Most toxic speeches
Madam Speaker, on October 22, 2014, a jihadi terrorist struck at the heart of our freedom and our democracy. Corporal Nathan Cirillo was brutally gunned down just steps from where we are now. That happened two days after Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent was murdered. Last year, our government honoured the men's sacrifice, but this year, the Liberals want Canadians to forget. There will be no commemorative ceremony.Why are the Liberals dishonouring these men who died in the line of duty by trying to pretend these jihadi attacks never happened?
Madam Speaker, October 22 marks two years since a jihadist terrorist struck at the heart of our freedom and democracy. Corporal Nathan Cirillo was brutally gunned down just steps from here. The thickness of a door and the brave actions of our Hill security staff saved members here a similar fate. It was two days after a jihadist murdered Warrant Office Patrice Vincent. Last year, our government honoured the sacrifice of these men, but this year the Liberals want Canadians to forget. There will be no memorial. Why are the Liberals dishonouring these fallen men and trying to pretend that these jihadist attacks never happened?
Madam Speaker, it is a failure on the part of the Liberal government, and it is going to wear it.While the finance minister provides special cash for access treatment for his elite Liberal friends, ordinary Canadians are worried. Now more than ever, Canadians are concerned about how they will maintain their own family's budget, yet the finance minister is planning to blow past his targets and add billions more to the deficit, a deficit that will have to be paid for by Canadians. When will the Liberals get control of their reckless spending and stop damaging our economy?
Madam Speaker, every once in a while, the member rises in her place and wants to decide herself what the government should do about a project that is currently in front of the regulator. The National Energy Board will look at evidence and I am sure would be very pleased to consider what the hon. member has to say, but for the government to respond to that question and kill a project that has not yet been considered would be irresponsible.
Madam Speaker, for years Canadian police officers have worked hard and served with distinction on the Federal Judicial Advisory Committee. What an insult it is now that for no reason, the Liberal government has terminated their membership on this committee. I want to know why the Prime Minister would show such disrespect for those who risk their lives every day to serve and protect Canadians. I would like to know that.
Madam Speaker, Canadian police officers have worked hard and served the Federal Judicial Advisory Committee well. It is an insult to terminate their membership in the committee. Why would the Minister of Justice show such disrespect to people who risk their lives day after day to serve and protect Canadians?
Madam Speaker, in the last campaign just a year ago, the Liberals promised to stop the terrible Conservative plan to strip Canadians overseas of their sacred right to vote, but yesterday we learned that the Liberals are actually continuing the Conservatives' fight at the Supreme Court of Canada against Canadians living abroad. The Liberal Party had the audacity to hit these very same Canadians up for a donation during the campaign. Someone once said A Canadian is a Canadian is a Canadian, and I agree, so why would the Liberals take up Stephen Harper's scheme to rob 1.5 million Canadians of their right to vote?
Madam Speaker, it is no secret that the Alberta economy is suffering and that Albertans are suffering. There is growing frustration, and the Liberals have given up even trying to help. The evidence is clear. It has been one year since the Liberals promised sunny ways. In that time, Calgary's unemployment rate has grown by 36%, higher than the national average. The Liberals keep hiking taxes and making things worse. Why are the Liberals kicking Calgarians when they are already down?
Madam Speaker, both the Minister of Finance and the Prime Minister held cash for access fundraisers in obvious violation of the Prime Minister's code of ethics. They claim that they are complying with the Ethics Commissioner, yet the commissioner told The Globe and Mail that she cannot tell whether the rules were breached because the Prime Minister gave that power to the Privy Council Office. Who does the Privy Council Office answer to? Guess who? It is the Prime Minister. Is this what he calls open and accountable government?When will the Prime Minister actually start being transparent with Canadians?
Madam Speaker, the Prime Minister has unveiled his plan for creating jobs in Beverly Hills and Hollywood. He put the premiers in charge of implementing his new $39-billion carbon tax. Kathleen Wynne plans to spend $300 million of it buying carbon credits from California, so that the middle class, and those working to join it, will pay more in food, fuel, and everything else, to send a pot of gold to the Golden State. Why are the Liberals forcing Ontarians and Canadians to pay for their California dreaming?
Madam Speaker, today my thoughts are with the families affected by the 7,500 layoffs at Bombardier, including 2,000 in Canada and 1,500 in Quebec. It is unfortunate, but this is just more proof that the Liberals are incapable of managing Canada's economy. For a year now, the Liberals have been talking about an economic plan and spending billions of dollars on the backs of our children. Does the Prime Minister finally realize that taxing people and accumulating debt is no way to create jobs?When will the Liberals present a real plan to stimulate economic growth?
Madam Speaker, that was a constituency association event.It looks like the Prime Minister is picking up right where Kathleen Wynne left off. It should be no surprise to anyone considering that Gerry Butts created the Liberal cash for access fundraising scheme in Ontario. The Prime Minister himself instructed ministers that there shall be no preferential access to government in exchange for partisan political donations from the Liberal elite. The Prime Minister needs to keep his word. Why can the Prime Minister and his ministers not see that using their government positions to line the pockets of their
Madam Speaker, raising taxes on small businesses is not going to help them.The Liberals promised that their $10 billion deficit would go toward infrastructure spending to create jobs, but 110,000 Canadians have lost their jobs across the country and the Liberal deficit continues to grow. Meanwhile, there seems to be a new tax every day. The Liberals hiked taxes on small business and they continue to hike taxes on everyday Canadians. When will the millionaire finance minister stop his war on the middle class?
Madam Speaker, the Liberals are once again supporting Conservative policies in our courts. First, they took veterans to court regarding promised pensions and now this government is denying ex-pat Canadians the right to vote. Just like pensions for veterans, that is something they promised to change.When will the Liberals keep their promises and stop recycling tired Conservative policies, the same policies they campaigned against only a year ago?
Madam Speaker, after several missed opportunities, the government now has a chance to kill two birds with one stone. For decades now, Quebeckers, Canadians, and the people of Trois-Rivières have been anxiously awaiting a corridor dedicated to passenger rail service in the Quebec City-Windsor axis. The VIA Rail project does exactly that, not to mention that it would also reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.Does the government plan to step up and answer VIA Rail's call, to finally bring Canada into the 21st century?
Madam Speaker, the situation in Syria is disastrous. We have all seen the photos and we have all seen the reports. Yesterday, the Minister of Foreign Affairs attended a plenary meeting of the UN General Assembly proposed by Canada. Could he tell the House about the substance of the debates?
Madam Speaker, for 197 years the Arva Flour Mill has had a perfect safety record. This week is Small Business Week, but this small business will not have anything to celebrate if the labour minister does not grant an exemption from the federal labour code. It has been months since I asked the minister for action, and there has still been no contact with the mill from her or her office.Is it the plan of the minister to let the small mill die a slow death? The minister has the authority to exempt it. Will the minister do her job and keep
Madam Speaker, the minister can keep on with that fantasy, but it is not working. In fact, out-of-control Liberal spending, a slipping Canadian economy, and the downgrade of Bank of Canada forecasts, could add billions to the federal deficit. What is the Liberal solution? More taxes on Canadians. Whether it is the payroll tax grab, a carbon tax, or increased taxes on small businesses, the only plan the Liberals seem to have is to punish Canadians with more taxes. When will the Liberals stop helping themselves and start helping Canadians?
Madam Speaker, the situation in Muskrat Falls continues to spiral out of control. The Nunatsiavut government is calling on the Prime Minister to immediately amend authorizations under the Fisheries Act in order to protect indigenous waterways and fishing zones.This government claims that no relationship is more important than the relationship with indigenous peoples. Now is the time for it to walk the talk.Will the government honour this simple request from the Nunatsiavut government and the member for Labrador?
Madam Speaker, the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner has condemned these fundraisers where $1,500 buys you access to a minister.This gives people the impression that the government is for sale to the highest bidder, especially when it comes to the Minister of Finance. It is time to restore public funding of political parties and put a cap on donations, as it is done in Quebec.When is the government going to close the door on potential cronyism and brown envelopes?
Madam Speaker, Canada needs a national action plan on abandoned vessels. They pose terrible risks to our economy and our environment, but the government's ship-by-ship approach is too slow and too expensive. At the rate we are moving, it will take a century to clean up the 600 abandoned vessels littering Canada's coasts. B.C. has heard dozens of motions of good intentions. Do we really need another? When will the government deal with a clear action plan and table it in the House to, once and for all, deal with abandoned vessels in Canada?
Madam Speaker, this week is Small Business Week in Canada. One small business in my riding, which services oil rigs, contributes $340,000 yearly to the local economy in fuel. However, with its fleet of 20 trucks, and the Liberal carbon tax, this business will pay an additional $29,000 annually in fuel alone. The carbon tax is roughly the cost of employing one to two shop hands, one mechanic, or one labourer. Why are the Liberals forcing a carbon tax that will hurt the struggling oil and gas industry even further?
Madam Speaker, we are having a hard time understanding what lesson the Conservatives are trying to teach us about fundraising.Members will certainly recall that the former member for Labrador had to resign because of a fundraising scandal. Members will also remember that the Conservative prime minister's ethical advisor, his parliamentary secretary, was escorted to a van in handcuffs and taken to prison by police because of his fundraising activities. Quite frankly, the Conservatives have no lessons to give on fundraising.
Madam Speaker, this morning, we learned that Bombardier is going to cut 7,500 jobs, including 1,500 in Quebec. That is on top of the restructuring that was already announced earlier this year.This government promised to invest in this Quebec flagship. However, Bombardier is still waiting for that assistance. This government has already failed former Aveos employees. It must not fail Bombardier workers too.What happened to the promise to help Bombardier?
Madam Speaker, more words, less action, less jobs.The Prime Minister's ethics rules were very clear. I want to quote: There should be no preferential access to government, or appearance of preferential access, for political donors.Now it is clear, those were just empty words. Ministers do not follow them, and the Prime Minister will not enforce them.The question is simple. Will the government turn that empty promise of good intentions into actual rules that are enforced?
Madam Speaker, we share my colleague's concern about these derelict and abandoned vessels that, frankly, are on every coast of the country, including some of the lakes. It is a problem that our government has committed to rectify.The Minister of Transport and I have been working with a number of stakeholders, and I know that the member is excited about the plan that we will be tabling. The good news for all member of the House is that the plan is coming very soon.
Madam Speaker, I was surprised on Monday that the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs said that she was committed to transparency and was willing to provide financial statements at any time.I was surprised by this because this is absolutely not the experience of local Alberta first nations. So far they have been ignored. On behalf of the Kainai reserve, I have asked many times for the KPMG audit, which was completed last year, only to be stonewalled.When will the minister provide the Kainai reserve with the financial audit? What are they trying to hide?
Madam Speaker, the Canada-EU trade agreement is a historic agreement. It took years to negotiate, and it was the Conservatives which did the hard part. We negotiated a deal that will benefit Canadian families and businesses in every sector of the country. Now the Liberal government is struggling with what should be the easy part, putting the final signature on a deal we delivered.When will the Prime Minister pick up the dropped ball from his trade minister and get the job done for Canadians?
Madam Speaker, I think a reality check is needed here. An audit at Alexander First Nation identified $2.1 million in unexplained payments. As the former CFO said, You take those concerns to Indian Affairs. Indian Affairs says you have to go back to the chief and council. You bring it back to chief and council it gets swept under the rug. You go to the RCMP, you've got to have proof. So they spin our people around.When will the minister ensure that band members have access to basic financial information that all other Canadians enjoy?
Madam Speaker, while the minister is talking, two major Canadian financial institutions are asking the government to stop spending. What fine rhetoric.Just two days ago, the Minister of Transport was patting himself on the back in the House for his work on the Bombardier file. However, the first thing he did as minister was to cancel the Billy Bishop airport project, which would have enabled Bombardier to sign a big contract and create jobs.Canadians are tired of the Liberals' speeches. The truth is that there is no plan for the economy, economic growth, or job creation.Does the Minister of Finance realize that he is about to hit a wall and that he must focus on job creation?
Madam Speaker, a disabled veteran contacted the Minister of Transport concerned about a rail crossing yards away from his home. Water floods the ditches, saturating the tracks during heavy rains. CN has said this is absolutely a safety concern as the tracks could shift and derail a train carrying oil through that city. The minister responded by telling the gentleman to contact his local MP. Seriously?When did the minister put me in charge of monitoring rail safety?
Madam Speaker, I would remind the hon. member that this deal was dead when we took over office, and it is only because of the progressive elements that we have added to the agreement that we have come this far. We have worked hard to respond to the concerns expressed by European member states, but we are disappointed. The minister is personally disappointed and I am disappointed, after all that hard work, that the Europeans have been unable to make a decision. Even though we share similar values, even though we have been extremely patient, even though we have been flexible, there is no agreement yet on the table.
Madam Speaker, the current government's paternal and top-down approach to financial transparency for first nations must come to an end. If the Liberals are not enforcing the First Nations Financial Transparency Act, they are breaking the law. The minister told the House on Monday that if band members want to know how their chief and council are spending the money, they just have to ask her office.Why are the Liberals forcing band members to go to a government department to receive information that should be readily available in the community?
Madam Speaker, again I would like to remind the members opposite that on July 9 of this year, just three short months ago, the Leader of the Opposition, along with former prime minister Stephen Harper, held a barbecue fundraiser in Calgary and charged a whopping $2,000 a table.
Madam Speaker, we respect the tremendous sacrifices that occurred with Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent and Corporal Nathan Cirillo when they made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.It is at events, in Ottawa, on November 11, and throughout the world, where we pay tribute to those who have made that ultimate sacrifice, to our Canadian Armed Forces members, and to others who serve and secure this country daily. We will honour them. We will respect them. We understand the tremendous sacrifice made by them and their families, and we will respect them going forward.
Madam Speaker, it is common knowledge that the Liberals' ethics are rather loose. What did 10 years in purgatory teach the Liberals opposite? Absolutely nothing.By way of evidence, we learned that the Minister of Finance made himself available to people who are rich like him for a price. He charged $1,500 for an evening.Will the minister be transparent once and for all and give us the names of those who attended the event that evening?
Madam Speaker, 2,000: that is the number of Canadians who are about to lose their job because of the government's inaction.Workers at Bombardier have been waiting a long time for the government to make good on its investment promise. What have they actually received to date? Nothing.Companies around the world are global giants today because their home governments invest in them. Does the government understand that, and will it finally deliver its investment promise needed to keep good-paying jobs at Bombardier here in Canada?
Madam Speaker, I will repeat that all members of Parliament and all parties fundraise, and we all abide by the exact same rules, rules that were put in place by the previous Harper government. Events like these are one part of every party's fundraising and engagement work. Federal politics is subject to some of the strictest political financing legislation and regulations in the country, and the party fully complies with the Elections Act in all cases.
Madam Speaker, last week, a tanker barge ran aground off of B.C.'s north coast, spilling 200,000 litres of toxic fuel into a sensitive area. After a slow response, one of the ships helping with the cleanup also began to sink, and this is what the minister calls a world-class response. This relatively minor incident still caused major damage. If it had been a fully-loaded supertanker, the devastation would have been off the chart. When will the government finally implement a permanent ban off of B.C.'s north coast?
Madam Speaker, the Liberal budget admitted that the deficit would be more than twice what the Liberals promised during the election. The finance minister has now said that it will be bigger still, because economic growth is down. But wait? Were we not told that big deficits would solve that problem? If deficits created growth, our economy would be roaring right now. Instead, it is stalled. When will the finance minister realize that spending money we do not have is not the solution, it is the problem?
Madam Speaker, one year after the Liberal government was elected and three years after the Lac-Mégantic tragedy, the people of Lac-Mégantic are still jolted awake every night by the sound of trains going right through their downtown core.The Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, the Leader of the Opposition, all the parties of the House, the municipal unions of Quebec, everyone supports the plan for a rail bypass in Lac-Mégantic.The Minister of Transport says he is anxiously awaiting the results of the feasibility study for this important project. The locals are even more anxious.When will the minister take action?
Madam Speaker, as the member well knows, the Canada Labour Code requires employers to implement preventative measures to ensure that employees are not exposed to dangerous conditions. A danger directive was issued back in May to Arva Flour. The labour program's health and safety officers are working with the employer to ensure its compliance with the code. It would be inappropriate for me or the minister to speak anymore about the matter.
Madam Speaker, we take very seriously the challenges facing people in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Newfoundland and Labrador. We know that resource prices are hitting that province hard. We have made a number of decisions that are making a difference for people in Alberta, and across Canada: the tax decreases, which are helping them; the Canada child benefit, which helps nine out of ten families with more money in their pockets; and the changes to our employment insurance system, which makes a difference in softening the landing. In the long term, we are making investments that can help to grow our economy, and grow the economy of Alberta.
Madam Speaker, the Prime Minister has said time and time again that energy east needs social acceptability.However, it is not up to the National Energy Board to determine whether a project is socially acceptable. It is up to the population, the public. The NEB should not be telling us what to do, and Canadians are saying no to energy east.Tuesday, the City of Gatineau spoke out against the energy east pipeline. That is four of the five largest cities in Quebec that have officially said no to the project.What will it take for this government to understand that Quebeckers want nothing to do with the energy east pipeline? The answer is no.
Madam Speaker, it is a great privilege to be here on this traditional Algonquin territory. As a government, we are firmly committed to enhancing Canadians' participation in our democratic institutions. We believe that more Canadians ought to be able to vote. We are currently examining the law as it relates to long-term, non-resident Canadians who wish to vote in federal elections. We intend to introduce legislation this year that will meet the needs of highly mobile Canadian citizens who live in today's increasingly interconnected world.
Madam Speaker, this government believes that all Canadians deserve access to housing that meets their needs and that they can afford. With budget 2016, this government has shown its will to renew Canada's leadership on housing.Could the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development tell us how we are involved in this file internationally?
Madam Speaker, all members of Parliament and all parties fundraise and we will abide by the exact same rules, rules that were put in place by the previous government, rules that many members sitting on that side of the House use to fundraise for the Conservative Party, for example.I would like to remind members opposite that on May 19, 2015, former finance minister Joe Oliver held a fundraising event at the elite private Albany Club of Toronto. This special event was advertised as being held by the hon. Joe Oliver, PC, MP, and charged $500 a head.The point is that we are following the laws of Elections Canada.
Madam Speaker, yesterday, Canada used a special measure to bring the world together, namely a plenary meeting of the UN General Assembly on the humanitarian crisis in Aleppo. The international community was clear. There needs to be a real ceasefire and emergency humanitarian aid for a country that has been going without since July. The Assad regime and its supporters, chiefly Russia, need to hear the message loud and clear: stop the bombings and allow the humanitarian aid to go through.
Madam Speaker, all members of Parliament and all parties fundraise and we all abide by the exact same rules, rules that were put in place by the previous government, rules that many members sitting on the other side of the House use to fundraise for the Conservative Party.I would like to remind the members opposite that on July 9 of this year, just three short months ago, the Leader of the Opposition, along with former prime minister Stephen Harper, held a barbecue fundraiser in Calgary and charged a whopping $2,000 per table. I do not know about anyone else, but I have never been to a barbecue where someone has to buy a table.Clearly, the
Madam Speaker, our government remains committed to improving marine safety in Canada and ensuring the protection of our marine environment. The Nathan E. Stewart incident underlines the need for changes as a result of these incidents, and that is why the minister is currently working on a coastal strategy to enhance marine safety in a meaningful way. He has named a minister's observer to support the Transportation Safety Board's investigation, and Transport Canada officials have initiated a compliance inspection.We will take the necessary action on the findings to enhance marine safety in Canada.
Madam Speaker, everyone, including first nations governments, wants to ensure there is increased transparency and accountability. But we are going to achieve this by working in partnership with first nations, not a top-down approach that is made in Ottawa.What I will say is that we take the allegations of misuse of public funds very seriously, and when necessary, INAC conducts forensic audits to ensure that the funds are used for the intended manner. We treat the allegations of misused funds very seriously, and we will be following through to ensure that funds are invested properly.
Madam Speaker, that is exactly what we did.We came up with a plan for economic growth in our country. That was the goal of budget 2016. It is important to know that our growth rate was too low during the past decade and now we have to invest in the future for Canadian families, for our children and our grandchildren. That is exactly what we are doing.
Madam Speaker, we came into office with stalled growth from the previous government. That was exactly what we faced and what Canadians decided was a problem. That is why they agreed with us that the right way to address this is to make significant investments in Canadians today and tomorrow. The kinds of measures we put in place, such as the Canada child benefit, are having an impact now. They are starting to be put into the economy. The infrastructure investments that we have put in place are starting to come into the economy now. We know that we are going to make a long-term difference for Canadians by taking the right decisions for their future.
Madam Speaker, in Quebec there is consensus about the separation of church and state. However, that is not the case here.This week, the House of Commons welcomed Caliph Ahmad. To mark the occasion, some non-Muslim Liberal members wore the veil. Furthermore, there was a call to prayer right here in Centre Block.While Quebec is debating the secularism of institutions, the House of Commons is morphing into a place of worship.Have we not clearly established the separation of state and religion?Once and for all, could we please affirm secularism in institutions, starting with Parliament?
Madam Speaker, we all understand that many members sitting on that side of the House
Madam Speaker, the Prime Minister also wrote to his ministers to inform them that the performance of their official duties and the arrangement of their private affairs should bear the closest public scrutiny.He went on to say, This is an obligation that is not fully discharged by simply acting within the law. Those instructions seem very clear to me. Nevertheless, the Minister of Finance is defending himself by saying that he acted within the law.Why is the Prime Minister refusing to make his ministers obey the instructions that he himself gave them?
Madam Speaker, as I mentioned, our thoughts continue to be with the families of the victims of the tragic events of July 2013.Our government is committed to improving rail safety. In budget 2016 we invested $143 million to improve rail safety and the transportation of dangerous goods.The member should know that the final results from the city-led study have not been released and we are still awaiting the technical details. Therefore, the minister would like to see the results before rendering a final decision. We are conscious that the citizens of Lac-Mégantic would like
Madam Speaker, the Minister of Finance recently attended a cash for access fundraiser. The Liberal House leader has repeated ad nauseam that this was within the rules. However, the Prime Minister's document, Open and Accountable Government, says that ministers have an obligation to perform their official duties and arrange their private affairs in a manner that will bear the closest public scrutiny, an obligation that is not fully discharged merely by acting within the law. When will the Prime Minister start enforcing his own code of ethics?
Madam Speaker, if it is the same question, it is the same answer. The same answer is quite frankly that all members of Parliament and all parties fundraise. We know that, and we all abide by the same rules, rules that were put in place by the previous Harper government. The party is in full compliance with the Elections Act. The member knows that.
Madam Speaker, our government is committed to protecting the environment and working towards a clean-growth strategy that benefits the middle class and creates good jobs. Canadians want ambitious action on climate change, they want more leadership from government, they strongly support sustainable development, and they are motivated to make a difference.I want to thank the Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development for their hard work and all the input we received from Canadians across the country.This federal sustainable development strategy will make a real difference to building a more sustainable world for our children and grandchildren.
Madam Speaker, all of Canada remembers the tragic events on October 20 and 22, 2014. We mourn the passing of Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent and Corporal Nathan Cirillo and extend our sympathies to their families.It is at events, in Ottawa, on November 11, and others across Canada and the world, where we will join together as a nation and as a people to recognize and pay tribute to all those brave Canadian soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in wartime and in peace, at home and abroad, to safeguard our values and our way of life. We will remember.
Madam Speaker, it is important to note that all members of Parliament, in all parties, fundraise.We all abide by the exact same rules, rules that were put in place by the previous government. Events like these are one part of every party's fundraising and engagement work.Federal politics is subject to some of the strictest political financing legislation and regulations in the country, and the party fully complies with the Elections Act in all cases.
