2018-10-01

Mr. Speaker, the Grand Valley Institution for Women is surrounded by a fence and razor wire. Inmates are kept behind bars. It is where Tori Stafford's killer was before she was transferred to the aboriginal healing lodge. Now, instead of being behind bars and surrounded by razor wire, Tori's killer is surrounded by trees and children. Canadians want Tori's killer back in maximum security. Tori's father has pleaded with the Prime Minister to reverse this decision. For once, will the Prime Minister do the right thing and stand up for victims and their families instead of criminals?

Mr. Speaker, this weekend, in a letter to the Prime Minister, Tori Stafford's dad Rodney asked for one simple thing, that his daughter's killer be put back behind bars, where she was when we were in government.Rodney wrote, “I really have to question our Federal Government as to why convicted child murderers, such as Terri Lynne McClintic, deserve more rights than their victims & law abiding Canadians?”Tomorrow, we will be debating our motion calling on the Liberals to take action to ensure that this murderer is put back behind bars. Will the Liberals support our motion and will they act?

Mr. Speaker, the government has the authority today and the responsibility to do something about this injustice. For starters, as a government it can change the policy to ensure that this killer is put back behind bars. It can hide behind empty excuses, but ultimately the buck stops with the Prime Minister.As Tori's dad said, “Obviously, every Canadian out there can tell you this is wrong.” We agree with Tori's dad. Do the Liberals agree with Tori's dad? Will they act with the power and authority they have, and make this wrong right by putting Tori's killer back behind bars?

Mr. Speaker, we know that the Liberal government has the political, legal and moral authority to reverse the transfer of child killer Terri-Lynne McClintic to a healing lodge. The public safety minister knows the bureaucrats got it wrong, and it is his job to fix their mistakes. When will the minister, and the Prime Minister incidentally, do the right thing and put Tori Stafford's killer back behind bars?

Mr. Speaker, the killer was behind bars. Now the killer is enjoying life in a healing lodge after being convicted of the first degree murder of Tori. It is very clear and very simple actually. The government can give a policy direction, and the policy direction can include Terri-Lynne McClintic as the killer of Tori Stafford. When will the minister immediately give that direction in response to this outrageous transfer and reverse it for the people of Canada and the family of Tori Stafford?

Mr. Speaker, it would have been the goal of any competent government to bring an end to destructive Buy American policies that block Canadian workers and businesses from state and local projects south of the border, yet the government has backed down to Donald Trump on pharmaceuticals, with higher drug prices for Canadians; and has backed down on copyright, dairy and numerous other issues. Today so far, it has not been able to point to any victory on Buy American.Can the minister confirm if Buy American will end with the signature of this deal?

Mr. Speaker, that says “hiding behind the bureaucracy” rather than doing the job.I want to correct the record on something. There is something different about this lodge, outside of the razor wire and everything that the previous institution had. The Integrity Commissioner actually criticized this lodge because, very recently, its employees had been bringing their children to work there.Why will the Prime Minister not do the right thing, respond to Mr. Stafford and put this deranged woman back behind bars?

Mr. Speaker, the National Council of Veteran Associations has confirmed that the Liberals have betrayed veterans and that veteran Sean Bruyea was right all along.The Liberals are also deliberately blocking ill and injured veterans from accessing the career transition service. However, when murderer Chris Garnier applies for veterans benefits, they put him at the front of the line.Why does the government attack veterans and put the needs of murderers ahead of them?

Mr. Speaker, a year ago almost to the day the House unanimously called on the government to ensure that there would be no breaches in supply management if a new NAFTA deal were reached.Instead of telling the Americans that Parliament had agreed no concessions would be made, the government gave up its negotiating power, contradicted the House, reneged on its word and completely caved. Knowing that Donald Trump's threats were nothing but hot air because Congress did not support tearing up NAFTA, why did the government once again sacrifice Quebec?

Mr. Speaker, not only does the agreement between the United States, Mexico and Canada fail our agricultural producers, but it is also going to increase prescription drug prices for some chronic diseases such as arthritis. This is a really tough pill to swallow, especially considering that this is Seniors Week. Seniors are one of the most vulnerable groups in our society and are already struggling to pay for their medication. Do we really need another Liberal study to bring in a national pharmacare program?

Mr. Speaker, the facts do not support the proposition that the hon. gentleman has just made.In fact, the mother-child program exists in all of the women's institutions operated by the Correctional Service of Canada across this country. It applies at the location in Saskatchewan, which is medium and minimum security. It also applies at Grand Valley. It is exactly the same principle.

Mr. Speaker, the United States, Mexico and Canada have a new trade deal, but people in my riding and other Quebec regions are feeling left out. The Liberals opened yet another breach in supply management, not just on dairy but also on poultry, and they did not even manage to get rid of the aluminum tariff. Where did we come out ahead? Nowhere.Can Quebec really count on the Liberals to protect the strategic sectors that are aluminum, agriculture and softwood lumber?

Mr. Speaker, when the Liberals came to power in 2015, the woman who murdered eight-year-old Tori Stafford was locked up, behind bars, in prison. Today she is residing at a healing lodge, where children often stay for visits. It is unacceptable.The Prime Minister is well aware that he is the only one that can reverse this decision. Will the Prime Minister stand up for victims' rights and reverse this decision so that this murderer goes back behind bars?

Mr. Speaker, it is funny that the Liberals are trying to take credit for things we have already had for 25 years. They are trying to take credit for something that was negotiated under a previous Conservative government. We know what they sacrificed, what they gave up, in backing down to Donald Trump: higher drug costs for Canadian consumers and higher profits for American companies. We know they gave up a lot to Donald Trump, but what about on softwood lumber? Tariffs have killed jobs in the forestry industry in Canada for a long time. Have they finally put an end to Trump's tariffs on softwood lumber, yes or no?

Mr. Speaker, the government is proceeding in this matter in a very conscientious way to determine that justice is done and to ensure that the public is kept safe.I look forward to responding to the father's letter. We extend to him our deepest sympathy, as do all Canadians, at the horrible crime that took his daughter's life.We will ensure not only that the policies were properly applied in this case, but in fact that the policies themselves are re-examined to determine that they are absolutely as effective as they possibly can be.

Mr. Speaker, as I have said before, for privacy reasons we cannot comment on the details of this case. I will say, though, that unlike the Harper Conservatives, we do understand that when a veteran serves, their entire family serves with them. We take their mental health and the mental health of the family very seriously. That is why we have opened a new centre of excellence on PTSD. It is why we have launched a joint suicide prevention strategy.Let me implore veterans in need of mental health supports that we will give them the resources needed when needed.

Mr. Speaker, I will await very anxiously the report that I have requested from the commissioner of the Correctional Service of Canada. It is very important to proceed in this manner, in an appropriate, strong way. I will do that. I am waiting for her report. As soon as I get that report, I will take the appropriate action.

Mr. Speaker, our government knows how important community-based mental health initiatives are. We also recognize that the various communities in Canada, in this case, black Canadians, are all unique.Can the Minister of Health tell the House what our government is doing to promote health and mental health equity among black Canadians?

Mr. Speaker, well, it is funny they would choose to use the word “capitulate” because capitulate is precisely what they have done. They have capitulated on pharmaceuticals, allowing Trump to force higher drug costs on Canadian patients to boost American drug company profits. They have capitulated by allowing caps on the growth of Canadian auto exports. They have capitulated on copyright and dairy.What did they get in return for all of this capitulation? Did they get an end to Buy American, yes or no?

Mr. Speaker, at this point, we still do not know whether the government has terminated the benefits being extended to Mr. Garnier, a criminal who never served. Then the Minister of Veterans Affairs humiliated Mr. Bruyea, a well-respected veteran. Now the chairman of the National Council of Veterans Associations of Canada, Mr. Forbes, is calling the new pension for life program a betrayal of the commitment the Prime Minister made to our brave soldiers.When will the government start honouring its commitments? When will it start respecting our veterans?

Mr. Speaker, as if prescriptions were not expensive enough, this new NAFTA deal will make them even more expensive. This deal will increase drug costs for Canadians with arthritis, Crohn's disease and other chronic conditions. It will also increase the cost for drug plans by tens of millions of dollars every single year. By extending patents, Canadians are going to have to wait two more years before affordable generic drugs are available.Since this new trade deal does not make prescription drugs more affordable, will the Liberals immediately introduce universal, affordable pharmacare for Canadians?

Mr. Speaker, as I said several times last week, Tori Stafford's brutal death in 2009 was a horrible gut-wrenching crime for the whole country. The killer, McClintic, was reclassified as medium security in 2014. The government of that day did not challenge that decision. In fact, McClintic remains in a medium security correctional facility today. I have asked the commissioner of corrections to examine the decision-making process to make sure that all policies were properly followed, and more than that, to ensure that the policies themselves are correct, and to identify—

Mr. Speaker, Canadians were worried we would not get a deal but today, many are worried about what we have given up to get this deal. This new deal looks nothing like the priorities the Liberals promised at the beginning of negotiations. Where is that progressive trade agenda? The Liberals have made major concessions that will hurt Canadian dairy, poultry and egg farmers. They failed to get Trump's promised exemption on aluminum and steel tariffs. They have made access to medication even more expensive.The Liberals promised a win-win-win. How can the Prime Minister give up so much and call this a win?

Mr. Speaker, we know how proud Canadians are of their public health care system. We continue to work with the provinces, territories and our partners to lower costs and ensure rapid access to prescription drugs. This issue is important to our government. We look forward to attracting new medical research to Canada. Our government will always stand up for our healthcare system.

Mr. Speaker, what we currently have is a NAFTA agreement, but with more Canadian concessions. For the third time in four years our farmers have been sacrificed to get a trade agreement even though the Prime Minister told us over and over and over again that he would defend supply management. What he did not say was that he would dismantle it. One breach, two breaches, three breaches and the system is taking on water everywhere. Even worse, the Americans will be able to continue subsidizing their agricultural industry with impunity before dumping their surplus goods here in Canada. The Prime Minister promised farmers that he would protect them and that he would defend supply management.Why did he cave?

Mr. Speaker, the member can misrepresent our position all she wants. I am trying to find out the position of the government. We know that the Liberals backed down to Donald Trump by capping future growth of Canadian auto exports. They backed down to Donald Trump, forcing Canadians to pay higher prices for pharmaceuticals. We know they backed down on copyright, dairy and other policies. What did they get in return? Is there an end today to tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminium, yes or no?

Mr. Speaker, Canadian seniors are active in their communities, contributing so much to society, yet too many are being left behind. Families struggle to support their elderly loved ones. Seniors poverty is on the rise. Too many are left to decide between buying food or buying medication.In the very near future, one in four Canadians will be 65 or older, making it critical for Canada to have a concrete plan moving forward. Seniors cannot wait. When will the Prime Minister commit to a national seniors strategy?

Mr. Speaker, for months we have asked the Liberals if they would make concessions on supply management. Unfortunately, today we have our answer. Over 200,000 Canadian families depend on dairy, yet the current government just sacrificed domestic production. Our farmers are again on the hook for another country's overproduction problem. All five supply management sectors will take a serious hit, including chicken, turkey and eggs, making access to locally produced food more difficult, and increasing food safety concerns. The Prime Minister promised to protect supply management. Why did he break that promise?

Mr. Speaker, Mario Bonafacio is a 79-year-old veteran who served Canada for 35 years. He suffered from a debilitating neck injury incurred during his military service. He has asked for support from Veterans Affairs. His claim was rejected. He appealed. The department has been fighting him ever since. In the minister's mandate letter it states that, “Veterans should not have to fight their own government for the support and compensation they have earned.” Mr. Bonafacio is tired of fighting his own government. When will the Minister of Veterans Affairs make sure this veteran gets the support he deserves?

