2018-12-11

Mr. Speaker, anyone who fought with ISIS should be held responsible for their crimes. The Prime Minister was supposed to present a plan to put these murderers behind bars, but he has failed to do so. Rather than presenting a plan, he is giving us lame excuses and throwing in the towel. The Prime Minister's lack of leadership is shameful, and all Canadians should be concerned about his failure to act.If the Prime Minister is unable to stop terrorists, then who will?

Mr. Speaker, the minister needs to apologize to veterans for the shameless attack on them. To compare his experience transitioning out of television to those who are transitioning out of Canada's military is shameless. I am going to give the minister one more chance. Will he apologize to Canada's veterans for saying that he understands what transitioning is like? He transitioned out of television and not Canada's military.

Those are pretty tough words for somebody who has not got the job done, Mr. Speaker.The reality is that the government has tabled legislation that would make it more difficult for law enforcement officials to do their job. It has invested in de-radicalization as opposed to trying to get these people behind bars where they belong. The government just tabled a report in Parliament, where half of the whole five pages of its grand plan were excuses as to why it could not do anything. It is the government's job to keep Canadians safe, not to respect the feelings or poetry lessons of ISIS terrorists. When will the government get serious and lock up those genocidal maniacs?

Mr. Speaker, to compare the plight of veterans transitioning out of Canada's military for issues related to PTSD, occupation stress or injury to his own circumstances transitioning out of television broadcasting, is ridiculous. I ask the Minister of Veterans Affairs, how many times did he come close to being shot, or worse yet, witness a comrade who was shot or blown up by an IED?The reaction from the veterans community was disbelief. Will the minister apologize to Canada's veterans?

Mr. Speaker, those who have abandoned Canadian democracy to travel to a war zone and engage with terrorists need to take full responsibility for their criminal conduct. Our intelligence, security and police agencies will investigate terrorists by all possible means, with the absolute goal of charging, prosecuting and putting them in jail to the full extent of the law. We have done that more so than our predecessors.

Mr. Speaker, I imagine for anyone who is suffering from mental illness or is struggling with asking for help that this room is about their worst nightmares. There are shouts about comparing ourselves to others and who do we think we are, and misconstrued comments. I have always said I would never compare my experience to a veteran's experience, nor would I compare it to anybody else's, nor would I compare it to the one-quarter or one-fifth of members in this chamber who are suffering or will suffer. However, I say to Canadians, and especially veterans, if they need help, please ignore what they hear in this place. Most people are kind and they have their back.

Mr. Speaker, for the past three years, the Liberals have been talking about how hard they are working to fight tax evasion and tax havens, but nothing has changed and everyone knows it is just a smokescreen.The Minister of National Revenue herself even accepted a donation from an influential Liberal whose name turned up in the paradise papers. Now we understand why she has not done anything. As they say, one does not bite the hand that feeds.What message is the minister responsible for the CRA sending to the public and all taxpayers when she accepts money from individuals named in the paradise papers?

Mr. Speaker, I would hope that you are darned right about that, too. However, the Prime Minister is darned right that we are fighting to treat taxpayers' dollars with respect, but he has never had to worry about money that he has not earned. He is taking money from Canadians and raising their taxes. Canadian families are worse off under the government. He attacked small businesses and those who create jobs in our community while protecting those inherit trust funds. That is the legacy of the current government. The cost of living keeps going up, deficits keep going up, and he has to raise taxes to pay for his out-of-control spending. When will he finally admit that the budget will never balance itself?

Mr. Speaker, you are darned right that we are obsessed with treating taxpayers' dollars responsibly.

Mr. Speaker, the United States requires guarantees of local content in bids for public transportation. China requires guarantees of local content in bids for public transportation. Here, the government says that we can do nothing and our hands are tied because of trade agreements. What a crock.This is even more evidence that Liberal members from Quebec do not carry much weight. The United States requires a minimum of 65% local content and requires that the final assembly be carried out in the U.S. They have signed the same agreements as us.Why do the Liberals keep giving in when the time comes to stand up for Canadian interests?

You forgot to add that you trampled on their charter rights. This—

Mr. Speaker, all of this government's answers on the budget that will balance itself were ridiculous and untrue.It was confirmed to us today that there is nothing the Prime Minister will not do when it comes to manipulating the rules to his advantage. Only one thing was clear in the speech given this morning by the member for Saint-Léonard—Saint-Michel and that was when he said, “At every moment, no matter the circumstances, I respected the direction of the whip.”Did the Prime Minister or a member of his cabinet order the Liberal member not to resign before a certain date so they did not have to call a byelection?

Mr. Speaker, to compare the plight of veterans transitioning out of Canada's military for issues related to PTSD, and by the way, Minister, PTSD does not stand for post-teleprompter stress disorder—

Mr. Speaker, let me point out that Rafferty is in a federal penitentiary with two fences, three and a half metres high, three guard towers, human patrols, electronic surveillance. This prison also specializes in handling sex offenders. Rafferty is behind razor wire.

Mr. Speaker, the Liberals are not listening to all indigenous people and they do not speak for all of them, just like when they killed northern gateway and the 31 indigenous partnership. That is why 15 leaders from the National Coalition of Chiefs, the Indian Resource Council and the Eagle Spirit Chiefs Council, which represents hundreds of first nations and Métis who want to build their own pipeline, are here today.The Liberals' oil export ban, Bill C-48, and their no more pipelines, Bill C-69, blocked their way. If the Liberals keep ignoring provinces, economists and industry, will they at least listen to those leaders and to most Treaty 7 chiefs and will they kill their no more pipelines Bill C-69, yes or no?

Mr. Speaker, what the Conservatives continue not to understand is their phony efforts to balance the budget just in time for the election, cutting millions from veterans by closing their service centres, cutting millions from hard-working Canadians from coast to coast to coast, whether it was the Canada Border Services Agency or hard-working Canadians getting short shrift because of their cuts to programs. The Conservatives' obsession with providing a phony budget balance before an election hurt Canadians.We invested in Canadians and have the positive results to show for it. They had no plan—

Mr. Speaker, on the same point of order, I think the issue is that you are very strict with the amount of time that we get to ask our questions. At 35 seconds, we are cut off. If we do not get through the preamble and deliver the question, it is tough luck. We would like to have the same standard that we are subjected to apply to government members.

Mr. Speaker, we can tell that when the Conservatives resort to petty personal attacks, they have nothing to say on the basis of fact.What we have done is invest in Canadians. We invested historic amounts in infrastructure and put more money in the pockets of the middle class so that kids across this country, with the Canada child benefit, can get better school supplies, better after-school programs, and have new shoes and boots for the winter. We know that investing in Canadians is the way to grow the economy. For 10 years, the Conservatives could not do it, but that is exactly what we did. The lowest unemployment in 40 years—

Mr. Speaker, the Liberal member for Saint-Léonard—Saint-Michel broke his silence today and confessed that even though he announced he would resign in April, someone else decided he should wait until January 22 to make it official. The Liberals' new Elections Act states that the Prime Minister does not have to call a by-election for any seats that become vacant after January 21st. What a coincidence.Why has the Prime Minister rigged the date of the member's resignation to keep the people of Saint-Léonard—Saint-Michel from having the by-election that they deserve?

Mr. Speaker, the pain Tori Stafford's family had to endure when it lost its daughter is unthinkable, but the pain it has had to endure since then is absolutely outrageous. The Liberals refused to back down after they sanctioned the transfer of Terri-Lynne McClintic to a resort style healing lodge. Now they are justifying Michael Rafferty's transfer to a medium-security facility, which they deliberately concealed from Tori's family. It is clear that the interests of child killers are more important to the Liberals than the interests of victims and their families. Why is the Liberal government putting Tori's family through hell? Has it not already been through enough?

Mr. Speaker, northern gateway was approved by the Conservatives and then was killed by the Liberals. The Liberals then put a double standard against energy east, killing that project. They failed on the Trans Mountain Expansion, bought it and now, not one shovel in the ground. Billions of dollars in GDP and hundreds of thousands of jobs are gone or in jeopardy. Investment is fleeing the country. This is the record of the Prime Minister's failed oil and gas sector polices.If that was not enough, we have the Liberal “no more pipelines bill.” Will the Prime Minister deliver a Christmas miracle and kill Bill C-69?

Mr. Speaker, when we are investing hundreds of millions, or even billions, of taxpayer dollars, we want the best deal for Quebeckers and Canadians. I am talking about taxpayer money.When companies submit bids, they are aware of the criteria and the process right from the beginning. The opposition is asking us to interfere politically, violate our laws and, ultimately, hurt Canadians, which is unacceptable.

Mr. Speaker, at the veterans affairs committee last Thursday, the Minister of Veterans Affairs continued his attack on veteran Sean Bruyea when he was questioned why he publicly shamed Bruyea in the media. He suggested Bruyea's complaints about the Liberals were a result of mental health issues and anxiety. The minister was defending his decision to shame Bruyea after Bruyea dared question the Liberal pension for life scheme that finance department officials confirmed involves no new money.Since the minister publicly attacked Sean Bruyea, will he publicly apologize for his personal attack on Mr. Bruyea?

Through you, Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister is trampling on collective bargaining rights.The Liberal government refused to award a billion-dollar contract to Canada's Bombardier to build new VIA Rail trains. Instead they awarded the contract to a German California-based company, Siemens. Why? It is because the Liberals know that using Canadian companies for procurement can get us sued by the EU under the investor-state provisions in CETA. When the Liberals called CETA a gold standard in trade, Canadians had no idea that meant giving away their jobs to foreign companies. Why do the Liberals and Conservatives keep signing us on to trade deals that hand good-paying Canadian jobs to other countries?

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister knows that is just not true.The previous Conservative government got through a global recession and came roaring back with the greatest job growth in the G7. That is the situation he inherited. He inherited great fortune, and not just personally, a global booming economy, lifting up Canada.What did the Prime Minister do with that? He squandered it. He has racked up, now, almost $30 billion worth of deficits alone. Canadians are going to have to pay that back.Will the Prime Minister finally admit that his budget is spiralling out of control, and that under his watch deficits are here to stay?

Mr. Speaker, mismanagement by the Minister of Veterans Affairs has created massive backlogs of disability claims. We have known this for over a year, yet the backlog continues to get worse. The minister likes to compare his transition from TV host to minister with that of injured veterans struggling to rejoin the civilian world. However, unlike veterans, he has never been made to wait in an endless line by the very government he had to pledge his life to. The minister owes veterans an apology.

Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Veterans Affairs made an unfortunate comment comparing his transition from television star to minister to a veteran's transition to civilian life. That is unacceptable. In talking to our brave veterans, we realize that each one has their own story, their own experience. No one has experienced what they have gone through.How can the minister claim to represent veterans when he does not understand them?When will the minister apologize?

Mr. Speaker, the hon. member well knows that the case is before the court, and so, no, I will not comment.Let me make a comment on pension for life, which the hon. member has maligned. It is very real. On April 1, 2019, we will be reintroducing a monthly tax-free pension for life. It is costed at $3.6 billion. It is very real.

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister's record is actually very clear. He has raised taxes on the middle class, but for those who have inherited great wealth through trust funds, he has protected their assets. It is no wonder that the Prime Minister does not worry about the impacts of his irresponsible spending, because he has never had to worry about money. Canadians are worried about the legacy of deficits that he is placing on their shoulders.Does Prime Minister really believe that Canadians do not understand that they are on the hook for his irresponsible spending?

Mr. Speaker, every Liberal seems to have a different version of what is going on with the member for Saint-Léonard—Saint-Michel.The member claims that the Prime Minister assigned him a secret mission. The Prime Minister has clarified nothing. In September, the Liberal whip assured everyone that the member would resign.Being here on behalf of our constituents is central to our work. Until this morning, the member for Saint-Léonard—Saint-Michel had been absent since June.My question is simple: Can someone, anyone, on the other side of the House tell us the truth about what tasks have been assigned to the member for Saint-Léonard—Saint-Michel?

Mr. Speaker, we are approaching the one year anniversary since the Liberals announced their intent to create a Canadian ombudsperson for a responsible enterprise: One year, no ombudsperson, no mandate. Again, it looks like the Liberals just wanted to hold a nice press conference and that would be it. Supreme Court of Canada decisions, modern slavery legislation abroad are advancing corporate responsibility and still no action from the Liberal government. What is the point of making an announcement when nothing happens for a year?

Mr. Speaker, we have a whole list of people who are against those two bills. First, the transport minister claims he has never heard the concerns of the transportation industry about the Liberal carbon tax. Today, when Air Canada and WestJet expressed their concerns and again supported the idea of a study of the harm of the carbon tax, the Liberal members voted it down. The Liberals are hiding the environmental impact assessment and ignoring calls from the premiers to cancel the carbon tax. Therefore, why are they now blocking businesses from being able to talk about this job-killing carbon tax?

Mr. Speaker, again, the Conservatives do not want to take the facts as good enough because the fact is our debt to GDP ratio is steadily on the downward track. A typical Canadian family is $2,000 better off under our plan. By the investments we have made, we have seen over 700,000 new jobs created. We have one of the best records in the G7, but the Conservatives do not get it. Their failed plan under Stephen Harper did not work, and they continue to have no plan to really grow the economy and create an economy that works—

Mr. Speaker, it is really sad to see that the Conservatives continue to think that lifting 300,000 children out of poverty is not progress made. It is sad to see that the Conservatives do not think that creating 700,000 new jobs is progress made. The Conservatives will not be happy until our economy is tanking, but billionaires are taken care of. On this side of the House we are focused on Canadians. We are focused on lowering taxes for the middle class and lowering taxes for small businesses. As a result, the promise has been delivered.