Madam Speaker, while our hearts go out to those in the oil fields, I would like to make one point. This government does understand small business. We made a huge investment into Destination Canada this year. The small business operators tell us that they want customers. I am pleased to report that Destination Canada has said that tourism was up by over 10%, for June, July, and August. It was the best summer we have had since 2002. Small business operators wanted more customers, and that is what we have given them.
Madam Speaker, we know that providing jobs for middle-class Canadians and providing opportunities for those who want to get into the middle class are critical issues that Canadians are worried about. That is exactly why we did the opposite of what the member said. We lowered taxes on middle-class Canadians because we know that they want to see the benefits from our economy. We know the Canada child benefit helps all Canadians with children, nine out of 10 families, with $2,300 more on average. This is important for middle-class Canadians. It will make a real difference.
Madam Speaker, we were so pleased recently to host the managing director of the International Monetary Fund. She said that she hopes that our policies go viral around the world. The reason for that is because she understands that making fiscal investments in the long-term future of our country is absolutely the right thing to do in a time of low growth. That is what we are going to do to make our economy better for the long term for Canadian families, for all those people who need to have growth, and for their families to have opportunities in the future.
Madam Speaker, it is always great when the member opposite and I agree. We have heard from the 1.2 million Canadians who live abroad and wish to be part of our democratic institutions and participate in the voting process. As I mentioned, we are currently examining legislation to find ways to allow individuals who live abroad in this highly globalized world to be part of our elections, and I look forward to working with the member opposite, since we agree to that end.
Madam Speaker, on June 17, the Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development tabled a unanimous report with recommendations on the federal sustainable development strategy and accompanying legislation. The fact this report received unanimous support from all three parties is testament to Canadians' desire to take the necessary steps to create a more sustainable future. Earlier this month, our government tabled our first federal sustainable development strategy. Can the Minister of Environment advise the House of the progress our government has made on updating the federal sustainable development strategy?
Madam Speaker, that is absolutely the case.We understand that it is important we have good jobs for Canadians. That is an important goal for our government. That is precisely why we decided that the former government's proposed measures were inadequate.We decided to make investments in the future, for example, in infrastructure and the economy, which will be more innovative for the future. This will result in more jobs for Canadians.
Madam Speaker, I am pleased to report that the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development is leading the Canadian delegation in Quito, Ecuador, for the United Nations Habitat III conference. We are there to ensure the new urban agenda is people-centric, respects diversity, and values the inclusion of unrepresented groups. Canada's new approach to housing is being applauded around the world and we are so proud to be part of the international community at UN Habitat III.Canada is back.
Madam Speaker, our government does defend all the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. We value the diversity of the population, we respect the laws and the right of people to pray and to subscribe to a particular faith, and we represent the multiculturalism of our great nation. We respect the laws and the rights of all Canadians in the House and across the country.
Madam Speaker, Canada health transfers provide long-term, predictable funding for provinces and territories and are meant to ensure the universality and accessibility of health care for all Canadians. However, the per capita allocation of this funding does not account for Nunavut's unique regional and infrastructure realities, making it completely inadequate.Will the Minister of Health commit to addressing this inadequacy and adjust this dated system to ensure that Nunavummiut have the same level of service that all other Canadians enjoy?
Madam Speaker, we are the only party that seems to understand that the environment and the economy go together. We are committed to taking serious action on climate change. We are very proud that two weeks ago we were able to ratify the Paris agreement. Unfortunately, the party opposite did not support that. We are working with the provinces and territories to have a pan-Canadian plan that will make a real difference, will create good jobs, and will build a clean economy for future generations, for my children, for our children, and for our grandchildren.
Madam Speaker, I think the member opposite should recall the announcement that we made last week.We committed $54 million to Bombardier and its suppliers to further invest in research and development. We are committed to the aerospace sector. We made investments in Mirabel as well. We are committed to this sector because it is so critical for our economy. It contributes $28 billion of economic activity and employs over 200,000 employees. We made it very clear this is a serious request that we take very importantly. We are going to find a solution, but we want to make sure it is the right solution for taxpayers to make sure we get the right return on investment.
Madam Speaker, first and foremost, our thoughts go out to the workers and their families during this difficult time. We, as a government, understand the challenges that they are going through.With respect to Bombardier, we have been very clear. We have been very engaged with this company. We understand the importance of this company in the aerospace sector.We have said very clearly that it is not a matter of if but how we want to make this investment. I spoke with the CEO and president last night, Alain. He made it very clear, as well, that these restructuring job losses are independent and have nothing to do with the growth discussions we are having with respect to the $1 billion request that they made.
Madam Speaker, certainly, there is no disrespect being shown to law enforcement officers who risk their lives every day to protect our safety. What we have done is institute an open and transparent process for judicial appointments and, unprecedentedly, have put online application forms wherein anyone can apply to be on the Judicial Advisory Committee. As the Minister of Justice, I look forward to being able to nominate three members of that committee as we seek to ensure that we have broad-based diversity on the committee, as well as future appointments of superior court judges.
Madam Speaker, I would like to start by quoting the April monetary policy report, which said that measures in budget 2016 will have a notable positive impact in 2016. What we are talking about is how we can actually deal with the low-growth environment that has been around for the decade that the previous government was sitting in office. We are taking action to make a long-term difference for Canadians. We are doing the things that people expect us to do so that their children and grandchildren will have a better Canada.
Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for his question. We understand that the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is working with the proponent indigenous peoples with respect to this project. We expect the province to assume its responsibilities to ensure that indigenous peoples are protected.
Madam Speaker, our government recognizes the importance of ensuring the safety of our rail transportation system. As such we invested $143 million in budget 2016 to improve rail safety and the transportation of dangerous goods.There are positive developments in the mandate to enhance rail safety and we will continue to improve rail safety.
It was the riding association. Check your facts.
Madam Speaker, I had the opportunity to speak to the territorial health ministers this week, and we discussed the unique circumstances in the territories and the challenges of delivering care. We will of course continue with the Canada health transfer to support the territories. In addition, there is territorial formula financing, to the tune of $1.5 billion that goes to Nunavut each year, that helps to facilitate the expenses in health. In addition to that, there is a territorial health investment fund in the order of $60 million. We are very pleased to make sure that people in the territories, including Nunavut, get the care they need.
Madam Speaker, I think the minister was very clear when she spoke to this issue a few days ago in the House of Commons. Financial transparency is important to us. Accountability is important to us. We know that changes have to be made in how that relationship works with first nations, but again it will not be a top-down approach from our government. It will be in working with the first nations to get the process that will work best for everyone.In terms of the information, the minister has said it is available through her department. That remains the same, and I would ask those who are
Madam Speaker, I appreciate the question, as it gives me an opportunity to highlight the 24 judicial appointments that we made across the country yesterday, and to highlight the renewed process to ensure openness and transparency with respect to the new appointments process.We have reconstituted the Judicial Advisory Committee with the intent of ensuring that there is diversity among the members of the committee, and ultimately to ensure that we achieve diversity on the benches across this country to reflect Canadians.
Madam Speaker, it is important that we realize that all members of Parliament from all parties fundraise, and we all abide by the exact same rules, as demonstrated by the Leader of the Opposition.
Madam Speaker, our government is developing the best approach to delivering a safe, efficient, and reliable passenger rail service in Canada. As such, the Minister of Transport is working with VIA Rail, in the coming months, to fully assess our options. That is why, in budget 2016, we allocated $45 million to various VIA Rail projects, including $34.4 million for the improvements of stations and maintenance centres, as well as $3.3 million, over three years, to support an in-depth assessment of VIA Rail's high-frequency rail proposal.
Madam Speaker, as members know, accountability and transparency are key to our government and vital to ensuring the delivery of investments in indigenous and northern communities through our budget 2016. We are engaging with first nations, as the minister has said on many occasions, on a way forward on transparency and accountability.First nations continue their long-standing practice of reporting on their financial and program performances, both to their members and to the department.
Madam Speaker, on October 22, 2014, a jihadi terrorist struck at the heart of our freedom and our democracy. Corporal Nathan Cirillo was brutally gunned down just steps from where we are now. That happened two days after Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent was murdered. Last year, our government honoured the men's sacrifice, but this year, the Liberals want Canadians to forget. There will be no commemorative ceremony.Why are the Liberals dishonouring these men who died in the line of duty by trying to pretend these jihadi attacks never happened?
Madam Speaker, October 22 marks two years since a jihadist terrorist struck at the heart of our freedom and democracy. Corporal Nathan Cirillo was brutally gunned down just steps from here. The thickness of a door and the brave actions of our Hill security staff saved members here a similar fate. It was two days after a jihadist murdered Warrant Office Patrice Vincent. Last year, our government honoured the sacrifice of these men, but this year the Liberals want Canadians to forget. There will be no memorial. Why are the Liberals dishonouring these fallen men and trying to pretend that these jihadist attacks never happened?
Madam Speaker, it is a failure on the part of the Liberal government, and it is going to wear it.While the finance minister provides special cash for access treatment for his elite Liberal friends, ordinary Canadians are worried. Now more than ever, Canadians are concerned about how they will maintain their own family's budget, yet the finance minister is planning to blow past his targets and add billions more to the deficit, a deficit that will have to be paid for by Canadians. When will the Liberals get control of their reckless spending and stop damaging our economy?
Madam Speaker, every once in a while, the member rises in her place and wants to decide herself what the government should do about a project that is currently in front of the regulator. The National Energy Board will look at evidence and I am sure would be very pleased to consider what the hon. member has to say, but for the government to respond to that question and kill a project that has not yet been considered would be irresponsible.
Madam Speaker, for years Canadian police officers have worked hard and served with distinction on the Federal Judicial Advisory Committee. What an insult it is now that for no reason, the Liberal government has terminated their membership on this committee. I want to know why the Prime Minister would show such disrespect for those who risk their lives every day to serve and protect Canadians. I would like to know that.
Madam Speaker, Canadian police officers have worked hard and served the Federal Judicial Advisory Committee well. It is an insult to terminate their membership in the committee. Why would the Minister of Justice show such disrespect to people who risk their lives day after day to serve and protect Canadians?
Madam Speaker, in the last campaign just a year ago, the Liberals promised to stop the terrible Conservative plan to strip Canadians overseas of their sacred right to vote, but yesterday we learned that the Liberals are actually continuing the Conservatives' fight at the Supreme Court of Canada against Canadians living abroad. The Liberal Party had the audacity to hit these very same Canadians up for a donation during the campaign. Someone once said A Canadian is a Canadian is a Canadian, and I agree, so why would the Liberals take up Stephen Harper's scheme to rob 1.5 million Canadians of their right to vote?
Madam Speaker, it is no secret that the Alberta economy is suffering and that Albertans are suffering. There is growing frustration, and the Liberals have given up even trying to help. The evidence is clear. It has been one year since the Liberals promised sunny ways. In that time, Calgary's unemployment rate has grown by 36%, higher than the national average. The Liberals keep hiking taxes and making things worse. Why are the Liberals kicking Calgarians when they are already down?
Madam Speaker, both the Minister of Finance and the Prime Minister held cash for access fundraisers in obvious violation of the Prime Minister's code of ethics. They claim that they are complying with the Ethics Commissioner, yet the commissioner told The Globe and Mail that she cannot tell whether the rules were breached because the Prime Minister gave that power to the Privy Council Office. Who does the Privy Council Office answer to? Guess who? It is the Prime Minister. Is this what he calls open and accountable government?When will the Prime Minister actually start being transparent with Canadians?
Madam Speaker, the Prime Minister has unveiled his plan for creating jobs in Beverly Hills and Hollywood. He put the premiers in charge of implementing his new $39-billion carbon tax. Kathleen Wynne plans to spend $300 million of it buying carbon credits from California, so that the middle class, and those working to join it, will pay more in food, fuel, and everything else, to send a pot of gold to the Golden State. Why are the Liberals forcing Ontarians and Canadians to pay for their California dreaming?
Madam Speaker, today my thoughts are with the families affected by the 7,500 layoffs at Bombardier, including 2,000 in Canada and 1,500 in Quebec. It is unfortunate, but this is just more proof that the Liberals are incapable of managing Canada's economy. For a year now, the Liberals have been talking about an economic plan and spending billions of dollars on the backs of our children. Does the Prime Minister finally realize that taxing people and accumulating debt is no way to create jobs?When will the Liberals present a real plan to stimulate economic growth?
Madam Speaker, that was a constituency association event.It looks like the Prime Minister is picking up right where Kathleen Wynne left off. It should be no surprise to anyone considering that Gerry Butts created the Liberal cash for access fundraising scheme in Ontario. The Prime Minister himself instructed ministers that there shall be no preferential access to government in exchange for partisan political donations from the Liberal elite. The Prime Minister needs to keep his word. Why can the Prime Minister and his ministers not see that using their government positions to line the pockets of their
Madam Speaker, raising taxes on small businesses is not going to help them.The Liberals promised that their $10 billion deficit would go toward infrastructure spending to create jobs, but 110,000 Canadians have lost their jobs across the country and the Liberal deficit continues to grow. Meanwhile, there seems to be a new tax every day. The Liberals hiked taxes on small business and they continue to hike taxes on everyday Canadians. When will the millionaire finance minister stop his war on the middle class?
Madam Speaker, the Liberals are once again supporting Conservative policies in our courts. First, they took veterans to court regarding promised pensions and now this government is denying ex-pat Canadians the right to vote. Just like pensions for veterans, that is something they promised to change.When will the Liberals keep their promises and stop recycling tired Conservative policies, the same policies they campaigned against only a year ago?
Madam Speaker, after several missed opportunities, the government now has a chance to kill two birds with one stone. For decades now, Quebeckers, Canadians, and the people of Trois-Rivières have been anxiously awaiting a corridor dedicated to passenger rail service in the Quebec City-Windsor axis. The VIA Rail project does exactly that, not to mention that it would also reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.Does the government plan to step up and answer VIA Rail's call, to finally bring Canada into the 21st century?
Madam Speaker, the situation in Syria is disastrous. We have all seen the photos and we have all seen the reports. Yesterday, the Minister of Foreign Affairs attended a plenary meeting of the UN General Assembly proposed by Canada. Could he tell the House about the substance of the debates?
Madam Speaker, for 197 years the Arva Flour Mill has had a perfect safety record. This week is Small Business Week, but this small business will not have anything to celebrate if the labour minister does not grant an exemption from the federal labour code. It has been months since I asked the minister for action, and there has still been no contact with the mill from her or her office.Is it the plan of the minister to let the small mill die a slow death? The minister has the authority to exempt it. Will the minister do her job and keep
Madam Speaker, the minister can keep on with that fantasy, but it is not working. In fact, out-of-control Liberal spending, a slipping Canadian economy, and the downgrade of Bank of Canada forecasts, could add billions to the federal deficit. What is the Liberal solution? More taxes on Canadians. Whether it is the payroll tax grab, a carbon tax, or increased taxes on small businesses, the only plan the Liberals seem to have is to punish Canadians with more taxes. When will the Liberals stop helping themselves and start helping Canadians?
Madam Speaker, the situation in Muskrat Falls continues to spiral out of control. The Nunatsiavut government is calling on the Prime Minister to immediately amend authorizations under the Fisheries Act in order to protect indigenous waterways and fishing zones.This government claims that no relationship is more important than the relationship with indigenous peoples. Now is the time for it to walk the talk.Will the government honour this simple request from the Nunatsiavut government and the member for Labrador?
Madam Speaker, the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner has condemned these fundraisers where $1,500 buys you access to a minister.This gives people the impression that the government is for sale to the highest bidder, especially when it comes to the Minister of Finance. It is time to restore public funding of political parties and put a cap on donations, as it is done in Quebec.When is the government going to close the door on potential cronyism and brown envelopes?
Madam Speaker, Canada needs a national action plan on abandoned vessels. They pose terrible risks to our economy and our environment, but the government's ship-by-ship approach is too slow and too expensive. At the rate we are moving, it will take a century to clean up the 600 abandoned vessels littering Canada's coasts. B.C. has heard dozens of motions of good intentions. Do we really need another? When will the government deal with a clear action plan and table it in the House to, once and for all, deal with abandoned vessels in Canada?
Madam Speaker, this week is Small Business Week in Canada. One small business in my riding, which services oil rigs, contributes $340,000 yearly to the local economy in fuel. However, with its fleet of 20 trucks, and the Liberal carbon tax, this business will pay an additional $29,000 annually in fuel alone. The carbon tax is roughly the cost of employing one to two shop hands, one mechanic, or one labourer. Why are the Liberals forcing a carbon tax that will hurt the struggling oil and gas industry even further?
Madam Speaker, we are having a hard time understanding what lesson the Conservatives are trying to teach us about fundraising.Members will certainly recall that the former member for Labrador had to resign because of a fundraising scandal. Members will also remember that the Conservative prime minister's ethical advisor, his parliamentary secretary, was escorted to a van in handcuffs and taken to prison by police because of his fundraising activities. Quite frankly, the Conservatives have no lessons to give on fundraising.
Madam Speaker, this morning, we learned that Bombardier is going to cut 7,500 jobs, including 1,500 in Quebec. That is on top of the restructuring that was already announced earlier this year.This government promised to invest in this Quebec flagship. However, Bombardier is still waiting for that assistance. This government has already failed former Aveos employees. It must not fail Bombardier workers too.What happened to the promise to help Bombardier?
Madam Speaker, more words, less action, less jobs.The Prime Minister's ethics rules were very clear. I want to quote: There should be no preferential access to government, or appearance of preferential access, for political donors.Now it is clear, those were just empty words. Ministers do not follow them, and the Prime Minister will not enforce them.The question is simple. Will the government turn that empty promise of good intentions into actual rules that are enforced?
Madam Speaker, we share my colleague's concern about these derelict and abandoned vessels that, frankly, are on every coast of the country, including some of the lakes. It is a problem that our government has committed to rectify.The Minister of Transport and I have been working with a number of stakeholders, and I know that the member is excited about the plan that we will be tabling. The good news for all member of the House is that the plan is coming very soon.
Madam Speaker, I was surprised on Monday that the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs said that she was committed to transparency and was willing to provide financial statements at any time.I was surprised by this because this is absolutely not the experience of local Alberta first nations. So far they have been ignored. On behalf of the Kainai reserve, I have asked many times for the KPMG audit, which was completed last year, only to be stonewalled.When will the minister provide the Kainai reserve with the financial audit? What are they trying to hide?
Madam Speaker, the Canada-EU trade agreement is a historic agreement. It took years to negotiate, and it was the Conservatives which did the hard part. We negotiated a deal that will benefit Canadian families and businesses in every sector of the country. Now the Liberal government is struggling with what should be the easy part, putting the final signature on a deal we delivered.When will the Prime Minister pick up the dropped ball from his trade minister and get the job done for Canadians?
Madam Speaker, I think a reality check is needed here. An audit at Alexander First Nation identified $2.1 million in unexplained payments. As the former CFO said, You take those concerns to Indian Affairs. Indian Affairs says you have to go back to the chief and council. You bring it back to chief and council it gets swept under the rug. You go to the RCMP, you've got to have proof. So they spin our people around.When will the minister ensure that band members have access to basic financial information that all other Canadians enjoy?
Madam Speaker, while the minister is talking, two major Canadian financial institutions are asking the government to stop spending. What fine rhetoric.Just two days ago, the Minister of Transport was patting himself on the back in the House for his work on the Bombardier file. However, the first thing he did as minister was to cancel the Billy Bishop airport project, which would have enabled Bombardier to sign a big contract and create jobs.Canadians are tired of the Liberals' speeches. The truth is that there is no plan for the economy, economic growth, or job creation.Does the Minister of Finance realize that he is about to hit a wall and that he must focus on job creation?
Madam Speaker, a disabled veteran contacted the Minister of Transport concerned about a rail crossing yards away from his home. Water floods the ditches, saturating the tracks during heavy rains. CN has said this is absolutely a safety concern as the tracks could shift and derail a train carrying oil through that city. The minister responded by telling the gentleman to contact his local MP. Seriously?When did the minister put me in charge of monitoring rail safety?
Madam Speaker, I would remind the hon. member that this deal was dead when we took over office, and it is only because of the progressive elements that we have added to the agreement that we have come this far. We have worked hard to respond to the concerns expressed by European member states, but we are disappointed. The minister is personally disappointed and I am disappointed, after all that hard work, that the Europeans have been unable to make a decision. Even though we share similar values, even though we have been extremely patient, even though we have been flexible, there is no agreement yet on the table.
Madam Speaker, the current government's paternal and top-down approach to financial transparency for first nations must come to an end. If the Liberals are not enforcing the First Nations Financial Transparency Act, they are breaking the law. The minister told the House on Monday that if band members want to know how their chief and council are spending the money, they just have to ask her office.Why are the Liberals forcing band members to go to a government department to receive information that should be readily available in the community?
Madam Speaker, again I would like to remind the members opposite that on July 9 of this year, just three short months ago, the Leader of the Opposition, along with former prime minister Stephen Harper, held a barbecue fundraiser in Calgary and charged a whopping $2,000 a table.
Madam Speaker, we respect the tremendous sacrifices that occurred with Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent and Corporal Nathan Cirillo when they made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.It is at events, in Ottawa, on November 11, and throughout the world, where we pay tribute to those who have made that ultimate sacrifice, to our Canadian Armed Forces members, and to others who serve and secure this country daily. We will honour them. We will respect them. We understand the tremendous sacrifice made by them and their families, and we will respect them going forward.
Madam Speaker, it is common knowledge that the Liberals' ethics are rather loose. What did 10 years in purgatory teach the Liberals opposite? Absolutely nothing.By way of evidence, we learned that the Minister of Finance made himself available to people who are rich like him for a price. He charged $1,500 for an evening.Will the minister be transparent once and for all and give us the names of those who attended the event that evening?
Madam Speaker, 2,000: that is the number of Canadians who are about to lose their job because of the government's inaction.Workers at Bombardier have been waiting a long time for the government to make good on its investment promise. What have they actually received to date? Nothing.Companies around the world are global giants today because their home governments invest in them. Does the government understand that, and will it finally deliver its investment promise needed to keep good-paying jobs at Bombardier here in Canada?
Madam Speaker, I will repeat that all members of Parliament and all parties fundraise, and we all abide by the exact same rules, rules that were put in place by the previous Harper government. Events like these are one part of every party's fundraising and engagement work. Federal politics is subject to some of the strictest political financing legislation and regulations in the country, and the party fully complies with the Elections Act in all cases.
Madam Speaker, last week, a tanker barge ran aground off of B.C.'s north coast, spilling 200,000 litres of toxic fuel into a sensitive area. After a slow response, one of the ships helping with the cleanup also began to sink, and this is what the minister calls a world-class response. This relatively minor incident still caused major damage. If it had been a fully-loaded supertanker, the devastation would have been off the chart. When will the government finally implement a permanent ban off of B.C.'s north coast?
Madam Speaker, the Liberal budget admitted that the deficit would be more than twice what the Liberals promised during the election. The finance minister has now said that it will be bigger still, because economic growth is down. But wait? Were we not told that big deficits would solve that problem? If deficits created growth, our economy would be roaring right now. Instead, it is stalled. When will the finance minister realize that spending money we do not have is not the solution, it is the problem?
Madam Speaker, one year after the Liberal government was elected and three years after the Lac-Mégantic tragedy, the people of Lac-Mégantic are still jolted awake every night by the sound of trains going right through their downtown core.The Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, the Leader of the Opposition, all the parties of the House, the municipal unions of Quebec, everyone supports the plan for a rail bypass in Lac-Mégantic.The Minister of Transport says he is anxiously awaiting the results of the feasibility study for this important project. The locals are even more anxious.When will the minister take action?