Mr. Speaker, that is not the case for diafiltered milk. In both the agreement with Europe and the TPP, Quebec's farmers were sacrificed to make gains for Canada. When Donald Trump withdrew from the TPP, the government did not renegotiate anything. It left the same breach in supply management. It told everyone not to worry about it and that the Americans would have to re-enter the TPP to have access to the concessions. The truth of the matter is that Quebec is paying three times: once for Europe, once for the TPP and once for NAFTA. After three strikes, we are out.What good are the 40 Liberal MPs from Quebec when all they do is trample on Quebec's interests?

Mr. Speaker, our government knows how rightly proud Canadians are of our public health system. We are going to continue to work with provinces, territories and our partners to lower drug prices and provide timely access to medicines for all Canadians. We also look forward to attracting further medical research to Canada. Our government will always stand up for our public health care system.

Mr. Speaker, the question is very specific. The Prime Minister has made major concessions on key areas. He has made concessions on dairy, he has made concessions on auto quotas and he has made concessions on pharmaceuticals, meaning that Canadian patients will have to pay higher drug costs. We would have hoped that after making all those concessions, we would be able to see a gain on an important issue, like Buy American.Can the Prime Minister confirm whether he has put an end to the Buy America policy in this deal?

Mr. Speaker, I recall that not so long ago the Prime Minister told us that he wanted a new, progressive NAFTA agreement promoting gender equality and indigenous rights. He even said in August 2017, “We are certainly looking for a better level playing field across North America on environmental protections”. Instead of getting any gains in those areas, Canada made concessions on supply management, and the tariffs on steel and aluminum have not been lifted.The Prime Minister promised he would rather sign no deal than a bad deal.Why did he cave?

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister said at the United Nations that there was not that much foreign interference in the last federal election in Canada. The Conservatives think that any interference is too much.Could the Prime Minister tell us how much is not that much, because, according to Canadians, not that much is too much?

Mr. Speaker, there is a bit of a mystery here, because last week I think the Conservatives were urging us to capitulate. They were urging us to give in. This week, the Conservatives seem not to want to have a deal at all. Our government did exactly what we promised Canadians. We said we wanted a good deal, not just any deal, and a good deal is what we have.

Mr. Speaker, earlier this year the Prime Minister and his justice minister condemned the verdict reached in a trial by jury in a high-profile murder trial.They immediately involved the executive and legislative branch of government, and changed the structure of jury selection in Canada. However, in response to a gut-wrenching letter written to him by Mr. Stafford, asking him to put his daughter's murderers back behind bars, he is falsely claiming that he cannot do anything and is hiding behind the bureaucracy.Why the double standard?

Mr. Speaker, unfortunately the NDP is not just opposed to all trade deals but especially progressive trade deals, which is a shame. What we have moved forward with in terms of labour standards in North America is historic in terms of protecting the rights of workers. What we have moved forward with on the environment is to strengthen environmental protections and real consequences within the accord that had never been done before.We are moving forward on a deal that works for the middle class and people working hard to join it. That is at the heart of the progressive agenda of this government and of this progressive trade deal.

Mr. Speaker, in response to a question in New York this week, the Prime Minister admitted to knowing that foreign money had influenced the 2015 federal election. Bill C-76 was supposed to close the loopholes in the election legislation, but it does nothing to stop foreign money from influencing our elections.When is the Prime Minister going to take this issue seriously and stop foreign interests from influencing our elections?

Mr. Speaker, I will be clear. Canada succeeded because we were determined and we did not lose sight of our goal. Even when some people recommended that we capitulate, we knew that the new agreement had to be good for Canada and Canadians. That is exactly what we accomplished.

Mr. Speaker, I am sorry to hear that the official opposition's official position seems to be that this is a bad deal. Canadians disagree. This is a good deal for Canada. It provides certainty and security as we move forward. We have ensured continued access to the North American market in a time of protectionism and we continue to know that as we engage with the United States in positive, constructive ways, we are going to keep putting Canadians' interests at the forefront of everything. This is not about politics; this is about prosperity for Canadians. That is where we stay focused.

Mr. Speaker, as I said, the Conservatives seem to have discovered a lot of Monday morning courage, having counselled us throughout this negotiation that Canada take a softer line. I think Canadians have seen that our government was determined to stand up for the national interest while being fair-minded and seeking reasonable compromise. That is exactly what we have done, and we got a good deal for Canadians.

Mr. Speaker, we agree with our colleagues across the way that there should not be any foreign interference. That is why I ask them to work with us at the procedure and House affairs committee to send Bill C-76 back to the House as soon as possible so we can pass the legislation to ensure that our elections are protected next election. Let us work together. I hope my hon. colleagues across the way will get this done with us.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to remind the members opposite of where this negotiation started. This negotiation started with a U.S. demand that supply management be abolished entirely. Throughout the negotiation Canada was clear this was a political choice for Canadians and that only Canadians would make it. This deal preserves supply management. It preserves a secure food supply for Canadians.

Mr. Speaker, I will take down the picture, but I have no regrets about drawing attention to the fact that dairy farmers in Quebec—

Mr. Speaker, we got a good deal. More specifically, there are more measures to protect the environment in this agreement than in the one reached 25 years ago. This agreement includes penalties and severe consequences for failure to follow through on environmental commitments. That is something we were able to get in this deal. However, I understand that the NDP still does not like agreements and does not want to have any trade agreements with anyone in the world, including, it seems, the United States.

Mr. Speaker, I am sure all members of the House are aware that while the House is in session, they are not allowed to take pictures. I note that there has been at least one member of the New Democratic Party who has done so. I believe it has been posted. I just wanted to raise it as a point of order, and perhaps that individual would take down the picture if it is on social media.Also, Mr. Speaker, perhaps you could just remind members that while we are in session, they are not supposed to be taking pictures with their smart phones.

Mr. Speaker, our hearts go out to the family of Constable Campbell. As I have said, I reviewed the findings and directed my department to ensure that the services received by a family member of a veteran are related to the veteran's service, and where they are not, that the case be reviewed by a senior official to address its policy in relation to providing treatment to family members under extenuating circumstances, such as conviction of a serious crime. This will add extra scrutiny to a policy that has existed since 2012.

Mr. Speaker, I look forward to reviewing in great detail the correspondence from the father of Tori Stafford. The hearts of all Canadians go out to him and other members of the family who have suffered such anguish. Obviously, the objective here is to ensure that justice is done, and to ensure that Canadians are always safe and secure. I have asked the commissioner of the correctional service to examine all of the facts of this case and all of the policies that were applied to ensure that the proper standards are adhered to.

Mr. Speaker, I rise on a question of privilege. On September 26, 2017, the House unanimously adopted the following motion: That the House reiterate its desire to fully preserve supply management during the NAFTA renegotiations. Everyone knows that, yesterday, the government concluded a new agreement with the United States. By so doing, the government dismissed out of hand the unanimous will—

Mr. Speaker, every Canadian wants Canada to have a good agreement with the United States and Mexico. However, our dairy farmers and our steel, aluminum and softwood lumber industries remain in a precarious position.We now know what the Prime Minister sacrificed to the American President. What Canadians want to know is what they actually stand to gain.Can the Prime Minister tell us what economic benefits this agreement will bring to Canada? We are still trying to figure that out.

Mr. Speaker, the Liberals told the House over and over that they would defend our supply management system. They have broken that promise.Once again, dairy, egg and poultry farmers are on the losing end. Let us do the math. The Liberals gave up 3% in CETA, 3.25% in the trans-Pacific Partnership, and nearly 4% to the United States. That means about 10% of the dairy market has been given up in under three years.Could the Prime Minister explain why he is putting our family farms in jeopardy by signing such bad trade deals?

Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend and colleague from Bourassa for his important question and his work on this file. Our government has invested more than $5 billion over 10 years to help the provinces and territories improve access to mental health services. Last week, I announced an investment of $10 million to improve understanding of mental health for black Canadian youth, their families and communities in order to strengthen informed policies, programs, and interventions. This was some good news last week.

Mr. Speaker, here are the facts. The tariffs of 25% on steel and 10% on aluminum will remain. No deal has been reached on softwood lumber, and major concessions affecting Canada's agricultural industry were made as part of these negotiations.Can the Prime Minister tell us whether an impact study was conducted to determine the effects of the concessions made to the American President?If so, will he commit to tabling it here in the House?

Mr. Speaker, our government worked very hard to defend Canadians' interests. Our government defended our supply management system from the U.S. government's determined attempts to dismantle it. We are the party that implemented the supply management system, and we are the party that will defend it. I want to assure dairy farmers that they will receive fair and equitable compensation.

Mr. Speaker, a question of privilege must be raised as soon as the breach occurs. I could not inform you a day or an hour in advance because I did not hear the government confirm what was reported in the media. Then I had to wait until question period to have the opportunity to rise today. It was therefore impossible to give an hour's notice. You are the guardian of parliamentarians' speaking time, and independent members get very little of that. It seems to me that you could at least wait until the end of my remarks, which are not even a minute long.

Mr. Speaker, it is vitally important in the correctional system of Canada that sound, strong rules be in place to ensure that Canadians are kept safe, that justice is done and that the proper results are achieved for all Canadians.We have asked for the review. The review is under way, not only of the decision-making process but of the policies themselves. As soon as we have the report from that review, we will be anxious to review it and to act upon it.

Mr. Speaker, indeed we are committed to the well-being of each one of our veterans and I invite the hon member to bring this to my further attention. We will see if we can get to the bottom of that particular case.

Mr. Speaker, we will have to wait a little while to find out whether the official opposition thinks this is a good deal or a bad deal.Canadians right across the country understand that securing access to a North American market and demonstrating that we could stand up for the rules-based order by having an intact chapter 19 is a good thing. Canadians understand that defending our cultural industries, including as they move to more digital, is a good thing. They understand that defending supply management as it continues is a good thing.This is what Canadians expected. This is what we have delivered.

Mr. Speaker, he did not answer the question as to whether he was able to get concessions from the United States on the very same issue.When the Prime Minister offered to renegotiate NAFTA, there were no sunset clauses, steel tariffs or auto quotas and we already had the dispute resolution mechanism, so these are not new gains in this deal. We had hoped that the government might negotiate gains for Canada, like an end to the Buy America policy that cost billions of dollars and thousands of jobs. Does this new deal put an end, once and for all, to the Buy America policy, yes or no?

Mr. Speaker, eight months ago, the Liberals announced they would hold consultations about improving pension security for Canadian workers in case of bankruptcy or insolvency. However, no plans or consultations have been announced.Does the government not understand that 18,000 Sears retirees just lost a third of their pension, and that could happen again to others if we do not change the law?Workers and retirees in this country deserve better. Why is the government refusing to stand up for Canadian workers and retirees, and their pensions? Why is the Minister of Seniors not stepping up to the plate on this important issue?

Mr. Speaker, over the past 13 months, we have been working extremely hard with the Americans and with the Mexicans to reach a new deal that would be good for Canadians. Despite what Stephen Harper recommended about six months ago, we were not ready to sign any old deal. We needed to sign a deal that is good for Canadians, and that is exactly what we did. We stood up for Canada, stood up for Canadians, and we got it done in the right way. I want to thank Canadians who have been united on this issue across all corners of the country and across all ideologies.

