynamic and they set their own agenda.With respect to Bombardier, we are engaged with it. It came forward with a proposal on December 11 of up to a billion dollars. It asked for an investment. We are looking at the business case. We are doing our due diligence. We will make sure we do our homework. We will make sure we provide a thoughtful response in the public interest.
Mr. Speaker, as I said in my previous response, this government continues to engage with first nations and other indigenous organizations and peoples to ensure that we are developing a nation-to-nation approach. With respect to the specific matter of Site C that is before the court, I cannot comment on the specifics of it. However, there certainly are ongoing discussions that are relevant to the broader first nations and nation-to-nation relationship.
Mr. Speaker, it is important that Canada attract and retain top international students in order to remain competitive in the global economy.In Fredericton, the University of New Brunswick, or UNB, and St. Thomas University are working hard to accomplish just that.Can the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship tell the House about the initiatives the government is taking to encourage top students to remain in Canada?
Mr. Speaker, in the fall of 2014, as members know, the former government approved a project and set out a series of legally binding conditions with which the proponent must comply. B.C. Hydro must meet the requirements set out in these conditions and we are verifying that it is in fact the case. The minister has been involved and engaged in discussions with first nations people and other indigenous organizations to try to ensure that we are clearly understanding those concerns, and we will continue to engage on that basis going forward.
Mr. Speaker, I just want to say today is a very special day. It is an honour and privilege to serve with the member for OttawaVanier. For me, he is a role model. I am delighted to be here today with him.With respect to the question asked, we have a plan when it comes to manufacturing. We have a plan that is going to help companies in the 21st century digital economy by making sure we have ICT adoption. We are also going to put forward industrial and technological benefits that will assist companies. We have a plan for manufacturing because we know manufacturing is very important to our future progress, growth, and creating jobs.
Mr. Speaker, in our platform we put forward an ambitious plan to invest $20 billion over the next 10 years in social infrastructure. In order to do so, we would work with provinces and municipalities to identify their concrete needs and respond to them. We put that forward in total respect of provincial jurisdiction. The member opposite put forward a plan that would have cut $18 billion from the federal budget right now to reach balance at all costs. That is not how we help families. That is not how we help people with the costs of child care.
Mr. Speaker, the point that the member has raised is an important one. He understands and appreciates that our government is open and transparent. I am glad to hear that the member understands this. The member also understands that he has an opportunity in committee to talk about these issues. One thing I can assure the member is that we will continue to engage with that company because we understand the importance of this sector. We understand the importance of creating jobs. We have a plan not only for the company and the sector, but we have a plan for all Canadians when it comes to growing the economy, and that will be demonstrated in our budget on March 22.
Mr. Speaker, as the member knows, committees are independent. The point that he has raised is an important one
Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleague for his question, and I must say that no one in the House has done more to support francophone communities in Ottawa and Canada than you, as the hon. member for OttawaVanier.Since your election in 1995, you have fought tirelessly for linguistic duality in Canada, national unity, and a fair and just society for all. We will continue to support your incredible work, most notably with a new official languages plan that will support anglophone and francophone linguistic minorities across the country.The House, linguistic minorities, and all of Canada thank you for your passion and your service.
Mr. Speaker, earlier, I asked the chair of the Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology a question. In the House, when the person to whom a question is addressed is present, it is customary for that person to answer. I would like that person to answer my question today.
Mr. Speaker, there have been widespread consultations, indeed, the widest consultations that have taken place in this Parliament. I think on a day like today, when we are all communicating together, we can all agree upon the importance of accepting a document produced by the Department of Finance Canada, the Fiscal Monitor, showing that we had a surplus of $2.2 billion at the end of 2015.
Most negative speeches
Mr. Speaker, I, too, feel that this is a terrible tragedy
Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for the clarification. Pedophilia is a terrible crime, and we need to deal with the ongoing effects of those abuses. I can tell the hon. member that I am the client and the Minister of Justice is my adviser, and we will get to the bottom of this and seek justice.
Mr. Speaker, during the election campaign, the Liberals promised to raise the bar on transparency, but yesterday there was a dramatic turn of events.The Liberal members of the Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology voted unanimously against a motion that we moved to invite Bombardier to testify before the committee. Committee members wanted to know why Bombardier needed $1.2 billion in support. My question today is for the chair of the Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology. Why is he determined to prevent Bombardier from testifying before parliamentarians?
It is not a tragedy, it is a criminal crime.
Mr. Speaker, I would like the hon. member to explain what he does not get about democracy.We have had an election over the past year, the longest election campaign in Canadian history. The decision of the Canadian people was definitive on October 19.We then had a debate here for four or five days, with 98 speakers. The vote this week was definitive.What part of democracy does the hon. member not get? We have debated this and debated this. The people have spoken. It is unfortunate for the hon. member.
Mr. Speaker, Iran today test fired two ballistic missiles that the regime said proved its ability to strike Israel. The missiles carried the words, Israel must be wiped out.Former Liberal MP Irwin Cotler is on record saying, I don't know if [the Prime Minister] has an appreciation of evil. The Prime Minister said this week that he thought Canada was sending exactly the right signals on Iran.Is this not just another example of the Prime Minister's inability to appreciate evil?
Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Transport and it pertains to a critical threat to the survival of VIA Rail and our coast to coast service.The previous minister of transportation convened a panel, chaired by former cabinet minister David Emerson, and it has now reported. Shockingly, it recommends that the Liberal government kill passenger rail service between Toronto and Vancouver. This transcontinental train, the Canadian, is an essential part of Sir John A. Macdonald's national dream.Could the minister confirm that the government will protect VIA Rail, and restore and invest in our trans-Canada rail service?
Mr. Speaker, it is another week and another broken promise. In Paris, the Prime Minister promised he would give Canadians a climate change plan within 90 days. Last week in Vancouver, the 90 days were up. What happened? There is no plan, just a plan to have a plan. Surprise, surprise, he also threatened to hammer the provinces with a carbon tax grab.As the Prime Minister wines and dines in Washington, as investors flee Canada, and as Canadians lose thousands of jobs, will he now admit that he is in way over his head?
Mr. Speaker, in terms of our approach, we are undertaking a comprehensive review of the criminal justice system. That includes sentencing reform to determine efficiencies and effectiveness in the process and I will ensure that I work with my colleagues, including the Minister of Public Safety, to look at bail reform and other matters with respect to how we can proceed and ensure fairness, equality, compliance with the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and that the accused's rights are respected.
Mr. Speaker, the Liberals are borrowing money they do not have, to spend on pet projects we do not need. They are throwing fiscal responsibility onto the spending bonfire. With $150 billion expected in borrowing, a balanced budget under the Liberals is nothing but a pipe dream.When will the Liberals realize that we have to pay this money back and that borrowed money is not free?
Mr. Speaker, we are very concerned about the plight of our seniors. That is why we promised to boost the guaranteed income supplement for our most vulnerable seniors by 10% in our election platform.In addition, as part of our infrastructure investments, we promised to create housing for our seniors. These are all things that we can promise and we can do, because we told Canadians that we are going to invest in communities.The opposition member, who unfortunately promised to balance the budget, would have slashed $18 billion, which needs to go to our seniors and all Canadians, instead of making the investments they need.
Mr. Speaker, after years of complacency by the former Liberal government, in 2006, our Conservative government signed a softwood lumber agreement with our American partners. At the time, companies were paying up to 37% in export duties, and billions of dollars, money that belonged to Canadian companies, was being hoarded in the United States.Can the Prime Minister promise that when he goes to Washington he will ask President Obama not to waste any time signing an agreement that will allow the forestry industry to continue to grow and provide jobs in every region of Canada?
Mr. Speaker, it is not pursuing this matter before the courts and that is the problem. It is letting them off the hook with no fine, no penalty, and no interest to pay.Canadians are sick of this flim-flammery that allows multi-millionaires to avoid paying taxes and to be coddled by the government.Yesterday, the Prime Minister could not even tell us whether he disagreed with this deal.I have a very specific question for the Prime Minister. Can he confirm that this is the one and only time that the government has offered this kind of sweetheart deal to millionaires? Yes or no? Are there other similar agreements?
Mr. Speaker, I would remind the House that the former international trade minister had made a lot of progress on this file. I hope this situation will be resolved quickly.During the election campaign, the Prime Minister talked about small deficits, slight deficits. We left a balanced budget for this fiscal year; the numbers are there. For the current year, there was an operating surplus. The Liberals cannot even tell us what their operating deficit for the current year will be, not to mention that TD Bank forecasts $150 billion in deficits on account of the Liberal government's management. When will the Prime Minister bring our country back to balanced budgets?
Mr. Speaker, I will ask in French and give my colleague opposite a chance. CNN reported that American air strikes in Syria likely killed the person thought to be ISIS's minister of war, a Chechen fighter who joined rebel groups in Syria and then swore allegiance to ISIS in 2012. He participated in ISIS propaganda and recruitment videos, and the U.S. State Department offered a $5-million reward to have him removed. I thank those U.S. pilots for what they did. How can the government continue to doubt the effectiveness of air strikes against ISIS?
Mr. Speaker, it is a tremendous pleasure to see you there today.I thank my hon. colleague for her question and for her leadership both as an individual and as a former health minister on this issue. I salute you, as the hon. member for OttawaVanier and as Speaker, for the dignity and grace that you bring to the House every day as you battle this terrible disease. Like many of us in this House, I was pleased to take part in a number of ice bucket challenges, both as dumpee and dumper. I was pleased to do my part to help raise money for research and awareness for ALS.Canadians pride themselves on looking out for one another, and I join the Leader of the Opposition in urging everyone to give their time and financial support to organizations that are working so hard to find a cure for this terrible disease.
Mr. Speaker, the Liberals are missing in action. The Canadian manufacturing jobs are at risk. The low dollar has put Canadians goods on sale, but the Liberals refuse to explain how they will encourage private sector investment. Yesterday, they even blocked the industry committee from asking Bombardier about a billion-dollar bailout. What are the Liberals hiding? Is the reason the Liberals will not share their plan with Canadians that they do not have a plan to share?
Mr. Speaker, Canada-U.S. relations were so bad in recent years that this former government was unable to reach a new agreement when the old softwood lumber agreement expired.It was up to us to take over this file, and I talked to President Obama about it at the first opportunity I had to sit down with him. We are working on this file, and we hope to have good news for Canadians in the weeks and months to come.
Mr. Speaker, Nadiya Savchenko has restarted her hunger strike. Her health is deteriorating, and the Liberals have done next to nothing.The charges against Nadiya are clearly trumped up. This illegal show trial demonstrates the Russian regime's utter contempt for international law, due process, and human rights. Rallies are scheduled across Canada this evening, demanding her release.The Liberals are saying that they want to talk to Russia; so, will the Prime Minister pick up the phone, call the Kremlin, and demand that it free Nadiya Savchenko immediately?
Mr. Speaker, in fact, our government left the country with the highest growth in the G7 and the lowest taxes in 50 years. The Prime Minister needs to understand that Canadians did not actually sign up or vote for this mountain of debt. Not only did the Prime Minister mislead Canadians on these Liberal spending habits but he has absolutely no plan to pay it back, other than raising taxes.When will the Prime Minister realize, like all Canadians, he has to live within his means and he has to pay this money back?
Mr. Speaker, contrary to what the minister has insinuated several times over the past four months, the previous Conservative government did more for veterans than any other Canadian government since the Pension Act of 1919 was passed. The Liberal government cancelled the community war memorial program. This clearly shows that this government is not interested in honouring our veterans. Properly honouring our men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces is not militarism, it is quite simply a moral imperative.Now that the Liberals are cancelling this program, how do they intend to honour the achievements of members of the Royal Canadian Air Force who fought against ISIS?
Mr. Speaker, the previous government went into deficit to fight the biggest financial crisis since the 1930s and then balanced the budget without raising taxes. The Liberals are spending money they do not have, to fight a recession we are not in. They have already slashed tax-free savings accounts, and now they are jacking up payroll taxes.How high will taxes go to pay for risky Liberal deficits?
Mr. Speaker, yesterday, I asked the Prime Minister about the recent deal that the government made with millionaire tax cheats. He responded that all Canadians should pay their taxes in the future. To those currently filling out their tax forms, it is a bit of a surprise to learn that this was not the case before, and that the government lets multi-millionaire tax cheats off the hook with no penalty whatsoever.I will ask the Prime Minister again. Will he conduct an investigation and put a stop to these sweetheart deals for multi-millionaire tax cheats?
Mr. Speaker, that could not be more misconstrued.As the minister explicitly said in his declaration yesterday, the Government of Canada is gravely concerned about the health of Nadiya Savchenko, who has been unlawfully detained by Russia. We have repeatedly underlined that her transfer to Russia was illegal, the charges brought against her are politically motivated, and her treatment during her detention is a matter of grave concern.The Government of Canada calls on Russia to immediately release her and return her to her friends, colleagues, and family in Ukraine.
Mr. Speaker, the courts are waiting, and have been waiting after the minister has asked for extension after extension, to hear what the position of the Government of Canada will be. The people of Kamloops are worried and she has been delaying the response. Please, will she stand up and tell Canadians that she will defend private property rights in Canada?
Mr. Speaker, for years, judges were routinely granting two-for-one and even three-for-one credits for time served before trial. This is why we brought in the Truth in Sentencing Act to ensure that convicted offenders serve the sentences they were given. Now it appears that there are judges in Ontario who are disregarding that law. The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice says a law is a law is a law. Are they going to do what it takes to enforce the present law or will criminals continue to get a break?
Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the Minister of Veterans Affairs indicated that he was working with the Department of Canadian Heritage to identify opportunities for advancing the construction of a memorial monument. However, we still do not know whether there will be a national monument specifically for the Afghanistan mission.My question is for the minister. Will the budget include an envelope for the national monument announced by our Conservative government, yes or no?
Mr. Speaker, there have been widespread consultations, indeed, the widest consultations that have taken place in this Parliament. I think on a day like today, when we are all communicating together, we can all agree upon the importance of accepting a document produced by the Department of Finance Canada, the Fiscal Monitor, showing that we had a surplus of $2.2 billion at the end of 2015.
Mr. Speaker, earlier, I asked the chair of the Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology a question. In the House, when the person to whom a question is addressed is present, it is customary for that person to answer. I would like that person to answer my question today.
Mr. Speaker, the former Conservative government inherited a $13-billion surplus, which it spent even before the global recession hit in 2008.We inherited a deficit, and we promised Canadians that we would invest in communities and growth and help the middle class and those working hard to join the middle class. That is precisely what we are going to do. On March 22, we will present our plan for that in the budget.
Mr. Speaker, while the Liberals will be celebrating with American organizations that are actually determined to kill Canadian jobs, the finance minister back at home keeps racking up the bills. The Prime Minister broke his promise to limit borrowing to a modest $10 billion. Economists are now saying the Liberals will add $150 billion in debt over the next four years, but it will have virtually no impact on growth.The Prime Minister was left with a surplus. Now that we all know his borrowing will not create jobs and growth, why is the government so determined to bury Canadians in debt?
Mr. Speaker, for 10 years Canada saw lower growth than it needed to because we had a government that was focused on giving tax benefits to the wealthiest and not helping the middle class succeed, not creating the kinds of investments in infrastructure, in our communities, and indeed for Canadians who needed help. That was actually necessary for our economy.That is why we put forward a plan to invest in the future of our country, and to help middle class Canadians and those working hard to join it. In two weeks, all members in the House, and indeed all Canadians, will be able to see the budget that will make that happen.
Mr. Speaker, we learned this week that the Liberals are cancelling the community war memorial program. This program that was implemented by the Conservatives in 2010 has enabled communities and organizations across Canada to build new or to upgrade old cenotaphs and war memorials honouring the achievements and sacrifices of those who have served Canada in times of war and peace and military conflict.The Department of Veterans Affairs acknowledges that there is a continued need for this essential program. Since they are listening, why do the Liberals think that cutting this project is a good idea?
Mr. Speaker, the B.C. government has stated that it will vigorously oppose any declaration that creates any uncertainty for private property owners. On January 15, the Minister of Justice asked for an extension before making a decision. Well, it has been close to eight weeks and there has still been no response.While the Premier of B.C. has boldly reassured Canadians, the justice minister has left land owners in the dark. Will she stand with the premier of B.C. to defend property rights, yes or no?
Mr. Speaker, the residential schools tragedy is still a burden for so many people. For example, a survivor of St. Anne's residential school in northern Ontario is seeking justice, but he is being thwarted by Justice Department lawyers who knowingly, yes, knowingly, withheld documents that would have helped his case. That is not only unacceptable, it is appalling. Will the Minister of Justice order her officials to stop denying this survivor's legitimate requests and to stop obstructing justice?
Mr. Speaker, we recognize that much work needs to be done to resolve longstanding indigenous land claims. However, every government in the past has been unequivocal that private property is not on the table. The recent lawsuit by SSN is looking to declare aboriginal title over private property. As the premier of B.C. said, this has huge implications across Canada.Will the Minister of Justice step up to protect Canadian private property rights?
Mr. Speaker, Liberal policies make doing business in Canada more expensive. Auto manufacturers are hurting in Ontario because our electricity rates are 30% higher than in other jurisdictions, and that is before the new Liberal carbon tax. When will the Liberal government give manufacturers a break, rather than break manufacturers?