Madam Speaker, as the member well knows, the Canada Labour Code requires employers to implement preventative measures to ensure that employees are not exposed to dangerous conditions. A danger directive was issued back in May to Arva Flour. The labour program's health and safety officers are working with the employer to ensure its compliance with the code. It would be inappropriate for me or the minister to speak anymore about the matter.
Madam Speaker, we take very seriously the challenges facing people in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Newfoundland and Labrador. We know that resource prices are hitting that province hard. We have made a number of decisions that are making a difference for people in Alberta, and across Canada: the tax decreases, which are helping them; the Canada child benefit, which helps nine out of ten families with more money in their pockets; and the changes to our employment insurance system, which makes a difference in softening the landing. In the long term, we are making investments that can help to grow our economy, and grow the economy of Alberta.
Madam Speaker, the Prime Minister has said time and time again that energy east needs social acceptability.However, it is not up to the National Energy Board to determine whether a project is socially acceptable. It is up to the population, the public. The NEB should not be telling us what to do, and Canadians are saying no to energy east.Tuesday, the City of Gatineau spoke out against the energy east pipeline. That is four of the five largest cities in Quebec that have officially said no to the project.What will it take for this government to understand that Quebeckers want nothing to do with the energy east pipeline? The answer is no.
Madam Speaker, it is a great privilege to be here on this traditional Algonquin territory. As a government, we are firmly committed to enhancing Canadians' participation in our democratic institutions. We believe that more Canadians ought to be able to vote. We are currently examining the law as it relates to long-term, non-resident Canadians who wish to vote in federal elections. We intend to introduce legislation this year that will meet the needs of highly mobile Canadian citizens who live in today's increasingly interconnected world.
Madam Speaker, this government believes that all Canadians deserve access to housing that meets their needs and that they can afford. With budget 2016, this government has shown its will to renew Canada's leadership on housing.Could the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development tell us how we are involved in this file internationally?
Madam Speaker, all members of Parliament and all parties fundraise and we will abide by the exact same rules, rules that were put in place by the previous government, rules that many members sitting on that side of the House use to fundraise for the Conservative Party, for example.I would like to remind members opposite that on May 19, 2015, former finance minister Joe Oliver held a fundraising event at the elite private Albany Club of Toronto. This special event was advertised as being held by the hon. Joe Oliver, PC, MP, and charged $500 a head.The point is that we are following the laws of Elections Canada.
Madam Speaker, yesterday, Canada used a special measure to bring the world together, namely a plenary meeting of the UN General Assembly on the humanitarian crisis in Aleppo. The international community was clear. There needs to be a real ceasefire and emergency humanitarian aid for a country that has been going without since July. The Assad regime and its supporters, chiefly Russia, need to hear the message loud and clear: stop the bombings and allow the humanitarian aid to go through.
Madam Speaker, all members of Parliament and all parties fundraise and we all abide by the exact same rules, rules that were put in place by the previous government, rules that many members sitting on the other side of the House use to fundraise for the Conservative Party.I would like to remind the members opposite that on July 9 of this year, just three short months ago, the Leader of the Opposition, along with former prime minister Stephen Harper, held a barbecue fundraiser in Calgary and charged a whopping $2,000 per table. I do not know about anyone else, but I have never been to a barbecue where someone has to buy a table.Clearly, the
Madam Speaker, our government remains committed to improving marine safety in Canada and ensuring the protection of our marine environment. The Nathan E. Stewart incident underlines the need for changes as a result of these incidents, and that is why the minister is currently working on a coastal strategy to enhance marine safety in a meaningful way. He has named a minister's observer to support the Transportation Safety Board's investigation, and Transport Canada officials have initiated a compliance inspection.We will take the necessary action on the findings to enhance marine safety in Canada.
Madam Speaker, everyone, including first nations governments, wants to ensure there is increased transparency and accountability. But we are going to achieve this by working in partnership with first nations, not a top-down approach that is made in Ottawa.What I will say is that we take the allegations of misuse of public funds very seriously, and when necessary, INAC conducts forensic audits to ensure that the funds are used for the intended manner. We treat the allegations of misused funds very seriously, and we will be following through to ensure that funds are invested properly.
Madam Speaker, that is exactly what we did.We came up with a plan for economic growth in our country. That was the goal of budget 2016. It is important to know that our growth rate was too low during the past decade and now we have to invest in the future for Canadian families, for our children and our grandchildren. That is exactly what we are doing.
Madam Speaker, we came into office with stalled growth from the previous government. That was exactly what we faced and what Canadians decided was a problem. That is why they agreed with us that the right way to address this is to make significant investments in Canadians today and tomorrow. The kinds of measures we put in place, such as the Canada child benefit, are having an impact now. They are starting to be put into the economy. The infrastructure investments that we have put in place are starting to come into the economy now. We know that we are going to make a long-term difference for Canadians by taking the right decisions for their future.
Madam Speaker, in Quebec there is consensus about the separation of church and state. However, that is not the case here.This week, the House of Commons welcomed Caliph Ahmad. To mark the occasion, some non-Muslim Liberal members wore the veil. Furthermore, there was a call to prayer right here in Centre Block.While Quebec is debating the secularism of institutions, the House of Commons is morphing into a place of worship.Have we not clearly established the separation of state and religion?Once and for all, could we please affirm secularism in institutions, starting with Parliament?
Madam Speaker, we all understand that many members sitting on that side of the House
Madam Speaker, the Prime Minister also wrote to his ministers to inform them that the performance of their official duties and the arrangement of their private affairs should bear the closest public scrutiny.He went on to say, This is an obligation that is not fully discharged by simply acting within the law. Those instructions seem very clear to me. Nevertheless, the Minister of Finance is defending himself by saying that he acted within the law.Why is the Prime Minister refusing to make his ministers obey the instructions that he himself gave them?
Madam Speaker, as I mentioned, our thoughts continue to be with the families of the victims of the tragic events of July 2013.Our government is committed to improving rail safety. In budget 2016 we invested $143 million to improve rail safety and the transportation of dangerous goods.The member should know that the final results from the city-led study have not been released and we are still awaiting the technical details. Therefore, the minister would like to see the results before rendering a final decision. We are conscious that the citizens of Lac-Mégantic would like
Madam Speaker, the Minister of Finance recently attended a cash for access fundraiser. The Liberal House leader has repeated ad nauseam that this was within the rules. However, the Prime Minister's document, Open and Accountable Government, says that ministers have an obligation to perform their official duties and arrange their private affairs in a manner that will bear the closest public scrutiny, an obligation that is not fully discharged merely by acting within the law. When will the Prime Minister start enforcing his own code of ethics?
Madam Speaker, if it is the same question, it is the same answer. The same answer is quite frankly that all members of Parliament and all parties fundraise. We know that, and we all abide by the same rules, rules that were put in place by the previous Harper government. The party is in full compliance with the Elections Act. The member knows that.
Madam Speaker, our government is committed to protecting the environment and working towards a clean-growth strategy that benefits the middle class and creates good jobs. Canadians want ambitious action on climate change, they want more leadership from government, they strongly support sustainable development, and they are motivated to make a difference.I want to thank the Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development for their hard work and all the input we received from Canadians across the country.This federal sustainable development strategy will make a real difference to building a more sustainable world for our children and grandchildren.
Madam Speaker, all of Canada remembers the tragic events on October 20 and 22, 2014. We mourn the passing of Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent and Corporal Nathan Cirillo and extend our sympathies to their families.It is at events, in Ottawa, on November 11, and others across Canada and the world, where we will join together as a nation and as a people to recognize and pay tribute to all those brave Canadian soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in wartime and in peace, at home and abroad, to safeguard our values and our way of life. We will remember.
Madam Speaker, it is important to note that all members of Parliament, in all parties, fundraise.We all abide by the exact same rules, rules that were put in place by the previous government. Events like these are one part of every party's fundraising and engagement work.Federal politics is subject to some of the strictest political financing legislation and regulations in the country, and the party fully complies with the Elections Act in all cases.
Madam Speaker, while our hearts go out to those in the oil fields, I would like to make one point. This government does understand small business. We made a huge investment into Destination Canada this year. The small business operators tell us that they want customers. I am pleased to report that Destination Canada has said that tourism was up by over 10%, for June, July, and August. It was the best summer we have had since 2002. Small business operators wanted more customers, and that is what we have given them.
Madam Speaker, we know that providing jobs for middle-class Canadians and providing opportunities for those who want to get into the middle class are critical issues that Canadians are worried about. That is exactly why we did the opposite of what the member said. We lowered taxes on middle-class Canadians because we know that they want to see the benefits from our economy. We know the Canada child benefit helps all Canadians with children, nine out of 10 families, with $2,300 more on average. This is important for middle-class Canadians. It will make a real difference.
Madam Speaker, we were so pleased recently to host the managing director of the International Monetary Fund. She said that she hopes that our policies go viral around the world. The reason for that is because she understands that making fiscal investments in the long-term future of our country is absolutely the right thing to do in a time of low growth. That is what we are going to do to make our economy better for the long term for Canadian families, for all those people who need to have growth, and for their families to have opportunities in the future.
Madam Speaker, it is always great when the member opposite and I agree. We have heard from the 1.2 million Canadians who live abroad and wish to be part of our democratic institutions and participate in the voting process. As I mentioned, we are currently examining legislation to find ways to allow individuals who live abroad in this highly globalized world to be part of our elections, and I look forward to working with the member opposite, since we agree to that end.
Madam Speaker, on June 17, the Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development tabled a unanimous report with recommendations on the federal sustainable development strategy and accompanying legislation. The fact this report received unanimous support from all three parties is testament to Canadians' desire to take the necessary steps to create a more sustainable future. Earlier this month, our government tabled our first federal sustainable development strategy. Can the Minister of Environment advise the House of the progress our government has made on updating the federal sustainable development strategy?
Madam Speaker, that is absolutely the case.We understand that it is important we have good jobs for Canadians. That is an important goal for our government. That is precisely why we decided that the former government's proposed measures were inadequate.We decided to make investments in the future, for example, in infrastructure and the economy, which will be more innovative for the future. This will result in more jobs for Canadians.
Madam Speaker, I am pleased to report that the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development is leading the Canadian delegation in Quito, Ecuador, for the United Nations Habitat III conference. We are there to ensure the new urban agenda is people-centric, respects diversity, and values the inclusion of unrepresented groups. Canada's new approach to housing is being applauded around the world and we are so proud to be part of the international community at UN Habitat III.Canada is back.
Madam Speaker, our government does defend all the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. We value the diversity of the population, we respect the laws and the right of people to pray and to subscribe to a particular faith, and we represent the multiculturalism of our great nation. We respect the laws and the rights of all Canadians in the House and across the country.
Madam Speaker, Canada health transfers provide long-term, predictable funding for provinces and territories and are meant to ensure the universality and accessibility of health care for all Canadians. However, the per capita allocation of this funding does not account for Nunavut's unique regional and infrastructure realities, making it completely inadequate.Will the Minister of Health commit to addressing this inadequacy and adjust this dated system to ensure that Nunavummiut have the same level of service that all other Canadians enjoy?
Madam Speaker, we are the only party that seems to understand that the environment and the economy go together. We are committed to taking serious action on climate change. We are very proud that two weeks ago we were able to ratify the Paris agreement. Unfortunately, the party opposite did not support that. We are working with the provinces and territories to have a pan-Canadian plan that will make a real difference, will create good jobs, and will build a clean economy for future generations, for my children, for our children, and for our grandchildren.
Madam Speaker, I think the member opposite should recall the announcement that we made last week.We committed $54 million to Bombardier and its suppliers to further invest in research and development. We are committed to the aerospace sector. We made investments in Mirabel as well. We are committed to this sector because it is so critical for our economy. It contributes $28 billion of economic activity and employs over 200,000 employees. We made it very clear this is a serious request that we take very importantly. We are going to find a solution, but we want to make sure it is the right solution for taxpayers to make sure we get the right return on investment.
Madam Speaker, first and foremost, our thoughts go out to the workers and their families during this difficult time. We, as a government, understand the challenges that they are going through.With respect to Bombardier, we have been very clear. We have been very engaged with this company. We understand the importance of this company in the aerospace sector.We have said very clearly that it is not a matter of if but how we want to make this investment. I spoke with the CEO and president last night, Alain. He made it very clear, as well, that these restructuring job losses are independent and have nothing to do with the growth discussions we are having with respect to the $1 billion request that they made.
Madam Speaker, certainly, there is no disrespect being shown to law enforcement officers who risk their lives every day to protect our safety. What we have done is institute an open and transparent process for judicial appointments and, unprecedentedly, have put online application forms wherein anyone can apply to be on the Judicial Advisory Committee. As the Minister of Justice, I look forward to being able to nominate three members of that committee as we seek to ensure that we have broad-based diversity on the committee, as well as future appointments of superior court judges.
Madam Speaker, I would like to start by quoting the April monetary policy report, which said that measures in budget 2016 will have a notable positive impact in 2016. What we are talking about is how we can actually deal with the low-growth environment that has been around for the decade that the previous government was sitting in office. We are taking action to make a long-term difference for Canadians. We are doing the things that people expect us to do so that their children and grandchildren will have a better Canada.
Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for his question. We understand that the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is working with the proponent indigenous peoples with respect to this project. We expect the province to assume its responsibilities to ensure that indigenous peoples are protected.
Madam Speaker, our government recognizes the importance of ensuring the safety of our rail transportation system. As such we invested $143 million in budget 2016 to improve rail safety and the transportation of dangerous goods.There are positive developments in the mandate to enhance rail safety and we will continue to improve rail safety.
It was the riding association. Check your facts.
Madam Speaker, I had the opportunity to speak to the territorial health ministers this week, and we discussed the unique circumstances in the territories and the challenges of delivering care. We will of course continue with the Canada health transfer to support the territories. In addition, there is territorial formula financing, to the tune of $1.5 billion that goes to Nunavut each year, that helps to facilitate the expenses in health. In addition to that, there is a territorial health investment fund in the order of $60 million. We are very pleased to make sure that people in the territories, including Nunavut, get the care they need.
Madam Speaker, I think the minister was very clear when she spoke to this issue a few days ago in the House of Commons. Financial transparency is important to us. Accountability is important to us. We know that changes have to be made in how that relationship works with first nations, but again it will not be a top-down approach from our government. It will be in working with the first nations to get the process that will work best for everyone.In terms of the information, the minister has said it is available through her department. That remains the same, and I would ask those who are
Madam Speaker, I appreciate the question, as it gives me an opportunity to highlight the 24 judicial appointments that we made across the country yesterday, and to highlight the renewed process to ensure openness and transparency with respect to the new appointments process.We have reconstituted the Judicial Advisory Committee with the intent of ensuring that there is diversity among the members of the committee, and ultimately to ensure that we achieve diversity on the benches across this country to reflect Canadians.
Madam Speaker, it is important that we realize that all members of Parliament from all parties fundraise, and we all abide by the exact same rules, as demonstrated by the Leader of the Opposition.
Madam Speaker, our government is developing the best approach to delivering a safe, efficient, and reliable passenger rail service in Canada. As such, the Minister of Transport is working with VIA Rail, in the coming months, to fully assess our options. That is why, in budget 2016, we allocated $45 million to various VIA Rail projects, including $34.4 million for the improvements of stations and maintenance centres, as well as $3.3 million, over three years, to support an in-depth assessment of VIA Rail's high-frequency rail proposal.
Madam Speaker, as members know, accountability and transparency are key to our government and vital to ensuring the delivery of investments in indigenous and northern communities through our budget 2016. We are engaging with first nations, as the minister has said on many occasions, on a way forward on transparency and accountability.First nations continue their long-standing practice of reporting on their financial and program performances, both to their members and to the department.
Most negative speeches
Madam Speaker, on October 22, 2014, a jihadi terrorist struck at the heart of our freedom and our democracy. Corporal Nathan Cirillo was brutally gunned down just steps from where we are now. That happened two days after Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent was murdered. Last year, our government honoured the men's sacrifice, but this year, the Liberals want Canadians to forget. There will be no commemorative ceremony.Why are the Liberals dishonouring these men who died in the line of duty by trying to pretend these jihadi attacks never happened?
Madam Speaker, as the member well knows, the Canada Labour Code requires employers to implement preventative measures to ensure that employees are not exposed to dangerous conditions. A danger directive was issued back in May to Arva Flour. The labour program's health and safety officers are working with the employer to ensure its compliance with the code. It would be inappropriate for me or the minister to speak anymore about the matter.
Madam Speaker, I would remind the hon. member that this deal was dead when we took over office, and it is only because of the progressive elements that we have added to the agreement that we have come this far. We have worked hard to respond to the concerns expressed by European member states, but we are disappointed. The minister is personally disappointed and I am disappointed, after all that hard work, that the Europeans have been unable to make a decision. Even though we share similar values, even though we have been extremely patient, even though we have been flexible, there is no agreement yet on the table.
Madam Speaker, the situation in Syria is disastrous. We have all seen the photos and we have all seen the reports. Yesterday, the Minister of Foreign Affairs attended a plenary meeting of the UN General Assembly proposed by Canada. Could he tell the House about the substance of the debates?
Madam Speaker, as I mentioned, our thoughts continue to be with the families of the victims of the tragic events of July 2013.Our government is committed to improving rail safety. In budget 2016 we invested $143 million to improve rail safety and the transportation of dangerous goods.The member should know that the final results from the city-led study have not been released and we are still awaiting the technical details. Therefore, the minister would like to see the results before rendering a final decision. We are conscious that the citizens of Lac-Mégantic would like
Madam Speaker, for years Canadian police officers have worked hard and served with distinction on the Federal Judicial Advisory Committee. What an insult it is now that for no reason, the Liberal government has terminated their membership on this committee. I want to know why the Prime Minister would show such disrespect for those who risk their lives every day to serve and protect Canadians. I would like to know that.
Madam Speaker, Canadian police officers have worked hard and served the Federal Judicial Advisory Committee well. It is an insult to terminate their membership in the committee. Why would the Minister of Justice show such disrespect to people who risk their lives day after day to serve and protect Canadians?
Madam Speaker, our government recognizes the importance of ensuring the safety of our rail transportation system. As such we invested $143 million in budget 2016 to improve rail safety and the transportation of dangerous goods.There are positive developments in the mandate to enhance rail safety and we will continue to improve rail safety.
Madam Speaker, this week is Small Business Week in Canada. One small business in my riding, which services oil rigs, contributes $340,000 yearly to the local economy in fuel. However, with its fleet of 20 trucks, and the Liberal carbon tax, this business will pay an additional $29,000 annually in fuel alone. The carbon tax is roughly the cost of employing one to two shop hands, one mechanic, or one labourer. Why are the Liberals forcing a carbon tax that will hurt the struggling oil and gas industry even further?
Madam Speaker, raising taxes on small businesses is not going to help them.The Liberals promised that their $10 billion deficit would go toward infrastructure spending to create jobs, but 110,000 Canadians have lost their jobs across the country and the Liberal deficit continues to grow. Meanwhile, there seems to be a new tax every day. The Liberals hiked taxes on small business and they continue to hike taxes on everyday Canadians. When will the millionaire finance minister stop his war on the middle class?
Madam Speaker, in the last campaign just a year ago, the Liberals promised to stop the terrible Conservative plan to strip Canadians overseas of their sacred right to vote, but yesterday we learned that the Liberals are actually continuing the Conservatives' fight at the Supreme Court of Canada against Canadians living abroad. The Liberal Party had the audacity to hit these very same Canadians up for a donation during the campaign. Someone once said A Canadian is a Canadian is a Canadian, and I agree, so why would the Liberals take up Stephen Harper's scheme to rob 1.5 million Canadians of their right to vote?
Madam Speaker, we take very seriously the challenges facing people in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Newfoundland and Labrador. We know that resource prices are hitting that province hard. We have made a number of decisions that are making a difference for people in Alberta, and across Canada: the tax decreases, which are helping them; the Canada child benefit, which helps nine out of ten families with more money in their pockets; and the changes to our employment insurance system, which makes a difference in softening the landing. In the long term, we are making investments that can help to grow our economy, and grow the economy of Alberta.
Madam Speaker, October 22 marks two years since a jihadist terrorist struck at the heart of our freedom and democracy. Corporal Nathan Cirillo was brutally gunned down just steps from here. The thickness of a door and the brave actions of our Hill security staff saved members here a similar fate. It was two days after a jihadist murdered Warrant Office Patrice Vincent. Last year, our government honoured the sacrifice of these men, but this year the Liberals want Canadians to forget. There will be no memorial. Why are the Liberals dishonouring these fallen men and trying to pretend that these jihadist attacks never happened?
Madam Speaker, a disabled veteran contacted the Minister of Transport concerned about a rail crossing yards away from his home. Water floods the ditches, saturating the tracks during heavy rains. CN has said this is absolutely a safety concern as the tracks could shift and derail a train carrying oil through that city. The minister responded by telling the gentleman to contact his local MP. Seriously?When did the minister put me in charge of monitoring rail safety?
Madam Speaker, last week, a tanker barge ran aground off of B.C.'s north coast, spilling 200,000 litres of toxic fuel into a sensitive area. After a slow response, one of the ships helping with the cleanup also began to sink, and this is what the minister calls a world-class response. This relatively minor incident still caused major damage. If it had been a fully-loaded supertanker, the devastation would have been off the chart. When will the government finally implement a permanent ban off of B.C.'s north coast?
Madam Speaker, it is no secret that the Alberta economy is suffering and that Albertans are suffering. There is growing frustration, and the Liberals have given up even trying to help. The evidence is clear. It has been one year since the Liberals promised sunny ways. In that time, Calgary's unemployment rate has grown by 36%, higher than the national average. The Liberals keep hiking taxes and making things worse. Why are the Liberals kicking Calgarians when they are already down?
Madam Speaker, Canada needs a national action plan on abandoned vessels. They pose terrible risks to our economy and our environment, but the government's ship-by-ship approach is too slow and too expensive. At the rate we are moving, it will take a century to clean up the 600 abandoned vessels littering Canada's coasts. B.C. has heard dozens of motions of good intentions. Do we really need another? When will the government deal with a clear action plan and table it in the House to, once and for all, deal with abandoned vessels in Canada?
Madam Speaker, everyone, including first nations governments, wants to ensure there is increased transparency and accountability. But we are going to achieve this by working in partnership with first nations, not a top-down approach that is made in Ottawa.What I will say is that we take the allegations of misuse of public funds very seriously, and when necessary, INAC conducts forensic audits to ensure that the funds are used for the intended manner. We treat the allegations of misused funds very seriously, and we will be following through to ensure that funds are invested properly.
Madam Speaker, I will repeat that all members of Parliament and all parties fundraise, and we all abide by the exact same rules, rules that were put in place by the previous Harper government. Events like these are one part of every party's fundraising and engagement work. Federal politics is subject to some of the strictest political financing legislation and regulations in the country, and the party fully complies with the Elections Act in all cases.
Madam Speaker, both the Minister of Finance and the Prime Minister held cash for access fundraisers in obvious violation of the Prime Minister's code of ethics. They claim that they are complying with the Ethics Commissioner, yet the commissioner told The Globe and Mail that she cannot tell whether the rules were breached because the Prime Minister gave that power to the Privy Council Office. Who does the Privy Council Office answer to? Guess who? It is the Prime Minister. Is this what he calls open and accountable government?When will the Prime Minister actually start being transparent with Canadians?
Madam Speaker, again I would like to remind the members opposite that on July 9 of this year, just three short months ago, the Leader of the Opposition, along with former prime minister Stephen Harper, held a barbecue fundraiser in Calgary and charged a whopping $2,000 a table.