Mr. Speaker, as the hon. member knows, I have asked the commissioner of the Correctional Service of Canada to examine all the details of this particular case, including the processes by which the decisions were taken and to ensure that those processes were followed, but more importantly to examine the policies themselves to determine if they are appropriate in order to keep Canadians safe and to ensure that justice is done. I will anxiously await her report.

Mr. Speaker, we are going to evaluate this deal to determine if it is a good deal, and one of the ways that we will be able to determine that is to find out where Canada gained.We know where the Prime Minister has backed down. He has backed down to Donald Trump on dairy. He has backed down to Donald Trump on auto quotas. He has backed down to Donald Trump on pharmaceuticals, meaning Canadian patients will have to pay higher drug costs.After making all of these concessions, we would like to know: Did he secure an end to the softwood lumber tariffs?

Mr. Speaker, I want to say one very important thing. Today, I want to thank the Canadian negotiators, who worked very hard. I also want to thank Steve Verheul, our chief negotiator. On behalf of all Canadians, I thank them for their hard work.This agreement will be good for Canadian workers and businesses. It will also be good for Canadian families.

Mr. Speaker, Canadians were united in wanting a good deal. The Prime Minister is trying to take credit for things that the Conservative Party had locked in over 25 years ago. There was no sunset clause, there was already a dispute resolution mechanism and now he has made major concessions on key sectors of the economy. Now we would like to see where the gains are. One area that Canadians were very united in hoping to see an end to were the punishing tariffs on softwood lumber. Can the Prime Minister confirm whether his concessions have led to an end of the softwood lumber tariffs?

Mr. Speaker, our government worked very hard to defend Canadians' interests. Our government defended our supply management system from the U.S. government's determined attempts to dismantle it. We were able to preserve, protect and defend our supply management system throughout the CETA, TPP and NAFTA negotiations.

Mr. Speaker, the issues involved in this case are being very carefully examined by the commissioner of the correctional service, subsequent to my request that she do so. I have asked her not only to look at the decision-making process to ensure that proper procedures and policies were followed, but also to look at the policies themselves and to report to me on whether those policies are in fact sufficient, proper and appropriate in the circumstances to protect public safety and to ensure that justice is done.

Mr. Speaker, there has been a lot of credit given to this government for negotiating this deal, but I have to say that we owe a debt of gratitude to many stakeholders and industries across this country, including the Canadian Labour Congress and Unifor.Jerry Dias and Hassan Yussuff have worked closely with us every step of the way to ensure that this deal could be the best possible one for workers, for labour and for Canadians. That is what we are going to continue to focus on. Of course, through the ratification process, we look forward to bringing this deal to Parliament.

Mr. Speaker, we are waiting to see the details of the new free trade agreement with the United States and Mexico to assess its full impact.We do know that the Prime Minister made concessions with respect to access to the dairy market, as well as to Class 7.Can the Prime Minister tell us whether he got any concessions from the United States regarding their subsidies to the industry?

Mr. Speaker, nearly one-third of all Canadians rely on rental housing for a safe, affordable place to call home. Could the minister responsible for housing tell Canadians how this government's investments in the rental construction financing initiative will increase the amount of affordable rental housing options for middle-class families struggling in expensive housing markets across Canada?

Mr. Speaker, the lack of transparency throughout this whole process has been overwhelming. Canadians were promised transparency and expected transparency.Our workers need to know exactly what their government has signed on to and how this will affect their livelihoods. They deserve to know that their jobs and our Canadian industries are protected. I am still looking for that progressive trade agenda.I have a simple question for the Prime Minister: Will he be transparent and bring this deal into Parliament for study, debate and a vote?

Mr. Speaker, let me challenge very clearly something that is simply wrong in what the hon. member said. This deal is great for the car sector. It is great for the car parts sector. That is why the share prices of our three leading car parts companies went up today. That is not a market response that says this deal is bad for our companies and workers. This is a deal that secures growth and investment in that crucial area, and we should all be proud we got it.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for her question.It is vital that everyone in the House work together to avoid and prevent foreign influence and interference in our elections.I am excited to work with everyone in the House to make sure we pass Bill C-76. In Bill C-76 are tangible measures to ensure we can prevent foreign interference. I hope my colleagues on the other side will work with us to get this legislation passed quickly to ensure that our next elections are protected.

Mr. Speaker, let me tell the member what we got for the softwood lumber industry. It is something called chapter 19. This dispute settlement mechanism is absolutely essential for our industry, and we—

Mr. Speaker, first of all, I would like to say to all of our seniors listening today, happy Seniors Day. Our government took action immediately as soon as we came into government to lower the eligibility age from 67 back to 65 for OAS and GIS. In addition to that, we increased the GIS for the most vulnerable seniors by almost $1,000 per year. We also invested $6 billion for home care and palliative care.When it comes to our seniors, they have worked hard for us and we will continue to work hard for them.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Minister of Seniors for her leadership on this file. She understands how important it is to support retirement security.She is one of the key members, along with so many members in our government, who helped strengthen the Canada pension plan. She also advocated and strengthened the expanded wage earner protection program. In the 2018 budget, we provided a road map that would include a whole-of-government approach when it comes to strengthening our pensions. We are committed to workers and pensions. It is a priority for our government.

Mr. Speaker, I am thankful for the opportunity to speak on World Habitat Day. I thank my colleague from Kitchener Centre for his hard work toward securing a $2 million investment from the rental construction financing initiative, which will give 20 families in Kitchener a safe and affordable place to live. This is all part of the national housing strategy, a 10-year plan that is re-establishing federal leadership and partnership in housing.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate my colleague on his recent appointment to the Standing Committee on the Status of Women. His efforts will no doubt contribute greatly to our government's daily efforts to advance gender equality and grow the middle class. During Women's History Month, we honour women in Canada's history who have paved the way for the rest of us and celebrate those whose stories shape history today.To that end, our government is launching a new online resource to celebrate over 100 women of impact and we are also encouraging all Canadians, including members of the House, to use #makeanimpact and celebrate the story of a woman making a difference in their communities.

Mr. Speaker, the agreement we reached yesterday is good for Canadians and for market access across the continent. It is very important that we continue to show that Canadians are innovators and work hard to succeed.We worked with dairy industry stakeholders to make sure that they will be compensated for the market share we had to cede to the Americans.

Mr. Speaker, Canadians are pleased today that we are moving forward on a historic accord that stabilizes, secures and offers certainty to investors, to Canadian businesses, but mostly to workers and folks in the middle class. We have ended the uncertainty around trade in Canada, we have demonstrated that we can move forward and continue to grow our economy, drawing in global investment, being part of the global supply chains and being an integrated part in the North American market. This is a good day for Canada and it is a good day for Canadians.

Mr. Speaker, we fully support our dairy producers, their families and their communities. It was a Liberal government that created the supply management system and it is a Liberal government that is preserving it.This agreement will provide access to markets, but the most important thing is that the future of supply management is not in question.

Mr. Speaker, on the contrary, we protected supply management. After signing CETA, the CPTPP and now the USMCA, we have a process that protects and preserves our supply management system. Naturally, we will work with the dairy industry and dairy producers to ensure that there is compensation for the market share given to the U.S. However, we know that we have preserved supply management for future generations.

Mr. Speaker, October is Women's History Month in Canada. During this month we celebrate the many accomplishments of women and girls in our country and are encouraged to learn more about the remarkable women and girls who have advanced gender equality for everyone.Could the Minister of Status of Women tell the House what our government is doing to honour the lives and legacies of courageous women and girls from coast to coast to coast throughout Canada's history?

Mr. Speaker, I will start with supply management. We fully support our dairy farmers, their families and their communities. This agreement will open up access to markets, but the most important thing is that the future of supply management is secure. I also want to emphasize that our dairy farmers will receive fair and equitable compensation.

Mr. Speaker, a question of privilege must be raised as soon as the breach occurs. I could not inform you a day or an hour in advance because I did not hear the government confirm what was reported in the media. Then I had to wait until question period to have the opportunity to rise today. It was therefore impossible to give an hour's notice. You are the guardian of parliamentarians' speaking time, and independent members get very little of that. It seems to me that you could at least wait until the end of my remarks, which are not even a minute long.

Mr. Speaker, the Liberals told the House over and over that they would defend our supply management system. They have broken that promise.Once again, dairy, egg and poultry farmers are on the losing end. Let us do the math. The Liberals gave up 3% in CETA, 3.25% in the trans-Pacific Partnership, and nearly 4% to the United States. That means about 10% of the dairy market has been given up in under three years.Could the Prime Minister explain why he is putting our family farms in jeopardy by signing such bad trade deals?

Mr. Speaker, the government has the authority today and the responsibility to do something about this injustice. For starters, as a government it can change the policy to ensure that this killer is put back behind bars. It can hide behind empty excuses, but ultimately the buck stops with the Prime Minister.As Tori's dad said, “Obviously, every Canadian out there can tell you this is wrong.” We agree with Tori's dad. Do the Liberals agree with Tori's dad? Will they act with the power and authority they have, and make this wrong right by putting Tori's killer back behind bars?

Mr. Speaker, for months we have asked the Liberals if they would make concessions on supply management. Unfortunately, today we have our answer. Over 200,000 Canadian families depend on dairy, yet the current government just sacrificed domestic production. Our farmers are again on the hook for another country's overproduction problem. All five supply management sectors will take a serious hit, including chicken, turkey and eggs, making access to locally produced food more difficult, and increasing food safety concerns. The Prime Minister promised to protect supply management. Why did he break that promise?

Mr. Speaker, earlier this year the Prime Minister and his justice minister condemned the verdict reached in a trial by jury in a high-profile murder trial.They immediately involved the executive and legislative branch of government, and changed the structure of jury selection in Canada. However, in response to a gut-wrenching letter written to him by Mr. Stafford, asking him to put his daughter's murderers back behind bars, he is falsely claiming that he cannot do anything and is hiding behind the bureaucracy.Why the double standard?

Mr. Speaker, in response to a question in New York this week, the Prime Minister admitted to knowing that foreign money had influenced the 2015 federal election. Bill C-76 was supposed to close the loopholes in the election legislation, but it does nothing to stop foreign money from influencing our elections.When is the Prime Minister going to take this issue seriously and stop foreign interests from influencing our elections?

Mr. Speaker, when the Liberals came to power in 2015, the woman who murdered eight-year-old Tori Stafford was locked up, behind bars, in prison. Today she is residing at a healing lodge, where children often stay for visits. It is unacceptable.The Prime Minister is well aware that he is the only one that can reverse this decision. Will the Prime Minister stand up for victims' rights and reverse this decision so that this murderer goes back behind bars?

Mr. Speaker, unfortunately the NDP is not just opposed to all trade deals but especially progressive trade deals, which is a shame. What we have moved forward with in terms of labour standards in North America is historic in terms of protecting the rights of workers. What we have moved forward with on the environment is to strengthen environmental protections and real consequences within the accord that had never been done before.We are moving forward on a deal that works for the middle class and people working hard to join it. That is at the heart of the progressive agenda of this government and of this progressive trade deal.

Mr. Speaker, not only does the agreement between the United States, Mexico and Canada fail our agricultural producers, but it is also going to increase prescription drug prices for some chronic diseases such as arthritis. This is a really tough pill to swallow, especially considering that this is Seniors Week. Seniors are one of the most vulnerable groups in our society and are already struggling to pay for their medication. Do we really need another Liberal study to bring in a national pharmacare program?