Mr. Speaker, the National Defence military foreign service instructions define a combat mission as, where the use or threatened use of force, including lethal force, is...[used] to accomplish a mission.Yesterday, Canada's Chief of the Defence Staff admitted that, in the Liberals' new expanded mission in Iraq, Canadian troops will be authorized not only to use lethal force but also to shoot first. To everyone, except the current government, that sounds exactly like the definition of combat. Why is the Liberal government continuing to try to disguise the nature of this mission and its risks?
Mr. Speaker, Nadiya Savchenko, a Ukrainian air force pilot and member of the Ukrainian parliament, has been held illegally in a Russian prison for 21 long months.Many thousands of people in Ukraine and around the world are demanding her release as she continues her hunger strike, yet all the efforts by the international community to advocate for her release have been brushed aside by Moscow.Time is running out. How can Canada's call for the release of Ms. Savchenko be taken seriously when all the Liberals want to do is have happy talk with Putin?
Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the member for SydneyVictoria for his continued hard work regarding this project. We know there are significant benefits to infrastructure investment. That is why our government has committed to add $60 billion of new money into infrastructure over the next 10 years. We understand that well planned infrastructure investments in regions like Cape Breton generate economic growth, create jobs, and leave a lasting legacy for Canadians. I have met with my counterparts in Nova Scotia, and we will continue to work together on our shared infrastructure priorities.
Mr. Speaker, if the Prime Minister were really sincere about corporate tax fairness, he would start by reducing and getting rid of the cuts to corporate taxes that the Conservatives brought in with the Liberals' complicity, as they voted for the Conservative budget.Our seniors should never, ever have to choose between paying for their groceries, their housing or their medication. The Liberals promised, and I quote, to immediately [boost] the guaranteed income supplement...by 10%. Five months later, nothing has changed and seniors continue to suffer.What exactly did they mean by immediately?
Mr. Speaker, there is a saying in my neighbourhood, You lie to your friends, I'll lie to my friends; let's not lie to each other.Here is the true record of what the Conservative government has done over the last 10 years. The Conservatives closed Veterans Affairs offices and cut staff by 800 people. For the last 10 years, it has really been a shame. We are working hard to ensure that we treat our men and women with care, compassion, and respect. I have an aggressive mandate letter from the Prime Minister that will result in more employment opportunities for veterans and support for their families. We plan on following through exactly with that.
Mr. Speaker, the Government of Canada is committed to the successful implementation of the Indian residential school settlement agreement and to fulfilling all of its obligations under the agreement. The abuse of children is tragic and unacceptable.While I cannot comment about specific cases, under the independent assessment process, I can say that Canada has complied with Justice Perell's June 2015 order and provided all the documents as soon as they were complete.In addition, Canada has revised and made available an updated school narrative and person-of-interest reports for St. Anne's Residential School, in compliance with court direction
Mr. Speaker, we have a fundamentally different approach. We have an approach for growing our economy. That is what Canadians voted for on the 19th of October, and that is exactly what we are going to be delivering. We are going to invest in innovation, we are going to invest in productivity, and we are going to invest in infrastructure. We are going to invest in the middle class for this country.
Mr. Speaker, as the member across knows, this is a matter that is before the courts, and so I will not speak to the particular circumstances with respect to that. However, I will say that with the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, we will work collaboratively in terms of the mandates and approaches that are being put forward in negotiating and settling the land question in British Columbia. The member can rest assured that this settlement will be based on a nation-to-nation relationship that is based on recognition.
Mr. Speaker, in the fall of 2014, as members know, the former government approved a project and set out a series of legally binding conditions with which the proponent must comply. B.C. Hydro must meet the requirements set out in these conditions and we are verifying that it is in fact the case. The minister has been involved and engaged in discussions with first nations people and other indigenous organizations to try to ensure that we are clearly understanding those concerns, and we will continue to engage on that basis going forward.
Mr. Speaker, tonight, the Prime Minister is going to be in Washington with his pals at the Center for American Progress. While energy workers continue to lose their jobs across the country, they will be watching the Prime Minister sip champagne.Let us be clear. This is the group that is responsible for the president's rejection of the Keystone XL pipeline. Will the Prime Minister use his special new relationship and publicly state in Washington that he supports Keystone, and ask the president publicly to reverse his decision on Keystone?
Mr. Speaker, our government understands and supports the aerospace sector. It is a sector that employs 180,000 people, not only in Montreal or Quebec but across Canada. It is a sector that contributes $29 billion to our GDP. That is why we take very seriously the engagement with Bombardier.On December 11, it approached the federal government officially in writing to ask for up to $1 billion. We are doing our due diligence. We are looking at the business case. We understand the importance of not only Bombardier but this sector and we will ensure that any decision that we make will be in the best interests of Canadians and Quebeckers.
Mr. Speaker, in our platform we put forward an ambitious plan to invest $20 billion over the next 10 years in social infrastructure. In order to do so, we would work with provinces and municipalities to identify their concrete needs and respond to them. We put that forward in total respect of provincial jurisdiction. The member opposite put forward a plan that would have cut $18 billion from the federal budget right now to reach balance at all costs. That is not how we help families. That is not how we help people with the costs of child care.
Mr. Speaker, as I stated, this matter is before the courts. What I instructed my officials to do was to seek an adjournment. Per my mandate letter from the Prime Minister, we are looking at our litigation strategy and doing a comprehensive review. In terms of specific cases, that will potentially change our approach. But with respect to particular mandates, I will be working and supporting my colleague, the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs in this regard.
Mr. Speaker, our engagement with Iran does not mean we agree with its government. Also, to boycott Iran will not help Israel.While we reduced some sanctions on Iran, together with our allies, related to progress in shutting down its nuclear program, we also added sanctions that targeted its ballistic missile program. Again, we did this in complete coordination with our allies.We will continue to apply pressure on Iran to end its unacceptable missile development program, and we will continue to be strong friends with Israel.
Mr. Speaker, I think Canadians are incredibly proud of the work this government has done on climate change. If we look at the progress that has been accomplished in the last five months, we see we have a historic international deal in which Canada played a critical role, and we have an arrangement that has been agreed upon by all provinces and territories to develop a pan-Canadian framework. That is real progress. We are going to Washington this week to actually make further progress on a continental basis. My goodness, relative to the last 10 years of inaction under the Conservatives, this is real change.
Mr. Speaker, as I said in my previous response, this government continues to engage with first nations and other indigenous organizations and peoples to ensure that we are developing a nation-to-nation approach. With respect to the specific matter of Site C that is before the court, I cannot comment on the specifics of it. However, there certainly are ongoing discussions that are relevant to the broader first nations and nation-to-nation relationship.
Mr. Speaker, the independent assessment process was supposed to bring justice to survivors. Instead, government lawyers in the Department of Justice had over 1,000 cases thrown out under the administrative split. We now find that justice department lawyers suppressed evidence about a serial pedophile at St. Anne's Residential School, and then told the hearings that the victims were simply lacking credibility.This really puts Canada in the spotlight if the Minister of Justice cannot explain why this is happening. I am asking her: Will she do the right thing? Will she stand up in the House and say that she will meet the survivors and fix this?
Mr. Speaker, Canadians were faced with a choice in the last election between policies that had failed to create the kind of growth and opportunities that people needed right across the country against a vision that was actually proposing to invest in our future, to put money in the pockets of the middle class and those working hard to join, and investing in the kind of infrastructure that our communities need to create jobs now, and to create growth in the medium and long-term. That is the kind of budget we are going to put forward in two weeks. That is what Canadians have been waiting 10 years to hear.
Mr. Speaker, the aerospace industry is vital for Quebec. In the Montreal region alone, one out of every 100 jobs is associated with this industry. However, the Liberals do not seem to understand that.During the election campaign, they did not present any plan or strategy for this sector. Nothing. What is more, we are still waiting for news on the Bombardier file. The industry is fragile right now and job losses are mounting.When will the Liberal government wake up, support the Quebec economy and its workers, and present a real action plan for the aerospace industry?
Mr. Speaker, the port of Sydney has long been an essential asset to the economy of Cape Breton. Studies have shown that construction of a second marine berth in the harbour will greatly enhance port traffic, especially in the cruise ship sector.My question is for the Minister of Infrastructure. Does the minister see this project of a second berth for the port of Sydney as the type of project worthy of consideration for infrastructure?
Mr. Speaker, it is very important for us to honour the men and women who have served this country valiantly in Afghanistan. This government is aware of the motion put forward in 2014 supported by all members of the House. We are working very hard with the Minister of Canadian Heritage to see that is put through. However, I think it is also important for us to show care, compassion, and respect for those members through our veterans services, which we are doing right now. The member will also see that through our reopening of the nine offices that his party closed, as well our rehiring of staff that the Conservatives also let go.
Mr. Speaker, you have to wonder which first nations they are engaging with, because the first nations actually impacted by this mega-dam cannot even get their letters returned from the government. It seems to me that there are two Liberal Parties: one that is in campaign and makes sacred promises to first nations people, and one that governs to break them.The question comes for the Liberal government here and now. Right now they are in the position of authorizing this mega-dam in northeastern British Columbia. First nations have pleaded with the government not to do so, to pause the process and allow the consultation the government promised to actually take place.Which Liberal Party are we actually going to see?
Mr. Speaker, this government believes in a level playing field where all Canadians pay their fair share of taxes and are treated equally under the system. Our government came to power with a pledge to strengthen efforts to combat international tax evasion and avoidance. The CRA is pursuing this matter before the courts and it intends to pursue it to the fullest extent possible because that is what this government and, indeed, all Canadians expect.
Mr. Speaker, this government believes in tax fairness. We believe that all Canadians should pay their fair share of taxes and should be treated equally by the federal tax system. Our government came to power with a pledge to strengthen efforts to combat international tax evasion and avoidance. The Canada Revenue Agency is pursuing this matter before the courts, and it intends to pursue it to the fullest extent possible. That is what Canadians expect from this government and the CRA.
Mr. Speaker, may I say that Canada stands steadfast with Ukraine? We always have, and we always will. As I stated, and I am happy to state it again, we have repeatedly underlined that Ms. Savchenko's transfer to Russia was illegal. We know it was politically motivated. Her treatment during her detention is a matter of grave concern, and we call on Russia to immediately release her.
Mr. Speaker, it is important that Canada attract and retain top international students in order to remain competitive in the global economy.In Fredericton, the University of New Brunswick, or UNB, and St. Thomas University are working hard to accomplish just that.Can the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship tell the House about the initiatives the government is taking to encourage top students to remain in Canada?
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister is such a good reader, but he is not answering my questions. He read the same thing twice, but that is not the question. Have there been other times, yes or no?Yesterday, I asked the Prime Minister about the government's promise for affordable, high-quality, flexible, and fully inclusive child care. It is at page 20 of his platform in case he has not been able to find it.Instead of giving us another talking point, could the Prime Minister simply tell us what is the government's budget for that specifically defined child care plan the Liberals boasted about in their platform?
Mr. Speaker, as the OECD and the IMF said, there has never been a better time to invest in the economy. Canadians know that, when interest rates are low, that is the time to invest.As we went from coast to coast to coast in this country, the Minister of Finance and I, we listened to Canadians, and what Canadians told us is to invest in the economy, invest in the middle class, and invest in infrastructure, and that is exactly what we are going to be doing.
Mr. Speaker, Canadians know that we need to reduce greenhouse gases and grow our economy in a sustainable way. They also know that reducing emissions will make our economy more competitive, not less competitive.The carbon pricing policies that the hon. member talked about will minimize the cost of producing greenhouse gas emissions, provide a continuous incentive for technological innovation, and allow us to achieve significant emissions reductions.I would say that the hon. member should listen to some of the folks who used to sit on that side of the House. The current Ontario Conservative leader and former MP on that side of the House stated this week, Climate change is a fact. It is a threat. It is man-made. We have to do something about it, and
Mr. Speaker, I want to understand something. Apparently, the mission in Iraq is not a combat mission, but our soldiers are going to be on the front lines and will have the right to shoot first. Is that not a combat mission?Can the Minister of National Defence explain why the government is so determined to deny the evidence and why it refuses to tell Canadians and our soldiers that this is in fact a combat mission?
Mr. Speaker, as the member knows, committees are independent. The point that he has raised is an important one
Mr. Speaker, we are engaged in a coalition. The coalition has quite a number of partners. We do some things very well. Advise, assist, and train, we do very well. Intelligence missions, we do very well. We are engaged, as I say, in a coalition. We are working together to delete this scourge from that particular part of the world. The idea of this coalition is to end this combat. We are contributing in a significant and major way.
Mr. Speaker, the point that the member has raised is an important one. He understands and appreciates that our government is open and transparent. I am glad to hear that the member understands this. The member also understands that he has an opportunity in committee to talk about these issues. One thing I can assure the member is that we will continue to engage with that company because we understand the importance of this sector. We understand the importance of creating jobs. We have a plan not only for the company and the sector, but we have a plan for all Canadians when it comes to growing the economy, and that will be demonstrated in our budget on March 22.
Mr. Speaker, on International Women's Day yesterday, events across the country celebrated the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of Canadian women. I am proud to tell the House that the Minister of Finance, in collaboration with the Governor of the Bank of Canada, Stephen Poloz, has launched consultations on the Bank of Canada website inviting Canadians to nominate iconic women whom they want to see on the new banknote to be issued in 2018.Do not forget to use the hashtag #bankNOTEable to share your ideas.
Mr. Speaker, earlier this week, the U.S.-led air combat coalition successfully took out the ISIS war minister.The Pentagon said this is a victory on the battlefield and will hurt ISIS' ability to recruit foreign fighters. Clearly, these air strikes are working, but the Liberals have taken us out of the fight. Just once, can the Minister of National Defence coherently explain why the Canadian Armed Forces cannot do both air strikes and training?
Mr. Speaker, broken promises are not in Canada's best interests. Canadians are losing jobs, Liberal deficits are skyrocketing, balanced budgets are out the window, and now the Prime Minister has picked a fight with the provinces by threatening a harmful carbon tax. Contrary to what the Prime Minister and his parliamentary secretary just said, there is no deal, no climate change plan. What happened to the new relationship with the provinces that was promised? Why have the Prime Minister's sunny ways turned into gloomy days for Canada?
Mr. Speaker, few relationships matter as much to Canada as a good relationship with the United States of America, for jobs, for economic growth, for trade purposes, for building the kinds of opportunities that Canadians truly need right across the country. For 10 years those relationships had been strained and now we are pleased to re-engage on a broad range of important files to build the kinds of opportunities for all Canadians that we know people need.
Mr. Speaker, we are a very open and transparent government. We have been very clear with Canadians.When it comes to committees, they have their own unique dynamic and they set their own agenda.With respect to Bombardier, we are engaged with it. It came forward with a proposal on December 11 of up to a billion dollars. It asked for an investment. We are looking at the business case. We are doing our due diligence. We will make sure we do our homework. We will make sure we provide a thoughtful response in the public interest.
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister promised that no relationship was more important to him than that with indigenous peoples. That relationship has not been respected in the case of B.C.'s Site C dam, where there are three ongoing court cases with first nations. This is a litmus test of the Prime Minister's solemn commitment. Repeated letters from first nations have been ignored by the Liberals.Will the government please cease and desist on approval for Site C until proper consultations can occur?
Mr. Speaker, I just want to say today is a very special day. It is an honour and privilege to serve with the member for OttawaVanier. For me, he is a role model. I am delighted to be here today with him.With respect to the question asked, we have a plan when it comes to manufacturing. We have a plan that is going to help companies in the 21st century digital economy by making sure we have ICT adoption. We are also going to put forward industrial and technological benefits that will assist companies. We have a plan for manufacturing because we know manufacturing is very important to our future progress, growth, and creating jobs.
Mr. Speaker, it is important that other levels of government and stakeholders have an opportunity to read the CTA review report and share their perspectives on its findings before we address specific recommendations.I have been mandated by the Prime Minister to respond to the review. I can assure Canadians that this government is committed to developing the best approach to delivering a safe, efficient, and reliable passenger rail service in Canada from coast to coast.
Mr. Speaker, it is true that our soldiers will be at greater risk, as was said by the Chief of the Defence Staff. However, I cannot do better than quote him at the committee yesterday where he said, in an engagement like this, ...specifically allow Canadian Forces to defend themselves, anticipate their defence so that they can engage a hostile act, or a hostile act or an intent before it materializes.Therefore, our soldiers are not engaged in combat, they are allowed to defend themselves, and their rules of engagement are clear for all concerned.
Mr. Speaker, when I was a municipal councillor, I was approached by Merna Forster and was pleased to lead Oakville council calling on the Bank of Canada to include a prominent Canadian woman on one of our bank notes, which is something we have not seen in almost 150 years.Thousands of people from across the country signed a petition calling upon the government to highlight Canadian women on our money, recognizing the significant role that women have played in shaping our nation.Can the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance outline the government's plan for action on this important issue?
Mr. Speaker, I am very proud to say that the way we are going forward is not to discuss the cases before the courts at this time. But I do want the member to understand, and all members of the House need to understand, what it means to move forward in a nation-to-nation approach based on recognition of rights, respect, co-operation, and partnership. That is something that every single member of the House needs to understand and to understand that sticking up for the rights of the first peoples of this country is the job of all of us.
Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleague for his question, and I must say that no one in the House has done more to support francophone communities in Ottawa and Canada than you, as the hon. member for OttawaVanier.Since your election in 1995, you have fought tirelessly for linguistic duality in Canada, national unity, and a fair and just society for all. We will continue to support your incredible work, most notably with a new official languages plan that will support anglophone and francophone linguistic minorities across the country.The House, linguistic minorities, and all of Canada thank you for your passion and your service.
Mr. Speaker, I will begin by saying that you look great up there. I must remark that you have achieved in a very short period of time what many Speakers dream of, which is a well-behaved chamber.In 2014, I took the ice bucket challenge, like many of my colleagues in the House. I still remember having that big ice bucket dumped on my head when I was health minister. Combined with government funding, that amazing challenge raised $20 million for research funding and $6 million for support programs, but we can do more. I am asking the Prime Minister today to join me in asking Canadians from coast to coast to coast to support organizations that are fighting ALS and to find a cure for ALS.
Mr. Speaker, on behalf of all of my colleagues, I would like to say that we are all so happy to see you in the Chair today.Last week, the member for OttawaVanier was congratulated for his work supporting francophone minority communities in Ottawa. The NDP shares his belief that we must protect and celebrate our official languages all across this country.Nearly one out of seven francophones lives outside Quebec. We must do more to ensure that all Canadians have access to services in the official language of their choice, regardless of where they live.How is the Prime Minister planning to continue and build on the excellent work done by the hon. member for OttawaVanier? How will he improve services and support linguistic minority communities in Canada?
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague from Fredericton for his excellent question.International students are some of the best candidates for Canadian citizenship. They speak English or French, they received a good education here in Canada, and they know the country. It was therefore not very smart of the former government to do away with the 50% credit that these students received upon becoming Canadian citizens. I am very happy to say that we are going to restore that credit.
Mr. Speaker, in the Department of Veterans Affairs, we understand that it is very important for us to commemorate those men and women who have served in our armed forces. We have done that as a country through Vimy Ridge, through World War II, through our Korean peacekeepers, through our role in Bosnia, and we will do so for Afghanistan. That is an important part of what we do in this department and what we do on this side of the House. We will continue to show in a meaningful way the respect that our men and women deserve who have served this great country.
Mr. Speaker, there is no disguise. This is in fact a non-combat mission, as I just outlined, with what the Chief of the Defence Staff just said.The hon. member can argue with the Chief of the Defence Staff, but he has in fact outlined this as a non-combat mission. We are there to train, to assist, to advise, and to produce intelligence.The hon. member may wish to argue with the CDS, and I welcome his opportunity to do that, but this is a non-combat mission as defined by the Chief of the Defence Staff.
Mr. Speaker, I, too, feel that this is a terrible tragedy
Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for the clarification. Pedophilia is a terrible crime, and we need to deal with the ongoing effects of those abuses. I can tell the hon. member that I am the client and the Minister of Justice is my adviser, and we will get to the bottom of this and seek justice.
Mr. Speaker, during the election campaign, the Liberals promised to raise the bar on transparency, but yesterday there was a dramatic turn of events.The Liberal members of the Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology voted unanimously against a motion that we moved to invite Bombardier to testify before the committee. Committee members wanted to know why Bombardier needed $1.2 billion in support. My question today is for the chair of the Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology. Why is he determined to prevent Bombardier from testifying before parliamentarians?
It is not a tragedy, it is a criminal crime.
Mr. Speaker, I would like the hon. member to explain what he does not get about democracy.We have had an election over the past year, the longest election campaign in Canadian history. The decision of the Canadian people was definitive on October 19.We then had a debate here for four or five days, with 98 speakers. The vote this week was definitive.What part of democracy does the hon. member not get? We have debated this and debated this. The people have spoken. It is unfortunate for the hon. member.
Mr. Speaker, Iran today test fired two ballistic missiles that the regime said proved its ability to strike Israel. The missiles carried the words, Israel must be wiped out.Former Liberal MP Irwin Cotler is on record saying, I don't know if [the Prime Minister] has an appreciation of evil. The Prime Minister said this week that he thought Canada was sending exactly the right signals on Iran.Is this not just another example of the Prime Minister's inability to appreciate evil?
Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Transport and it pertains to a critical threat to the survival of VIA Rail and our coast to coast service.The previous minister of transportation convened a panel, chaired by former cabinet minister David Emerson, and it has now reported. Shockingly, it recommends that the Liberal government kill passenger rail service between Toronto and Vancouver. This transcontinental train, the Canadian, is an essential part of Sir John A. Macdonald's national dream.Could the minister confirm that the government will protect VIA Rail, and restore and invest in our trans-Canada rail service?
Mr. Speaker, it is another week and another broken promise. In Paris, the Prime Minister promised he would give Canadians a climate change plan within 90 days. Last week in Vancouver, the 90 days were up. What happened? There is no plan, just a plan to have a plan. Surprise, surprise, he also threatened to hammer the provinces with a carbon tax grab.As the Prime Minister wines and dines in Washington, as investors flee Canada, and as Canadians lose thousands of jobs, will he now admit that he is in way over his head?
Mr. Speaker, in terms of our approach, we are undertaking a comprehensive review of the criminal justice system. That includes sentencing reform to determine efficiencies and effectiveness in the process and I will ensure that I work with my colleagues, including the Minister of Public Safety, to look at bail reform and other matters with respect to how we can proceed and ensure fairness, equality, compliance with the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and that the accused's rights are respected.
Mr. Speaker, the Liberals are borrowing money they do not have, to spend on pet projects we do not need. They are throwing fiscal responsibility onto the spending bonfire. With $150 billion expected in borrowing, a balanced budget under the Liberals is nothing but a pipe dream.When will the Liberals realize that we have to pay this money back and that borrowed money is not free?
Mr. Speaker, we are very concerned about the plight of our seniors. That is why we promised to boost the guaranteed income supplement for our most vulnerable seniors by 10% in our election platform.In addition, as part of our infrastructure investments, we promised to create housing for our seniors. These are all things that we can promise and we can do, because we told Canadians that we are going to invest in communities.The opposition member, who unfortunately promised to balance the budget, would have slashed $18 billion, which needs to go to our seniors and all Canadians, instead of making the investments they need.
Mr. Speaker, after years of complacency by the former Liberal government, in 2006, our Conservative government signed a softwood lumber agreement with our American partners. At the time, companies were paying up to 37% in export duties, and billions of dollars, money that belonged to Canadian companies, was being hoarded in the United States.Can the Prime Minister promise that when he goes to Washington he will ask President Obama not to waste any time signing an agreement that will allow the forestry industry to continue to grow and provide jobs in every region of Canada?
Mr. Speaker, it is not pursuing this matter before the courts and that is the problem. It is letting them off the hook with no fine, no penalty, and no interest to pay.Canadians are sick of this flim-flammery that allows multi-millionaires to avoid paying taxes and to be coddled by the government.Yesterday, the Prime Minister could not even tell us whether he disagreed with this deal.I have a very specific question for the Prime Minister. Can he confirm that this is the one and only time that the government has offered this kind of sweetheart deal to millionaires? Yes or no? Are there other similar agreements?
Mr. Speaker, I would remind the House that the former international trade minister had made a lot of progress on this file. I hope this situation will be resolved quickly.During the election campaign, the Prime Minister talked about small deficits, slight deficits. We left a balanced budget for this fiscal year; the numbers are there. For the current year, there was an operating surplus. The Liberals cannot even tell us what their operating deficit for the current year will be, not to mention that TD Bank forecasts $150 billion in deficits on account of the Liberal government's management. When will the Prime Minister bring our country back to balanced budgets?
Mr. Speaker, I will ask in French and give my colleague opposite a chance. CNN reported that American air strikes in Syria likely killed the person thought to be ISIS's minister of war, a Chechen fighter who joined rebel groups in Syria and then swore allegiance to ISIS in 2012. He participated in ISIS propaganda and recruitment videos, and the U.S. State Department offered a $5-million reward to have him removed. I thank those U.S. pilots for what they did. How can the government continue to doubt the effectiveness of air strikes against ISIS?
Mr. Speaker, it is a tremendous pleasure to see you there today.I thank my hon. colleague for her question and for her leadership both as an individual and as a former health minister on this issue. I salute you, as the hon. member for OttawaVanier and as Speaker, for the dignity and grace that you bring to the House every day as you battle this terrible disease. Like many of us in this House, I was pleased to take part in a number of ice bucket challenges, both as dumpee and dumper. I was pleased to do my part to help raise money for research and awareness for ALS.Canadians pride themselves on looking out for one another, and I join the Leader of the Opposition in urging everyone to give their time and financial support to organizations that are working so hard to find a cure for this terrible disease.
Mr. Speaker, the Liberals are missing in action. The Canadian manufacturing jobs are at risk. The low dollar has put Canadians goods on sale, but the Liberals refuse to explain how they will encourage private sector investment. Yesterday, they even blocked the industry committee from asking Bombardier about a billion-dollar bailout. What are the Liberals hiding? Is the reason the Liberals will not share their plan with Canadians that they do not have a plan to share?
Mr. Speaker, Canada-U.S. relations were so bad in recent years that this former government was unable to reach a new agreement when the old softwood lumber agreement expired.It was up to us to take over this file, and I talked to President Obama about it at the first opportunity I had to sit down with him. We are working on this file, and we hope to have good news for Canadians in the weeks and months to come.
Mr. Speaker, Nadiya Savchenko has restarted her hunger strike. Her health is deteriorating, and the Liberals have done next to nothing.The charges against Nadiya are clearly trumped up. This illegal show trial demonstrates the Russian regime's utter contempt for international law, due process, and human rights. Rallies are scheduled across Canada this evening, demanding her release.The Liberals are saying that they want to talk to Russia; so, will the Prime Minister pick up the phone, call the Kremlin, and demand that it free Nadiya Savchenko immediately?
Mr. Speaker, in fact, our government left the country with the highest growth in the G7 and the lowest taxes in 50 years. The Prime Minister needs to understand that Canadians did not actually sign up or vote for this mountain of debt. Not only did the Prime Minister mislead Canadians on these Liberal spending habits but he has absolutely no plan to pay it back, other than raising taxes.When will the Prime Minister realize, like all Canadians, he has to live within his means and he has to pay this money back?
Mr. Speaker, contrary to what the minister has insinuated several times over the past four months, the previous Conservative government did more for veterans than any other Canadian government since the Pension Act of 1919 was passed. The Liberal government cancelled the community war memorial program. This clearly shows that this government is not interested in honouring our veterans. Properly honouring our men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces is not militarism, it is quite simply a moral imperative.Now that the Liberals are cancelling this program, how do they intend to honour the achievements of members of the Royal Canadian Air Force who fought against ISIS?
Mr. Speaker, the previous government went into deficit to fight the biggest financial crisis since the 1930s and then balanced the budget without raising taxes. The Liberals are spending money they do not have, to fight a recession we are not in. They have already slashed tax-free savings accounts, and now they are jacking up payroll taxes.How high will taxes go to pay for risky Liberal deficits?
Mr. Speaker, yesterday, I asked the Prime Minister about the recent deal that the government made with millionaire tax cheats. He responded that all Canadians should pay their taxes in the future. To those currently filling out their tax forms, it is a bit of a surprise to learn that this was not the case before, and that the government lets multi-millionaire tax cheats off the hook with no penalty whatsoever.I will ask the Prime Minister again. Will he conduct an investigation and put a stop to these sweetheart deals for multi-millionaire tax cheats?
Mr. Speaker, that could not be more misconstrued.As the minister explicitly said in his declaration yesterday, the Government of Canada is gravely concerned about the health of Nadiya Savchenko, who has been unlawfully detained by Russia. We have repeatedly underlined that her transfer to Russia was illegal, the charges brought against her are politically motivated, and her treatment during her detention is a matter of grave concern.The Government of Canada calls on Russia to immediately release her and return her to her friends, colleagues, and family in Ukraine.
Mr. Speaker, the courts are waiting, and have been waiting after the minister has asked for extension after extension, to hear what the position of the Government of Canada will be. The people of Kamloops are worried and she has been delaying the response. Please, will she stand up and tell Canadians that she will defend private property rights in Canada?
Mr. Speaker, for years, judges were routinely granting two-for-one and even three-for-one credits for time served before trial. This is why we brought in the Truth in Sentencing Act to ensure that convicted offenders serve the sentences they were given. Now it appears that there are judges in Ontario who are disregarding that law. The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice says a law is a law is a law. Are they going to do what it takes to enforce the present law or will criminals continue to get a break?
Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the Minister of Veterans Affairs indicated that he was working with the Department of Canadian Heritage to identify opportunities for advancing the construction of a memorial monument. However, we still do not know whether there will be a national monument specifically for the Afghanistan mission.My question is for the minister. Will the budget include an envelope for the national monument announced by our Conservative government, yes or no?
Mr. Speaker, there have been widespread consultations, indeed, the widest consultations that have taken place in this Parliament. I think on a day like today, when we are all communicating together, we can all agree upon the importance of accepting a document produced by the Department of Finance Canada, the Fiscal Monitor, showing that we had a surplus of $2.2 billion at the end of 2015.
Mr. Speaker, earlier, I asked the chair of the Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology a question. In the House, when the person to whom a question is addressed is present, it is customary for that person to answer. I would like that person to answer my question today.
Mr. Speaker, the former Conservative government inherited a $13-billion surplus, which it spent even before the global recession hit in 2008.We inherited a deficit, and we promised Canadians that we would invest in communities and growth and help the middle class and those working hard to join the middle class. That is precisely what we are going to do. On March 22, we will present our plan for that in the budget.
Mr. Speaker, while the Liberals will be celebrating with American organizations that are actually determined to kill Canadian jobs, the finance minister back at home keeps racking up the bills. The Prime Minister broke his promise to limit borrowing to a modest $10 billion. Economists are now saying the Liberals will add $150 billion in debt over the next four years, but it will have virtually no impact on growth.The Prime Minister was left with a surplus. Now that we all know his borrowing will not create jobs and growth, why is the government so determined to bury Canadians in debt?
Mr. Speaker, for 10 years Canada saw lower growth than it needed to because we had a government that was focused on giving tax benefits to the wealthiest and not helping the middle class succeed, not creating the kinds of investments in infrastructure, in our communities, and indeed for Canadians who needed help. That was actually necessary for our economy.That is why we put forward a plan to invest in the future of our country, and to help middle class Canadians and those working hard to join it. In two weeks, all members in the House, and indeed all Canadians, will be able to see the budget that will make that happen.
Mr. Speaker, we learned this week that the Liberals are cancelling the community war memorial program. This program that was implemented by the Conservatives in 2010 has enabled communities and organizations across Canada to build new or to upgrade old cenotaphs and war memorials honouring the achievements and sacrifices of those who have served Canada in times of war and peace and military conflict.The Department of Veterans Affairs acknowledges that there is a continued need for this essential program. Since they are listening, why do the Liberals think that cutting this project is a good idea?
Mr. Speaker, the B.C. government has stated that it will vigorously oppose any declaration that creates any uncertainty for private property owners. On January 15, the Minister of Justice asked for an extension before making a decision. Well, it has been close to eight weeks and there has still been no response.While the Premier of B.C. has boldly reassured Canadians, the justice minister has left land owners in the dark. Will she stand with the premier of B.C. to defend property rights, yes or no?
Mr. Speaker, the residential schools tragedy is still a burden for so many people. For example, a survivor of St. Anne's residential school in northern Ontario is seeking justice, but he is being thwarted by Justice Department lawyers who knowingly, yes, knowingly, withheld documents that would have helped his case. That is not only unacceptable, it is appalling. Will the Minister of Justice order her officials to stop denying this survivor's legitimate requests and to stop obstructing justice?
Mr. Speaker, we recognize that much work needs to be done to resolve longstanding indigenous land claims. However, every government in the past has been unequivocal that private property is not on the table. The recent lawsuit by SSN is looking to declare aboriginal title over private property. As the premier of B.C. said, this has huge implications across Canada.Will the Minister of Justice step up to protect Canadian private property rights?
Mr. Speaker, Liberal policies make doing business in Canada more expensive. Auto manufacturers are hurting in Ontario because our electricity rates are 30% higher than in other jurisdictions, and that is before the new Liberal carbon tax. When will the Liberal government give manufacturers a break, rather than break manufacturers?
Mr. Speaker, the National Defence military foreign service instructions define a combat mission as, where the use or threatened use of force, including lethal force, is...[used] to accomplish a mission.Yesterday, Canada's Chief of the Defence Staff admitted that, in the Liberals' new expanded mission in Iraq, Canadian troops will be authorized not only to use lethal force but also to shoot first. To everyone, except the current government, that sounds exactly like the definition of combat. Why is the Liberal government continuing to try to disguise the nature of this mission and its risks?
Mr. Speaker, Nadiya Savchenko, a Ukrainian air force pilot and member of the Ukrainian parliament, has been held illegally in a Russian prison for 21 long months.Many thousands of people in Ukraine and around the world are demanding her release as she continues her hunger strike, yet all the efforts by the international community to advocate for her release have been brushed aside by Moscow.Time is running out. How can Canada's call for the release of Ms. Savchenko be taken seriously when all the Liberals want to do is have happy talk with Putin?
Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the member for SydneyVictoria for his continued hard work regarding this project. We know there are significant benefits to infrastructure investment. That is why our government has committed to add $60 billion of new money into infrastructure over the next 10 years. We understand that well planned infrastructure investments in regions like Cape Breton generate economic growth, create jobs, and leave a lasting legacy for Canadians. I have met with my counterparts in Nova Scotia, and we will continue to work together on our shared infrastructure priorities.
Mr. Speaker, if the Prime Minister were really sincere about corporate tax fairness, he would start by reducing and getting rid of the cuts to corporate taxes that the Conservatives brought in with the Liberals' complicity, as they voted for the Conservative budget.Our seniors should never, ever have to choose between paying for their groceries, their housing or their medication. The Liberals promised, and I quote, to immediately [boost] the guaranteed income supplement...by 10%. Five months later, nothing has changed and seniors continue to suffer.What exactly did they mean by immediately?
Mr. Speaker, there is a saying in my neighbourhood, You lie to your friends, I'll lie to my friends; let's not lie to each other.Here is the true record of what the Conservative government has done over the last 10 years. The Conservatives closed Veterans Affairs offices and cut staff by 800 people. For the last 10 years, it has really been a shame. We are working hard to ensure that we treat our men and women with care, compassion, and respect. I have an aggressive mandate letter from the Prime Minister that will result in more employment opportunities for veterans and support for their families. We plan on following through exactly with that.
Mr. Speaker, the Government of Canada is committed to the successful implementation of the Indian residential school settlement agreement and to fulfilling all of its obligations under the agreement. The abuse of children is tragic and unacceptable.While I cannot comment about specific cases, under the independent assessment process, I can say that Canada has complied with Justice Perell's June 2015 order and provided all the documents as soon as they were complete.In addition, Canada has revised and made available an updated school narrative and person-of-interest reports for St. Anne's Residential School, in compliance with court direction
Mr. Speaker, we have a fundamentally different approach. We have an approach for growing our economy. That is what Canadians voted for on the 19th of October, and that is exactly what we are going to be delivering. We are going to invest in innovation, we are going to invest in productivity, and we are going to invest in infrastructure. We are going to invest in the middle class for this country.
Mr. Speaker, as the member across knows, this is a matter that is before the courts, and so I will not speak to the particular circumstances with respect to that. However, I will say that with the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, we will work collaboratively in terms of the mandates and approaches that are being put forward in negotiating and settling the land question in British Columbia. The member can rest assured that this settlement will be based on a nation-to-nation relationship that is based on recognition.
Mr. Speaker, in the fall of 2014, as members know, the former government approved a project and set out a series of legally binding conditions with which the proponent must comply. B.C. Hydro must meet the requirements set out in these conditions and we are verifying that it is in fact the case. The minister has been involved and engaged in discussions with first nations people and other indigenous organizations to try to ensure that we are clearly understanding those concerns, and we will continue to engage on that basis going forward.
Mr. Speaker, tonight, the Prime Minister is going to be in Washington with his pals at the Center for American Progress. While energy workers continue to lose their jobs across the country, they will be watching the Prime Minister sip champagne.Let us be clear. This is the group that is responsible for the president's rejection of the Keystone XL pipeline. Will the Prime Minister use his special new relationship and publicly state in Washington that he supports Keystone, and ask the president publicly to reverse his decision on Keystone?
Mr. Speaker, our government understands and supports the aerospace sector. It is a sector that employs 180,000 people, not only in Montreal or Quebec but across Canada. It is a sector that contributes $29 billion to our GDP. That is why we take very seriously the engagement with Bombardier.On December 11, it approached the federal government officially in writing to ask for up to $1 billion. We are doing our due diligence. We are looking at the business case. We understand the importance of not only Bombardier but this sector and we will ensure that any decision that we make will be in the best interests of Canadians and Quebeckers.
Mr. Speaker, in our platform we put forward an ambitious plan to invest $20 billion over the next 10 years in social infrastructure. In order to do so, we would work with provinces and municipalities to identify their concrete needs and respond to them. We put that forward in total respect of provincial jurisdiction. The member opposite put forward a plan that would have cut $18 billion from the federal budget right now to reach balance at all costs. That is not how we help families. That is not how we help people with the costs of child care.
Mr. Speaker, as I stated, this matter is before the courts. What I instructed my officials to do was to seek an adjournment. Per my mandate letter from the Prime Minister, we are looking at our litigation strategy and doing a comprehensive review. In terms of specific cases, that will potentially change our approach. But with respect to particular mandates, I will be working and supporting my colleague, the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs in this regard.
Mr. Speaker, our engagement with Iran does not mean we agree with its government. Also, to boycott Iran will not help Israel.While we reduced some sanctions on Iran, together with our allies, related to progress in shutting down its nuclear program, we also added sanctions that targeted its ballistic missile program. Again, we did this in complete coordination with our allies.We will continue to apply pressure on Iran to end its unacceptable missile development program, and we will continue to be strong friends with Israel.
Mr. Speaker, I think Canadians are incredibly proud of the work this government has done on climate change. If we look at the progress that has been accomplished in the last five months, we see we have a historic international deal in which Canada played a critical role, and we have an arrangement that has been agreed upon by all provinces and territories to develop a pan-Canadian framework. That is real progress. We are going to Washington this week to actually make further progress on a continental basis. My goodness, relative to the last 10 years of inaction under the Conservatives, this is real change.
Mr. Speaker, as I said in my previous response, this government continues to engage with first nations and other indigenous organizations and peoples to ensure that we are developing a nation-to-nation approach. With respect to the specific matter of Site C that is before the court, I cannot comment on the specifics of it. However, there certainly are ongoing discussions that are relevant to the broader first nations and nation-to-nation relationship.
Mr. Speaker, the independent assessment process was supposed to bring justice to survivors. Instead, government lawyers in the Department of Justice had over 1,000 cases thrown out under the administrative split. We now find that justice department lawyers suppressed evidence about a serial pedophile at St. Anne's Residential School, and then told the hearings that the victims were simply lacking credibility.This really puts Canada in the spotlight if the Minister of Justice cannot explain why this is happening. I am asking her: Will she do the right thing? Will she stand up in the House and say that she will meet the survivors and fix this?
Mr. Speaker, Canadians were faced with a choice in the last election between policies that had failed to create the kind of growth and opportunities that people needed right across the country against a vision that was actually proposing to invest in our future, to put money in the pockets of the middle class and those working hard to join, and investing in the kind of infrastructure that our communities need to create jobs now, and to create growth in the medium and long-term. That is the kind of budget we are going to put forward in two weeks. That is what Canadians have been waiting 10 years to hear.
Mr. Speaker, the aerospace industry is vital for Quebec. In the Montreal region alone, one out of every 100 jobs is associated with this industry. However, the Liberals do not seem to understand that.During the election campaign, they did not present any plan or strategy for this sector. Nothing. What is more, we are still waiting for news on the Bombardier file. The industry is fragile right now and job losses are mounting.When will the Liberal government wake up, support the Quebec economy and its workers, and present a real action plan for the aerospace industry?
Mr. Speaker, the port of Sydney has long been an essential asset to the economy of Cape Breton. Studies have shown that construction of a second marine berth in the harbour will greatly enhance port traffic, especially in the cruise ship sector.My question is for the Minister of Infrastructure. Does the minister see this project of a second berth for the port of Sydney as the type of project worthy of consideration for infrastructure?
Mr. Speaker, it is very important for us to honour the men and women who have served this country valiantly in Afghanistan. This government is aware of the motion put forward in 2014 supported by all members of the House. We are working very hard with the Minister of Canadian Heritage to see that is put through. However, I think it is also important for us to show care, compassion, and respect for those members through our veterans services, which we are doing right now. The member will also see that through our reopening of the nine offices that his party closed, as well our rehiring of staff that the Conservatives also let go.
Mr. Speaker, you have to wonder which first nations they are engaging with, because the first nations actually impacted by this mega-dam cannot even get their letters returned from the government. It seems to me that there are two Liberal Parties: one that is in campaign and makes sacred promises to first nations people, and one that governs to break them.The question comes for the Liberal government here and now. Right now they are in the position of authorizing this mega-dam in northeastern British Columbia. First nations have pleaded with the government not to do so, to pause the process and allow the consultation the government promised to actually take place.Which Liberal Party are we actually going to see?
Mr. Speaker, this government believes in a level playing field where all Canadians pay their fair share of taxes and are treated equally under the system. Our government came to power with a pledge to strengthen efforts to combat international tax evasion and avoidance. The CRA is pursuing this matter before the courts and it intends to pursue it to the fullest extent possible because that is what this government and, indeed, all Canadians expect.
Mr. Speaker, this government believes in tax fairness. We believe that all Canadians should pay their fair share of taxes and should be treated equally by the federal tax system. Our government came to power with a pledge to strengthen efforts to combat international tax evasion and avoidance. The Canada Revenue Agency is pursuing this matter before the courts, and it intends to pursue it to the fullest extent possible. That is what Canadians expect from this government and the CRA.
Mr. Speaker, may I say that Canada stands steadfast with Ukraine? We always have, and we always will. As I stated, and I am happy to state it again, we have repeatedly underlined that Ms. Savchenko's transfer to Russia was illegal. We know it was politically motivated. Her treatment during her detention is a matter of grave concern, and we call on Russia to immediately release her.
Mr. Speaker, it is important that Canada attract and retain top international students in order to remain competitive in the global economy.In Fredericton, the University of New Brunswick, or UNB, and St. Thomas University are working hard to accomplish just that.Can the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship tell the House about the initiatives the government is taking to encourage top students to remain in Canada?
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister is such a good reader, but he is not answering my questions. He read the same thing twice, but that is not the question. Have there been other times, yes or no?Yesterday, I asked the Prime Minister about the government's promise for affordable, high-quality, flexible, and fully inclusive child care. It is at page 20 of his platform in case he has not been able to find it.Instead of giving us another talking point, could the Prime Minister simply tell us what is the government's budget for that specifically defined child care plan the Liberals boasted about in their platform?
Mr. Speaker, as the OECD and the IMF said, there has never been a better time to invest in the economy. Canadians know that, when interest rates are low, that is the time to invest.As we went from coast to coast to coast in this country, the Minister of Finance and I, we listened to Canadians, and what Canadians told us is to invest in the economy, invest in the middle class, and invest in infrastructure, and that is exactly what we are going to be doing.
Mr. Speaker, Canadians know that we need to reduce greenhouse gases and grow our economy in a sustainable way. They also know that reducing emissions will make our economy more competitive, not less competitive.The carbon pricing policies that the hon. member talked about will minimize the cost of producing greenhouse gas emissions, provide a continuous incentive for technological innovation, and allow us to achieve significant emissions reductions.I would say that the hon. member should listen to some of the folks who used to sit on that side of the House. The current Ontario Conservative leader and former MP on that side of the House stated this week, Climate change is a fact. It is a threat. It is man-made. We have to do something about it, and
Mr. Speaker, I want to understand something. Apparently, the mission in Iraq is not a combat mission, but our soldiers are going to be on the front lines and will have the right to shoot first. Is that not a combat mission?Can the Minister of National Defence explain why the government is so determined to deny the evidence and why it refuses to tell Canadians and our soldiers that this is in fact a combat mission?
Mr. Speaker, as the member knows, committees are independent. The point that he has raised is an important one
Mr. Speaker, we are engaged in a coalition. The coalition has quite a number of partners. We do some things very well. Advise, assist, and train, we do very well. Intelligence missions, we do very well. We are engaged, as I say, in a coalition. We are working together to delete this scourge from that particular part of the world. The idea of this coalition is to end this combat. We are contributing in a significant and major way.
Mr. Speaker, the point that the member has raised is an important one. He understands and appreciates that our government is open and transparent. I am glad to hear that the member understands this. The member also understands that he has an opportunity in committee to talk about these issues. One thing I can assure the member is that we will continue to engage with that company because we understand the importance of this sector. We understand the importance of creating jobs. We have a plan not only for the company and the sector, but we have a plan for all Canadians when it comes to growing the economy, and that will be demonstrated in our budget on March 22.
Mr. Speaker, on International Women's Day yesterday, events across the country celebrated the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of Canadian women. I am proud to tell the House that the Minister of Finance, in collaboration with the Governor of the Bank of Canada, Stephen Poloz, has launched consultations on the Bank of Canada website inviting Canadians to nominate iconic women whom they want to see on the new banknote to be issued in 2018.Do not forget to use the hashtag #bankNOTEable to share your ideas.
Mr. Speaker, earlier this week, the U.S.-led air combat coalition successfully took out the ISIS war minister.The Pentagon said this is a victory on the battlefield and will hurt ISIS' ability to recruit foreign fighters. Clearly, these air strikes are working, but the Liberals have taken us out of the fight. Just once, can the Minister of National Defence coherently explain why the Canadian Armed Forces cannot do both air strikes and training?
Mr. Speaker, broken promises are not in Canada's best interests. Canadians are losing jobs, Liberal deficits are skyrocketing, balanced budgets are out the window, and now the Prime Minister has picked a fight with the provinces by threatening a harmful carbon tax. Contrary to what the Prime Minister and his parliamentary secretary just said, there is no deal, no climate change plan. What happened to the new relationship with the provinces that was promised? Why have the Prime Minister's sunny ways turned into gloomy days for Canada?
Mr. Speaker, few relationships matter as much to Canada as a good relationship with the United States of America, for jobs, for economic growth, for trade purposes, for building the kinds of opportunities that Canadians truly need right across the country. For 10 years those relationships had been strained and now we are pleased to re-engage on a broad range of important files to build the kinds of opportunities for all Canadians that we know people need.
Mr. Speaker, we are a very open and transparent government. We have been very clear with Canadians.When it comes to committees, they have their own unique dynamic and they set their own agenda.With respect to Bombardier, we are engaged with it. It came forward with a proposal on December 11 of up to a billion dollars. It asked for an investment. We are looking at the business case. We are doing our due diligence. We will make sure we do our homework. We will make sure we provide a thoughtful response in the public interest.
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister promised that no relationship was more important to him than that with indigenous peoples. That relationship has not been respected in the case of B.C.'s Site C dam, where there are three ongoing court cases with first nations. This is a litmus test of the Prime Minister's solemn commitment. Repeated letters from first nations have been ignored by the Liberals.Will the government please cease and desist on approval for Site C until proper consultations can occur?
Mr. Speaker, I just want to say today is a very special day. It is an honour and privilege to serve with the member for OttawaVanier. For me, he is a role model. I am delighted to be here today with him.With respect to the question asked, we have a plan when it comes to manufacturing. We have a plan that is going to help companies in the 21st century digital economy by making sure we have ICT adoption. We are also going to put forward industrial and technological benefits that will assist companies. We have a plan for manufacturing because we know manufacturing is very important to our future progress, growth, and creating jobs.
Mr. Speaker, it is important that other levels of government and stakeholders have an opportunity to read the CTA review report and share their perspectives on its findings before we address specific recommendations.I have been mandated by the Prime Minister to respond to the review. I can assure Canadians that this government is committed to developing the best approach to delivering a safe, efficient, and reliable passenger rail service in Canada from coast to coast.
Mr. Speaker, it is true that our soldiers will be at greater risk, as was said by the Chief of the Defence Staff. However, I cannot do better than quote him at the committee yesterday where he said, in an engagement like this, ...specifically allow Canadian Forces to defend themselves, anticipate their defence so that they can engage a hostile act, or a hostile act or an intent before it materializes.Therefore, our soldiers are not engaged in combat, they are allowed to defend themselves, and their rules of engagement are clear for all concerned.
Mr. Speaker, when I was a municipal councillor, I was approached by Merna Forster and was pleased to lead Oakville council calling on the Bank of Canada to include a prominent Canadian woman on one of our bank notes, which is something we have not seen in almost 150 years.Thousands of people from across the country signed a petition calling upon the government to highlight Canadian women on our money, recognizing the significant role that women have played in shaping our nation.Can the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance outline the government's plan for action on this important issue?
Mr. Speaker, I am very proud to say that the way we are going forward is not to discuss the cases before the courts at this time. But I do want the member to understand, and all members of the House need to understand, what it means to move forward in a nation-to-nation approach based on recognition of rights, respect, co-operation, and partnership. That is something that every single member of the House needs to understand and to understand that sticking up for the rights of the first peoples of this country is the job of all of us.
Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleague for his question, and I must say that no one in the House has done more to support francophone communities in Ottawa and Canada than you, as the hon. member for OttawaVanier.Since your election in 1995, you have fought tirelessly for linguistic duality in Canada, national unity, and a fair and just society for all. We will continue to support your incredible work, most notably with a new official languages plan that will support anglophone and francophone linguistic minorities across the country.The House, linguistic minorities, and all of Canada thank you for your passion and your service.
Mr. Speaker, I will begin by saying that you look great up there. I must remark that you have achieved in a very short period of time what many Speakers dream of, which is a well-behaved chamber.In 2014, I took the ice bucket challenge, like many of my colleagues in the House. I still remember having that big ice bucket dumped on my head when I was health minister. Combined with government funding, that amazing challenge raised $20 million for research funding and $6 million for support programs, but we can do more. I am asking the Prime Minister today to join me in asking Canadians from coast to coast to coast to support organizations that are fighting ALS and to find a cure for ALS.