It was the riding association. Check your facts.
Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for his question. We understand that the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is working with the proponent indigenous peoples with respect to this project. We expect the province to assume its responsibilities to ensure that indigenous peoples are protected.
Madam Speaker, after several missed opportunities, the government now has a chance to kill two birds with one stone. For decades now, Quebeckers, Canadians, and the people of Trois-Rivières have been anxiously awaiting a corridor dedicated to passenger rail service in the Quebec City-Windsor axis. The VIA Rail project does exactly that, not to mention that it would also reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.Does the government plan to step up and answer VIA Rail's call, to finally bring Canada into the 21st century?
Madam Speaker, the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner has condemned these fundraisers where $1,500 buys you access to a minister.This gives people the impression that the government is for sale to the highest bidder, especially when it comes to the Minister of Finance. It is time to restore public funding of political parties and put a cap on donations, as it is done in Quebec.When is the government going to close the door on potential cronyism and brown envelopes?
Madam Speaker, for 197 years the Arva Flour Mill has had a perfect safety record. This week is Small Business Week, but this small business will not have anything to celebrate if the labour minister does not grant an exemption from the federal labour code. It has been months since I asked the minister for action, and there has still been no contact with the mill from her or her office.Is it the plan of the minister to let the small mill die a slow death? The minister has the authority to exempt it. Will the minister do her job and keep
Madam Speaker, all of Canada remembers the tragic events on October 20 and 22, 2014. We mourn the passing of Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent and Corporal Nathan Cirillo and extend our sympathies to their families.It is at events, in Ottawa, on November 11, and others across Canada and the world, where we will join together as a nation and as a people to recognize and pay tribute to all those brave Canadian soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in wartime and in peace, at home and abroad, to safeguard our values and our way of life. We will remember.
Madam Speaker, this government believes that all Canadians deserve access to housing that meets their needs and that they can afford. With budget 2016, this government has shown its will to renew Canada's leadership on housing.Could the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development tell us how we are involved in this file internationally?
Madam Speaker, the Prime Minister has said time and time again that energy east needs social acceptability.However, it is not up to the National Energy Board to determine whether a project is socially acceptable. It is up to the population, the public. The NEB should not be telling us what to do, and Canadians are saying no to energy east.Tuesday, the City of Gatineau spoke out against the energy east pipeline. That is four of the five largest cities in Quebec that have officially said no to the project.What will it take for this government to understand that Quebeckers want nothing to do with the energy east pipeline? The answer is no.
Madam Speaker, if it is the same question, it is the same answer. The same answer is quite frankly that all members of Parliament and all parties fundraise. We know that, and we all abide by the same rules, rules that were put in place by the previous Harper government. The party is in full compliance with the Elections Act. The member knows that.
Madam Speaker, we are having a hard time understanding what lesson the Conservatives are trying to teach us about fundraising.Members will certainly recall that the former member for Labrador had to resign because of a fundraising scandal. Members will also remember that the Conservative prime minister's ethical advisor, his parliamentary secretary, was escorted to a van in handcuffs and taken to prison by police because of his fundraising activities. Quite frankly, the Conservatives have no lessons to give on fundraising.
Madam Speaker, the Prime Minister also wrote to his ministers to inform them that the performance of their official duties and the arrangement of their private affairs should bear the closest public scrutiny.He went on to say, This is an obligation that is not fully discharged by simply acting within the law. Those instructions seem very clear to me. Nevertheless, the Minister of Finance is defending himself by saying that he acted within the law.Why is the Prime Minister refusing to make his ministers obey the instructions that he himself gave them?
Madam Speaker, the Canada-EU trade agreement is a historic agreement. It took years to negotiate, and it was the Conservatives which did the hard part. We negotiated a deal that will benefit Canadian families and businesses in every sector of the country. Now the Liberal government is struggling with what should be the easy part, putting the final signature on a deal we delivered.When will the Prime Minister pick up the dropped ball from his trade minister and get the job done for Canadians?
Madam Speaker, first and foremost, our thoughts go out to the workers and their families during this difficult time. We, as a government, understand the challenges that they are going through.With respect to Bombardier, we have been very clear. We have been very engaged with this company. We understand the importance of this company in the aerospace sector.We have said very clearly that it is not a matter of if but how we want to make this investment. I spoke with the CEO and president last night, Alain. He made it very clear, as well, that these restructuring job losses are independent and have nothing to do with the growth discussions we are having with respect to the $1 billion request that they made.
Madam Speaker, this morning, we learned that Bombardier is going to cut 7,500 jobs, including 1,500 in Quebec. That is on top of the restructuring that was already announced earlier this year.This government promised to invest in this Quebec flagship. However, Bombardier is still waiting for that assistance. This government has already failed former Aveos employees. It must not fail Bombardier workers too.What happened to the promise to help Bombardier?
Madam Speaker, it is important to note that all members of Parliament, in all parties, fundraise.We all abide by the exact same rules, rules that were put in place by the previous government. Events like these are one part of every party's fundraising and engagement work.Federal politics is subject to some of the strictest political financing legislation and regulations in the country, and the party fully complies with the Elections Act in all cases.
Madam Speaker, I think a reality check is needed here. An audit at Alexander First Nation identified $2.1 million in unexplained payments. As the former CFO said, You take those concerns to Indian Affairs. Indian Affairs says you have to go back to the chief and council. You bring it back to chief and council it gets swept under the rug. You go to the RCMP, you've got to have proof. So they spin our people around.When will the minister ensure that band members have access to basic financial information that all other Canadians enjoy?
Madam Speaker, all members of Parliament and all parties fundraise and we all abide by the exact same rules, rules that were put in place by the previous government, rules that many members sitting on the other side of the House use to fundraise for the Conservative Party.I would like to remind the members opposite that on July 9 of this year, just three short months ago, the Leader of the Opposition, along with former prime minister Stephen Harper, held a barbecue fundraiser in Calgary and charged a whopping $2,000 per table. I do not know about anyone else, but I have never been to a barbecue where someone has to buy a table.Clearly, the
Madam Speaker, the Liberals are once again supporting Conservative policies in our courts. First, they took veterans to court regarding promised pensions and now this government is denying ex-pat Canadians the right to vote. Just like pensions for veterans, that is something they promised to change.When will the Liberals keep their promises and stop recycling tired Conservative policies, the same policies they campaigned against only a year ago?
Madam Speaker, while the minister is talking, two major Canadian financial institutions are asking the government to stop spending. What fine rhetoric.Just two days ago, the Minister of Transport was patting himself on the back in the House for his work on the Bombardier file. However, the first thing he did as minister was to cancel the Billy Bishop airport project, which would have enabled Bombardier to sign a big contract and create jobs.Canadians are tired of the Liberals' speeches. The truth is that there is no plan for the economy, economic growth, or job creation.Does the Minister of Finance realize that he is about to hit a wall and that he must focus on job creation?
Madam Speaker, I appreciate the question, as it gives me an opportunity to highlight the 24 judicial appointments that we made across the country yesterday, and to highlight the renewed process to ensure openness and transparency with respect to the new appointments process.We have reconstituted the Judicial Advisory Committee with the intent of ensuring that there is diversity among the members of the committee, and ultimately to ensure that we achieve diversity on the benches across this country to reflect Canadians.
Madam Speaker, in Quebec there is consensus about the separation of church and state. However, that is not the case here.This week, the House of Commons welcomed Caliph Ahmad. To mark the occasion, some non-Muslim Liberal members wore the veil. Furthermore, there was a call to prayer right here in Centre Block.While Quebec is debating the secularism of institutions, the House of Commons is morphing into a place of worship.Have we not clearly established the separation of state and religion?Once and for all, could we please affirm secularism in institutions, starting with Parliament?
Madam Speaker, more words, less action, less jobs.The Prime Minister's ethics rules were very clear. I want to quote: There should be no preferential access to government, or appearance of preferential access, for political donors.Now it is clear, those were just empty words. Ministers do not follow them, and the Prime Minister will not enforce them.The question is simple. Will the government turn that empty promise of good intentions into actual rules that are enforced?
Madam Speaker, today my thoughts are with the families affected by the 7,500 layoffs at Bombardier, including 2,000 in Canada and 1,500 in Quebec. It is unfortunate, but this is just more proof that the Liberals are incapable of managing Canada's economy. For a year now, the Liberals have been talking about an economic plan and spending billions of dollars on the backs of our children. Does the Prime Minister finally realize that taxing people and accumulating debt is no way to create jobs?When will the Liberals present a real plan to stimulate economic growth?
Madam Speaker, Canada health transfers provide long-term, predictable funding for provinces and territories and are meant to ensure the universality and accessibility of health care for all Canadians. However, the per capita allocation of this funding does not account for Nunavut's unique regional and infrastructure realities, making it completely inadequate.Will the Minister of Health commit to addressing this inadequacy and adjust this dated system to ensure that Nunavummiut have the same level of service that all other Canadians enjoy?
Madam Speaker, that was a constituency association event.It looks like the Prime Minister is picking up right where Kathleen Wynne left off. It should be no surprise to anyone considering that Gerry Butts created the Liberal cash for access fundraising scheme in Ontario. The Prime Minister himself instructed ministers that there shall be no preferential access to government in exchange for partisan political donations from the Liberal elite. The Prime Minister needs to keep his word. Why can the Prime Minister and his ministers not see that using their government positions to line the pockets of their
Madam Speaker, it is common knowledge that the Liberals' ethics are rather loose. What did 10 years in purgatory teach the Liberals opposite? Absolutely nothing.By way of evidence, we learned that the Minister of Finance made himself available to people who are rich like him for a price. He charged $1,500 for an evening.Will the minister be transparent once and for all and give us the names of those who attended the event that evening?
Madam Speaker, the Minister of Finance recently attended a cash for access fundraiser. The Liberal House leader has repeated ad nauseam that this was within the rules. However, the Prime Minister's document, Open and Accountable Government, says that ministers have an obligation to perform their official duties and arrange their private affairs in a manner that will bear the closest public scrutiny, an obligation that is not fully discharged merely by acting within the law. When will the Prime Minister start enforcing his own code of ethics?
Madam Speaker, I was surprised on Monday that the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs said that she was committed to transparency and was willing to provide financial statements at any time.I was surprised by this because this is absolutely not the experience of local Alberta first nations. So far they have been ignored. On behalf of the Kainai reserve, I have asked many times for the KPMG audit, which was completed last year, only to be stonewalled.When will the minister provide the Kainai reserve with the financial audit? What are they trying to hide?
Madam Speaker, all members of Parliament and all parties fundraise and we will abide by the exact same rules, rules that were put in place by the previous government, rules that many members sitting on that side of the House use to fundraise for the Conservative Party, for example.I would like to remind members opposite that on May 19, 2015, former finance minister Joe Oliver held a fundraising event at the elite private Albany Club of Toronto. This special event was advertised as being held by the hon. Joe Oliver, PC, MP, and charged $500 a head.The point is that we are following the laws of Elections Canada.
Madam Speaker, we came into office with stalled growth from the previous government. That was exactly what we faced and what Canadians decided was a problem. That is why they agreed with us that the right way to address this is to make significant investments in Canadians today and tomorrow. The kinds of measures we put in place, such as the Canada child benefit, are having an impact now. They are starting to be put into the economy. The infrastructure investments that we have put in place are starting to come into the economy now. We know that we are going to make a long-term difference for Canadians by taking the right decisions for their future.
Madam Speaker, that is exactly what we did.We came up with a plan for economic growth in our country. That was the goal of budget 2016. It is important to know that our growth rate was too low during the past decade and now we have to invest in the future for Canadian families, for our children and our grandchildren. That is exactly what we are doing.
Madam Speaker, yesterday, Canada used a special measure to bring the world together, namely a plenary meeting of the UN General Assembly on the humanitarian crisis in Aleppo. The international community was clear. There needs to be a real ceasefire and emergency humanitarian aid for a country that has been going without since July. The Assad regime and its supporters, chiefly Russia, need to hear the message loud and clear: stop the bombings and allow the humanitarian aid to go through.
Madam Speaker, the minister can keep on with that fantasy, but it is not working. In fact, out-of-control Liberal spending, a slipping Canadian economy, and the downgrade of Bank of Canada forecasts, could add billions to the federal deficit. What is the Liberal solution? More taxes on Canadians. Whether it is the payroll tax grab, a carbon tax, or increased taxes on small businesses, the only plan the Liberals seem to have is to punish Canadians with more taxes. When will the Liberals stop helping themselves and start helping Canadians?
Madam Speaker, 2,000: that is the number of Canadians who are about to lose their job because of the government's inaction.Workers at Bombardier have been waiting a long time for the government to make good on its investment promise. What have they actually received to date? Nothing.Companies around the world are global giants today because their home governments invest in them. Does the government understand that, and will it finally deliver its investment promise needed to keep good-paying jobs at Bombardier here in Canada?
Madam Speaker, the Liberal budget admitted that the deficit would be more than twice what the Liberals promised during the election. The finance minister has now said that it will be bigger still, because economic growth is down. But wait? Were we not told that big deficits would solve that problem? If deficits created growth, our economy would be roaring right now. Instead, it is stalled. When will the finance minister realize that spending money we do not have is not the solution, it is the problem?
Madam Speaker, we were so pleased recently to host the managing director of the International Monetary Fund. She said that she hopes that our policies go viral around the world. The reason for that is because she understands that making fiscal investments in the long-term future of our country is absolutely the right thing to do in a time of low growth. That is what we are going to do to make our economy better for the long term for Canadian families, for all those people who need to have growth, and for their families to have opportunities in the future.
Madam Speaker, we know that providing jobs for middle-class Canadians and providing opportunities for those who want to get into the middle class are critical issues that Canadians are worried about. That is exactly why we did the opposite of what the member said. We lowered taxes on middle-class Canadians because we know that they want to see the benefits from our economy. We know the Canada child benefit helps all Canadians with children, nine out of 10 families, with $2,300 more on average. This is important for middle-class Canadians. It will make a real difference.
Madam Speaker, our government remains committed to improving marine safety in Canada and ensuring the protection of our marine environment. The Nathan E. Stewart incident underlines the need for changes as a result of these incidents, and that is why the minister is currently working on a coastal strategy to enhance marine safety in a meaningful way. He has named a minister's observer to support the Transportation Safety Board's investigation, and Transport Canada officials have initiated a compliance inspection.We will take the necessary action on the findings to enhance marine safety in Canada.
Madam Speaker, on June 17, the Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development tabled a unanimous report with recommendations on the federal sustainable development strategy and accompanying legislation. The fact this report received unanimous support from all three parties is testament to Canadians' desire to take the necessary steps to create a more sustainable future. Earlier this month, our government tabled our first federal sustainable development strategy. Can the Minister of Environment advise the House of the progress our government has made on updating the federal sustainable development strategy?
Madam Speaker, the current government's paternal and top-down approach to financial transparency for first nations must come to an end. If the Liberals are not enforcing the First Nations Financial Transparency Act, they are breaking the law. The minister told the House on Monday that if band members want to know how their chief and council are spending the money, they just have to ask her office.Why are the Liberals forcing band members to go to a government department to receive information that should be readily available in the community?
Madam Speaker, it is a failure on the part of the Liberal government, and it is going to wear it.While the finance minister provides special cash for access treatment for his elite Liberal friends, ordinary Canadians are worried. Now more than ever, Canadians are concerned about how they will maintain their own family's budget, yet the finance minister is planning to blow past his targets and add billions more to the deficit, a deficit that will have to be paid for by Canadians. When will the Liberals get control of their reckless spending and stop damaging our economy?
Madam Speaker, I think the member opposite should recall the announcement that we made last week.We committed $54 million to Bombardier and its suppliers to further invest in research and development. We are committed to the aerospace sector. We made investments in Mirabel as well. We are committed to this sector because it is so critical for our economy. It contributes $28 billion of economic activity and employs over 200,000 employees. We made it very clear this is a serious request that we take very importantly. We are going to find a solution, but we want to make sure it is the right solution for taxpayers to make sure we get the right return on investment.
Madam Speaker, it is always great when the member opposite and I agree. We have heard from the 1.2 million Canadians who live abroad and wish to be part of our democratic institutions and participate in the voting process. As I mentioned, we are currently examining legislation to find ways to allow individuals who live abroad in this highly globalized world to be part of our elections, and I look forward to working with the member opposite, since we agree to that end.
Madam Speaker, we respect the tremendous sacrifices that occurred with Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent and Corporal Nathan Cirillo when they made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.It is at events, in Ottawa, on November 11, and throughout the world, where we pay tribute to those who have made that ultimate sacrifice, to our Canadian Armed Forces members, and to others who serve and secure this country daily. We will honour them. We will respect them. We understand the tremendous sacrifice made by them and their families, and we will respect them going forward.
Madam Speaker, we are the only party that seems to understand that the environment and the economy go together. We are committed to taking serious action on climate change. We are very proud that two weeks ago we were able to ratify the Paris agreement. Unfortunately, the party opposite did not support that. We are working with the provinces and territories to have a pan-Canadian plan that will make a real difference, will create good jobs, and will build a clean economy for future generations, for my children, for our children, and for our grandchildren.
Madam Speaker, I would like to start by quoting the April monetary policy report, which said that measures in budget 2016 will have a notable positive impact in 2016. What we are talking about is how we can actually deal with the low-growth environment that has been around for the decade that the previous government was sitting in office. We are taking action to make a long-term difference for Canadians. We are doing the things that people expect us to do so that their children and grandchildren will have a better Canada.
Madam Speaker, I am pleased to report that the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development is leading the Canadian delegation in Quito, Ecuador, for the United Nations Habitat III conference. We are there to ensure the new urban agenda is people-centric, respects diversity, and values the inclusion of unrepresented groups. Canada's new approach to housing is being applauded around the world and we are so proud to be part of the international community at UN Habitat III.Canada is back.
Madam Speaker, as members know, accountability and transparency are key to our government and vital to ensuring the delivery of investments in indigenous and northern communities through our budget 2016. We are engaging with first nations, as the minister has said on many occasions, on a way forward on transparency and accountability.First nations continue their long-standing practice of reporting on their financial and program performances, both to their members and to the department.
Madam Speaker, it is important that we realize that all members of Parliament from all parties fundraise, and we all abide by the exact same rules, as demonstrated by the Leader of the Opposition.
Madam Speaker, the Prime Minister has unveiled his plan for creating jobs in Beverly Hills and Hollywood. He put the premiers in charge of implementing his new $39-billion carbon tax. Kathleen Wynne plans to spend $300 million of it buying carbon credits from California, so that the middle class, and those working to join it, will pay more in food, fuel, and everything else, to send a pot of gold to the Golden State. Why are the Liberals forcing Ontarians and Canadians to pay for their California dreaming?
Madam Speaker, while our hearts go out to those in the oil fields, I would like to make one point. This government does understand small business. We made a huge investment into Destination Canada this year. The small business operators tell us that they want customers. I am pleased to report that Destination Canada has said that tourism was up by over 10%, for June, July, and August. It was the best summer we have had since 2002. Small business operators wanted more customers, and that is what we have given them.
Madam Speaker, it is a great privilege to be here on this traditional Algonquin territory. As a government, we are firmly committed to enhancing Canadians' participation in our democratic institutions. We believe that more Canadians ought to be able to vote. We are currently examining the law as it relates to long-term, non-resident Canadians who wish to vote in federal elections. We intend to introduce legislation this year that will meet the needs of highly mobile Canadian citizens who live in today's increasingly interconnected world.
Madam Speaker, one year after the Liberal government was elected and three years after the Lac-Mégantic tragedy, the people of Lac-Mégantic are still jolted awake every night by the sound of trains going right through their downtown core.The Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, the Leader of the Opposition, all the parties of the House, the municipal unions of Quebec, everyone supports the plan for a rail bypass in Lac-Mégantic.The Minister of Transport says he is anxiously awaiting the results of the feasibility study for this important project. The locals are even more anxious.When will the minister take action?
Madam Speaker, I think the minister was very clear when she spoke to this issue a few days ago in the House of Commons. Financial transparency is important to us. Accountability is important to us. We know that changes have to be made in how that relationship works with first nations, but again it will not be a top-down approach from our government. It will be in working with the first nations to get the process that will work best for everyone.In terms of the information, the minister has said it is available through her department. That remains the same, and I would ask those who are
Madam Speaker, our government is committed to protecting the environment and working towards a clean-growth strategy that benefits the middle class and creates good jobs. Canadians want ambitious action on climate change, they want more leadership from government, they strongly support sustainable development, and they are motivated to make a difference.I want to thank the Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development for their hard work and all the input we received from Canadians across the country.This federal sustainable development strategy will make a real difference to building a more sustainable world for our children and grandchildren.
Madam Speaker, the situation in Muskrat Falls continues to spiral out of control. The Nunatsiavut government is calling on the Prime Minister to immediately amend authorizations under the Fisheries Act in order to protect indigenous waterways and fishing zones.This government claims that no relationship is more important than the relationship with indigenous peoples. Now is the time for it to walk the talk.Will the government honour this simple request from the Nunatsiavut government and the member for Labrador?
Madam Speaker, that is absolutely the case.We understand that it is important we have good jobs for Canadians. That is an important goal for our government. That is precisely why we decided that the former government's proposed measures were inadequate.We decided to make investments in the future, for example, in infrastructure and the economy, which will be more innovative for the future. This will result in more jobs for Canadians.
Madam Speaker, certainly, there is no disrespect being shown to law enforcement officers who risk their lives every day to protect our safety. What we have done is institute an open and transparent process for judicial appointments and, unprecedentedly, have put online application forms wherein anyone can apply to be on the Judicial Advisory Committee. As the Minister of Justice, I look forward to being able to nominate three members of that committee as we seek to ensure that we have broad-based diversity on the committee, as well as future appointments of superior court judges.
Madam Speaker, every once in a while, the member rises in her place and wants to decide herself what the government should do about a project that is currently in front of the regulator. The National Energy Board will look at evidence and I am sure would be very pleased to consider what the hon. member has to say, but for the government to respond to that question and kill a project that has not yet been considered would be irresponsible.
Madam Speaker, our government is developing the best approach to delivering a safe, efficient, and reliable passenger rail service in Canada. As such, the Minister of Transport is working with VIA Rail, in the coming months, to fully assess our options. That is why, in budget 2016, we allocated $45 million to various VIA Rail projects, including $34.4 million for the improvements of stations and maintenance centres, as well as $3.3 million, over three years, to support an in-depth assessment of VIA Rail's high-frequency rail proposal.
Madam Speaker, our government does defend all the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. We value the diversity of the population, we respect the laws and the right of people to pray and to subscribe to a particular faith, and we represent the multiculturalism of our great nation. We respect the laws and the rights of all Canadians in the House and across the country.
Madam Speaker, we share my colleague's concern about these derelict and abandoned vessels that, frankly, are on every coast of the country, including some of the lakes. It is a problem that our government has committed to rectify.The Minister of Transport and I have been working with a number of stakeholders, and I know that the member is excited about the plan that we will be tabling. The good news for all member of the House is that the plan is coming very soon.
Madam Speaker, we all understand that many members sitting on that side of the House
Madam Speaker, I had the opportunity to speak to the territorial health ministers this week, and we discussed the unique circumstances in the territories and the challenges of delivering care. We will of course continue with the Canada health transfer to support the territories. In addition, there is territorial formula financing, to the tune of $1.5 billion that goes to Nunavut each year, that helps to facilitate the expenses in health. In addition to that, there is a territorial health investment fund in the order of $60 million. We are very pleased to make sure that people in the territories, including Nunavut, get the care they need.