Mr. Speaker, as I have said before, for privacy reasons we cannot comment on the details of this case. I will say, though, that unlike the Harper Conservatives, we do understand that when a veteran serves, their entire family serves with them. We take their mental health and the mental health of the family very seriously. That is why we have opened a new centre of excellence on PTSD. It is why we have launched a joint suicide prevention strategy.Let me implore veterans in need of mental health supports that we will give them the resources needed when needed.

Mr. Speaker, as I said several times last week, Tori Stafford's brutal death in 2009 was a horrible gut-wrenching crime for the whole country. The killer, McClintic, was reclassified as medium security in 2014. The government of that day did not challenge that decision. In fact, McClintic remains in a medium security correctional facility today. I have asked the commissioner of corrections to examine the decision-making process to make sure that all policies were properly followed, and more than that, to ensure that the policies themselves are correct, and to identify—

Mr. Speaker, that says “hiding behind the bureaucracy” rather than doing the job.I want to correct the record on something. There is something different about this lodge, outside of the razor wire and everything that the previous institution had. The Integrity Commissioner actually criticized this lodge because, very recently, its employees had been bringing their children to work there.Why will the Prime Minister not do the right thing, respond to Mr. Stafford and put this deranged woman back behind bars?

Mr. Speaker, the killer was behind bars. Now the killer is enjoying life in a healing lodge after being convicted of the first degree murder of Tori. It is very clear and very simple actually. The government can give a policy direction, and the policy direction can include Terri-Lynne McClintic as the killer of Tori Stafford. When will the minister immediately give that direction in response to this outrageous transfer and reverse it for the people of Canada and the family of Tori Stafford?

Mr. Speaker, our hearts go out to the family of Constable Campbell. As I have said, I reviewed the findings and directed my department to ensure that the services received by a family member of a veteran are related to the veteran's service, and where they are not, that the case be reviewed by a senior official to address its policy in relation to providing treatment to family members under extenuating circumstances, such as conviction of a serious crime. This will add extra scrutiny to a policy that has existed since 2012.

Mr. Speaker, I am sorry to hear that the official opposition's official position seems to be that this is a bad deal. Canadians disagree. This is a good deal for Canada. It provides certainty and security as we move forward. We have ensured continued access to the North American market in a time of protectionism and we continue to know that as we engage with the United States in positive, constructive ways, we are going to keep putting Canadians' interests at the forefront of everything. This is not about politics; this is about prosperity for Canadians. That is where we stay focused.

Mr. Speaker, I will take down the picture, but I have no regrets about drawing attention to the fact that dairy farmers in Quebec—

Mr. Speaker, we know that the Liberal government has the political, legal and moral authority to reverse the transfer of child killer Terri-Lynne McClintic to a healing lodge. The public safety minister knows the bureaucrats got it wrong, and it is his job to fix their mistakes. When will the minister, and the Prime Minister incidentally, do the right thing and put Tori Stafford's killer back behind bars?

Mr. Speaker, we agree with our colleagues across the way that there should not be any foreign interference. That is why I ask them to work with us at the procedure and House affairs committee to send Bill C-76 back to the House as soon as possible so we can pass the legislation to ensure that our elections are protected next election. Let us work together. I hope my hon. colleagues across the way will get this done with us.

Mr. Speaker, the government is proceeding in this matter in a very conscientious way to determine that justice is done and to ensure that the public is kept safe.I look forward to responding to the father's letter. We extend to him our deepest sympathy, as do all Canadians, at the horrible crime that took his daughter's life.We will ensure not only that the policies were properly applied in this case, but in fact that the policies themselves are re-examined to determine that they are absolutely as effective as they possibly can be.

Mr. Speaker, our government knows how important community-based mental health initiatives are. We also recognize that the various communities in Canada, in this case, black Canadians, are all unique.Can the Minister of Health tell the House what our government is doing to promote health and mental health equity among black Canadians?

Mr. Speaker, the member can misrepresent our position all she wants. I am trying to find out the position of the government. We know that the Liberals backed down to Donald Trump by capping future growth of Canadian auto exports. They backed down to Donald Trump, forcing Canadians to pay higher prices for pharmaceuticals. We know they backed down on copyright, dairy and other policies. What did they get in return? Is there an end today to tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminium, yes or no?

Mr. Speaker, the Grand Valley Institution for Women is surrounded by a fence and razor wire. Inmates are kept behind bars. It is where Tori Stafford's killer was before she was transferred to the aboriginal healing lodge. Now, instead of being behind bars and surrounded by razor wire, Tori's killer is surrounded by trees and children. Canadians want Tori's killer back in maximum security. Tori's father has pleaded with the Prime Minister to reverse this decision. For once, will the Prime Minister do the right thing and stand up for victims and their families instead of criminals?

Mr. Speaker, let me tell the member what we got for the softwood lumber industry. It is something called chapter 19. This dispute settlement mechanism is absolutely essential for our industry, and we—

Mr. Speaker, this weekend, in a letter to the Prime Minister, Tori Stafford's dad Rodney asked for one simple thing, that his daughter's killer be put back behind bars, where she was when we were in government.Rodney wrote, “I really have to question our Federal Government as to why convicted child murderers, such as Terri Lynne McClintic, deserve more rights than their victims & law abiding Canadians?”Tomorrow, we will be debating our motion calling on the Liberals to take action to ensure that this murderer is put back behind bars. Will the Liberals support our motion and will they act?

Mr. Speaker, it is funny that the Liberals are trying to take credit for things we have already had for 25 years. They are trying to take credit for something that was negotiated under a previous Conservative government. We know what they sacrificed, what they gave up, in backing down to Donald Trump: higher drug costs for Canadian consumers and higher profits for American companies. We know they gave up a lot to Donald Trump, but what about on softwood lumber? Tariffs have killed jobs in the forestry industry in Canada for a long time. Have they finally put an end to Trump's tariffs on softwood lumber, yes or no?

Mr. Speaker, I recall that not so long ago the Prime Minister told us that he wanted a new, progressive NAFTA agreement promoting gender equality and indigenous rights. He even said in August 2017, “We are certainly looking for a better level playing field across North America on environmental protections”. Instead of getting any gains in those areas, Canada made concessions on supply management, and the tariffs on steel and aluminum have not been lifted.The Prime Minister promised he would rather sign no deal than a bad deal.Why did he cave?

Mr. Speaker, it would have been the goal of any competent government to bring an end to destructive Buy American policies that block Canadian workers and businesses from state and local projects south of the border, yet the government has backed down to Donald Trump on pharmaceuticals, with higher drug prices for Canadians; and has backed down on copyright, dairy and numerous other issues. Today so far, it has not been able to point to any victory on Buy American.Can the minister confirm if Buy American will end with the signature of this deal?

Mr. Speaker, here are the facts. The tariffs of 25% on steel and 10% on aluminum will remain. No deal has been reached on softwood lumber, and major concessions affecting Canada's agricultural industry were made as part of these negotiations.Can the Prime Minister tell us whether an impact study was conducted to determine the effects of the concessions made to the American President?If so, will he commit to tabling it here in the House?

Mr. Speaker, the National Council of Veteran Associations has confirmed that the Liberals have betrayed veterans and that veteran Sean Bruyea was right all along.The Liberals are also deliberately blocking ill and injured veterans from accessing the career transition service. However, when murderer Chris Garnier applies for veterans benefits, they put him at the front of the line.Why does the government attack veterans and put the needs of murderers ahead of them?

Mr. Speaker, on the contrary, we protected supply management. After signing CETA, the CPTPP and now the USMCA, we have a process that protects and preserves our supply management system. Naturally, we will work with the dairy industry and dairy producers to ensure that there is compensation for the market share given to the U.S. However, we know that we have preserved supply management for future generations.

Mr. Speaker, the United States, Mexico and Canada have a new trade deal, but people in my riding and other Quebec regions are feeling left out. The Liberals opened yet another breach in supply management, not just on dairy but also on poultry, and they did not even manage to get rid of the aluminum tariff. Where did we come out ahead? Nowhere.Can Quebec really count on the Liberals to protect the strategic sectors that are aluminum, agriculture and softwood lumber?

Mr. Speaker, the issues involved in this case are being very carefully examined by the commissioner of the correctional service, subsequent to my request that she do so. I have asked her not only to look at the decision-making process to ensure that proper procedures and policies were followed, but also to look at the policies themselves and to report to me on whether those policies are in fact sufficient, proper and appropriate in the circumstances to protect public safety and to ensure that justice is done.

Mr. Speaker, our government worked very hard to defend Canadians' interests. Our government defended our supply management system from the U.S. government's determined attempts to dismantle it. We were able to preserve, protect and defend our supply management system throughout the CETA, TPP and NAFTA negotiations.

Mr. Speaker, I rise on a question of privilege. On September 26, 2017, the House unanimously adopted the following motion: That the House reiterate its desire to fully preserve supply management during the NAFTA renegotiations. Everyone knows that, yesterday, the government concluded a new agreement with the United States. By so doing, the government dismissed out of hand the unanimous will—

Mr. Speaker, first of all, I would like to say to all of our seniors listening today, happy Seniors Day. Our government took action immediately as soon as we came into government to lower the eligibility age from 67 back to 65 for OAS and GIS. In addition to that, we increased the GIS for the most vulnerable seniors by almost $1,000 per year. We also invested $6 billion for home care and palliative care.When it comes to our seniors, they have worked hard for us and we will continue to work hard for them.

Mr. Speaker, nearly one-third of all Canadians rely on rental housing for a safe, affordable place to call home. Could the minister responsible for housing tell Canadians how this government's investments in the rental construction financing initiative will increase the amount of affordable rental housing options for middle-class families struggling in expensive housing markets across Canada?

Mr. Speaker, I would like to remind the members opposite of where this negotiation started. This negotiation started with a U.S. demand that supply management be abolished entirely. Throughout the negotiation Canada was clear this was a political choice for Canadians and that only Canadians would make it. This deal preserves supply management. It preserves a secure food supply for Canadians.

Mr. Speaker, indeed we are committed to the well-being of each one of our veterans and I invite the hon member to bring this to my further attention. We will see if we can get to the bottom of that particular case.

Mr. Speaker, I am sure all members of the House are aware that while the House is in session, they are not allowed to take pictures. I note that there has been at least one member of the New Democratic Party who has done so. I believe it has been posted. I just wanted to raise it as a point of order, and perhaps that individual would take down the picture if it is on social media.Also, Mr. Speaker, perhaps you could just remind members that while we are in session, they are not supposed to be taking pictures with their smart phones.

Mr. Speaker, as if prescriptions were not expensive enough, this new NAFTA deal will make them even more expensive. This deal will increase drug costs for Canadians with arthritis, Crohn's disease and other chronic conditions. It will also increase the cost for drug plans by tens of millions of dollars every single year. By extending patents, Canadians are going to have to wait two more years before affordable generic drugs are available.Since this new trade deal does not make prescription drugs more affordable, will the Liberals immediately introduce universal, affordable pharmacare for Canadians?

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister said at the United Nations that there was not that much foreign interference in the last federal election in Canada. The Conservatives think that any interference is too much.Could the Prime Minister tell us how much is not that much, because, according to Canadians, not that much is too much?

Mr. Speaker, I am thankful for the opportunity to speak on World Habitat Day. I thank my colleague from Kitchener Centre for his hard work toward securing a $2 million investment from the rental construction financing initiative, which will give 20 families in Kitchener a safe and affordable place to live. This is all part of the national housing strategy, a 10-year plan that is re-establishing federal leadership and partnership in housing.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for her question.It is vital that everyone in the House work together to avoid and prevent foreign influence and interference in our elections.I am excited to work with everyone in the House to make sure we pass Bill C-76. In Bill C-76 are tangible measures to ensure we can prevent foreign interference. I hope my colleagues on the other side will work with us to get this legislation passed quickly to ensure that our next elections are protected.