Mr. Speaker, the hon. member will be pleased to know that corporate social responsibility is a very important matter for this government and for all members of the House. They know that the practices of Canadian corporations overseas are the subject of interest to this government and certainly to other members opposite, including the one who just asked the question.Very soon we will have the pleasure of announcing the successful candidate in a competition that has shown there is great interest from coast to coast to coast in this very important job.

Mr. Speaker, that is simply not the case.Here is what the Prime Minister said about deficits during the last election. He said that his plan to get back to balanced budgets was “very” set in stone, and that he was looking straight at Canadians and being honest, that the budget would be balanced in 2019.We found out a couple of weeks ago that that was not the case. The Prime Minister had smashed through his promise and had racked up massive deficits of almost $20 billion.If that were not bad enough, today we find out that it is going to be even worse, at almost $30 billion next year. Why did the Prime Minister mislead Canadians in the last election?

Mr. Speaker, basically everything the parliamentary secretary just said there is false. Under the Conservatives, we had the strongest growth in the G7. We roared back from the great global recession with a million new jobs and we left the Liberals with a balanced budget. Now that they are done with stating falsehoods about our record, let us tell the truth about their record. The Liberals are adding deficits this year of three times the rate they promised and next year threatens to be even bigger. Will the Prime Minister finally stand up and answer this simple question? In what year will the budget finally balance itself?

Mr. Speaker, the government allocated $100 billion to shipbuilding, but the Davie shipyard is getting practically nothing. The government allocated billions of dollars to the Trans Mountain pipeline, billions of dollars to the Muskrat Falls project and billions of dollars to the Ontario automotive industry.Now, VIA Rail is awarding a $1-billion contract for a fleet of trains to a German multinational instead of a Quebec company, and Ottawa is standing idly by, even though the transport minister has the power to act. What is the use of even having a transport minister? Why did the minister abandon Bombardier workers and their families in La Pocatière?

Mr. Speaker, I guess it is all about him.The opioid crisis is claiming more and more victims every day. The situation is getting worse in Montreal, as it is elsewhere. The Liberals claim to be doing everything in their power to address the crisis, but that is not true. They could be doing much more.Will the Liberals finally declare that this is a national public health emergency, as the NDP has been calling for for two years, and invest additional resources to truly address this issue?

[Member spoke in Inuktitut]?????? ????[Member provided the following translation of the Inuktitut:]Mr. Speaker,[English]my question is for the Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs.Yesterday, Canada finally announced changes to the nutrition north program. The additional funding and other changes are welcome. However, the government has failed to fix the biggest problem with the program: its transparency and accountability. For example, the department has admitted the program subsidy received by some retailers is higher than the freight rate they are paying, which is why Nunavummiut believes some retailers are unjustly profiting from the subsidy.Will the minister commit to finally fixing this problem before the spring budget?

Mr. Speaker, when we are investing hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars, we want the best deal for all Quebeckers and Canadians.When companies submit bids, they are aware of the criteria and the process right from the beginning. The opposition is asking me to interfere politically, violate our laws and, ultimately, hurt Canadians, which is unacceptable.We recognize that Canadians have expertise in the transportation sector, and we believe that we have the best workers in the world. This is why we will always support our workers.

Mr. Speaker, the Veterans Affairs minister keeps missing the mark. Today, he will not even apologize for comparing his own career transition to that of ex-military personnel transitioning to civilian life. He missed it again last week at the Veterans Affairs committee when he would not commit to using the lapsed spending at Veterans Affairs to improve services for Canada's veterans. The minister voted to end the practice of lapsed spending at Veterans Affairs. Therefore, will he honour his commitment to spending all money allocated for veterans on veterans, yes or no?

Mr. Speaker, I simply want to point out that every aspect of the preamble to that question is bogus and false.The fact of the matter is that with respect to returnees from those war zones, under the previous government, under which most of them returned, not a single charge was laid. Not one. Under our government, in the past three years, we have identified four cases, we have charged four, we have convicted two and two others are pending.

Mr. Speaker, we are facing a public health crisis when it comes to opioids. Our government is assuming its responsibilities.We have made significant investments in the provinces and territories. We recognize that Canadians need services on the ground, which is why we are finalizing bilateral agreements with the provinces and territories to ensure that they have more resources.Declaring a public health emergency would not give us more tools, which is why we are not doing so.

Mr. Speaker, the number of Canadian lives lost to the opioid epidemic is sobering, staggering and growing. New Democrats have offered five positive proposals to tackle this escalating crisis: declare a national public health emergency, fund overdose prevention sites, invest more in treatment, decriminalize and medically regulate supply, and hold opioid manufacturers to account.Given that opioid deaths have risen every single year of the government's term, why will Liberals not act on these proposals to save lives?

It is interesting that members are saying no already. In fact, the Parliamentary Budget Officer outlined his report today detailing the fact that the Liberals misled Canadians with regard to their fall fiscal update. In fact, the PBO demonstrates that the Liberals underestimated their deficit next year by $11 billion, meaning that it will be in excess or just around $30 billion—

Mr. Speaker, yesterday my colleague from Labrador announced much-needed improvements to nutrition north based on extensive engagement our government had with northerners on how we can make perishable, nutritious food more affordable in Canada's north. As colleagues will know, the fall economic statement added $62.6 million of additional funding. I absolutely share my colleague's concern with the need to add increased transparency. I have talked to him about that. I have talked to northern premiers about that. We will bring more and further changes and we will start with the new Crown-Inuit working group on food security.

Mr. Speaker, the Parliamentary Budget Officer just tabled his latest report and his findings are even more dire than what we thought. We have not yet reached 2019 and we already know that the 2019 deficit will be $11 billion more than forecast, reaching a grand total of approximately $30 billion. That is an enormous deficit that is being added to the deficit of the first three years.My question for the Prime Minister is simple: when will we return to a balanced budget?

Mr. Speaker, the more things change, the more they stay the same. Like the Conservatives in 2011, the Liberals have imposed back-to-work legislation on Canada Post employees. Like the Conservative legislation, the Liberal legislation is being challenged in court. By imitating the Conservatives, the Liberals have shown that they are the bosses' party, not the workers' party.The Liberals criticized the Conservatives' tactics at the time, so are they not ashamed to be doing the exact same thing now and denying postal workers their right to free bargaining?

Mr. Speaker, we are proud of our Canadian workers and companies. Indeed, we know that they can successfully compete right around the world. Signing trade deals allows us to access procurement opportunities around the world so that we can see things like Bombardier trains in Africa, in Asia and around the world. We will continue to promote the extraordinary quality of the work that is done by Canadian companies around the world. We know that as we engage in trade we create better opportunities for our workers and for all Canadians.

Mr. Speaker, I wish I could say I was surprised that the member opposite would rather make personal attacks than talk about the new transition group, but I am going to take advantage of this opportunity to talk about how ensuring a seamless transition to post-military life is essential to the well-being of veterans and their families. The transition group will improve the transition services, with personalized guided support and special care for those who are ill and injured. We will not be distracted in our mission to veterans and their families.

Mr. Speaker, our plan and our commitment to Canadians was to grow the economy and to ensure that our economy works for all. Unfortunately, after 10 years of failed Conservative policies, we saw low unemployment rates. We did not see growth.However, thanks to our plan and our Prime Minister's leadership, we have seen wages grow. We have seen the lowest unemployment rate on record. As a result, we have the best financials in the G7. We will not take the Conservatives' advice on how not to grow the economy.

Mr. Speaker, one of the first things we did was to repeal the anti-labour legislation passed by Stephen Harper, Bill C-525 and Bill C-377. We know those are the things that matter to labour. For the past three years, we have worked constructively with organized labour across this country, showing meaningful progress and understanding the tripartite principles, which mean that labour, government and industry work together to create better opportunities for the middle class. We have been a solid partner to labour. We will continue to do that. We will take no lessons from the NDP.

Mr. Speaker, math lessons are precisely what this Prime Minister needs. Let us start with his promise. He said that next year the deficit would be zero. Then in the fall update, he said it would be almost $20 billion. Now today, the Parliamentary Budget Officer confirms it could be another $11 billion on top of that, for a grand total of almost $30 billion in one year, the year when the budget was supposed to balance itself. Will he finally admit that his deficit is spiralling right out of control?

Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives think that their roaring plan had us back to a technical recession in 2015. They think that is success? On the other hand, we knew that creating the right kinds of investments in Canadians was the best way to get our economy growing. As a result, our plan is working. We have seen over 700,000 jobs created. We have seen lower taxes, where a typical middle-class family is going to be $2,000 better off. We have seen wages grow after being anemic under the Conservatives. The Conservatives' plan is not—

Mr. Speaker, the member for Saint-Léonard—Saint-Michel alleged in the House this morning that the Prime Minister's Office interfered with his attempt to resign. He also stated that the reason he has been so quiet is that the Prime Minister has tasked him with a special duty that overrides his obligation to Parliament while he still runs a business on the side. That makes this an issue of government business. Will the Prime Minister explain to us what this top-secret project is and did his office attempt to interfere with his effort to resign his position?

Mr. Speaker, it is so sincere when it is coming from a sheet of paper. The Prime Minister does not know this file. He does not know the position of his own government. Let me try this. This morning, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers filed with the Ontario Superior Court a challenge to the legislation that forced its members back to work without a collective agreement. They have been down this road before and won. The Prime Minister has painted himself as a friend of labour, but where is the proof of this when he is willing to trample labour's constitutional rights in order to ensure the bottom-line profits of companies and corporations? How is this Prime Minister different from Stephen Harper?

Mr. Speaker, I must correct the record. When the Conservatives left office they added $150 billion to the debt and they could not balance the budget. On top of that, their plan was austerity, and cuts on the backs of people like our veterans. Canadians had a choice in 2015 and they chose a plan that put Canadians first and not Conservative millionaires. We are reducing taxes on the middle class, we are lowering taxes for small businesses and, as a result, we are seeing the best growth that we have seen in decades, unlike the Conservatives.

Mr. Speaker, if the Conservatives want to talk math, let us talk math. They added $150 billion in debt, and what we got were fake lakes and gazebos. They also had a steady GDP growth rate of 1% when they left office. We came into office with our economic plan and we are seeing the growth rate at 3%. Our investments are to grow a more fair economy. We are reducing taxes on the middle class. We are reducing taxes for small businesses. We take no math lessons from the Conservatives.

Mr. Speaker, there is no resource more precious to the residents of Toronto than Lake Ontario, yet last week the Government of Ontario unexpectedly fired the provincial appointees to the board of Waterfront Toronto. For over a decade, Waterfront Toronto has spearheaded the revitalization of the waterfront area by developing parks, streets and new neighbourhoods with affordable housing. The rash dismissal of the chair of the Waterfront Toronto board has everyone in Toronto worried and concerned. Therefore, I would like to ask the—

Mr. Speaker, here are the benefits of a real economic plan: we have the lowest unemployment rate in 40 years, we created 700,000 new jobs in the past three years, and every family has an average of $2,000 more a year than under the Conservative government.We have a plan to invest in the middle class and to grow the economy. For 10 years, the Conservatives' growth stagnated. We focused on what is important to Canadians and we met their expectations.

Mr. Speaker, long ago in a galaxy far, far away, the Prime Minister wrote a mandate letter to the Minister of Finance. He said, “I expect Canadians to hold us accountable for delivering these commitments, and I expect all ministers to do their part”.The number one priority for the Minister of Finance was to make sure that Canada's finances are sound by respecting a balanced budget in 2019-20. Troubling news from the Parliamentary Budget Officer's report indicates that we could be looking at another $11 billion added to the deficit next year, which would be, if true, almost $30 billion.My question for the Prime Minister is this. Does he still believe budgets will balance?

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister promised that the budget would be balanced in the coming year. Now he is admitting that there will be a giant deficit instead.The Parliamentary Budget Officer announced today that the deficit could be $11 billion more than what was announced by the Prime Minister. If that is true, the deficit will grow by about $30 billion a year.Not only did the Prime Minister say that the budget would be balanced, but he misled Canadians about the deficit. Why?

Mr. Speaker, on a point of order, I would like to revert to the question I posed earlier.

Mr. Speaker, yesterday's announcement was on our commitment to the transition from the military to veterans life. It is an extraordinarily difficult transition for many people in the military, and it is one that our side of the government is committed to helping veterans and their families make.We will not waver in our mission to make life better for veterans and their families. We will not be distracted by personal comments, innuendo, or maligning comments. We stay committed and focused on veterans and their families.

Mr. Speaker, we understand the challenges that are being faced by Alberta's energy sector. We are working closely with both provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan to explore a number of options, including moving forward on the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion in the right way, engaging in meaningful consultation with indigenous peoples.We are the government that invested $4.5 billion to save that pipeline and every member of that party voted against it.

Mr. Speaker, on our side of the House, we do not believe that pollution should be free. We are moving forward with a plan that is going to put a price on pollution and leave families better off at the end of the day. I understand that the Conservatives do not want to take meaningful action on climate change, but I cannot figure out why they insist that the families they represent do not get this money. If they want to continue to dig in and avoid taking action on climate change, I will be happy to continue this debate on this side of the House after the next election.

Mr. Speaker, my colleague is attempting to connect me indirectly to the paradise papers. If he wants to play that game, I suggest he look at his own people. Mr. Singh and Mr. Mulcair, as well as the members for Timmins—James Bay and Skeena—Bulkley Valley, all accepted contributions from individuals named in those data leaks. For my part, I will keep doing what we do best, which is work to put a stop to tax evasion.