Madam Speaker, on October 22, 2014, a jihadi terrorist struck at the heart of our freedom and our democracy. Corporal Nathan Cirillo was brutally gunned down just steps from where we are now. That happened two days after Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent was murdered. Last year, our government honoured the men's sacrifice, but this year, the Liberals want Canadians to forget. There will be no commemorative ceremony.Why are the Liberals dishonouring these men who died in the line of duty by trying to pretend these jihadi attacks never happened?
Madam Speaker, as the member well knows, the Canada Labour Code requires employers to implement preventative measures to ensure that employees are not exposed to dangerous conditions. A danger directive was issued back in May to Arva Flour. The labour program's health and safety officers are working with the employer to ensure its compliance with the code. It would be inappropriate for me or the minister to speak anymore about the matter.
Madam Speaker, I would remind the hon. member that this deal was dead when we took over office, and it is only because of the progressive elements that we have added to the agreement that we have come this far. We have worked hard to respond to the concerns expressed by European member states, but we are disappointed. The minister is personally disappointed and I am disappointed, after all that hard work, that the Europeans have been unable to make a decision. Even though we share similar values, even though we have been extremely patient, even though we have been flexible, there is no agreement yet on the table.
Madam Speaker, the situation in Syria is disastrous. We have all seen the photos and we have all seen the reports. Yesterday, the Minister of Foreign Affairs attended a plenary meeting of the UN General Assembly proposed by Canada. Could he tell the House about the substance of the debates?
Madam Speaker, as I mentioned, our thoughts continue to be with the families of the victims of the tragic events of July 2013.Our government is committed to improving rail safety. In budget 2016 we invested $143 million to improve rail safety and the transportation of dangerous goods.The member should know that the final results from the city-led study have not been released and we are still awaiting the technical details. Therefore, the minister would like to see the results before rendering a final decision. We are conscious that the citizens of Lac-Mégantic would like
Madam Speaker, for years Canadian police officers have worked hard and served with distinction on the Federal Judicial Advisory Committee. What an insult it is now that for no reason, the Liberal government has terminated their membership on this committee. I want to know why the Prime Minister would show such disrespect for those who risk their lives every day to serve and protect Canadians. I would like to know that.
Madam Speaker, Canadian police officers have worked hard and served the Federal Judicial Advisory Committee well. It is an insult to terminate their membership in the committee. Why would the Minister of Justice show such disrespect to people who risk their lives day after day to serve and protect Canadians?
Madam Speaker, our government recognizes the importance of ensuring the safety of our rail transportation system. As such we invested $143 million in budget 2016 to improve rail safety and the transportation of dangerous goods.There are positive developments in the mandate to enhance rail safety and we will continue to improve rail safety.
Madam Speaker, this week is Small Business Week in Canada. One small business in my riding, which services oil rigs, contributes $340,000 yearly to the local economy in fuel. However, with its fleet of 20 trucks, and the Liberal carbon tax, this business will pay an additional $29,000 annually in fuel alone. The carbon tax is roughly the cost of employing one to two shop hands, one mechanic, or one labourer. Why are the Liberals forcing a carbon tax that will hurt the struggling oil and gas industry even further?
Madam Speaker, raising taxes on small businesses is not going to help them.The Liberals promised that their $10 billion deficit would go toward infrastructure spending to create jobs, but 110,000 Canadians have lost their jobs across the country and the Liberal deficit continues to grow. Meanwhile, there seems to be a new tax every day. The Liberals hiked taxes on small business and they continue to hike taxes on everyday Canadians. When will the millionaire finance minister stop his war on the middle class?
Madam Speaker, in the last campaign just a year ago, the Liberals promised to stop the terrible Conservative plan to strip Canadians overseas of their sacred right to vote, but yesterday we learned that the Liberals are actually continuing the Conservatives' fight at the Supreme Court of Canada against Canadians living abroad. The Liberal Party had the audacity to hit these very same Canadians up for a donation during the campaign. Someone once said A Canadian is a Canadian is a Canadian, and I agree, so why would the Liberals take up Stephen Harper's scheme to rob 1.5 million Canadians of their right to vote?
Madam Speaker, we take very seriously the challenges facing people in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Newfoundland and Labrador. We know that resource prices are hitting that province hard. We have made a number of decisions that are making a difference for people in Alberta, and across Canada: the tax decreases, which are helping them; the Canada child benefit, which helps nine out of ten families with more money in their pockets; and the changes to our employment insurance system, which makes a difference in softening the landing. In the long term, we are making investments that can help to grow our economy, and grow the economy of Alberta.
Madam Speaker, October 22 marks two years since a jihadist terrorist struck at the heart of our freedom and democracy. Corporal Nathan Cirillo was brutally gunned down just steps from here. The thickness of a door and the brave actions of our Hill security staff saved members here a similar fate. It was two days after a jihadist murdered Warrant Office Patrice Vincent. Last year, our government honoured the sacrifice of these men, but this year the Liberals want Canadians to forget. There will be no memorial. Why are the Liberals dishonouring these fallen men and trying to pretend that these jihadist attacks never happened?
Madam Speaker, a disabled veteran contacted the Minister of Transport concerned about a rail crossing yards away from his home. Water floods the ditches, saturating the tracks during heavy rains. CN has said this is absolutely a safety concern as the tracks could shift and derail a train carrying oil through that city. The minister responded by telling the gentleman to contact his local MP. Seriously?When did the minister put me in charge of monitoring rail safety?
Madam Speaker, last week, a tanker barge ran aground off of B.C.'s north coast, spilling 200,000 litres of toxic fuel into a sensitive area. After a slow response, one of the ships helping with the cleanup also began to sink, and this is what the minister calls a world-class response. This relatively minor incident still caused major damage. If it had been a fully-loaded supertanker, the devastation would have been off the chart. When will the government finally implement a permanent ban off of B.C.'s north coast?
Madam Speaker, it is no secret that the Alberta economy is suffering and that Albertans are suffering. There is growing frustration, and the Liberals have given up even trying to help. The evidence is clear. It has been one year since the Liberals promised sunny ways. In that time, Calgary's unemployment rate has grown by 36%, higher than the national average. The Liberals keep hiking taxes and making things worse. Why are the Liberals kicking Calgarians when they are already down?
Madam Speaker, Canada needs a national action plan on abandoned vessels. They pose terrible risks to our economy and our environment, but the government's ship-by-ship approach is too slow and too expensive. At the rate we are moving, it will take a century to clean up the 600 abandoned vessels littering Canada's coasts. B.C. has heard dozens of motions of good intentions. Do we really need another? When will the government deal with a clear action plan and table it in the House to, once and for all, deal with abandoned vessels in Canada?
Madam Speaker, everyone, including first nations governments, wants to ensure there is increased transparency and accountability. But we are going to achieve this by working in partnership with first nations, not a top-down approach that is made in Ottawa.What I will say is that we take the allegations of misuse of public funds very seriously, and when necessary, INAC conducts forensic audits to ensure that the funds are used for the intended manner. We treat the allegations of misused funds very seriously, and we will be following through to ensure that funds are invested properly.
Madam Speaker, I will repeat that all members of Parliament and all parties fundraise, and we all abide by the exact same rules, rules that were put in place by the previous Harper government. Events like these are one part of every party's fundraising and engagement work. Federal politics is subject to some of the strictest political financing legislation and regulations in the country, and the party fully complies with the Elections Act in all cases.
Madam Speaker, both the Minister of Finance and the Prime Minister held cash for access fundraisers in obvious violation of the Prime Minister's code of ethics. They claim that they are complying with the Ethics Commissioner, yet the commissioner told The Globe and Mail that she cannot tell whether the rules were breached because the Prime Minister gave that power to the Privy Council Office. Who does the Privy Council Office answer to? Guess who? It is the Prime Minister. Is this what he calls open and accountable government?When will the Prime Minister actually start being transparent with Canadians?
Madam Speaker, again I would like to remind the members opposite that on July 9 of this year, just three short months ago, the Leader of the Opposition, along with former prime minister Stephen Harper, held a barbecue fundraiser in Calgary and charged a whopping $2,000 a table.
It was the riding association. Check your facts.
Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for his question. We understand that the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is working with the proponent indigenous peoples with respect to this project. We expect the province to assume its responsibilities to ensure that indigenous peoples are protected.
Madam Speaker, after several missed opportunities, the government now has a chance to kill two birds with one stone. For decades now, Quebeckers, Canadians, and the people of Trois-Rivières have been anxiously awaiting a corridor dedicated to passenger rail service in the Quebec City-Windsor axis. The VIA Rail project does exactly that, not to mention that it would also reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.Does the government plan to step up and answer VIA Rail's call, to finally bring Canada into the 21st century?
Madam Speaker, the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner has condemned these fundraisers where $1,500 buys you access to a minister.This gives people the impression that the government is for sale to the highest bidder, especially when it comes to the Minister of Finance. It is time to restore public funding of political parties and put a cap on donations, as it is done in Quebec.When is the government going to close the door on potential cronyism and brown envelopes?
Madam Speaker, for 197 years the Arva Flour Mill has had a perfect safety record. This week is Small Business Week, but this small business will not have anything to celebrate if the labour minister does not grant an exemption from the federal labour code. It has been months since I asked the minister for action, and there has still been no contact with the mill from her or her office.Is it the plan of the minister to let the small mill die a slow death? The minister has the authority to exempt it. Will the minister do her job and keep
Madam Speaker, all of Canada remembers the tragic events on October 20 and 22, 2014. We mourn the passing of Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent and Corporal Nathan Cirillo and extend our sympathies to their families.It is at events, in Ottawa, on November 11, and others across Canada and the world, where we will join together as a nation and as a people to recognize and pay tribute to all those brave Canadian soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in wartime and in peace, at home and abroad, to safeguard our values and our way of life. We will remember.
Madam Speaker, this government believes that all Canadians deserve access to housing that meets their needs and that they can afford. With budget 2016, this government has shown its will to renew Canada's leadership on housing.Could the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development tell us how we are involved in this file internationally?
Madam Speaker, the Prime Minister has said time and time again that energy east needs social acceptability.However, it is not up to the National Energy Board to determine whether a project is socially acceptable. It is up to the population, the public. The NEB should not be telling us what to do, and Canadians are saying no to energy east.Tuesday, the City of Gatineau spoke out against the energy east pipeline. That is four of the five largest cities in Quebec that have officially said no to the project.What will it take for this government to understand that Quebeckers want nothing to do with the energy east pipeline? The answer is no.
Madam Speaker, if it is the same question, it is the same answer. The same answer is quite frankly that all members of Parliament and all parties fundraise. We know that, and we all abide by the same rules, rules that were put in place by the previous Harper government. The party is in full compliance with the Elections Act. The member knows that.
Madam Speaker, we are having a hard time understanding what lesson the Conservatives are trying to teach us about fundraising.Members will certainly recall that the former member for Labrador had to resign because of a fundraising scandal. Members will also remember that the Conservative prime minister's ethical advisor, his parliamentary secretary, was escorted to a van in handcuffs and taken to prison by police because of his fundraising activities. Quite frankly, the Conservatives have no lessons to give on fundraising.
Madam Speaker, the Prime Minister also wrote to his ministers to inform them that the performance of their official duties and the arrangement of their private affairs should bear the closest public scrutiny.He went on to say, This is an obligation that is not fully discharged by simply acting within the law. Those instructions seem very clear to me. Nevertheless, the Minister of Finance is defending himself by saying that he acted within the law.Why is the Prime Minister refusing to make his ministers obey the instructions that he himself gave them?
Madam Speaker, the Canada-EU trade agreement is a historic agreement. It took years to negotiate, and it was the Conservatives which did the hard part. We negotiated a deal that will benefit Canadian families and businesses in every sector of the country. Now the Liberal government is struggling with what should be the easy part, putting the final signature on a deal we delivered.When will the Prime Minister pick up the dropped ball from his trade minister and get the job done for Canadians?
Madam Speaker, first and foremost, our thoughts go out to the workers and their families during this difficult time. We, as a government, understand the challenges that they are going through.With respect to Bombardier, we have been very clear. We have been very engaged with this company. We understand the importance of this company in the aerospace sector.We have said very clearly that it is not a matter of if but how we want to make this investment. I spoke with the CEO and president last night, Alain. He made it very clear, as well, that these restructuring job losses are independent and have nothing to do with the growth discussions we are having with respect to the $1 billion request that they made.
Madam Speaker, this morning, we learned that Bombardier is going to cut 7,500 jobs, including 1,500 in Quebec. That is on top of the restructuring that was already announced earlier this year.This government promised to invest in this Quebec flagship. However, Bombardier is still waiting for that assistance. This government has already failed former Aveos employees. It must not fail Bombardier workers too.What happened to the promise to help Bombardier?
Madam Speaker, it is important to note that all members of Parliament, in all parties, fundraise.We all abide by the exact same rules, rules that were put in place by the previous government. Events like these are one part of every party's fundraising and engagement work.Federal politics is subject to some of the strictest political financing legislation and regulations in the country, and the party fully complies with the Elections Act in all cases.
Madam Speaker, I think a reality check is needed here. An audit at Alexander First Nation identified $2.1 million in unexplained payments. As the former CFO said, You take those concerns to Indian Affairs. Indian Affairs says you have to go back to the chief and council. You bring it back to chief and council it gets swept under the rug. You go to the RCMP, you've got to have proof. So they spin our people around.When will the minister ensure that band members have access to basic financial information that all other Canadians enjoy?
Madam Speaker, all members of Parliament and all parties fundraise and we all abide by the exact same rules, rules that were put in place by the previous government, rules that many members sitting on the other side of the House use to fundraise for the Conservative Party.I would like to remind the members opposite that on July 9 of this year, just three short months ago, the Leader of the Opposition, along with former prime minister Stephen Harper, held a barbecue fundraiser in Calgary and charged a whopping $2,000 per table. I do not know about anyone else, but I have never been to a barbecue where someone has to buy a table.Clearly, the
Madam Speaker, the Liberals are once again supporting Conservative policies in our courts. First, they took veterans to court regarding promised pensions and now this government is denying ex-pat Canadians the right to vote. Just like pensions for veterans, that is something they promised to change.When will the Liberals keep their promises and stop recycling tired Conservative policies, the same policies they campaigned against only a year ago?
Madam Speaker, while the minister is talking, two major Canadian financial institutions are asking the government to stop spending. What fine rhetoric.Just two days ago, the Minister of Transport was patting himself on the back in the House for his work on the Bombardier file. However, the first thing he did as minister was to cancel the Billy Bishop airport project, which would have enabled Bombardier to sign a big contract and create jobs.Canadians are tired of the Liberals' speeches. The truth is that there is no plan for the economy, economic growth, or job creation.Does the Minister of Finance realize that he is about to hit a wall and that he must focus on job creation?
Madam Speaker, I appreciate the question, as it gives me an opportunity to highlight the 24 judicial appointments that we made across the country yesterday, and to highlight the renewed process to ensure openness and transparency with respect to the new appointments process.We have reconstituted the Judicial Advisory Committee with the intent of ensuring that there is diversity among the members of the committee, and ultimately to ensure that we achieve diversity on the benches across this country to reflect Canadians.
Madam Speaker, in Quebec there is consensus about the separation of church and state. However, that is not the case here.This week, the House of Commons welcomed Caliph Ahmad. To mark the occasion, some non-Muslim Liberal members wore the veil. Furthermore, there was a call to prayer right here in Centre Block.While Quebec is debating the secularism of institutions, the House of Commons is morphing into a place of worship.Have we not clearly established the separation of state and religion?Once and for all, could we please affirm secularism in institutions, starting with Parliament?
Madam Speaker, more words, less action, less jobs.The Prime Minister's ethics rules were very clear. I want to quote: There should be no preferential access to government, or appearance of preferential access, for political donors.Now it is clear, those were just empty words. Ministers do not follow them, and the Prime Minister will not enforce them.The question is simple. Will the government turn that empty promise of good intentions into actual rules that are enforced?
Madam Speaker, today my thoughts are with the families affected by the 7,500 layoffs at Bombardier, including 2,000 in Canada and 1,500 in Quebec. It is unfortunate, but this is just more proof that the Liberals are incapable of managing Canada's economy. For a year now, the Liberals have been talking about an economic plan and spending billions of dollars on the backs of our children. Does the Prime Minister finally realize that taxing people and accumulating debt is no way to create jobs?When will the Liberals present a real plan to stimulate economic growth?
Madam Speaker, Canada health transfers provide long-term, predictable funding for provinces and territories and are meant to ensure the universality and accessibility of health care for all Canadians. However, the per capita allocation of this funding does not account for Nunavut's unique regional and infrastructure realities, making it completely inadequate.Will the Minister of Health commit to addressing this inadequacy and adjust this dated system to ensure that Nunavummiut have the same level of service that all other Canadians enjoy?
Madam Speaker, that was a constituency association event.It looks like the Prime Minister is picking up right where Kathleen Wynne left off. It should be no surprise to anyone considering that Gerry Butts created the Liberal cash for access fundraising scheme in Ontario. The Prime Minister himself instructed ministers that there shall be no preferential access to government in exchange for partisan political donations from the Liberal elite. The Prime Minister needs to keep his word. Why can the Prime Minister and his ministers not see that using their government positions to line the pockets of their
Madam Speaker, it is common knowledge that the Liberals' ethics are rather loose. What did 10 years in purgatory teach the Liberals opposite? Absolutely nothing.By way of evidence, we learned that the Minister of Finance made himself available to people who are rich like him for a price. He charged $1,500 for an evening.Will the minister be transparent once and for all and give us the names of those who attended the event that evening?
Madam Speaker, the Minister of Finance recently attended a cash for access fundraiser. The Liberal House leader has repeated ad nauseam that this was within the rules. However, the Prime Minister's document, Open and Accountable Government, says that ministers have an obligation to perform their official duties and arrange their private affairs in a manner that will bear the closest public scrutiny, an obligation that is not fully discharged merely by acting within the law. When will the Prime Minister start enforcing his own code of ethics?
Madam Speaker, I was surprised on Monday that the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs said that she was committed to transparency and was willing to provide financial statements at any time.I was surprised by this because this is absolutely not the experience of local Alberta first nations. So far they have been ignored. On behalf of the Kainai reserve, I have asked many times for the KPMG audit, which was completed last year, only to be stonewalled.When will the minister provide the Kainai reserve with the financial audit? What are they trying to hide?
Madam Speaker, all members of Parliament and all parties fundraise and we will abide by the exact same rules, rules that were put in place by the previous government, rules that many members sitting on that side of the House use to fundraise for the Conservative Party, for example.I would like to remind members opposite that on May 19, 2015, former finance minister Joe Oliver held a fundraising event at the elite private Albany Club of Toronto. This special event was advertised as being held by the hon. Joe Oliver, PC, MP, and charged $500 a head.The point is that we are following the laws of Elections Canada.
Madam Speaker, we came into office with stalled growth from the previous government. That was exactly what we faced and what Canadians decided was a problem. That is why they agreed with us that the right way to address this is to make significant investments in Canadians today and tomorrow. The kinds of measures we put in place, such as the Canada child benefit, are having an impact now. They are starting to be put into the economy. The infrastructure investments that we have put in place are starting to come into the economy now. We know that we are going to make a long-term difference for Canadians by taking the right decisions for their future.
Madam Speaker, that is exactly what we did.We came up with a plan for economic growth in our country. That was the goal of budget 2016. It is important to know that our growth rate was too low during the past decade and now we have to invest in the future for Canadian families, for our children and our grandchildren. That is exactly what we are doing.
Madam Speaker, yesterday, Canada used a special measure to bring the world together, namely a plenary meeting of the UN General Assembly on the humanitarian crisis in Aleppo. The international community was clear. There needs to be a real ceasefire and emergency humanitarian aid for a country that has been going without since July. The Assad regime and its supporters, chiefly Russia, need to hear the message loud and clear: stop the bombings and allow the humanitarian aid to go through.
Madam Speaker, the minister can keep on with that fantasy, but it is not working. In fact, out-of-control Liberal spending, a slipping Canadian economy, and the downgrade of Bank of Canada forecasts, could add billions to the federal deficit. What is the Liberal solution? More taxes on Canadians. Whether it is the payroll tax grab, a carbon tax, or increased taxes on small businesses, the only plan the Liberals seem to have is to punish Canadians with more taxes. When will the Liberals stop helping themselves and start helping Canadians?
Madam Speaker, 2,000: that is the number of Canadians who are about to lose their job because of the government's inaction.Workers at Bombardier have been waiting a long time for the government to make good on its investment promise. What have they actually received to date? Nothing.Companies around the world are global giants today because their home governments invest in them. Does the government understand that, and will it finally deliver its investment promise needed to keep good-paying jobs at Bombardier here in Canada?
Madam Speaker, the Liberal budget admitted that the deficit would be more than twice what the Liberals promised during the election. The finance minister has now said that it will be bigger still, because economic growth is down. But wait? Were we not told that big deficits would solve that problem? If deficits created growth, our economy would be roaring right now. Instead, it is stalled. When will the finance minister realize that spending money we do not have is not the solution, it is the problem?
Madam Speaker, we were so pleased recently to host the managing director of the International Monetary Fund. She said that she hopes that our policies go viral around the world. The reason for that is because she understands that making fiscal investments in the long-term future of our country is absolutely the right thing to do in a time of low growth. That is what we are going to do to make our economy better for the long term for Canadian families, for all those people who need to have growth, and for their families to have opportunities in the future.
Madam Speaker, we know that providing jobs for middle-class Canadians and providing opportunities for those who want to get into the middle class are critical issues that Canadians are worried about. That is exactly why we did the opposite of what the member said. We lowered taxes on middle-class Canadians because we know that they want to see the benefits from our economy. We know the Canada child benefit helps all Canadians with children, nine out of 10 families, with $2,300 more on average. This is important for middle-class Canadians. It will make a real difference.
Madam Speaker, our government remains committed to improving marine safety in Canada and ensuring the protection of our marine environment. The Nathan E. Stewart incident underlines the need for changes as a result of these incidents, and that is why the minister is currently working on a coastal strategy to enhance marine safety in a meaningful way. He has named a minister's observer to support the Transportation Safety Board's investigation, and Transport Canada officials have initiated a compliance inspection.We will take the necessary action on the findings to enhance marine safety in Canada.
Madam Speaker, on June 17, the Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development tabled a unanimous report with recommendations on the federal sustainable development strategy and accompanying legislation. The fact this report received unanimous support from all three parties is testament to Canadians' desire to take the necessary steps to create a more sustainable future. Earlier this month, our government tabled our first federal sustainable development strategy. Can the Minister of Environment advise the House of the progress our government has made on updating the federal sustainable development strategy?
Madam Speaker, the current government's paternal and top-down approach to financial transparency for first nations must come to an end. If the Liberals are not enforcing the First Nations Financial Transparency Act, they are breaking the law. The minister told the House on Monday that if band members want to know how their chief and council are spending the money, they just have to ask her office.Why are the Liberals forcing band members to go to a government department to receive information that should be readily available in the community?
Madam Speaker, it is a failure on the part of the Liberal government, and it is going to wear it.While the finance minister provides special cash for access treatment for his elite Liberal friends, ordinary Canadians are worried. Now more than ever, Canadians are concerned about how they will maintain their own family's budget, yet the finance minister is planning to blow past his targets and add billions more to the deficit, a deficit that will have to be paid for by Canadians. When will the Liberals get control of their reckless spending and stop damaging our economy?