Mr. Speaker, what we currently have is a NAFTA agreement, but with more Canadian concessions. For the third time in four years our farmers have been sacrificed to get a trade agreement even though the Prime Minister told us over and over and over again that he would defend supply management. What he did not say was that he would dismantle it. One breach, two breaches, three breaches and the system is taking on water everywhere. Even worse, the Americans will be able to continue subsidizing their agricultural industry with impunity before dumping their surplus goods here in Canada. The Prime Minister promised farmers that he would protect them and that he would defend supply management.Why did he cave?

Mr. Speaker, at this point, we still do not know whether the government has terminated the benefits being extended to Mr. Garnier, a criminal who never served. Then the Minister of Veterans Affairs humiliated Mr. Bruyea, a well-respected veteran. Now the chairman of the National Council of Veterans Associations of Canada, Mr. Forbes, is calling the new pension for life program a betrayal of the commitment the Prime Minister made to our brave soldiers.When will the government start honouring its commitments? When will it start respecting our veterans?

Mr. Speaker, Canadian seniors are active in their communities, contributing so much to society, yet too many are being left behind. Families struggle to support their elderly loved ones. Seniors poverty is on the rise. Too many are left to decide between buying food or buying medication.In the very near future, one in four Canadians will be 65 or older, making it critical for Canada to have a concrete plan moving forward. Seniors cannot wait. When will the Prime Minister commit to a national seniors strategy?

Mr. Speaker, he did not answer the question as to whether he was able to get concessions from the United States on the very same issue.When the Prime Minister offered to renegotiate NAFTA, there were no sunset clauses, steel tariffs or auto quotas and we already had the dispute resolution mechanism, so these are not new gains in this deal. We had hoped that the government might negotiate gains for Canada, like an end to the Buy America policy that cost billions of dollars and thousands of jobs. Does this new deal put an end, once and for all, to the Buy America policy, yes or no?

Mr. Speaker, we are going to evaluate this deal to determine if it is a good deal, and one of the ways that we will be able to determine that is to find out where Canada gained.We know where the Prime Minister has backed down. He has backed down to Donald Trump on dairy. He has backed down to Donald Trump on auto quotas. He has backed down to Donald Trump on pharmaceuticals, meaning Canadian patients will have to pay higher drug costs.After making all of these concessions, we would like to know: Did he secure an end to the softwood lumber tariffs?

Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend and colleague from Bourassa for his important question and his work on this file. Our government has invested more than $5 billion over 10 years to help the provinces and territories improve access to mental health services. Last week, I announced an investment of $10 million to improve understanding of mental health for black Canadian youth, their families and communities in order to strengthen informed policies, programs, and interventions. This was some good news last week.

Mr. Speaker, our government knows how rightly proud Canadians are of our public health system. We are going to continue to work with provinces, territories and our partners to lower drug prices and provide timely access to medicines for all Canadians. We also look forward to attracting further medical research to Canada. Our government will always stand up for our public health care system.

Mr. Speaker, our government worked very hard to defend Canadians' interests. Our government defended our supply management system from the U.S. government's determined attempts to dismantle it. We are the party that implemented the supply management system, and we are the party that will defend it. I want to assure dairy farmers that they will receive fair and equitable compensation.

Mr. Speaker, a year ago almost to the day the House unanimously called on the government to ensure that there would be no breaches in supply management if a new NAFTA deal were reached.Instead of telling the Americans that Parliament had agreed no concessions would be made, the government gave up its negotiating power, contradicted the House, reneged on its word and completely caved. Knowing that Donald Trump's threats were nothing but hot air because Congress did not support tearing up NAFTA, why did the government once again sacrifice Quebec?

Mr. Speaker, the lack of transparency throughout this whole process has been overwhelming. Canadians were promised transparency and expected transparency.Our workers need to know exactly what their government has signed on to and how this will affect their livelihoods. They deserve to know that their jobs and our Canadian industries are protected. I am still looking for that progressive trade agenda.I have a simple question for the Prime Minister: Will he be transparent and bring this deal into Parliament for study, debate and a vote?

Mr. Speaker, over the past 13 months, we have been working extremely hard with the Americans and with the Mexicans to reach a new deal that would be good for Canadians. Despite what Stephen Harper recommended about six months ago, we were not ready to sign any old deal. We needed to sign a deal that is good for Canadians, and that is exactly what we did. We stood up for Canada, stood up for Canadians, and we got it done in the right way. I want to thank Canadians who have been united on this issue across all corners of the country and across all ideologies.

Mr. Speaker, Mario Bonafacio is a 79-year-old veteran who served Canada for 35 years. He suffered from a debilitating neck injury incurred during his military service. He has asked for support from Veterans Affairs. His claim was rejected. He appealed. The department has been fighting him ever since. In the minister's mandate letter it states that, “Veterans should not have to fight their own government for the support and compensation they have earned.” Mr. Bonafacio is tired of fighting his own government. When will the Minister of Veterans Affairs make sure this veteran gets the support he deserves?

Mr. Speaker, well, it is funny they would choose to use the word “capitulate” because capitulate is precisely what they have done. They have capitulated on pharmaceuticals, allowing Trump to force higher drug costs on Canadian patients to boost American drug company profits. They have capitulated by allowing caps on the growth of Canadian auto exports. They have capitulated on copyright and dairy.What did they get in return for all of this capitulation? Did they get an end to Buy American, yes or no?

Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate my colleague on his recent appointment to the Standing Committee on the Status of Women. His efforts will no doubt contribute greatly to our government's daily efforts to advance gender equality and grow the middle class. During Women's History Month, we honour women in Canada's history who have paved the way for the rest of us and celebrate those whose stories shape history today.To that end, our government is launching a new online resource to celebrate over 100 women of impact and we are also encouraging all Canadians, including members of the House, to use #makeanimpact and celebrate the story of a woman making a difference in their communities.

Mr. Speaker, let me challenge very clearly something that is simply wrong in what the hon. member said. This deal is great for the car sector. It is great for the car parts sector. That is why the share prices of our three leading car parts companies went up today. That is not a market response that says this deal is bad for our companies and workers. This is a deal that secures growth and investment in that crucial area, and we should all be proud we got it.

Mr. Speaker, I look forward to reviewing in great detail the correspondence from the father of Tori Stafford. The hearts of all Canadians go out to him and other members of the family who have suffered such anguish. Obviously, the objective here is to ensure that justice is done, and to ensure that Canadians are always safe and secure. I have asked the commissioner of the correctional service to examine all of the facts of this case and all of the policies that were applied to ensure that the proper standards are adhered to.

Mr. Speaker, the question is very specific. The Prime Minister has made major concessions on key areas. He has made concessions on dairy, he has made concessions on auto quotas and he has made concessions on pharmaceuticals, meaning that Canadian patients will have to pay higher drug costs. We would have hoped that after making all those concessions, we would be able to see a gain on an important issue, like Buy American.Can the Prime Minister confirm whether he has put an end to the Buy America policy in this deal?

Mr. Speaker, it is vitally important in the correctional system of Canada that sound, strong rules be in place to ensure that Canadians are kept safe, that justice is done and that the proper results are achieved for all Canadians.We have asked for the review. The review is under way, not only of the decision-making process but of the policies themselves. As soon as we have the report from that review, we will be anxious to review it and to act upon it.

Mr. Speaker, every Canadian wants Canada to have a good agreement with the United States and Mexico. However, our dairy farmers and our steel, aluminum and softwood lumber industries remain in a precarious position.We now know what the Prime Minister sacrificed to the American President. What Canadians want to know is what they actually stand to gain.Can the Prime Minister tell us what economic benefits this agreement will bring to Canada? We are still trying to figure that out.

Mr. Speaker, we will have to wait a little while to find out whether the official opposition thinks this is a good deal or a bad deal.Canadians right across the country understand that securing access to a North American market and demonstrating that we could stand up for the rules-based order by having an intact chapter 19 is a good thing. Canadians understand that defending our cultural industries, including as they move to more digital, is a good thing. They understand that defending supply management as it continues is a good thing.This is what Canadians expected. This is what we have delivered.

Mr. Speaker, that is not the case for diafiltered milk. In both the agreement with Europe and the TPP, Quebec's farmers were sacrificed to make gains for Canada. When Donald Trump withdrew from the TPP, the government did not renegotiate anything. It left the same breach in supply management. It told everyone not to worry about it and that the Americans would have to re-enter the TPP to have access to the concessions. The truth of the matter is that Quebec is paying three times: once for Europe, once for the TPP and once for NAFTA. After three strikes, we are out.What good are the 40 Liberal MPs from Quebec when all they do is trample on Quebec's interests?

Mr. Speaker, Canadians were united in wanting a good deal. The Prime Minister is trying to take credit for things that the Conservative Party had locked in over 25 years ago. There was no sunset clause, there was already a dispute resolution mechanism and now he has made major concessions on key sectors of the economy. Now we would like to see where the gains are. One area that Canadians were very united in hoping to see an end to were the punishing tariffs on softwood lumber. Can the Prime Minister confirm whether his concessions have led to an end of the softwood lumber tariffs?

Mr. Speaker, Canadians were worried we would not get a deal but today, many are worried about what we have given up to get this deal. This new deal looks nothing like the priorities the Liberals promised at the beginning of negotiations. Where is that progressive trade agenda? The Liberals have made major concessions that will hurt Canadian dairy, poultry and egg farmers. They failed to get Trump's promised exemption on aluminum and steel tariffs. They have made access to medication even more expensive.The Liberals promised a win-win-win. How can the Prime Minister give up so much and call this a win?

Mr. Speaker, I want to say one very important thing. Today, I want to thank the Canadian negotiators, who worked very hard. I also want to thank Steve Verheul, our chief negotiator. On behalf of all Canadians, I thank them for their hard work.This agreement will be good for Canadian workers and businesses. It will also be good for Canadian families.

Mr. Speaker, Canadians are pleased today that we are moving forward on a historic accord that stabilizes, secures and offers certainty to investors, to Canadian businesses, but mostly to workers and folks in the middle class. We have ended the uncertainty around trade in Canada, we have demonstrated that we can move forward and continue to grow our economy, drawing in global investment, being part of the global supply chains and being an integrated part in the North American market. This is a good day for Canada and it is a good day for Canadians.

Mr. Speaker, the facts do not support the proposition that the hon. gentleman has just made.In fact, the mother-child program exists in all of the women's institutions operated by the Correctional Service of Canada across this country. It applies at the location in Saskatchewan, which is medium and minimum security. It also applies at Grand Valley. It is exactly the same principle.

Mr. Speaker, we know how proud Canadians are of their public health care system. We continue to work with the provinces, territories and our partners to lower costs and ensure rapid access to prescription drugs. This issue is important to our government. We look forward to attracting new medical research to Canada. Our government will always stand up for our healthcare system.

Mr. Speaker, I will be clear. Canada succeeded because we were determined and we did not lose sight of our goal. Even when some people recommended that we capitulate, we knew that the new agreement had to be good for Canada and Canadians. That is exactly what we accomplished.

Mr. Speaker, I will await very anxiously the report that I have requested from the commissioner of the Correctional Service of Canada. It is very important to proceed in this manner, in an appropriate, strong way. I will do that. I am waiting for her report. As soon as I get that report, I will take the appropriate action.