Mr. Speaker, all members are responsible to their constituents for their work in Ottawa. The member in question publicly indicated his intention and shared the issues on which he will be working on behalf of his community. I saw him today.

Mr. Speaker, allow me to do a bit of math with the parliamentary secretary.The deficit accumulated since the beginning of the Liberals' term of office totals $100 billion. What does that $100 billion represent for the average person. It represents 20 third links between Quebec City and Lévis. It represents the construction of 600 arenas like the one where the Ottawa Senators play. It represents one million repairs to Canadian roads, or the equivalent of 75 return trips across the country. The minister—

Mr. Speaker, my hon. colleague from Whitby knows that gender-based violence is preventable, yet when we formed government there was no coordinated strategy to address it. Women's organizations were underfunded and their advocacy was silent. Our government worked with survivors and experts to develop Canada's first strategy to address and prevent gender-based violence. We invested over $200 million to help implement it. Yesterday we launched a call to support critical research to better understand gender-based violence, the first public call for research from Status of Women since the Harper Conservatives shut down its research branch in 2008.

Mr. Speaker, our government has been working hard for seniors from the day we were elected.Last week I was very pleased to announce that the call for proposals for the pan-Canadian new horizons for seniors program is now open. This year, we have increased the funding to $5 million, and increased the length of time for the projects to five years.Our government knows that these projects will go a long way to combat seniors' isolation and work towards inclusion. We all benefit when seniors are engaged and active in our communities.

Mr. Speaker, we had an announcement yesterday that built on our government's commitment to easing the transition between military life and a veteran's life. As I said then, I know enough about the military to know that I would never compare my experience to that of a veteran. However, I will say, it gives me a glimpse into that window, and that fuels what I do and my mission, this government's mission, to make life better for veterans and their families. We need to make sure that the supports are in place to help them with that transition, and yesterday's announcement is what that was all about.

Mr. Speaker, on a point of order, the opposition asked for a number of documents to be tabled in the House today. As Minister of Digital Government, I would like to remind the members that all of the documents they have sought to be tabled in the House are available online. It would be far greener for them just to go online—

Mr. Speaker, if they want to talk about the legacy of debt, the Conservatives added $150 billion to Canada's national debt, and this is the kicker, with nothing to show for it, with the lowest growth rate since the Great Depression.We came forward with a positive plan to invest in Canadians, and that is what we did. It is working. Our plan has delivered the lowest unemployment in 40 years and has created 700,000 new jobs. The Conservatives have no plan, other than the failed policies of Stephen Harper.

Mr. Speaker, as you are aware, the federal government funds Waterfront Toronto. Therefore, I would like to pose a question to the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities.

Mr. Speaker, VIA Rail would rather award a $1-billion contract to a German multinational than to a Quebec company.The Minister of Transport could have stood up for Quebec workers in three ways. He could have informed Bombardier of the Siemens bid, he could have included local economic spinoffs in the contract criteria, and he could have cancelled the bidding process and started over, but he did nothing. Will the minister tell VIA Rail that it must reconsider its decision and give Bombardier a chance to win this contract, or will he let VIA Rail announce on Friday that it is awarding the contract to Germany?

Mr. Speaker, on a point of order, I am not sure where the precedent is or what the rule is whereby you ruled that somebody's question was out of order, and then you give him advice on how to appeal that ruling, and then you extend question period and allow for an answer. Perhaps you could please explain, because I do not know where that rule is, and I would very much like to be able to tell my caucus, who will be asking me.

Mr. Speaker, as I said, every member of Parliament is responsible to their constituents for their work in Ottawa. The member in question has publicly indicated his intention and has shared the issues on which he will be working on behalf of his community.

Mr. Speaker, if you seek it, I think you will find unanimous consent that I table the PBO's report.

Mr. Speaker, once again, the member recognized that we are facing a public health crisis when it comes to the opioid epidemic. Our government has been taking actions. We continue to work with provinces and territories, we have made significant investments in the area of harm reduction and we are also in the process of negotiating bilateral agreements with provinces and territories. We want to ensure that there are more services on the ground, whether it be providing funding for supervised consumption sites or any other services that provinces need. We are a partner at the federal level, and we will continue to work with individuals on the ground.

Mr. Speaker, in the last election, we made a promise to Canadians that we would invest in the middle class and grow the economy, because for 10 years they had had a Conservative government under Stephen Harper that gave benefits and advantages to the wealthiest and did not have growth to show for it.We took a 1% growth rate under the Conservatives and turned it into a 3% growth rate. We created 700,000 new jobs over the past three years, and right now we have the lowest unemployment rate in recorded history in Canada.We are moving forward in a way that invests in Canadians and builds for their—

Mr. Speaker, I would like to highlight our commitment to ensuring a smooth transition to civilian life after military service.As I said, I know enough about the Forces to ensure I would never claim to understand what soldiers go through during their transition. However, I gained some insight into that experience. This year I organized town halls across the country and I listened to veterans talk about the challenges they face during their transition. We have to bring in the necessary resources to support our soldiers, and that is exactly what we are doing.

Mr. Speaker, I would like clarification. Is it your ruling that every organization that receives federal funding will now be subject to questions in question period?

Mr. Speaker, all members of Parliament are responsible to their constituents for their work in Ottawa. The member in question has publicly indicated his intention and has shared the issues on which he will be working on behalf of his community.

Mr. Speaker, we recognize that every member of Parliament is responsible to their constituents for their work in Ottawa. The member in question has publicly indicated his intention and has shared the issues on which he will be working on behalf of his community.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the member for Willowdale for his passion and his great work. As one of the three government partners overseeing Waterfront Toronto, we respect the work that the organization is doing to lead the development of the waterfront. We are committed to Waterfront Toronto and the long-term revitalization of the port lands. In fact, I was pleased to be in Toronto recently to mark the groundbreaking of the port lands flood protection project, in which our government is investing $416 million. We will continue to work with Waterfront Toronto. We will continue to work with the Province of Ontario and we will continue to work with the people of Toronto.

Mr. Speaker, in the spirit of non-partisanship, I would like to table in the House of Commons the Liberal Party platform from 2015 which committed to a balanced budget in 2019.

Mr. Speaker, our natural resource sector is an important source of good middle-class jobs for all Canadians. We remain committed to a renewed relationship with indigenous peoples based on recognition, respect, co-operation and partnership. I am delighted to report that many chiefs and leaders of B.C. coastal first nations were in Ottawa last week to express support for Bill C-48 and to express concerns about efforts by “people claiming to represent a unified voice in the northwest whose intentions are to undermine the implementation of the moratorium.”

Mr. Speaker, buried at the back of the fall update was actually a report card on the government, written by the government. In it, they talk about their status update on the promises made in the mandate letters. Interestingly enough, balancing the budget in 2019 again appeared as the number three overall responsibility of the government. What is the update? Actions taken, progress made and facing challenges. Will the government balance the budget?

Mr. Speaker, yesterday marked the last day of 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence. Over the past 16 days, we have reflected on the lives of survivors of violence and the lives of those we have lost. During this time, we also thought about the role we could all play to prevent and address gender-based violence, strengthen our communities and build a better Canada.Could the Minister of Status of Women update the House on the actions our government is taking to end gender-based violence and build resilience?

Mr. Speaker, as we all know, Bombardier is able to do business around the world. That is why it sells trains in Israel, India, Africa and other places, including the United States. That is how international trade works when free trade agreements are in place. We need to abide by those rules. I know that the Bloc Québécois has a hard time understanding that concept, but that is how things work for adults who represent the government.

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 32(2), I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the annual report to Parliament for the 2017-18 fiscal year on federal regulatory management initiatives. This report outlines the net benefit of significant regulations made by the Governor in Council in 2017-18 and reports publicly on the one-for-one rule as required by the Red Tape Reduction Act.This tabling actually shows the reduction of 458 administrative requirements and federal regulations. A lot of governments talk about cutting red tape, but we are getting it done.

Mr. Speaker, on a point of order, there have been discussions among the parties and, if you were to seek it, I think you would find unanimous consent for the following motion. I move: That, notwithstanding any Standing Order or usual practice of the House, the deferred recorded division on the motion M-163, standing in the name of the Member for Etobicoke Centre, currently scheduled on Wednesday, December 12, 2018, immediately before the time provided for Private Members' Business, be deferred anew to immediately after the time provided for Oral Questions that day.

Mr. Speaker, seniors make valuable contributions to our families, workplaces and communities. By 2036, seniors will represent close to 25% of the population.Could the Minister of Seniors please update this House on what our government is doing to ensure that our seniors remain active, informed and engaged in our communities?

Mr. Speaker, on a point of order, I ask for unanimous consent to table the results of the government's analysis of how hard it is working for itself that was found in the last financial economic update.

Mr. Speaker, in case you missed it, every aspect—

Mr. Speaker, we did everything we could to encourage Canada Post and the union to negotiate a new collective agreement. We provided conciliation officers and mediators, appointed a special mediator and offered voluntary arbitration. Despite all that, the parties could not reach an agreement. We only introduced legislation after all other options had been exhausted. We have appointed Elizabeth MacPherson as mediator-arbitrator. She will have 90 days to work with the parties to resolve all outstanding issues.

Mr. Speaker, anyone who fought with ISIS should be held responsible for their crimes. The Prime Minister was supposed to present a plan to put these murderers behind bars, but he has failed to do so. Rather than presenting a plan, he is giving us lame excuses and throwing in the towel. The Prime Minister's lack of leadership is shameful, and all Canadians should be concerned about his failure to act.If the Prime Minister is unable to stop terrorists, then who will?

Mr. Speaker, what the Conservatives continue not to understand is their phony efforts to balance the budget just in time for the election, cutting millions from veterans by closing their service centres, cutting millions from hard-working Canadians from coast to coast to coast, whether it was the Canada Border Services Agency or hard-working Canadians getting short shrift because of their cuts to programs. The Conservatives' obsession with providing a phony budget balance before an election hurt Canadians.We invested in Canadians and have the positive results to show for it. They had no plan—

Mr. Speaker, northern gateway was approved by the Conservatives and then was killed by the Liberals. The Liberals then put a double standard against energy east, killing that project. They failed on the Trans Mountain Expansion, bought it and now, not one shovel in the ground. Billions of dollars in GDP and hundreds of thousands of jobs are gone or in jeopardy. Investment is fleeing the country. This is the record of the Prime Minister's failed oil and gas sector polices.If that was not enough, we have the Liberal “no more pipelines bill.” Will the Prime Minister deliver a Christmas miracle and kill Bill C-69?

Mr. Speaker, I would like clarification. Is it your ruling that every organization that receives federal funding will now be subject to questions in question period?

Mr. Speaker, seniors make valuable contributions to our families, workplaces and communities. By 2036, seniors will represent close to 25% of the population.Could the Minister of Seniors please update this House on what our government is doing to ensure that our seniors remain active, informed and engaged in our communities?

Mr. Speaker, every Liberal seems to have a different version of what is going on with the member for Saint-Léonard—Saint-Michel.The member claims that the Prime Minister assigned him a secret mission. The Prime Minister has clarified nothing. In September, the Liberal whip assured everyone that the member would resign.Being here on behalf of our constituents is central to our work. Until this morning, the member for Saint-Léonard—Saint-Michel had been absent since June.My question is simple: Can someone, anyone, on the other side of the House tell us the truth about what tasks have been assigned to the member for Saint-Léonard—Saint-Michel?

Mr. Speaker, let me point out that Rafferty is in a federal penitentiary with two fences, three and a half metres high, three guard towers, human patrols, electronic surveillance. This prison also specializes in handling sex offenders. Rafferty is behind razor wire.

Mr. Speaker, for the past three years, the Liberals have been talking about how hard they are working to fight tax evasion and tax havens, but nothing has changed and everyone knows it is just a smokescreen.The Minister of National Revenue herself even accepted a donation from an influential Liberal whose name turned up in the paradise papers. Now we understand why she has not done anything. As they say, one does not bite the hand that feeds.What message is the minister responsible for the CRA sending to the public and all taxpayers when she accepts money from individuals named in the paradise papers?

Mr. Speaker, mismanagement by the Minister of Veterans Affairs has created massive backlogs of disability claims. We have known this for over a year, yet the backlog continues to get worse. The minister likes to compare his transition from TV host to minister with that of injured veterans struggling to rejoin the civilian world. However, unlike veterans, he has never been made to wait in an endless line by the very government he had to pledge his life to. The minister owes veterans an apology.

Mr. Speaker, allow me to do a bit of math with the parliamentary secretary.The deficit accumulated since the beginning of the Liberals' term of office totals $100 billion. What does that $100 billion represent for the average person. It represents 20 third links between Quebec City and Lévis. It represents the construction of 600 arenas like the one where the Ottawa Senators play. It represents one million repairs to Canadian roads, or the equivalent of 75 return trips across the country. The minister—

Mr. Speaker, on a point of order, there have been discussions among the parties and, if you were to seek it, I think you would find unanimous consent for the following motion. I move: That, notwithstanding any Standing Order or usual practice of the House, the deferred recorded division on the motion M-163, standing in the name of the Member for Etobicoke Centre, currently scheduled on Wednesday, December 12, 2018, immediately before the time provided for Private Members' Business, be deferred anew to immediately after the time provided for Oral Questions that day.

Mr. Speaker, it is really sad to see that the Conservatives continue to think that lifting 300,000 children out of poverty is not progress made. It is sad to see that the Conservatives do not think that creating 700,000 new jobs is progress made. The Conservatives will not be happy until our economy is tanking, but billionaires are taken care of. On this side of the House we are focused on Canadians. We are focused on lowering taxes for the middle class and lowering taxes for small businesses. As a result, the promise has been delivered.