Madam Speaker, I think the member opposite should recall the announcement that we made last week.We committed $54 million to Bombardier and its suppliers to further invest in research and development. We are committed to the aerospace sector. We made investments in Mirabel as well. We are committed to this sector because it is so critical for our economy. It contributes $28 billion of economic activity and employs over 200,000 employees. We made it very clear this is a serious request that we take very importantly. We are going to find a solution, but we want to make sure it is the right solution for taxpayers to make sure we get the right return on investment.
Madam Speaker, it is always great when the member opposite and I agree. We have heard from the 1.2 million Canadians who live abroad and wish to be part of our democratic institutions and participate in the voting process. As I mentioned, we are currently examining legislation to find ways to allow individuals who live abroad in this highly globalized world to be part of our elections, and I look forward to working with the member opposite, since we agree to that end.
Madam Speaker, we respect the tremendous sacrifices that occurred with Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent and Corporal Nathan Cirillo when they made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.It is at events, in Ottawa, on November 11, and throughout the world, where we pay tribute to those who have made that ultimate sacrifice, to our Canadian Armed Forces members, and to others who serve and secure this country daily. We will honour them. We will respect them. We understand the tremendous sacrifice made by them and their families, and we will respect them going forward.
Madam Speaker, we are the only party that seems to understand that the environment and the economy go together. We are committed to taking serious action on climate change. We are very proud that two weeks ago we were able to ratify the Paris agreement. Unfortunately, the party opposite did not support that. We are working with the provinces and territories to have a pan-Canadian plan that will make a real difference, will create good jobs, and will build a clean economy for future generations, for my children, for our children, and for our grandchildren.
Madam Speaker, I would like to start by quoting the April monetary policy report, which said that measures in budget 2016 will have a notable positive impact in 2016. What we are talking about is how we can actually deal with the low-growth environment that has been around for the decade that the previous government was sitting in office. We are taking action to make a long-term difference for Canadians. We are doing the things that people expect us to do so that their children and grandchildren will have a better Canada.
Madam Speaker, I am pleased to report that the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development is leading the Canadian delegation in Quito, Ecuador, for the United Nations Habitat III conference. We are there to ensure the new urban agenda is people-centric, respects diversity, and values the inclusion of unrepresented groups. Canada's new approach to housing is being applauded around the world and we are so proud to be part of the international community at UN Habitat III.Canada is back.
Madam Speaker, as members know, accountability and transparency are key to our government and vital to ensuring the delivery of investments in indigenous and northern communities through our budget 2016. We are engaging with first nations, as the minister has said on many occasions, on a way forward on transparency and accountability.First nations continue their long-standing practice of reporting on their financial and program performances, both to their members and to the department.
Madam Speaker, it is important that we realize that all members of Parliament from all parties fundraise, and we all abide by the exact same rules, as demonstrated by the Leader of the Opposition.
Madam Speaker, the Prime Minister has unveiled his plan for creating jobs in Beverly Hills and Hollywood. He put the premiers in charge of implementing his new $39-billion carbon tax. Kathleen Wynne plans to spend $300 million of it buying carbon credits from California, so that the middle class, and those working to join it, will pay more in food, fuel, and everything else, to send a pot of gold to the Golden State. Why are the Liberals forcing Ontarians and Canadians to pay for their California dreaming?
Madam Speaker, while our hearts go out to those in the oil fields, I would like to make one point. This government does understand small business. We made a huge investment into Destination Canada this year. The small business operators tell us that they want customers. I am pleased to report that Destination Canada has said that tourism was up by over 10%, for June, July, and August. It was the best summer we have had since 2002. Small business operators wanted more customers, and that is what we have given them.
Madam Speaker, it is a great privilege to be here on this traditional Algonquin territory. As a government, we are firmly committed to enhancing Canadians' participation in our democratic institutions. We believe that more Canadians ought to be able to vote. We are currently examining the law as it relates to long-term, non-resident Canadians who wish to vote in federal elections. We intend to introduce legislation this year that will meet the needs of highly mobile Canadian citizens who live in today's increasingly interconnected world.
Madam Speaker, one year after the Liberal government was elected and three years after the Lac-Mégantic tragedy, the people of Lac-Mégantic are still jolted awake every night by the sound of trains going right through their downtown core.The Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, the Leader of the Opposition, all the parties of the House, the municipal unions of Quebec, everyone supports the plan for a rail bypass in Lac-Mégantic.The Minister of Transport says he is anxiously awaiting the results of the feasibility study for this important project. The locals are even more anxious.When will the minister take action?
Madam Speaker, I think the minister was very clear when she spoke to this issue a few days ago in the House of Commons. Financial transparency is important to us. Accountability is important to us. We know that changes have to be made in how that relationship works with first nations, but again it will not be a top-down approach from our government. It will be in working with the first nations to get the process that will work best for everyone.In terms of the information, the minister has said it is available through her department. That remains the same, and I would ask those who are
Madam Speaker, our government is committed to protecting the environment and working towards a clean-growth strategy that benefits the middle class and creates good jobs. Canadians want ambitious action on climate change, they want more leadership from government, they strongly support sustainable development, and they are motivated to make a difference.I want to thank the Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development for their hard work and all the input we received from Canadians across the country.This federal sustainable development strategy will make a real difference to building a more sustainable world for our children and grandchildren.
Madam Speaker, the situation in Muskrat Falls continues to spiral out of control. The Nunatsiavut government is calling on the Prime Minister to immediately amend authorizations under the Fisheries Act in order to protect indigenous waterways and fishing zones.This government claims that no relationship is more important than the relationship with indigenous peoples. Now is the time for it to walk the talk.Will the government honour this simple request from the Nunatsiavut government and the member for Labrador?
Madam Speaker, that is absolutely the case.We understand that it is important we have good jobs for Canadians. That is an important goal for our government. That is precisely why we decided that the former government's proposed measures were inadequate.We decided to make investments in the future, for example, in infrastructure and the economy, which will be more innovative for the future. This will result in more jobs for Canadians.
Madam Speaker, certainly, there is no disrespect being shown to law enforcement officers who risk their lives every day to protect our safety. What we have done is institute an open and transparent process for judicial appointments and, unprecedentedly, have put online application forms wherein anyone can apply to be on the Judicial Advisory Committee. As the Minister of Justice, I look forward to being able to nominate three members of that committee as we seek to ensure that we have broad-based diversity on the committee, as well as future appointments of superior court judges.
Madam Speaker, every once in a while, the member rises in her place and wants to decide herself what the government should do about a project that is currently in front of the regulator. The National Energy Board will look at evidence and I am sure would be very pleased to consider what the hon. member has to say, but for the government to respond to that question and kill a project that has not yet been considered would be irresponsible.
Madam Speaker, our government is developing the best approach to delivering a safe, efficient, and reliable passenger rail service in Canada. As such, the Minister of Transport is working with VIA Rail, in the coming months, to fully assess our options. That is why, in budget 2016, we allocated $45 million to various VIA Rail projects, including $34.4 million for the improvements of stations and maintenance centres, as well as $3.3 million, over three years, to support an in-depth assessment of VIA Rail's high-frequency rail proposal.
Madam Speaker, our government does defend all the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. We value the diversity of the population, we respect the laws and the right of people to pray and to subscribe to a particular faith, and we represent the multiculturalism of our great nation. We respect the laws and the rights of all Canadians in the House and across the country.
Madam Speaker, we share my colleague's concern about these derelict and abandoned vessels that, frankly, are on every coast of the country, including some of the lakes. It is a problem that our government has committed to rectify.The Minister of Transport and I have been working with a number of stakeholders, and I know that the member is excited about the plan that we will be tabling. The good news for all member of the House is that the plan is coming very soon.
Madam Speaker, we all understand that many members sitting on that side of the House
Madam Speaker, I had the opportunity to speak to the territorial health ministers this week, and we discussed the unique circumstances in the territories and the challenges of delivering care. We will of course continue with the Canada health transfer to support the territories. In addition, there is territorial formula financing, to the tune of $1.5 billion that goes to Nunavut each year, that helps to facilitate the expenses in health. In addition to that, there is a territorial health investment fund in the order of $60 million. We are very pleased to make sure that people in the territories, including Nunavut, get the care they need.
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Madam Speaker, I had the opportunity to speak to the territorial health ministers this week, and we discussed the unique circumstances in the territories and the challenges of delivering care. We will of course continue with the Canada health transfer to support the territories. In addition, there is territorial formula financing, to the tune of $1.5 billion that goes to Nunavut each year, that helps to facilitate the expenses in health. In addition to that, there is a territorial health investment fund in the order of $60 million. We are very pleased to make sure that people in the territories, including Nunavut, get the care they need.
Madam Speaker, we all understand that many members sitting on that side of the House
Madam Speaker, we share my colleague's concern about these derelict and abandoned vessels that, frankly, are on every coast of the country, including some of the lakes. It is a problem that our government has committed to rectify.The Minister of Transport and I have been working with a number of stakeholders, and I know that the member is excited about the plan that we will be tabling. The good news for all member of the House is that the plan is coming very soon.
Madam Speaker, our government does defend all the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. We value the diversity of the population, we respect the laws and the right of people to pray and to subscribe to a particular faith, and we represent the multiculturalism of our great nation. We respect the laws and the rights of all Canadians in the House and across the country.
Madam Speaker, our government is developing the best approach to delivering a safe, efficient, and reliable passenger rail service in Canada. As such, the Minister of Transport is working with VIA Rail, in the coming months, to fully assess our options. That is why, in budget 2016, we allocated $45 million to various VIA Rail projects, including $34.4 million for the improvements of stations and maintenance centres, as well as $3.3 million, over three years, to support an in-depth assessment of VIA Rail's high-frequency rail proposal.
Madam Speaker, every once in a while, the member rises in her place and wants to decide herself what the government should do about a project that is currently in front of the regulator. The National Energy Board will look at evidence and I am sure would be very pleased to consider what the hon. member has to say, but for the government to respond to that question and kill a project that has not yet been considered would be irresponsible.
Madam Speaker, certainly, there is no disrespect being shown to law enforcement officers who risk their lives every day to protect our safety. What we have done is institute an open and transparent process for judicial appointments and, unprecedentedly, have put online application forms wherein anyone can apply to be on the Judicial Advisory Committee. As the Minister of Justice, I look forward to being able to nominate three members of that committee as we seek to ensure that we have broad-based diversity on the committee, as well as future appointments of superior court judges.
Madam Speaker, that is absolutely the case.We understand that it is important we have good jobs for Canadians. That is an important goal for our government. That is precisely why we decided that the former government's proposed measures were inadequate.We decided to make investments in the future, for example, in infrastructure and the economy, which will be more innovative for the future. This will result in more jobs for Canadians.
Madam Speaker, the situation in Muskrat Falls continues to spiral out of control. The Nunatsiavut government is calling on the Prime Minister to immediately amend authorizations under the Fisheries Act in order to protect indigenous waterways and fishing zones.This government claims that no relationship is more important than the relationship with indigenous peoples. Now is the time for it to walk the talk.Will the government honour this simple request from the Nunatsiavut government and the member for Labrador?
Madam Speaker, our government is committed to protecting the environment and working towards a clean-growth strategy that benefits the middle class and creates good jobs. Canadians want ambitious action on climate change, they want more leadership from government, they strongly support sustainable development, and they are motivated to make a difference.I want to thank the Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development for their hard work and all the input we received from Canadians across the country.This federal sustainable development strategy will make a real difference to building a more sustainable world for our children and grandchildren.
Madam Speaker, I think the minister was very clear when she spoke to this issue a few days ago in the House of Commons. Financial transparency is important to us. Accountability is important to us. We know that changes have to be made in how that relationship works with first nations, but again it will not be a top-down approach from our government. It will be in working with the first nations to get the process that will work best for everyone.In terms of the information, the minister has said it is available through her department. That remains the same, and I would ask those who are
Madam Speaker, one year after the Liberal government was elected and three years after the Lac-Mégantic tragedy, the people of Lac-Mégantic are still jolted awake every night by the sound of trains going right through their downtown core.The Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, the Leader of the Opposition, all the parties of the House, the municipal unions of Quebec, everyone supports the plan for a rail bypass in Lac-Mégantic.The Minister of Transport says he is anxiously awaiting the results of the feasibility study for this important project. The locals are even more anxious.When will the minister take action?
Madam Speaker, it is a great privilege to be here on this traditional Algonquin territory. As a government, we are firmly committed to enhancing Canadians' participation in our democratic institutions. We believe that more Canadians ought to be able to vote. We are currently examining the law as it relates to long-term, non-resident Canadians who wish to vote in federal elections. We intend to introduce legislation this year that will meet the needs of highly mobile Canadian citizens who live in today's increasingly interconnected world.
Madam Speaker, while our hearts go out to those in the oil fields, I would like to make one point. This government does understand small business. We made a huge investment into Destination Canada this year. The small business operators tell us that they want customers. I am pleased to report that Destination Canada has said that tourism was up by over 10%, for June, July, and August. It was the best summer we have had since 2002. Small business operators wanted more customers, and that is what we have given them.
Madam Speaker, the Prime Minister has unveiled his plan for creating jobs in Beverly Hills and Hollywood. He put the premiers in charge of implementing his new $39-billion carbon tax. Kathleen Wynne plans to spend $300 million of it buying carbon credits from California, so that the middle class, and those working to join it, will pay more in food, fuel, and everything else, to send a pot of gold to the Golden State. Why are the Liberals forcing Ontarians and Canadians to pay for their California dreaming?
Madam Speaker, it is important that we realize that all members of Parliament from all parties fundraise, and we all abide by the exact same rules, as demonstrated by the Leader of the Opposition.
Madam Speaker, as members know, accountability and transparency are key to our government and vital to ensuring the delivery of investments in indigenous and northern communities through our budget 2016. We are engaging with first nations, as the minister has said on many occasions, on a way forward on transparency and accountability.First nations continue their long-standing practice of reporting on their financial and program performances, both to their members and to the department.
Madam Speaker, I am pleased to report that the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development is leading the Canadian delegation in Quito, Ecuador, for the United Nations Habitat III conference. We are there to ensure the new urban agenda is people-centric, respects diversity, and values the inclusion of unrepresented groups. Canada's new approach to housing is being applauded around the world and we are so proud to be part of the international community at UN Habitat III.Canada is back.
Madam Speaker, I would like to start by quoting the April monetary policy report, which said that measures in budget 2016 will have a notable positive impact in 2016. What we are talking about is how we can actually deal with the low-growth environment that has been around for the decade that the previous government was sitting in office. We are taking action to make a long-term difference for Canadians. We are doing the things that people expect us to do so that their children and grandchildren will have a better Canada.
Madam Speaker, we are the only party that seems to understand that the environment and the economy go together. We are committed to taking serious action on climate change. We are very proud that two weeks ago we were able to ratify the Paris agreement. Unfortunately, the party opposite did not support that. We are working with the provinces and territories to have a pan-Canadian plan that will make a real difference, will create good jobs, and will build a clean economy for future generations, for my children, for our children, and for our grandchildren.
Madam Speaker, we respect the tremendous sacrifices that occurred with Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent and Corporal Nathan Cirillo when they made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.It is at events, in Ottawa, on November 11, and throughout the world, where we pay tribute to those who have made that ultimate sacrifice, to our Canadian Armed Forces members, and to others who serve and secure this country daily. We will honour them. We will respect them. We understand the tremendous sacrifice made by them and their families, and we will respect them going forward.
Madam Speaker, it is always great when the member opposite and I agree. We have heard from the 1.2 million Canadians who live abroad and wish to be part of our democratic institutions and participate in the voting process. As I mentioned, we are currently examining legislation to find ways to allow individuals who live abroad in this highly globalized world to be part of our elections, and I look forward to working with the member opposite, since we agree to that end.
Madam Speaker, I think the member opposite should recall the announcement that we made last week.We committed $54 million to Bombardier and its suppliers to further invest in research and development. We are committed to the aerospace sector. We made investments in Mirabel as well. We are committed to this sector because it is so critical for our economy. It contributes $28 billion of economic activity and employs over 200,000 employees. We made it very clear this is a serious request that we take very importantly. We are going to find a solution, but we want to make sure it is the right solution for taxpayers to make sure we get the right return on investment.
Madam Speaker, it is a failure on the part of the Liberal government, and it is going to wear it.While the finance minister provides special cash for access treatment for his elite Liberal friends, ordinary Canadians are worried. Now more than ever, Canadians are concerned about how they will maintain their own family's budget, yet the finance minister is planning to blow past his targets and add billions more to the deficit, a deficit that will have to be paid for by Canadians. When will the Liberals get control of their reckless spending and stop damaging our economy?
Madam Speaker, we know that providing jobs for middle-class Canadians and providing opportunities for those who want to get into the middle class are critical issues that Canadians are worried about. That is exactly why we did the opposite of what the member said. We lowered taxes on middle-class Canadians because we know that they want to see the benefits from our economy. We know the Canada child benefit helps all Canadians with children, nine out of 10 families, with $2,300 more on average. This is important for middle-class Canadians. It will make a real difference.
Madam Speaker, our government remains committed to improving marine safety in Canada and ensuring the protection of our marine environment. The Nathan E. Stewart incident underlines the need for changes as a result of these incidents, and that is why the minister is currently working on a coastal strategy to enhance marine safety in a meaningful way. He has named a minister's observer to support the Transportation Safety Board's investigation, and Transport Canada officials have initiated a compliance inspection.We will take the necessary action on the findings to enhance marine safety in Canada.
Madam Speaker, on June 17, the Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development tabled a unanimous report with recommendations on the federal sustainable development strategy and accompanying legislation. The fact this report received unanimous support from all three parties is testament to Canadians' desire to take the necessary steps to create a more sustainable future. Earlier this month, our government tabled our first federal sustainable development strategy. Can the Minister of Environment advise the House of the progress our government has made on updating the federal sustainable development strategy?
Madam Speaker, the current government's paternal and top-down approach to financial transparency for first nations must come to an end. If the Liberals are not enforcing the First Nations Financial Transparency Act, they are breaking the law. The minister told the House on Monday that if band members want to know how their chief and council are spending the money, they just have to ask her office.Why are the Liberals forcing band members to go to a government department to receive information that should be readily available in the community?
Madam Speaker, we were so pleased recently to host the managing director of the International Monetary Fund. She said that she hopes that our policies go viral around the world. The reason for that is because she understands that making fiscal investments in the long-term future of our country is absolutely the right thing to do in a time of low growth. That is what we are going to do to make our economy better for the long term for Canadian families, for all those people who need to have growth, and for their families to have opportunities in the future.
Madam Speaker, the Liberal budget admitted that the deficit would be more than twice what the Liberals promised during the election. The finance minister has now said that it will be bigger still, because economic growth is down. But wait? Were we not told that big deficits would solve that problem? If deficits created growth, our economy would be roaring right now. Instead, it is stalled. When will the finance minister realize that spending money we do not have is not the solution, it is the problem?
Madam Speaker, the minister can keep on with that fantasy, but it is not working. In fact, out-of-control Liberal spending, a slipping Canadian economy, and the downgrade of Bank of Canada forecasts, could add billions to the federal deficit. What is the Liberal solution? More taxes on Canadians. Whether it is the payroll tax grab, a carbon tax, or increased taxes on small businesses, the only plan the Liberals seem to have is to punish Canadians with more taxes. When will the Liberals stop helping themselves and start helping Canadians?
Madam Speaker, 2,000: that is the number of Canadians who are about to lose their job because of the government's inaction.Workers at Bombardier have been waiting a long time for the government to make good on its investment promise. What have they actually received to date? Nothing.Companies around the world are global giants today because their home governments invest in them. Does the government understand that, and will it finally deliver its investment promise needed to keep good-paying jobs at Bombardier here in Canada?
Madam Speaker, yesterday, Canada used a special measure to bring the world together, namely a plenary meeting of the UN General Assembly on the humanitarian crisis in Aleppo. The international community was clear. There needs to be a real ceasefire and emergency humanitarian aid for a country that has been going without since July. The Assad regime and its supporters, chiefly Russia, need to hear the message loud and clear: stop the bombings and allow the humanitarian aid to go through.
Madam Speaker, that is exactly what we did.We came up with a plan for economic growth in our country. That was the goal of budget 2016. It is important to know that our growth rate was too low during the past decade and now we have to invest in the future for Canadian families, for our children and our grandchildren. That is exactly what we are doing.
Madam Speaker, we came into office with stalled growth from the previous government. That was exactly what we faced and what Canadians decided was a problem. That is why they agreed with us that the right way to address this is to make significant investments in Canadians today and tomorrow. The kinds of measures we put in place, such as the Canada child benefit, are having an impact now. They are starting to be put into the economy. The infrastructure investments that we have put in place are starting to come into the economy now. We know that we are going to make a long-term difference for Canadians by taking the right decisions for their future.
Madam Speaker, all members of Parliament and all parties fundraise and we will abide by the exact same rules, rules that were put in place by the previous government, rules that many members sitting on that side of the House use to fundraise for the Conservative Party, for example.I would like to remind members opposite that on May 19, 2015, former finance minister Joe Oliver held a fundraising event at the elite private Albany Club of Toronto. This special event was advertised as being held by the hon. Joe Oliver, PC, MP, and charged $500 a head.The point is that we are following the laws of Elections Canada.
Madam Speaker, the Minister of Finance recently attended a cash for access fundraiser. The Liberal House leader has repeated ad nauseam that this was within the rules. However, the Prime Minister's document, Open and Accountable Government, says that ministers have an obligation to perform their official duties and arrange their private affairs in a manner that will bear the closest public scrutiny, an obligation that is not fully discharged merely by acting within the law. When will the Prime Minister start enforcing his own code of ethics?
Madam Speaker, I was surprised on Monday that the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs said that she was committed to transparency and was willing to provide financial statements at any time.I was surprised by this because this is absolutely not the experience of local Alberta first nations. So far they have been ignored. On behalf of the Kainai reserve, I have asked many times for the KPMG audit, which was completed last year, only to be stonewalled.When will the minister provide the Kainai reserve with the financial audit? What are they trying to hide?
Madam Speaker, it is common knowledge that the Liberals' ethics are rather loose. What did 10 years in purgatory teach the Liberals opposite? Absolutely nothing.By way of evidence, we learned that the Minister of Finance made himself available to people who are rich like him for a price. He charged $1,500 for an evening.Will the minister be transparent once and for all and give us the names of those who attended the event that evening?
Madam Speaker, that was a constituency association event.It looks like the Prime Minister is picking up right where Kathleen Wynne left off. It should be no surprise to anyone considering that Gerry Butts created the Liberal cash for access fundraising scheme in Ontario. The Prime Minister himself instructed ministers that there shall be no preferential access to government in exchange for partisan political donations from the Liberal elite. The Prime Minister needs to keep his word. Why can the Prime Minister and his ministers not see that using their government positions to line the pockets of their
Madam Speaker, Canada health transfers provide long-term, predictable funding for provinces and territories and are meant to ensure the universality and accessibility of health care for all Canadians. However, the per capita allocation of this funding does not account for Nunavut's unique regional and infrastructure realities, making it completely inadequate.Will the Minister of Health commit to addressing this inadequacy and adjust this dated system to ensure that Nunavummiut have the same level of service that all other Canadians enjoy?
Madam Speaker, today my thoughts are with the families affected by the 7,500 layoffs at Bombardier, including 2,000 in Canada and 1,500 in Quebec. It is unfortunate, but this is just more proof that the Liberals are incapable of managing Canada's economy. For a year now, the Liberals have been talking about an economic plan and spending billions of dollars on the backs of our children. Does the Prime Minister finally realize that taxing people and accumulating debt is no way to create jobs?When will the Liberals present a real plan to stimulate economic growth?