Mr. Speaker, we are waiting to see the details of the new free trade agreement with the United States and Mexico to assess its full impact.We do know that the Prime Minister made concessions with respect to access to the dairy market, as well as to Class 7.Can the Prime Minister tell us whether he got any concessions from the United States regarding their subsidies to the industry?

Mr. Speaker, eight months ago, the Liberals announced they would hold consultations about improving pension security for Canadian workers in case of bankruptcy or insolvency. However, no plans or consultations have been announced.Does the government not understand that 18,000 Sears retirees just lost a third of their pension, and that could happen again to others if we do not change the law?Workers and retirees in this country deserve better. Why is the government refusing to stand up for Canadian workers and retirees, and their pensions? Why is the Minister of Seniors not stepping up to the plate on this important issue?

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Minister of Seniors for her leadership on this file. She understands how important it is to support retirement security.She is one of the key members, along with so many members in our government, who helped strengthen the Canada pension plan. She also advocated and strengthened the expanded wage earner protection program. In the 2018 budget, we provided a road map that would include a whole-of-government approach when it comes to strengthening our pensions. We are committed to workers and pensions. It is a priority for our government.

Mr. Speaker, we fully support our dairy producers, their families and their communities. It was a Liberal government that created the supply management system and it is a Liberal government that is preserving it.This agreement will provide access to markets, but the most important thing is that the future of supply management is not in question.

Mr. Speaker, as the hon. member knows, I have asked the commissioner of the Correctional Service of Canada to examine all the details of this particular case, including the processes by which the decisions were taken and to ensure that those processes were followed, but more importantly to examine the policies themselves to determine if they are appropriate in order to keep Canadians safe and to ensure that justice is done. I will anxiously await her report.

Mr. Speaker, I will start with supply management. We fully support our dairy farmers, their families and their communities. This agreement will open up access to markets, but the most important thing is that the future of supply management is secure. I also want to emphasize that our dairy farmers will receive fair and equitable compensation.

Mr. Speaker, the agreement we reached yesterday is good for Canadians and for market access across the continent. It is very important that we continue to show that Canadians are innovators and work hard to succeed.We worked with dairy industry stakeholders to make sure that they will be compensated for the market share we had to cede to the Americans.

Mr. Speaker, we got a good deal. More specifically, there are more measures to protect the environment in this agreement than in the one reached 25 years ago. This agreement includes penalties and severe consequences for failure to follow through on environmental commitments. That is something we were able to get in this deal. However, I understand that the NDP still does not like agreements and does not want to have any trade agreements with anyone in the world, including, it seems, the United States.

Mr. Speaker, as I said, the Conservatives seem to have discovered a lot of Monday morning courage, having counselled us throughout this negotiation that Canada take a softer line. I think Canadians have seen that our government was determined to stand up for the national interest while being fair-minded and seeking reasonable compromise. That is exactly what we have done, and we got a good deal for Canadians.

Mr. Speaker, there is a bit of a mystery here, because last week I think the Conservatives were urging us to capitulate. They were urging us to give in. This week, the Conservatives seem not to want to have a deal at all. Our government did exactly what we promised Canadians. We said we wanted a good deal, not just any deal, and a good deal is what we have.

Mr. Speaker, there has been a lot of credit given to this government for negotiating this deal, but I have to say that we owe a debt of gratitude to many stakeholders and industries across this country, including the Canadian Labour Congress and Unifor.Jerry Dias and Hassan Yussuff have worked closely with us every step of the way to ensure that this deal could be the best possible one for workers, for labour and for Canadians. That is what we are going to continue to focus on. Of course, through the ratification process, we look forward to bringing this deal to Parliament.

Mr. Speaker, October is Women's History Month in Canada. During this month we celebrate the many accomplishments of women and girls in our country and are encouraged to learn more about the remarkable women and girls who have advanced gender equality for everyone.Could the Minister of Status of Women tell the House what our government is doing to honour the lives and legacies of courageous women and girls from coast to coast to coast throughout Canada's history?

Mr. Speaker, October is Women's History Month in Canada. During this month we celebrate the many accomplishments of women and girls in our country and are encouraged to learn more about the remarkable women and girls who have advanced gender equality for everyone.Could the Minister of Status of Women tell the House what our government is doing to honour the lives and legacies of courageous women and girls from coast to coast to coast throughout Canada's history?

Mr. Speaker, there has been a lot of credit given to this government for negotiating this deal, but I have to say that we owe a debt of gratitude to many stakeholders and industries across this country, including the Canadian Labour Congress and Unifor.Jerry Dias and Hassan Yussuff have worked closely with us every step of the way to ensure that this deal could be the best possible one for workers, for labour and for Canadians. That is what we are going to continue to focus on. Of course, through the ratification process, we look forward to bringing this deal to Parliament.

Mr. Speaker, there is a bit of a mystery here, because last week I think the Conservatives were urging us to capitulate. They were urging us to give in. This week, the Conservatives seem not to want to have a deal at all. Our government did exactly what we promised Canadians. We said we wanted a good deal, not just any deal, and a good deal is what we have.

Mr. Speaker, as I said, the Conservatives seem to have discovered a lot of Monday morning courage, having counselled us throughout this negotiation that Canada take a softer line. I think Canadians have seen that our government was determined to stand up for the national interest while being fair-minded and seeking reasonable compromise. That is exactly what we have done, and we got a good deal for Canadians.

Mr. Speaker, we got a good deal. More specifically, there are more measures to protect the environment in this agreement than in the one reached 25 years ago. This agreement includes penalties and severe consequences for failure to follow through on environmental commitments. That is something we were able to get in this deal. However, I understand that the NDP still does not like agreements and does not want to have any trade agreements with anyone in the world, including, it seems, the United States.

Mr. Speaker, the agreement we reached yesterday is good for Canadians and for market access across the continent. It is very important that we continue to show that Canadians are innovators and work hard to succeed.We worked with dairy industry stakeholders to make sure that they will be compensated for the market share we had to cede to the Americans.

Mr. Speaker, I will start with supply management. We fully support our dairy farmers, their families and their communities. This agreement will open up access to markets, but the most important thing is that the future of supply management is secure. I also want to emphasize that our dairy farmers will receive fair and equitable compensation.

Mr. Speaker, as the hon. member knows, I have asked the commissioner of the Correctional Service of Canada to examine all the details of this particular case, including the processes by which the decisions were taken and to ensure that those processes were followed, but more importantly to examine the policies themselves to determine if they are appropriate in order to keep Canadians safe and to ensure that justice is done. I will anxiously await her report.

Mr. Speaker, eight months ago, the Liberals announced they would hold consultations about improving pension security for Canadian workers in case of bankruptcy or insolvency. However, no plans or consultations have been announced.Does the government not understand that 18,000 Sears retirees just lost a third of their pension, and that could happen again to others if we do not change the law?Workers and retirees in this country deserve better. Why is the government refusing to stand up for Canadian workers and retirees, and their pensions? Why is the Minister of Seniors not stepping up to the plate on this important issue?

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Minister of Seniors for her leadership on this file. She understands how important it is to support retirement security.She is one of the key members, along with so many members in our government, who helped strengthen the Canada pension plan. She also advocated and strengthened the expanded wage earner protection program. In the 2018 budget, we provided a road map that would include a whole-of-government approach when it comes to strengthening our pensions. We are committed to workers and pensions. It is a priority for our government.

Mr. Speaker, we fully support our dairy producers, their families and their communities. It was a Liberal government that created the supply management system and it is a Liberal government that is preserving it.This agreement will provide access to markets, but the most important thing is that the future of supply management is not in question.

Mr. Speaker, we are waiting to see the details of the new free trade agreement with the United States and Mexico to assess its full impact.We do know that the Prime Minister made concessions with respect to access to the dairy market, as well as to Class 7.Can the Prime Minister tell us whether he got any concessions from the United States regarding their subsidies to the industry?

Mr. Speaker, I will await very anxiously the report that I have requested from the commissioner of the Correctional Service of Canada. It is very important to proceed in this manner, in an appropriate, strong way. I will do that. I am waiting for her report. As soon as I get that report, I will take the appropriate action.

Mr. Speaker, I will be clear. Canada succeeded because we were determined and we did not lose sight of our goal. Even when some people recommended that we capitulate, we knew that the new agreement had to be good for Canada and Canadians. That is exactly what we accomplished.

Mr. Speaker, we know how proud Canadians are of their public health care system. We continue to work with the provinces, territories and our partners to lower costs and ensure rapid access to prescription drugs. This issue is important to our government. We look forward to attracting new medical research to Canada. Our government will always stand up for our healthcare system.

Mr. Speaker, Canadians are pleased today that we are moving forward on a historic accord that stabilizes, secures and offers certainty to investors, to Canadian businesses, but mostly to workers and folks in the middle class. We have ended the uncertainty around trade in Canada, we have demonstrated that we can move forward and continue to grow our economy, drawing in global investment, being part of the global supply chains and being an integrated part in the North American market. This is a good day for Canada and it is a good day for Canadians.

Mr. Speaker, the facts do not support the proposition that the hon. gentleman has just made.In fact, the mother-child program exists in all of the women's institutions operated by the Correctional Service of Canada across this country. It applies at the location in Saskatchewan, which is medium and minimum security. It also applies at Grand Valley. It is exactly the same principle.

Mr. Speaker, I want to say one very important thing. Today, I want to thank the Canadian negotiators, who worked very hard. I also want to thank Steve Verheul, our chief negotiator. On behalf of all Canadians, I thank them for their hard work.This agreement will be good for Canadian workers and businesses. It will also be good for Canadian families.

Mr. Speaker, Canadians were worried we would not get a deal but today, many are worried about what we have given up to get this deal. This new deal looks nothing like the priorities the Liberals promised at the beginning of negotiations. Where is that progressive trade agenda? The Liberals have made major concessions that will hurt Canadian dairy, poultry and egg farmers. They failed to get Trump's promised exemption on aluminum and steel tariffs. They have made access to medication even more expensive.The Liberals promised a win-win-win. How can the Prime Minister give up so much and call this a win?

Mr. Speaker, Canadians were united in wanting a good deal. The Prime Minister is trying to take credit for things that the Conservative Party had locked in over 25 years ago. There was no sunset clause, there was already a dispute resolution mechanism and now he has made major concessions on key sectors of the economy. Now we would like to see where the gains are. One area that Canadians were very united in hoping to see an end to were the punishing tariffs on softwood lumber. Can the Prime Minister confirm whether his concessions have led to an end of the softwood lumber tariffs?

Mr. Speaker, that is not the case for diafiltered milk. In both the agreement with Europe and the TPP, Quebec's farmers were sacrificed to make gains for Canada. When Donald Trump withdrew from the TPP, the government did not renegotiate anything. It left the same breach in supply management. It told everyone not to worry about it and that the Americans would have to re-enter the TPP to have access to the concessions. The truth of the matter is that Quebec is paying three times: once for Europe, once for the TPP and once for NAFTA. After three strikes, we are out.What good are the 40 Liberal MPs from Quebec when all they do is trample on Quebec's interests?

Mr. Speaker, we will have to wait a little while to find out whether the official opposition thinks this is a good deal or a bad deal.Canadians right across the country understand that securing access to a North American market and demonstrating that we could stand up for the rules-based order by having an intact chapter 19 is a good thing. Canadians understand that defending our cultural industries, including as they move to more digital, is a good thing. They understand that defending supply management as it continues is a good thing.This is what Canadians expected. This is what we have delivered.