Mr. Speaker, to compare the plight of veterans transitioning out of Canada's military for issues related to PTSD, and by the way, Minister, PTSD does not stand for post-teleprompter stress disorder—

Mr. Speaker, on the same point of order, I think the issue is that you are very strict with the amount of time that we get to ask our questions. At 35 seconds, we are cut off. If we do not get through the preamble and deliver the question, it is tough luck. We would like to have the same standard that we are subjected to apply to government members.

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 32(2), I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the annual report to Parliament for the 2017-18 fiscal year on federal regulatory management initiatives. This report outlines the net benefit of significant regulations made by the Governor in Council in 2017-18 and reports publicly on the one-for-one rule as required by the Red Tape Reduction Act.This tabling actually shows the reduction of 458 administrative requirements and federal regulations. A lot of governments talk about cutting red tape, but we are getting it done.

Mr. Speaker, the pain Tori Stafford's family had to endure when it lost its daughter is unthinkable, but the pain it has had to endure since then is absolutely outrageous. The Liberals refused to back down after they sanctioned the transfer of Terri-Lynne McClintic to a resort style healing lodge. Now they are justifying Michael Rafferty's transfer to a medium-security facility, which they deliberately concealed from Tori's family. It is clear that the interests of child killers are more important to the Liberals than the interests of victims and their families. Why is the Liberal government putting Tori's family through hell? Has it not already been through enough?

Mr. Speaker, on a point of order, I ask for unanimous consent to table the results of the government's analysis of how hard it is working for itself that was found in the last financial economic update.

Through you, Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister is trampling on collective bargaining rights.The Liberal government refused to award a billion-dollar contract to Canada's Bombardier to build new VIA Rail trains. Instead they awarded the contract to a German California-based company, Siemens. Why? It is because the Liberals know that using Canadian companies for procurement can get us sued by the EU under the investor-state provisions in CETA. When the Liberals called CETA a gold standard in trade, Canadians had no idea that meant giving away their jobs to foreign companies. Why do the Liberals and Conservatives keep signing us on to trade deals that hand good-paying Canadian jobs to other countries?

Mr. Speaker, I would hope that you are darned right about that, too. However, the Prime Minister is darned right that we are fighting to treat taxpayers' dollars with respect, but he has never had to worry about money that he has not earned. He is taking money from Canadians and raising their taxes. Canadian families are worse off under the government. He attacked small businesses and those who create jobs in our community while protecting those inherit trust funds. That is the legacy of the current government. The cost of living keeps going up, deficits keep going up, and he has to raise taxes to pay for his out-of-control spending. When will he finally admit that the budget will never balance itself?

Mr. Speaker, you are darned right that we are obsessed with treating taxpayers' dollars responsibly.

Mr. Speaker, I imagine for anyone who is suffering from mental illness or is struggling with asking for help that this room is about their worst nightmares. There are shouts about comparing ourselves to others and who do we think we are, and misconstrued comments. I have always said I would never compare my experience to a veteran's experience, nor would I compare it to anybody else's, nor would I compare it to the one-quarter or one-fifth of members in this chamber who are suffering or will suffer. However, I say to Canadians, and especially veterans, if they need help, please ignore what they hear in this place. Most people are kind and they have their back.

You forgot to add that you trampled on their charter rights. This—

Mr. Speaker, buried at the back of the fall update was actually a report card on the government, written by the government. In it, they talk about their status update on the promises made in the mandate letters. Interestingly enough, balancing the budget in 2019 again appeared as the number three overall responsibility of the government. What is the update? Actions taken, progress made and facing challenges. Will the government balance the budget?

Mr. Speaker, in case you missed it, every aspect—

Mr. Speaker, the government allocated $100 billion to shipbuilding, but the Davie shipyard is getting practically nothing. The government allocated billions of dollars to the Trans Mountain pipeline, billions of dollars to the Muskrat Falls project and billions of dollars to the Ontario automotive industry.Now, VIA Rail is awarding a $1-billion contract for a fleet of trains to a German multinational instead of a Quebec company, and Ottawa is standing idly by, even though the transport minister has the power to act. What is the use of even having a transport minister? Why did the minister abandon Bombardier workers and their families in La Pocatière?

Mr. Speaker, on a point of order, I would like to revert to the question I posed earlier.

Mr. Speaker, in the spirit of non-partisanship, I would like to table in the House of Commons the Liberal Party platform from 2015 which committed to a balanced budget in 2019.

Mr. Speaker, if you seek it, I think you will find unanimous consent that I table the PBO's report.

Those are pretty tough words for somebody who has not got the job done, Mr. Speaker.The reality is that the government has tabled legislation that would make it more difficult for law enforcement officials to do their job. It has invested in de-radicalization as opposed to trying to get these people behind bars where they belong. The government just tabled a report in Parliament, where half of the whole five pages of its grand plan were excuses as to why it could not do anything. It is the government's job to keep Canadians safe, not to respect the feelings or poetry lessons of ISIS terrorists. When will the government get serious and lock up those genocidal maniacs?

Mr. Speaker, I simply want to point out that every aspect of the preamble to that question is bogus and false.The fact of the matter is that with respect to returnees from those war zones, under the previous government, under which most of them returned, not a single charge was laid. Not one. Under our government, in the past three years, we have identified four cases, we have charged four, we have convicted two and two others are pending.

Mr. Speaker, I wish I could say I was surprised that the member opposite would rather make personal attacks than talk about the new transition group, but I am going to take advantage of this opportunity to talk about how ensuring a seamless transition to post-military life is essential to the well-being of veterans and their families. The transition group will improve the transition services, with personalized guided support and special care for those who are ill and injured. We will not be distracted in our mission to veterans and their families.

Mr. Speaker, at the veterans affairs committee last Thursday, the Minister of Veterans Affairs continued his attack on veteran Sean Bruyea when he was questioned why he publicly shamed Bruyea in the media. He suggested Bruyea's complaints about the Liberals were a result of mental health issues and anxiety. The minister was defending his decision to shame Bruyea after Bruyea dared question the Liberal pension for life scheme that finance department officials confirmed involves no new money.Since the minister publicly attacked Sean Bruyea, will he publicly apologize for his personal attack on Mr. Bruyea?

Mr. Speaker, in the last election, we made a promise to Canadians that we would invest in the middle class and grow the economy, because for 10 years they had had a Conservative government under Stephen Harper that gave benefits and advantages to the wealthiest and did not have growth to show for it.We took a 1% growth rate under the Conservatives and turned it into a 3% growth rate. We created 700,000 new jobs over the past three years, and right now we have the lowest unemployment rate in recorded history in Canada.We are moving forward in a way that invests in Canadians and builds for their—

Mr. Speaker, our plan and our commitment to Canadians was to grow the economy and to ensure that our economy works for all. Unfortunately, after 10 years of failed Conservative policies, we saw low unemployment rates. We did not see growth.However, thanks to our plan and our Prime Minister's leadership, we have seen wages grow. We have seen the lowest unemployment rate on record. As a result, we have the best financials in the G7. We will not take the Conservatives' advice on how not to grow the economy.

Mr. Speaker, to compare the plight of veterans transitioning out of Canada's military for issues related to PTSD, occupation stress or injury to his own circumstances transitioning out of television broadcasting, is ridiculous. I ask the Minister of Veterans Affairs, how many times did he come close to being shot, or worse yet, witness a comrade who was shot or blown up by an IED?The reaction from the veterans community was disbelief. Will the minister apologize to Canada's veterans?

Mr. Speaker, basically everything the parliamentary secretary just said there is false. Under the Conservatives, we had the strongest growth in the G7. We roared back from the great global recession with a million new jobs and we left the Liberals with a balanced budget. Now that they are done with stating falsehoods about our record, let us tell the truth about their record. The Liberals are adding deficits this year of three times the rate they promised and next year threatens to be even bigger. Will the Prime Minister finally stand up and answer this simple question? In what year will the budget finally balance itself?

Mr. Speaker, the Liberals are not listening to all indigenous people and they do not speak for all of them, just like when they killed northern gateway and the 31 indigenous partnership. That is why 15 leaders from the National Coalition of Chiefs, the Indian Resource Council and the Eagle Spirit Chiefs Council, which represents hundreds of first nations and Métis who want to build their own pipeline, are here today.The Liberals' oil export ban, Bill C-48, and their no more pipelines, Bill C-69, blocked their way. If the Liberals keep ignoring provinces, economists and industry, will they at least listen to those leaders and to most Treaty 7 chiefs and will they kill their no more pipelines Bill C-69, yes or no?

Mr. Speaker, yesterday's announcement was on our commitment to the transition from the military to veterans life. It is an extraordinarily difficult transition for many people in the military, and it is one that our side of the government is committed to helping veterans and their families make.We will not waver in our mission to make life better for veterans and their families. We will not be distracted by personal comments, innuendo, or maligning comments. We stay committed and focused on veterans and their families.

Mr. Speaker, our government has been working hard for seniors from the day we were elected.Last week I was very pleased to announce that the call for proposals for the pan-Canadian new horizons for seniors program is now open. This year, we have increased the funding to $5 million, and increased the length of time for the projects to five years.Our government knows that these projects will go a long way to combat seniors' isolation and work towards inclusion. We all benefit when seniors are engaged and active in our communities.

[Member spoke in Inuktitut]?????? ????[Member provided the following translation of the Inuktitut:]Mr. Speaker,[English]my question is for the Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs.Yesterday, Canada finally announced changes to the nutrition north program. The additional funding and other changes are welcome. However, the government has failed to fix the biggest problem with the program: its transparency and accountability. For example, the department has admitted the program subsidy received by some retailers is higher than the freight rate they are paying, which is why Nunavummiut believes some retailers are unjustly profiting from the subsidy.Will the minister commit to finally fixing this problem before the spring budget?

Mr. Speaker, the Liberal member for Saint-Léonard—Saint-Michel broke his silence today and confessed that even though he announced he would resign in April, someone else decided he should wait until January 22 to make it official. The Liberals' new Elections Act states that the Prime Minister does not have to call a by-election for any seats that become vacant after January 21st. What a coincidence.Why has the Prime Minister rigged the date of the member's resignation to keep the people of Saint-Léonard—Saint-Michel from having the by-election that they deserve?

Mr. Speaker, all of this government's answers on the budget that will balance itself were ridiculous and untrue.It was confirmed to us today that there is nothing the Prime Minister will not do when it comes to manipulating the rules to his advantage. Only one thing was clear in the speech given this morning by the member for Saint-Léonard—Saint-Michel and that was when he said, “At every moment, no matter the circumstances, I respected the direction of the whip.”Did the Prime Minister or a member of his cabinet order the Liberal member not to resign before a certain date so they did not have to call a byelection?

Mr. Speaker, the United States requires guarantees of local content in bids for public transportation. China requires guarantees of local content in bids for public transportation. Here, the government says that we can do nothing and our hands are tied because of trade agreements. What a crock.This is even more evidence that Liberal members from Quebec do not carry much weight. The United States requires a minimum of 65% local content and requires that the final assembly be carried out in the U.S. They have signed the same agreements as us.Why do the Liberals keep giving in when the time comes to stand up for Canadian interests?

Mr. Speaker, we did everything we could to encourage Canada Post and the union to negotiate a new collective agreement. We provided conciliation officers and mediators, appointed a special mediator and offered voluntary arbitration. Despite all that, the parties could not reach an agreement. We only introduced legislation after all other options had been exhausted. We have appointed Elizabeth MacPherson as mediator-arbitrator. She will have 90 days to work with the parties to resolve all outstanding issues.

Mr. Speaker, that is simply not the case.Here is what the Prime Minister said about deficits during the last election. He said that his plan to get back to balanced budgets was “very” set in stone, and that he was looking straight at Canadians and being honest, that the budget would be balanced in 2019.We found out a couple of weeks ago that that was not the case. The Prime Minister had smashed through his promise and had racked up massive deficits of almost $20 billion.If that were not bad enough, today we find out that it is going to be even worse, at almost $30 billion next year. Why did the Prime Minister mislead Canadians in the last election?

Mr. Speaker, the member for Saint-Léonard—Saint-Michel alleged in the House this morning that the Prime Minister's Office interfered with his attempt to resign. He also stated that the reason he has been so quiet is that the Prime Minister has tasked him with a special duty that overrides his obligation to Parliament while he still runs a business on the side. That makes this an issue of government business. Will the Prime Minister explain to us what this top-secret project is and did his office attempt to interfere with his effort to resign his position?

Mr. Speaker, yesterday marked the last day of 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence. Over the past 16 days, we have reflected on the lives of survivors of violence and the lives of those we have lost. During this time, we also thought about the role we could all play to prevent and address gender-based violence, strengthen our communities and build a better Canada.Could the Minister of Status of Women update the House on the actions our government is taking to end gender-based violence and build resilience?

Mr. Speaker, I guess it is all about him.The opioid crisis is claiming more and more victims every day. The situation is getting worse in Montreal, as it is elsewhere. The Liberals claim to be doing everything in their power to address the crisis, but that is not true. They could be doing much more.Will the Liberals finally declare that this is a national public health emergency, as the NDP has been calling for for two years, and invest additional resources to truly address this issue?

Mr. Speaker, as we all know, Bombardier is able to do business around the world. That is why it sells trains in Israel, India, Africa and other places, including the United States. That is how international trade works when free trade agreements are in place. We need to abide by those rules. I know that the Bloc Québécois has a hard time understanding that concept, but that is how things work for adults who represent the government.