Mr. Speaker, on behalf of all of my colleagues, I would like to say that we are all so happy to see you in the Chair today.Last week, the member for OttawaVanier was congratulated for his work supporting francophone minority communities in Ottawa. The NDP shares his belief that we must protect and celebrate our official languages all across this country.Nearly one out of seven francophones lives outside Quebec. We must do more to ensure that all Canadians have access to services in the official language of their choice, regardless of where they live.How is the Prime Minister planning to continue and build on the excellent work done by the hon. member for OttawaVanier? How will he improve services and support linguistic minority communities in Canada?
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague from Fredericton for his excellent question.International students are some of the best candidates for Canadian citizenship. They speak English or French, they received a good education here in Canada, and they know the country. It was therefore not very smart of the former government to do away with the 50% credit that these students received upon becoming Canadian citizens. I am very happy to say that we are going to restore that credit.
Mr. Speaker, in the Department of Veterans Affairs, we understand that it is very important for us to commemorate those men and women who have served in our armed forces. We have done that as a country through Vimy Ridge, through World War II, through our Korean peacekeepers, through our role in Bosnia, and we will do so for Afghanistan. That is an important part of what we do in this department and what we do on this side of the House. We will continue to show in a meaningful way the respect that our men and women deserve who have served this great country.
Mr. Speaker, there is no disguise. This is in fact a non-combat mission, as I just outlined, with what the Chief of the Defence Staff just said.The hon. member can argue with the Chief of the Defence Staff, but he has in fact outlined this as a non-combat mission. We are there to train, to assist, to advise, and to produce intelligence.The hon. member may wish to argue with the CDS, and I welcome his opportunity to do that, but this is a non-combat mission as defined by the Chief of the Defence Staff.
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Mr. Speaker, there is no disguise. This is in fact a non-combat mission, as I just outlined, with what the Chief of the Defence Staff just said.The hon. member can argue with the Chief of the Defence Staff, but he has in fact outlined this as a non-combat mission. We are there to train, to assist, to advise, and to produce intelligence.The hon. member may wish to argue with the CDS, and I welcome his opportunity to do that, but this is a non-combat mission as defined by the Chief of the Defence Staff.
Mr. Speaker, in the Department of Veterans Affairs, we understand that it is very important for us to commemorate those men and women who have served in our armed forces. We have done that as a country through Vimy Ridge, through World War II, through our Korean peacekeepers, through our role in Bosnia, and we will do so for Afghanistan. That is an important part of what we do in this department and what we do on this side of the House. We will continue to show in a meaningful way the respect that our men and women deserve who have served this great country.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague from Fredericton for his excellent question.International students are some of the best candidates for Canadian citizenship. They speak English or French, they received a good education here in Canada, and they know the country. It was therefore not very smart of the former government to do away with the 50% credit that these students received upon becoming Canadian citizens. I am very happy to say that we are going to restore that credit.
Mr. Speaker, on behalf of all of my colleagues, I would like to say that we are all so happy to see you in the Chair today.Last week, the member for OttawaVanier was congratulated for his work supporting francophone minority communities in Ottawa. The NDP shares his belief that we must protect and celebrate our official languages all across this country.Nearly one out of seven francophones lives outside Quebec. We must do more to ensure that all Canadians have access to services in the official language of their choice, regardless of where they live.How is the Prime Minister planning to continue and build on the excellent work done by the hon. member for OttawaVanier? How will he improve services and support linguistic minority communities in Canada?
Mr. Speaker, I will begin by saying that you look great up there. I must remark that you have achieved in a very short period of time what many Speakers dream of, which is a well-behaved chamber.In 2014, I took the ice bucket challenge, like many of my colleagues in the House. I still remember having that big ice bucket dumped on my head when I was health minister. Combined with government funding, that amazing challenge raised $20 million for research funding and $6 million for support programs, but we can do more. I am asking the Prime Minister today to join me in asking Canadians from coast to coast to coast to support organizations that are fighting ALS and to find a cure for ALS.
Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleague for his question, and I must say that no one in the House has done more to support francophone communities in Ottawa and Canada than you, as the hon. member for OttawaVanier.Since your election in 1995, you have fought tirelessly for linguistic duality in Canada, national unity, and a fair and just society for all. We will continue to support your incredible work, most notably with a new official languages plan that will support anglophone and francophone linguistic minorities across the country.The House, linguistic minorities, and all of Canada thank you for your passion and your service.
Mr. Speaker, I am very proud to say that the way we are going forward is not to discuss the cases before the courts at this time. But I do want the member to understand, and all members of the House need to understand, what it means to move forward in a nation-to-nation approach based on recognition of rights, respect, co-operation, and partnership. That is something that every single member of the House needs to understand and to understand that sticking up for the rights of the first peoples of this country is the job of all of us.
Mr. Speaker, when I was a municipal councillor, I was approached by Merna Forster and was pleased to lead Oakville council calling on the Bank of Canada to include a prominent Canadian woman on one of our bank notes, which is something we have not seen in almost 150 years.Thousands of people from across the country signed a petition calling upon the government to highlight Canadian women on our money, recognizing the significant role that women have played in shaping our nation.Can the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance outline the government's plan for action on this important issue?
Mr. Speaker, it is true that our soldiers will be at greater risk, as was said by the Chief of the Defence Staff. However, I cannot do better than quote him at the committee yesterday where he said, in an engagement like this, ...specifically allow Canadian Forces to defend themselves, anticipate their defence so that they can engage a hostile act, or a hostile act or an intent before it materializes.Therefore, our soldiers are not engaged in combat, they are allowed to defend themselves, and their rules of engagement are clear for all concerned.
Mr. Speaker, it is important that other levels of government and stakeholders have an opportunity to read the CTA review report and share their perspectives on its findings before we address specific recommendations.I have been mandated by the Prime Minister to respond to the review. I can assure Canadians that this government is committed to developing the best approach to delivering a safe, efficient, and reliable passenger rail service in Canada from coast to coast.
Mr. Speaker, I just want to say today is a very special day. It is an honour and privilege to serve with the member for OttawaVanier. For me, he is a role model. I am delighted to be here today with him.With respect to the question asked, we have a plan when it comes to manufacturing. We have a plan that is going to help companies in the 21st century digital economy by making sure we have ICT adoption. We are also going to put forward industrial and technological benefits that will assist companies. We have a plan for manufacturing because we know manufacturing is very important to our future progress, growth, and creating jobs.
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister promised that no relationship was more important to him than that with indigenous peoples. That relationship has not been respected in the case of B.C.'s Site C dam, where there are three ongoing court cases with first nations. This is a litmus test of the Prime Minister's solemn commitment. Repeated letters from first nations have been ignored by the Liberals.Will the government please cease and desist on approval for Site C until proper consultations can occur?
Mr. Speaker, we are a very open and transparent government. We have been very clear with Canadians.When it comes to committees, they have their own unique dynamic and they set their own agenda.With respect to Bombardier, we are engaged with it. It came forward with a proposal on December 11 of up to a billion dollars. It asked for an investment. We are looking at the business case. We are doing our due diligence. We will make sure we do our homework. We will make sure we provide a thoughtful response in the public interest.
Mr. Speaker, few relationships matter as much to Canada as a good relationship with the United States of America, for jobs, for economic growth, for trade purposes, for building the kinds of opportunities that Canadians truly need right across the country. For 10 years those relationships had been strained and now we are pleased to re-engage on a broad range of important files to build the kinds of opportunities for all Canadians that we know people need.
Mr. Speaker, broken promises are not in Canada's best interests. Canadians are losing jobs, Liberal deficits are skyrocketing, balanced budgets are out the window, and now the Prime Minister has picked a fight with the provinces by threatening a harmful carbon tax. Contrary to what the Prime Minister and his parliamentary secretary just said, there is no deal, no climate change plan. What happened to the new relationship with the provinces that was promised? Why have the Prime Minister's sunny ways turned into gloomy days for Canada?
Mr. Speaker, earlier this week, the U.S.-led air combat coalition successfully took out the ISIS war minister.The Pentagon said this is a victory on the battlefield and will hurt ISIS' ability to recruit foreign fighters. Clearly, these air strikes are working, but the Liberals have taken us out of the fight. Just once, can the Minister of National Defence coherently explain why the Canadian Armed Forces cannot do both air strikes and training?
Mr. Speaker, on International Women's Day yesterday, events across the country celebrated the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of Canadian women. I am proud to tell the House that the Minister of Finance, in collaboration with the Governor of the Bank of Canada, Stephen Poloz, has launched consultations on the Bank of Canada website inviting Canadians to nominate iconic women whom they want to see on the new banknote to be issued in 2018.Do not forget to use the hashtag #bankNOTEable to share your ideas.
Mr. Speaker, the point that the member has raised is an important one. He understands and appreciates that our government is open and transparent. I am glad to hear that the member understands this. The member also understands that he has an opportunity in committee to talk about these issues. One thing I can assure the member is that we will continue to engage with that company because we understand the importance of this sector. We understand the importance of creating jobs. We have a plan not only for the company and the sector, but we have a plan for all Canadians when it comes to growing the economy, and that will be demonstrated in our budget on March 22.
Mr. Speaker, we are engaged in a coalition. The coalition has quite a number of partners. We do some things very well. Advise, assist, and train, we do very well. Intelligence missions, we do very well. We are engaged, as I say, in a coalition. We are working together to delete this scourge from that particular part of the world. The idea of this coalition is to end this combat. We are contributing in a significant and major way.
Mr. Speaker, as the member knows, committees are independent. The point that he has raised is an important one
Mr. Speaker, I want to understand something. Apparently, the mission in Iraq is not a combat mission, but our soldiers are going to be on the front lines and will have the right to shoot first. Is that not a combat mission?Can the Minister of National Defence explain why the government is so determined to deny the evidence and why it refuses to tell Canadians and our soldiers that this is in fact a combat mission?
Mr. Speaker, Canadians know that we need to reduce greenhouse gases and grow our economy in a sustainable way. They also know that reducing emissions will make our economy more competitive, not less competitive.The carbon pricing policies that the hon. member talked about will minimize the cost of producing greenhouse gas emissions, provide a continuous incentive for technological innovation, and allow us to achieve significant emissions reductions.I would say that the hon. member should listen to some of the folks who used to sit on that side of the House. The current Ontario Conservative leader and former MP on that side of the House stated this week, Climate change is a fact. It is a threat. It is man-made. We have to do something about it, and
Mr. Speaker, as the OECD and the IMF said, there has never been a better time to invest in the economy. Canadians know that, when interest rates are low, that is the time to invest.As we went from coast to coast to coast in this country, the Minister of Finance and I, we listened to Canadians, and what Canadians told us is to invest in the economy, invest in the middle class, and invest in infrastructure, and that is exactly what we are going to be doing.
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister is such a good reader, but he is not answering my questions. He read the same thing twice, but that is not the question. Have there been other times, yes or no?Yesterday, I asked the Prime Minister about the government's promise for affordable, high-quality, flexible, and fully inclusive child care. It is at page 20 of his platform in case he has not been able to find it.Instead of giving us another talking point, could the Prime Minister simply tell us what is the government's budget for that specifically defined child care plan the Liberals boasted about in their platform?
Mr. Speaker, it is important that Canada attract and retain top international students in order to remain competitive in the global economy.In Fredericton, the University of New Brunswick, or UNB, and St. Thomas University are working hard to accomplish just that.Can the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship tell the House about the initiatives the government is taking to encourage top students to remain in Canada?
Mr. Speaker, this government believes in a level playing field where all Canadians pay their fair share of taxes and are treated equally under the system. Our government came to power with a pledge to strengthen efforts to combat international tax evasion and avoidance. The CRA is pursuing this matter before the courts and it intends to pursue it to the fullest extent possible because that is what this government and, indeed, all Canadians expect.
Mr. Speaker, this government believes in tax fairness. We believe that all Canadians should pay their fair share of taxes and should be treated equally by the federal tax system. Our government came to power with a pledge to strengthen efforts to combat international tax evasion and avoidance. The Canada Revenue Agency is pursuing this matter before the courts, and it intends to pursue it to the fullest extent possible. That is what Canadians expect from this government and the CRA.
Mr. Speaker, may I say that Canada stands steadfast with Ukraine? We always have, and we always will. As I stated, and I am happy to state it again, we have repeatedly underlined that Ms. Savchenko's transfer to Russia was illegal. We know it was politically motivated. Her treatment during her detention is a matter of grave concern, and we call on Russia to immediately release her.
Mr. Speaker, you have to wonder which first nations they are engaging with, because the first nations actually impacted by this mega-dam cannot even get their letters returned from the government. It seems to me that there are two Liberal Parties: one that is in campaign and makes sacred promises to first nations people, and one that governs to break them.The question comes for the Liberal government here and now. Right now they are in the position of authorizing this mega-dam in northeastern British Columbia. First nations have pleaded with the government not to do so, to pause the process and allow the consultation the government promised to actually take place.Which Liberal Party are we actually going to see?
Mr. Speaker, it is very important for us to honour the men and women who have served this country valiantly in Afghanistan. This government is aware of the motion put forward in 2014 supported by all members of the House. We are working very hard with the Minister of Canadian Heritage to see that is put through. However, I think it is also important for us to show care, compassion, and respect for those members through our veterans services, which we are doing right now. The member will also see that through our reopening of the nine offices that his party closed, as well our rehiring of staff that the Conservatives also let go.
Mr. Speaker, the port of Sydney has long been an essential asset to the economy of Cape Breton. Studies have shown that construction of a second marine berth in the harbour will greatly enhance port traffic, especially in the cruise ship sector.My question is for the Minister of Infrastructure. Does the minister see this project of a second berth for the port of Sydney as the type of project worthy of consideration for infrastructure?
Mr. Speaker, the aerospace industry is vital for Quebec. In the Montreal region alone, one out of every 100 jobs is associated with this industry. However, the Liberals do not seem to understand that.During the election campaign, they did not present any plan or strategy for this sector. Nothing. What is more, we are still waiting for news on the Bombardier file. The industry is fragile right now and job losses are mounting.When will the Liberal government wake up, support the Quebec economy and its workers, and present a real action plan for the aerospace industry?
Mr. Speaker, Canadians were faced with a choice in the last election between policies that had failed to create the kind of growth and opportunities that people needed right across the country against a vision that was actually proposing to invest in our future, to put money in the pockets of the middle class and those working hard to join, and investing in the kind of infrastructure that our communities need to create jobs now, and to create growth in the medium and long-term. That is the kind of budget we are going to put forward in two weeks. That is what Canadians have been waiting 10 years to hear.
Mr. Speaker, the independent assessment process was supposed to bring justice to survivors. Instead, government lawyers in the Department of Justice had over 1,000 cases thrown out under the administrative split. We now find that justice department lawyers suppressed evidence about a serial pedophile at St. Anne's Residential School, and then told the hearings that the victims were simply lacking credibility.This really puts Canada in the spotlight if the Minister of Justice cannot explain why this is happening. I am asking her: Will she do the right thing? Will she stand up in the House and say that she will meet the survivors and fix this?
Mr. Speaker, as I said in my previous response, this government continues to engage with first nations and other indigenous organizations and peoples to ensure that we are developing a nation-to-nation approach. With respect to the specific matter of Site C that is before the court, I cannot comment on the specifics of it. However, there certainly are ongoing discussions that are relevant to the broader first nations and nation-to-nation relationship.
Mr. Speaker, I think Canadians are incredibly proud of the work this government has done on climate change. If we look at the progress that has been accomplished in the last five months, we see we have a historic international deal in which Canada played a critical role, and we have an arrangement that has been agreed upon by all provinces and territories to develop a pan-Canadian framework. That is real progress. We are going to Washington this week to actually make further progress on a continental basis. My goodness, relative to the last 10 years of inaction under the Conservatives, this is real change.
Mr. Speaker, our engagement with Iran does not mean we agree with its government. Also, to boycott Iran will not help Israel.While we reduced some sanctions on Iran, together with our allies, related to progress in shutting down its nuclear program, we also added sanctions that targeted its ballistic missile program. Again, we did this in complete coordination with our allies.We will continue to apply pressure on Iran to end its unacceptable missile development program, and we will continue to be strong friends with Israel.
Mr. Speaker, as I stated, this matter is before the courts. What I instructed my officials to do was to seek an adjournment. Per my mandate letter from the Prime Minister, we are looking at our litigation strategy and doing a comprehensive review. In terms of specific cases, that will potentially change our approach. But with respect to particular mandates, I will be working and supporting my colleague, the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs in this regard.
Mr. Speaker, in our platform we put forward an ambitious plan to invest $20 billion over the next 10 years in social infrastructure. In order to do so, we would work with provinces and municipalities to identify their concrete needs and respond to them. We put that forward in total respect of provincial jurisdiction. The member opposite put forward a plan that would have cut $18 billion from the federal budget right now to reach balance at all costs. That is not how we help families. That is not how we help people with the costs of child care.