Madam Speaker, more words, less action, less jobs.The Prime Minister's ethics rules were very clear. I want to quote: There should be no preferential access to government, or appearance of preferential access, for political donors.Now it is clear, those were just empty words. Ministers do not follow them, and the Prime Minister will not enforce them.The question is simple. Will the government turn that empty promise of good intentions into actual rules that are enforced?
Madam Speaker, in Quebec there is consensus about the separation of church and state. However, that is not the case here.This week, the House of Commons welcomed Caliph Ahmad. To mark the occasion, some non-Muslim Liberal members wore the veil. Furthermore, there was a call to prayer right here in Centre Block.While Quebec is debating the secularism of institutions, the House of Commons is morphing into a place of worship.Have we not clearly established the separation of state and religion?Once and for all, could we please affirm secularism in institutions, starting with Parliament?
Madam Speaker, I appreciate the question, as it gives me an opportunity to highlight the 24 judicial appointments that we made across the country yesterday, and to highlight the renewed process to ensure openness and transparency with respect to the new appointments process.We have reconstituted the Judicial Advisory Committee with the intent of ensuring that there is diversity among the members of the committee, and ultimately to ensure that we achieve diversity on the benches across this country to reflect Canadians.
Madam Speaker, while the minister is talking, two major Canadian financial institutions are asking the government to stop spending. What fine rhetoric.Just two days ago, the Minister of Transport was patting himself on the back in the House for his work on the Bombardier file. However, the first thing he did as minister was to cancel the Billy Bishop airport project, which would have enabled Bombardier to sign a big contract and create jobs.Canadians are tired of the Liberals' speeches. The truth is that there is no plan for the economy, economic growth, or job creation.Does the Minister of Finance realize that he is about to hit a wall and that he must focus on job creation?
Madam Speaker, the Liberals are once again supporting Conservative policies in our courts. First, they took veterans to court regarding promised pensions and now this government is denying ex-pat Canadians the right to vote. Just like pensions for veterans, that is something they promised to change.When will the Liberals keep their promises and stop recycling tired Conservative policies, the same policies they campaigned against only a year ago?
Madam Speaker, all members of Parliament and all parties fundraise and we all abide by the exact same rules, rules that were put in place by the previous government, rules that many members sitting on the other side of the House use to fundraise for the Conservative Party.I would like to remind the members opposite that on July 9 of this year, just three short months ago, the Leader of the Opposition, along with former prime minister Stephen Harper, held a barbecue fundraiser in Calgary and charged a whopping $2,000 per table. I do not know about anyone else, but I have never been to a barbecue where someone has to buy a table.Clearly, the
Madam Speaker, it is important to note that all members of Parliament, in all parties, fundraise.We all abide by the exact same rules, rules that were put in place by the previous government. Events like these are one part of every party's fundraising and engagement work.Federal politics is subject to some of the strictest political financing legislation and regulations in the country, and the party fully complies with the Elections Act in all cases.
Madam Speaker, I think a reality check is needed here. An audit at Alexander First Nation identified $2.1 million in unexplained payments. As the former CFO said, You take those concerns to Indian Affairs. Indian Affairs says you have to go back to the chief and council. You bring it back to chief and council it gets swept under the rug. You go to the RCMP, you've got to have proof. So they spin our people around.When will the minister ensure that band members have access to basic financial information that all other Canadians enjoy?
Madam Speaker, this morning, we learned that Bombardier is going to cut 7,500 jobs, including 1,500 in Quebec. That is on top of the restructuring that was already announced earlier this year.This government promised to invest in this Quebec flagship. However, Bombardier is still waiting for that assistance. This government has already failed former Aveos employees. It must not fail Bombardier workers too.What happened to the promise to help Bombardier?
Madam Speaker, first and foremost, our thoughts go out to the workers and their families during this difficult time. We, as a government, understand the challenges that they are going through.With respect to Bombardier, we have been very clear. We have been very engaged with this company. We understand the importance of this company in the aerospace sector.We have said very clearly that it is not a matter of if but how we want to make this investment. I spoke with the CEO and president last night, Alain. He made it very clear, as well, that these restructuring job losses are independent and have nothing to do with the growth discussions we are having with respect to the $1 billion request that they made.
Madam Speaker, the Canada-EU trade agreement is a historic agreement. It took years to negotiate, and it was the Conservatives which did the hard part. We negotiated a deal that will benefit Canadian families and businesses in every sector of the country. Now the Liberal government is struggling with what should be the easy part, putting the final signature on a deal we delivered.When will the Prime Minister pick up the dropped ball from his trade minister and get the job done for Canadians?
Madam Speaker, the Prime Minister also wrote to his ministers to inform them that the performance of their official duties and the arrangement of their private affairs should bear the closest public scrutiny.He went on to say, This is an obligation that is not fully discharged by simply acting within the law. Those instructions seem very clear to me. Nevertheless, the Minister of Finance is defending himself by saying that he acted within the law.Why is the Prime Minister refusing to make his ministers obey the instructions that he himself gave them?
Madam Speaker, we are having a hard time understanding what lesson the Conservatives are trying to teach us about fundraising.Members will certainly recall that the former member for Labrador had to resign because of a fundraising scandal. Members will also remember that the Conservative prime minister's ethical advisor, his parliamentary secretary, was escorted to a van in handcuffs and taken to prison by police because of his fundraising activities. Quite frankly, the Conservatives have no lessons to give on fundraising.
Madam Speaker, if it is the same question, it is the same answer. The same answer is quite frankly that all members of Parliament and all parties fundraise. We know that, and we all abide by the same rules, rules that were put in place by the previous Harper government. The party is in full compliance with the Elections Act. The member knows that.
Madam Speaker, the Prime Minister has said time and time again that energy east needs social acceptability.However, it is not up to the National Energy Board to determine whether a project is socially acceptable. It is up to the population, the public. The NEB should not be telling us what to do, and Canadians are saying no to energy east.Tuesday, the City of Gatineau spoke out against the energy east pipeline. That is four of the five largest cities in Quebec that have officially said no to the project.What will it take for this government to understand that Quebeckers want nothing to do with the energy east pipeline? The answer is no.
Madam Speaker, all of Canada remembers the tragic events on October 20 and 22, 2014. We mourn the passing of Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent and Corporal Nathan Cirillo and extend our sympathies to their families.It is at events, in Ottawa, on November 11, and others across Canada and the world, where we will join together as a nation and as a people to recognize and pay tribute to all those brave Canadian soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in wartime and in peace, at home and abroad, to safeguard our values and our way of life. We will remember.
Madam Speaker, this government believes that all Canadians deserve access to housing that meets their needs and that they can afford. With budget 2016, this government has shown its will to renew Canada's leadership on housing.Could the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development tell us how we are involved in this file internationally?
Madam Speaker, for 197 years the Arva Flour Mill has had a perfect safety record. This week is Small Business Week, but this small business will not have anything to celebrate if the labour minister does not grant an exemption from the federal labour code. It has been months since I asked the minister for action, and there has still been no contact with the mill from her or her office.Is it the plan of the minister to let the small mill die a slow death? The minister has the authority to exempt it. Will the minister do her job and keep
Madam Speaker, both the Minister of Finance and the Prime Minister held cash for access fundraisers in obvious violation of the Prime Minister's code of ethics. They claim that they are complying with the Ethics Commissioner, yet the commissioner told The Globe and Mail that she cannot tell whether the rules were breached because the Prime Minister gave that power to the Privy Council Office. Who does the Privy Council Office answer to? Guess who? It is the Prime Minister. Is this what he calls open and accountable government?When will the Prime Minister actually start being transparent with Canadians?
Madam Speaker, again I would like to remind the members opposite that on July 9 of this year, just three short months ago, the Leader of the Opposition, along with former prime minister Stephen Harper, held a barbecue fundraiser in Calgary and charged a whopping $2,000 a table.
It was the riding association. Check your facts.
Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for his question. We understand that the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is working with the proponent indigenous peoples with respect to this project. We expect the province to assume its responsibilities to ensure that indigenous peoples are protected.
Madam Speaker, after several missed opportunities, the government now has a chance to kill two birds with one stone. For decades now, Quebeckers, Canadians, and the people of Trois-Rivières have been anxiously awaiting a corridor dedicated to passenger rail service in the Quebec City-Windsor axis. The VIA Rail project does exactly that, not to mention that it would also reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.Does the government plan to step up and answer VIA Rail's call, to finally bring Canada into the 21st century?
Madam Speaker, the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner has condemned these fundraisers where $1,500 buys you access to a minister.This gives people the impression that the government is for sale to the highest bidder, especially when it comes to the Minister of Finance. It is time to restore public funding of political parties and put a cap on donations, as it is done in Quebec.When is the government going to close the door on potential cronyism and brown envelopes?
Madam Speaker, I will repeat that all members of Parliament and all parties fundraise, and we all abide by the exact same rules, rules that were put in place by the previous Harper government. Events like these are one part of every party's fundraising and engagement work. Federal politics is subject to some of the strictest political financing legislation and regulations in the country, and the party fully complies with the Elections Act in all cases.
Madam Speaker, everyone, including first nations governments, wants to ensure there is increased transparency and accountability. But we are going to achieve this by working in partnership with first nations, not a top-down approach that is made in Ottawa.What I will say is that we take the allegations of misuse of public funds very seriously, and when necessary, INAC conducts forensic audits to ensure that the funds are used for the intended manner. We treat the allegations of misused funds very seriously, and we will be following through to ensure that funds are invested properly.
Madam Speaker, it is no secret that the Alberta economy is suffering and that Albertans are suffering. There is growing frustration, and the Liberals have given up even trying to help. The evidence is clear. It has been one year since the Liberals promised sunny ways. In that time, Calgary's unemployment rate has grown by 36%, higher than the national average. The Liberals keep hiking taxes and making things worse. Why are the Liberals kicking Calgarians when they are already down?
Madam Speaker, Canada needs a national action plan on abandoned vessels. They pose terrible risks to our economy and our environment, but the government's ship-by-ship approach is too slow and too expensive. At the rate we are moving, it will take a century to clean up the 600 abandoned vessels littering Canada's coasts. B.C. has heard dozens of motions of good intentions. Do we really need another? When will the government deal with a clear action plan and table it in the House to, once and for all, deal with abandoned vessels in Canada?
Madam Speaker, last week, a tanker barge ran aground off of B.C.'s north coast, spilling 200,000 litres of toxic fuel into a sensitive area. After a slow response, one of the ships helping with the cleanup also began to sink, and this is what the minister calls a world-class response. This relatively minor incident still caused major damage. If it had been a fully-loaded supertanker, the devastation would have been off the chart. When will the government finally implement a permanent ban off of B.C.'s north coast?
Madam Speaker, a disabled veteran contacted the Minister of Transport concerned about a rail crossing yards away from his home. Water floods the ditches, saturating the tracks during heavy rains. CN has said this is absolutely a safety concern as the tracks could shift and derail a train carrying oil through that city. The minister responded by telling the gentleman to contact his local MP. Seriously?When did the minister put me in charge of monitoring rail safety?
Madam Speaker, October 22 marks two years since a jihadist terrorist struck at the heart of our freedom and democracy. Corporal Nathan Cirillo was brutally gunned down just steps from here. The thickness of a door and the brave actions of our Hill security staff saved members here a similar fate. It was two days after a jihadist murdered Warrant Office Patrice Vincent. Last year, our government honoured the sacrifice of these men, but this year the Liberals want Canadians to forget. There will be no memorial. Why are the Liberals dishonouring these fallen men and trying to pretend that these jihadist attacks never happened?
Madam Speaker, we take very seriously the challenges facing people in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Newfoundland and Labrador. We know that resource prices are hitting that province hard. We have made a number of decisions that are making a difference for people in Alberta, and across Canada: the tax decreases, which are helping them; the Canada child benefit, which helps nine out of ten families with more money in their pockets; and the changes to our employment insurance system, which makes a difference in softening the landing. In the long term, we are making investments that can help to grow our economy, and grow the economy of Alberta.
Madam Speaker, in the last campaign just a year ago, the Liberals promised to stop the terrible Conservative plan to strip Canadians overseas of their sacred right to vote, but yesterday we learned that the Liberals are actually continuing the Conservatives' fight at the Supreme Court of Canada against Canadians living abroad. The Liberal Party had the audacity to hit these very same Canadians up for a donation during the campaign. Someone once said A Canadian is a Canadian is a Canadian, and I agree, so why would the Liberals take up Stephen Harper's scheme to rob 1.5 million Canadians of their right to vote?
Madam Speaker, raising taxes on small businesses is not going to help them.The Liberals promised that their $10 billion deficit would go toward infrastructure spending to create jobs, but 110,000 Canadians have lost their jobs across the country and the Liberal deficit continues to grow. Meanwhile, there seems to be a new tax every day. The Liberals hiked taxes on small business and they continue to hike taxes on everyday Canadians. When will the millionaire finance minister stop his war on the middle class?
Madam Speaker, this week is Small Business Week in Canada. One small business in my riding, which services oil rigs, contributes $340,000 yearly to the local economy in fuel. However, with its fleet of 20 trucks, and the Liberal carbon tax, this business will pay an additional $29,000 annually in fuel alone. The carbon tax is roughly the cost of employing one to two shop hands, one mechanic, or one labourer. Why are the Liberals forcing a carbon tax that will hurt the struggling oil and gas industry even further?
Madam Speaker, our government recognizes the importance of ensuring the safety of our rail transportation system. As such we invested $143 million in budget 2016 to improve rail safety and the transportation of dangerous goods.There are positive developments in the mandate to enhance rail safety and we will continue to improve rail safety.
Madam Speaker, for years Canadian police officers have worked hard and served with distinction on the Federal Judicial Advisory Committee. What an insult it is now that for no reason, the Liberal government has terminated their membership on this committee. I want to know why the Prime Minister would show such disrespect for those who risk their lives every day to serve and protect Canadians. I would like to know that.
Madam Speaker, Canadian police officers have worked hard and served the Federal Judicial Advisory Committee well. It is an insult to terminate their membership in the committee. Why would the Minister of Justice show such disrespect to people who risk their lives day after day to serve and protect Canadians?
Madam Speaker, as I mentioned, our thoughts continue to be with the families of the victims of the tragic events of July 2013.Our government is committed to improving rail safety. In budget 2016 we invested $143 million to improve rail safety and the transportation of dangerous goods.The member should know that the final results from the city-led study have not been released and we are still awaiting the technical details. Therefore, the minister would like to see the results before rendering a final decision. We are conscious that the citizens of Lac-Mégantic would like
Madam Speaker, the situation in Syria is disastrous. We have all seen the photos and we have all seen the reports. Yesterday, the Minister of Foreign Affairs attended a plenary meeting of the UN General Assembly proposed by Canada. Could he tell the House about the substance of the debates?
Madam Speaker, I would remind the hon. member that this deal was dead when we took over office, and it is only because of the progressive elements that we have added to the agreement that we have come this far. We have worked hard to respond to the concerns expressed by European member states, but we are disappointed. The minister is personally disappointed and I am disappointed, after all that hard work, that the Europeans have been unable to make a decision. Even though we share similar values, even though we have been extremely patient, even though we have been flexible, there is no agreement yet on the table.
Madam Speaker, as the member well knows, the Canada Labour Code requires employers to implement preventative measures to ensure that employees are not exposed to dangerous conditions. A danger directive was issued back in May to Arva Flour. The labour program's health and safety officers are working with the employer to ensure its compliance with the code. It would be inappropriate for me or the minister to speak anymore about the matter.
Madam Speaker, on October 22, 2014, a jihadi terrorist struck at the heart of our freedom and our democracy. Corporal Nathan Cirillo was brutally gunned down just steps from where we are now. That happened two days after Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent was murdered. Last year, our government honoured the men's sacrifice, but this year, the Liberals want Canadians to forget. There will be no commemorative ceremony.Why are the Liberals dishonouring these men who died in the line of duty by trying to pretend these jihadi attacks never happened?
Madam Speaker, I had the opportunity to speak to the territorial health ministers this week, and we discussed the unique circumstances in the territories and the challenges of delivering care. We will of course continue with the Canada health transfer to support the territories. In addition, there is territorial formula financing, to the tune of $1.5 billion that goes to Nunavut each year, that helps to facilitate the expenses in health. In addition to that, there is a territorial health investment fund in the order of $60 million. We are very pleased to make sure that people in the territories, including Nunavut, get the care they need.
Madam Speaker, we all understand that many members sitting on that side of the House
Madam Speaker, we share my colleague's concern about these derelict and abandoned vessels that, frankly, are on every coast of the country, including some of the lakes. It is a problem that our government has committed to rectify.The Minister of Transport and I have been working with a number of stakeholders, and I know that the member is excited about the plan that we will be tabling. The good news for all member of the House is that the plan is coming very soon.
Madam Speaker, our government does defend all the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. We value the diversity of the population, we respect the laws and the right of people to pray and to subscribe to a particular faith, and we represent the multiculturalism of our great nation. We respect the laws and the rights of all Canadians in the House and across the country.
Madam Speaker, our government is developing the best approach to delivering a safe, efficient, and reliable passenger rail service in Canada. As such, the Minister of Transport is working with VIA Rail, in the coming months, to fully assess our options. That is why, in budget 2016, we allocated $45 million to various VIA Rail projects, including $34.4 million for the improvements of stations and maintenance centres, as well as $3.3 million, over three years, to support an in-depth assessment of VIA Rail's high-frequency rail proposal.
Madam Speaker, every once in a while, the member rises in her place and wants to decide herself what the government should do about a project that is currently in front of the regulator. The National Energy Board will look at evidence and I am sure would be very pleased to consider what the hon. member has to say, but for the government to respond to that question and kill a project that has not yet been considered would be irresponsible.
Madam Speaker, certainly, there is no disrespect being shown to law enforcement officers who risk their lives every day to protect our safety. What we have done is institute an open and transparent process for judicial appointments and, unprecedentedly, have put online application forms wherein anyone can apply to be on the Judicial Advisory Committee. As the Minister of Justice, I look forward to being able to nominate three members of that committee as we seek to ensure that we have broad-based diversity on the committee, as well as future appointments of superior court judges.
Madam Speaker, that is absolutely the case.We understand that it is important we have good jobs for Canadians. That is an important goal for our government. That is precisely why we decided that the former government's proposed measures were inadequate.We decided to make investments in the future, for example, in infrastructure and the economy, which will be more innovative for the future. This will result in more jobs for Canadians.
Madam Speaker, the situation in Muskrat Falls continues to spiral out of control. The Nunatsiavut government is calling on the Prime Minister to immediately amend authorizations under the Fisheries Act in order to protect indigenous waterways and fishing zones.This government claims that no relationship is more important than the relationship with indigenous peoples. Now is the time for it to walk the talk.Will the government honour this simple request from the Nunatsiavut government and the member for Labrador?
Madam Speaker, our government is committed to protecting the environment and working towards a clean-growth strategy that benefits the middle class and creates good jobs. Canadians want ambitious action on climate change, they want more leadership from government, they strongly support sustainable development, and they are motivated to make a difference.I want to thank the Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development for their hard work and all the input we received from Canadians across the country.This federal sustainable development strategy will make a real difference to building a more sustainable world for our children and grandchildren.
Madam Speaker, I think the minister was very clear when she spoke to this issue a few days ago in the House of Commons. Financial transparency is important to us. Accountability is important to us. We know that changes have to be made in how that relationship works with first nations, but again it will not be a top-down approach from our government. It will be in working with the first nations to get the process that will work best for everyone.In terms of the information, the minister has said it is available through her department. That remains the same, and I would ask those who are
Madam Speaker, one year after the Liberal government was elected and three years after the Lac-Mégantic tragedy, the people of Lac-Mégantic are still jolted awake every night by the sound of trains going right through their downtown core.The Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, the Leader of the Opposition, all the parties of the House, the municipal unions of Quebec, everyone supports the plan for a rail bypass in Lac-Mégantic.The Minister of Transport says he is anxiously awaiting the results of the feasibility study for this important project. The locals are even more anxious.When will the minister take action?
Madam Speaker, it is a great privilege to be here on this traditional Algonquin territory. As a government, we are firmly committed to enhancing Canadians' participation in our democratic institutions. We believe that more Canadians ought to be able to vote. We are currently examining the law as it relates to long-term, non-resident Canadians who wish to vote in federal elections. We intend to introduce legislation this year that will meet the needs of highly mobile Canadian citizens who live in today's increasingly interconnected world.
Madam Speaker, while our hearts go out to those in the oil fields, I would like to make one point. This government does understand small business. We made a huge investment into Destination Canada this year. The small business operators tell us that they want customers. I am pleased to report that Destination Canada has said that tourism was up by over 10%, for June, July, and August. It was the best summer we have had since 2002. Small business operators wanted more customers, and that is what we have given them.
Madam Speaker, the Prime Minister has unveiled his plan for creating jobs in Beverly Hills and Hollywood. He put the premiers in charge of implementing his new $39-billion carbon tax. Kathleen Wynne plans to spend $300 million of it buying carbon credits from California, so that the middle class, and those working to join it, will pay more in food, fuel, and everything else, to send a pot of gold to the Golden State. Why are the Liberals forcing Ontarians and Canadians to pay for their California dreaming?
Madam Speaker, it is important that we realize that all members of Parliament from all parties fundraise, and we all abide by the exact same rules, as demonstrated by the Leader of the Opposition.
Madam Speaker, as members know, accountability and transparency are key to our government and vital to ensuring the delivery of investments in indigenous and northern communities through our budget 2016. We are engaging with first nations, as the minister has said on many occasions, on a way forward on transparency and accountability.First nations continue their long-standing practice of reporting on their financial and program performances, both to their members and to the department.
Madam Speaker, I am pleased to report that the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development is leading the Canadian delegation in Quito, Ecuador, for the United Nations Habitat III conference. We are there to ensure the new urban agenda is people-centric, respects diversity, and values the inclusion of unrepresented groups. Canada's new approach to housing is being applauded around the world and we are so proud to be part of the international community at UN Habitat III.Canada is back.
Madam Speaker, I would like to start by quoting the April monetary policy report, which said that measures in budget 2016 will have a notable positive impact in 2016. What we are talking about is how we can actually deal with the low-growth environment that has been around for the decade that the previous government was sitting in office. We are taking action to make a long-term difference for Canadians. We are doing the things that people expect us to do so that their children and grandchildren will have a better Canada.
Madam Speaker, we are the only party that seems to understand that the environment and the economy go together. We are committed to taking serious action on climate change. We are very proud that two weeks ago we were able to ratify the Paris agreement. Unfortunately, the party opposite did not support that. We are working with the provinces and territories to have a pan-Canadian plan that will make a real difference, will create good jobs, and will build a clean economy for future generations, for my children, for our children, and for our grandchildren.
Madam Speaker, we respect the tremendous sacrifices that occurred with Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent and Corporal Nathan Cirillo when they made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.It is at events, in Ottawa, on November 11, and throughout the world, where we pay tribute to those who have made that ultimate sacrifice, to our Canadian Armed Forces members, and to others who serve and secure this country daily. We will honour them. We will respect them. We understand the tremendous sacrifice made by them and their families, and we will respect them going forward.
Madam Speaker, it is always great when the member opposite and I agree. We have heard from the 1.2 million Canadians who live abroad and wish to be part of our democratic institutions and participate in the voting process. As I mentioned, we are currently examining legislation to find ways to allow individuals who live abroad in this highly globalized world to be part of our elections, and I look forward to working with the member opposite, since we agree to that end.
Madam Speaker, I think the member opposite should recall the announcement that we made last week.We committed $54 million to Bombardier and its suppliers to further invest in research and development. We are committed to the aerospace sector. We made investments in Mirabel as well. We are committed to this sector because it is so critical for our economy. It contributes $28 billion of economic activity and employs over 200,000 employees. We made it very clear this is a serious request that we take very importantly. We are going to find a solution, but we want to make sure it is the right solution for taxpayers to make sure we get the right return on investment.