Mr. Speaker, one of the first things we did was to repeal the anti-labour legislation passed by Stephen Harper, Bill C-525 and Bill C-377. We know those are the things that matter to labour. For the past three years, we have worked constructively with organized labour across this country, showing meaningful progress and understanding the tripartite principles, which mean that labour, government and industry work together to create better opportunities for the middle class. We have been a solid partner to labour. We will continue to do that. We will take no lessons from the NDP.

Mr. Speaker, all members are responsible to their constituents for their work in Ottawa. The member in question publicly indicated his intention and shared the issues on which he will be working on behalf of his community. I saw him today.

Mr. Speaker, we recognize that every member of Parliament is responsible to their constituents for their work in Ottawa. The member in question has publicly indicated his intention and has shared the issues on which he will be working on behalf of his community.

Mr. Speaker, the minister needs to apologize to veterans for the shameless attack on them. To compare his experience transitioning out of television to those who are transitioning out of Canada's military is shameless. I am going to give the minister one more chance. Will he apologize to Canada's veterans for saying that he understands what transitioning is like? He transitioned out of television and not Canada's military.

Mr. Speaker, as I said, every member of Parliament is responsible to their constituents for their work in Ottawa. The member in question has publicly indicated his intention and has shared the issues on which he will be working on behalf of his community.

Mr. Speaker, all members of Parliament are responsible to their constituents for their work in Ottawa. The member in question has publicly indicated his intention and has shared the issues on which he will be working on behalf of his community.

Mr. Speaker, if the Conservatives want to talk math, let us talk math. They added $150 billion in debt, and what we got were fake lakes and gazebos. They also had a steady GDP growth rate of 1% when they left office. We came into office with our economic plan and we are seeing the growth rate at 3%. Our investments are to grow a more fair economy. We are reducing taxes on the middle class. We are reducing taxes for small businesses. We take no math lessons from the Conservatives.

Mr. Speaker, if they want to talk about the legacy of debt, the Conservatives added $150 billion to Canada's national debt, and this is the kicker, with nothing to show for it, with the lowest growth rate since the Great Depression.We came forward with a positive plan to invest in Canadians, and that is what we did. It is working. Our plan has delivered the lowest unemployment in 40 years and has created 700,000 new jobs. The Conservatives have no plan, other than the failed policies of Stephen Harper.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to highlight our commitment to ensuring a smooth transition to civilian life after military service.As I said, I know enough about the Forces to ensure I would never claim to understand what soldiers go through during their transition. However, I gained some insight into that experience. This year I organized town halls across the country and I listened to veterans talk about the challenges they face during their transition. We have to bring in the necessary resources to support our soldiers, and that is exactly what we are doing.

Mr. Speaker, we had an announcement yesterday that built on our government's commitment to easing the transition between military life and a veteran's life. As I said then, I know enough about the military to know that I would never compare my experience to that of a veteran. However, I will say, it gives me a glimpse into that window, and that fuels what I do and my mission, this government's mission, to make life better for veterans and their families. We need to make sure that the supports are in place to help them with that transition, and yesterday's announcement is what that was all about.

Mr. Speaker, my hon. colleague from Whitby knows that gender-based violence is preventable, yet when we formed government there was no coordinated strategy to address it. Women's organizations were underfunded and their advocacy was silent. Our government worked with survivors and experts to develop Canada's first strategy to address and prevent gender-based violence. We invested over $200 million to help implement it. Yesterday we launched a call to support critical research to better understand gender-based violence, the first public call for research from Status of Women since the Harper Conservatives shut down its research branch in 2008.

Mr. Speaker, those who have abandoned Canadian democracy to travel to a war zone and engage with terrorists need to take full responsibility for their criminal conduct. Our intelligence, security and police agencies will investigate terrorists by all possible means, with the absolute goal of charging, prosecuting and putting them in jail to the full extent of the law. We have done that more so than our predecessors.

Mr. Speaker, the number of Canadian lives lost to the opioid epidemic is sobering, staggering and growing. New Democrats have offered five positive proposals to tackle this escalating crisis: declare a national public health emergency, fund overdose prevention sites, invest more in treatment, decriminalize and medically regulate supply, and hold opioid manufacturers to account.Given that opioid deaths have risen every single year of the government's term, why will Liberals not act on these proposals to save lives?

Mr. Speaker, the Veterans Affairs minister keeps missing the mark. Today, he will not even apologize for comparing his own career transition to that of ex-military personnel transitioning to civilian life. He missed it again last week at the Veterans Affairs committee when he would not commit to using the lapsed spending at Veterans Affairs to improve services for Canada's veterans. The minister voted to end the practice of lapsed spending at Veterans Affairs. Therefore, will he honour his commitment to spending all money allocated for veterans on veterans, yes or no?

Mr. Speaker, here are the benefits of a real economic plan: we have the lowest unemployment rate in 40 years, we created 700,000 new jobs in the past three years, and every family has an average of $2,000 more a year than under the Conservative government.We have a plan to invest in the middle class and to grow the economy. For 10 years, the Conservatives' growth stagnated. We focused on what is important to Canadians and we met their expectations.

Mr. Speaker, we are approaching the one year anniversary since the Liberals announced their intent to create a Canadian ombudsperson for a responsible enterprise: One year, no ombudsperson, no mandate. Again, it looks like the Liberals just wanted to hold a nice press conference and that would be it. Supreme Court of Canada decisions, modern slavery legislation abroad are advancing corporate responsibility and still no action from the Liberal government. What is the point of making an announcement when nothing happens for a year?

Mr. Speaker, on a point of order, the opposition asked for a number of documents to be tabled in the House today. As Minister of Digital Government, I would like to remind the members that all of the documents they have sought to be tabled in the House are available online. It would be far greener for them just to go online—

Mr. Speaker, on a point of order, I am not sure where the precedent is or what the rule is whereby you ruled that somebody's question was out of order, and then you give him advice on how to appeal that ruling, and then you extend question period and allow for an answer. Perhaps you could please explain, because I do not know where that rule is, and I would very much like to be able to tell my caucus, who will be asking me.

Mr. Speaker, once again, the member recognized that we are facing a public health crisis when it comes to the opioid epidemic. Our government has been taking actions. We continue to work with provinces and territories, we have made significant investments in the area of harm reduction and we are also in the process of negotiating bilateral agreements with provinces and territories. We want to ensure that there are more services on the ground, whether it be providing funding for supervised consumption sites or any other services that provinces need. We are a partner at the federal level, and we will continue to work with individuals on the ground.

Mr. Speaker, we have a whole list of people who are against those two bills. First, the transport minister claims he has never heard the concerns of the transportation industry about the Liberal carbon tax. Today, when Air Canada and WestJet expressed their concerns and again supported the idea of a study of the harm of the carbon tax, the Liberal members voted it down. The Liberals are hiding the environmental impact assessment and ignoring calls from the premiers to cancel the carbon tax. Therefore, why are they now blocking businesses from being able to talk about this job-killing carbon tax?

Mr. Speaker, it is so sincere when it is coming from a sheet of paper. The Prime Minister does not know this file. He does not know the position of his own government. Let me try this. This morning, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers filed with the Ontario Superior Court a challenge to the legislation that forced its members back to work without a collective agreement. They have been down this road before and won. The Prime Minister has painted himself as a friend of labour, but where is the proof of this when he is willing to trample labour's constitutional rights in order to ensure the bottom-line profits of companies and corporations? How is this Prime Minister different from Stephen Harper?

Mr. Speaker, long ago in a galaxy far, far away, the Prime Minister wrote a mandate letter to the Minister of Finance. He said, “I expect Canadians to hold us accountable for delivering these commitments, and I expect all ministers to do their part”.The number one priority for the Minister of Finance was to make sure that Canada's finances are sound by respecting a balanced budget in 2019-20. Troubling news from the Parliamentary Budget Officer's report indicates that we could be looking at another $11 billion added to the deficit next year, which would be, if true, almost $30 billion.My question for the Prime Minister is this. Does he still believe budgets will balance?

Mr. Speaker, the Parliamentary Budget Officer just tabled his latest report and his findings are even more dire than what we thought. We have not yet reached 2019 and we already know that the 2019 deficit will be $11 billion more than forecast, reaching a grand total of approximately $30 billion. That is an enormous deficit that is being added to the deficit of the first three years.My question for the Prime Minister is simple: when will we return to a balanced budget?

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister promised that the budget would be balanced in the coming year. Now he is admitting that there will be a giant deficit instead.The Parliamentary Budget Officer announced today that the deficit could be $11 billion more than what was announced by the Prime Minister. If that is true, the deficit will grow by about $30 billion a year.Not only did the Prime Minister say that the budget would be balanced, but he misled Canadians about the deficit. Why?

Mr. Speaker, yesterday my colleague from Labrador announced much-needed improvements to nutrition north based on extensive engagement our government had with northerners on how we can make perishable, nutritious food more affordable in Canada's north. As colleagues will know, the fall economic statement added $62.6 million of additional funding. I absolutely share my colleague's concern with the need to add increased transparency. I have talked to him about that. I have talked to northern premiers about that. We will bring more and further changes and we will start with the new Crown-Inuit working group on food security.

Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives think that their roaring plan had us back to a technical recession in 2015. They think that is success? On the other hand, we knew that creating the right kinds of investments in Canadians was the best way to get our economy growing. As a result, our plan is working. We have seen over 700,000 jobs created. We have seen lower taxes, where a typical middle-class family is going to be $2,000 better off. We have seen wages grow after being anemic under the Conservatives. The Conservatives' plan is not—

Mr. Speaker, again, the Conservatives do not want to take the facts as good enough because the fact is our debt to GDP ratio is steadily on the downward track. A typical Canadian family is $2,000 better off under our plan. By the investments we have made, we have seen over 700,000 new jobs created. We have one of the best records in the G7, but the Conservatives do not get it. Their failed plan under Stephen Harper did not work, and they continue to have no plan to really grow the economy and create an economy that works—

Mr. Speaker, we can tell that when the Conservatives resort to petty personal attacks, they have nothing to say on the basis of fact.What we have done is invest in Canadians. We invested historic amounts in infrastructure and put more money in the pockets of the middle class so that kids across this country, with the Canada child benefit, can get better school supplies, better after-school programs, and have new shoes and boots for the winter. We know that investing in Canadians is the way to grow the economy. For 10 years, the Conservatives could not do it, but that is exactly what we did. The lowest unemployment in 40 years—

Mr. Speaker, math lessons are precisely what this Prime Minister needs. Let us start with his promise. He said that next year the deficit would be zero. Then in the fall update, he said it would be almost $20 billion. Now today, the Parliamentary Budget Officer confirms it could be another $11 billion on top of that, for a grand total of almost $30 billion in one year, the year when the budget was supposed to balance itself. Will he finally admit that his deficit is spiralling right out of control?

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister knows that is just not true.The previous Conservative government got through a global recession and came roaring back with the greatest job growth in the G7. That is the situation he inherited. He inherited great fortune, and not just personally, a global booming economy, lifting up Canada.What did the Prime Minister do with that? He squandered it. He has racked up, now, almost $30 billion worth of deficits alone. Canadians are going to have to pay that back.Will the Prime Minister finally admit that his budget is spiralling out of control, and that under his watch deficits are here to stay?

Mr. Speaker, there is no resource more precious to the residents of Toronto than Lake Ontario, yet last week the Government of Ontario unexpectedly fired the provincial appointees to the board of Waterfront Toronto. For over a decade, Waterfront Toronto has spearheaded the revitalization of the waterfront area by developing parks, streets and new neighbourhoods with affordable housing. The rash dismissal of the chair of the Waterfront Toronto board has everyone in Toronto worried and concerned. Therefore, I would like to ask the—

Mr. Speaker, I must correct the record. When the Conservatives left office they added $150 billion to the debt and they could not balance the budget. On top of that, their plan was austerity, and cuts on the backs of people like our veterans. Canadians had a choice in 2015 and they chose a plan that put Canadians first and not Conservative millionaires. We are reducing taxes on the middle class, we are lowering taxes for small businesses and, as a result, we are seeing the best growth that we have seen in decades, unlike the Conservatives.

Mr. Speaker, VIA Rail would rather award a $1-billion contract to a German multinational than to a Quebec company.The Minister of Transport could have stood up for Quebec workers in three ways. He could have informed Bombardier of the Siemens bid, he could have included local economic spinoffs in the contract criteria, and he could have cancelled the bidding process and started over, but he did nothing. Will the minister tell VIA Rail that it must reconsider its decision and give Bombardier a chance to win this contract, or will he let VIA Rail announce on Friday that it is awarding the contract to Germany?

Mr. Speaker, as you are aware, the federal government funds Waterfront Toronto. Therefore, I would like to pose a question to the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities.

It is interesting that members are saying no already. In fact, the Parliamentary Budget Officer outlined his report today detailing the fact that the Liberals misled Canadians with regard to their fall fiscal update. In fact, the PBO demonstrates that the Liberals underestimated their deficit next year by $11 billion, meaning that it will be in excess or just around $30 billion—

Mr. Speaker, the hon. member well knows that the case is before the court, and so, no, I will not comment.Let me make a comment on pension for life, which the hon. member has maligned. It is very real. On April 1, 2019, we will be reintroducing a monthly tax-free pension for life. It is costed at $3.6 billion. It is very real.

Mr. Speaker, we are facing a public health crisis when it comes to opioids. Our government is assuming its responsibilities.We have made significant investments in the provinces and territories. We recognize that Canadians need services on the ground, which is why we are finalizing bilateral agreements with the provinces and territories to ensure that they have more resources.Declaring a public health emergency would not give us more tools, which is why we are not doing so.