Mr. Speaker, our government understands and supports the aerospace sector. It is a sector that employs 180,000 people, not only in Montreal or Quebec but across Canada. It is a sector that contributes $29 billion to our GDP. That is why we take very seriously the engagement with Bombardier.On December 11, it approached the federal government officially in writing to ask for up to $1 billion. We are doing our due diligence. We are looking at the business case. We understand the importance of not only Bombardier but this sector and we will ensure that any decision that we make will be in the best interests of Canadians and Quebeckers.
Mr. Speaker, tonight, the Prime Minister is going to be in Washington with his pals at the Center for American Progress. While energy workers continue to lose their jobs across the country, they will be watching the Prime Minister sip champagne.Let us be clear. This is the group that is responsible for the president's rejection of the Keystone XL pipeline. Will the Prime Minister use his special new relationship and publicly state in Washington that he supports Keystone, and ask the president publicly to reverse his decision on Keystone?
Mr. Speaker, in the fall of 2014, as members know, the former government approved a project and set out a series of legally binding conditions with which the proponent must comply. B.C. Hydro must meet the requirements set out in these conditions and we are verifying that it is in fact the case. The minister has been involved and engaged in discussions with first nations people and other indigenous organizations to try to ensure that we are clearly understanding those concerns, and we will continue to engage on that basis going forward.
Mr. Speaker, we have a fundamentally different approach. We have an approach for growing our economy. That is what Canadians voted for on the 19th of October, and that is exactly what we are going to be delivering. We are going to invest in innovation, we are going to invest in productivity, and we are going to invest in infrastructure. We are going to invest in the middle class for this country.
Mr. Speaker, as the member across knows, this is a matter that is before the courts, and so I will not speak to the particular circumstances with respect to that. However, I will say that with the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, we will work collaboratively in terms of the mandates and approaches that are being put forward in negotiating and settling the land question in British Columbia. The member can rest assured that this settlement will be based on a nation-to-nation relationship that is based on recognition.
Mr. Speaker, the Government of Canada is committed to the successful implementation of the Indian residential school settlement agreement and to fulfilling all of its obligations under the agreement. The abuse of children is tragic and unacceptable.While I cannot comment about specific cases, under the independent assessment process, I can say that Canada has complied with Justice Perell's June 2015 order and provided all the documents as soon as they were complete.In addition, Canada has revised and made available an updated school narrative and person-of-interest reports for St. Anne's Residential School, in compliance with court direction
Mr. Speaker, there is a saying in my neighbourhood, You lie to your friends, I'll lie to my friends; let's not lie to each other.Here is the true record of what the Conservative government has done over the last 10 years. The Conservatives closed Veterans Affairs offices and cut staff by 800 people. For the last 10 years, it has really been a shame. We are working hard to ensure that we treat our men and women with care, compassion, and respect. I have an aggressive mandate letter from the Prime Minister that will result in more employment opportunities for veterans and support for their families. We plan on following through exactly with that.
Mr. Speaker, if the Prime Minister were really sincere about corporate tax fairness, he would start by reducing and getting rid of the cuts to corporate taxes that the Conservatives brought in with the Liberals' complicity, as they voted for the Conservative budget.Our seniors should never, ever have to choose between paying for their groceries, their housing or their medication. The Liberals promised, and I quote, to immediately [boost] the guaranteed income supplement...by 10%. Five months later, nothing has changed and seniors continue to suffer.What exactly did they mean by immediately?
Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the member for SydneyVictoria for his continued hard work regarding this project. We know there are significant benefits to infrastructure investment. That is why our government has committed to add $60 billion of new money into infrastructure over the next 10 years. We understand that well planned infrastructure investments in regions like Cape Breton generate economic growth, create jobs, and leave a lasting legacy for Canadians. I have met with my counterparts in Nova Scotia, and we will continue to work together on our shared infrastructure priorities.
Mr. Speaker, Nadiya Savchenko, a Ukrainian air force pilot and member of the Ukrainian parliament, has been held illegally in a Russian prison for 21 long months.Many thousands of people in Ukraine and around the world are demanding her release as she continues her hunger strike, yet all the efforts by the international community to advocate for her release have been brushed aside by Moscow.Time is running out. How can Canada's call for the release of Ms. Savchenko be taken seriously when all the Liberals want to do is have happy talk with Putin?
Mr. Speaker, the National Defence military foreign service instructions define a combat mission as, where the use or threatened use of force, including lethal force, is...[used] to accomplish a mission.Yesterday, Canada's Chief of the Defence Staff admitted that, in the Liberals' new expanded mission in Iraq, Canadian troops will be authorized not only to use lethal force but also to shoot first. To everyone, except the current government, that sounds exactly like the definition of combat. Why is the Liberal government continuing to try to disguise the nature of this mission and its risks?
Mr. Speaker, Liberal policies make doing business in Canada more expensive. Auto manufacturers are hurting in Ontario because our electricity rates are 30% higher than in other jurisdictions, and that is before the new Liberal carbon tax. When will the Liberal government give manufacturers a break, rather than break manufacturers?
Mr. Speaker, the residential schools tragedy is still a burden for so many people. For example, a survivor of St. Anne's residential school in northern Ontario is seeking justice, but he is being thwarted by Justice Department lawyers who knowingly, yes, knowingly, withheld documents that would have helped his case. That is not only unacceptable, it is appalling. Will the Minister of Justice order her officials to stop denying this survivor's legitimate requests and to stop obstructing justice?
Mr. Speaker, we recognize that much work needs to be done to resolve longstanding indigenous land claims. However, every government in the past has been unequivocal that private property is not on the table. The recent lawsuit by SSN is looking to declare aboriginal title over private property. As the premier of B.C. said, this has huge implications across Canada.Will the Minister of Justice step up to protect Canadian private property rights?
Mr. Speaker, the B.C. government has stated that it will vigorously oppose any declaration that creates any uncertainty for private property owners. On January 15, the Minister of Justice asked for an extension before making a decision. Well, it has been close to eight weeks and there has still been no response.While the Premier of B.C. has boldly reassured Canadians, the justice minister has left land owners in the dark. Will she stand with the premier of B.C. to defend property rights, yes or no?
Mr. Speaker, we learned this week that the Liberals are cancelling the community war memorial program. This program that was implemented by the Conservatives in 2010 has enabled communities and organizations across Canada to build new or to upgrade old cenotaphs and war memorials honouring the achievements and sacrifices of those who have served Canada in times of war and peace and military conflict.The Department of Veterans Affairs acknowledges that there is a continued need for this essential program. Since they are listening, why do the Liberals think that cutting this project is a good idea?
Mr. Speaker, for 10 years Canada saw lower growth than it needed to because we had a government that was focused on giving tax benefits to the wealthiest and not helping the middle class succeed, not creating the kinds of investments in infrastructure, in our communities, and indeed for Canadians who needed help. That was actually necessary for our economy.That is why we put forward a plan to invest in the future of our country, and to help middle class Canadians and those working hard to join it. In two weeks, all members in the House, and indeed all Canadians, will be able to see the budget that will make that happen.
Mr. Speaker, while the Liberals will be celebrating with American organizations that are actually determined to kill Canadian jobs, the finance minister back at home keeps racking up the bills. The Prime Minister broke his promise to limit borrowing to a modest $10 billion. Economists are now saying the Liberals will add $150 billion in debt over the next four years, but it will have virtually no impact on growth.The Prime Minister was left with a surplus. Now that we all know his borrowing will not create jobs and growth, why is the government so determined to bury Canadians in debt?
Mr. Speaker, the former Conservative government inherited a $13-billion surplus, which it spent even before the global recession hit in 2008.We inherited a deficit, and we promised Canadians that we would invest in communities and growth and help the middle class and those working hard to join the middle class. That is precisely what we are going to do. On March 22, we will present our plan for that in the budget.
Mr. Speaker, yesterday, I asked the Prime Minister about the recent deal that the government made with millionaire tax cheats. He responded that all Canadians should pay their taxes in the future. To those currently filling out their tax forms, it is a bit of a surprise to learn that this was not the case before, and that the government lets multi-millionaire tax cheats off the hook with no penalty whatsoever.I will ask the Prime Minister again. Will he conduct an investigation and put a stop to these sweetheart deals for multi-millionaire tax cheats?
Mr. Speaker, that could not be more misconstrued.As the minister explicitly said in his declaration yesterday, the Government of Canada is gravely concerned about the health of Nadiya Savchenko, who has been unlawfully detained by Russia. We have repeatedly underlined that her transfer to Russia was illegal, the charges brought against her are politically motivated, and her treatment during her detention is a matter of grave concern.The Government of Canada calls on Russia to immediately release her and return her to her friends, colleagues, and family in Ukraine.
Mr. Speaker, the courts are waiting, and have been waiting after the minister has asked for extension after extension, to hear what the position of the Government of Canada will be. The people of Kamloops are worried and she has been delaying the response. Please, will she stand up and tell Canadians that she will defend private property rights in Canada?
Mr. Speaker, for years, judges were routinely granting two-for-one and even three-for-one credits for time served before trial. This is why we brought in the Truth in Sentencing Act to ensure that convicted offenders serve the sentences they were given. Now it appears that there are judges in Ontario who are disregarding that law. The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice says a law is a law is a law. Are they going to do what it takes to enforce the present law or will criminals continue to get a break?
Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the Minister of Veterans Affairs indicated that he was working with the Department of Canadian Heritage to identify opportunities for advancing the construction of a memorial monument. However, we still do not know whether there will be a national monument specifically for the Afghanistan mission.My question is for the minister. Will the budget include an envelope for the national monument announced by our Conservative government, yes or no?
Mr. Speaker, there have been widespread consultations, indeed, the widest consultations that have taken place in this Parliament. I think on a day like today, when we are all communicating together, we can all agree upon the importance of accepting a document produced by the Department of Finance Canada, the Fiscal Monitor, showing that we had a surplus of $2.2 billion at the end of 2015.
Mr. Speaker, earlier, I asked the chair of the Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology a question. In the House, when the person to whom a question is addressed is present, it is customary for that person to answer. I would like that person to answer my question today.
Mr. Speaker, the previous government went into deficit to fight the biggest financial crisis since the 1930s and then balanced the budget without raising taxes. The Liberals are spending money they do not have, to fight a recession we are not in. They have already slashed tax-free savings accounts, and now they are jacking up payroll taxes.How high will taxes go to pay for risky Liberal deficits?
Mr. Speaker, contrary to what the minister has insinuated several times over the past four months, the previous Conservative government did more for veterans than any other Canadian government since the Pension Act of 1919 was passed. The Liberal government cancelled the community war memorial program. This clearly shows that this government is not interested in honouring our veterans. Properly honouring our men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces is not militarism, it is quite simply a moral imperative.Now that the Liberals are cancelling this program, how do they intend to honour the achievements of members of the Royal Canadian Air Force who fought against ISIS?
Mr. Speaker, in fact, our government left the country with the highest growth in the G7 and the lowest taxes in 50 years. The Prime Minister needs to understand that Canadians did not actually sign up or vote for this mountain of debt. Not only did the Prime Minister mislead Canadians on these Liberal spending habits but he has absolutely no plan to pay it back, other than raising taxes.When will the Prime Minister realize, like all Canadians, he has to live within his means and he has to pay this money back?
Mr. Speaker, Nadiya Savchenko has restarted her hunger strike. Her health is deteriorating, and the Liberals have done next to nothing.The charges against Nadiya are clearly trumped up. This illegal show trial demonstrates the Russian regime's utter contempt for international law, due process, and human rights. Rallies are scheduled across Canada this evening, demanding her release.The Liberals are saying that they want to talk to Russia; so, will the Prime Minister pick up the phone, call the Kremlin, and demand that it free Nadiya Savchenko immediately?
Mr. Speaker, Canada-U.S. relations were so bad in recent years that this former government was unable to reach a new agreement when the old softwood lumber agreement expired.It was up to us to take over this file, and I talked to President Obama about it at the first opportunity I had to sit down with him. We are working on this file, and we hope to have good news for Canadians in the weeks and months to come.
Mr. Speaker, the Liberals are missing in action. The Canadian manufacturing jobs are at risk. The low dollar has put Canadians goods on sale, but the Liberals refuse to explain how they will encourage private sector investment. Yesterday, they even blocked the industry committee from asking Bombardier about a billion-dollar bailout. What are the Liberals hiding? Is the reason the Liberals will not share their plan with Canadians that they do not have a plan to share?
Mr. Speaker, it is a tremendous pleasure to see you there today.I thank my hon. colleague for her question and for her leadership both as an individual and as a former health minister on this issue. I salute you, as the hon. member for OttawaVanier and as Speaker, for the dignity and grace that you bring to the House every day as you battle this terrible disease. Like many of us in this House, I was pleased to take part in a number of ice bucket challenges, both as dumpee and dumper. I was pleased to do my part to help raise money for research and awareness for ALS.Canadians pride themselves on looking out for one another, and I join the Leader of the Opposition in urging everyone to give their time and financial support to organizations that are working so hard to find a cure for this terrible disease.
Mr. Speaker, I will ask in French and give my colleague opposite a chance. CNN reported that American air strikes in Syria likely killed the person thought to be ISIS's minister of war, a Chechen fighter who joined rebel groups in Syria and then swore allegiance to ISIS in 2012. He participated in ISIS propaganda and recruitment videos, and the U.S. State Department offered a $5-million reward to have him removed. I thank those U.S. pilots for what they did. How can the government continue to doubt the effectiveness of air strikes against ISIS?
Mr. Speaker, I would remind the House that the former international trade minister had made a lot of progress on this file. I hope this situation will be resolved quickly.During the election campaign, the Prime Minister talked about small deficits, slight deficits. We left a balanced budget for this fiscal year; the numbers are there. For the current year, there was an operating surplus. The Liberals cannot even tell us what their operating deficit for the current year will be, not to mention that TD Bank forecasts $150 billion in deficits on account of the Liberal government's management. When will the Prime Minister bring our country back to balanced budgets?
Mr. Speaker, it is not pursuing this matter before the courts and that is the problem. It is letting them off the hook with no fine, no penalty, and no interest to pay.Canadians are sick of this flim-flammery that allows multi-millionaires to avoid paying taxes and to be coddled by the government.Yesterday, the Prime Minister could not even tell us whether he disagreed with this deal.I have a very specific question for the Prime Minister. Can he confirm that this is the one and only time that the government has offered this kind of sweetheart deal to millionaires? Yes or no? Are there other similar agreements?
Mr. Speaker, after years of complacency by the former Liberal government, in 2006, our Conservative government signed a softwood lumber agreement with our American partners. At the time, companies were paying up to 37% in export duties, and billions of dollars, money that belonged to Canadian companies, was being hoarded in the United States.Can the Prime Minister promise that when he goes to Washington he will ask President Obama not to waste any time signing an agreement that will allow the forestry industry to continue to grow and provide jobs in every region of Canada?
Mr. Speaker, we are very concerned about the plight of our seniors. That is why we promised to boost the guaranteed income supplement for our most vulnerable seniors by 10% in our election platform.In addition, as part of our infrastructure investments, we promised to create housing for our seniors. These are all things that we can promise and we can do, because we told Canadians that we are going to invest in communities.The opposition member, who unfortunately promised to balance the budget, would have slashed $18 billion, which needs to go to our seniors and all Canadians, instead of making the investments they need.
Mr. Speaker, the Liberals are borrowing money they do not have, to spend on pet projects we do not need. They are throwing fiscal responsibility onto the spending bonfire. With $150 billion expected in borrowing, a balanced budget under the Liberals is nothing but a pipe dream.When will the Liberals realize that we have to pay this money back and that borrowed money is not free?
Mr. Speaker, in terms of our approach, we are undertaking a comprehensive review of the criminal justice system. That includes sentencing reform to determine efficiencies and effectiveness in the process and I will ensure that I work with my colleagues, including the Minister of Public Safety, to look at bail reform and other matters with respect to how we can proceed and ensure fairness, equality, compliance with the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and that the accused's rights are respected.
Mr. Speaker, it is another week and another broken promise. In Paris, the Prime Minister promised he would give Canadians a climate change plan within 90 days. Last week in Vancouver, the 90 days were up. What happened? There is no plan, just a plan to have a plan. Surprise, surprise, he also threatened to hammer the provinces with a carbon tax grab.As the Prime Minister wines and dines in Washington, as investors flee Canada, and as Canadians lose thousands of jobs, will he now admit that he is in way over his head?
Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Transport and it pertains to a critical threat to the survival of VIA Rail and our coast to coast service.The previous minister of transportation convened a panel, chaired by former cabinet minister David Emerson, and it has now reported. Shockingly, it recommends that the Liberal government kill passenger rail service between Toronto and Vancouver. This transcontinental train, the Canadian, is an essential part of Sir John A. Macdonald's national dream.Could the minister confirm that the government will protect VIA Rail, and restore and invest in our trans-Canada rail service?
Mr. Speaker, Iran today test fired two ballistic missiles that the regime said proved its ability to strike Israel. The missiles carried the words, Israel must be wiped out.Former Liberal MP Irwin Cotler is on record saying, I don't know if [the Prime Minister] has an appreciation of evil. The Prime Minister said this week that he thought Canada was sending exactly the right signals on Iran.Is this not just another example of the Prime Minister's inability to appreciate evil?
Mr. Speaker, I would like the hon. member to explain what he does not get about democracy.We have had an election over the past year, the longest election campaign in Canadian history. The decision of the Canadian people was definitive on October 19.We then had a debate here for four or five days, with 98 speakers. The vote this week was definitive.What part of democracy does the hon. member not get? We have debated this and debated this. The people have spoken. It is unfortunate for the hon. member.