Madam Speaker, it is a failure on the part of the Liberal government, and it is going to wear it.While the finance minister provides special cash for access treatment for his elite Liberal friends, ordinary Canadians are worried. Now more than ever, Canadians are concerned about how they will maintain their own family's budget, yet the finance minister is planning to blow past his targets and add billions more to the deficit, a deficit that will have to be paid for by Canadians. When will the Liberals get control of their reckless spending and stop damaging our economy?
Madam Speaker, we know that providing jobs for middle-class Canadians and providing opportunities for those who want to get into the middle class are critical issues that Canadians are worried about. That is exactly why we did the opposite of what the member said. We lowered taxes on middle-class Canadians because we know that they want to see the benefits from our economy. We know the Canada child benefit helps all Canadians with children, nine out of 10 families, with $2,300 more on average. This is important for middle-class Canadians. It will make a real difference.
Madam Speaker, our government remains committed to improving marine safety in Canada and ensuring the protection of our marine environment. The Nathan E. Stewart incident underlines the need for changes as a result of these incidents, and that is why the minister is currently working on a coastal strategy to enhance marine safety in a meaningful way. He has named a minister's observer to support the Transportation Safety Board's investigation, and Transport Canada officials have initiated a compliance inspection.We will take the necessary action on the findings to enhance marine safety in Canada.
Madam Speaker, on June 17, the Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development tabled a unanimous report with recommendations on the federal sustainable development strategy and accompanying legislation. The fact this report received unanimous support from all three parties is testament to Canadians' desire to take the necessary steps to create a more sustainable future. Earlier this month, our government tabled our first federal sustainable development strategy. Can the Minister of Environment advise the House of the progress our government has made on updating the federal sustainable development strategy?
Madam Speaker, the current government's paternal and top-down approach to financial transparency for first nations must come to an end. If the Liberals are not enforcing the First Nations Financial Transparency Act, they are breaking the law. The minister told the House on Monday that if band members want to know how their chief and council are spending the money, they just have to ask her office.Why are the Liberals forcing band members to go to a government department to receive information that should be readily available in the community?
Madam Speaker, we were so pleased recently to host the managing director of the International Monetary Fund. She said that she hopes that our policies go viral around the world. The reason for that is because she understands that making fiscal investments in the long-term future of our country is absolutely the right thing to do in a time of low growth. That is what we are going to do to make our economy better for the long term for Canadian families, for all those people who need to have growth, and for their families to have opportunities in the future.
Madam Speaker, the Liberal budget admitted that the deficit would be more than twice what the Liberals promised during the election. The finance minister has now said that it will be bigger still, because economic growth is down. But wait? Were we not told that big deficits would solve that problem? If deficits created growth, our economy would be roaring right now. Instead, it is stalled. When will the finance minister realize that spending money we do not have is not the solution, it is the problem?
Madam Speaker, the minister can keep on with that fantasy, but it is not working. In fact, out-of-control Liberal spending, a slipping Canadian economy, and the downgrade of Bank of Canada forecasts, could add billions to the federal deficit. What is the Liberal solution? More taxes on Canadians. Whether it is the payroll tax grab, a carbon tax, or increased taxes on small businesses, the only plan the Liberals seem to have is to punish Canadians with more taxes. When will the Liberals stop helping themselves and start helping Canadians?
Madam Speaker, 2,000: that is the number of Canadians who are about to lose their job because of the government's inaction.Workers at Bombardier have been waiting a long time for the government to make good on its investment promise. What have they actually received to date? Nothing.Companies around the world are global giants today because their home governments invest in them. Does the government understand that, and will it finally deliver its investment promise needed to keep good-paying jobs at Bombardier here in Canada?
Madam Speaker, yesterday, Canada used a special measure to bring the world together, namely a plenary meeting of the UN General Assembly on the humanitarian crisis in Aleppo. The international community was clear. There needs to be a real ceasefire and emergency humanitarian aid for a country that has been going without since July. The Assad regime and its supporters, chiefly Russia, need to hear the message loud and clear: stop the bombings and allow the humanitarian aid to go through.
Madam Speaker, that is exactly what we did.We came up with a plan for economic growth in our country. That was the goal of budget 2016. It is important to know that our growth rate was too low during the past decade and now we have to invest in the future for Canadian families, for our children and our grandchildren. That is exactly what we are doing.
Madam Speaker, we came into office with stalled growth from the previous government. That was exactly what we faced and what Canadians decided was a problem. That is why they agreed with us that the right way to address this is to make significant investments in Canadians today and tomorrow. The kinds of measures we put in place, such as the Canada child benefit, are having an impact now. They are starting to be put into the economy. The infrastructure investments that we have put in place are starting to come into the economy now. We know that we are going to make a long-term difference for Canadians by taking the right decisions for their future.
Madam Speaker, all members of Parliament and all parties fundraise and we will abide by the exact same rules, rules that were put in place by the previous government, rules that many members sitting on that side of the House use to fundraise for the Conservative Party, for example.I would like to remind members opposite that on May 19, 2015, former finance minister Joe Oliver held a fundraising event at the elite private Albany Club of Toronto. This special event was advertised as being held by the hon. Joe Oliver, PC, MP, and charged $500 a head.The point is that we are following the laws of Elections Canada.
Madam Speaker, the Minister of Finance recently attended a cash for access fundraiser. The Liberal House leader has repeated ad nauseam that this was within the rules. However, the Prime Minister's document, Open and Accountable Government, says that ministers have an obligation to perform their official duties and arrange their private affairs in a manner that will bear the closest public scrutiny, an obligation that is not fully discharged merely by acting within the law. When will the Prime Minister start enforcing his own code of ethics?
Madam Speaker, I was surprised on Monday that the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs said that she was committed to transparency and was willing to provide financial statements at any time.I was surprised by this because this is absolutely not the experience of local Alberta first nations. So far they have been ignored. On behalf of the Kainai reserve, I have asked many times for the KPMG audit, which was completed last year, only to be stonewalled.When will the minister provide the Kainai reserve with the financial audit? What are they trying to hide?
Madam Speaker, it is common knowledge that the Liberals' ethics are rather loose. What did 10 years in purgatory teach the Liberals opposite? Absolutely nothing.By way of evidence, we learned that the Minister of Finance made himself available to people who are rich like him for a price. He charged $1,500 for an evening.Will the minister be transparent once and for all and give us the names of those who attended the event that evening?
Madam Speaker, that was a constituency association event.It looks like the Prime Minister is picking up right where Kathleen Wynne left off. It should be no surprise to anyone considering that Gerry Butts created the Liberal cash for access fundraising scheme in Ontario. The Prime Minister himself instructed ministers that there shall be no preferential access to government in exchange for partisan political donations from the Liberal elite. The Prime Minister needs to keep his word. Why can the Prime Minister and his ministers not see that using their government positions to line the pockets of their
Madam Speaker, Canada health transfers provide long-term, predictable funding for provinces and territories and are meant to ensure the universality and accessibility of health care for all Canadians. However, the per capita allocation of this funding does not account for Nunavut's unique regional and infrastructure realities, making it completely inadequate.Will the Minister of Health commit to addressing this inadequacy and adjust this dated system to ensure that Nunavummiut have the same level of service that all other Canadians enjoy?
Madam Speaker, today my thoughts are with the families affected by the 7,500 layoffs at Bombardier, including 2,000 in Canada and 1,500 in Quebec. It is unfortunate, but this is just more proof that the Liberals are incapable of managing Canada's economy. For a year now, the Liberals have been talking about an economic plan and spending billions of dollars on the backs of our children. Does the Prime Minister finally realize that taxing people and accumulating debt is no way to create jobs?When will the Liberals present a real plan to stimulate economic growth?
Madam Speaker, more words, less action, less jobs.The Prime Minister's ethics rules were very clear. I want to quote: There should be no preferential access to government, or appearance of preferential access, for political donors.Now it is clear, those were just empty words. Ministers do not follow them, and the Prime Minister will not enforce them.The question is simple. Will the government turn that empty promise of good intentions into actual rules that are enforced?
Madam Speaker, in Quebec there is consensus about the separation of church and state. However, that is not the case here.This week, the House of Commons welcomed Caliph Ahmad. To mark the occasion, some non-Muslim Liberal members wore the veil. Furthermore, there was a call to prayer right here in Centre Block.While Quebec is debating the secularism of institutions, the House of Commons is morphing into a place of worship.Have we not clearly established the separation of state and religion?Once and for all, could we please affirm secularism in institutions, starting with Parliament?
Madam Speaker, I appreciate the question, as it gives me an opportunity to highlight the 24 judicial appointments that we made across the country yesterday, and to highlight the renewed process to ensure openness and transparency with respect to the new appointments process.We have reconstituted the Judicial Advisory Committee with the intent of ensuring that there is diversity among the members of the committee, and ultimately to ensure that we achieve diversity on the benches across this country to reflect Canadians.
Madam Speaker, while the minister is talking, two major Canadian financial institutions are asking the government to stop spending. What fine rhetoric.Just two days ago, the Minister of Transport was patting himself on the back in the House for his work on the Bombardier file. However, the first thing he did as minister was to cancel the Billy Bishop airport project, which would have enabled Bombardier to sign a big contract and create jobs.Canadians are tired of the Liberals' speeches. The truth is that there is no plan for the economy, economic growth, or job creation.Does the Minister of Finance realize that he is about to hit a wall and that he must focus on job creation?
Madam Speaker, the Liberals are once again supporting Conservative policies in our courts. First, they took veterans to court regarding promised pensions and now this government is denying ex-pat Canadians the right to vote. Just like pensions for veterans, that is something they promised to change.When will the Liberals keep their promises and stop recycling tired Conservative policies, the same policies they campaigned against only a year ago?
Madam Speaker, all members of Parliament and all parties fundraise and we all abide by the exact same rules, rules that were put in place by the previous government, rules that many members sitting on the other side of the House use to fundraise for the Conservative Party.I would like to remind the members opposite that on July 9 of this year, just three short months ago, the Leader of the Opposition, along with former prime minister Stephen Harper, held a barbecue fundraiser in Calgary and charged a whopping $2,000 per table. I do not know about anyone else, but I have never been to a barbecue where someone has to buy a table.Clearly, the
Madam Speaker, it is important to note that all members of Parliament, in all parties, fundraise.We all abide by the exact same rules, rules that were put in place by the previous government. Events like these are one part of every party's fundraising and engagement work.Federal politics is subject to some of the strictest political financing legislation and regulations in the country, and the party fully complies with the Elections Act in all cases.
Madam Speaker, I think a reality check is needed here. An audit at Alexander First Nation identified $2.1 million in unexplained payments. As the former CFO said, You take those concerns to Indian Affairs. Indian Affairs says you have to go back to the chief and council. You bring it back to chief and council it gets swept under the rug. You go to the RCMP, you've got to have proof. So they spin our people around.When will the minister ensure that band members have access to basic financial information that all other Canadians enjoy?
Madam Speaker, this morning, we learned that Bombardier is going to cut 7,500 jobs, including 1,500 in Quebec. That is on top of the restructuring that was already announced earlier this year.This government promised to invest in this Quebec flagship. However, Bombardier is still waiting for that assistance. This government has already failed former Aveos employees. It must not fail Bombardier workers too.What happened to the promise to help Bombardier?
Madam Speaker, first and foremost, our thoughts go out to the workers and their families during this difficult time. We, as a government, understand the challenges that they are going through.With respect to Bombardier, we have been very clear. We have been very engaged with this company. We understand the importance of this company in the aerospace sector.We have said very clearly that it is not a matter of if but how we want to make this investment. I spoke with the CEO and president last night, Alain. He made it very clear, as well, that these restructuring job losses are independent and have nothing to do with the growth discussions we are having with respect to the $1 billion request that they made.
Madam Speaker, the Canada-EU trade agreement is a historic agreement. It took years to negotiate, and it was the Conservatives which did the hard part. We negotiated a deal that will benefit Canadian families and businesses in every sector of the country. Now the Liberal government is struggling with what should be the easy part, putting the final signature on a deal we delivered.When will the Prime Minister pick up the dropped ball from his trade minister and get the job done for Canadians?
Madam Speaker, the Prime Minister also wrote to his ministers to inform them that the performance of their official duties and the arrangement of their private affairs should bear the closest public scrutiny.He went on to say, This is an obligation that is not fully discharged by simply acting within the law. Those instructions seem very clear to me. Nevertheless, the Minister of Finance is defending himself by saying that he acted within the law.Why is the Prime Minister refusing to make his ministers obey the instructions that he himself gave them?
Madam Speaker, we are having a hard time understanding what lesson the Conservatives are trying to teach us about fundraising.Members will certainly recall that the former member for Labrador had to resign because of a fundraising scandal. Members will also remember that the Conservative prime minister's ethical advisor, his parliamentary secretary, was escorted to a van in handcuffs and taken to prison by police because of his fundraising activities. Quite frankly, the Conservatives have no lessons to give on fundraising.
Madam Speaker, if it is the same question, it is the same answer. The same answer is quite frankly that all members of Parliament and all parties fundraise. We know that, and we all abide by the same rules, rules that were put in place by the previous Harper government. The party is in full compliance with the Elections Act. The member knows that.
Madam Speaker, the Prime Minister has said time and time again that energy east needs social acceptability.However, it is not up to the National Energy Board to determine whether a project is socially acceptable. It is up to the population, the public. The NEB should not be telling us what to do, and Canadians are saying no to energy east.Tuesday, the City of Gatineau spoke out against the energy east pipeline. That is four of the five largest cities in Quebec that have officially said no to the project.What will it take for this government to understand that Quebeckers want nothing to do with the energy east pipeline? The answer is no.
Madam Speaker, all of Canada remembers the tragic events on October 20 and 22, 2014. We mourn the passing of Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent and Corporal Nathan Cirillo and extend our sympathies to their families.It is at events, in Ottawa, on November 11, and others across Canada and the world, where we will join together as a nation and as a people to recognize and pay tribute to all those brave Canadian soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in wartime and in peace, at home and abroad, to safeguard our values and our way of life. We will remember.
Madam Speaker, this government believes that all Canadians deserve access to housing that meets their needs and that they can afford. With budget 2016, this government has shown its will to renew Canada's leadership on housing.Could the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development tell us how we are involved in this file internationally?
Madam Speaker, for 197 years the Arva Flour Mill has had a perfect safety record. This week is Small Business Week, but this small business will not have anything to celebrate if the labour minister does not grant an exemption from the federal labour code. It has been months since I asked the minister for action, and there has still been no contact with the mill from her or her office.Is it the plan of the minister to let the small mill die a slow death? The minister has the authority to exempt it. Will the minister do her job and keep
Madam Speaker, both the Minister of Finance and the Prime Minister held cash for access fundraisers in obvious violation of the Prime Minister's code of ethics. They claim that they are complying with the Ethics Commissioner, yet the commissioner told The Globe and Mail that she cannot tell whether the rules were breached because the Prime Minister gave that power to the Privy Council Office. Who does the Privy Council Office answer to? Guess who? It is the Prime Minister. Is this what he calls open and accountable government?When will the Prime Minister actually start being transparent with Canadians?
Madam Speaker, again I would like to remind the members opposite that on July 9 of this year, just three short months ago, the Leader of the Opposition, along with former prime minister Stephen Harper, held a barbecue fundraiser in Calgary and charged a whopping $2,000 a table.
It was the riding association. Check your facts.
Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for his question. We understand that the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is working with the proponent indigenous peoples with respect to this project. We expect the province to assume its responsibilities to ensure that indigenous peoples are protected.
Madam Speaker, after several missed opportunities, the government now has a chance to kill two birds with one stone. For decades now, Quebeckers, Canadians, and the people of Trois-Rivières have been anxiously awaiting a corridor dedicated to passenger rail service in the Quebec City-Windsor axis. The VIA Rail project does exactly that, not to mention that it would also reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.Does the government plan to step up and answer VIA Rail's call, to finally bring Canada into the 21st century?
Madam Speaker, the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner has condemned these fundraisers where $1,500 buys you access to a minister.This gives people the impression that the government is for sale to the highest bidder, especially when it comes to the Minister of Finance. It is time to restore public funding of political parties and put a cap on donations, as it is done in Quebec.When is the government going to close the door on potential cronyism and brown envelopes?
Madam Speaker, I will repeat that all members of Parliament and all parties fundraise, and we all abide by the exact same rules, rules that were put in place by the previous Harper government. Events like these are one part of every party's fundraising and engagement work. Federal politics is subject to some of the strictest political financing legislation and regulations in the country, and the party fully complies with the Elections Act in all cases.
Madam Speaker, everyone, including first nations governments, wants to ensure there is increased transparency and accountability. But we are going to achieve this by working in partnership with first nations, not a top-down approach that is made in Ottawa.What I will say is that we take the allegations of misuse of public funds very seriously, and when necessary, INAC conducts forensic audits to ensure that the funds are used for the intended manner. We treat the allegations of misused funds very seriously, and we will be following through to ensure that funds are invested properly.
Madam Speaker, it is no secret that the Alberta economy is suffering and that Albertans are suffering. There is growing frustration, and the Liberals have given up even trying to help. The evidence is clear. It has been one year since the Liberals promised sunny ways. In that time, Calgary's unemployment rate has grown by 36%, higher than the national average. The Liberals keep hiking taxes and making things worse. Why are the Liberals kicking Calgarians when they are already down?
Madam Speaker, Canada needs a national action plan on abandoned vessels. They pose terrible risks to our economy and our environment, but the government's ship-by-ship approach is too slow and too expensive. At the rate we are moving, it will take a century to clean up the 600 abandoned vessels littering Canada's coasts. B.C. has heard dozens of motions of good intentions. Do we really need another? When will the government deal with a clear action plan and table it in the House to, once and for all, deal with abandoned vessels in Canada?
Madam Speaker, last week, a tanker barge ran aground off of B.C.'s north coast, spilling 200,000 litres of toxic fuel into a sensitive area. After a slow response, one of the ships helping with the cleanup also began to sink, and this is what the minister calls a world-class response. This relatively minor incident still caused major damage. If it had been a fully-loaded supertanker, the devastation would have been off the chart. When will the government finally implement a permanent ban off of B.C.'s north coast?
Madam Speaker, a disabled veteran contacted the Minister of Transport concerned about a rail crossing yards away from his home. Water floods the ditches, saturating the tracks during heavy rains. CN has said this is absolutely a safety concern as the tracks could shift and derail a train carrying oil through that city. The minister responded by telling the gentleman to contact his local MP. Seriously?When did the minister put me in charge of monitoring rail safety?
Madam Speaker, October 22 marks two years since a jihadist terrorist struck at the heart of our freedom and democracy. Corporal Nathan Cirillo was brutally gunned down just steps from here. The thickness of a door and the brave actions of our Hill security staff saved members here a similar fate. It was two days after a jihadist murdered Warrant Office Patrice Vincent. Last year, our government honoured the sacrifice of these men, but this year the Liberals want Canadians to forget. There will be no memorial. Why are the Liberals dishonouring these fallen men and trying to pretend that these jihadist attacks never happened?
Madam Speaker, we take very seriously the challenges facing people in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Newfoundland and Labrador. We know that resource prices are hitting that province hard. We have made a number of decisions that are making a difference for people in Alberta, and across Canada: the tax decreases, which are helping them; the Canada child benefit, which helps nine out of ten families with more money in their pockets; and the changes to our employment insurance system, which makes a difference in softening the landing. In the long term, we are making investments that can help to grow our economy, and grow the economy of Alberta.
Madam Speaker, in the last campaign just a year ago, the Liberals promised to stop the terrible Conservative plan to strip Canadians overseas of their sacred right to vote, but yesterday we learned that the Liberals are actually continuing the Conservatives' fight at the Supreme Court of Canada against Canadians living abroad. The Liberal Party had the audacity to hit these very same Canadians up for a donation during the campaign. Someone once said A Canadian is a Canadian is a Canadian, and I agree, so why would the Liberals take up Stephen Harper's scheme to rob 1.5 million Canadians of their right to vote?
Madam Speaker, raising taxes on small businesses is not going to help them.The Liberals promised that their $10 billion deficit would go toward infrastructure spending to create jobs, but 110,000 Canadians have lost their jobs across the country and the Liberal deficit continues to grow. Meanwhile, there seems to be a new tax every day. The Liberals hiked taxes on small business and they continue to hike taxes on everyday Canadians. When will the millionaire finance minister stop his war on the middle class?
Madam Speaker, this week is Small Business Week in Canada. One small business in my riding, which services oil rigs, contributes $340,000 yearly to the local economy in fuel. However, with its fleet of 20 trucks, and the Liberal carbon tax, this business will pay an additional $29,000 annually in fuel alone. The carbon tax is roughly the cost of employing one to two shop hands, one mechanic, or one labourer. Why are the Liberals forcing a carbon tax that will hurt the struggling oil and gas industry even further?
Madam Speaker, our government recognizes the importance of ensuring the safety of our rail transportation system. As such we invested $143 million in budget 2016 to improve rail safety and the transportation of dangerous goods.There are positive developments in the mandate to enhance rail safety and we will continue to improve rail safety.
Madam Speaker, for years Canadian police officers have worked hard and served with distinction on the Federal Judicial Advisory Committee. What an insult it is now that for no reason, the Liberal government has terminated their membership on this committee. I want to know why the Prime Minister would show such disrespect for those who risk their lives every day to serve and protect Canadians. I would like to know that.
Madam Speaker, Canadian police officers have worked hard and served the Federal Judicial Advisory Committee well. It is an insult to terminate their membership in the committee. Why would the Minister of Justice show such disrespect to people who risk their lives day after day to serve and protect Canadians?
Madam Speaker, as I mentioned, our thoughts continue to be with the families of the victims of the tragic events of July 2013.Our government is committed to improving rail safety. In budget 2016 we invested $143 million to improve rail safety and the transportation of dangerous goods.The member should know that the final results from the city-led study have not been released and we are still awaiting the technical details. Therefore, the minister would like to see the results before rendering a final decision. We are conscious that the citizens of Lac-Mégantic would like
Madam Speaker, the situation in Syria is disastrous. We have all seen the photos and we have all seen the reports. Yesterday, the Minister of Foreign Affairs attended a plenary meeting of the UN General Assembly proposed by Canada. Could he tell the House about the substance of the debates?
Madam Speaker, I would remind the hon. member that this deal was dead when we took over office, and it is only because of the progressive elements that we have added to the agreement that we have come this far. We have worked hard to respond to the concerns expressed by European member states, but we are disappointed. The minister is personally disappointed and I am disappointed, after all that hard work, that the Europeans have been unable to make a decision. Even though we share similar values, even though we have been extremely patient, even though we have been flexible, there is no agreement yet on the table.
Madam Speaker, as the member well knows, the Canada Labour Code requires employers to implement preventative measures to ensure that employees are not exposed to dangerous conditions. A danger directive was issued back in May to Arva Flour. The labour program's health and safety officers are working with the employer to ensure its compliance with the code. It would be inappropriate for me or the minister to speak anymore about the matter.
Madam Speaker, on October 22, 2014, a jihadi terrorist struck at the heart of our freedom and our democracy. Corporal Nathan Cirillo was brutally gunned down just steps from where we are now. That happened two days after Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent was murdered. Last year, our government honoured the men's sacrifice, but this year, the Liberals want Canadians to forget. There will be no commemorative ceremony.Why are the Liberals dishonouring these men who died in the line of duty by trying to pretend these jihadi attacks never happened?