Mr. Speaker, the more things change, the more they stay the same. Like the Conservatives in 2011, the Liberals have imposed back-to-work legislation on Canada Post employees. Like the Conservative legislation, the Liberal legislation is being challenged in court. By imitating the Conservatives, the Liberals have shown that they are the bosses' party, not the workers' party.The Liberals criticized the Conservatives' tactics at the time, so are they not ashamed to be doing the exact same thing now and denying postal workers their right to free bargaining?

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister's record is actually very clear. He has raised taxes on the middle class, but for those who have inherited great wealth through trust funds, he has protected their assets. It is no wonder that the Prime Minister does not worry about the impacts of his irresponsible spending, because he has never had to worry about money. Canadians are worried about the legacy of deficits that he is placing on their shoulders.Does Prime Minister really believe that Canadians do not understand that they are on the hook for his irresponsible spending?

Mr. Speaker, the hon. member will be pleased to know that corporate social responsibility is a very important matter for this government and for all members of the House. They know that the practices of Canadian corporations overseas are the subject of interest to this government and certainly to other members opposite, including the one who just asked the question.Very soon we will have the pleasure of announcing the successful candidate in a competition that has shown there is great interest from coast to coast to coast in this very important job.

Mr. Speaker, when we are investing hundreds of millions, or even billions, of taxpayer dollars, we want the best deal for Quebeckers and Canadians. I am talking about taxpayer money.When companies submit bids, they are aware of the criteria and the process right from the beginning. The opposition is asking us to interfere politically, violate our laws and, ultimately, hurt Canadians, which is unacceptable.

Mr. Speaker, on our side of the House, we do not believe that pollution should be free. We are moving forward with a plan that is going to put a price on pollution and leave families better off at the end of the day. I understand that the Conservatives do not want to take meaningful action on climate change, but I cannot figure out why they insist that the families they represent do not get this money. If they want to continue to dig in and avoid taking action on climate change, I will be happy to continue this debate on this side of the House after the next election.

Mr. Speaker, my colleague is attempting to connect me indirectly to the paradise papers. If he wants to play that game, I suggest he look at his own people. Mr. Singh and Mr. Mulcair, as well as the members for Timmins—James Bay and Skeena—Bulkley Valley, all accepted contributions from individuals named in those data leaks. For my part, I will keep doing what we do best, which is work to put a stop to tax evasion.

Mr. Speaker, our natural resource sector is an important source of good middle-class jobs for all Canadians. We remain committed to a renewed relationship with indigenous peoples based on recognition, respect, co-operation and partnership. I am delighted to report that many chiefs and leaders of B.C. coastal first nations were in Ottawa last week to express support for Bill C-48 and to express concerns about efforts by “people claiming to represent a unified voice in the northwest whose intentions are to undermine the implementation of the moratorium.”

Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Veterans Affairs made an unfortunate comment comparing his transition from television star to minister to a veteran's transition to civilian life. That is unacceptable. In talking to our brave veterans, we realize that each one has their own story, their own experience. No one has experienced what they have gone through.How can the minister claim to represent veterans when he does not understand them?When will the minister apologize?

Mr. Speaker, we understand the challenges that are being faced by Alberta's energy sector. We are working closely with both provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan to explore a number of options, including moving forward on the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion in the right way, engaging in meaningful consultation with indigenous peoples.We are the government that invested $4.5 billion to save that pipeline and every member of that party voted against it.

Mr. Speaker, when we are investing hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars, we want the best deal for all Quebeckers and Canadians.When companies submit bids, they are aware of the criteria and the process right from the beginning. The opposition is asking me to interfere politically, violate our laws and, ultimately, hurt Canadians, which is unacceptable.We recognize that Canadians have expertise in the transportation sector, and we believe that we have the best workers in the world. This is why we will always support our workers.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the member for Willowdale for his passion and his great work. As one of the three government partners overseeing Waterfront Toronto, we respect the work that the organization is doing to lead the development of the waterfront. We are committed to Waterfront Toronto and the long-term revitalization of the port lands. In fact, I was pleased to be in Toronto recently to mark the groundbreaking of the port lands flood protection project, in which our government is investing $416 million. We will continue to work with Waterfront Toronto. We will continue to work with the Province of Ontario and we will continue to work with the people of Toronto.

Mr. Speaker, we are proud of our Canadian workers and companies. Indeed, we know that they can successfully compete right around the world. Signing trade deals allows us to access procurement opportunities around the world so that we can see things like Bombardier trains in Africa, in Asia and around the world. We will continue to promote the extraordinary quality of the work that is done by Canadian companies around the world. We know that as we engage in trade we create better opportunities for our workers and for all Canadians.

Mr. Speaker, we are proud of our Canadian workers and companies. Indeed, we know that they can successfully compete right around the world. Signing trade deals allows us to access procurement opportunities around the world so that we can see things like Bombardier trains in Africa, in Asia and around the world. We will continue to promote the extraordinary quality of the work that is done by Canadian companies around the world. We know that as we engage in trade we create better opportunities for our workers and for all Canadians.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the member for Willowdale for his passion and his great work. As one of the three government partners overseeing Waterfront Toronto, we respect the work that the organization is doing to lead the development of the waterfront. We are committed to Waterfront Toronto and the long-term revitalization of the port lands. In fact, I was pleased to be in Toronto recently to mark the groundbreaking of the port lands flood protection project, in which our government is investing $416 million. We will continue to work with Waterfront Toronto. We will continue to work with the Province of Ontario and we will continue to work with the people of Toronto.

Mr. Speaker, when we are investing hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars, we want the best deal for all Quebeckers and Canadians.When companies submit bids, they are aware of the criteria and the process right from the beginning. The opposition is asking me to interfere politically, violate our laws and, ultimately, hurt Canadians, which is unacceptable.We recognize that Canadians have expertise in the transportation sector, and we believe that we have the best workers in the world. This is why we will always support our workers.

Mr. Speaker, we understand the challenges that are being faced by Alberta's energy sector. We are working closely with both provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan to explore a number of options, including moving forward on the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion in the right way, engaging in meaningful consultation with indigenous peoples.We are the government that invested $4.5 billion to save that pipeline and every member of that party voted against it.

Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Veterans Affairs made an unfortunate comment comparing his transition from television star to minister to a veteran's transition to civilian life. That is unacceptable. In talking to our brave veterans, we realize that each one has their own story, their own experience. No one has experienced what they have gone through.How can the minister claim to represent veterans when he does not understand them?When will the minister apologize?

Mr. Speaker, our natural resource sector is an important source of good middle-class jobs for all Canadians. We remain committed to a renewed relationship with indigenous peoples based on recognition, respect, co-operation and partnership. I am delighted to report that many chiefs and leaders of B.C. coastal first nations were in Ottawa last week to express support for Bill C-48 and to express concerns about efforts by “people claiming to represent a unified voice in the northwest whose intentions are to undermine the implementation of the moratorium.”

Mr. Speaker, my colleague is attempting to connect me indirectly to the paradise papers. If he wants to play that game, I suggest he look at his own people. Mr. Singh and Mr. Mulcair, as well as the members for Timmins—James Bay and Skeena—Bulkley Valley, all accepted contributions from individuals named in those data leaks. For my part, I will keep doing what we do best, which is work to put a stop to tax evasion.

Mr. Speaker, on our side of the House, we do not believe that pollution should be free. We are moving forward with a plan that is going to put a price on pollution and leave families better off at the end of the day. I understand that the Conservatives do not want to take meaningful action on climate change, but I cannot figure out why they insist that the families they represent do not get this money. If they want to continue to dig in and avoid taking action on climate change, I will be happy to continue this debate on this side of the House after the next election.

Mr. Speaker, when we are investing hundreds of millions, or even billions, of taxpayer dollars, we want the best deal for Quebeckers and Canadians. I am talking about taxpayer money.When companies submit bids, they are aware of the criteria and the process right from the beginning. The opposition is asking us to interfere politically, violate our laws and, ultimately, hurt Canadians, which is unacceptable.

Mr. Speaker, the hon. member will be pleased to know that corporate social responsibility is a very important matter for this government and for all members of the House. They know that the practices of Canadian corporations overseas are the subject of interest to this government and certainly to other members opposite, including the one who just asked the question.Very soon we will have the pleasure of announcing the successful candidate in a competition that has shown there is great interest from coast to coast to coast in this very important job.

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister's record is actually very clear. He has raised taxes on the middle class, but for those who have inherited great wealth through trust funds, he has protected their assets. It is no wonder that the Prime Minister does not worry about the impacts of his irresponsible spending, because he has never had to worry about money. Canadians are worried about the legacy of deficits that he is placing on their shoulders.Does Prime Minister really believe that Canadians do not understand that they are on the hook for his irresponsible spending?

Mr. Speaker, the more things change, the more they stay the same. Like the Conservatives in 2011, the Liberals have imposed back-to-work legislation on Canada Post employees. Like the Conservative legislation, the Liberal legislation is being challenged in court. By imitating the Conservatives, the Liberals have shown that they are the bosses' party, not the workers' party.The Liberals criticized the Conservatives' tactics at the time, so are they not ashamed to be doing the exact same thing now and denying postal workers their right to free bargaining?

Mr. Speaker, we are facing a public health crisis when it comes to opioids. Our government is assuming its responsibilities.We have made significant investments in the provinces and territories. We recognize that Canadians need services on the ground, which is why we are finalizing bilateral agreements with the provinces and territories to ensure that they have more resources.Declaring a public health emergency would not give us more tools, which is why we are not doing so.

Mr. Speaker, the hon. member well knows that the case is before the court, and so, no, I will not comment.Let me make a comment on pension for life, which the hon. member has maligned. It is very real. On April 1, 2019, we will be reintroducing a monthly tax-free pension for life. It is costed at $3.6 billion. It is very real.

Mr. Speaker, I must correct the record. When the Conservatives left office they added $150 billion to the debt and they could not balance the budget. On top of that, their plan was austerity, and cuts on the backs of people like our veterans. Canadians had a choice in 2015 and they chose a plan that put Canadians first and not Conservative millionaires. We are reducing taxes on the middle class, we are lowering taxes for small businesses and, as a result, we are seeing the best growth that we have seen in decades, unlike the Conservatives.

Mr. Speaker, VIA Rail would rather award a $1-billion contract to a German multinational than to a Quebec company.The Minister of Transport could have stood up for Quebec workers in three ways. He could have informed Bombardier of the Siemens bid, he could have included local economic spinoffs in the contract criteria, and he could have cancelled the bidding process and started over, but he did nothing. Will the minister tell VIA Rail that it must reconsider its decision and give Bombardier a chance to win this contract, or will he let VIA Rail announce on Friday that it is awarding the contract to Germany?

Mr. Speaker, as you are aware, the federal government funds Waterfront Toronto. Therefore, I would like to pose a question to the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities.

It is interesting that members are saying no already. In fact, the Parliamentary Budget Officer outlined his report today detailing the fact that the Liberals misled Canadians with regard to their fall fiscal update. In fact, the PBO demonstrates that the Liberals underestimated their deficit next year by $11 billion, meaning that it will be in excess or just around $30 billion—

Mr. Speaker, there is no resource more precious to the residents of Toronto than Lake Ontario, yet last week the Government of Ontario unexpectedly fired the provincial appointees to the board of Waterfront Toronto. For over a decade, Waterfront Toronto has spearheaded the revitalization of the waterfront area by developing parks, streets and new neighbourhoods with affordable housing. The rash dismissal of the chair of the Waterfront Toronto board has everyone in Toronto worried and concerned. Therefore, I would like to ask the—

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister knows that is just not true.The previous Conservative government got through a global recession and came roaring back with the greatest job growth in the G7. That is the situation he inherited. He inherited great fortune, and not just personally, a global booming economy, lifting up Canada.What did the Prime Minister do with that? He squandered it. He has racked up, now, almost $30 billion worth of deficits alone. Canadians are going to have to pay that back.Will the Prime Minister finally admit that his budget is spiralling out of control, and that under his watch deficits are here to stay?

Mr. Speaker, math lessons are precisely what this Prime Minister needs. Let us start with his promise. He said that next year the deficit would be zero. Then in the fall update, he said it would be almost $20 billion. Now today, the Parliamentary Budget Officer confirms it could be another $11 billion on top of that, for a grand total of almost $30 billion in one year, the year when the budget was supposed to balance itself. Will he finally admit that his deficit is spiralling right out of control?

Mr. Speaker, we can tell that when the Conservatives resort to petty personal attacks, they have nothing to say on the basis of fact.What we have done is invest in Canadians. We invested historic amounts in infrastructure and put more money in the pockets of the middle class so that kids across this country, with the Canada child benefit, can get better school supplies, better after-school programs, and have new shoes and boots for the winter. We know that investing in Canadians is the way to grow the economy. For 10 years, the Conservatives could not do it, but that is exactly what we did. The lowest unemployment in 40 years—

Mr. Speaker, again, the Conservatives do not want to take the facts as good enough because the fact is our debt to GDP ratio is steadily on the downward track. A typical Canadian family is $2,000 better off under our plan. By the investments we have made, we have seen over 700,000 new jobs created. We have one of the best records in the G7, but the Conservatives do not get it. Their failed plan under Stephen Harper did not work, and they continue to have no plan to really grow the economy and create an economy that works—

Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives think that their roaring plan had us back to a technical recession in 2015. They think that is success? On the other hand, we knew that creating the right kinds of investments in Canadians was the best way to get our economy growing. As a result, our plan is working. We have seen over 700,000 jobs created. We have seen lower taxes, where a typical middle-class family is going to be $2,000 better off. We have seen wages grow after being anemic under the Conservatives. The Conservatives' plan is not—

Mr. Speaker, yesterday my colleague from Labrador announced much-needed improvements to nutrition north based on extensive engagement our government had with northerners on how we can make perishable, nutritious food more affordable in Canada's north. As colleagues will know, the fall economic statement added $62.6 million of additional funding. I absolutely share my colleague's concern with the need to add increased transparency. I have talked to him about that. I have talked to northern premiers about that. We will bring more and further changes and we will start with the new Crown-Inuit working group on food security.