It is not a tragedy, it is a criminal crime.
Mr. Speaker, during the election campaign, the Liberals promised to raise the bar on transparency, but yesterday there was a dramatic turn of events.The Liberal members of the Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology voted unanimously against a motion that we moved to invite Bombardier to testify before the committee. Committee members wanted to know why Bombardier needed $1.2 billion in support. My question today is for the chair of the Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology. Why is he determined to prevent Bombardier from testifying before parliamentarians?
Mr. Speaker, I, too, feel that this is a terrible tragedy
Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for the clarification. Pedophilia is a terrible crime, and we need to deal with the ongoing effects of those abuses. I can tell the hon. member that I am the client and the Minister of Justice is my adviser, and we will get to the bottom of this and seek justice.
Mr. Speaker, there is no disguise. This is in fact a non-combat mission, as I just outlined, with what the Chief of the Defence Staff just said.The hon. member can argue with the Chief of the Defence Staff, but he has in fact outlined this as a non-combat mission. We are there to train, to assist, to advise, and to produce intelligence.The hon. member may wish to argue with the CDS, and I welcome his opportunity to do that, but this is a non-combat mission as defined by the Chief of the Defence Staff.
Mr. Speaker, in the Department of Veterans Affairs, we understand that it is very important for us to commemorate those men and women who have served in our armed forces. We have done that as a country through Vimy Ridge, through World War II, through our Korean peacekeepers, through our role in Bosnia, and we will do so for Afghanistan. That is an important part of what we do in this department and what we do on this side of the House. We will continue to show in a meaningful way the respect that our men and women deserve who have served this great country.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague from Fredericton for his excellent question.International students are some of the best candidates for Canadian citizenship. They speak English or French, they received a good education here in Canada, and they know the country. It was therefore not very smart of the former government to do away with the 50% credit that these students received upon becoming Canadian citizens. I am very happy to say that we are going to restore that credit.
Mr. Speaker, on behalf of all of my colleagues, I would like to say that we are all so happy to see you in the Chair today.Last week, the member for OttawaVanier was congratulated for his work supporting francophone minority communities in Ottawa. The NDP shares his belief that we must protect and celebrate our official languages all across this country.Nearly one out of seven francophones lives outside Quebec. We must do more to ensure that all Canadians have access to services in the official language of their choice, regardless of where they live.How is the Prime Minister planning to continue and build on the excellent work done by the hon. member for OttawaVanier? How will he improve services and support linguistic minority communities in Canada?
Mr. Speaker, I will begin by saying that you look great up there. I must remark that you have achieved in a very short period of time what many Speakers dream of, which is a well-behaved chamber.In 2014, I took the ice bucket challenge, like many of my colleagues in the House. I still remember having that big ice bucket dumped on my head when I was health minister. Combined with government funding, that amazing challenge raised $20 million for research funding and $6 million for support programs, but we can do more. I am asking the Prime Minister today to join me in asking Canadians from coast to coast to coast to support organizations that are fighting ALS and to find a cure for ALS.
Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleague for his question, and I must say that no one in the House has done more to support francophone communities in Ottawa and Canada than you, as the hon. member for OttawaVanier.Since your election in 1995, you have fought tirelessly for linguistic duality in Canada, national unity, and a fair and just society for all. We will continue to support your incredible work, most notably with a new official languages plan that will support anglophone and francophone linguistic minorities across the country.The House, linguistic minorities, and all of Canada thank you for your passion and your service.
Mr. Speaker, I am very proud to say that the way we are going forward is not to discuss the cases before the courts at this time. But I do want the member to understand, and all members of the House need to understand, what it means to move forward in a nation-to-nation approach based on recognition of rights, respect, co-operation, and partnership. That is something that every single member of the House needs to understand and to understand that sticking up for the rights of the first peoples of this country is the job of all of us.
Mr. Speaker, when I was a municipal councillor, I was approached by Merna Forster and was pleased to lead Oakville council calling on the Bank of Canada to include a prominent Canadian woman on one of our bank notes, which is something we have not seen in almost 150 years.Thousands of people from across the country signed a petition calling upon the government to highlight Canadian women on our money, recognizing the significant role that women have played in shaping our nation.Can the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance outline the government's plan for action on this important issue?
Mr. Speaker, it is true that our soldiers will be at greater risk, as was said by the Chief of the Defence Staff. However, I cannot do better than quote him at the committee yesterday where he said, in an engagement like this, ...specifically allow Canadian Forces to defend themselves, anticipate their defence so that they can engage a hostile act, or a hostile act or an intent before it materializes.Therefore, our soldiers are not engaged in combat, they are allowed to defend themselves, and their rules of engagement are clear for all concerned.
Mr. Speaker, it is important that other levels of government and stakeholders have an opportunity to read the CTA review report and share their perspectives on its findings before we address specific recommendations.I have been mandated by the Prime Minister to respond to the review. I can assure Canadians that this government is committed to developing the best approach to delivering a safe, efficient, and reliable passenger rail service in Canada from coast to coast.
Mr. Speaker, I just want to say today is a very special day. It is an honour and privilege to serve with the member for OttawaVanier. For me, he is a role model. I am delighted to be here today with him.With respect to the question asked, we have a plan when it comes to manufacturing. We have a plan that is going to help companies in the 21st century digital economy by making sure we have ICT adoption. We are also going to put forward industrial and technological benefits that will assist companies. We have a plan for manufacturing because we know manufacturing is very important to our future progress, growth, and creating jobs.
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister promised that no relationship was more important to him than that with indigenous peoples. That relationship has not been respected in the case of B.C.'s Site C dam, where there are three ongoing court cases with first nations. This is a litmus test of the Prime Minister's solemn commitment. Repeated letters from first nations have been ignored by the Liberals.Will the government please cease and desist on approval for Site C until proper consultations can occur?
Mr. Speaker, we are a very open and transparent government. We have been very clear with Canadians.When it comes to committees, they have their own unique dynamic and they set their own agenda.With respect to Bombardier, we are engaged with it. It came forward with a proposal on December 11 of up to a billion dollars. It asked for an investment. We are looking at the business case. We are doing our due diligence. We will make sure we do our homework. We will make sure we provide a thoughtful response in the public interest.
Mr. Speaker, few relationships matter as much to Canada as a good relationship with the United States of America, for jobs, for economic growth, for trade purposes, for building the kinds of opportunities that Canadians truly need right across the country. For 10 years those relationships had been strained and now we are pleased to re-engage on a broad range of important files to build the kinds of opportunities for all Canadians that we know people need.
Mr. Speaker, broken promises are not in Canada's best interests. Canadians are losing jobs, Liberal deficits are skyrocketing, balanced budgets are out the window, and now the Prime Minister has picked a fight with the provinces by threatening a harmful carbon tax. Contrary to what the Prime Minister and his parliamentary secretary just said, there is no deal, no climate change plan. What happened to the new relationship with the provinces that was promised? Why have the Prime Minister's sunny ways turned into gloomy days for Canada?
Mr. Speaker, earlier this week, the U.S.-led air combat coalition successfully took out the ISIS war minister.The Pentagon said this is a victory on the battlefield and will hurt ISIS' ability to recruit foreign fighters. Clearly, these air strikes are working, but the Liberals have taken us out of the fight. Just once, can the Minister of National Defence coherently explain why the Canadian Armed Forces cannot do both air strikes and training?
Mr. Speaker, on International Women's Day yesterday, events across the country celebrated the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of Canadian women. I am proud to tell the House that the Minister of Finance, in collaboration with the Governor of the Bank of Canada, Stephen Poloz, has launched consultations on the Bank of Canada website inviting Canadians to nominate iconic women whom they want to see on the new banknote to be issued in 2018.Do not forget to use the hashtag #bankNOTEable to share your ideas.
Mr. Speaker, the point that the member has raised is an important one. He understands and appreciates that our government is open and transparent. I am glad to hear that the member understands this. The member also understands that he has an opportunity in committee to talk about these issues. One thing I can assure the member is that we will continue to engage with that company because we understand the importance of this sector. We understand the importance of creating jobs. We have a plan not only for the company and the sector, but we have a plan for all Canadians when it comes to growing the economy, and that will be demonstrated in our budget on March 22.
Mr. Speaker, we are engaged in a coalition. The coalition has quite a number of partners. We do some things very well. Advise, assist, and train, we do very well. Intelligence missions, we do very well. We are engaged, as I say, in a coalition. We are working together to delete this scourge from that particular part of the world. The idea of this coalition is to end this combat. We are contributing in a significant and major way.
Mr. Speaker, as the member knows, committees are independent. The point that he has raised is an important one
Mr. Speaker, I want to understand something. Apparently, the mission in Iraq is not a combat mission, but our soldiers are going to be on the front lines and will have the right to shoot first. Is that not a combat mission?Can the Minister of National Defence explain why the government is so determined to deny the evidence and why it refuses to tell Canadians and our soldiers that this is in fact a combat mission?
Mr. Speaker, Canadians know that we need to reduce greenhouse gases and grow our economy in a sustainable way. They also know that reducing emissions will make our economy more competitive, not less competitive.The carbon pricing policies that the hon. member talked about will minimize the cost of producing greenhouse gas emissions, provide a continuous incentive for technological innovation, and allow us to achieve significant emissions reductions.I would say that the hon. member should listen to some of the folks who used to sit on that side of the House. The current Ontario Conservative leader and former MP on that side of the House stated this week, Climate change is a fact. It is a threat. It is man-made. We have to do something about it, and
Mr. Speaker, as the OECD and the IMF said, there has never been a better time to invest in the economy. Canadians know that, when interest rates are low, that is the time to invest.As we went from coast to coast to coast in this country, the Minister of Finance and I, we listened to Canadians, and what Canadians told us is to invest in the economy, invest in the middle class, and invest in infrastructure, and that is exactly what we are going to be doing.
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister is such a good reader, but he is not answering my questions. He read the same thing twice, but that is not the question. Have there been other times, yes or no?Yesterday, I asked the Prime Minister about the government's promise for affordable, high-quality, flexible, and fully inclusive child care. It is at page 20 of his platform in case he has not been able to find it.Instead of giving us another talking point, could the Prime Minister simply tell us what is the government's budget for that specifically defined child care plan the Liberals boasted about in their platform?
Mr. Speaker, it is important that Canada attract and retain top international students in order to remain competitive in the global economy.In Fredericton, the University of New Brunswick, or UNB, and St. Thomas University are working hard to accomplish just that.Can the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship tell the House about the initiatives the government is taking to encourage top students to remain in Canada?
Mr. Speaker, this government believes in a level playing field where all Canadians pay their fair share of taxes and are treated equally under the system. Our government came to power with a pledge to strengthen efforts to combat international tax evasion and avoidance. The CRA is pursuing this matter before the courts and it intends to pursue it to the fullest extent possible because that is what this government and, indeed, all Canadians expect.
Mr. Speaker, this government believes in tax fairness. We believe that all Canadians should pay their fair share of taxes and should be treated equally by the federal tax system. Our government came to power with a pledge to strengthen efforts to combat international tax evasion and avoidance. The Canada Revenue Agency is pursuing this matter before the courts, and it intends to pursue it to the fullest extent possible. That is what Canadians expect from this government and the CRA.
Mr. Speaker, may I say that Canada stands steadfast with Ukraine? We always have, and we always will. As I stated, and I am happy to state it again, we have repeatedly underlined that Ms. Savchenko's transfer to Russia was illegal. We know it was politically motivated. Her treatment during her detention is a matter of grave concern, and we call on Russia to immediately release her.
Mr. Speaker, you have to wonder which first nations they are engaging with, because the first nations actually impacted by this mega-dam cannot even get their letters returned from the government. It seems to me that there are two Liberal Parties: one that is in campaign and makes sacred promises to first nations people, and one that governs to break them.The question comes for the Liberal government here and now. Right now they are in the position of authorizing this mega-dam in northeastern British Columbia. First nations have pleaded with the government not to do so, to pause the process and allow the consultation the government promised to actually take place.Which Liberal Party are we actually going to see?
Mr. Speaker, it is very important for us to honour the men and women who have served this country valiantly in Afghanistan. This government is aware of the motion put forward in 2014 supported by all members of the House. We are working very hard with the Minister of Canadian Heritage to see that is put through. However, I think it is also important for us to show care, compassion, and respect for those members through our veterans services, which we are doing right now. The member will also see that through our reopening of the nine offices that his party closed, as well our rehiring of staff that the Conservatives also let go.
Mr. Speaker, the port of Sydney has long been an essential asset to the economy of Cape Breton. Studies have shown that construction of a second marine berth in the harbour will greatly enhance port traffic, especially in the cruise ship sector.My question is for the Minister of Infrastructure. Does the minister see this project of a second berth for the port of Sydney as the type of project worthy of consideration for infrastructure?
Mr. Speaker, the aerospace industry is vital for Quebec. In the Montreal region alone, one out of every 100 jobs is associated with this industry. However, the Liberals do not seem to understand that.During the election campaign, they did not present any plan or strategy for this sector. Nothing. What is more, we are still waiting for news on the Bombardier file. The industry is fragile right now and job losses are mounting.When will the Liberal government wake up, support the Quebec economy and its workers, and present a real action plan for the aerospace industry?
Mr. Speaker, Canadians were faced with a choice in the last election between policies that had failed to create the kind of growth and opportunities that people needed right across the country against a vision that was actually proposing to invest in our future, to put money in the pockets of the middle class and those working hard to join, and investing in the kind of infrastructure that our communities need to create jobs now, and to create growth in the medium and long-term. That is the kind of budget we are going to put forward in two weeks. That is what Canadians have been waiting 10 years to hear.
Mr. Speaker, the independent assessment process was supposed to bring justice to survivors. Instead, government lawyers in the Department of Justice had over 1,000 cases thrown out under the administrative split. We now find that justice department lawyers suppressed evidence about a serial pedophile at St. Anne's Residential School, and then told the hearings that the victims were simply lacking credibility.This really puts Canada in the spotlight if the Minister of Justice cannot explain why this is happening. I am asking her: Will she do the right thing? Will she stand up in the House and say that she will meet the survivors and fix this?
Mr. Speaker, as I said in my previous response, this government continues to engage with first nations and other indigenous organizations and peoples to ensure that we are developing a nation-to-nation approach. With respect to the specific matter of Site C that is before the court, I cannot comment on the specifics of it. However, there certainly are ongoing discussions that are relevant to the broader first nations and nation-to-nation relationship.
Mr. Speaker, I think Canadians are incredibly proud of the work this government has done on climate change. If we look at the progress that has been accomplished in the last five months, we see we have a historic international deal in which Canada played a critical role, and we have an arrangement that has been agreed upon by all provinces and territories to develop a pan-Canadian framework. That is real progress. We are going to Washington this week to actually make further progress on a continental basis. My goodness, relative to the last 10 years of inaction under the Conservatives, this is real change.
Mr. Speaker, our engagement with Iran does not mean we agree with its government. Also, to boycott Iran will not help Israel.While we reduced some sanctions on Iran, together with our allies, related to progress in shutting down its nuclear program, we also added sanctions that targeted its ballistic missile program. Again, we did this in complete coordination with our allies.We will continue to apply pressure on Iran to end its unacceptable missile development program, and we will continue to be strong friends with Israel.
Mr. Speaker, as I stated, this matter is before the courts. What I instructed my officials to do was to seek an adjournment. Per my mandate letter from the Prime Minister, we are looking at our litigation strategy and doing a comprehensive review. In terms of specific cases, that will potentially change our approach. But with respect to particular mandates, I will be working and supporting my colleague, the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs in this regard.
Mr. Speaker, in our platform we put forward an ambitious plan to invest $20 billion over the next 10 years in social infrastructure. In order to do so, we would work with provinces and municipalities to identify their concrete needs and respond to them. We put that forward in total respect of provincial jurisdiction. The member opposite put forward a plan that would have cut $18 billion from the federal budget right now to reach balance at all costs. That is not how we help families. That is not how we help people with the costs of child care.
Mr. Speaker, our government understands and supports the aerospace sector. It is a sector that employs 180,000 people, not only in Montreal or Quebec but across Canada. It is a sector that contributes $29 billion to our GDP. That is why we take very seriously the engagement with Bombardier.On December 11, it approached the federal government officially in writing to ask for up to $1 billion. We are doing our due diligence. We are looking at the business case. We understand the importance of not only Bombardier but this sector and we will ensure that any decision that we make will be in the best interests of Canadians and Quebeckers.
Mr. Speaker, tonight, the Prime Minister is going to be in Washington with his pals at the Center for American Progress. While energy workers continue to lose their jobs across the country, they will be watching the Prime Minister sip champagne.Let us be clear. This is the group that is responsible for the president's rejection of the Keystone XL pipeline. Will the Prime Minister use his special new relationship and publicly state in Washington that he supports Keystone, and ask the president publicly to reverse his decision on Keystone?
Mr. Speaker, in the fall of 2014, as members know, the former government approved a project and set out a series of legally binding conditions with which the proponent must comply. B.C. Hydro must meet the requirements set out in these conditions and we are verifying that it is in fact the case. The minister has been involved and engaged in discussions with first nations people and other indigenous organizations to try to ensure that we are clearly understanding those concerns, and we will continue to engage on that basis going forward.