Mr. Speaker, every Canadian wants Canada to have a good agreement with the United States and Mexico. However, our dairy farmers and our steel, aluminum and softwood lumber industries remain in a precarious position.We now know what the Prime Minister sacrificed to the American President. What Canadians want to know is what they actually stand to gain.Can the Prime Minister tell us what economic benefits this agreement will bring to Canada? We are still trying to figure that out.

Mr. Speaker, it is vitally important in the correctional system of Canada that sound, strong rules be in place to ensure that Canadians are kept safe, that justice is done and that the proper results are achieved for all Canadians.We have asked for the review. The review is under way, not only of the decision-making process but of the policies themselves. As soon as we have the report from that review, we will be anxious to review it and to act upon it.

Mr. Speaker, the question is very specific. The Prime Minister has made major concessions on key areas. He has made concessions on dairy, he has made concessions on auto quotas and he has made concessions on pharmaceuticals, meaning that Canadian patients will have to pay higher drug costs. We would have hoped that after making all those concessions, we would be able to see a gain on an important issue, like Buy American.Can the Prime Minister confirm whether he has put an end to the Buy America policy in this deal?

Mr. Speaker, I look forward to reviewing in great detail the correspondence from the father of Tori Stafford. The hearts of all Canadians go out to him and other members of the family who have suffered such anguish. Obviously, the objective here is to ensure that justice is done, and to ensure that Canadians are always safe and secure. I have asked the commissioner of the correctional service to examine all of the facts of this case and all of the policies that were applied to ensure that the proper standards are adhered to.

Mr. Speaker, let me challenge very clearly something that is simply wrong in what the hon. member said. This deal is great for the car sector. It is great for the car parts sector. That is why the share prices of our three leading car parts companies went up today. That is not a market response that says this deal is bad for our companies and workers. This is a deal that secures growth and investment in that crucial area, and we should all be proud we got it.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate my colleague on his recent appointment to the Standing Committee on the Status of Women. His efforts will no doubt contribute greatly to our government's daily efforts to advance gender equality and grow the middle class. During Women's History Month, we honour women in Canada's history who have paved the way for the rest of us and celebrate those whose stories shape history today.To that end, our government is launching a new online resource to celebrate over 100 women of impact and we are also encouraging all Canadians, including members of the House, to use #makeanimpact and celebrate the story of a woman making a difference in their communities.

Mr. Speaker, well, it is funny they would choose to use the word “capitulate” because capitulate is precisely what they have done. They have capitulated on pharmaceuticals, allowing Trump to force higher drug costs on Canadian patients to boost American drug company profits. They have capitulated by allowing caps on the growth of Canadian auto exports. They have capitulated on copyright and dairy.What did they get in return for all of this capitulation? Did they get an end to Buy American, yes or no?

Mr. Speaker, Mario Bonafacio is a 79-year-old veteran who served Canada for 35 years. He suffered from a debilitating neck injury incurred during his military service. He has asked for support from Veterans Affairs. His claim was rejected. He appealed. The department has been fighting him ever since. In the minister's mandate letter it states that, “Veterans should not have to fight their own government for the support and compensation they have earned.” Mr. Bonafacio is tired of fighting his own government. When will the Minister of Veterans Affairs make sure this veteran gets the support he deserves?

Mr. Speaker, over the past 13 months, we have been working extremely hard with the Americans and with the Mexicans to reach a new deal that would be good for Canadians. Despite what Stephen Harper recommended about six months ago, we were not ready to sign any old deal. We needed to sign a deal that is good for Canadians, and that is exactly what we did. We stood up for Canada, stood up for Canadians, and we got it done in the right way. I want to thank Canadians who have been united on this issue across all corners of the country and across all ideologies.

Mr. Speaker, the lack of transparency throughout this whole process has been overwhelming. Canadians were promised transparency and expected transparency.Our workers need to know exactly what their government has signed on to and how this will affect their livelihoods. They deserve to know that their jobs and our Canadian industries are protected. I am still looking for that progressive trade agenda.I have a simple question for the Prime Minister: Will he be transparent and bring this deal into Parliament for study, debate and a vote?

Mr. Speaker, a year ago almost to the day the House unanimously called on the government to ensure that there would be no breaches in supply management if a new NAFTA deal were reached.Instead of telling the Americans that Parliament had agreed no concessions would be made, the government gave up its negotiating power, contradicted the House, reneged on its word and completely caved. Knowing that Donald Trump's threats were nothing but hot air because Congress did not support tearing up NAFTA, why did the government once again sacrifice Quebec?

Mr. Speaker, our government worked very hard to defend Canadians' interests. Our government defended our supply management system from the U.S. government's determined attempts to dismantle it. We are the party that implemented the supply management system, and we are the party that will defend it. I want to assure dairy farmers that they will receive fair and equitable compensation.

Mr. Speaker, our government knows how rightly proud Canadians are of our public health system. We are going to continue to work with provinces, territories and our partners to lower drug prices and provide timely access to medicines for all Canadians. We also look forward to attracting further medical research to Canada. Our government will always stand up for our public health care system.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend and colleague from Bourassa for his important question and his work on this file. Our government has invested more than $5 billion over 10 years to help the provinces and territories improve access to mental health services. Last week, I announced an investment of $10 million to improve understanding of mental health for black Canadian youth, their families and communities in order to strengthen informed policies, programs, and interventions. This was some good news last week.

Mr. Speaker, we are going to evaluate this deal to determine if it is a good deal, and one of the ways that we will be able to determine that is to find out where Canada gained.We know where the Prime Minister has backed down. He has backed down to Donald Trump on dairy. He has backed down to Donald Trump on auto quotas. He has backed down to Donald Trump on pharmaceuticals, meaning Canadian patients will have to pay higher drug costs.After making all of these concessions, we would like to know: Did he secure an end to the softwood lumber tariffs?

Mr. Speaker, he did not answer the question as to whether he was able to get concessions from the United States on the very same issue.When the Prime Minister offered to renegotiate NAFTA, there were no sunset clauses, steel tariffs or auto quotas and we already had the dispute resolution mechanism, so these are not new gains in this deal. We had hoped that the government might negotiate gains for Canada, like an end to the Buy America policy that cost billions of dollars and thousands of jobs. Does this new deal put an end, once and for all, to the Buy America policy, yes or no?

Mr. Speaker, Canadian seniors are active in their communities, contributing so much to society, yet too many are being left behind. Families struggle to support their elderly loved ones. Seniors poverty is on the rise. Too many are left to decide between buying food or buying medication.In the very near future, one in four Canadians will be 65 or older, making it critical for Canada to have a concrete plan moving forward. Seniors cannot wait. When will the Prime Minister commit to a national seniors strategy?

Mr. Speaker, at this point, we still do not know whether the government has terminated the benefits being extended to Mr. Garnier, a criminal who never served. Then the Minister of Veterans Affairs humiliated Mr. Bruyea, a well-respected veteran. Now the chairman of the National Council of Veterans Associations of Canada, Mr. Forbes, is calling the new pension for life program a betrayal of the commitment the Prime Minister made to our brave soldiers.When will the government start honouring its commitments? When will it start respecting our veterans?

Mr. Speaker, what we currently have is a NAFTA agreement, but with more Canadian concessions. For the third time in four years our farmers have been sacrificed to get a trade agreement even though the Prime Minister told us over and over and over again that he would defend supply management. What he did not say was that he would dismantle it. One breach, two breaches, three breaches and the system is taking on water everywhere. Even worse, the Americans will be able to continue subsidizing their agricultural industry with impunity before dumping their surplus goods here in Canada. The Prime Minister promised farmers that he would protect them and that he would defend supply management.Why did he cave?

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for her question.It is vital that everyone in the House work together to avoid and prevent foreign influence and interference in our elections.I am excited to work with everyone in the House to make sure we pass Bill C-76. In Bill C-76 are tangible measures to ensure we can prevent foreign interference. I hope my colleagues on the other side will work with us to get this legislation passed quickly to ensure that our next elections are protected.

Mr. Speaker, I am thankful for the opportunity to speak on World Habitat Day. I thank my colleague from Kitchener Centre for his hard work toward securing a $2 million investment from the rental construction financing initiative, which will give 20 families in Kitchener a safe and affordable place to live. This is all part of the national housing strategy, a 10-year plan that is re-establishing federal leadership and partnership in housing.

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister said at the United Nations that there was not that much foreign interference in the last federal election in Canada. The Conservatives think that any interference is too much.Could the Prime Minister tell us how much is not that much, because, according to Canadians, not that much is too much?

Mr. Speaker, as if prescriptions were not expensive enough, this new NAFTA deal will make them even more expensive. This deal will increase drug costs for Canadians with arthritis, Crohn's disease and other chronic conditions. It will also increase the cost for drug plans by tens of millions of dollars every single year. By extending patents, Canadians are going to have to wait two more years before affordable generic drugs are available.Since this new trade deal does not make prescription drugs more affordable, will the Liberals immediately introduce universal, affordable pharmacare for Canadians?

Mr. Speaker, I am sure all members of the House are aware that while the House is in session, they are not allowed to take pictures. I note that there has been at least one member of the New Democratic Party who has done so. I believe it has been posted. I just wanted to raise it as a point of order, and perhaps that individual would take down the picture if it is on social media.Also, Mr. Speaker, perhaps you could just remind members that while we are in session, they are not supposed to be taking pictures with their smart phones.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to remind the members opposite of where this negotiation started. This negotiation started with a U.S. demand that supply management be abolished entirely. Throughout the negotiation Canada was clear this was a political choice for Canadians and that only Canadians would make it. This deal preserves supply management. It preserves a secure food supply for Canadians.

Mr. Speaker, indeed we are committed to the well-being of each one of our veterans and I invite the hon member to bring this to my further attention. We will see if we can get to the bottom of that particular case.

Mr. Speaker, nearly one-third of all Canadians rely on rental housing for a safe, affordable place to call home. Could the minister responsible for housing tell Canadians how this government's investments in the rental construction financing initiative will increase the amount of affordable rental housing options for middle-class families struggling in expensive housing markets across Canada?

Mr. Speaker, first of all, I would like to say to all of our seniors listening today, happy Seniors Day. Our government took action immediately as soon as we came into government to lower the eligibility age from 67 back to 65 for OAS and GIS. In addition to that, we increased the GIS for the most vulnerable seniors by almost $1,000 per year. We also invested $6 billion for home care and palliative care.When it comes to our seniors, they have worked hard for us and we will continue to work hard for them.

Mr. Speaker, I rise on a question of privilege. On September 26, 2017, the House unanimously adopted the following motion: That the House reiterate its desire to fully preserve supply management during the NAFTA renegotiations. Everyone knows that, yesterday, the government concluded a new agreement with the United States. By so doing, the government dismissed out of hand the unanimous will—

Mr. Speaker, our government worked very hard to defend Canadians' interests. Our government defended our supply management system from the U.S. government's determined attempts to dismantle it. We were able to preserve, protect and defend our supply management system throughout the CETA, TPP and NAFTA negotiations.

Mr. Speaker, the issues involved in this case are being very carefully examined by the commissioner of the correctional service, subsequent to my request that she do so. I have asked her not only to look at the decision-making process to ensure that proper procedures and policies were followed, but also to look at the policies themselves and to report to me on whether those policies are in fact sufficient, proper and appropriate in the circumstances to protect public safety and to ensure that justice is done.

Mr. Speaker, the United States, Mexico and Canada have a new trade deal, but people in my riding and other Quebec regions are feeling left out. The Liberals opened yet another breach in supply management, not just on dairy but also on poultry, and they did not even manage to get rid of the aluminum tariff. Where did we come out ahead? Nowhere.Can Quebec really count on the Liberals to protect the strategic sectors that are aluminum, agriculture and softwood lumber?