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister promised that the budget would be balanced in the coming year. Now he is admitting that there will be a giant deficit instead.The Parliamentary Budget Officer announced today that the deficit could be $11 billion more than what was announced by the Prime Minister. If that is true, the deficit will grow by about $30 billion a year.Not only did the Prime Minister say that the budget would be balanced, but he misled Canadians about the deficit. Why?

Mr. Speaker, the Parliamentary Budget Officer just tabled his latest report and his findings are even more dire than what we thought. We have not yet reached 2019 and we already know that the 2019 deficit will be $11 billion more than forecast, reaching a grand total of approximately $30 billion. That is an enormous deficit that is being added to the deficit of the first three years.My question for the Prime Minister is simple: when will we return to a balanced budget?

Mr. Speaker, long ago in a galaxy far, far away, the Prime Minister wrote a mandate letter to the Minister of Finance. He said, “I expect Canadians to hold us accountable for delivering these commitments, and I expect all ministers to do their part”.The number one priority for the Minister of Finance was to make sure that Canada's finances are sound by respecting a balanced budget in 2019-20. Troubling news from the Parliamentary Budget Officer's report indicates that we could be looking at another $11 billion added to the deficit next year, which would be, if true, almost $30 billion.My question for the Prime Minister is this. Does he still believe budgets will balance?

Mr. Speaker, it is so sincere when it is coming from a sheet of paper. The Prime Minister does not know this file. He does not know the position of his own government. Let me try this. This morning, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers filed with the Ontario Superior Court a challenge to the legislation that forced its members back to work without a collective agreement. They have been down this road before and won. The Prime Minister has painted himself as a friend of labour, but where is the proof of this when he is willing to trample labour's constitutional rights in order to ensure the bottom-line profits of companies and corporations? How is this Prime Minister different from Stephen Harper?

Mr. Speaker, we have a whole list of people who are against those two bills. First, the transport minister claims he has never heard the concerns of the transportation industry about the Liberal carbon tax. Today, when Air Canada and WestJet expressed their concerns and again supported the idea of a study of the harm of the carbon tax, the Liberal members voted it down. The Liberals are hiding the environmental impact assessment and ignoring calls from the premiers to cancel the carbon tax. Therefore, why are they now blocking businesses from being able to talk about this job-killing carbon tax?

Mr. Speaker, once again, the member recognized that we are facing a public health crisis when it comes to the opioid epidemic. Our government has been taking actions. We continue to work with provinces and territories, we have made significant investments in the area of harm reduction and we are also in the process of negotiating bilateral agreements with provinces and territories. We want to ensure that there are more services on the ground, whether it be providing funding for supervised consumption sites or any other services that provinces need. We are a partner at the federal level, and we will continue to work with individuals on the ground.

Mr. Speaker, on a point of order, I am not sure where the precedent is or what the rule is whereby you ruled that somebody's question was out of order, and then you give him advice on how to appeal that ruling, and then you extend question period and allow for an answer. Perhaps you could please explain, because I do not know where that rule is, and I would very much like to be able to tell my caucus, who will be asking me.

Mr. Speaker, on a point of order, the opposition asked for a number of documents to be tabled in the House today. As Minister of Digital Government, I would like to remind the members that all of the documents they have sought to be tabled in the House are available online. It would be far greener for them just to go online—

Mr. Speaker, we are approaching the one year anniversary since the Liberals announced their intent to create a Canadian ombudsperson for a responsible enterprise: One year, no ombudsperson, no mandate. Again, it looks like the Liberals just wanted to hold a nice press conference and that would be it. Supreme Court of Canada decisions, modern slavery legislation abroad are advancing corporate responsibility and still no action from the Liberal government. What is the point of making an announcement when nothing happens for a year?

Mr. Speaker, here are the benefits of a real economic plan: we have the lowest unemployment rate in 40 years, we created 700,000 new jobs in the past three years, and every family has an average of $2,000 more a year than under the Conservative government.We have a plan to invest in the middle class and to grow the economy. For 10 years, the Conservatives' growth stagnated. We focused on what is important to Canadians and we met their expectations.

Mr. Speaker, the Veterans Affairs minister keeps missing the mark. Today, he will not even apologize for comparing his own career transition to that of ex-military personnel transitioning to civilian life. He missed it again last week at the Veterans Affairs committee when he would not commit to using the lapsed spending at Veterans Affairs to improve services for Canada's veterans. The minister voted to end the practice of lapsed spending at Veterans Affairs. Therefore, will he honour his commitment to spending all money allocated for veterans on veterans, yes or no?

Mr. Speaker, the number of Canadian lives lost to the opioid epidemic is sobering, staggering and growing. New Democrats have offered five positive proposals to tackle this escalating crisis: declare a national public health emergency, fund overdose prevention sites, invest more in treatment, decriminalize and medically regulate supply, and hold opioid manufacturers to account.Given that opioid deaths have risen every single year of the government's term, why will Liberals not act on these proposals to save lives?

Mr. Speaker, those who have abandoned Canadian democracy to travel to a war zone and engage with terrorists need to take full responsibility for their criminal conduct. Our intelligence, security and police agencies will investigate terrorists by all possible means, with the absolute goal of charging, prosecuting and putting them in jail to the full extent of the law. We have done that more so than our predecessors.

Mr. Speaker, my hon. colleague from Whitby knows that gender-based violence is preventable, yet when we formed government there was no coordinated strategy to address it. Women's organizations were underfunded and their advocacy was silent. Our government worked with survivors and experts to develop Canada's first strategy to address and prevent gender-based violence. We invested over $200 million to help implement it. Yesterday we launched a call to support critical research to better understand gender-based violence, the first public call for research from Status of Women since the Harper Conservatives shut down its research branch in 2008.

Mr. Speaker, we had an announcement yesterday that built on our government's commitment to easing the transition between military life and a veteran's life. As I said then, I know enough about the military to know that I would never compare my experience to that of a veteran. However, I will say, it gives me a glimpse into that window, and that fuels what I do and my mission, this government's mission, to make life better for veterans and their families. We need to make sure that the supports are in place to help them with that transition, and yesterday's announcement is what that was all about.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to highlight our commitment to ensuring a smooth transition to civilian life after military service.As I said, I know enough about the Forces to ensure I would never claim to understand what soldiers go through during their transition. However, I gained some insight into that experience. This year I organized town halls across the country and I listened to veterans talk about the challenges they face during their transition. We have to bring in the necessary resources to support our soldiers, and that is exactly what we are doing.

Mr. Speaker, if they want to talk about the legacy of debt, the Conservatives added $150 billion to Canada's national debt, and this is the kicker, with nothing to show for it, with the lowest growth rate since the Great Depression.We came forward with a positive plan to invest in Canadians, and that is what we did. It is working. Our plan has delivered the lowest unemployment in 40 years and has created 700,000 new jobs. The Conservatives have no plan, other than the failed policies of Stephen Harper.

Mr. Speaker, if the Conservatives want to talk math, let us talk math. They added $150 billion in debt, and what we got were fake lakes and gazebos. They also had a steady GDP growth rate of 1% when they left office. We came into office with our economic plan and we are seeing the growth rate at 3%. Our investments are to grow a more fair economy. We are reducing taxes on the middle class. We are reducing taxes for small businesses. We take no math lessons from the Conservatives.

Mr. Speaker, all members are responsible to their constituents for their work in Ottawa. The member in question publicly indicated his intention and shared the issues on which he will be working on behalf of his community. I saw him today.

Mr. Speaker, we recognize that every member of Parliament is responsible to their constituents for their work in Ottawa. The member in question has publicly indicated his intention and has shared the issues on which he will be working on behalf of his community.

Mr. Speaker, the minister needs to apologize to veterans for the shameless attack on them. To compare his experience transitioning out of television to those who are transitioning out of Canada's military is shameless. I am going to give the minister one more chance. Will he apologize to Canada's veterans for saying that he understands what transitioning is like? He transitioned out of television and not Canada's military.

Mr. Speaker, as I said, every member of Parliament is responsible to their constituents for their work in Ottawa. The member in question has publicly indicated his intention and has shared the issues on which he will be working on behalf of his community.

Mr. Speaker, all members of Parliament are responsible to their constituents for their work in Ottawa. The member in question has publicly indicated his intention and has shared the issues on which he will be working on behalf of his community.

Mr. Speaker, one of the first things we did was to repeal the anti-labour legislation passed by Stephen Harper, Bill C-525 and Bill C-377. We know those are the things that matter to labour. For the past three years, we have worked constructively with organized labour across this country, showing meaningful progress and understanding the tripartite principles, which mean that labour, government and industry work together to create better opportunities for the middle class. We have been a solid partner to labour. We will continue to do that. We will take no lessons from the NDP.

Mr. Speaker, as we all know, Bombardier is able to do business around the world. That is why it sells trains in Israel, India, Africa and other places, including the United States. That is how international trade works when free trade agreements are in place. We need to abide by those rules. I know that the Bloc Québécois has a hard time understanding that concept, but that is how things work for adults who represent the government.

Mr. Speaker, I guess it is all about him.The opioid crisis is claiming more and more victims every day. The situation is getting worse in Montreal, as it is elsewhere. The Liberals claim to be doing everything in their power to address the crisis, but that is not true. They could be doing much more.Will the Liberals finally declare that this is a national public health emergency, as the NDP has been calling for for two years, and invest additional resources to truly address this issue?

Mr. Speaker, yesterday marked the last day of 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence. Over the past 16 days, we have reflected on the lives of survivors of violence and the lives of those we have lost. During this time, we also thought about the role we could all play to prevent and address gender-based violence, strengthen our communities and build a better Canada.Could the Minister of Status of Women update the House on the actions our government is taking to end gender-based violence and build resilience?

Mr. Speaker, the member for Saint-Léonard—Saint-Michel alleged in the House this morning that the Prime Minister's Office interfered with his attempt to resign. He also stated that the reason he has been so quiet is that the Prime Minister has tasked him with a special duty that overrides his obligation to Parliament while he still runs a business on the side. That makes this an issue of government business. Will the Prime Minister explain to us what this top-secret project is and did his office attempt to interfere with his effort to resign his position?

Mr. Speaker, that is simply not the case.Here is what the Prime Minister said about deficits during the last election. He said that his plan to get back to balanced budgets was “very” set in stone, and that he was looking straight at Canadians and being honest, that the budget would be balanced in 2019.We found out a couple of weeks ago that that was not the case. The Prime Minister had smashed through his promise and had racked up massive deficits of almost $20 billion.If that were not bad enough, today we find out that it is going to be even worse, at almost $30 billion next year. Why did the Prime Minister mislead Canadians in the last election?

Mr. Speaker, we did everything we could to encourage Canada Post and the union to negotiate a new collective agreement. We provided conciliation officers and mediators, appointed a special mediator and offered voluntary arbitration. Despite all that, the parties could not reach an agreement. We only introduced legislation after all other options had been exhausted. We have appointed Elizabeth MacPherson as mediator-arbitrator. She will have 90 days to work with the parties to resolve all outstanding issues.

Mr. Speaker, the United States requires guarantees of local content in bids for public transportation. China requires guarantees of local content in bids for public transportation. Here, the government says that we can do nothing and our hands are tied because of trade agreements. What a crock.This is even more evidence that Liberal members from Quebec do not carry much weight. The United States requires a minimum of 65% local content and requires that the final assembly be carried out in the U.S. They have signed the same agreements as us.Why do the Liberals keep giving in when the time comes to stand up for Canadian interests?

Mr. Speaker, all of this government's answers on the budget that will balance itself were ridiculous and untrue.It was confirmed to us today that there is nothing the Prime Minister will not do when it comes to manipulating the rules to his advantage. Only one thing was clear in the speech given this morning by the member for Saint-Léonard—Saint-Michel and that was when he said, “At every moment, no matter the circumstances, I respected the direction of the whip.”Did the Prime Minister or a member of his cabinet order the Liberal member not to resign before a certain date so they did not have to call a byelection?

Mr. Speaker, the Liberal member for Saint-Léonard—Saint-Michel broke his silence today and confessed that even though he announced he would resign in April, someone else decided he should wait until January 22 to make it official. The Liberals' new Elections Act states that the Prime Minister does not have to call a by-election for any seats that become vacant after January 21st. What a coincidence.Why has the Prime Minister rigged the date of the member's resignation to keep the people of Saint-Léonard—Saint-Michel from having the by-election that they deserve?

[Member spoke in Inuktitut]?????? ????[Member provided the following translation of the Inuktitut:]Mr. Speaker,[English]my question is for the Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs.Yesterday, Canada finally announced changes to the nutrition north program. The additional funding and other changes are welcome. However, the government has failed to fix the biggest problem with the program: its transparency and accountability. For example, the department has admitted the program subsidy received by some retailers is higher than the freight rate they are paying, which is why Nunavummiut believes some retailers are unjustly profiting from the subsidy.Will the minister commit to finally fixing this problem before the spring budget?