Mr. Speaker, we have a fundamentally different approach. We have an approach for growing our economy. That is what Canadians voted for on the 19th of October, and that is exactly what we are going to be delivering. We are going to invest in innovation, we are going to invest in productivity, and we are going to invest in infrastructure. We are going to invest in the middle class for this country.
Mr. Speaker, as the member across knows, this is a matter that is before the courts, and so I will not speak to the particular circumstances with respect to that. However, I will say that with the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, we will work collaboratively in terms of the mandates and approaches that are being put forward in negotiating and settling the land question in British Columbia. The member can rest assured that this settlement will be based on a nation-to-nation relationship that is based on recognition.
Mr. Speaker, the Government of Canada is committed to the successful implementation of the Indian residential school settlement agreement and to fulfilling all of its obligations under the agreement. The abuse of children is tragic and unacceptable.While I cannot comment about specific cases, under the independent assessment process, I can say that Canada has complied with Justice Perell's June 2015 order and provided all the documents as soon as they were complete.In addition, Canada has revised and made available an updated school narrative and person-of-interest reports for St. Anne's Residential School, in compliance with court direction
Mr. Speaker, there is a saying in my neighbourhood, You lie to your friends, I'll lie to my friends; let's not lie to each other.Here is the true record of what the Conservative government has done over the last 10 years. The Conservatives closed Veterans Affairs offices and cut staff by 800 people. For the last 10 years, it has really been a shame. We are working hard to ensure that we treat our men and women with care, compassion, and respect. I have an aggressive mandate letter from the Prime Minister that will result in more employment opportunities for veterans and support for their families. We plan on following through exactly with that.
Mr. Speaker, if the Prime Minister were really sincere about corporate tax fairness, he would start by reducing and getting rid of the cuts to corporate taxes that the Conservatives brought in with the Liberals' complicity, as they voted for the Conservative budget.Our seniors should never, ever have to choose between paying for their groceries, their housing or their medication. The Liberals promised, and I quote, to immediately [boost] the guaranteed income supplement...by 10%. Five months later, nothing has changed and seniors continue to suffer.What exactly did they mean by immediately?
Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the member for SydneyVictoria for his continued hard work regarding this project. We know there are significant benefits to infrastructure investment. That is why our government has committed to add $60 billion of new money into infrastructure over the next 10 years. We understand that well planned infrastructure investments in regions like Cape Breton generate economic growth, create jobs, and leave a lasting legacy for Canadians. I have met with my counterparts in Nova Scotia, and we will continue to work together on our shared infrastructure priorities.
Mr. Speaker, Nadiya Savchenko, a Ukrainian air force pilot and member of the Ukrainian parliament, has been held illegally in a Russian prison for 21 long months.Many thousands of people in Ukraine and around the world are demanding her release as she continues her hunger strike, yet all the efforts by the international community to advocate for her release have been brushed aside by Moscow.Time is running out. How can Canada's call for the release of Ms. Savchenko be taken seriously when all the Liberals want to do is have happy talk with Putin?
Mr. Speaker, the National Defence military foreign service instructions define a combat mission as, where the use or threatened use of force, including lethal force, is...[used] to accomplish a mission.Yesterday, Canada's Chief of the Defence Staff admitted that, in the Liberals' new expanded mission in Iraq, Canadian troops will be authorized not only to use lethal force but also to shoot first. To everyone, except the current government, that sounds exactly like the definition of combat. Why is the Liberal government continuing to try to disguise the nature of this mission and its risks?
Mr. Speaker, Liberal policies make doing business in Canada more expensive. Auto manufacturers are hurting in Ontario because our electricity rates are 30% higher than in other jurisdictions, and that is before the new Liberal carbon tax. When will the Liberal government give manufacturers a break, rather than break manufacturers?
Mr. Speaker, the residential schools tragedy is still a burden for so many people. For example, a survivor of St. Anne's residential school in northern Ontario is seeking justice, but he is being thwarted by Justice Department lawyers who knowingly, yes, knowingly, withheld documents that would have helped his case. That is not only unacceptable, it is appalling. Will the Minister of Justice order her officials to stop denying this survivor's legitimate requests and to stop obstructing justice?
Mr. Speaker, we recognize that much work needs to be done to resolve longstanding indigenous land claims. However, every government in the past has been unequivocal that private property is not on the table. The recent lawsuit by SSN is looking to declare aboriginal title over private property. As the premier of B.C. said, this has huge implications across Canada.Will the Minister of Justice step up to protect Canadian private property rights?
Mr. Speaker, the B.C. government has stated that it will vigorously oppose any declaration that creates any uncertainty for private property owners. On January 15, the Minister of Justice asked for an extension before making a decision. Well, it has been close to eight weeks and there has still been no response.While the Premier of B.C. has boldly reassured Canadians, the justice minister has left land owners in the dark. Will she stand with the premier of B.C. to defend property rights, yes or no?
Mr. Speaker, we learned this week that the Liberals are cancelling the community war memorial program. This program that was implemented by the Conservatives in 2010 has enabled communities and organizations across Canada to build new or to upgrade old cenotaphs and war memorials honouring the achievements and sacrifices of those who have served Canada in times of war and peace and military conflict.The Department of Veterans Affairs acknowledges that there is a continued need for this essential program. Since they are listening, why do the Liberals think that cutting this project is a good idea?
Mr. Speaker, for 10 years Canada saw lower growth than it needed to because we had a government that was focused on giving tax benefits to the wealthiest and not helping the middle class succeed, not creating the kinds of investments in infrastructure, in our communities, and indeed for Canadians who needed help. That was actually necessary for our economy.That is why we put forward a plan to invest in the future of our country, and to help middle class Canadians and those working hard to join it. In two weeks, all members in the House, and indeed all Canadians, will be able to see the budget that will make that happen.
Mr. Speaker, while the Liberals will be celebrating with American organizations that are actually determined to kill Canadian jobs, the finance minister back at home keeps racking up the bills. The Prime Minister broke his promise to limit borrowing to a modest $10 billion. Economists are now saying the Liberals will add $150 billion in debt over the next four years, but it will have virtually no impact on growth.The Prime Minister was left with a surplus. Now that we all know his borrowing will not create jobs and growth, why is the government so determined to bury Canadians in debt?
Mr. Speaker, the former Conservative government inherited a $13-billion surplus, which it spent even before the global recession hit in 2008.We inherited a deficit, and we promised Canadians that we would invest in communities and growth and help the middle class and those working hard to join the middle class. That is precisely what we are going to do. On March 22, we will present our plan for that in the budget.
Mr. Speaker, yesterday, I asked the Prime Minister about the recent deal that the government made with millionaire tax cheats. He responded that all Canadians should pay their taxes in the future. To those currently filling out their tax forms, it is a bit of a surprise to learn that this was not the case before, and that the government lets multi-millionaire tax cheats off the hook with no penalty whatsoever.I will ask the Prime Minister again. Will he conduct an investigation and put a stop to these sweetheart deals for multi-millionaire tax cheats?
Mr. Speaker, that could not be more misconstrued.As the minister explicitly said in his declaration yesterday, the Government of Canada is gravely concerned about the health of Nadiya Savchenko, who has been unlawfully detained by Russia. We have repeatedly underlined that her transfer to Russia was illegal, the charges brought against her are politically motivated, and her treatment during her detention is a matter of grave concern.The Government of Canada calls on Russia to immediately release her and return her to her friends, colleagues, and family in Ukraine.
Mr. Speaker, the courts are waiting, and have been waiting after the minister has asked for extension after extension, to hear what the position of the Government of Canada will be. The people of Kamloops are worried and she has been delaying the response. Please, will she stand up and tell Canadians that she will defend private property rights in Canada?
Mr. Speaker, for years, judges were routinely granting two-for-one and even three-for-one credits for time served before trial. This is why we brought in the Truth in Sentencing Act to ensure that convicted offenders serve the sentences they were given. Now it appears that there are judges in Ontario who are disregarding that law. The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice says a law is a law is a law. Are they going to do what it takes to enforce the present law or will criminals continue to get a break?
Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the Minister of Veterans Affairs indicated that he was working with the Department of Canadian Heritage to identify opportunities for advancing the construction of a memorial monument. However, we still do not know whether there will be a national monument specifically for the Afghanistan mission.My question is for the minister. Will the budget include an envelope for the national monument announced by our Conservative government, yes or no?
Mr. Speaker, there have been widespread consultations, indeed, the widest consultations that have taken place in this Parliament. I think on a day like today, when we are all communicating together, we can all agree upon the importance of accepting a document produced by the Department of Finance Canada, the Fiscal Monitor, showing that we had a surplus of $2.2 billion at the end of 2015.
Mr. Speaker, earlier, I asked the chair of the Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology a question. In the House, when the person to whom a question is addressed is present, it is customary for that person to answer. I would like that person to answer my question today.
Mr. Speaker, the previous government went into deficit to fight the biggest financial crisis since the 1930s and then balanced the budget without raising taxes. The Liberals are spending money they do not have, to fight a recession we are not in. They have already slashed tax-free savings accounts, and now they are jacking up payroll taxes.How high will taxes go to pay for risky Liberal deficits?
Mr. Speaker, contrary to what the minister has insinuated several times over the past four months, the previous Conservative government did more for veterans than any other Canadian government since the Pension Act of 1919 was passed. The Liberal government cancelled the community war memorial program. This clearly shows that this government is not interested in honouring our veterans. Properly honouring our men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces is not militarism, it is quite simply a moral imperative.Now that the Liberals are cancelling this program, how do they intend to honour the achievements of members of the Royal Canadian Air Force who fought against ISIS?
Mr. Speaker, in fact, our government left the country with the highest growth in the G7 and the lowest taxes in 50 years. The Prime Minister needs to understand that Canadians did not actually sign up or vote for this mountain of debt. Not only did the Prime Minister mislead Canadians on these Liberal spending habits but he has absolutely no plan to pay it back, other than raising taxes.When will the Prime Minister realize, like all Canadians, he has to live within his means and he has to pay this money back?
Mr. Speaker, Nadiya Savchenko has restarted her hunger strike. Her health is deteriorating, and the Liberals have done next to nothing.The charges against Nadiya are clearly trumped up. This illegal show trial demonstrates the Russian regime's utter contempt for international law, due process, and human rights. Rallies are scheduled across Canada this evening, demanding her release.The Liberals are saying that they want to talk to Russia; so, will the Prime Minister pick up the phone, call the Kremlin, and demand that it free Nadiya Savchenko immediately?
Mr. Speaker, Canada-U.S. relations were so bad in recent years that this former government was unable to reach a new agreement when the old softwood lumber agreement expired.It was up to us to take over this file, and I talked to President Obama about it at the first opportunity I had to sit down with him. We are working on this file, and we hope to have good news for Canadians in the weeks and months to come.
Mr. Speaker, the Liberals are missing in action. The Canadian manufacturing jobs are at risk. The low dollar has put Canadians goods on sale, but the Liberals refuse to explain how they will encourage private sector investment. Yesterday, they even blocked the industry committee from asking Bombardier about a billion-dollar bailout. What are the Liberals hiding? Is the reason the Liberals will not share their plan with Canadians that they do not have a plan to share?
Mr. Speaker, it is a tremendous pleasure to see you there today.I thank my hon. colleague for her question and for her leadership both as an individual and as a former health minister on this issue. I salute you, as the hon. member for OttawaVanier and as Speaker, for the dignity and grace that you bring to the House every day as you battle this terrible disease. Like many of us in this House, I was pleased to take part in a number of ice bucket challenges, both as dumpee and dumper. I was pleased to do my part to help raise money for research and awareness for ALS.Canadians pride themselves on looking out for one another, and I join the Leader of the Opposition in urging everyone to give their time and financial support to organizations that are working so hard to find a cure for this terrible disease.
Mr. Speaker, I will ask in French and give my colleague opposite a chance. CNN reported that American air strikes in Syria likely killed the person thought to be ISIS's minister of war, a Chechen fighter who joined rebel groups in Syria and then swore allegiance to ISIS in 2012. He participated in ISIS propaganda and recruitment videos, and the U.S. State Department offered a $5-million reward to have him removed. I thank those U.S. pilots for what they did. How can the government continue to doubt the effectiveness of air strikes against ISIS?
Mr. Speaker, I would remind the House that the former international trade minister had made a lot of progress on this file. I hope this situation will be resolved quickly.During the election campaign, the Prime Minister talked about small deficits, slight deficits. We left a balanced budget for this fiscal year; the numbers are there. For the current year, there was an operating surplus. The Liberals cannot even tell us what their operating deficit for the current year will be, not to mention that TD Bank forecasts $150 billion in deficits on account of the Liberal government's management. When will the Prime Minister bring our country back to balanced budgets?
Mr. Speaker, it is not pursuing this matter before the courts and that is the problem. It is letting them off the hook with no fine, no penalty, and no interest to pay.Canadians are sick of this flim-flammery that allows multi-millionaires to avoid paying taxes and to be coddled by the government.Yesterday, the Prime Minister could not even tell us whether he disagreed with this deal.I have a very specific question for the Prime Minister. Can he confirm that this is the one and only time that the government has offered this kind of sweetheart deal to millionaires? Yes or no? Are there other similar agreements?
Mr. Speaker, after years of complacency by the former Liberal government, in 2006, our Conservative government signed a softwood lumber agreement with our American partners. At the time, companies were paying up to 37% in export duties, and billions of dollars, money that belonged to Canadian companies, was being hoarded in the United States.Can the Prime Minister promise that when he goes to Washington he will ask President Obama not to waste any time signing an agreement that will allow the forestry industry to continue to grow and provide jobs in every region of Canada?
Mr. Speaker, we are very concerned about the plight of our seniors. That is why we promised to boost the guaranteed income supplement for our most vulnerable seniors by 10% in our election platform.In addition, as part of our infrastructure investments, we promised to create housing for our seniors. These are all things that we can promise and we can do, because we told Canadians that we are going to invest in communities.The opposition member, who unfortunately promised to balance the budget, would have slashed $18 billion, which needs to go to our seniors and all Canadians, instead of making the investments they need.
Mr. Speaker, the Liberals are borrowing money they do not have, to spend on pet projects we do not need. They are throwing fiscal responsibility onto the spending bonfire. With $150 billion expected in borrowing, a balanced budget under the Liberals is nothing but a pipe dream.When will the Liberals realize that we have to pay this money back and that borrowed money is not free?
Mr. Speaker, in terms of our approach, we are undertaking a comprehensive review of the criminal justice system. That includes sentencing reform to determine efficiencies and effectiveness in the process and I will ensure that I work with my colleagues, including the Minister of Public Safety, to look at bail reform and other matters with respect to how we can proceed and ensure fairness, equality, compliance with the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and that the accused's rights are respected.
Mr. Speaker, it is another week and another broken promise. In Paris, the Prime Minister promised he would give Canadians a climate change plan within 90 days. Last week in Vancouver, the 90 days were up. What happened? There is no plan, just a plan to have a plan. Surprise, surprise, he also threatened to hammer the provinces with a carbon tax grab.As the Prime Minister wines and dines in Washington, as investors flee Canada, and as Canadians lose thousands of jobs, will he now admit that he is in way over his head?
Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Transport and it pertains to a critical threat to the survival of VIA Rail and our coast to coast service.The previous minister of transportation convened a panel, chaired by former cabinet minister David Emerson, and it has now reported. Shockingly, it recommends that the Liberal government kill passenger rail service between Toronto and Vancouver. This transcontinental train, the Canadian, is an essential part of Sir John A. Macdonald's national dream.Could the minister confirm that the government will protect VIA Rail, and restore and invest in our trans-Canada rail service?
Mr. Speaker, Iran today test fired two ballistic missiles that the regime said proved its ability to strike Israel. The missiles carried the words, Israel must be wiped out.Former Liberal MP Irwin Cotler is on record saying, I don't know if [the Prime Minister] has an appreciation of evil. The Prime Minister said this week that he thought Canada was sending exactly the right signals on Iran.Is this not just another example of the Prime Minister's inability to appreciate evil?
Mr. Speaker, I would like the hon. member to explain what he does not get about democracy.We have had an election over the past year, the longest election campaign in Canadian history. The decision of the Canadian people was definitive on October 19.We then had a debate here for four or five days, with 98 speakers. The vote this week was definitive.What part of democracy does the hon. member not get? We have debated this and debated this. The people have spoken. It is unfortunate for the hon. member.
It is not a tragedy, it is a criminal crime.
Mr. Speaker, during the election campaign, the Liberals promised to raise the bar on transparency, but yesterday there was a dramatic turn of events.The Liberal members of the Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology voted unanimously against a motion that we moved to invite Bombardier to testify before the committee. Committee members wanted to know why Bombardier needed $1.2 billion in support. My question today is for the chair of the Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology. Why is he determined to prevent Bombardier from testifying before parliamentarians?
Mr. Speaker, I, too, feel that this is a terrible tragedy
Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for the clarification. Pedophilia is a terrible crime, and we need to deal with the ongoing effects of those abuses. I can tell the hon. member that I am the client and the Minister of Justice is my adviser, and we will get to the bottom of this and seek justice.