Mr. Speaker, on the contrary, we protected supply management. After signing CETA, the CPTPP and now the USMCA, we have a process that protects and preserves our supply management system. Naturally, we will work with the dairy industry and dairy producers to ensure that there is compensation for the market share given to the U.S. However, we know that we have preserved supply management for future generations.

Mr. Speaker, the National Council of Veteran Associations has confirmed that the Liberals have betrayed veterans and that veteran Sean Bruyea was right all along.The Liberals are also deliberately blocking ill and injured veterans from accessing the career transition service. However, when murderer Chris Garnier applies for veterans benefits, they put him at the front of the line.Why does the government attack veterans and put the needs of murderers ahead of them?

Mr. Speaker, here are the facts. The tariffs of 25% on steel and 10% on aluminum will remain. No deal has been reached on softwood lumber, and major concessions affecting Canada's agricultural industry were made as part of these negotiations.Can the Prime Minister tell us whether an impact study was conducted to determine the effects of the concessions made to the American President?If so, will he commit to tabling it here in the House?

Mr. Speaker, it would have been the goal of any competent government to bring an end to destructive Buy American policies that block Canadian workers and businesses from state and local projects south of the border, yet the government has backed down to Donald Trump on pharmaceuticals, with higher drug prices for Canadians; and has backed down on copyright, dairy and numerous other issues. Today so far, it has not been able to point to any victory on Buy American.Can the minister confirm if Buy American will end with the signature of this deal?

Mr. Speaker, I recall that not so long ago the Prime Minister told us that he wanted a new, progressive NAFTA agreement promoting gender equality and indigenous rights. He even said in August 2017, “We are certainly looking for a better level playing field across North America on environmental protections”. Instead of getting any gains in those areas, Canada made concessions on supply management, and the tariffs on steel and aluminum have not been lifted.The Prime Minister promised he would rather sign no deal than a bad deal.Why did he cave?

Mr. Speaker, it is funny that the Liberals are trying to take credit for things we have already had for 25 years. They are trying to take credit for something that was negotiated under a previous Conservative government. We know what they sacrificed, what they gave up, in backing down to Donald Trump: higher drug costs for Canadian consumers and higher profits for American companies. We know they gave up a lot to Donald Trump, but what about on softwood lumber? Tariffs have killed jobs in the forestry industry in Canada for a long time. Have they finally put an end to Trump's tariffs on softwood lumber, yes or no?

Mr. Speaker, let me tell the member what we got for the softwood lumber industry. It is something called chapter 19. This dispute settlement mechanism is absolutely essential for our industry, and we—

Mr. Speaker, this weekend, in a letter to the Prime Minister, Tori Stafford's dad Rodney asked for one simple thing, that his daughter's killer be put back behind bars, where she was when we were in government.Rodney wrote, “I really have to question our Federal Government as to why convicted child murderers, such as Terri Lynne McClintic, deserve more rights than their victims & law abiding Canadians?”Tomorrow, we will be debating our motion calling on the Liberals to take action to ensure that this murderer is put back behind bars. Will the Liberals support our motion and will they act?

Mr. Speaker, the Grand Valley Institution for Women is surrounded by a fence and razor wire. Inmates are kept behind bars. It is where Tori Stafford's killer was before she was transferred to the aboriginal healing lodge. Now, instead of being behind bars and surrounded by razor wire, Tori's killer is surrounded by trees and children. Canadians want Tori's killer back in maximum security. Tori's father has pleaded with the Prime Minister to reverse this decision. For once, will the Prime Minister do the right thing and stand up for victims and their families instead of criminals?

Mr. Speaker, the member can misrepresent our position all she wants. I am trying to find out the position of the government. We know that the Liberals backed down to Donald Trump by capping future growth of Canadian auto exports. They backed down to Donald Trump, forcing Canadians to pay higher prices for pharmaceuticals. We know they backed down on copyright, dairy and other policies. What did they get in return? Is there an end today to tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminium, yes or no?

Mr. Speaker, our government knows how important community-based mental health initiatives are. We also recognize that the various communities in Canada, in this case, black Canadians, are all unique.Can the Minister of Health tell the House what our government is doing to promote health and mental health equity among black Canadians?

Mr. Speaker, the government is proceeding in this matter in a very conscientious way to determine that justice is done and to ensure that the public is kept safe.I look forward to responding to the father's letter. We extend to him our deepest sympathy, as do all Canadians, at the horrible crime that took his daughter's life.We will ensure not only that the policies were properly applied in this case, but in fact that the policies themselves are re-examined to determine that they are absolutely as effective as they possibly can be.

Mr. Speaker, we agree with our colleagues across the way that there should not be any foreign interference. That is why I ask them to work with us at the procedure and House affairs committee to send Bill C-76 back to the House as soon as possible so we can pass the legislation to ensure that our elections are protected next election. Let us work together. I hope my hon. colleagues across the way will get this done with us.

Mr. Speaker, we know that the Liberal government has the political, legal and moral authority to reverse the transfer of child killer Terri-Lynne McClintic to a healing lodge. The public safety minister knows the bureaucrats got it wrong, and it is his job to fix their mistakes. When will the minister, and the Prime Minister incidentally, do the right thing and put Tori Stafford's killer back behind bars?

Mr. Speaker, I will take down the picture, but I have no regrets about drawing attention to the fact that dairy farmers in Quebec—

Mr. Speaker, I am sorry to hear that the official opposition's official position seems to be that this is a bad deal. Canadians disagree. This is a good deal for Canada. It provides certainty and security as we move forward. We have ensured continued access to the North American market in a time of protectionism and we continue to know that as we engage with the United States in positive, constructive ways, we are going to keep putting Canadians' interests at the forefront of everything. This is not about politics; this is about prosperity for Canadians. That is where we stay focused.

Mr. Speaker, our hearts go out to the family of Constable Campbell. As I have said, I reviewed the findings and directed my department to ensure that the services received by a family member of a veteran are related to the veteran's service, and where they are not, that the case be reviewed by a senior official to address its policy in relation to providing treatment to family members under extenuating circumstances, such as conviction of a serious crime. This will add extra scrutiny to a policy that has existed since 2012.

Mr. Speaker, the killer was behind bars. Now the killer is enjoying life in a healing lodge after being convicted of the first degree murder of Tori. It is very clear and very simple actually. The government can give a policy direction, and the policy direction can include Terri-Lynne McClintic as the killer of Tori Stafford. When will the minister immediately give that direction in response to this outrageous transfer and reverse it for the people of Canada and the family of Tori Stafford?

Mr. Speaker, that says “hiding behind the bureaucracy” rather than doing the job.I want to correct the record on something. There is something different about this lodge, outside of the razor wire and everything that the previous institution had. The Integrity Commissioner actually criticized this lodge because, very recently, its employees had been bringing their children to work there.Why will the Prime Minister not do the right thing, respond to Mr. Stafford and put this deranged woman back behind bars?

Mr. Speaker, as I said several times last week, Tori Stafford's brutal death in 2009 was a horrible gut-wrenching crime for the whole country. The killer, McClintic, was reclassified as medium security in 2014. The government of that day did not challenge that decision. In fact, McClintic remains in a medium security correctional facility today. I have asked the commissioner of corrections to examine the decision-making process to make sure that all policies were properly followed, and more than that, to ensure that the policies themselves are correct, and to identify—

Mr. Speaker, as I have said before, for privacy reasons we cannot comment on the details of this case. I will say, though, that unlike the Harper Conservatives, we do understand that when a veteran serves, their entire family serves with them. We take their mental health and the mental health of the family very seriously. That is why we have opened a new centre of excellence on PTSD. It is why we have launched a joint suicide prevention strategy.Let me implore veterans in need of mental health supports that we will give them the resources needed when needed.

Mr. Speaker, not only does the agreement between the United States, Mexico and Canada fail our agricultural producers, but it is also going to increase prescription drug prices for some chronic diseases such as arthritis. This is a really tough pill to swallow, especially considering that this is Seniors Week. Seniors are one of the most vulnerable groups in our society and are already struggling to pay for their medication. Do we really need another Liberal study to bring in a national pharmacare program?

Mr. Speaker, unfortunately the NDP is not just opposed to all trade deals but especially progressive trade deals, which is a shame. What we have moved forward with in terms of labour standards in North America is historic in terms of protecting the rights of workers. What we have moved forward with on the environment is to strengthen environmental protections and real consequences within the accord that had never been done before.We are moving forward on a deal that works for the middle class and people working hard to join it. That is at the heart of the progressive agenda of this government and of this progressive trade deal.

Mr. Speaker, when the Liberals came to power in 2015, the woman who murdered eight-year-old Tori Stafford was locked up, behind bars, in prison. Today she is residing at a healing lodge, where children often stay for visits. It is unacceptable.The Prime Minister is well aware that he is the only one that can reverse this decision. Will the Prime Minister stand up for victims' rights and reverse this decision so that this murderer goes back behind bars?

Mr. Speaker, in response to a question in New York this week, the Prime Minister admitted to knowing that foreign money had influenced the 2015 federal election. Bill C-76 was supposed to close the loopholes in the election legislation, but it does nothing to stop foreign money from influencing our elections.When is the Prime Minister going to take this issue seriously and stop foreign interests from influencing our elections?

Mr. Speaker, earlier this year the Prime Minister and his justice minister condemned the verdict reached in a trial by jury in a high-profile murder trial.They immediately involved the executive and legislative branch of government, and changed the structure of jury selection in Canada. However, in response to a gut-wrenching letter written to him by Mr. Stafford, asking him to put his daughter's murderers back behind bars, he is falsely claiming that he cannot do anything and is hiding behind the bureaucracy.Why the double standard?

Mr. Speaker, for months we have asked the Liberals if they would make concessions on supply management. Unfortunately, today we have our answer. Over 200,000 Canadian families depend on dairy, yet the current government just sacrificed domestic production. Our farmers are again on the hook for another country's overproduction problem. All five supply management sectors will take a serious hit, including chicken, turkey and eggs, making access to locally produced food more difficult, and increasing food safety concerns. The Prime Minister promised to protect supply management. Why did he break that promise?

Mr. Speaker, the government has the authority today and the responsibility to do something about this injustice. For starters, as a government it can change the policy to ensure that this killer is put back behind bars. It can hide behind empty excuses, but ultimately the buck stops with the Prime Minister.As Tori's dad said, “Obviously, every Canadian out there can tell you this is wrong.” We agree with Tori's dad. Do the Liberals agree with Tori's dad? Will they act with the power and authority they have, and make this wrong right by putting Tori's killer back behind bars?

Mr. Speaker, the Liberals told the House over and over that they would defend our supply management system. They have broken that promise.Once again, dairy, egg and poultry farmers are on the losing end. Let us do the math. The Liberals gave up 3% in CETA, 3.25% in the trans-Pacific Partnership, and nearly 4% to the United States. That means about 10% of the dairy market has been given up in under three years.Could the Prime Minister explain why he is putting our family farms in jeopardy by signing such bad trade deals?

Mr. Speaker, a question of privilege must be raised as soon as the breach occurs. I could not inform you a day or an hour in advance because I did not hear the government confirm what was reported in the media. Then I had to wait until question period to have the opportunity to rise today. It was therefore impossible to give an hour's notice. You are the guardian of parliamentarians' speaking time, and independent members get very little of that. It seems to me that you could at least wait until the end of my remarks, which are not even a minute long.