Mr. Speaker, our government has been working hard for seniors from the day we were elected.Last week I was very pleased to announce that the call for proposals for the pan-Canadian new horizons for seniors program is now open. This year, we have increased the funding to $5 million, and increased the length of time for the projects to five years.Our government knows that these projects will go a long way to combat seniors' isolation and work towards inclusion. We all benefit when seniors are engaged and active in our communities.

Mr. Speaker, the Liberals are not listening to all indigenous people and they do not speak for all of them, just like when they killed northern gateway and the 31 indigenous partnership. That is why 15 leaders from the National Coalition of Chiefs, the Indian Resource Council and the Eagle Spirit Chiefs Council, which represents hundreds of first nations and Métis who want to build their own pipeline, are here today.The Liberals' oil export ban, Bill C-48, and their no more pipelines, Bill C-69, blocked their way. If the Liberals keep ignoring provinces, economists and industry, will they at least listen to those leaders and to most Treaty 7 chiefs and will they kill their no more pipelines Bill C-69, yes or no?

Mr. Speaker, yesterday's announcement was on our commitment to the transition from the military to veterans life. It is an extraordinarily difficult transition for many people in the military, and it is one that our side of the government is committed to helping veterans and their families make.We will not waver in our mission to make life better for veterans and their families. We will not be distracted by personal comments, innuendo, or maligning comments. We stay committed and focused on veterans and their families.

Mr. Speaker, basically everything the parliamentary secretary just said there is false. Under the Conservatives, we had the strongest growth in the G7. We roared back from the great global recession with a million new jobs and we left the Liberals with a balanced budget. Now that they are done with stating falsehoods about our record, let us tell the truth about their record. The Liberals are adding deficits this year of three times the rate they promised and next year threatens to be even bigger. Will the Prime Minister finally stand up and answer this simple question? In what year will the budget finally balance itself?

Mr. Speaker, to compare the plight of veterans transitioning out of Canada's military for issues related to PTSD, occupation stress or injury to his own circumstances transitioning out of television broadcasting, is ridiculous. I ask the Minister of Veterans Affairs, how many times did he come close to being shot, or worse yet, witness a comrade who was shot or blown up by an IED?The reaction from the veterans community was disbelief. Will the minister apologize to Canada's veterans?

Mr. Speaker, our plan and our commitment to Canadians was to grow the economy and to ensure that our economy works for all. Unfortunately, after 10 years of failed Conservative policies, we saw low unemployment rates. We did not see growth.However, thanks to our plan and our Prime Minister's leadership, we have seen wages grow. We have seen the lowest unemployment rate on record. As a result, we have the best financials in the G7. We will not take the Conservatives' advice on how not to grow the economy.

Mr. Speaker, in the last election, we made a promise to Canadians that we would invest in the middle class and grow the economy, because for 10 years they had had a Conservative government under Stephen Harper that gave benefits and advantages to the wealthiest and did not have growth to show for it.We took a 1% growth rate under the Conservatives and turned it into a 3% growth rate. We created 700,000 new jobs over the past three years, and right now we have the lowest unemployment rate in recorded history in Canada.We are moving forward in a way that invests in Canadians and builds for their—

Mr. Speaker, at the veterans affairs committee last Thursday, the Minister of Veterans Affairs continued his attack on veteran Sean Bruyea when he was questioned why he publicly shamed Bruyea in the media. He suggested Bruyea's complaints about the Liberals were a result of mental health issues and anxiety. The minister was defending his decision to shame Bruyea after Bruyea dared question the Liberal pension for life scheme that finance department officials confirmed involves no new money.Since the minister publicly attacked Sean Bruyea, will he publicly apologize for his personal attack on Mr. Bruyea?

Mr. Speaker, I wish I could say I was surprised that the member opposite would rather make personal attacks than talk about the new transition group, but I am going to take advantage of this opportunity to talk about how ensuring a seamless transition to post-military life is essential to the well-being of veterans and their families. The transition group will improve the transition services, with personalized guided support and special care for those who are ill and injured. We will not be distracted in our mission to veterans and their families.

Mr. Speaker, I simply want to point out that every aspect of the preamble to that question is bogus and false.The fact of the matter is that with respect to returnees from those war zones, under the previous government, under which most of them returned, not a single charge was laid. Not one. Under our government, in the past three years, we have identified four cases, we have charged four, we have convicted two and two others are pending.

Those are pretty tough words for somebody who has not got the job done, Mr. Speaker.The reality is that the government has tabled legislation that would make it more difficult for law enforcement officials to do their job. It has invested in de-radicalization as opposed to trying to get these people behind bars where they belong. The government just tabled a report in Parliament, where half of the whole five pages of its grand plan were excuses as to why it could not do anything. It is the government's job to keep Canadians safe, not to respect the feelings or poetry lessons of ISIS terrorists. When will the government get serious and lock up those genocidal maniacs?

You forgot to add that you trampled on their charter rights. This—

Mr. Speaker, buried at the back of the fall update was actually a report card on the government, written by the government. In it, they talk about their status update on the promises made in the mandate letters. Interestingly enough, balancing the budget in 2019 again appeared as the number three overall responsibility of the government. What is the update? Actions taken, progress made and facing challenges. Will the government balance the budget?

Mr. Speaker, in case you missed it, every aspect—

Mr. Speaker, the government allocated $100 billion to shipbuilding, but the Davie shipyard is getting practically nothing. The government allocated billions of dollars to the Trans Mountain pipeline, billions of dollars to the Muskrat Falls project and billions of dollars to the Ontario automotive industry.Now, VIA Rail is awarding a $1-billion contract for a fleet of trains to a German multinational instead of a Quebec company, and Ottawa is standing idly by, even though the transport minister has the power to act. What is the use of even having a transport minister? Why did the minister abandon Bombardier workers and their families in La Pocatière?

Mr. Speaker, on a point of order, I would like to revert to the question I posed earlier.

Mr. Speaker, in the spirit of non-partisanship, I would like to table in the House of Commons the Liberal Party platform from 2015 which committed to a balanced budget in 2019.

Mr. Speaker, if you seek it, I think you will find unanimous consent that I table the PBO's report.

Mr. Speaker, I imagine for anyone who is suffering from mental illness or is struggling with asking for help that this room is about their worst nightmares. There are shouts about comparing ourselves to others and who do we think we are, and misconstrued comments. I have always said I would never compare my experience to a veteran's experience, nor would I compare it to anybody else's, nor would I compare it to the one-quarter or one-fifth of members in this chamber who are suffering or will suffer. However, I say to Canadians, and especially veterans, if they need help, please ignore what they hear in this place. Most people are kind and they have their back.

Mr. Speaker, you are darned right that we are obsessed with treating taxpayers' dollars responsibly.

Mr. Speaker, I would hope that you are darned right about that, too. However, the Prime Minister is darned right that we are fighting to treat taxpayers' dollars with respect, but he has never had to worry about money that he has not earned. He is taking money from Canadians and raising their taxes. Canadian families are worse off under the government. He attacked small businesses and those who create jobs in our community while protecting those inherit trust funds. That is the legacy of the current government. The cost of living keeps going up, deficits keep going up, and he has to raise taxes to pay for his out-of-control spending. When will he finally admit that the budget will never balance itself?

Through you, Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister is trampling on collective bargaining rights.The Liberal government refused to award a billion-dollar contract to Canada's Bombardier to build new VIA Rail trains. Instead they awarded the contract to a German California-based company, Siemens. Why? It is because the Liberals know that using Canadian companies for procurement can get us sued by the EU under the investor-state provisions in CETA. When the Liberals called CETA a gold standard in trade, Canadians had no idea that meant giving away their jobs to foreign companies. Why do the Liberals and Conservatives keep signing us on to trade deals that hand good-paying Canadian jobs to other countries?

Mr. Speaker, on a point of order, I ask for unanimous consent to table the results of the government's analysis of how hard it is working for itself that was found in the last financial economic update.

Mr. Speaker, the pain Tori Stafford's family had to endure when it lost its daughter is unthinkable, but the pain it has had to endure since then is absolutely outrageous. The Liberals refused to back down after they sanctioned the transfer of Terri-Lynne McClintic to a resort style healing lodge. Now they are justifying Michael Rafferty's transfer to a medium-security facility, which they deliberately concealed from Tori's family. It is clear that the interests of child killers are more important to the Liberals than the interests of victims and their families. Why is the Liberal government putting Tori's family through hell? Has it not already been through enough?

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 32(2), I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the annual report to Parliament for the 2017-18 fiscal year on federal regulatory management initiatives. This report outlines the net benefit of significant regulations made by the Governor in Council in 2017-18 and reports publicly on the one-for-one rule as required by the Red Tape Reduction Act.This tabling actually shows the reduction of 458 administrative requirements and federal regulations. A lot of governments talk about cutting red tape, but we are getting it done.

Mr. Speaker, on the same point of order, I think the issue is that you are very strict with the amount of time that we get to ask our questions. At 35 seconds, we are cut off. If we do not get through the preamble and deliver the question, it is tough luck. We would like to have the same standard that we are subjected to apply to government members.

Mr. Speaker, to compare the plight of veterans transitioning out of Canada's military for issues related to PTSD, and by the way, Minister, PTSD does not stand for post-teleprompter stress disorder—

Mr. Speaker, it is really sad to see that the Conservatives continue to think that lifting 300,000 children out of poverty is not progress made. It is sad to see that the Conservatives do not think that creating 700,000 new jobs is progress made. The Conservatives will not be happy until our economy is tanking, but billionaires are taken care of. On this side of the House we are focused on Canadians. We are focused on lowering taxes for the middle class and lowering taxes for small businesses. As a result, the promise has been delivered.

Mr. Speaker, on a point of order, there have been discussions among the parties and, if you were to seek it, I think you would find unanimous consent for the following motion. I move: That, notwithstanding any Standing Order or usual practice of the House, the deferred recorded division on the motion M-163, standing in the name of the Member for Etobicoke Centre, currently scheduled on Wednesday, December 12, 2018, immediately before the time provided for Private Members' Business, be deferred anew to immediately after the time provided for Oral Questions that day.

Mr. Speaker, allow me to do a bit of math with the parliamentary secretary.The deficit accumulated since the beginning of the Liberals' term of office totals $100 billion. What does that $100 billion represent for the average person. It represents 20 third links between Quebec City and Lévis. It represents the construction of 600 arenas like the one where the Ottawa Senators play. It represents one million repairs to Canadian roads, or the equivalent of 75 return trips across the country. The minister—

Mr. Speaker, mismanagement by the Minister of Veterans Affairs has created massive backlogs of disability claims. We have known this for over a year, yet the backlog continues to get worse. The minister likes to compare his transition from TV host to minister with that of injured veterans struggling to rejoin the civilian world. However, unlike veterans, he has never been made to wait in an endless line by the very government he had to pledge his life to. The minister owes veterans an apology.

Mr. Speaker, for the past three years, the Liberals have been talking about how hard they are working to fight tax evasion and tax havens, but nothing has changed and everyone knows it is just a smokescreen.The Minister of National Revenue herself even accepted a donation from an influential Liberal whose name turned up in the paradise papers. Now we understand why she has not done anything. As they say, one does not bite the hand that feeds.What message is the minister responsible for the CRA sending to the public and all taxpayers when she accepts money from individuals named in the paradise papers?

Mr. Speaker, let me point out that Rafferty is in a federal penitentiary with two fences, three and a half metres high, three guard towers, human patrols, electronic surveillance. This prison also specializes in handling sex offenders. Rafferty is behind razor wire.

Mr. Speaker, every Liberal seems to have a different version of what is going on with the member for Saint-Léonard—Saint-Michel.The member claims that the Prime Minister assigned him a secret mission. The Prime Minister has clarified nothing. In September, the Liberal whip assured everyone that the member would resign.Being here on behalf of our constituents is central to our work. Until this morning, the member for Saint-Léonard—Saint-Michel had been absent since June.My question is simple: Can someone, anyone, on the other side of the House tell us the truth about what tasks have been assigned to the member for Saint-Léonard—Saint-Michel?

Mr. Speaker, seniors make valuable contributions to our families, workplaces and communities. By 2036, seniors will represent close to 25% of the population.Could the Minister of Seniors please update this House on what our government is doing to ensure that our seniors remain active, informed and engaged in our communities?

Mr. Speaker, I would like clarification. Is it your ruling that every organization that receives federal funding will now be subject to questions in question period?

Mr. Speaker, northern gateway was approved by the Conservatives and then was killed by the Liberals. The Liberals then put a double standard against energy east, killing that project. They failed on the Trans Mountain Expansion, bought it and now, not one shovel in the ground. Billions of dollars in GDP and hundreds of thousands of jobs are gone or in jeopardy. Investment is fleeing the country. This is the record of the Prime Minister's failed oil and gas sector polices.If that was not enough, we have the Liberal “no more pipelines bill.” Will the Prime Minister deliver a Christmas miracle and kill Bill C-69?

Mr. Speaker, what the Conservatives continue not to understand is their phony efforts to balance the budget just in time for the election, cutting millions from veterans by closing their service centres, cutting millions from hard-working Canadians from coast to coast to coast, whether it was the Canada Border Services Agency or hard-working Canadians getting short shrift because of their cuts to programs. The Conservatives' obsession with providing a phony budget balance before an election hurt Canadians.We invested in Canadians and have the positive results to show for it. They had no plan—

Mr. Speaker, anyone who fought with ISIS should be held responsible for their crimes. The Prime Minister was supposed to present a plan to put these murderers behind bars, but he has failed to do so. Rather than presenting a plan, he is giving us lame excuses and throwing in the towel. The Prime Minister's lack of leadership is shameful, and all Canadians should be concerned about his failure to act.If the Prime Minister is unable to stop terrorists, then who will?